Storm slabs were very reactive over the weekend. Give the snow time to gain strength before stepping into steeper terrain.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
Monday: Cloudy with isolated flurries / light ridgetop winds from the northwest / treeline temperature -8. Tuesday: Cloudy / light ridgetop winds from the northwest / treeline temperature -10. Wednesday: Isolated flurries / light southwest winds / treeline temperature -8.
Avalanche Summary
Widespread storm slabs were reported over the weekend, with numerous size 1-1.5 skier-triggered avalanches at treeline elevations and several size 2-3 natural storm slabs in the alpine. Storm slabs may remain touchy in the upcoming days as the new snow settles and as the wind redistributes the new snow.
Snowpack Summary
Saturday's storm brought another 25-30 cm to the Monashees and 10-15 cm to the Selkirks. The newest snow has been very reactive, forming touchy storm slabs throughout the region. A total of 50-80 cm of new snow has fallen in the past week and has been dramatically affected by wind in the alpine. The mid-November crust is now buried 60-120 cm deep, with recent reports suggest the snow is bonding well to the crust. Below the crust the snowpack is generally well bonded. Limited observations suggest snowpack depths are 130-200 cm at treeline elevations.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.