The natural cycle of avalanche activity is tapering, but skier triggered avalanches are still possible. Easing slowly into more challenging terrain is recommended.
Over the past week, up to 70 cm of fresh storm snow has fallen. With subsequent settlement and recent strong wind, expect wind slab formation in the alpine and exposed tree-line locations.
There is a layer of facets/surface hoar in many parts of the region down 40-100 cm. Recent stability tests show that this layer is becoming less reactive, but is still obvious in pit walls, and is susceptible to skier triggering.
Skihills reported numerous explosive triggered storm/wind slabs in the alpine up to size 1.5. Several explosive triggered persistent slabs on up to 2.5 were also reported.
Of note Sunshine reported a size 3.5 natural persistent slab in adjacent backcountry terrain (Back side of Delirium Dive).
A field trip to Mt Ogden area reported lots of recent sluffing out of steep terrain, but no recent slab avalanches.
25-50 cm settled storm snow overlies a well developed crust on all aspects below 1900m and up to 2400m on solar aspects. The Jan 24th persistent layer (Surface hoar and /or facets) is down 40-100cm and producing moderate to hard results with stability tests. This layer has been most reactive in Kootenay and Yoho areas.
Saturday: Mixed sun and cloud. Possibility of light flurries. Tree-line temperatures around -12. Ridge top winds are light.
Sunday: Mixed sun and cloud. Treeline Tree-line temperatures around -10. Ridge top winds are light.
A warming trend with increasing winds is forecast for Monday.
