Expect to find reactive wind slabs formed by recent wind and new snow.
Wind loaded, leeward slopes are most concerning.
Recent snow and moderate southwest winds are expected to be building small, fresh wind slabs over existing wind slabs. These slabs may avalanche more easily where they have formed over a hard crust.
On Tuesday, north of Chilliwack, small (size 1), rider controlled, wet loose avalanches were reported on east aspects around 1300 m.
If you are heading into the backcountry, consider sharing your observations and posting a MIN.
This weeks moderate southwest ridgetop wind has created deeper deposits on leeward features.
The upper snowpack is mostly dry, settling snow above 1300 m, and moist or wet snow below 1300 m.
At elevations above 2200 m a widespread, thick and hard crust is now expected to be buried by 15-40 cm of snow.
The snowpack below the crust is strong and bonded with no layers of concern.
There is little to no snow below 1000 m.
Friday Night
Partly cloudy. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Sunday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Monday
Mostly sunny. 1 to 2 cm of snow. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
