Expect to find fresh and reactive wind slabs forming over the day. Avoid areas with visibly wind-affected snow, or where active wind transport is occurring.
Sheltered features likely still hold dry, loose snow with great riding conditions. Limit your exposure to sun-affected slopes if the sun comes out in your area.
As winds increase over Saturday expected new wind slabs to form on north and east facing slopes at treeline and above. Watch for wind loading as you transition to and from ridgeline features.
Snowfall amounts were higher as you head further east - giving potential for larger slabs.
Loose dry snow sits in sheltered terrain features. Manage your sluff in steep and consequential terrain.
Be alert to changing conditions when daytime heating and direct sun are impacting slopes. Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose avalanches.
On Thursday numerous small natural avalanches were observed as the sunshine affected the new snow. Rider triggered avalanches were also reported, failing under the new snow, on the buried crust.
On Wednesday a large (size 2.5) skier trigger avalanche was reported west of Fernie. This avalanche started at 1700 m on a south facing slope and ran for approximately 700 m. See this MIN report for further information and photos.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
In the alpine and around treeline elevations, 10-30 cm of recent snow covers a crust. Below treeline, expect to find moist or refrozen surfaces, and a shrinking snowpack that is isothermal during the heat of the day.
The mid snowpack is generally settled and strong, except in areas with snow depths less than 150 cm. In these lower snow areas, the mid-pack is likely weaker and more faceted.
The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. This layer has shown signs of gaining strength, and it has not produced recent avalanche activity in this area.
Friday Night
Mainly clear with isolated flurries, and trace accumulations of snow. Light to moderate west wind. Freezing levels drop to 500 m overnight.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, and trace accumulations of snow. Light to moderate westerly wind. Freezing levels rise from valley bottom to 2000 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, 1-5 cm possible. Moderate westerly wind. Freezing levels rise to 2100 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with light westerly winds. Flurries possible. Freezing levels remain around 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
