Warmer weather than we've had for a while, and weak overnight freezes are forecasted for the next couple days. Signs of instability like pinwheeling or small loose wet avalanches are a good indicator that the avalanche hazard is increasing.
South west winds have redistributed last weeks snow into thin wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded features. Use caution as you transition into wind effected terrain
With a forecasted weak freeze on Thursday night, and temperatures rising further on Friday, expect this problem to develop over the day.
The bottom of the snowpack is inherently weak with well-developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Large triggers like cornices can still initiate this deep persistent slab so be mindful of your overhead hazard and keep in mind that human triggering remains possible in thick to thin snowpack areas.
Only isolated small loose dry avalanches in steep alpine terrain have been observed in the region in the last few days.
Don't forget to post avalanche observations to the MIN.
Moderate to strong winds have redistributed the dusting of new snow from last week. Under this there is a sun crust at all elevations on solar aspects, with mixed facets on polar aspects. The mid-pack consists of multiple layers of dense wind effected snow, sun crusts, and facets. Depth hoar and basal facets make up the base of the snowpack. Snow depth varies ranges from 60-170cm.
An upper-level southwesterly flow will bring flurries into Jasper by Friday afternoon, with minimal accumulations. Southwesterly ridgetop winds 30 to 50km/h with freezing levels rising to between 2000 and 2300m. Alpine highs range from -2°C to 2°C.
