Remain alert and test small, low-consequence features to assess how weak layers are bonding.
Retreat to more conservative terrain if you encounter any signs of instability.
Weak layers formed in January persist within the upper 100 cm of snow. We may see increased reactivity on these layers with the added stress of strong wind and warming temperatures.
Storm slabs will be particularly reactive in leeward wind-affected terrain and/or where they remain poorly bonded to underlying weak layers formed during the mid-February, cold, dry period.
Tues: There were numerous large (size 2-2.5) avalanches with natural, explosive, & human triggers across the region.
Mon: Many size 1-2.5 natural & human triggered avalanches were reported. Two were remote-triggered.
Sun: A large (up to size 3) natural avalanche cycle was reported in the region on all aspects in the alpine and treeline.
Looking forward: Evidence indicates storm slabs and persistent weak layers remain primed for human triggering.
20 to 50 cm of accumulated settling storm snow sits over a thin crust on sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar or facets in wind-sheltered areas. A surface crust or moist snow may be found up to 1700 m.
Layers from dry conditions in January are found at varying depths within the upper 100 cm of snow. These include weak faceted snow, sun crusts on south-facing slopes, and surface hoar in shaded terrain.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
Wednesday Night
Partly cloudy. 40 to 60 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 2200 m falling to 1500 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with 0 to 7 cm of snow, highest amounts for the McBride area. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Saturday
Partly cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of snow. 25 to 35 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
