More snow fell than anticipated and is available for wind transport. The forecast shows sustained moderate winds through Saturday which will keep the hazard elevated. Look for terrain sheltered from the wind to find the best riding.
Moderate southerly winds and 35cm of new snow have formed fresh wind slabs on lee features and this sits on a weak layer comprised of surface hoar and crusts. Pockets of buried wind slab may exist on all aspects near ridgetops in the alpine.
In the areas not effected by the wind, the new snow is unconsolidated. Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Numerous natural avalanches were observed during a natural cycle caused by the wind on Friday. These averaged size 3 and were running far into the runouts.
On Thursday, a few size 1-2.5 natural wind slabs & dry loose avalanches were observed from steep alpine terrain in the highway corridor.
On Monday, we observed a size 1.5 wind slab avalanche in the alpine above NRC gully on Macdonald West Shoulder, likely rider triggered.
35cm of new snow buried a weak interface which consists of widespread surface hoar and a thin sun crust on steep westerly aspects. Strong southerly winds have redistributed this new snow in exposed terrain, loading north facing terrain.
Isolated wind slabs are buried by new snow. These can be found on all aspects in the alpine.
Overall the mid and lower snowpack is strong and well settled.
The tail end of a low pressure system pushes south through the interior, bringing light snow followed by a drying trend.
Tonight Flurries. Alp Low -10, West wind 20-50km/hr. Freezing level (FZL) 900m.
Sat Flurries. Alpine high -9. West wind 15-35km/hr. FZL 800m
Sun Cloudy w/sunny periods. Alpine high -11 °C. NW wind 10 km/hr. FZL 900m.
Mon Mix of sun & cloud. Alpine high -5 °C. West winds 10-20 km/hr. FZL 500m.
