Summary
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday
Weather Forecast
Wednesday: Possible sunny breaks with isolated flurries, winds moderate from the west and alpine temperatures -10. Freezing level rising to 1100m.Thursday: Light snow, winds light from the west and alpine temperatures of -7. Freezing level rising to 1500m.Friday: Light snow throughout the day, light southwesterly winds and alpine temperatures -4. Freezing level rising to 1600.
Avalanche Summary
Slab avalanches to size 1.5 were ski cut in the region on Sunday. Recent explosives testing in the southern portion of the region producing slab avalanches to size 2 isolated to the storm snow.
Snowpack Summary
Light to locally moderate amounts of new snow have fallen adding to an ongoing storm snow instability, particularly on the west side of the region where accumulations have been highest. The new snow is most likely reactive as a wind slab in exposed terrain or as loose snow in sheltered areas. The variably reactive February 12th and 15th surface hoar layers now exist up to 80cm below the surface and seem most prevalent on the west side of the region. This interface may also be reactive on solar aspects where a sun crust exists. A surface hoar layer buried on February 23 is still on the radar of some operators. This layer has been less likely to trigger by skiers, but may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
