Some of the signs of instability are tapering off, but we expect human triggered avalanches remain in the likely to possible range at Treeline and above.
A varied slab sits over the December 17th Facet-Surface Hoar layer. This problem is most significant in open tree line features and in the alpine where you can expect a stiffer, likely more reactive slab.
The bottom of the snow pack is inherently weak with well developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Avalanches initiating in the upper snowpack are likely to step down to this layer and gain significant mass.
No new avalanches have been observed or reported in the last three days. Sunday's visibility was good at the Icefields. Marmot Basin's explosive control work has triggered avalanches on the deep persistent problem in steep alpine terrain off Marmot peak.
If you're out in the hills, don't forget to post to the MIN. Every bit of information helps!
Only a few centimeters of new snow arrived the last couple of days. Previous moderate to strong Southwest winds redistributed any loose surface snow onto the already existing persistent slab particularly in lee features. A layer of Surface Hoar and Facets is down 20-40cm in sheltered areas. Large Facets and Depth Hoar comprise the bottom portion of the snowpack.
Click here to learn more about these tricky conditions.
Monday will be clouds, sun, flurries, -7 °C, and Southwest 10-30 km/h winds. Tuesday will be similar with lighter winds. Wednesday could have more sunny periods, light winds, and -10 °C to -7 °C. Clouds and light winds will be Thursday's weather with a possible alpine temperature inversion.
