Lingering uncertainty about the ability to trigger deep persistent weak layers requires a cautious approach to terrain. Avoid thick to thin snowpack transitions, and have a healthy respect for what is above you.
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY A mix of sun and cloud with Moderate SW wind. Alpine temperature inversion with a high of +2 at 2000m.SATURDAY Mostly Sunny with Light West Winds. Freezing Level rising to 2500m.SUNDAY Sunny. Calm Winds. Freezing levels 3000m
Snowpack Summary
The Alpine remains wind affected with 20-30cm new wind slabs above many layers of old wind slab. High daytime freezing levels have led to significant settlement and moist snow at tree line and below. At all elevations the mid snowpack is well settled however the bottom remains facetted and weak. Snow cover is variable (160cm average at treeline).
Avalanche Summary
Size 1 Loose Wet debris observed along the Akamina Parkway between 1800 and 2000m on NE and SE aspects.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain on Saturday
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.