Snow and strong winds brings the potential for small wind slabs to build over the day. Expect reactive conditions near ridge lines and lee terrain features where snow accumulates on the crust.
As snowfall begins with strong winds, small pockets of wind slab may begin to form around ridgelines.
These slabs will sit on a smooth and slippery crust. On wind sheltered and shaded slopes, weak surface hoar crystals may be present above the crust - increasing reactivity of the wind slabs.
Finally we see a return of an active weather pattern. Light snowfall is expected with cooler temperatures.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Increasing cloud. Strong southwest winds. Freezing levels below 1000 m.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with strong southwest winds. 5-10 cm of snowfall. Freezing levels around 1500 m, alpine high of 0. Greater snowfall amounts may be seen in the west.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with moderate to strong southwest winds. Snowfall continues overnight on Saturday delivering up to 10 overnight and an additional 5-10cm by Sunday afternoon. Freezing levels around 1500 m. Alpine high 0.
MONDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks. Isolated flurries possible. Winds switch to moderate from the northwest. Freezing levels drop to 1000 m. Alpine high of 1.
No new avalanche activity has been reported.
Observations remain limited. If you head out into the mountains, please share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Storm snow will accumulate on a thick and supportive crust that extends to mountain top.
Below this crust, snow is moist down 30-50 cm where several old crusts are now breaking down. The middle and base of the snowpack are well settled and strong, consisting of well bonded snow and several hard melt-freeze crusts. The snowpack has receded back to marginal levels below treeline with many hazards present.
Check out a recent MIN report for a good description of travel conditions, in the Prince of Wales range.
