Terrain that is sheltered from the wind will hold the best riding conditions and lower avalanche danger.
Dense, wind-affected snow may be found even at low elevations due to outflow winds.
Rider triggerable wind slabs may be found on all aspects.
Near Stewart and Ningunsaw, wind slabs could fail on a buried crust, up to 100 cm deep. This is most likely in alpine areas with a shallow snowpack; like south slopes.
On Monday, several small to large (size 1-2) natural and rider triggered avalanches were reported. Wind slab and dry loose avalanches in steep alpine terrain were the most common, but some occurred below ridgetops or convex rolls at lower elevations.
Over the weekend, a couple riders were surprised by windslab avalanches below treeline.
As moderate atypical winds continue from the north and east, reactive wind slabs may continue to form on south and west aspects.
Recent variable winds mean that wind slab could be found on all aspects. Expect to find loose, sugary snow (facets) underneath these wind slabs, or on the surface in sheltered areas.
In sheltered areas, about 20 to 40 cm of recent snow overlies a layer of surface hoar and a crust below 1700 m.
Near Stewart and Ningunsaw, a poorly-bonded crust about 100 cm deep may act as a weak layer.
Elsewhere, the remainder of the snowpack is reportedly strong with various hard crusts.
Tuesday Night
Clear. No new snow expected. Moderate northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -12 °C.
Wednesday
Sunny. No new snow expected. Moderate east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature falling to around -16° C.
Thursday
Mostly sunny. No new snow expected. Moderate east or southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -16 °C.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. Trace of snow expected. Moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -11 °C with possible temperature inversion.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
