Warm temperatures and solar radiation will increase hazard on steep slopes facing the sun during the hottest part of the day. Watch for wind slabs in exposed terrain at upper elevations.
Watch for wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain. Westerly winds have been loading lee terrain, especially near ridge crests.
Recent strong southwest through northwest winds have been building fresh cornice growth.
Cornices falls can be a hazard on their own, and can also act as a trigger for avalanches on the slopes below.
Loose wet avalanches in steep southerly terrain should be on your radar with sunny skies and freezing levels rising to ridge top on Thursday again.
A size 2 cornice triggered storm slab was reported south of Sparwood on Tuesday. A few size 1 loose moist ski cuts were reported with some limited warming at lower elevations.
Widespread natural and explosives triggered avalanches up to size 2.5, and skier controlled avalanches up to size 2 were reported on Monday.
Glide cracks continue to grow. This serves as a great reminder to avoid slopes with glide cracks on them at all times. They are inherently unstable and can release at any time.
The 30-55 cm of recent storm snow appears to be bonding well to previous melt freeze crusts from mid March that were found on all but steep north facing alpine slopes. Moderate westerly winds have been transporting snow and forming new wind slabs in lee features. Cornices are reported to be large and looming. With rising freezing levels and sunny skies, snow will likely lose strength as it get moist at lower elevations and upper elevations on solar aspects.
WEDNESDAY Night - Mostly clear / moderate south west wind / alpine high -3 C / freezing level 1500 m
THURSDAY- Partly cloudy / light to moderate southwest wind / alpine high 3 C / freezing level 2100 m
FRIDAY- Mix of sun and cloud / light southwest wind / alpine high 1 C / freezing level to 2000 m
SATURDAY - Mix of sun and cloud / light west and southwest wind / alpine low temperature near 3 C / freezing level 2200 m
