Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making are essential while waiting out the deep persistent instabilities.Thin to thick areas are the most likely skier trigger points. Solar radiation should also be considered this week - especially mid day on steep southerly aspects, and in terrain exposed to cornices.
Previous moderate to strong winds from the SW have formed wind slabs in usual lees, but recent light easterly winds have a potential for reverse loading at ridge crest. While assessing recent wind affect, keep in mind the potential of triggering either older wind slabs below or deep instabilities at the bottom of the snowpack, especially in thin to thick zones.
The bottom of the snow pack is inherently weak with well developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Although natural avalanche activity has slowed down and snowpack test results are less conclusive on this layer, skier triggering is still possible.
No significant avalanches observed on a patrol of Hwy 93 Monday.
A number of large avalanches up to size 3 were observed last week. Natural activity has tapered off but the snowpack has proven sensitive to small inputs of new snow, loading, temperature change, and potentially solar effect. The majority of last week's large avalanches initiated in the alpine but have the potential to run through all elevation bands.
Don't forget to post avalanche observations to the MIN.
Top 20 to 40cm comprised of low density facetted crystals in sheltered areas. There is extensive wind effect at tree line and above from previous SW winds with a dash of reverse loading happening from the recent light easterly winds.
This is sitting on top of a generally weak mid and lower snowpack. Facets and depth hoar linger at the base of the snowpack with the height of snow varying from 60 to 160cm.
The surface ridge of high pressure will remain in place until the weekend. Clear skies, minimal wind, and temperatures slightly below seasonal are expected. Freezing level expected to remain at or near valley bottom.
Detailed weather forecasts from Avalanche Canada: https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
