Although the likelihood of triggering persistent slab problem has reduced, the consequences of doing so would be high.
Summary
Confidence
High - The weather pattern is stable
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods / light northeast wind / alpine temperature -16MONDAY: A mix of sun and cloud / light northeast wind / alpine temperature -18TUESDAY: Mostly sunny / light to moderate east wind / alpine temperature -15
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, a few natural and human triggered size 1-1.5 avalanches were reported.Last Saturday, a persistent slab avalanche was triggered by a skier on a north aspect on a 30 degree slope.
Check out the MIN report here. These sorts of avalanches have become less frequent, but they are still possible and the consequences are high.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 5 cm of recent new snow fell with moderate to strong southwest winds. The new snow sits on top of approximately 10-30 cm of low density snow in some areas, and wind slabs in other areas. A weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried anywhere from 30-60 cm. This layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow). The layer also likely consists of a crust on south facing slopes. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but test results, and recent observations of whumphing still indicate that this layer may still be easy for humans to trigger in certain locations. It has been most reactive at treeline and below treeline.The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
