Don't be surprised by a touchy surface hoar layer that becomes more reactive at lower elevations. This layer has been triggered by skiers and riders. Be suspicious of open areas below ~1700m and increasingly cautious as you get lower in your run.
Summary
Weather Forecast
We are in between weather systems today, with the next storm arriving late Saturday. Today expect a few flurries, with possibly a few sunny breaks this afternoon. Temps will be mild at and below treeline and around -10 in the alpine with light winds. Late Saturday snow and strong winds will bring 5-10cm of snow by Sunday morning.
Snowpack Summary
At treeline, 1m of new snow over the past week is settling and overlies a variety of surfaces. At treeline and below it sits on a surface hoar layer. The surface hoar layer is biggest and very reactive below ~1600m. On solar aspects it sits on a sun crust and may bond poorly. Surface hoar layers down ~1.5m are still reactive but harder to trigger.
Avalanche Summary
Yesterday numerous size 2 natural avalanches were observed in steep avalanche paths, likely triggered by windloading. On Wednesday, there were reports of the Dec 2 surface hoar being remotely and skier triggered producing up to size 2 avalanches at ~1500m. At treeline and above, pockets of soft windslab have been easily triggered.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
danyelle magnan,
Parks Canada
