Dangerous avalanche conditions, avoid large slopes, overhead hazards and steep terrain
Weak layers from recent dry, clear, and cold conditions persist within the upper 100 cm of snow. These layers could become more reactive with the added stress of new snow and warming temperatures.
New snow is building fresh storm slabs on the surface at all elevations. These will be particularly reactive in wind-exposed terrain.
Saturday: Many large (size 1.5 to 2.5) remote and naturally triggered avalanches were reported through the region, in both the alpine and treeline on northerly aspects. One MIN report describes a remote trigger from 400 m away!
Friday: One large (size 2) remote triggered avalanche was reported on a north facing slope at treeline.
New snow is accumulating across the region (10 to 40cm), burying various surfaces, including old wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, sun crusts on south-facing slopes, and weak surface hoar or faceted grains in sheltered areas.
Layers from dry conditions in January are found at varying depths within the upper 100 cm of snow. These include weak faceted snow, sun crusts on south-facing slopes, and surface hoar in shaded terrain.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 20 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud with up to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud with flurries. 10 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
