Tune in to changing snow conditions as you gain elevation. Reactive pockets of wind slab may be lurking in the lee of exposed terrain features at higher elevations.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
Thursday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Winds light from the southwest. Freezing level around 500 metres with alpine temperatures of -4. Friday: Cloudy with flurries bringing about 5 cm of new snow. Winds light from the southeast. Freezing level to 700 metres with alpine temperatures of -2. Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. Winds light to moderate from the west. Freezing level to 600 metres with alpine temperatures of -2.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported recently. Although the extent of recent wind slab formation is uncertain, the possibility for lingering wind slabs remains a concern. Look for these in immediate lee features on northerly aspects in exposed, high elevation terrain.
Snowpack Summary
At higher elevations, the widespread mid-February rain crust is now down around 30-50 cm. Recent reports suggest the recent snow is well bonded to the crust. Below the crust, the snowpack is likely still moist or wet as a result of the heavy rain from last week. Moderate southerly wind during the storm may have formed wind slabs at ridge crests.
cgarritty,
Avalanche Canada
