Thin pockets of fresh windslab may be found at higher elevations and directly in the lee of terrain features. Rising freezing levels and periods of strong solar radiation may increase the likelihood of cornice falls.
Summary
Confidence
Good
Weather Forecast
Cloudy with light northwest winds overnight and freezing levels down to valley bottoms. Mostly sunny on Sunday with light northwest winds and freezing levels rising up to about 2200 metres. Winds becoming moderate southwest overnight and then strong westerly on Monday bringing cloud across the region. Mix of sun and cloud on Tuesday with light –moderate southwest winds.
Avalanche Summary
Windslab avalanches up to size 1.5 were reported that were skier triggered near ridgetops in the Selkirks and Monashees.
Snowpack Summary
Variable recent storm snow totals across the region are generally in the 5-25 cm range. The snow surface varies with elevation and aspect with respect to sun and wind exposure, and includes dry new snow, loose facetted snow, wind slabs, and sun crusts. The mid-February crust is down around 10-30 cm where it isn't wind loaded or scoured. The late-Jan crust/surface hoar layer (up to 100 cm deep) and the mid-January surface hoar (80-120 cm deep) are generally dormant, and chances of triggering these weaknesses have decreased. However, triggering may be possible with a large input such as cornice fall, or an avalanche stepping down, especially on slopes that see a lot of sun.
triley,
Avalanche Canada
