Watch for lingering wind slabs especially around ridge crests, convexities and in steep terrain. The sun at this time of year can pack a punch so avoid exposure to cornices and watch for signs of warming on steep south aspects.
Variability in direction of recent winds means wind slabs might be found on a variety of aspects. Many terrain features have been reverse-loaded by winds over the weekend. Older wind slabs are harder to triggered but can still deliver surprises.
No new avalanches were reported on Sunday or Monday.
On Saturday, there were a few reports of storm slab avalanches, a size 2.5 triggered by a cornice fall north of Stewart and a size 1.5 accidentally triggered by a skier north of Terrace.
Surface conditions are a mix of very wind affected snow in exposed terrain features, old wind slabs on lee aspects, sun crusts or moist snow on steep solar aspects, and preserved softer snow in sheltered areas.
A layer of small surface hoar or facets is now buried over 80 cm deep. A facet/crust layer formed in late January exists around 150 cm deep. Large avalanches were suspected to have run on this layer in mid February. Triggering these deeper layers may still be possible in places where the snowpack is shallow.
The lower snowpack is generally well consolidated but as you move further inland where the snowpack is thinner, basal instabilities linger.
Tuesday night
Up to 5 cm of new snow. Moderate to strong southeasterly wind. Alpine low -15 ˚C
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Wind easing to light easterly. Alpine high -8 ˚C
Thursday
Mostly sunny. Light wind. Alpine high -5˚C.
Friday
Mostly sunny. Moderate southeasterly wind. Alpine high -7 ˚C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
