This is a good time to be conservative in your terrain choices and minimize exposure to avalanche terrain. The chances of human triggered avalanches are quite high and as temperatures increase we will start to see more natural activity as well.
Summary
Weather Forecast
The winds will decrease on Sunday afternoon and the gradual warming continues as the high pressure system arrives. On Monday and Tuesday we expect an inversion to build with alpine temperatures forecast to be just above freezing. Valley bottom temperatures will remain at or below freezing. No significant precipitation is expected.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong W winds and warming temperatures are forming wind slabs in the alpine. There is 40-65 cm over the Dec.15 persistent weak layer of surface hoar at treeline. This is becoming reactive to skiers and producing easy to moderate results as shown in
this video from Mt Field. Below this is a faceted but generally supportive snow pack.
Avalanche Summary
A couple natural avalanches up to size two from the past 48 hrs were observed at treeline in the Little Yoho region. These had failed on the Dec 15 surface hoar interface. Sluffing was observed in the alpine due to strong West winds. Lots of whumphing and cracking in open glades at treeline during a trip to Mt Field on Saturday.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain on Monday