A persistent weak layer remains the primary concern for the region. Although there is a decrease in natural activity there remains potential to trigger large avalanches.
Consider the size of slopes and overhead hazard in your decision-making process.
Recent strong winds have redistributed snow into Windslabs on a variety of slopes and aspects. There remains the potential to encounter this condition lower on slopes as well.
A 40-60cm slab sitting atop the Jan 24th weak layer of facets & surface hoar has produced several large avalanches in the region this week. This interface is not bonding well and will take time to settle and stabilize.
Explosives control in the Maligne area this week produced persistent slab avalanches. Although there is a decrease in natural activity activity there remains potential to human trigger large avalanches.
Natural avalanches up to size 3.5 were observed Feb 27-Mar 2nd in the region and a skier triggered size 2 near miss occurred on Feb 28 at Hilda ridge. See the MIN.
5-10cm of new snow fell since March 3, however warm temperatures have formed a melt freeze crust on solar aspects to 2200m. Recent strong winds have redistributed the snow in exposed areas Alpine and Treeline.
Of most concern right now is a 40-60cm slab sitting atop the Jan 24th weak layer of facets & surface hoar forming a persistent slab.
Although generally the midpack is well consolidated, there is a large amount of variability with thin areas remaining weak.
Thursday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries (trace). Alpine High -6 °C. Ridge wind west 15 km/h gusting 40 km/h. Freezing level valley bottom.
Friday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries (trace). Alpine Low -11 °C, High -6 °C. Ridge wind W 15-30 km/h. Freezing level 1500m.
Saturday
Snow 5-10 cm with a warming trend. Freezing level 1900m. Ridge wind SW 25 km/h gusting 65 km/h.
