Forecasters are keeping a keen eye out for activity on a weak layer buried in the upper snowpack, and you should too! Let us, and everyone else know if you see anything interesting: submit to the Mountain Information Network, at www.avalanche.ca.
Weather Forecast
Generally little change from our current weather through the next three days (with one exception...read on) ... sun/cloud to mainly cloudy, Moderate to Strong W-SW winds, and mild temperatures. Wednesday morning is the exception... current forecasts predict anywhere from 2-10cm of snowfall, along with a temporary drop in windspeed and temperatures.
Snowpack Summary
30cm of recent snowfall has made for great skiing below treeline. Strong SW-W winds have redistributed this to form Wind slabs on lee / cross loaded slopes. Down 30-45cm lies a weak layer of Facets and large Surface Hoar on shady aspects, or 1-2cm of sun crust on solar aspects. The new snow appears to be bonding well to this layer below treeline.
Avalanche Summary
Several Natural Wind Slab and Loose Dry avalanches were observed from N and E aspects in the Alpine during the past 36 hours, upto Size 1.5. New glide cracks have been noted in alpine terrain on the South aspect of Mt Carthew, adjacent to exposed rocks.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.