Reactive wind slabs may exist on all aspects
Small avalanches may step down to weak layers, producing larger avalanches than you may expect.
The most reactive slabs will likely form on north/west facing slopes. Older slabs on other aspects may remain triggerable as they sit over weak layers
Weak sugary facets over a hard crust or a layer of buried surface hoar may be susceptible to human triggers.
No new avalanches have been reported, but field observations have been very limited.On Tuesday a large (size 2) avalanche was reported at Hankin, full details in this MIN.
On Monday several large (size 2) naturally triggered avalanches were reported in the Babines in wind-affected terrain in the alpine.
We expect natural activity to taper off, but human triggering remains possible.
In alpine and open treeline areas, 15 to 30 cm of potentially wind-affected snow sits over a variety of surfaces including facets, surface hoar, old hard wind slabs, or a crust. The buried surface hoar is most likely to be found in sheltered areas at treeline and below.
Another layer of weak, faceted crystals and a crust may be found buried 30 to 60 cm deep.
The lower snowpack is generally well-bonded and strong.
Friday Night
Cloudy, with 0 to 1 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -16 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy, with 0 to 1 cm of snow. 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -18 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy, no new snow. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -20 °C.
Monday
Mostly sunny, no new snow. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
