Expect increased natural and human triggered avalanches as warm air and solar warming.
Spring-like conditions are making for challenging travel.
20 to 40 cm of heavy storm snow sits over a widespread weak layer. This layer is reactive to rider triggering, including remote triggers. Use extra caution in steep terrain and unsupported features.
Wet loose avalanches are likely with warm temperatures and solar warming. If triggered, avalanches will run far on a widespread crust. Avalanches are more likely in solar facing terrain under clear skies.
A solar triggered, natural cycle was observed on Thursday along the highway corridor, with avalanches up to size 3.0
Human triggering continues on the late January persistent weak layer. Avalanches have been more prevalent below treeline(MIN) and in unsupported terrain. See the MIN in Connaught creek on Tuesday of a rider remote avalanche, size 1.5.
Loose avalanches triggered by sun and warm temperatures are likely on Friday.
Expect variable surface crusts formed by a temperature inversion and clear skies. This crust will break down during the day.
Warm air and solar warming have made the snow surface heavy and wet increasing slab cohesion. ~ 30cm beneath the surface is the late Jan weak layer of surface hoar, facets and a crust. This layer is widespread with largest surface hoar (up to 40mm) in sheltered areas below treeline.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Unseasonal high temperatures and strong solar warming are forecast for Friday. Winter will return on the weekend with snow and falling freezing levels.
Tonight: Cloudy. Alp low 6°C. Wind SW 30km/h. (FZL) 1600m, weak inversion
Fri: Sun & cloud. High 5°C. Wind SW 25 km/h. FZL 2900m.
Sat: Flurries, 10-15 cm. High 0°C. Wind SW 30-40 km/h. FZL 1500m.
Sun: Cloudy w/flurries. High -3°C. Wind SW 10-30 km/h. FZL 1500m.
