Microwave-Sinclair

Uncertainty exists around reactivity of buried weak layers. Use careful route-finding and stick to low-consequence slopes away from overhead hazard.

Our field team has reported size 2 natural slab avalanches in the Telkwas on Tuesday and Babines on Wednesday. They also observed easy propagating snowpack test results on the February layer.

Looking forward, human triggering of wind affected snow and persistent weak layers remains possible.

New snow falls over a widespread layer of surface hoar crystals, which sit over a crust on solar aspects and low elevations.

A layer of facets, surface hoar and/or a crust formed during the February drought, are buried 30 to 50 cm deep and give easy results in snowpack tests.

Deeper in the snowpack, a weak layer of facets and a crust from early December can be found. This layer appears to be dormant but remains an isolated concern.

Thursday night

Mostly cloudy with 1 to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 600 m.

Friday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow above 1200m, light rain below. 50 to 70 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Sunday

1 to 5 cm of snow overnight then clearing to a mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
• Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
• Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices.