Recent new snow and strong winds blowing from a variety of directions continue to build slabs at higher elevations. Some parts of the region have received up to 40 cm of new snow over the past few days.
A weak layer of buried surface hoar may be found in parts of the region. There is uncertainty on where this layer is a problem, but it appears to be of highest concern in sheltered terrain features near treeline.
Recent new snow and strong winds blowing from a variety of directions continue to build slabs at higher elevations in the lee of terrain features. Similarly CORNICES continue to grow, as does concern for overhead hazard because of them.
Wednesday Night: Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries. Alpine high temperature around -6 C. Moderate to strong northwest wind.
Thursday: Mainly cloudy with some sunny breaks. Alpine high temperature around -6 C. Moderate northwest wind.
Friday: Mainly cloudy with sunny breaks. Alpine high temperature around -7 C. Light to moderate west and northwest wind.
Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud. Alpine high temperature around -8 C. Moderate northwest wind.
We are aware of an avalanche that occurred Sunday Feb 2 in the Upper Burnt area that is presumed to involve a snowmobiler. Preliminary information indicates that avalanche was a size 2.5 on a southeast aspect at 1600 m with a fracture line depth of 130 cm.
Anywhere from 15-40 cm of new snow has fallen in the past two days throughout the region. This may now have obscure previous wind effect in exposed terrain an may be sitting on a rain crust that formed last weekend below 1600m approximately.
In the mid-pack there may still be a layer of surface hoar buried in late December. It's gaining strength, but may remain a concern. The warm wet storm on Feb 01 will have tested this layer in the short-term and will improve it in the longer-term; however, we're awaiting evidence before considering it dormant. This layer is found across much of the North Rockies region but our focus is around McBride and the McGregors/Torpy.
