Be vigilant for windslabs building with small inputs of snow and steady SW winds. The freezing level is incrementally rising the next few days. Expect precipitation in the form of rain at lower elevations that can rapidly destabilize the snow.
New and building wind slab can be found in all lee features near ridge crests, and cross-loaded gullies. Previous reverse loading occurred early this week from uncharacteristic North winds.
When in the Whistlers/Portal and Maligne Regions identify and assess the bond at this mid-pack layer. This interface shows strength in field tests, but there is concern for wide, spatial variability over large and/or connected features.
The incoming 10mm of precipitation will likely be rain at low elevations. This has the potential to activate this problem by soaking the shallow snowpack.
Saturday will bring 12 cm mostly late in the day, -3C, light gusting strong SW winds, and 1800m freezing level. Sunday will be flurries, 4cm of snow, -5C, light to moderate West winds, and 1500m freezing level. Monday will be warmer with a 1900m freezing level.
Widespread variability on the surface with 10cm of new snow and variable winds forming wind slabs on a variety of aspects at TL and ALP. Deteriorating travel conditions below 1900m. The snowpack shows strength and good bonding in field tests but "feels" weak in shallow snowpack regions like Whistlers/Portal creek and Maligne zones.
Use the Mountain Information Network to report your field observations and contribute to the bulletin. Friday's Icefield patrol noted no new natural but the visibility was poor. From the vantage point on top of Whistler mountain also noted no new activity but visibility was very poor.
