Exposed terrain has been walloped by strong winds. Watch for cornices and wind slabs at higher elevations.
Summary
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, moderate southeast wind, freezing level up to 1300 m after an overnight freeze.SATURDAY: 5-10 cm of new snow, light southeast wind, freezing level around 1300 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with light flurries, moderate south wind, freezing level around 1200 m.
Avalanche Summary
Several natural and explosive triggered wind slabs were reported on Wednesday in north and west alpine features (up to size 2.5). Several avalanches were triggered by cornice falls earlier in the week, including one size 2.5 persistent slab avalanche on the February weak layer. A snowmobiler had a close call with a cornice fall on the weekend at South Douglas
(click here for MIN report).
Snowpack Summary
Touchy wind slabs may still exist at higher elevations, as Wednesday's storm delivered 15-20 cm of snow above 1000 m with strong to extreme winds. Extensive wind affect is expected in exposed terrain. An overnight freeze will likely form a crust at lower elevations that will deteriorate with the heat of the day. A weak layer of facets and crusts is buried 100-150 cm deep. The layer has been unreactive recently, but a heavy trigger such as a cornice fall or intense warming may still be able to trigger it.
shorton,
Avalanche Canada
