7 AM Update: Avalanche danger will be closely linked to daytime warming and solar effect. Observe local conditions and use that information to help select terrain and travel techniques. Match terrain to conditions!
Expect storm and wind slabs to be most reactive in localized areas that have received more recent snow, or steep leeward slopes.
The latest avalanche observations are summarized in this MIN near Nelson. We haven't received other reports of avalanche activity.
Generally, spring is advancing and the winter snowpack is melting away, at least at lower elevations.
Dry, powder snow may remains at higher elevations on north-facing terrain, along with the potential for fresh wind and storm slabs. While melt-freeze crusts or moist snow are likely to be found on steep solar slopes and at lower elevations.
Avalanche danger will be closely coupled to daytime warming and melting. The more the crust weakens, and the deeper the wetness goes, the greater the hazard from wet loose avalanches.
The mid- and lower-snowpack is generally well-settled. In some areas, the lower snowpack may have a layer of weak facets near the ground.
Thursday Overnight
Cloudy with clear periods and flurries; 2 to 5 cm of precipitation. Light, with moderate gusts, southwest winds. Treeline temperatures around -5 C. Freezing level around 800m.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud with between a trace to a few cm of precipitation, in favoured upslope locations near treeline. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -3 C. Freezing level around 1900 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Just a trace of new snow with a few locations getting as much as 5 cm. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures between -5 C to near zero. Freezing level around 1900 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with flurries and around 2 to 5 cm of snow. Light to moderate southerly winds. Treeline temperatures around zero and freezing level around 2100 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
