Make conservative terrain choices while the recent storm snow settles and bonds to the weak layers below.
Recently formed storm slabs still need time to bond and stabilize, especially at treeline and above, where more cohesive slabs exist.
Where recent snow is deeper, a buried surface-hoar layer may create surprisingly touchy conditions.
Reports suggest that at least 1 size 2 avalanche was observed in the Clemina region. This avalanche was on a NW aspect at roughly 2000 m elevation. It failed on a layer of surface hoar down 75 cm. The trigger type and exact timing remain unclear.
Let us know what you are seeing by posting a MIN if you are heading out in the backcountry!
Up to 50 cm of new snow has accumulated since last weekend. Persistent westerly winds during these storms have formed deeper deposits of wind-loaded snow on leeward slopes at higher elevations.
In sheltered terrain, especially near treeline, a preserved surface hoar layer has likely been buried 30 to 60 cm below the surface.
Snow depths at treeline average 100 to 150 cm and decrease rapidly at lower elevations.
Thursday Night
Cloudy. 2 to 3 cm of snow. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Friday
Cloudy. 4 to 6 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 900 m.
Saturday
Cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 500 m.
Sunday
Cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
