Watch for the ongoing formation of fresh wind slabs as strong northwest winds continue to batter upper terrain features. Remain cautious on slopes that are wind loaded or getting hit by the sun.
Recent storm snow is gaining strength, but may remain reactive on steep wind loaded and sun-exposed slopes. Continued strong winds are likely forming fresh slabs at upper elevations.
We’re moving into a period of high winds with dribs/drabs of precipitation. There is potential for a more significant shot of snow on Monday Night, stay tuned for more details.
SUNDAY NIGHT: Freezing level around 600 m, strong northwest wind, 1 to 5 cm of snow possible.
MONDAY: Overcast, freezing level around 800 m, moderate to strong west/southwest wind, trace of snow possible during the day, 10 to 25 cm expected Monday Night.
TUESDAY: A few clouds, freezing level around 500 m, moderate to strong northwest wind, trace of snow possible.
WEDNESDAY: Overcast, freezing level around 500 m, moderate to strong southwest wind, 2 to 10 cm of snow possible.
We got an observation from the Shames backcountry Saturday of some natural avalanches, more details here. There have been a few observations of natural cornice failures in the last few days, some are not having any result when they impact slopes below, others are producing small wind slabs.
On Friday in the Terrace area near Shames control work produced storm slab avalanches to size 2 on east facing slopes between 1100 and 1200 m. Widespread natural wind slabs to size 2 were also observed in the region. It's also worth noting that glide slabs continue to release randomly, a size 2.5 natural glide slab avalanche was reported from an east facing feature at 700 m near the Basalt Creek Rest Area east of Prince Rupert.
Stormy weather on Tuesday and Wednesday resulted in a natural cycle of size 2 storm slab avalanches, especially on north and east facing slopes that were wind loaded. Some smaller (size 1) slabs were also triggered by riders in similar terrain.
Glide cracks have reportedly been opening and releasing glide slab avalanches. Avoid slopes with glide cracks, as they are unpredictable.
Open terrain continues to be heavily affected by strong wind from the west/northwest, but shifting winds could form slabs on a range of aspects. 30 cm of old storm snow is rapidly settling and gaining strength. A thin layer of facets that formed during the January cold snap is now 100-150 cm below the surface and an early season crust exists at the base of the snowpack. These layers produced a few large naturally triggered avalanches last week, but are unreactive under the current conditions.
