A storm starting Thursday will likely increase the avalanche danger over the next few days.
Recent wind slabs overly facets from last weeks cold spell. Increasing winds Friday and snow inputs over the next couple of days will likely add to the reactivity of this problem.
The Dec. 2 crust/facets are down 50-80 cm and have not yet been a widespread problem. Uncertainty remains about what it will take to activate this layer which seems most pronounced in Kootenay.
A storm system is on the way starting Thursday. Expect increasing winds over the day in the alpine from the W/SW, and 5-10cm by the end of the day. -20C in the AM and warming slightly to -15C in the afternoon at treeline. Another 10cm, moderate to strong West winds and temperatures between -5C and -10C expected on Friday.
15-30 cm storm snow in the last few days. Previous wind slabs have been observed sitting over facets in lee areas of the alpine and some treeline locations. 50-70 cm over the Dec 2 crust/facet combo which exists below 2200 m. Shallow snowpack areas (<100cm) have weaker basal facets. Snowpack depths at treeline are from 120-160 cm.
There was a small wind slab triggered on Ochre Spring creek yesterday at treeline. This slab was overlying facets from last weeks cold snap. No other avalanches reported or observed.
