West winds are forecast to increase into the moderate range in the alpine late in the day Saturday. If this happens, expect these winds to redistribute the recent 10-20cm of storm snow into slabs near ridge crest.
West winds are forecast to increase to moderate in the alpine late in the day Saturday. If this happens, expect these winds to redistribute the recent 10-20cm of storm snow into slabs near ridge crest.
Weak facets and depth hoar near the base of the snowpack are associated with decaying crusts. While the faceting process is weakening existing upper and mid-pack slabs, continue to be very cautious anywhere there is stiffer snow overlying this basal weakness.
The majority of the natural activity following the most recent snowfall has been reported as small loose dry out of very steep terrain on Highway 93N and 93S.
Evidence of a large deep avalanche off of Mount Lefroy North East face was observed on Jan 3rd and is believed to be 24-48 hours old.
The ski areas continue to deal with small, remnant wind slabs up to sz 1.5.
Sunshine had another size 1.5 slab as a result of explosives in a shallow area on the deep persistent weak layer.
Up to 25cm of low-density recent snow overlies a weak, faceted, mid and lower snowpack. Very weak depth hoar and facets associated with remnant crusts are found near the ground. 60-100cm of snow at treeline elevations.
A trough will push east towards the region Saturday evening before the competing high pressure over the prairies pushes back west Sunday.
Winds will increase into the moderate range late Saturday with trace amounts of new snow overnight before winds shift northwest to bring clearing and a bit of cooling through Sunday.
