A complex snowpack with several avalanche problems is best managed through conservative terrain choices. Avoid overhead hazard.
Recent snow sits poorly bonded over a weak layer of facets. It has been most reactive in wind-loaded features such as below ridge crests and roll-overs.
Two weak layers of surface hoar and/or facets are buried 60-80 cm and 130+ cm deep, respectively.
Basal facets remain a concern in steep, rocky alpine features with thin-to-thick snowpack transitions.
Numerous human-triggered persistent slab avalanches have been reported up to size 2 (large) at alpine and treeline elevations. Several were remotely triggered.
Wind slabs have been reactive naturally and to human triggers, up to size 2.5 on north to east aspects in the alpine.
Large avalanches on deep weak layers have been observed throughout the region; size 3 naturals on north aspects in the northern Selkirks and artificially triggered size 2-3.5 in the Purcells.
15 to 30 cm of recent snow sits on facets formed during the mid January cold snap. At upper elevations, the recent snow has been redistributed by wind.
The mid pack contains a few layers of concern. A surface hoar/facet/crust layer formed in early January is now buried 60 to 80 cm deep and has produced recent avalanches.
Another surface hoar layer that was buried in early December is now 130+ cm deep. This layer has been of most concern above 2000 m where a robust crust doesn't exist above it, or in shallow snowpack areas.
The lower snowpack is characterized by weak basal facets. Avalanches on this layer have been large and destructive.
Thursday night
Mostly cloudy with flurries brining up to 5 cm of new snow. South alpine wind 30-40 km/h. Treeline temperature -2 °C.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. South alpine wind 40 km/h. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with flurries brining a trace of new snow. Southwest alpine wind 30-40 km/h. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with flurries brining up to 5 cm of new snow. Southwest alpine wind 40-60 km/h. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
