Limit your exposure to sun-affected slopes if the sun comes out in your area. Strong sunshine and warm temperatures may rapidly increase danger.
Take care around ridgelines and wind-loaded features. Fresh wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers.
Southwest winds are expected to have formed fresh wind slabs on north and east facing slopes at treeline and above. Watch for wind loading as you transition to and from ridgeline features.
New snow may see strong sunshine for the first time on Sunday. Avoid sun affected slopes in the afternoon as danger can rise quickly.
As temperatures rise, all aspects may become moist. Step off of slopes as snow becomes moist or wet.
On Thursday numerous small natural avalanches were observed as the sunshine affected the new snow. Rider-triggered avalanches were also reported, failing on the buried crust under the new snow.
On Wednesday a large (size 2.5) skier trigger avalanche was reported west of Fernie at 1700 m on a south-facing slope and ran for approximately 700 m. See this MIN report for further information and photos.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
In the alpine and around treeline elevations, 10-30 cm of recent snow covers a crust. Below treeline, expect to find moist or refrozen surfaces, and a shrinking snowpack that is isothermal during the heat of the day.
The mid snowpack is generally settled and strong, except in areas with snow depths less than 150 cm. In these lower snow areas, the mid-pack is likely weaker and more faceted.
The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. This layer has shown signs of gaining strength, and it has not produced recent avalanche activity in this area.
Saturday Night
Some cloud with clear periods. Light to moderate westerly wind. Freezing levels remain above 1500 m overnight.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated afternoon flurries. Moderate westerly wind, potentially gusting strong. Freezing levels rise to 2200 m, and remain above 1500 m overnight.
Monday
Cloudy with light westerly winds. Flurries bring around 5 cm of snow. Freezing levels reach 2200 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with light westerly winds. No snowfall expected. Freezing levels rise to 2200m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
