Snowfall amounts are variable throughout the region.
Assess bond of new snow as you change aspect and elevation, take extra care when transitioning into wind affected terrain.
Several persistent weak layers exist, with the most problematic ones lying 30 to 60 cm deep. These layers remain a concern where there is no thick, supportive crust near the surface.
The surface beneath the new snow varies from surface hoar, surface facets, or sun crust. Expect deeper deposits and more reactive slab in lee areas.
On Sunday, a skier accidentally triggered a dry loose avalanche in steep terrain at treeline that ran on the ground. This will continue to be possible in rocky or shallow areas where the new snow is likely sitting on facets near ground.
Notably, on March 6th, one person was buried in an avalanche in Pedley Pass, just east of the forecast area. See details about that avalanche and a few nearby in these MINs.
Up to 20 cm of recent new snow is being redistributed by strong southwest wind. This sits on a sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar or facets in sheltered areas or north aspects.
A few weak layers consisting of a crust, facets or surface hoar from February and January remain a concern, buried 30 to 60 cm.
A layer of facets from early December is buried 70 to 120 cm. In many areas, facets or depth hoar exist at the base of the snowpack. These deeper layers are not currently creating an avalanche problem.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a possibility of isolated flurries. 10 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud, with isolated flurries. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy, with isolated flurries. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy, with up to 10 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
