The snowpack is warm and moist and will not get a good re-freeze during the forecast period. Travel may be difficult and the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche has increased. If you choose to go out be cautious in all avalanche terrain, especially on steep slopes.
Wet/moist snow above this layer has increased its sensitivity to triggers and could be initiated as a part of a step down avalanche. Be cautious on steep slopes.
Typically on steeper slopes and may trigger persistent slabs below.
Numerous avalanches were observed from this week's warming including wet loose, persistent slab, and deep persistent slab avalanches to size 2.
In the alpine, moist snow sits on the surface and may be moist down to weaker layers below. Treeline and below, moist to wet snow exists down to weak layers and even ground in thin areas. The Dec 23 melt freeze crust and facets are down 30-80 cm. An early season basal crust complex exists in most places in the alpine and at treeline. Significantly less snow in the eastern areas of the park, rapidly diminishing in the heat. Snowpack depths between 30 - 150 cm.
Tues
Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high of 3, freezing level above ridgetop. Wind SW 70 kph becoming 40. No precipitation.
Wed
Mainly sunny. Alpine high of 5. Freezing level above ridgetop. Wind SW 40-50 kph. No precipitation.
Thurs
Freezing level above ridgetop with alpine high of 4. Wind strong SW. No precipitation.
For more info see: Mountain Weather Forecast.
