Weather Forecast
We could see a mixed bag of weather today. Cloudy with sunny periods is the forecast, but we may see some spring convective cells this afternoon as the day heats up. Freezing levels are forecasted to reach Highway elevation, no significant precipitation, and the wind is expected to shift to the North.
Snowpack Summary
Another 25cm of new snow brings our storm total to approximately 50cm at Tree Line. Light to moderate winds have formed soft slabs on lee aspects and cross loaded terrain features. The storm snow overlies a plethora of old surfaces including; sun crusts on solar aspects, hard wind slab in exposed areas, and surface facets in sheltered locations.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity observed in the Highway Corridor yesterday, or reported from the back country. Today we will be expecting natural activity to increase on steep solar aspects if the sun comes out. Skiers and riders will likely be able to trigger loose dry "sluffs" and storm slabs on all aspects on steep, unsupported terrain features.
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.
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.