Recent variable winds have affected the snowpack at all elevations. Watch for dense, cohesive slabs in all areas - especially fresh slabs forming from southwest winds.
Head to sheltered terrain at lower elevations for the best chance of finding good riding conditions.
Expect variable wind affected surfaces on all aspects and at all elevations. Strong north/east winds from earlier this week have now been replaced by south/west winds building fresh wind slabs where snow is available for transport.
Watch for wind loading mid to low on slopes, and be wary of cross-loaded features.
A layer of large, weak facets exists at the base of the snowpack. Avoid shallow snowpack areas like thin and rocky start zones and areas with variable snow depths. Human triggering is more likely here.
On Thursday small loose dry avalanche activity was reported.
On Wednesday a number of storm slab and wind slab avalanches were triggered with explosives and ski cutting, up to size 2 on various aspects and elevations.
A natural avalanche cycle occurred during stormy weather on Tuesday, with numerous storm slab releases up to size 2.5.
Recent snow continues to be redistributed by strong north to east winds at all elevations and has formed wind slabs throughout wind-exposed terrain.
The mid-snowpack is generally well settled, with no current layers of concern.
The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals and crusts near the ground. These facets are slowly gaining strength and have not produced recent avalanche activity. We continue to track the layer and watch for any signs that it could wake up and produce very large avalanches.
Friday Night
Mostly clear skies with no precipitation. Moderate westerly winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom.
Saturday
Cloudy with flurries possible late in the day. Freezing levels remain below valley bottom but conditions warm throughout the day with alpine highs of -10 °C. Moderate southwest winds continue.
Sunday
Up to 5 cm possible overnight in the Fernie area. Snow continues Sunday with 5-10 cm. Freezing levels rise to 1000 m. Alpine high of -5 °C with moderate to strong southwest winds.
Monday
Terrain around Fernie may see another 5 cm by morning. Cloudy with moderate southerly winds easing slightly. Freezing levels around 600 m. Alpine high of -7 °C. Possible flurries over the day.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
