Recently formed storm slabs will be most reactive in wind affected areas at treeline and above. Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Weak surface hoar and/or faceted grains sit above a melt-freeze crust 70 to 100 cm deep. Be aware that new snow and wind have been adding additional load to this layer, and it may become reactive again.
Recent wind has varied in direction so wind loaded pockets of storm slab may be found on a variety of aspects. At lower elevations, storm slabs will remain reactive where they sit over surface hoar.
Sunday night: Scattered flurries, moderate southwest wind, freezing level 600 m.
Monday: Snow, 5-10 cm, moderate to strong south wind, alpine high temperature near -3, freezing level 1300 m.
Tuesday: Sun and cloud, moderate southwest wind, alpine high temperature near -7, freezing level 1000 m.
Wednesday: Snow, 5-10 cm, moderate southwest wind, alpine high temperature near -3, freezing level 1200 m.
Numerous natural, human and explosive triggered storm slabs size 1-2.5 were reported on Saturday and Sunday. Check out this avalanche triggered remotely by a skier in Kootenay Pass on the weekend.
With new snow slowly but steadily piling up, the chances of a resurgence of persistent slab avalanches will increase. This incremental loading will likely make it difficult to predict when this layer may once again reach a tipping point and start producing avalanches. This problem is best managed with conservative terrain selection.
30-60 cm of recent storm snow has seen significant wind affect at upper elevations. In sheltered areas, the recent snow may sit over surface hoar.
Two weak layers are buried in close proximity to one another. They are 70-100 cm deep around Nelson and 50-80 cm deep around Rossland and other western parts of the region. The layers are composed of feathery surface hoar and sugary faceted grains and they overlie a hard melt-freeze crust.
