Natural activity is tapering, but we are still seeing sporadic large avalanches with small triggers. The next system is forecast to come in with lots of wind. If this wind comes, we expect it to rise the alpine hazard again on Tuesday
Weather Forecast
Warmer temps are moving in with another system off the coast. Expect alpine temps to be in the -5 to -10 range and dropping to -15 to -20 on Wednesday. Expect 5-10 cm of new snow Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday. Winds will spike to strong from the SW on Tuesday and then ease on Wednesday and Thursday. Skies should clear on Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong winds last Saturday redistributed the recent storm snow forming wind slabs at higher elevations. The three main mid-pack concerns are the Jan 16th, Jan 6th, and Dec.15 weak layers. These are a mix of facets, crusts and surface hoar and can be found 70cm to 150cm deep in the snowpack and have been producing very large avalanches
Avalanche Summary
The bulk of the recent avalanche cycle has tapered off. However, avalanche control with explosives today in Kootenay showed conditions are still touchy with avalanches to size 2.5, one of which was triggered with just the bag hitting the slope before the explosion occurred. Another size 3 natural was witnessed today on Quartz Ridge (Sunshine)
Confidence
Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Tuesday
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.