Be aware of rising freezing levels. Solar input may push the hazard higher than forecast on south facing slopes. Give cornices a wide berth during these warm conditions.
Confidence
Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain
Weather Forecast
The remnants of a Pacific frontal system should arrive in the South Rockies on Saturday afternoon bringing 2mm precipitation overnight. A stronger front should arrive on Sunday afternoon bringing a bit more precipitation, with the possibility of 5mm of rain at lower elevations and the chance of snow up high. Freezing levels are forecast to rise to 3000 metres across the south on Friday, will begin to fall on Saturday, and by Monday should be down to valley bottom overnight. Winds are forecast as light to moderate at ridgetop during the weekend and the passing of the Pacific frontal systems.
Avalanche Summary
No natural avalanches were reported from yesterday on the west side of the divide. Of note though, some loose-wet avalanches were "forced" on steep south facing terrain. On the eastern slopes there were no reports of avalanches.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slabs are still being reported in the top 20cm in lee terrain. The melt freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February is beginning to bond with the storm slab. This crust layer has also been reported with surface hoar and facets in some places, and is definitely a layer to keep in mind. East of the divide wind slabs should be on your radar. Cornice growth continues, and with the warming temperatures and rising freezing level may become quite fragile.
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.
Cornices
Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.