The dribs and drabs of new snow recently is making the skiing pretty good out there! Watch triggerable slabs near the entrances to runs.
Weather Forecast
Up to 10cm of snow is forecast to fall over the next 24hrs with generally light winds. Temperatures will be around -10C with generally cloudy skies.
Avalanche Summary
A sz 2 dry loose slide was observed on the SW aspect of Mt Murray initiating in 40+ degree terrain at 2800m and ran down to 2200m. This slide was observed from a distance so details area little scant. Also 2 skiers ski cut a sz 1.5 slide around 30m wide in what they described as the "DogLeg" couloir on a N aspect of heros knob.
Snowpack Summary
Isolated windslabs that are skier triggerable should be expected along ridgelines in alpine areas. These slabs are not widespread but there is a distinct drummy feel in some steeper areas that should keep you on your toes. Also, windslabs were observed from recent down flow winds in alpine terrain. Otherwise, the warming temps are slowing the facetting process but overall, the snowpack is composed of mainly facetted grains with some more dense snow forming the mid pack. Thin areas are where a skier may be able to trigger the basal weaknesses but we have not seen any activity on this layer in some time.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.
Deep Persistent Slabs
Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.