Wind slabs remain possible to human trigger.
Avoid steep, rocky, and wind affected areas where triggering slabs is most likely.
10 to 20 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds formed wind slabs on lee aspects at upper elevations. These slabs are most likely to be reactive on steep slopes below ridgetops.
Expect the sun to trigger wet loose avalanches on steep slopes when the recent snow is warmed for the first time.
On Wednesday, numerous naturally triggered storm slabs up to size 2 were reported near Fernie on primarily north and east aspects at treeline and above.
Last week's rain and warm temperatures triggered a widespread natural slab avalanche cycle up to size 3.
If you are heading into the backcountry, please consider sharing conditions via the MIN.
10 to 20 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds formed wind slabs on lee aspects at upper elevations. These slabs are most likely to be reactive on steep slopes below ridgetops. The recent snow sits on a thick crust.
Below this, up to 50 cm of rain soaked snow lies over a crust (1 to 10 cm thick) from early March.
Persistent weak layers may linger within the top 150 cm of the snowpack. These are unlikely to trigger in most areas where a thick crust is present above the weak layers.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong in most areas.
The snowpack depth tapers rapidly at lower elevations.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear skies. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Friday
Sunny. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
