Stay vigilant, as conditions may change rapidly.
Expect significant variability based on elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind and sun.
Fresh wind slabs have formed on leeward, wind-loaded features. They will be most reactive near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets is buried 40 to 80 cm. The greatest concern for triggering lies on upper elevation northerly through easterly slopes.
Wet loose avalanches will be likely on sun-exposed slopes. Avoid overhead hazard from steep sunny faces during the warmest parts of the day.
Sat/Fri: a few small (size 1-1.5) natural and rider-triggered avalanches occurred near Castle Mtn.
Thurs: two notable cornice failures in the northern Elk Valley produced slabs on northeast facing ridges that stepped down to the persistent weak layer.
Looking ahead: Both natural and human-triggered avalanches are expected to be possible to likely on Monday.
20 to 40 cm of storm snow has accumulated over the past few days, forming wind slabs at upper elevations. In most areas, this snow rests on a melt-freeze crust, except for high elevation north and east facing slopes.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar or facets from late January is currently buried 50 to 100 cm deep. It has been the cause of recent large avalanches, and remains reactive in snowpack tests. The greatest concern for this weak layer is on upper-elevation northerly and easterly slopes.
Sunday Night
Cloudy with 1 to 5 cm of snow. 15 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Wednesday
Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
