Buried wind slabs that are sitting on facets (sugary snow) may remain reactive to human triggers for longer than what is typical in this region, especially in steep and rocky alpine terrain.
Summary
Confidence
High - The weather pattern is stable
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Clear / Light to moderate, northeasterly winds / Alpine low -20.TUESDAY: Sunny / Light, northeasterly winds / Alpine high -10.WEDNESDAY: Sunny / Light, northeasterly winds / Alpine high -8.THURSDAY: Sunny / Light, northerly winds / Alpine high -9.
Avalanche Summary
On February 16th, a persistent slab avalanche was triggered by a skier on a north aspect on a 30 degree slope.
Check out the MIN report here. These kinds of avalanches have become less frequent, but they are still possible to human trigger in specific locations and the consequences can be high.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 5 cm of recent new snow fell with moderate to strong southwest winds. The new snow sits on top of approximately 10-30 cm of low density snow in some areas, and wind slabs in other areas. These buried wind slabs are sitting on facets (sugary snow) which may cause them to remain reactive to human triggers longer than what is typical for this region.A weak layer that was buried in mid January is down 30-60 cm. This layer consists of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) and facets. The layer also likely consists of a crust on south facing slopes. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but test results, and recent observations of whumphing still indicate that this layer may still be possible for humans to trigger in specific locations. It has been most reactive at treeline and below treeline.The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where the cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack.
jsmith,
Avalanche Canada
