The calm, sunny weather has ended. The stormy weather will usher in change to the mountains.
Weather Forecast
Expect flurries with light to moderate SW winds today, freezing levels remaining in the valley bottom around Rogers Pass. Thursday will bring more snow, but models are in disagreement on amounts: 10 to 25cm could fall. Freezing levels will rise to 1600m on Thursday, with strong SW winds.
Snowpack Summary
5cm of new snow has hidden various surfaces. 20mm surface hoar and surface facetting was prevalent below tree-line. At tree-line and above, 6mm surface hoar was found with sun crusts on steep solar aspects, variable wind effect and slabs in exposed terrain. The low elevation surface hoar and facetting will be a layer to watch with future loading.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed yesterday.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
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.