Pockets of wind slab exist in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line. Test adjacent low consequence features before making the decision to drop into your line.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Mainly cloudy today with light snow flurries and periods of sun. Alpine high of -8, Westerly winds 15-35 kph and the freezing level reaching 1100m. Cool temps and small amounts of precip over the next few days as a ridge of high pressure builds for the weekend, hopefully bringing sunny skies for high alpine tours.
Snowpack Summary
6cm of new snow rests on a strong, settled snowpack with only a few layers of note. The Jan17th SH layer buried 15-30cm and seems most problematic where the wind has created soft slabs above it. The buried PWLs (Nov 21st and Oct Crust) have been unreactive in stability tests, but may wake up later in the season, or in shallow areas.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches observed or reported from the backcountry in the last two days. There were 3 skier induced avalanches over the weekend; one skier control size 2 in the Lookout Couloirs and two skier accidentals, one in Hospital Bowl and the other in the Ravens. Both skier accidentals posted a
MIN, or reported it to the Rogers Pass Discovery Center.
Confidence
mark herbison,
Parks Canada
