As natural activity tapers off don't let yourself be fooled. We are entering low probability high consequence state of affairs. November crust is still prevalent and thick to thin spots are of most concern.
A triggered windslab has a potential to step down to deeper instabilities with a more destructive potential. Consider testing smaller slopes before committing to a terrain with potential for larger propagation. Watch for hollow sounds and cracking.
Natural activity is decreasing as the recent new snow stabilizes, however, triggering this layer would be a high consequence event so cautious decisions and a thorough investigation is necessary.
Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud. Precipn: Nil. Alpine temp: High -17 °C. Mostly light wind occasionally gusting to 35 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.Monday: Same as SundayTuesday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: Low -17 °C, High -12 °C. Ridge wind west: 15 km/h. FL at valley bottom.
About 40 cm of snow fell from Nov 30 to Dec 1. Light to moderate SW winds blew the storm snow into wind slabs or stripped windward features to ground. The storm snow came in warm but it surprisingly remains dry and light except at low elevations where it rained. The midpack is supportive over a crust /facet /depth hoar combo near the ground.
Friday's patrol noted a reduction in natural activity yet a couple of recent size 3's deep slabs running full path were recorded. Thursday's explosive control work observed an avalanche cycle up to size 3 being wind and deep persistent slabs on the ground or the basal crust. Two size 3s were observed at Maligne north of Joffre Creek on Thursday.
