Surface conditions are quite variable; even similar aspects and elevations, can have drastic differences. Evaluate each slope individually. Dig down and assess the buried wind slabs, cold temperatures continue to weaken the upper snowpack.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A weak low-pressure system tracks through BC today, narrowly missing Rogers Pass. Minuscule amounts of new snow can be expected, winds should stay light from the S-SW, and the temperatures will remain cold. Tomorrow the high-pressure will settle back over Rogers Pass, until Friday when the next weak weather system tracks SE from the NW.
Snowpack Summary
15cm of storm snow covers old hard wind slabs in the alpine and exposed areas of tree line. In sheltered areas at and below tree line the storm snow is covering surface hoar and near surface facets. The Jan 17 surface hoar is down 50-70cm at TL and below. the mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity in the HWY corridor yesterday. One
MIN from Connaught drainage confirming the solar cycle on Sunday; which produced numerous size 1-1.5 loose dry, some triggering slabs up to size 2.5. Cheops North 4 also ran to size 1.5 (loose dry), and Nicky's Notch had a cornice triggered slab, size 2.5.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations
ross campbell,
Parks Canada
