A complex persistent weak layer exists down 30-40cm consisting of surface hoar and or facets, and a solar crust on southerly aspects. If you choose to brave the cold temperatures, pay attention to signs of instability such as cracking and whumpfing, and dig to assess this layer before commiting to avalanche terrain.
Limited observation in the Alpine. Marmot Basin Ski area reports surface hoar extending into some alpine features. Solar crust on south aspects is also of concern. Dig and assess this layer before commiting to terrain.
Use caution in steep and/or confined terrain features.
Field team in the Icefield area on Monday observed shooting cracks and whumpfing on surface hoar layer down 30 cm at tree line and below in sheltered east to northerly aspects. Nov 27th MIN report confirms the presence of the same layer of concern in the Maligne region. Marmot Ski Area reporting no recent results from explosive testing and control.
5cm new snow on Wednesday fell on 25-35cm of low density facetted snow. Below this is a layer of concern comprised of surface hoar/facets in sheltered locations treeline and below, and a solar crust on southerly aspects. The surface hoar/facet layer may extend into isolated alpine terrain. Strength of the lower snowpack deteriorating with recent persistent cold temperatures. Height of snow ranges from 60 to 100cm.
The Arctic ridge of high pressure will reassert itself Thursday with clear, cold, and dry conditions persisting through the weekend. Variable light winds will increase to moderate values from the southwest late Friday.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
