Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes, especially when the sun is out.
In areas where a thick supportive surface crust does not exist, large slab avalanches may be triggerable.
Two weak layers exist in the upper snowpack. One is down 40 cm and another down 70 to 130 cm. These layers could be reactive to human triggering in areas where the surface has not refrozen into a thick, supportive crust.
Loose wet avalanches and cornice falls are most likely during the warmest part of the day when the surface snow is moist or wet.
On Friday, a large (size 2.5) naturally triggered persistent slab was reported on a north-facing slope in the North Monashees.
On Thursday a few large (size 2) loose wet avalanches were observed on steep sunny slopes near Valemount.
Looking ahead, in areas where you find a hard and thick surface crust, avalanche activity is unlikely.
On shady, upper-elevation slopes, around 10 to 20 cm of recent snow overlies previous firm surfaces. Expect a thick, supportive crust on the surface at low elevations, and on south and west-facing slopes. This crust may soften and melt during the day as it warms.
Two layers of surface hoar and sun crust may be found in the top meter of the snowpack.
A widespread crust is buried about 70 to 130 cm deep. This crust has a layer of facets above it in many areas, creating a persistent weak layer.
The snowpack below this crust is generally not concerning, except in shallow alpine terrain.
Saturday Night
Clear. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures drop to -15 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. 10 km/h north ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature high of 1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.
Monday
A few clouds. 15 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature high of 2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy. 15 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature high of 2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
