Watch for thin wind slabs in the alpine that could be problematic, especially in complex terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday
Weather Forecast
Wednesday: Increasing cloud cover. Light SW winds at treeline, Moderate W/SW winds at ridgetop. Freezing level rising to 800m, lowering to 500m overnight. No significant precipitation. Wednesday Night: 2 to 10cm of snow. Thursday: 5 to 15cm of snow. Strong SW winds at treeline, Strong to Extreme SW winds at ridgetop. Freezing level rising to 1200m, lowering to 800m Thursday night. Friday: 1 to 5cm of snow. Light SW winds at treeline, Strong W/SW winds at ridgetop. Freezing level holding at 800m.
Avalanche Summary
A size 3 avalanche was observed from a steep un-skiable solar aspect over the weekend. Several small wind slabs were observed on Monday. Last week, several full-depth avalanches up to size 3 were observed on all but north aspects.
Snowpack Summary
Northerly outflow winds have likely created isolated stiff thin wind slabs in lee alpine terrain. A variety of other surfaces can be found including a skiff of recent snow, a sun crust, an old rain crust, surface hoar, and/or surface facets. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Keep an eye out for cornices that could become weak with daytime warming.
ghelgeson,
Avalanche Canada
