It's getting deep out there, but as the storm snow settles into a slab expect it to get touchier. Be especially cautious where the new snow overlies a crust, if triggered avalanches will run far and fast on that bed surface.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Unsettled weather will continue for the outlook. Today and tomorrow expect scattered flurries, with 5-10cm a day, freezing levels rising up to ~1600m, and light but gusty SW winds. Saturday another significant pulse will bring up to 20cm of snow with strong winds and freezing levels rising to ~1800m.
Snowpack Summary
Incremental precipitation has brought ~50cm of snow over the past 4 days. Sustained moderate S'ly winds will have further loaded lees and formed soft slabs. The storm snow has buried Feb 27 layer, which is a variable crust on SE-W aspects, widespread surface hoar/stellars on shaded aspects, and in some areas a combination of both.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous size 2-2.5 avalanches from steep avalanche paths with start zones that are loaded by S'ly winds were observed yesterday. A few small avalanches on S'ly aspects were likely triggered by the warming temps causing trees to drop "tree-bombs". In the region loose and slab avalanches have been easily triggered by people, including some remotely.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
danyelle magnan,
Parks Canada
