Windslabs building incrementally with small inputs of snow and steady SW winds.
Be cautious in all lee features!
New and building wind slab can be found in all lee features near ridge crests, and cross-loaded gullies. Previous reverse loading occurred early this week from uncharacteristic North winds.
When in the Whistlers/Portal and Maligne Regions identify and assess the bond at this mid-pack layer. This interface shows strength in field tests, but there is concern for wide, spatial variability over large and/or connected features.
A low pressure system moving south will continue to push moisture into the region. Isolated snowfall with only light accumulation, with heaviest bands of flurries in the Icefields regions.
Widespread variability on the surface. Steady moderate SW flow, forming wind slabs on W through N aspects at TL and ALP. Inconsistent travel conditions and open water below 1800m. The snowpack shows strength and good bonding in field tests but "feels" weak in typically shallow snowpack regions like Whistlers/Portal creek and Maligne zones.
Big shout-out to all the past and recent contributors on the Mountain Information Network; you'll are our second set of eyes, ears and feet in the terrain! Keep up the posts! Anyone still ice climbing out there?
