Cornices have the potential to trigger avalanches on the slopes below. Be alert to changes with elevation.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: 5-10 cm of snow, 60 km/h south wind, and freezing level up to 1400 m.WEDNESDAY: Isolated light flurries, 50 km/h south wind, and freezing level around 1200 m.THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, light southeast wind, freezing level up to 1300 m after an overnight freeze.FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, light southeast wind, freezing level up to 1300 m after an overnight freeze.
Avalanche Summary
Over the past few days, several size 1-2 wind slabs were triggered by cornice falls in the Howsons. No other new avalanches have been reported in the region since last week, when 2 large cornice triggered slabs were reported in the Microwave area. Slab avalanches are most likely at higher elevations that haven't been through daily melt-freeze cycles.
Snowpack Summary
Strong winds with light amounts of new snow will form fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain. Rain and warm temperatures up to 1400 m will soften the snow at lower elevations. Crusts may be found at higher elevations, particularly on sun-exposed slopes. The February crust and facet layer was reported to be down 75-90 cm in the Houston Telkwas sled area. The deep persistent weak layer of facets and/or a crust that were buried early in the winter are still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack.
shorton,
Avalanche Canada
