Triggering large storm slabs is most likely in wind affected terrain.
Persistent slabs remain a concern at treeline and above.
At upper elevations, where the crust is thinner or not present, it may still be possible to trigger persistent slabs on multiple buried weak layers of surface hoar and/or crusts in the top 120 cm of the snowpack.
20 to 35 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed storm slabs that will be most reactive in wind-affected terrain.
On Thursday, numerous naturally triggered storm slabs up to size 2.5 were reported near Fernie on primarily north/east aspects at treeline and above.
20 to 35 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds have formed storm slabs that will be most reactive in wind-affected terrain.
The recent snow sits on a 1 to 10 cm thick crust on all aspects. The thickness of the crust depends on elevation.
At upper elevations, where the crust is thinner or not present, it may still be possible to trigger persistent slabs on multiple buried weak layers of surface hoar and/or crusts in the top 120 cm of the snowpack.
The mid/lower snowpack is well settled and strong in most areas.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy. 0 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 3 to 15 cm of snow. 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. 50 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
