The avalanche hazard is expected to stay elevated over the next few days with the forecast warm temperatures, strong winds, and the possibility of new snow near the continental divide.
This layer is concerning when there is a cohesive slab overlying it. Watch for the warnings in the snowpack like shooting cracks.
Watch for this problem to become more significant as the temperatures rise, particularly in steep and rocky terrain.
The base of the snowpack is inherently weak and untrustworthy. Concern for human and natural triggering of this avalanche problem will increase as the temperatures rise over the next few days.
Fluctuating freezing levels with intermittent solar radiation has formed surface crusts up to 2000m on most aspects, and higher on steep sun effected ones. Persistent weak layers formed in early January are down 20-30cm in sheltered areas, and have been reactive more recently where wind loaded. Well developed facets and depth hoar make up the bottom of the snowpack.
A strong southwesterly flow will bring a series of storms and keep the warm airmass here for the next few days. The highest freezing levels are expected from Sunday night to Monday.
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
