Sunshine can give a false sense of security, but dangerous avalanche conditions remain.
Rider-triggered avalanches are likely, so choose conservative terrain and route selection.
Recent snowfalls and wind have developed reactive storm/wind slabs. Expect these slabs to be most reactive on lee slopes and on any cross-loaded features at all elevations.
Direct sun on fresh dry snow may quickly destabilize the surface snow and initiate loose avalanches on steep slopes. Avoid exposure to overhead hazards when solar radiation is strong.
Numerous natural storm slabs and wind slabs avalanches (up to size 3) were reported from all elevations and all aspects from the heavy storm on Thursday. Field observations remain limited to determine details.
Looking forward, avalanche activity will remain sensitive to human triggering over the coming days, as natural avalanches will taper off.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please share any observations with the Mountain Information Network.
90 to 120 cm of recent snow overlies previously wind-affected surfaces or a solid melt-freeze crust. Strong to extreme westerly wind redistributed this recent snow farther downslope than normal, forming reactive slabs down to all elevations.
The remainder of the snowpack is consolidated with no layers of concern.
To read about conditions in Kakwa on Thursday, see this MIN report from the Avalanche Canada North Rockies field team.
Friday Night
Cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 3 cm of snow. 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
Monday
Cloudy. 15 to 25 cm of snow. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
