Recent avalanches in the region indicate that the potential for rider triggering remains possible.
Recent storm snow has been blown onto lee north and easterly slopes at ridgetops, forming slabs that may remain triggerable for a few more days.
This problem exists where weak faceted snow overlies a crust. Avalanches on this layer could break wider and run farther than expected.
Loose wet avalanches may occur in the late afternoon if the forecast warm temperatures and sunshine materialize.
On Wednesday, several explosive-controlled and naturally occurring avalanches sizes 1.5 to 2, were observed in the Lizard Range. They were a variety of storm slabs, persistent slabs and loose wet avalanches.
On Tuesday, a skier accidentally triggered a small (size 1) avalanche on the persistent layer described in the snowpack summary.
On Monday, a group of skiers triggered a persistent slab, photo is below. For full details check this MIN.
5 to 15 cm of snow recently fell across the region. This snow may have been blown onto lee slopes creating wind slabs. Steep south and west facing slopes have a sun crust. In wind-sheltered areas, 30 to 60 cm of settled snow sits on an old rain crust. This crust remains a concern due to a layer of weak facets that have formed overtop, making it susceptible to human triggering. The snowpack is generally deeper and more consolidated in the Lizard Range and Flathead, and shallower and more faceted to the north of Sparwood and east of the continental divide.
Thursday Night
Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow, 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, treeline temperature around -7 °C, freezing level dropping to valley bottom.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of snow possible, 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, treeline temperature around 0 °C, freezing level rising to 1700 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with 2 to 6 cm of snow / light rain below 1500 m, 25 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, treeline temperature around -3 °C,
Sunday
Cloudy with 5 to 20 cm of snow / light to moderate rain below 1500 m, 25 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind, treeline temperature around -2 °C,
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
