Recent new wind slabs will remain reactive longer than usual as they form overtop of feathery surface hoar crystals that sit on a crust.
The recent low density snow is available for transport with the forecast Northeasterly winds. Wind slabs are developing over a layer primed for avalanches, consisting of feathery surface hoar crystals on top of a hard crust.
No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days.
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On the surface, 5 to 20 cm of light, low density snow has buried a layer of surface hoar, sitting over a widespread melt-freeze crust.
Below the surface, the snowpack generally consists of layers of well-bonded snow with various melt-freeze crusts. No significant avalanche concerns at the moment.
At 1000 m the snowpack depth generally is 100 to 150 cm. In much of the terrain below treeline, snow heights are still below the threshold for avalanches.
Cold arctic air dominates the weather throughout BC this week. High uncertainty remains over the potential for snowfall starting Tuesday.
Sunday Night
Clearing skies. No precipitation. Temperatures -15 to -20 C and generally light Northeasterly winds at treeline.
Monday
Mostly sunny. No precipitation. Temperatures -15 to -25 C and generally light Northeasterly winds at treeline.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud, with the potential for up to 10 cm of snow. Temperatures -15 to -20 C and generally light Northeasterly winds at treeline.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. No precipitation. Temperatures -15 to -20 C and moderate Northeasterly winds at treeline.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
