There is uncertainty with the reactivity of several buried weak layers. Best to adopt a conservative approach while the snowpack adjusts to the increased load from recent snowfalls.
A weak layer of crust and surface hoar is 70-110 cm below the surface in many parts of he region. This layer is most likely found in sheltered openings treeline and below.
30-60 cm of new snow accumulating over the past 48 hours has formed a reactive storm slab. In some areas this may be sitting on a layer of weak surface hoar.
30-60 cm of new snow from the past few days has covered a layer of feathery surface hoar that has been found at all elevations. A thick layer of faceted crystals, previously wind-affected surfaces, and/or surface hoar in sheltered areas (around treeline and below) is now 50-90 cm below the surface.
An additional layer of surface hoar may be found in sheltered areas around treeline down 70-110 cm. In some areas this may sitting on a thin crust.
A variety of crusts from late October are buried deeper in the snowpack. Total snow depths range from 150-220 cm around tree line.
Reports from Friday indicate skier triggered and natural storm slab avalanches size 1-2 on all aspects. There were also a few reports of persistent slab avalanches failing on a layer of surface hoar (down 60-80 cm) at treeline elevations over the past several days. At least one of these was remotely triggered (from a distance). Additionally there reports of explosive triggered avalanches to size 3 in the trans Canada highway corridor.
Saturday Night: Scattered flurries, alpine temperature -8, moderate northwest wind.
Sunday: Sunny with cloudy periods, alpine temperature -9, moderate northwest wind.
Monday: Mix of sun and clouds, alpine temperature -7, moderate north wind.
Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud, alpine temperature -8, light northwest wind.
