Avalanche Forecast

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at 700mThursday: Light snowfall intensifying in the evening / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 900mFriday: Heavy snowfall / Moderate south winds / Freezing level at 800m

Natural wind slab avalanches up to size 2.5  were reported from north to west aspects at treeline and above in the Blue River North area. As well, a size 2.5 natural slab avalanche released on a south face at 2400m. It is thought to have released on the February 12th interface.

Variable amounts of new snow continue to add to the recent storm slab which sits above the February 12th weak surface hoar layer and a sun crust on solar aspects. This layer is now buried down about 30-70 cms depending on where you are in the region. New wind slabs developed at treeline and above due to the new snow and wind during the storm. These soft new wind slabs (hard slabs in some areas) are reported to be reactive and may be hiding stiffer wind slabs that are a couple of days older. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied to snow profile tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the loads associated with recreationalists, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion, or a cornice fall.