We have limited observations from the field. Send us yours at [email protected]
Confidence
Fair - Track of incoming weather systems is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Wednesday: Increasing cloud with the possibility of light snow starting in the afternoon, freezing levels at valley bottoms, and moderate to strong southeasterly winds overnight. Thursday: Possible light snow tapering off throughout the day primarily in southern areas, freezing level remaining in valley bottoms, and moderate to strong southerly winds. Friday: Clear and cold with strong northeasterly winds.
Avalanche Summary
A Size 2 avalanche was observed in a steep southeast facing bowl at 2300 m a few days ago, but observations are limited. Please let us know what you're seeing out there. Email us at [email protected].
Snowpack Summary
As we begin our forecasting season, we are working with limited information from the field. Recent reports from Hudson Bay Mountain suggest an overall shallow snowpack with approximately 20cm of recent storm snow sitting on a crust that formed earlier in the month. This interface was found to be faceted and produced hard but sudden shears while testing. The recent storm snow has also likely been redistributed into locally deep slabs on lee slopes at alpine elevations. Check the bond of the snowpack at this level and take a cautious approach.
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.