Strong winds and recent heavy snowfall are causing the hazard to rise. This is a good time to exercise caution and good judgement. Be Careful.
Weather Forecast
Today sunny with cloudy periods and some light flurries, and snow beginning tonight with up to 15cm overnight and winds gusting to strong values. A short lul on Tuesday will be followed by a series of snow days with rising freeze lines and continued moderate to strong gusty winds.
Snowpack Summary
25cm of snow overnight brings the storm total to approximately 75cm since Feb 10. Strong southerly winds persisted over the last several days, loading lee areas and creating a reactive slab. On solar aspects this slab sits on a crust. Wind slabs on most aspects in the alpine and tree-line and may be concealed by new snow. Moist snow below 1700m.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural avalanches have been observed from paths along the highway corridor, caused by rapid loading and strong winds. Ski tourers are reporting skier accidental avalanches from the backcountry, and at least one of these avalanches has resulted in a human burial.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.