As we approach the weekend, light inputs of new snow and increasing winds are going to promote slab development over a persistent and reactive weakness. Practice conservative travel techniques, stay diligent, and be skeptical when considering dropping into any steep or open slopes.
A varied slab sits over the December 17th facet layer, 25-50cm down. This problem is significant at all elevations but most reactive in open tree line features and in the alpine where you can expect a stiffer, likely more reactive slab. If triggered, it is possible to step down to the deep persistent facets combo near the ground.
The bottom of the snow pack is inherently weak with well developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Avalanches initiating in the upper snowpack are likely to step down to this layer and gain significant mass.
No new avalanches observed or reported in the forecast region.
Widespread SH growth in the 3 Valley Confluence around Jasper. The top 20-40cm is sitting on the active, persistent weakness (Dec 17 PWL), with varied slab density and some windslab development in open areas TL and above. Large facets, obvious in the lower snowpack make up the beginnings of the deep persistent weakness as part of the early season facet/depth hoar combo in the bottom of the snowpack. HS ranges from 50-120cm.
A surface ridge continues to dominate the forecast through the end of the week. The ridge will weaken slightly on Thursday bringing increasing clouds and light precipitation leading into the weekend. Temperatures will be seasonal with a slight warming trend into the weekend.
