The snowpack is untrustworthy after going through dramatic weather fluctuations. Conservative low-angle routes are recommended.
Persistent weak layers in the snowpack have the potential to produce large avalanches. We have limited information about the problem in this region, but enough to recommend choosing low-angle terrain at this time.
New snow could form fresh slabs, especially on wind-loaded slopes along ridgelines.
Limited reports indicate a natural avalanche cycle over the past few days, with avalanches up to size 2.5. This includes numerous wet loose avalanches and cornice failures, a few storm slabs in alpine terrain, and some persistent slab avalanches near Valemount.
While natural avalanche activity is expected to decrease this weekend, the snowpack remains unstable and untrustworthy.
Recent convective snowfall has been highly variable, accumulating over a crust in most areas except shady aspects in the high alpine where soft or wind affected dry snow may be found.
The primary weak layer of concern is a surface hoar, facet, and crust layer from early March, buried 50 to 100 cm deep. While its distribution and sensitivity remain uncertain, it has been highly reactive in the neighbouring Monashee regions.
The lower snowpack is likely strong and bonded in most areas.
Friday night
Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud with scattered flurries bringing 2 to 8 cm. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
