Ease into terrain cautiously and watch for signs of instability in the recent snow.
Recently formed slabs may be slow to bond to underlying surfaces. If triggered, they could step down to a buried crust, 60 cm deep or more in wind loaded areas.
Natural, rider, and remotely triggered wind slab avalanches size 1-2 were reported throughout the region over the last two days. Most were on north aspects at treeline and above. The failure plane has been predominantly facets under the recent storm snow, but in some cases slabs ran on a buried crust with crowns 50 to 100 cm deep.
20 to 50 cm of new snow sits over predominantly faceted and wind-affected surfaces, as well as surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain.
A thick crust that formed in late January is now buried 50 to 100 cm deep. It has been a problematic layer for step-downs in wind-loaded areas.
Below, the mid and lower snowpack is generally well-bonded and strong.
A clearing and cooling trend to start the week. Colder end of forecast temperature ranges are for areas north of Stewart.
Sunday night
Snow tapering, up to 5 cm. 20 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind shifting north. Treeline temperature -10 to -18 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 to -16 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with 5-10 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 to -16 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 cm. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 to -12 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
