The snowpack will need some time to adjust to the recent snow.
Be mindful of overhead hazards, and triggering deeper persistent layers that could result in large avalanches.
There is a layer of facets/surface hoar/crust in many parts of the region down 40-110 cm. Skiers, new snow, wind, falling cornices, dry loose, or storm snow avalanches may be enough of a trigger to overload this layer.
Recent storm snow could initiate dry loose avalanches where there may be winds present, a stiff crust exists, and/or with solar input. You should also expect sluffing out off steep terrain. These avalanches could trigger persistent layers.
Over the past week, up to 70 cm of fresh storm snow has fallen. With subsequent settlement, warming, and/or wind, there is potential for storm slab formation. When this is paired with a solid bed surface, such as a crust, the likelihood of avalanches related to this problem will increase.
Observations on Thursday were limited but we expect there was a widespread avalanche cycle that occurred up to size 3 Wednesday night and Thursday with more activity in our southern areas.
30–70 cm of recent storm snow exists above ~1800m. Below 1800m, a supportive crust exists with ~20-50 cm on top. Beneath this, a persistent weak layer comprised of facets and/or surface hoar exists 40-110 cm down. This has been most reactive near treeline in Yoho & Kootenay, but has also caused avalanches in other areas, including the alpine.
Thursday night: Clear periods with isolated flurries. Alpine temperature: Low -14 °C. Ridge wind light to 20 km/h.
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with convective flurries. Up to 10cm of new snow. Alpine temperature: High -11 °C. Ridge wind light to 25 km/h.
Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Alpine temperature: Low -15 °C, High -12 °C. Ridge wind light to 20 km/h.
