Assess how recent snow is bonding to the snowpack before committing to large terrain features.
Wind slabs may be found in lee terrain features below ridges. Small storm slabs could also be found in areas sheltered from the wind. These slabs are most likely to be triggered where they rest on a hard melt-freeze crust.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 20 to 30 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1700 m.
THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 10 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1600 m.
FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall then clearing, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 10 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -1 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2000 m.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy with no precipitation, 10 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature 0 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2200 m.
Wet loose avalanches were observed around Kootenay Pass on Wednesday, releasing above 1800 m within the recent snow over the hard melt-freeze crust. Neighbouring regions observed small natural and skier-triggered storm and wind slab avalanches, releasing within the recent snow.
Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.
Another 5 to 10 cm of snow will build on the 10 to 20 cm of snow from Tuesday. Wind slabs may still be found in lee terrain features in the alpine from strong southwest wind. All this snow is resting on a hard melt-freeze crust in most areas or consolidated snow on shaded aspects in the alpine. Below treeline, a consolidated, moist snowpack exists. Remember that cornices are large and looming at this time of year.
The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts.
