A mix of snow and rain is expected to fall on an already weakened snowpack following recent above-freezing temperatures. Avoid large avalanche terrain until the snowpack has time to adjust.
Fresh storm slabs are expected to form at higher elevations where precipitation falls as snow. In some areas, new snow may accumulate on a crust and bond poorly to the underlying surface.
Wet loose avalanches remain likely at lower elevations, particularly in areas receiving precipitation as rain or wet snow.
Both skier-triggered and natural wet avalanches up to size 2 were reported on Monday in the Fernie area. Check out the MIN report for more details.
At higher elevations, new snow will bury generally moist snow surfaces, while lower elevations will see a mix of rain and snow falling onto a moist or isothermal snowpack.
A weak layer of facets above a hard crust may persist 50 to 70 cm deep. This layer hasn't produced avalanches in over a week.
Facets exist at the base of the snowpack in shallow areas.
Wednesday Night
Cloudy. 5 to 15 mm of precipitation as snow or rain at treeline. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 cm of snow. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Friday
Mix of sun and clouds. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 5 cm of snow. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
