Conditions are variable across the region. Back off if you encounter warning signs like whumpfing or cracking.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
MONDAY: Strong to gale south-west winds. Flurries. Alpine temperature near -5.TUESDAY: Strong south-west winds dying out. Around 5 cm snow. Alpine temperature near -2. A further 5-10 cm snow overnight.WEDNESDAY: Strong south-west winds. Light snow. Alpine temperature near -10.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the last couple of days, but some whumpfing was felt on Saturday. Earlier in the week, persistent slabs were failing easily with natural and human triggers. With warming or increased load by snow and/or wind-loading, persistent slab activity may increase again.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs may exist lower on the slope than normal, due to recent extreme south-west winds. Windward alpine slopes are scoured; and variable wind slabs are found at treeline and alpine elevations. A weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below. Avalanches on this layer may be triggered by the weight of a person in certain locations. As temperatures warm, the slab above this weakness may become easy to trigger.Deeper in the snowpack, an early season rain crust and sugary facets make up the picture. Overall snowpack depths are variable across the region. It's generally shallower in the east.
pgoddard,
Avalanche Canada
