Wind slabs remain the main avalanche concern. If temperatures rise we may start to see solar triggered avalanches and cornice failures over the next few days. Ice climbers should pay extra attention to the warming effect on snow and ice conditions.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A mix of sun and cloud, mild temperatures and light to moderate winds shifting from the W to the N over the next few days is expected as a strong ridge of high pressure builds into B.C. Freezing levels will rise to near 1500m during the day and expect a strong solar effect if the skies are clear. Some flurries may be possible on Saturday evening.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm of new snow with light winds in the last 48hrs. Moist surface snow on steep South aspects today. The new snow sits over the previous sun crust and wind slabs and appears to be bonding well in most locations. Some new wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and in the alpine. Below is a well settled snowpack with no significant weaknesses.
Avalanche Summary
A couple of avalanches up to size 2 have been observed out of extreme terrain in the last 48hrs. One appears to have been cornice triggered and likely occurred due to daytime warming today. If the clear weather and mild temperatures continue we will likely see more avalanche activity or cornice failures due to solar heating in the next few days.
Confidence
Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain
conrad janzen,
Parks Canada
