June BC

Knowing the June area was hit hard with winds, I wanted to check out the wind slab activity in the area, and see how high elevation solars and lower elevation northerlies were holding up with increased sun/temperatures yesterday. 

I was pleasantly surprised to only see up to 4 in of surface snow getting wet in direct sunlight even at the highest elevations. It developed a crust as direct sunlight faded. Temperatures remained well below freezing at higher elevations despite the weather forecast. At lower elevations, surface snow was beginning to transition as well, but was holding surprisingly well in contrast to what forecasted temperatures suggested. Looking at data, temps at lower elevations remained colder than expected. 

I observed a multitude of natural and skiier triggered avalanches, and crowns from the last 24-48 hours. Protected northerlies held soft snow and small loose dry problems, and exposed northerlies/NE start zones held onto reactive wind slabs. Rollerballs were observed off of rock features on southerlies. 

Our weak layers are present in this area, beneath 150 - 400 cm of snow, with thick, 1F to P hard slabs separating them from the rest of the snowpack. 

Cornices have developed in the area. It is possible the 2/2 and 2/14 crusts exist in this area - need more information/confirmation. 

Observed multiple wind slab avalanches from the last 24 hours, and multiple human triggered wind slab and dry loose avalanches in the area. All human triggered avalanches were D1 or less. Natural wind slab activity reached size D2. Cornices have formed on some leeward terrain features.