Buried surface hoar, at the top of the snowpack, is a weakness that may become problematic in areas with new load and transport. Deep persistent layer at the bottom of the snowpack is difficult to trigger; steeper, shallower areas must be carefully assessed and treated with caution.
Good riding is found in sheltered locations.
Observed in the snowpack at Maligne, Baldhills (Jan 25th), with no overlying slab at that time.
It's not clear where in the region this weak layer is intact and well preserved.
This problem is low probability but high consequence as it would be releasing near the ground thus with a lot of destructive volume. Be extra cautious where snowpack goes from thick to thin areas.
The surface hoar, observed throughout the region, has been buried under 3-15 cm of low-density snow. This is a weak layer in the snowpack, but it will become a problem when a denser layer is formed above. This could happen in areas where wind transport is happening or where the new snow becomes settled, usually with time or with further precipitation. The midpack is dense and supportive, but is weak above the ground at the deep persistent layer.
Overnight: Clear periods. Low -11 °C. Light ridge wind. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud. High -8 °C. Light ridge wind. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Wednesday: Cloudy with sunny periods. Low -9 °C, High -6 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 25 km/h.
