Storm slabs are expected to continue to be reactive, and we may see some natural avalanche activity if the sun comes out. Deep persistent avalanches are more likely if we see strong solar radiation.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Thursday
Weather Forecast
Overnight: Another 3-5 cm with strong westerly winds and freezing levels at 1300 metres by morning. Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud as the ridge of high pressure builds on the coast and moves inland. Chance of some convective flurries, with daytime freezing up to 1800 metres. Friday: Mostly sunny with light winds and daytime freezing up to at least 2100 metres. Saturday: Unsettled with flurries or light snow, not much of a re-freeze below 2000 metres. Westerly winds developing during the day.
Avalanche Summary
Storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5 were released by explosives on Wednesday, as well as skier controlled loose wet and storm slab avalanches to size 1.5. Looking ahead, a significant concern is the potential for large deep persistent slab avalanches triggered by natural triggers such as a cornice fall. See the forecaster blog for advice on managing avalanches that are not likely, but if they are triggered, are almost unsurvivable. See (
here) for details.
Snowpack Summary
25 cm of new snow overnight and another 10 during the day on Wednesday have developed storm slabs in the alpine that are 30-50 cm thick near Fernie. In the Corbin area, there was a total of 25cm in the last 24 hours. Storm snow is not bonding well to crusts in the alpine and at treeline. Below 1600 metres the snow is moist or wet. Deeply buried facets may spring to life due to the added load of the storm slabs, and the possibility of strong solar radiation over the next couple of days.
triley,
Avalanche Canada
