Wind slabs are slowly developing and the persistent slab problem remains a concern. Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering a persistent slab is most likely and be aware that even a small wind slab could step down, triggering a persistent slab.
Wind slabs can be found in isolated locations in the alpine. These developing wind slabs are small in size but be aware that if triggered, they could trigger a persistent slab.
This problem seems to be most active where the March 19th crust is not supportive over the Feb 3rd weak layer (down 30-90cm) of facets over a crust. Northerly aspects between 1900-2400m seem to be the problem area. It is possible that this will step down to the deep persistent weak layer.
No new avalanche activity reported on Friday.
A size 2 natural persistent slab avalanche was observed on Mt. Churchill on Monday.
On Sunday, 7 skiers remote triggered a size 2 slab from 100m away in the Boundary peak area. Avalanche occurred in a thin rocky spot, alpine, N aspect, 2250m elevation, 35 degree slope, and slid on the Feb 3rd facets/crust layer. The group triggered it from the bench above
10cm of recent storm snow sits over a sun crust on solar aspects. Shaded aspects have up to 30cm of dry snow. The March 19 crust is buried 20-30cm deep and is present everywhere except North aspects above 1900m. The Feb 3rd crust interface is down 30-90cm. Basal depth hoar and facets make up the bottom of the snowpack. HS ranges from 50 to 150cm.
Mountain Weather Forecast is available @ Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
Saturday Cloudy with sunny periods. No precipitation. Alpine high -6 °C. Ridge wind west 10-20 km/h. Freezing level 1500m.
Sunday Mix of sun & cloud. Alpine High -5 °C. Ridge wind west 10-20
Monday Cloudy with sunny periods/ isolated flurries. No precipitation. Alpine High -1. Wind west 15 gusting to 40.
