A widespread avalanche cycle is ongoing, and the avalanche hazard will remain elevated until the warm temperatures and high winds subside, or our precious little snowpack melts away.
Avoid all avalanche terrain.
This layer is concerning when there is a cohesive slab overlying it. Watch for the warnings in the snowpack like shooting cracks.
Watch for this problem to become more significant as the temperatures rise, particularly in steep and rocky terrain.
The base of the snowpack is inherently weak and untrustworthy. Concern for human and natural triggering of this avalanche problem will increase as the temperatures rise over the next few days.
Numerous natural avalanches at all elevations were observed on Monday. Impressive avalanches up to size 3 out of alpine and tree line features, as well as loose wet and wet slabs up to size 2 below tree line were observed.
High freezing levels, mixed precipitation, and intermittent solar radiation has formed surface crusts or moist snow up to 2500 m on most aspects, and higher on steep sun effected ones. Persistent weak layers formed in early January are down 20-30cm in sheltered areas, and have been reactive more recently where wind loaded. Well developed facets and depth hoar make up the bottom of the snowpack.
It will continue to be unseasonably warm with strong winds for the next couple days. There is also potential for some light precipitation near the icefields, likely a mix of rain or snow depending on elevation.
The Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast
