All avalanche terrain should be avoided later in the day when the crust on top of the snowpack breaks down due to daytime heating. We expect this to occur mostly at lower elevations and on sun exposed alpine slopes. Start early and finish early!
Any steep slopes should be avoided later in the day when the crust on top of the snowpack breaks down due to daytime heating. We expect this to occur mostly at lower elevations and on sun exposed alpine slopes on Monday. Start early and finish early!
It doesn't take long for the strong solar &amp; warm temps to break down the weak surface crust. Loose wet avalanches are expected. Be especially careful on S aspects &amp; in terrain traps below treeline where even small slides could bury or push you around
Strong solar input and daytime warming have created a wet slab problem. These slabs can be triggered from loose point releases or they can fail seemingly unprompted in the form of a large glide release. Avoid overhead exposure to glide cracks!
All avalanche terrain should be avoided later in the day when the crust on top of the snowpack breaks down due to daytime heating. Cloud cover may reduce the likelihood of this on Wednesday.
Any steep slopes should be avoided later in the day when the crust on top of the snowpack breaks down due to daytime heating. We expect this to occur mostly at lower elevations and on sun exposed alpine slopes on Monday. Start early and finish early.
It doesn't take long for the strong solar &amp; warm temps to break down the weak surface crust. Loose wet avalanches are expected. Be especially careful on S aspects &amp; in terrain traps below treeline where even small slides could bury or push you around
Strong solar input and daytime warming have created a wet slab problem. These slabs can be triggered from loose point releases or they can fail seemingly unprompted in the form of a large glide release. Avoid overhead exposure to glide cracks!
All avalanche terrain should be avoided later in the day when the crust on top of the snowpack breaks down due to daytime heating. Cloud cover may reduce the likelihood of this on Thursday.
Any steep slopes should be avoided later in the day when the crust on top of the snowpack breaks down due to daytime heating.&nbsp; Crusts remained intact on Wednesday except at lower elevations. Start early and finish early.
During periods of sun on solar aspects during the heat of the day loose wet avalanches are possible. Minimize your exposure to these slopes. Sometimes loose wet avalanches entrain significant mass and are quite dangerous.
As the snowpack warms and weakens during the day wet slab avalanche are more likely. Large and destructive wet slab avalanches have been observed recently.
All avalanche terrain should be avoided later in the day when the crust on top of the snowpack breaks down due to daytime heating. Cloud cover may reduce the likelihood of this on Thursday.
Any steep slopes should be avoided later in the day when the crust on top of the snowpack breaks down due to daytime heating. Crusts remained intact on Thursday to 1600m. Start early and finish early.
Watch for a cycle of loose wet avalanches in the new snow. Size will be dependant on snowfall amount. On Friday this will mainly be on sunny slopes; heat on Saturday and Sunday may spread this problem to higher/shadier terrain.
A strong surface crust exists, and with good timing spring &quot;corn&quot; skiing can be had when the surface starts to break down. However, if the crust has completely broken down loose wet avalanches will be easy to trigger and can entrain significant mass.
As the snowpack warms and weakens during the day wet slab avalanche are more likely. Large and destructive wet slab avalanches have been observed recently. As freezing levels rise over the weekend more avalanche activity is expected.
All avalanche terrain should be avoided later in the day when the crust on top of the snowpack breaks down due to daytime heating. This is possible to TL Saturday but very likely into the ALP and on North aspects Sunday with strong heating expected
All avalanche terrain should be avoided later in the day when the crust on top of the snowpack breaks down due to daytime heating. This is possible to TL Saturday but very likely into the ALP and on North aspects Sunday with strong heating expected
A crust buried up to 1m deep may become increasingly reactive over the weekend and be hard to predict. Test results show variability: in some areas it is unreactive and in others it may be triggered by light loads (you!) and produce large avalanches.
Forecast snow and wind might make a crust buried up to 1m deep more reactive and unpredictable. Test results show variability: in some areas it is unreactive and in others it may be triggered by light loads (you!) and produce large avalanches.
We are expecting up to 30cm of snow by Sunday. This will add to ~20cm of powder sitting on the surface. Expect sluffing and loose avalanches to be triggered when skiing steep slopes. The loose snow also hides tree wells; buddy up!
Moderate winds and significant snowfall should be creating sensitive storm slabs in the alpine and open areas at treeline.
20cm of storm snow so far with another 10cm expected by Sunday. This is in addition to the 20cm of soft snow on the old snow surface. Loose snow avalanches can be expected in steeper terrain.
Storm snow loading on top of the persistent slab/Nov crust could make this deep slab more reactive. Field tests so far show variability with areas that are unreactive and others where light loads may trigger slides on this layer.
Newly formed storm slabs should be treated as susceptible to human triggering. Once triggered it may overload the Nov 13 crust layer resulting in large avalanches.
Upwards of 60cm of loose dry snow has fallen. Sluff management will be essential for safe travel. Watch for others above and below you. Sluffs may overload storm and windslabs given the right location.
While natural avalanche activity is tapering off, human triggered avalanches are still likely. Our new storm slab sits on previous wind slabs, combined this avalanche problem has the potential to step down to the Nov 13 Crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
Upwards of 80cm of loose dry snow has fallen. Sluff management will be essential for safe travel. Watch for others above and below you. Sluffs have the potential to push a rider into a tree well or other terrain trap.
Sluffs have the potential to push a rider into a tree well or other terrain traps. With the recent arrival of 80cm of loose dry snow, sluff management will be essential for safe travel. Watch for others above and below you.
This will mainly be a problem on Sunday as wind moves low-density snow around.
This problem is most widespread in the alpine, where new snow totals are highest; but has also been noted in steep ice climbing areas Below Treeline. Skiers, use caution in steep terrain; Climbers, use caution around gullies, and avoid during wind.
Wind slabs are currently a problem in the Alpine in Western Areas, and on all snowy slopes in Eastern areas.&nbsp; Watch for this problem to move to S and W facing slopes if we see moderate NE winds Thursday-Friday.
The low density snow that has made for great skiing lately is being blown to many places. With Extreme winds, watch for Wind Slabs in unusual places. New snowfall on Monday will increase this problem. These may be hidden by more snowfall on Tuesday.
30cm of storm snow is settling over a very weak old surface of facetted  snow. The surface slab will be sensitive to human and natural triggering especially in areas of wind effect as it overloads the weak layer.
Sunday afternoon we were already observing loose dry snow sluffing as the weak old snow surface was overloaded.  Add another 30cm overnight and these slides could entrain enough mass to be an issue for skiers and riders.
48 hours of intense ridgetop transport due to strong SW winds has created new windslabs, reactive to skier traffic. Numerous natural avalanches were observed from a variety of aspects, particularly alpine gulley features and planar NE slopes.
50cm of storm snow with strong gusting winds is sitting over a very weak old surface of facetted snow. Cracking and whumphing was observed yesterday from groups out skiing. With additional snowload and settlement the surface slab will remain touchy
Where the new snow is unconsolidated heavy sloughing is expected. Add another 10cm of new snow today and in steep terrain these slides could entrain enough mass to be an issue for skiers and riders.
72 hours of intense ridgetop transport due to strong SW winds has created windslabs. Numerous natural avalanches were observed from a variety of aspects, particularly alpine gulley features and planar NE slopes.
~80cm of storm snow is settling into a slab. It sits on a weak and reactive layer of facets and spotty surface hoar. Yesterday skiers accidentally triggered a storm slab avalanche, partially burying a member of the group. Human triggering is likely.
Where the new snow is unconsolidated heavy sloughing is expected. In steep terrain these slides could entrain enough mass to be an issue for skiers and riders.
Intense ridgetop transport due to strong SW winds has created windslabs. Numerous natural avalanches were observed from a variety of aspects, particularly alpine gulley features and planar NE slopes.
80cm of storm snow is settling into a slab. The storm snow is poorly bonded to a reactive layer of facets and spotty surface hoar.
Where the new snow is unconsolidated heavy sloughing is expected. In steep terrain these slides could entrain enough mass to be an issue for skiers and riders.
Strong winds have created a mosaic of snow depths across the landscape. These slabs will vary greatly in their triggering sensitivity requiring each slope to be carefully evaluated. The only rule of thumb to keep in mind is caution is advised.
Cold temperatures have kept recent storm snow light and powdery, but slab properties are beginning to form. The slab sits on the December 18 facet/ surface hoar down 50-60cm. Stability tests show that the storm slab is reactive to skier loads.
Nearby operations have reported these failing in the middle of the snowpack, and in some cases stepping down to ground. They are most likely to be triggered in thin Rocky areas, which are more widespread in the Eastern areas of the Park.
These are more widespread than usual, existing on most aspects and elevations due to the intensity of previous winds. They will be hard to spot under new snowfall. New Wind Slabs will build with forecast Strong Westerlies on Monday.
Recent storm snow has been slow to form a slab in part due to cold temps. Slab properties are starting to form.  The slab rests on the Dec 18 facet/surface hoar layer down 50-60cm.  Stability tests show that the storm slab is reactive to skier loads.
New snow amounts have slowly piled up, especially in Eastern areas with the influence of an up-slope flow. The weak Dec 19 facets do not provide much support for this snow and once a sluff is initiated in steep terrain, it can run a long distance
New snow amounts have slowly piled up, especially in Eastern areas with the influence of an up-slope flow. The weak Dec 19 facets do not provide much support for this snow and once a sluff is initiated in steep terrain, it can run a long distance
Nearby operations have reported these failing in the middle of the snowpack, and in some cases stepping down to ground. They are most likely to be triggered in thin rocky areas, which are more widespread in the Eastern areas of the Park.
These are more widespread than usual, existing on most aspects and elevations due to the intensity of previous winds. They will be hard to spot under new snowfall. New Wind Slabs will build with forecast Strong Westerlies on Monday.
The recent storm snow has been slow to form a slab in part due to continued cool temperatures. Slab properties are starting to form and this is a concern given the Dec 18th facet/surface hoar weak layer down 50-60cm.
New snow amounts have slowly piled up, especially in Eastern areas with the influence of an up-slope flow. The weak Dec 19 facets do not provide much support for this snow and once a sluff is initiated in steep terrain, it can run a long distance
New snow amounts have slowly piled up, especially in Eastern areas with the influence of an up-slope flow. The weak Dec 19 facets do not provide much support for this snow and once a sluff is initiated in steep terrain, it can run a long distance
The recent storm snow has been slow to form a slab in part due to continued cool temperatures. Slab properties are starting to form and this is a concern given the Dec 18th facet/surface hoar weak layer down 50-60cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
The snow from the past week has been slow to form a slab in part due to continued cool temperatures and little wind. Slab properties are now starting to form and this is a concern, given the poor bond to the Dec 18th facet layer down 50-60cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
Nearby operations have reported these failing in the middle of the snowpack, and in some cases stepping down to ground. They are most likely to be triggered in thin rocky areas, which are more widespread in the Eastern areas of the Park.
These are more widespread than usual, existing on most aspects and elevations due to the intensity of previous winds. They will be hard to spot under new snowfall. New Wind Slabs will build with forecast Strong Westerlies on Monday.
The weak, facetted snow from the cold snap in early December is now buried ~70-100cm. The slab over this layer is developing, and as the load on this layer grows it may become increasingly reactive.
In areas sheltered from the wind there is a lot of amazing, low density powder. Expect sluffing when skiing steeper pitches. With all the loose, light snow a small avalanche may pick up mass especially in more confined gully type terrain features.
Up to 30cm of snow fell in the last 24hrs at treeline with another 15-25 expected today &amp; tonight. This new slab has buried a spotty surface hoar layer, that could be lurking. Expect this new load to take some time to stabilize.
50cm storm snow in 48hrs with flurries expected today. The storm snow has buried a spotty surface hoar layer to dig and look for. The new load will take a few days to stabilize.
Nearby areas have seen these failing in the midpack facets in thicker areas and in loose sugary facets near the ground in thinner areas. They are most likely to be triggered in thin rocky areas, with variable snowpack depth.
60+ cm of new snow in the last 72 hours at tree line has created storm slabs most reactive at tree line and in the Alpine. The storm slab also stepped down to the Dec 18th interface yesterday on steep shallow southerly aspects with artillery control.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
Since Thursday we have received 60cm+ snow at 1900m elevation which is settling into a slab. Expect the forming slab to be most reactive at and above TL. The storm slab did step down to the Dec 18th interface with artillery and explosive control.
These are touchy, especially to the immediate lee of ridges. Look for these on the opposite side of features from normal. The storm snow will be slow to stabilize, due to cold temperatures. Wind Slab problems may develop on Wednesday.
The weak midpack facet layer is widespread, but highly variable slab thickness and sensitivity makes these hard to evaluate. These are difficult to trigger, but may be large. Rocky, wind-exposed areas are most suspect.
The weak mid-pack facet layer is widespread, but&nbsp; the slab over it is variable. These may be&nbsp; difficult to trigger but&nbsp; are high consequence. Avoid large uniform features, shallow trigger points, and watch for slab properties in the upper snowpack.
The weak facet layer is isolated to thin snowpack areas where the presence of any slab over these crystals would spell concern. Avoid thin snowpack areas, use caution with large uniform features, and consider the potential for shallow trigger points.
Faceting of the surface snow is causing it to lose cohesion and release loose dry avalanches in steep terrain. Particularly concerning for ice-climbers in confined terrain.
Avoid thin snowpack areas, use caution with large uniform features, and consider the potential for shallow trigger points.
Faceting of the surface snow is causing it to lose cohesion and release loose dry avalanches in steep terrain. 10-15cm of new snow will add to this problem. This is concerning for ice-climbers in confined terrain.
Cold temps have facetted the snowpack and is causing it to lose cohesion and release loose dry avalanches in steep terrain.&nbsp; The 10-15cm of new snow will add to this problem. This is concerning for ice-climbers and skiers in confined/exposed terrain.
A weak layer of facets in the middle of the snowpack will be trying to adjust to new loading from recent snowfall, and forecast wind transport. A Moderate, Sudden Planar result in a snowpack test on Tuesday indicates potential for human triggering.
Cold temps have facetted the snowpack and is causing it to lose cohesion and release loose dry avalanches in steep terrain. The 10-15cm of new snow will add to this problem. This is concerning for ice-climbers and skiers in confined/exposed terrain.
The faceted snowpack continues to lose cohesion and release loose dry avalanches from steep terrain. This is concerning for ice-climbers and skiers in confined/exposed terrain.
The faceted snowpack continues to lose cohesion and release loose dry avalanches from steep terrain. This is concerning for ice-climbers and skiers in confined/exposed terrain.
Facets in the midpack have produced sporadic test results, and loads in thin Alpine areas could trigger Deep Persistent Slabs on a Depth Hoar/Crust combo near the bottom of the snowpack. Near-zero temps may increase sensitivity of these layers.
The faceted snowpack has little cohesion producing loose dry avalanches in steep terrain. This is concerning for ice-climbers and skiers in confined/exposed terrain.
Loose dry avalanches observed out of steep solar aspects at lower elevations, this loose snow has the potential to entrain the very faceted snowpack and gain mass quickly. Main terrain concern is when traveling in gully features while ice climbing.
Weak faceted layers from previous cold temps in the mid and lower snowpack remain a concern, particularly in shallow snowpack areas where facetting is more pronounced and triggering is more likely.
Weak surface snow found at sheltered locations at lower elevations can fail easily in steep terrain. This loose snow has the potential to entrain more faceted snow and gain mass quickly particularly in confined terrain features like ice climbs
Weak surface snow found at sheltered locations at lower elevations can fail easily in steep terrain. This loose snow has the potential to entrain more faceted snow and gain mass quickly particularly in confined terrain features like ice climbs
Forecasted snow amounts expected to be 10 to 30cms over the next 24 hours. Regardless of volume, this snow will fall on to a variety of surface forms (rocks, small surface hoar; facets, or hard windslabs).
15 cm of new snow in the last 24 hrs falls with moderate S winds is building a new slab.  Steady snowfall over the next few days will add load to this developing slab which sits on a weak layer of facets and surface hoar. 
35cm of new snow was accompanied by moderate S winds. This has created a new storm slab that is poorly bonded to a weak layer of facets and surface hoar. This slab will be reactive at all elevation bands, especially with the warm temp's today.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
Recent storm snow is sluffing out of steep terrain. Ice climbers in particular should be paying attention to this problem.
50cm of new snow, accompanied by moderate southerly winds and warming temperatures, has created a new storm slab . The slab is poorly bonded to a weak layer of facets and surface hoar. This slab is widespread and reactive.
Storm slabs may be present especially at tree-line. If triggered, it is likely it will initiate the rest of the weak faceted snowpack.
40cm of new snow has settled into slabs with the warm and humid weather. These will be most reactive at lower elevations in steep (35+ degree) terrain where they sit over facets. Cooling temperatures over the next few days should slow activity.
50cm of new snow, accompanied by moderate southerly winds and warming temperatures, has created a new storm slab . The slab is poorly bonded to a weak layer of facets and surface hoar. This slab is widespread and may become more reactive in the sun.
40cm of new snow has settled into slabs with the warm and humid weather. These will be most reactive at lower elevations in steep (35+ degree) terrain where they sit over facets. Cooling temperatures over the next few days should slow activity.
40 to 60cm of storm snow last week with warm temperatures and strong winds created a storm slab. This layer will need time to heal and bond to older surfaces like near surface faceting and wind slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
Watch for solar inputs today on southerly aspects, most likely present on steep rocky unsupported terrain.
40cm of new snow has settled into slabs with the warm and humid weather. These will be most reactive at lower elevations in steep (35+ degree) terrain where they sit over facets. Cooling temperatures over the next few days should slow activity.
Storm slabs are most volatile near ridge crest and terrain exposed to the wind and lee features. Evaluate each slope independently, avoid steep, shallow, unsupported terrain, cornices and terrain traps.
While this layer still exists in the alpine and should be considered in shallow areas it is mainly TL and below where this sugary snow in the lower snowpack continues to produce moderate shears. Take extra care BTL where this layer is shallow
This layer is mainly a concern below treeline where the facetted snow in the lower snowpack continues to produce moderate shears.
Last weeks storm snow has settled into a 20-40 cm slab. This slab is starting to settle out, but snowpit tests show this layer to be reactive in some locations, particularly around treeline where surface hoar has been found.
Wind loading and shedding from steep faces, especially concerning for ice climbers.
Incoming new snow will not likely bond well to previous surfaces.&nbsp; Watch for fast running sluffs in steep terrain if snowfall amounts exceed 10cm.
Wind loading and shedding from steep faces, especially concerning for ice climbers.
Thin pockets of Wind Slab are expected to be hard and unreactive in wind exposed areas, but may be soft enough to trigger in typically sheltered areas. The problem may switch to S and W aspects if we get more snowfall than forecast with NE winds.
Wind loading and shedding from steep faces, especially concerning for ice climbers.
Wind loading and shedding from steep faces, especially concerning for ice climbers.
Faceted snow may be triggered on steep solar aspects.
Faceted snow is easily triggered and can grow quickly by entraining surrounding snow.
Faceted snow&nbsp; on ledges and above ice climbs can be easily triggered and can grow quickly by entraining surrounding snow especially in gulley features.
This problem will grow throughout the forecast period, and may be widespread. Pay attention to obvious signs of instability, do snowpack tests on representative slopes, and only expose one at a time. Conservative decision-making is essential.
Deeply buried Persistent weak layers from a cold winter have produced few results in recent testing, but are now being heavily loaded. In sheltered/windward terrain, this is the first large load on these layers. Avoid previously shallow areas.
Loose Dry avalanches will fail naturally in steep sheltered area. These will grow in size by Monday. Avoid extended time in features like gullies Below Treeline, where you will be exposed to overhead hazard, and avoid skiing above your partner.
Storm slabs are forming over a weak old snow surface that developed during the recent cold clear weather. Freshly formed slabs will be more sensitive to human triggering in wind exposed terrain.
Currently small in size, watch locally for their formation and the bed surface below. This can be facets, wind layers, surface hoar, or sun crust. As there is an easterly component, if there are increased winds watch for reverse loading.
Faceted snow on ledges and above ice climbs can be easily triggered and can grow quickly by entraining surrounding snow especially in gulley features.
Expect widespread sensitive windslab in exposed terrain at and above treeline. The slab will be hidden by last night's storm snow making it harder to detect. These slabs reside on a variety of weak surfaces and are susceptible to human triggering.
Deeply buried Persistent weak layers from a cold winter have produced few results in recent testing, but are now being heavily loaded. In sheltered/windward terrain, this is the first large load on these layers. Avoid previously shallow areas.
Loose Dry avalanches will fail naturally in steep areas.
Currently small in size, watch locally for their formation and the bed surface below. This can be facets, wind layers, surface hoar, or sun crust. Watch for reverse loading where east winds are present.
Wind and storm slabs have produced many avalanches of late, up to size 3.5! Storm slabs were hair triggered yesterday on the west end of the park averaging size 1.5 at and below TL. Saturday a wind slab was triggered on a solar asp sliding on a crust 
10cm of storm snow over facets can be easily triggered and grow quickly by entraining surrounding snow especially in gulley features.
This is a weak and difficult to predict problem. We expect it to become more reactive now with more load, and once triggered may cause large avalanches running into the lower elevations. Avoid all big avalanche terrain.
The generally weak, facetted mid pack is producing moderate to hard shears. In the upper snowpack around treeline a buried layer of surface hoar produces variable shears. Current slab development will make triggering these layers more likely.
30cm of storm snow overlies a variety of surfaces to which it may bond poorly. Skiers have triggered small, unsupported slopes. As the snow settles and forms a slab expect it to become more reactive and capable of propagating into larger avalanches.
N'ly winds at ridgetop, and downflow winds in valley bottoms and drainages have changed the landscape, forming drifts and windslabs in unusual places. Be especially cautious on S'ly aspects where reverse loading has formed windslabs on a suncrust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
This is a weak and difficult to predict problem. We expect it to become more reactive with more load (Thurs), and once triggered may cause large avalanches running into the lower elevations.
The generally weak, facetted mid pack is producing moderate to hard shears. In the upper snowpack around treeline a buried layer of surface hoar produces variable shears.
10cm of storm snow over facets can be easily triggered and grow quickly by entraining surrounding snow especially in gulley features.
ont-weight: normal;font-size: 13px;color: #0000FF;text-decoration: underline; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30cm of storm snow sits on a variety of surfaces to which it may bond poorly (</span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/links/goto_e.asp?destination=http://data.avalanche.ca/Profiles/20170207%20Balu%20Pass.png" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">check out this snow profile</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">). As the snow forms a slab, and with new load from the storm expect it to become more reactive and capable of propagating into larger avalanches
Expect rapid Wind Slab development with incoming weather system.
Weak layers from a cold winter have produced few results in recent testing, but are now being heavily loaded, time will tell when the tipping point is reached for these to come back to life.
This is a weak and difficult to predict problem. We expect it to become more reactive with more load (Thurs), and once triggered may cause large avalanches running into the lower elevations.
The persistent weak layer in the mid-pack may waken up with the additional storm snow and the warming temperatures forecasted for Thursday.
Forecasted storm snow (~30cm) will fall over a poorly bonded, weak snow pack. Small sluffs have potential to entrain a lot of mass and grow in size quickly.
Heavy loading from recent storms has created widespread storm slabs. With more snow and wind for today, natural avalanches on this layer are likely. This is a problem to avoid today, staying clear of large open avalanche terrain above tree line.
Expect drifted snow to be deeper than 100 cm in leeward areas on Friday and very susceptible to human triggering. Give avalanche terrain a wide berth and remember that any fracture lines my extend further that you expect.
This problem is likely to &quot;wake up&quot; during this storm, resulting in large avalanches that could potentially run full path. Avoid avalanche terrain on Friday. and remember to watch out for overheard slopes and gullies.
Expect drifted snow to be deeper than 100 cm in leeward areas on Friday and very susceptible to human triggering. Give avalanche terrain a wide berth and remember that any fracture lines my extend further that you expect.
This problem is likely to &quot;wake up&quot; during this storm, resulting in large avalanches that could potentially run full path. Avoid avalanche terrain on Friday. and remember to watch out for overheard slopes and gullies.
Forecasted storm snow (~30cm) will fall over a poorly bonded, weak snow pack. Small sluffs have potential to entrain a lot of mass and grow in size quickly.
Widespread reactive storm slabs have formed. If triggered they have potential to run full path. Natural avalanche activity will taper off leaving slabs primed for human triggering.
45cm storm snow in last 48hrs and another 5cm on the way.  Expect to see loose dry avalanches occurring naturally in steep terrain.  Even steep open lines below treeline will require some sluff management today.
Likelihood of Storm Slabs in previous storm snow will decrease somewhat during the forecast period; however, they may be slow to bond with old surfaces, and can be surprising deep.
Several large avalanches have been observed from previously shallow terrain, where storm snow fell on large facets.  Observations have been limited; it is possible that Persistent slabs may be triggered in deeper areas also.
Wind loading has resulted in numerous loose dry avalanches over the last 24 hours out of steep cliffs and gullies. Ice climbers in particular should avoid any climbs in avalanche terrain until this activity dies down.
The new snow has created a touchy slab over the weak facets at all elevations, resulting in many avalanches that could potentially run full path. Avoid avalanche terrain on Saturday and remember to watch out for overhead slopes and gullies.
Wind loading has resulted in numerous loose dry avalanches over the last 24 hours out of steep cliffs and gullies. Ice climbers in particular should avoid any climbs in avalanche terrain until this activity dies down.
The new snow has created a touchy slab over the weak facets at all elevations, resulting in many avalanches that could potentially run full path. Avoid avalanche terrain on Saturday and remember to watch out for overhead slopes and gullies.
30-40cm of storm snow with warming temps has promoted fast settlement, forming a touchy storm slab.
ont-weight: bold;font-size: 13px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread reactive storm slabs have formed from previous heavy snowfall and strong winds overnight! </span><span class="s_2823317B">If triggered they have potential to run full path</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Natural avalanche activity will taper off leaving slabs primed for human triggering.
The new snow has created a touchy slab over the weak facets at all elevations, resulting in many avalanches that could potentially run full path, of which there have been numerous examples.
Wind loading has resulted in numerous loose dry avalanches over the last 48 hours out of steep cliffs and gullies. This problem will remain Sunday as wind speeds stay elevated.
The new snow has created a touchy slab over the weak facets at all elevations, resulting in many avalanches that could potentially run full path.
Wind loading has resulted in numerous loose dry avalanches over the last 48 hours out of steep cliffs and gullies. Ice climbers in particular should avoid any climbs in avalanche terrain until this activity dies down.
30-40cm of storm snow has formed a touchy storm slab.
ont-weight: bold;font-size: 13px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread reactive storm slabs have formed from previous heavy snowfall and strong winds overnight! </span><span class="s_2823317B">If triggered they have potential to run full path</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Reports came in of whumphing &amp; low elevation slabs releasing below treeline yesterday.
30-40cm of storm snow has formed a touchy storm slab.
Strong-Extreme Westerly winds are depositing snow further down slope than one might expect. Be cautious as you transition into wind affected snow.
While deep Storm Slabs from last weeks heavy snowfall have gained some strength over the past few days, this weeks warm temperatures may increase the likelyhood of triggering them.
Several large avalanches have been observed from previously shallow terrain, where storm snow fell on large facets. Observations have been limited; it is possible that Persistent slabs may be triggered in deeper areas also.
The new snow has created a touchy slab over the weak facets at all elevations, resulting in many avalanches that could potentially run full path, of which there have been numerous examples.
The new snow has created a touchy slab over the weak facets at all elevations, resulting in many avalanches that could potentially run full path.
ont-weight: bold;font-size: 13px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread reactive storm slabs have formed from previous heavy snowfall and strong winds overnight! </span><span class="s_2823317B">If triggered they have potential to run full path</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Reports came in of whumphing &amp; low elevation slabs releasing below treeline yesterday.
The Jan 25th sun crust is buried down approx 60cm. Previous to the storm it was whumphing, showing easy sudden results and reactive to human triggering. If the storm slab is triggered it has the potential to step down and trigger this layer.
30-40cm of storm snow has formed a touchy storm slab.
The recent snow has created a touchy slab over the weak facets at all elevations. Avalanches that have run full path have been observed in many areas.
With temperatures climbing, all it will take is a brief period of clear skies and calm winds to have a major impact on steep slopes. Small solar or temperature triggered events are likely as the snow becomes moist.
The new snow has created a touchy slab over the weak facets at all elevations. Avalanches could potentially run full path. We are seeing avalanche activity for the first time this season in many different areas.
With temperatures climbing, all it will take is a brief period of clear skies and calm winds to have a major impact on steep slopes. Small solar or temperature triggered events are likely as the snow becomes moist.
The storm slab may become more sensitive to human triggering with rising freezing level to 2400m.  The other item to contend with will be the sun's  input on steep solar aspects warming the surface slab.
The Jan 25th sun crust is buried down approx 60cm.  Before last week's storm it was giving easy sudden planar results and was reactive to human triggering.  If the storm slab releases it has the potential to step down to this deeper weak layer.
Steep solar aspects are waking up today with thin surface point releases already being observed in Grizzly Bowl.  A good day to minimize exposure to solar aspects.
Rain and warm temperatures expected in valley bottoms.
The new snow has created a touchy slab over the weak facets at all elevations. Avalanches could run full path. We are seeing avalanche activity for the first time this season in many different areas.
With temperatures climbing, all it will take is a brief period of clear skies and calm winds to have a major impact on steep slopes. Small solar or temperature triggered events are likely as the snow becomes moist.
The recent snow has created a touchy slab over the weak facets at all elevations. Avalanches that have run full path have been observed in many areas.
With temperatures climbing, all it will take is a brief period of clear skies and calm winds to have a major impact on steep slopes. Small solar or temperature triggered events are likely as the snow becomes moist.
The January 25th sun crust, weak layer is buried down approx 60cm.  Before last week's storm it was giving easy sudden planar results and was reactive to human triggering.  Warming surface layers may reawaken this layer today.
Rain and warm temperatures expected in valley bottoms.
The new snow has created a touchy slab over the weak facets at all elevations. Avalanches could run full path. We are seeing avalanche activity for the first time this season in many different areas.
The recent snow has created a touchy slab over the weak facets at all elevations. Avalanches that have run full path have been observed in many areas.
While deep Storm Slabs from last weeks heavy snowfall have gained strength, they sit over a facet-crust combo on solar slopes below 2100m, and over facets (slowly strengthening) in sheltered/treed areas. If triggered, these may be destructive.
Several large avalanches were observed last week, all in the front ranges and/or in windward terrain, where storm snow fell on large facets in a shallow snowpack.
Weak layers in the top meter include sun crust on solar slopes and pockets of surface hoar. Snowpack tests have been finding isolated sudden planar results, making them hard to predict. With the added load of rain/heavy snow they may be more reactive
With up to 50cm of moist snow on the surface, loose wet avalanches are expected today and may be triggered by light loads such as skiers and even tree bombs. Although likely to be small, wet avalanches are powerful and can occur even on small slopes
Isothermal conditions expected in valley bottoms.
Fresh Storm Slabs are forming, specifically lee to SW winds. These overlie a widespread, stubborn older slab (70cm thick). This sits on a facet-crust combo on solar aspects below 2100m, and on hollow facets (slowly healing) in sheltered/treed areas.
Several large avalanches have been observed in the front ranges and/or windward terrain, where storm snow fell on shallow facets over ground. Rain on Thursday triggered an avalanche on the basal facets, in a shallow snowpack area Below Treeline.
The recent storm snow has created a touchy slab over the weak faceted midpack at all elevations. Avalanches could run full path. Extra caution is warranted until&nbsp; the snowpack has adjusted to this extra load.
Loose wet avalanches were observed on Thursday below 1900m. Despite cooler temperatures forecast for Friday this still may be a problem at lower elevations. Pay attention to day-time temperatures.
The recent snow has created a touchy slab over several weak interfaces in the mid-pack. Avalanches that have run full path have been observed in many areas.
Loose wet avalanches were observed on Thursday below 1900m. Despite cooler temperatures forecast for Friday this still may be a problem at lower elevations. Pay attention to day-time temperatures.
Weak layers in the top meter include sun crust on solar slopes and pockets of surface hoar. Snowpack tests show isolated sudden planar results, making them hard to predict. With the added load of rain/heavy snow they may be more reactive.
With up to 50cm of moist snow on the surface, loose wet avalanches are expected today and may be triggered by light loads such as skiers and even tree bombs. Although likely to be small, wet avalanches are powerful and can occur even on small slopes.
The recent snow has created a touchy slab over several weak interfaces in the mid-pack. Avalanches that have run full path have been observed in many areas over the past week.
The recent storm snow has created a touchy slab over the weak faceted midpack at all elevations. Avalanches on this layer could run full path. Extra caution is warranted until the snowpack has adjusted to this extra load.
Weak layers in the top meter include sun crust on solar slopes and pockets of surface hoar. Snowpack tests show isolated sudden planar results, making them hard to predict. With the added load of rain/heavy snow they may be more reactive.
With high freezing levels today and moist snow on the surface, loose wet avalanches are expected today.&nbsp; Although likely to be small, wet avalanches are powerful and can occur even on small slopes.
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack at all elevations. Likely areas of triggering would be from thin parts of a slope at treeline and above which can propagate to deeper areas and cause a large avalanche.
The recent snow has created a thick slab over several weak interfaces in the mid-pack. Dig down to see how the recent storm snow is bonding to the layer below, and choose conservative terrain features. 
Widespread whumphing and shooting cracks in previously un-skied terrain. Recent natural activity up to Sz 3 failing on the weak faceted snowpack.
A 70cm slab of previous storm snow sits on a crust below 2000m, and/or facets. These are widespread, but hard to trigger. Dig in safe areas on adjacent slopes, do snowpack tests and gain more information, before entering into consequential terrain.
Several large avalanches have been observed in the front ranges and/or windward terrain, where storm snow fell on shallow facets over ground. Rain on Thursday triggered an avalanche on the basal facets, in a shallow snowpack area Below Treeline.
Weak layers in the top meter include sun crust on solar slopes and pockets of surface hoar. Tests show isolated sudden planar results, making them hard to predict. Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas (ridge-crests) where triggering is more likely.
Widespread whumphing and shooting cracks in previously un-skied terrain. Recent natural activity up to Sz 3 failing on the weak faceted snowpack.
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack at all elevations. Likely areas of triggering are in thin parts of a slope at tree line and above where a failure can propagate to deeper areas and cause large avalanches.
A thick slab of more recent snow sits over several weak facet interfaces in the mid and lower snow pack. Dig down to see how the recent snow is bonding to the layer below, and choose conservative terrain features.
Weak layers in the top meter include sun crust on solar slopes and pockets of surface hoar. Tests show isolated sudden planar results, making them hard to predict. Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas (ridge-crests) where triggering is more likely.
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack at all elevations. Likely areas of triggering are in thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above where a failure can propagate to deeper areas and cause large avalanches.
A thick slab of more recent snow sits over several weak facet interfaces in the mid and lower snow pack where ever the snowpack is thin. Dig down to see if these facets are present and if so choose conservative terrain features.
Widespread whumphing and shooting cracks in previously un-skied terrain. Recent natural activity up to Sz 3 failing on the weak faceted snowpack.
Widespread whumphing and shooting cracks in previously un-skied terrain. Recent natural activity and remote triggering of this weakness resulted in avalanches up to size 3 failing on the weak faceted snowpack.
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack at all elevations. Likely areas of triggering are in thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above where a failure can propagate to deeper areas and cause large avalanches.
A thick slab of more recent snow sits over several weak facet interfaces in the mid and lower snow pack where ever the snowpack is thin. Dig down to see if these facets are present and if so choose conservative terrain features.
Widespread whumphing and shooting cracks in previously un-skied terrain. Recent natural activity and remote triggering of this weakness resulted in avalanches up to size 3 failing on the weak faceted snowpack. Caution is recommended.
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack at all elevations. Likely areas of triggering are in thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above where a failure can propagate to deeper areas and cause large avalanches.
A thick slab of more recent snow sits over several weak facet interfaces in the mid and lower snow pack where ever the snowpack is thin. Dig down to see if these facets are present and if so choose conservative terrain features.
Widespread whumphing and shooting cracks in previously un-skied terrain. Recent natural activity and remote triggering of this weakness resulted in avalanches up to size 3 failing on the weak faceted snowpack. Caution is recommended.
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack in most areas. Likely areas of triggering are in thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. A failure can propagate to deeper areas and cause large avalanches.
A variable snowpack exist ranging from quite strong in the Takakkaw Falls area to somewhat weaker around Emerald Lake. Several weak facet interfaces exist in the mid-pack. Dig down and assess these layers prior to committing to any bigger terrain.
Be conservative with your terrain choices, especially when entering larger, steeper features. Dig down to see where the Jan. weak layer is and how it is reacting locally. We are still unsure about distribution of this layer within the region.
Widespread whumphing and shooting cracks in previously un-skied terrain. Recent natural activity and remote triggering of this weakness resulted in avalanches up to size 3 failing on the weak faceted snowpack. Caution is recommended.
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack in most areas. Likely areas of triggering are in thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. A failure can propagate to deeper areas and cause large avalanches.
Low density surface snow produced numerous Loose dry avalanches on Thursday. New, cold snow falling with light winds on Sunday/Monday are likely to produce further natural Loose Dry avalanche activity. Watch for this anywhere the snow feels light.
Widespread whumphing and shooting cracks in previously un-skied terrain. It seems to be improving but suspect pockets of weakness waiting for the trigger.&nbsp;
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack in most areas. Likely areas of triggering are in thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. A failure can propagate to deeper areas and cause large avalanches.
Be conservative with your terrain choices, especially when entering larger, steeper features. Dig down to see where the January weak layer is and how it is reacting locally. We are still unsure about distribution of this layer within the region.
Whumphing is occurring in un-skied terrain. It seems to be improving but suspect pockets of weakness just waiting for the trigger. Cold temperatures continue to promote facetting.&nbsp;
The mid January layer down 50 to 60 cm is a concern above 1700m as the surface crusts dissipate. Dig to test here. In the alpine use caution in shallow areas where the December Facets remain a concern 60cm or less above the ground. Probe to test here
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack in most areas. Likely areas of triggering are in thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. A failure can propagate to deeper areas and cause large avalanches.
Sluffing in top 10-20cm, specific to steep terrain 35-40deg+
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack in most areas. Avoid thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. A failure can propagate to deeper areas and cause large avalanches.
Conditions have improved since last week, and the likelihood of triggering an avalanche is reduced - however, weak layers still exist and entry into any start zone areas should be based upon knowledge of the snowpack conditions on that slope.
Whumphing is occurring in un-skied terrain. It seems to be improving but suspect pockets of weakness just waiting for the trigger. Cold temperatures continue to promote facetting.
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack in most areas. Avoid thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. A failure can propagate to deeper areas and cause large avalanches.
Conditions have improved since last week, and the likelihood of triggering an avalanche is reduced - however, weak layers still exist and entry into any start zone areas should be based upon knowledge of the snowpack conditions on that slope.
Whumphing is occurring in un-skied terrain. Suspect pockets of weakness just waiting for the trigger particularly shallow spots. Cold temperatures continue to promote facetting weakening an already weak mid pack and base.&nbsp;
At low elevations the new snow is adding to loose, facetted snow sitting on a crust. Yesterday, fast sluffing while skiing steep pitches was reported. With the additional new snow these loose avalanches may gain enough mass to push you around.
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack in most areas. Avoid thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. A failure can propagate to deeper areas and cause large avalanches.
Conditions have improved since last week, and the likelihood of triggering an avalanche is reduced - however, weak layers still exist and entry into any start zone areas should be based upon knowledge of the snowpack conditions on that slope.
Trigger possible from shallow spots.
Storm slabs will continue to build through the forecast period.
Primarily a concern in steep sheltered terrain.
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack in most areas. Avoid thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. We may see increased natural activity through the storm on Friday and Saturday.
In the short term, expect heavy sloughing in alpine gullies and avoid overhead hazard.
Trigger possible from shallow spots.
Overall there is decent bridging over weaker persistent layers in the alpine, but larger triggers may wake these up. At treeline and below these persistent layers are more prominent and are down 50-70cm. 
In the short term, watch for heavy sloughing in gullies and terrain traps. This could be especially true on the ice climbs around the Field area.
Over 40cm of new snow in the past 3 days has been combined with strong southerly winds to create widespread and touchy storm slabs.  Ongoing precipitation and wind activity could enable these slabs to step down and trigger deeper instabilities.
Loose natural and skier triggered sluffs are almost certain today as snow and wind hammer Rogers Pass. The size, power and hazard posed by these slides depends directly on terrain characteristics like slope angle, terrain traps, and run out hazards.
In deeper snowpack areas found in the alpine, there is decent bridging over weaker persistent layers. Use caution in thin areas in the alpine as well as at treeline and below where human triggering remains possible.
In the short term expect loose snow to fail easily in steep terrain. Use caution in confined features or around terrain traps like cliffs. This could be especially true on the ice climbs around the Field area.
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack in most areas. Avoid thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. We may see increased natural activity through the storm on Friday and Saturday.
Watch for the new snow to fail easily in steep terrain. Use caution in confined features and around terrain traps such as cliffs.
Reactive storms slabs are building and may be up to 50cm thick by Saturday morning. If triggered these are likely to trigger deeper instabilities producing larger avalanches.
Under the additional load of ongoing snow large avalanches are expected from this layer.
Loose snow avalanche can be expected from all steep rocky features which may then channel into gulleys or trigger deeper avalanches from open slopes.
Over 65cm of new snow in the past 3 days has been combined with strong southerly winds to create widespread and touchy storm slabs. These slabs may step down and trigger deeper instabilities.
Loose natural and skier triggered sluffs are almost certain today as snow and wind hammer Rogers Pass. The size, power and hazard posed by these slides depends directly on terrain characteristics like slope angle, terrain traps, and run out hazards.
Loose snow avalanche can be expected from all steep rocky features which may then channel into gulleys or trigger deeper avalanches from open slopes.
Increased loading above this layer from the recent storm snow has produced number releases up to size 3. These are mostly from the alpine and treeline elevations and are running down to the valley bottoms.
Gusty Southwest winds have been moving the new snow around and sluffing in steep gullies was observed on Saturday. Use caution in confined gullies or above terrain traps.
Be conservative with your terrain choices, especially when entering larger, steeper features. Dig down to see if the January surface hoar or the December facets are present and take appropriate precautions if they are.
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack in most areas. Avoid thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. We are seeing increased natural activity as a result of the new snow including remote triggering.
Watch for the new snow to fail easily in steep terrain. Use caution in confined features and around terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies.
Widespread storm slabs were observed to fail at all elevations yesterday. Treat all slopes that have not failed as suspect. Keep your route to supported terrain with eyes open for natural or human-triggered avalanches.
Plenty of unconsolidated powder is available for sluffing in steep terrain. The deeper the sluff, the more power it contains to push a person into a terrain trap or over cliffs.
40cm of storm snow is forming a soft slab at treeline and above. It will remain reactive to triggering for the next few days. Where stronger winds in the alpine have transported the snow it may be up to 60cm thick.
Increased loading above this layer from the recent storm snow has produced a number of releases up to size 3. These are mostly from the alpine and treeline elevations and are running down to the valley bottoms.
There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack in most areas. Avoid thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. We are seeing increased natural activity as a result of the new snow including remote triggering.
Be conservative with your terrain choices, especially when entering larger, steeper features. Dig down to see if the January surface hoar or the December facets are present and take appropriate precautions if they are.
Widespread storm slabs were observed to fail at all elevations yesterday. Treat all slopes that have not failed as suspect. Field teams yesterday noted low elevation slabs below treeline were still reactive aswell.
40cm of storm snow is forming a soft slab at treeline and above. It will remain reactive to triggering for the next few days. Where stronger winds in the alpine have transported the snow it may be up to 60cm thick.
Increased loading above this layer from the recent storm snow has produced a number of releases up to size 3. These are mostly from the alpine and treeline elevations and are running down to the valley bottoms.
The entire upper half of the snowpack overlies a structurally weak base. Avoid thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. where triggering of this problem is most likely.
Several buried persistent weak layers exist in the middle of the snowpack - ensure that you know if they exist or not in your area, and the only way to check for this is to dig a test snow profile, find the layer, then test its strength,.
Widespread storm slabs were observed to fail at all elevations Sunday.  The storm slab needs time to bond to the old snow surface. Features that have not failed should be given a very cautious approach. 
40cm of storm snow is forming a soft slab at treeline and above. It will remain reactive to triggering for the next few days. Where stronger winds in the alpine have transported the snow it may be up to 60cm thick.
Increased loading above this layer from the recent storm snow has produced a number of releases up to size 3. These are mostly from the alpine and treeline elevations and are running down to the valley bottoms.
The entire upper half of the snowpack overlies a structurally weak base. Avoid thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. where triggering of this problem is most likely.
Several buried persistent weak layers exist in the middle of the snowpack - ensure that you know if they exist or not in your area, and the only way to check for this is to dig a test snow profile, find the layer, then test its strength,.
Storm slab formation has been widespread and through all elevations. However its susceptibility to human triggering is highly variable. The bond to the old snow surface of crusts and facets is questionable.
45cm of storm snow from March 3 has evolved into a soft slab and melded in many locations to the midpack below. South TL aspects the new snow was found resting on a decomposing surface hoar layer on a crust about 30cm down. It tested unstable.
March 3rd 45cm of new snow load produced size 3's. This activity has subsided. They were from the alpine and treeline elevations running to valley bottoms. One should consider it a concern if the persistent slab above is initiated and steps down. 
The entire upper half of the snowpack overlies a structurally weak base. Avoid thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. where triggering of this problem is most likely.
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are gaining strength over time as they become bridged, especially in the deeper areas closer to the Wapta.  Dig down to see if they are present on your line, and how they are reacting.
These will be a problem in areas sheltered from the wind, especially in confined features like gullys. The problem will grow in proportion to new snow amounts.
Buried crusts on solar aspects are hidden under the march snow. A snow profile yesterday on a south aspect showed the storm snow bonding to the crust, however skiers were able to trigger slab avalanches on this layer earlier in the week.
The entire snowpack is built upon a structurally weak base, which produces very large avalanches when triggered. There is tremendous uncertainty with this sort of condition, and the only way to hedge against it is to avoid the big avalanche terrain.
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are gaining strength over time as they become bridged, especially in the deeper areas closer to the Wapta. Dig down to see if they are present on your line, and how they are reacting.
45cm of storm snow from March 3 has evolved into a soft slab and melded in many locations to the midpack below. South TL aspects the new snow was found resting on a decomposing surface hoar layer on a crust about 30cm down. It tested unstable.
March 3rd 45cm of new snow load produced size 3's. This activity has subsided. They were from the alpine and treeline elevations running to valley bottoms. One should consider it a concern if the persistent slab is initiated and steps down.
Incremental loading this week + 15cm of new snow last night and warming temps today is producing a touchy storm. This storm slab can step down to deeper layers and run full path, which has already occurred this am in the HWY corridor!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
Buried crusts on solar aspects are hidden under the march snow. Skiers were able to trigger slab avalanches on this layer earlier in the week and yesterday.
The entire snowpack is built upon a structurally weak base, which produces very large avalanches when triggered. There is tremendous uncertainty with this sort of condition, and the only way to hedge against it is to avoid the big avalanche terrain.
Persistent mid-pack slab condition has been developing all season. Various wind and facet layers exist. Spatial variability exists with thick and thin snowpack areas.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
Natural activity has subsided but don't let your guard down. It remains a major concern with a extremely weak base of depth hoar. Trigger spots would be shallow zones or a step down effect if upper layers are initiated.
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are gaining strength over time as they become bridged, especially in the deeper areas closer to the Wapta. Dig down to see if they are present on your line, and how they are reacting.
Storm Slabs will be touchy. Pay special attention to Treeline and Alpine slopes lee to SW winds - slabs will continue to grow on these slopes. Avoid steep slopes where wind transported snow is being deposited.
These will be a problem in areas sheltered from the wind, especially in confined features, like gullys.
Steady snowfall this week (+15cm of new snow again last night) and warming temps today have produced a touchy storm. Yesterday this storm slab was able to step down to deeper layers and ran full path.
Buried crusts on South and West aspects are hidden under the march snow. Skiers were able to trigger slab avalanches on this layer earlier in the week.&nbsp; Take time to assess the how the snow is bonding when moving onto solar aspects
The entire snowpack is built upon a structurally weak base, which produces very large avalanches when triggered. There is tremendous uncertainty with this sort of condition, and the only way to hedge against it is to avoid the big avalanche terrain.
Persistent mid-pack slab condition continuing to surprise, and not the good kind of surprise! Like triggering an unseen overhead feature; Surprise!
Natural activity has subsided but don't let your guard down. It remains a major concern with a extremely weak base of depth hoar. Trigger spots would be shallow zones or a step down effect if upper layers are initiated.
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are gaining strength over time as they become bridged, especially in the deeper areas closer to the Wapta. Dig down to see if they are present on your line, and how they are reacting.
Steady snowfall this week (70cm in 3 days) and warming temps today have produced a touchy storm. Yesterday this storm slab was able to step down to deeper layers and ran full path.
Buried crusts on South and West aspects are hidden under the March snow. Skiers were able to trigger slab avalanches on this layer earlier in the week. Recent storm snow has a high potential to dig down and trigger these deeper slabs.
The entire snowpack is built upon a structurally weak base, which can produce very large avalanches. Recently, large deep persistent slabs have been observed, suggesting that likelihood of triggering is increasing.
Natural activity has subsided but don't let your guard down. It remains a major concern with a extremely weak base of depth hoar. Trigger spots would be shallow zones or a step down effect if upper layers are initiated.
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are gaining strength over time as they become bridged, especially in the deeper areas closer to the Wapta. Dig down to see if they are present on your line, and how they are reacting.
Steady snowfall this week (70cm in 3 days) and warming temps today have produced a touchy storm. Yesterday this storm slab was very reactive and resulted in numerous full path avalanches.
Buried crusts on South and West aspects are hidden under the March snow. Skiers were able to trigger slab avalanches on this layer earlier in the week. Recent storm snow has a high potential to dig down and trigger these deeper slabs.
The entire snowpack is built upon a structurally weak base, which can produce very large avalanches. Recently, large deep persistent slabs have been observed. This situation will be slow to improve.
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are gaining strength over time as they become bridged, especially in the deeper areas closer to the Wapta. Dig down to see if they are present on your line, and how they are reacting.
Expect an increase in loose wet surface avalanches particularly when the sun comes out, temperatures remain warm, or rain occurs. Rising freezing levels will increase this danger at all elevations. Use caution around terrain traps.
Natural activity has subsided but don't let your guard down. It remains a major concern with a extremely weak base of depth hoar. Trigger spots would be shallow zones or a step down effect if upper layers are initiated.
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> 80cm of recent snowfall and warming temps yesterday and today are forming a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/links/goto_e.asp?destination=http://data.avalanche.ca/Images/20170313%20Mounds.JPG" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">reactive storm slab</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Numerous full path avalanches have occurred in the last 48hrs.
Buried crusts on solar aspects are hidden under our recent storm snow. Skiers were able to trigger slab avalanches on this layer earlier in the week. Avalanches triggered in the storm snow have a high probability to overload this layer.
The entire snowpack is built upon a structurally weak base, which is producing very large avalanches. Large deep persistent slabs have been observed on Tuesday and some are running into the valley bottom.
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are gaining strength over time as they become bridged, but they may be waking back up during this avalanche cycle. Avoid avalanche terrain now.
Expect an increase in loose surface avalanches particularly as more snow is arriving and rain in valley. Once storm passes, it will become active particularly when the sun comes out. Use caution around terrain traps.
Natural activity expected and will be a major concern with the extremely weak base of depth hoar. Trigger spots would be shallow zones or a step down effect if upper layers are initiated.
Rain below 2100m on Tuesday and Wednesday will have a destabilizing effect on the snowpack. If the snow feels wet and punchy, avoid steep slopes.
The recent storm snow is rapidly settling into a touchy storm slab, sensitive to both natural and human triggering. The slabs may be more touchy on recently loaded lee features.
Several persistent weak layers are in the upper snowpack. There is step down potential for storm slab releases to dig down to these layers resulting in large dangerous avalanches.
The entire snowpack is built upon a structurally weak base, which is producing very large avalanches. Large deep persistent slabs have been observed and some are running into the valley bottom.
With cooling temperatures the activity from this layer will decrease at treeline as the day progresses.
With additional snow loading, rain  and warm temperatures this problem has become reactive producing full path releases 
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are gaining strength over time as they become bridged, but they may be waking back up during this avalanche cycle. Avoid avalanche terrain now.
Substantial snow and rain fell over the last 6 days! Rain on new snow then more new snow is a perfect combination for avalanches! Once commenced these storm slabs can step down to deeper layers in the snow pack, resulting in full depth avalanches.
Rain soaked snow yesterday will have penetrated deep into the snowpack, lubricating the deeper persistent layers of concern. As the storm slabs fail above these layers it will easily step down to the Feb 28th interface and deeper.
The entire snowpack is built upon a structurally weak base, which has been overloaded by new snow and previous rain.  Large deep persistent slabs have been observed and are running well into avalanche runouts.
In the short term with this much snow hanging around sluffing in steep terrain and gullies will be occurring. 
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack are being reactive again during this avalanche cycle. Avoid avalanche terrain now.
With all the new snow kicking around gullies and steep terrain will be sluffing over the short term.
Rain to Treeline on Saturday will destabilize the snowpack. If the snow feels wet and punchy, avoid steep slopes. Isolated Wet Slab avalanches are also expected through the weekend. These are harder to predict.
Additional loading on a weak base is producing large natural avalanches.
Heavy precipitation combined with wind and warm temperatures have formed reactive storm slabs at all elevations. Although natural avalanche activity has subsided, these slabs remain triggerable by human loads!
Persistent deep layers made a triumphant return during our most recent avalanche cycle and they remain a cause for concern. As surface instabilities fail, avalanches can easily step down weak layers from late February.
Recent rain events have saturated the snowpack at lower elevations. Although a thin surface crust formed from last night's cooler temperatures, it does not add enough strength to eliminate the problem of loose wet avalanches below tree line.
The entire snowpack is built upon a structurally weak base, which has been overloaded by new snow and previous rain. This problem will remain touchy with the next incoming storm Saturday.
With freezing levels to 2000m Friday, loose, wet avalanches can't be ruled out. Steep, cliffed terrain and gullies will be likely areas.
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack have become reactive again this week and should remain that way through this weekend.  Once triggered, these will be very large in magnitude. 
With rain possible to 2000m on Saturday, loose wet avalanches can't be counted out. Gully terrain and steep cliffs will be likely areas. Climbers take note.
Rain to treeline and warm temperatures will produce numerous avalanches of this type. Some of these will step down to ground producing full path releases.
The widespread observations of large and deep avalanches indicates strongly that many of these events are from this instability. Increased loading and warm temperatures will keep this layer active.
Heavy precipitation combined with wind and warm temperatures have formed reactive storm slabs at all elevations. Added snowfall from last night and today will see these slabs become more active once again.
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParksMountainSafety/photos/a.1122932427756745.1073741905.145133538869977/1250972184952768/?type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Persistent deep layers</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> made a triumphant return during our most recent avalanche cycle and they remain a cause for concern. As surface instabilities fail, avalanches can easily step down to weak layers from late February.
Rain to treeline and warm temperatures will produce numerous avalanches of this type. Some of these will step down to ground producing full path releases.
The widespread observations of large and deep avalanches indicates strongly that many of these events are from this instability. Increased loading and warm temperatures will keep this layer active.
The entire snowpack is built upon a structurally weak base, which has been overloaded by new snow and previous rain. Large avalanches are reaching historical run outs and crossing cross country ski trails.
With freezing levels in excess of 2200m Saturday, the surface snow at lower elevations has been failing naturally. Deeper avalanches could be triggered by these events as the entire snowpack has lost strength and will take some time to refreeze.
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack have become reactive again this week and should remain that way through this weekend. Once triggered, these will be very large in magnitude.
With freezing levels in excess of 2200m Saturday, the surface snow at lower elevations has been failing naturally. The entire snowpack has lost strength and will take some time to refreeze. Climbers: these events are very likely in gullies and cliffs
The snowpack is waterlogged Below Treeline. Wet slabs remain a possibility for Sunday: water in the snowpack has pooled above several midpack crusts.  These may act as failure plane.  Dig to look for the ingredients: wet layers below a drier slab.
Heavy snowfall and extreme SW winds formed reactive storm slabs at tree-line and alpine elevations. These overlie various weak interfaces in the upper snowpack and need time to readjust to the new load.
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParksMountainSafety/photos/a.1122932427756745.1073741905.145133538869977/1250972184952768/?type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Persistent deep layers</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> made a triumphant return during our most recent avalanche cycle and they remain a cause for concern. As surface instabilities fail, avalanches can easily step down to weak layers from late February, or deeper in shallow areas.
The widespread observations of large and deep avalanches indicates strongly that many of these events are from this instability. Increased loading and warm temperatures will keep this layer active.
The entire snowpack is built upon a structurally weak base, which has been overloaded by new snow and previous rain. Large avalanches are reaching historical run outs and crossing cross country ski trails.
With freezing levels in excess of 2200m Saturday, the snowpack at lower elevations lost strength. As this snow refreezes, moist snow remains under surface crusts which large avalanches from upper elevations can entrain to reach surprising distances.
Several buried weak layers in the middle of the snowpack have become reactive again as they have been overloaded by recent snow and rain. Large avalanches are reaching historical run outs and crossing cross country ski trails.
With freezing levels in excess of 2200m Saturday, the snowpack at lower elevations lost strength. As this snow refreezes, moist snow remains under surface crusts which large avalanches from upper elevations can entrain to reach surprising distances.
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParksMountainSafety/photos/a.1122932427756745.1073741905.145133538869977/1250972184952768/?type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Persistent deep layers</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> made a triumphant return during our most recent avalanche cycle and they remain a cause for concern. As surface slabs fail, avalanches can easily step down to weak layers from late February, or deeper in shallow areas.
The entire snowpack is built upon a structurally weak base of facets. Large avalanches are reaching historical run outs and crossing valley bottom trails. Avoid exposure to overhead hazard and stick to moderate angled supported terrain.
Warming temperatures may create conditions for loose wet avalanches at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects over the next couple of days.
Several buried weak layers in the middle and lower parts of the snowpack have become reactive again as they have been overloaded by recent snow and rain. Large avalanches are reaching historical run outs and crossing valley bottom trails.
With warming temperatures we may start to see loose wet avalanches at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects over the next couple of days. Watch for clues like snowballing that indicate that the snow surface is warming.
The widespread observations of large and deep avalanches indicates strongly that many of the weekends avalanches went on this layer particularly where the snowpack is shallow and in rocky start zones.
It is an impressive and humbling time to be traveling in the back-country. Very large avalanches have been occurring, even logging mature timber. The scary thing is, these large avalanches continue to occur sporadically and are very hard to predict.
The widespread observations of large and deep avalanches indicates strongly that many of the weekends avalanches went on this layer particularly where the snowpack is shallow and in rocky start zones.
The entire snowpack is built upon a structurally weak base of facets. Large avalanches are reaching historical run outs and crossing valley bottom trails. Avoid exposure to overhead hazard and stick to moderate angled supported terrain.
Several buried weak layers in the middle and lower parts of the snowpack have become reactive again as they have been overloaded by recent snow and rain. Large avalanches are reaching historical run outs and crossing valley bottom trails.
With warming temperatures we may start to see loose wet avalanches at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects over the next couple of days. Watch for clues like snowballing that indicate that the snow surface is warming.
It is an impressive and humbling time to be traveling in the back-country. Very large avalanches have been occurring, even logging mature timber. These large avalanches continue to occur sporadically and are very hard to predict.
The widespread observations and explosive work creating large and deep avalanches indicates that many went on this deep layer particularly where the snowpack is shallow and in rocky start zones. Involvement in one would be fatal consequences.
Large avalanches continue to run to the valley bottoms and cross popular trails. We show this problem as being below treeline not because you can trigger an avalanche, but because you can be hit by one from above.&nbsp; Watch out for overhead hazard!
Several buried weak layers in the middle and lower parts of the snowpack have become reactive again as they have been overloaded by recent snow and rain. Large avalanches are reaching historical run outs and crossing valley bottom trails.
With warming temperatures we may start to see loose wet avalanches at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects over the next couple of days. Watch for clues like snowballing that indicate that the snow surface is warming.
The month of March has been characterized by heavy loading of new snow and rain. These events have created an instable snowpack that is verging on a tipping point. Deep weak layers have been failing sporadically leading to large avalanches.
The lower snowpack is riddled with weaknesses particularly where the&nbsp; snow&nbsp; is shallow over rocky terrain.&nbsp; Today a&nbsp; large cornice failure triggered a size 3 slab on a NE treeline feature. Debris is running far into the valley bottom.
The month of March has been characterized by heavy loading of new snow and rain.  After an intense avalanche cycle, the snow pack is still stabilizing. Deep weak layers have been failing sporadically leading to large avalanches.
Natural activity is starting to taper, but the snowpack is still very weak. Most days this week, we have seen large avalanches running to valley bottom on this layer. Don't expose yourself to any avalanche terrain that hasn't recently avalanched.
Several buried weak layers in the middle and lower parts of the snowpack have been reactive in the last week as they were overloaded by snow and rain. Many large avalanches have run to historical run outs and crossed valley bottom trails.
The lower snowpack is weak with a crust from November surrounded by loose facets and depth hoar. This weakness is most developed in shallow snow with rocky terrain. A cornice failure triggered a size 3 on a NE treeline feature near Parkers ridge.
The month of March has been characterized by heavy loading of new snow and rain. After an intense avalanche cycle, the snow pack is still stabilizing. Deep weak layers have been failing sporadically leading to large avalanches.
Strong solar inputs and increased daytime highs will deteriorate the snowpack structures below tree line. Take note of overnight refreezes, and strength of the sun effect on steep solar aspects.
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_EB2EB4FA"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong solar inputs and increased daytime highs will deteriorate the snowpack structures below tree line. Take note of overnight refreezes, and strength of the sun effect on steep solar aspects.</span><span class="s_E6FD2
The month of March has been characterized by heavy loading of new snow and rain. After an intense avalanche cycle, the snow pack is still stabilizing. Deep weak layers have been failing sporadically leading to large avalanches.
Spring is here! With daytime or solar warming the upper snowpack is becoming moist in the afternoon.  This moist slab is touchy below 1900m where a crust down 30 is providing a good bed surface for wet avalanches.
Increased daytime temperatures will result in a deteriorating snowpack structure below tree line. Keep a close eye on temperatures changes throughout the day, and the strength of solar inputs on steep solar aspects.
="s_3FE45715">Increased daytime temperatures will result in a deteriorating snowpack structure below tree line. Keep a close eye on temperatures changes throughout the day, and the strength of solar inputs on steep solar aspects.
Warming temperatures can cause new snow over crusts to quickly become touchy and slide easily as loose wet or moist slab avalanches.
Warming temperatures can cause new snow over crusts to quickly become touchy and slide easily as loose wet or moist slab avalanches.
No crust recovery overnight and new snow will insulate the upper snowpack at lower elevations. If the sun comes out today, this problem will reach high into tree line and could trigger wet slabs or glide avalanches.
The snowpack throughout the region has a weak base and remains suspect. Approach all avalanche terrain with suspicion and exercise conservative route choices.  This problem will persist for the foreseeable future.
We wont likely see a great freeze Friday morning, and looks like we may see a decent amount of sun, especially in the East part of the region (Banff).  Watch locally for the amount of warming as we start the transition into spring conditions. 
No expectations for activity first thing in the morning but, as the day progresses expect to see snowballing, and loose slides on solar aspects at TL and below.
A decent freeze is possible in the Little Yoho region, but the forecast for clearing skies will heat up solar aspects as we transition slowly into spring.&nbsp;
Warm temps overnight and new snow will insulate the moist upper snowpack at treeline and below. When the sun comes out today, expect avalanche activity to increase on solar asps with potential for wet slabs or glide avalanches.
The snowpack throughout the region has a weak base and remains suspect. Approach all avalanche terrain with suspicion and exercise conservative route choices. This problem will persist for the foreseeable future.
Warm temps yesterday and new snow overnight will insulate the moist upper snowpack. If the precip continues into the afternoon we can expect rain at lower elevations which will increase the potential for wet slabs or glide avalanches.
The snowpack throughout the region has a weak base and remains suspect. Approach all avalanche terrain with suspicion and exercise conservative route choices. This problem will persist for the foreseeable future.
There was little to no refreeze last night below tree-line. The new snow overnight will insulate the moist upper snowpack at low elevations. Sunny periods today will stress it and increase the potential for wet slabs or glide avalanches.
The snowpack throughout the region has a weak base and remains suspect. Approach all avalanche terrain with suspicion and exercise conservative route choices. This problem will persist for the foreseeable future.
New snow over old crusty surfaces will likely produce small natural avalanches with daytime warming and/or solar input.
Prolonged solar radiation and rising freezing levels with weaken the snowpack on South and West aspects, especially around steep and rocky areas.
The snowpack throughout the region has a weak base and remains suspect. Approach all avalanche terrain with suspicion and exercise conservative route choices. This problem will persist for the foreseeable future.
Pay attention to day time warming. Sunny skies and warm temperatures are increasing the avalanche hazard on sun exposed slopes in the afternoon.
Pay attention to day time warming. Sunny skies and warm temperatures are increasing the avalanche hazard on sun exposed slopes in the afternoon.
Prolonged solar radiation and rising freezing levels with weaken the snowpack on South and West aspects, especially around steep and rocky areas.
The snowpack throughout the region has a weak base and remains suspect. Approach all avalanche terrain with suspicion and exercise conservative route choices. This problem will persist for the foreseeable future.
New snow over old crusty surfaces will likely produce small natural avalanches with daytime warming or when rainfall commences.
Persistent weak layers deep in the snowpack continue to cause uncertainty, despite the surface layers being remarkably strong. Continue to avoid exposure to large slopes. Patience is a virtue as we wait for a melt/freeze cycle to change anything.
Wet snow flows like water in gullies during warm spring days, and the next few days we expect wet snow avalanches to be common in gully areas at and below treeline. Ice climbers - avoid steep low elevation gullies.
The snowpack is generally unstable, despite the strong feel of the surface layers. This next warm-up will again test the snowpack and we expect increased avalanche activity over the next several days. Patience is a virtue with this kind of problem.
Wet snow flows like water in gullies during warm spring days, and the next few days we expect wet snow avalanches to be common in gully areas at and below treeline. Ice climbers - avoid steep low elevation gullies.
At treeline and below, rain is saturating the snow that overlies a series of crusts. This wet snow will be easily triggered, is expected to run far on the crust and even if small, wet avalanches are powerful.
Friday will be warm and 7-10mm of rain below 2200m. This has potential to initiate the loose wet avalanche problem especially around steep and rocky areas. Caution is warranted for ice climbers in gully terrain.
The snowpack is generally unstable, despite the strong feel of the surface layers. This warm-up is again testing the snowpack and we expect increased avalanche activity. Patience is a virtue with this kind of problem.
Wet snow flows like water in gullies during warm spring days, and the next few days we expect wet snow avalanches to be common in gully areas at and below treeline. Ice climbers - avoid steep low elevation gullies.
Persistent weak layers deep in the snowpack continue to cause uncertainty, despite the surface layers being remarkably strong. Continue to avoid exposure to large slopes. Patience is a virtue as we wait for a melt/freeze cycle to change anything.
Wet snow flows like water in gullies during warm spring days, and the next few days we expect wet snow avalanches to be common in gully areas at and below treeline. Ice climbers - avoid steep low elevation gullies.
New snow over old crusty surfaces will likely produce small natural avalanches with daytime warming or when rainfall commences.
At treeline and below, rain has saturated the snow that overlies a series of crusts. Warm overnight temps are keeping the snow weak. This wet snow will be easily triggered and will run far on the crust. Even if small, wet avalanches are powerful.
This problem will be reduced next few days as temperatures get cooler ; however, light rain may continue on Saturday. Keep this on your radar. Caution is warranted for ice climbers in gullies.
The snowpack is generally unstable, despite the strong feel of the surface layers. This layer remains reactive in snowpack test and can produced large avalanches. Patience is a virtue with this kind of problem.
Wet snow flows like water in gullies during warm days, this problem becomes more predominant with daytime warming and rain. Steep gully features and thin rocky areas are the spots to avoid when this problems reactivity increases through the day.
Persistent weak layers deep in the snowpack continue to cause uncertainty, despite the surface layers being remarkably strong. Continue to avoid exposure to large slopes. Patience is a virtue as we wait for a melt/freeze cycle to change anything.
Wet snow flows like water in gullies during warm spring days, and the next few days we expect wet snow avalanches to be common in gully areas below treeline. Ice climbers - avoid steep low elevation gullies.
At treeline and below, rain has saturated the snow that overlies a series of crusts. Warm temps are keeping the snow weak. Today's solar input will increase this hazard. This wet snow will be easily triggered and will run far on the crust.
The snowpack is generally unstable, despite the strong feel of the surface layers. This layer remains reactive in snowpack test and can produced large avalanches. Patience is a virtue with this kind of problem.
The snowpack is generally unstable, despite the strong feel of the surface layers. This layer remains reactive in snowpack test and can produced large avalanches. Patience is a virtue with this kind of problem.
At treeline and below, rain has saturated the snow that overlies a series of crusts. The refreeze overnight will break down with day-time warming, and solar input will rapidly weaken the crust during sunny periods.
New snow over old crusty surfaces may produce small natural avalanches with daytime warming.
The snowpack is generally unstable, despite the strong feel of the surface layers. This layer remains reactive in snowpack test and can produced large avalanches. Patience is a virtue with this kind of problem.
Sunny skies tomorrow may induce a solar cycle on South-East through West aspects at treeline and below.
Isothermal conditions possible as melt freeze breaks down by late morning.
The snowpack is generally unstable, despite the strong feel of the surface layers. This layer remains reactive in snowpack test and can produced large avalanches. Patience is a virtue with this kind of problem.
Recent storm snow and potential for solar radiation tomorrow may induce loose wet avalanches on SE through W aspects tomorrow at treeline and below.
Isothermal conditions are possible as crusts break down by late morning. Gauge the extent of the overnight freeze relative to how quick it will move into being reactive. 
Isothermal conditions are possible as crusts break down by late morning. Gauge the extent of the overnight freeze relative to how quick it will move into being reactive.
Isothermal conditions are possible as crusts break down by late morning. Gauge the extent of the overnight freeze relative to how quick it will move into being reactive.
Loose Wet avalanches are possible on steep slopes on SUNDAY, as strong April Sun warms recent, soft surface snow. Expect this to be most pronounced were the most new snow lies: Easterly aspects/upper elevations in the Western portions of the park.
The steady accumulation of new snow is settling into a reactive storm slab. It will be most reactive at ridgetop and in steep unsupported terrain. Expect avalanches to be run fast and to the bottom of run-outs. Be aware of overhead exposure!
Settling new snow and wind at ridgetop has created a reactive soft slab.&nbsp; Compression tests yesterday showed shears in the storm snow down 15 &amp; 30cm. In steep alpine terrain avalanches may run to the bottom of run-outs. Be aware of overhead exposure!
50cm of low density storm snow has delivered excellent riding conditions. For the most part sluff accumulation is manageable but use caution if you are stepping out into steeper, committing terrain.
Although this deeply buried crust, on which this weakness beds, is widespread we think that it will be at its most reactive on solar facing slopes. Thursdays weather is abnormally warm and its effect on the snowpack will be to destabilize it.
Solar input and unusually high temperatures are expected to result in loose moist slides on steeper solar aspects today. Larger loose slides have the potential to entrain snow and step down to deeper persistent layers. Don't be caught off guard.
Solar triggering is possible on steep south facing slopes creating large full path avalanches.
Solar triggering is possible on steep south facing slopes creating large avalanches.
Solar triggering is possible on steep south facing slopes.
Solar triggering is possible on steep south facing slopes.
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">After a long dry spell, 15cm of new snow has fallen on </span><span class="s_2823317B">widespread surface hoar. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 25 is expected today! As this new snow settles into a cohesive slab, expect to see avalanche hazard spike! Also expect sluff to be heavy and fast!
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">After a long dry spell, 40cm of new snow has fallen on </span><span class="s_2823317B">widespread surface hoar.  </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">As this new snow settles into a cohesive slab, expect to see it become more reactive.  SW winds in the 30-45kph range have built windslab in the alpine.
20-30 cm of loose, dry snow fell on sunday night. It landed on very weak facets and surface hoar and will sluff easily in steep terrain.&nbsp; Ice climbers should pay special attention where the consequences of a sluff can be severe.
Yesterday's storm snow is settling into a slab. It will be reactive in windy areas in the Alpine and exposed areas at Tree Line. Steep solar asp will be problematic, as there will be a crust under our slab and a Surface Hoar/Facet combo BTL.
Climbers in steep gullies be prepared for spindrift and loose snow running down the climb. Put in lots of ice screws. Any avalanches will likely be small, but could knock you off your feet.
Climbers in steep gullies be prepared for spindrift and loose snow running down the climb. Put in lots of ice screws. Any avalanches will likely be small, but could knock you off your feet.
Recent storm snow continues to settle into a slab.  Expect the slab to be increasingly sensitivity as you transition into wind effected terrain. Steeper solar slopes harbor a thin crust layer below the storm snow and a facet surface hoar combo BTL.
Climbers in steep gullies be prepared for spindrift and loose snow running down the climb. Put in lots of ice screws. Any avalanches will likely be small, but could knock you off your feet.
The winds have been a bit unpredictable and gusty. Plumes in Yoho yesterday from the north and from the east. Yoho Blow likely to build winslabs on low elevation ice climbs.
Climbers in steep gullies be prepared for spindrift and loose snow running down the climb. Put in lots of ice screws. Any avalanches will likely be small, but could knock you off your feet.
Recent storm snow is shifting into a settled persistent slab. Expect the slab to be increasingly sensitivity as you transition into wind effected terrain. Steeper solar slopes harbor a thin crust layer below slab and a facet surface hoar combo BTL.
Recent storm snow is settling into a persistent slab. Expect the slab to be increasingly sensitivity as you transition into steep and/or wind effected terrain. Solar aspects harbor a thin crust layer below the slab and a facet surface hoar combo BTL.
Recent storm snow is settling into a persistent slab. Expect the slab to be more sensitive as you transition into steep and/or wind effected terrain.&nbsp; South and West aspects have a thin crust layer below the slab and a facet/surface hoar combo BTL.
Recent storm snow is settling into a persistent slab which sits on the Dec 15 surface hoar. Expect the slab to be more sensitive as you transition into steep and/or wind effected terrain. Solar aspects have a thin crust layer below the slab.
40-50cm of snow is settling into a persistent slab which sits on the Dec 15 surface hoar. Expect the slab to be more reactive as you transition into steep and/or wind effected terrain. Solar aspects have a thin crust layer below the slab.
Strong winds have scoured wind exposed terrain down to valley bottom. Wind slabs could likely be found on immediate lee slopes at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
30-50cm of snow is settling into a persistent slab which sits on the Dec 15 surface hoar. Expect the slab to be more reactive as you transition into steep and/or wind effected terrain. Solar aspects have a thin crust layer below the slab.
30-50cm of snow is settling into a persistent slab which sits on the Dec 15 surface hoar. Expect the slab to be more reactive as you transition into steep and/or wind effected terrain. Solar aspects have a thin crust layer below the slab.
40cm+ of snow is settling into a persistent slab which sits on the Dec 15 surface hoar. Expect the slab to possibly be reactive on steep unsupported and/or wind effected terrain. Solar aspects have a thin crust layer below the slab.
With 20cm of new cold dry powder, natural and human triggered avalanches are expected in steep terrain. It is possible for small loose avalanches to trigger deeper instabilities, especially near ridge lines or where Dec 15 surface hoar is preserved.
The December 15 surface hoar layer is widespread around treeline and buried 60cm. Cold temps have kept the slab from gaining cohesion, but it may be reactive on steep unsupported and/or wind affected terrain.
Deep surface snow with little cohesion is draped across the park.  A puff of wind, spike of sun, or your own wading could be enough to set it in motion.
Exposed areas saw wind transport Thursday night, and may do on Friday night also - just enough to set up isolated storm slabs in unusual (South and West facing) lee features.  These could be reactive; particularly on Saturday, and during midday sun.
The 30cms of recent storm snow will remain touchy for loose avalanches in steep terrain. With all the available fetch, strong Northerly winds will have created soft slabs on lee slopes.&nbsp; Avalanches will have the potential to reach runouts today.
The December 15 surface hoar layer is widespread around treeline and buried 60cm. Cold temps have kept the slab from gaining cohesion, but it may be reactive on steep unsupported and/or wind affected terrain.
The 25cms of recent storm snow along with the available fetch and recent strong winds will have created pockets of slab on lee slopes. Based on observations yesterday, avalanches have the potential to reach out into runout zones.
The December 15 surface hoar layer is widespread around treeline and buried 60cm. Cold temps have kept the slab from gaining cohesion, but it may be reactive on steep unsupported and/or wind affected terrain.
The 25cms of recent storm snow along with the available fetch and recent strong winds will have created pockets of slab on lee slopes. Based on observations Dec 30, avalanches have the potential to reach out into runout zones.
The December 15 surface hoar layer is widespread around treeline and buried 60cm. Cold temps have kept the slab from gaining cohesion, but a warming trend may make it more reactive especially on steep unsupported and/or wind affected terrain.
The December 15 surface hoar layer is widespread around treeline and buried 60cm. Cold temps have kept the slab from gaining cohesion, but today's warming trend may make it more reactive especially on steep unsupported terrain.
The December 15 surface hoar layer is widespread around treeline and buried 60cm. Cold temps have kept the slab from settling and gaining cohesion, limiting natural and skier triggered avalanches so far.
The cold temperatures have facetted the surface snow, and sluffs can pick up mass and travel far. Big sluffs are possible if you are climbing in gullies with steep terrain above, or skiing steep lines. Heads up on solar aspects in particular
The cold temperatures have facetted the surface snow, and sluffs can pick up mass and travel far. Big sluffs are possible if you are climbing in gullies with steep terrain above, or skiing steep lines. Heads up on solar aspects in particular
The December 15 surface hoar layer is widespread around treeline and buried 60cm. Cold temps have kept the slab from settling and gaining cohesion however this is expected to change with the warming trend.
The cold temperatures have facetted the surface snow, and sluffs can pick up mass and travel far. Big sluffs are possible if you are climbing in gullies with steep terrain above, or skiing steep lines. Heads up on solar aspects in particular.
The cold temperatures have facetted the surface snow, and sluffs can pick up mass and travel far. Big sluffs are possible if you are climbing in gullies with steep terrain above, or skiing steep lines. Heads up on solar aspects in particular
The December 15 surface hoar layer is widespread around treeline and buried 60cm. Cold temps have kept the slab from settling and gaining cohesion; however, this is expected to change as temperatures rise and new snow load is added.
Watch for small wet avalanches from steep and rocky terrain in the sun.
Strong winds have deposited snow into gullies and bowls
The cold temperatures have facetted the surface snow, and sluffs can pick up mass and travel far. Big sluffs are possible if you are climbing in gullies with steep terrain above, or skiing steep lines. Heads up on solar aspects in particular.
The cold temperatures have facetted the surface snow, and sluffs can pick up mass and travel far. Big sluffs are possible if you are climbing in gullies with steep terrain above, or skiing steep lines. Heads up on solar aspects in particular
The December 15 surface hoar layer is widespread around treeline and buried 60cm. Cold temps have kept the slab from settling and gaining cohesion; however, this could change as temperatures rise and new snow load is added.
Loose snow will continue to be a problem in steep rocky areas and gullies until the facets round out a bit.
Loose snow will continue to be a problem in steep rocky areas and gullies until the facets round out a bit.
The Dec 15 and Dec 27 surface hoar layers are widespread around tree line and buried ~60cm and ~30cm respectively. Warmer temps have promoted settlement of the upper snow pack, these layers may become reactive with additional load.
Loose dry surface snow avalanches will continue to be a problem in steep rocky areas and gullies until the facets round out and begin to bond better.
="s_3FE45715">Main concern is for weak, unconsolidated snow on steep rocky features as well as areas in the alpine where a small sluff can build mass.
Loose dry surface snow avalanches will continue to be a problem in steep rocky areas and gullies until the facets round out and begin to bond better.
30cm of snow over the past 48hrs is settling into a soft slab with warm winters temps (-1 to -5). The Jan 4 surface hoar is down ~35cm and found to be up to 15mm in size. If triggered, small avalanches could initiate deeper layers.
The Dec 15 and Dec 27 surface hoar layers are widespread around tree line and buried ~80cm and ~50cm respectively. Warmer temps have promoted settlement of the upper snow pack, these layers may become reactive with the recent storm snow.
Caution when the new snow becomes stiff and develops into a slab.
Loose dry surface snow avalanches will continue to be a problem in steep rocky areas and gullies until the facets round out and begin to bond better. Additionally, we have small amounts of new low density snow adding to the problem.
Loose dry surface snow avalanches will continue to be a problem in steep rocky areas and gullies until the facets round out and begin to bond better. Additionally, we have small amounts of new low density snow adding to the problem.
="s_3FE45715">The upper layers of the snowpack have become weak in sheltered areas at TL while the entire snowpack has become weak BTL where it remains shallow. Be cautious in very steep terrain and in confined features where a small sluff could build mass.
40+cm of storm snow over the past 48hrs is settling into a slab with warm temperatures (-1 to -5). The Jan 4 surface hoar is down ~45cm and found to be up to 15mm in size. If triggered, small avalanches could step down to the Dec 15th PWL!
The Dec 15th PWL is widespread around tree line and below tree line, buried ~80cm. New snow and warm temps have slabbed up the upper snow pack! This interface became reactive yesterday, burying one skier in a terrain trap.
="s_3FE45715">The upper layers of the snowpack have become weak in sheltered areas at TL while the entire snowpack has become weak BTL where it remains shallow. Be cautious in very steep terrain and in confined features where a small sluff could build mass.
Loose dry surface snow avalanches will continue to be a problem in steep rocky areas and gullies.
45cm of recent storm snow is settling into a slab assisted by warm temperatures (-1 to -5). The Jan 4 surface hoar is down ~45cm and found to be up to 15mm in size. If triggered, small avalanches could step down to the Dec 15th PWL with big results.
The Dec 15th PWL is widespread around tree line and below tree line, buried ~80cm. New snow and warm temps have slabbed up the upper snow pack! This interface became reactive Monday, burying one skier in a terrain trap.
="s_3FE45715">New snow covers a facetted/weak upper snowpack in sheltered areas. Be cautious in very steep terrain and in confined features where a small sluff could build mass.
Recent snow is being moved around by the SW winds and forming fresh wind slabs in lee alpine areas. These slabs can fail on the the Dec 15 layer which is producing easy to moderate shears.
Loose dry surface snow avalanches will continue to be a problem in steep rocky areas and gullies.
45cm of recent storm snow has settled into a slab. The Jan 4 surface hoar is down ~45cm and found to be up to 15mm in size. If triggered, avalanches could step down to the Dec 15th PWL with potential for large avalanches.
The Dec 15th PWL is widespread around tree line and below tree line, buried ~100cm. Previous warm temps have slabbed up the upper snow pack. This interface is reactive with skier remote slides Wednesday and a skier buried in a terrain trap on Monday.
There is a dangerous weak layer down 30-60 cm but it needs a stiffer slab overlying it for the avalanche to occur. We are &quot;almost&quot; at that tipping point so be very careful with this layer and travel conservatively even if you observe no avalanches.
Soft windslabs formed during the last storm exist near ridge crests and under cliff bands. Watch for the changing feel of the snow under your feet and be wary of areas with denser surface snow.
="s_3FE45715">New snow covers a facetted/weak upper snowpack in sheltered areas. Be cautious in very steep terrain and in confined features where a small sluff could build mass. Even light winds were triggering these events along alpine ridges Thursday.
A reactive storm slab sits atop the Jan 4 surface hoar interface. The slab is poorly bonded where the surface hoar is well preserved. If triggered, avalanches could step down to the Dec 15th persistent weak layer causing very large slides.
This interface has become reactive with the recent new snow loading. It is most prevalent around treeline or on sheltered slopes the alpine. These avalanches are especially dangerous in terrain trap features where debris can pile up quickly.
There is a dangerous weak layer down 30-60 cm but it needs a stiffer slab overlying it for the avalanche to occur. We are &quot;almost&quot; at that tipping point so be very careful with this layer and travel conservatively even if you observe no avalanches.
="s_3FE45715">New snow covers a facetted/weak upper snowpack in sheltered areas. Be cautious in very steep terrain and in confined features where a small sluff could build mass. Even light winds were triggering these events along alpine ridges Thursday.
A reactive storm slab continues to build &amp; warming temps in the next couple days will make it more touchy. The slab is poorly bonded in areas where the Jan 4 surface hoar is well preserved. If triggered avalanches could step down to the Dec 15th PWL.
This interface has become reactive with the recent new loading and is most prevalent around treeline or sheltered areas the alpine. These avalanches are especially dangerous in terrain traps where debris can pile up.
="s_3FE45715">New snow covers a facetted and weak upper snowpack in sheltered areas. Be cautious in very steep terrain and in confined features where a small sluff could build mass. Consider the potential for these small sluffs to trigger slabs TL and above.
There is a widespread weak layer of surface hoar from Dec 15th down 40-60 cm with a stiff enough slab over it to start producing avalanches. Be very careful and travel conservatively even if you observe no avalanches.
A reactive slab continues to settle, warming temps in the next couple days will make it more touchy. The slab is poorly bonded in areas where the Jan 4 surface hoar is well preserved. If triggered avalanches could step down to the Dec 15th PWL.
This interface has become reactive with the recent new loading and is most prevalent around treeline or sheltered areas the alpine. These avalanches are especially dangerous in terrain traps where debris can pile up.
There is a widespread weak layer of surface hoar from Dec 15th down 40-60 cm with a stiff enough slab over it to start producing avalanches. Be very careful and travel conservatively even if you observe no avalanches.
Sunday's cycle of these will likely result in crust limiting the further potential of this problem however temperatures seem a bit uncertain and if the sun is out again, it is worth taking note.
The Jan 4th and Dec 15 surface hoar layers are widespread around tree line and below, buried ~60cm and ~90cm respectively. The forecasted warm temps will further slab up the upper snow pack and avalanche activity is expected throughout the day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
Natural point release avalanches continued on Monday - loose dry on NE aspects and loose wet on solar aspects. This natural activity is expected to continue on Tuesday.
The Jan 4 and Dec 15 surface hoar layers are down ~60cm and ~90cm respectively. These layers are widespread at treeline. A receding weak temp inversion and mainly cloudy conditions should reduce reactivity compared to recent days.
Natural point release avalanches remain a concern particularly in terrain traps or confined gullies. Surface snow remains loosely consolidated and ripe for entraining snow if initiated. New snow next few days will add to this concern.
This layer is a concern mainly at treeline around Field, Emerald Lake and Little Yoho - this is a very specific band. Natural avalanches are unlikely but human triggered are likely - watch overhead hazard BTL; avalanches can run into the forest.
The Jan 4 and Dec 15 surface hoar layers are down ~65cm and ~95cm respectively. These layers are widespread at treeline. 10cm storm snow in the last 24hrs will add load to the slab over these weak layers.
New snow landing on loose facets has the potential to entrain and create big sluffs.
This layer is a concern mainly at treeline around Field, Emerald Lake and Little Yoho - this is a very specific band. Natural avalanches are unlikely but human triggered are likely - watch overhead hazard BTL; avalanches can run into the forest.
Yesterday's field info found remote triggering the surface slab in some locations and no slab in others. Warming temps, more new snow and mod S-SW winds will increase the density  of the slab and sensitivity of the layer to human triggering.
The Jan 4 and Dec 15 surface hoar layers are down ~70cm and ~100cm respectively. These layers are widespread at treeline. 20cm storm snow in the last 24hrs will add load to the slab over these weak layers.
5-10cm of storm snow has been pushed into fresh windslabs. The concern is for areas where these slabs overlay a couple layers of surface hoar in the top 30cm of the snowpack. Field teams found touchy new slabs in the Hilda Creek drainage.
The Jan 16 surface hoar is widespread and buried 30cm. Incremental loading combined with wind action has led to slab development over this weak interface. The January 4th surface hoar is down 60cm and could be triggered by a storm slab avalanche.
The Dec 15th layer is down 100cm. After a month under the snow, this surface hoar remains widespread and well-preserved. Daily snowfalls add up. This incremental loading can increase the sensitivity of deep layers that may be forgotten, but not gone.
The January 4th surface hoar is down 60cm and the Dec 15th layer is down 100cm. After a month under the snow, this surface hoar remains widespread and well-preserved. These layers should not be overlooked and could be more sensitive in thin areas.
The January 4th surface hoar is down 60cm and the Dec 15th layer is down 100cm. After a month under the snow, this surface hoar remains widespread and well-preserved. These layers should not be overlooked and could be more sensitive in thin areas.
No large avalanches have been observed on the Dec. 15 facet layer but it continues to be a layer of worry for the forecasters.
This layer is a concern mainly at treeline around Field, Emerald Lake and Little Yoho - this is a very specific band. Natural avalanches are unlikely but human triggered are likely - watch overhead hazard BTL; avalanches can run into the forest.
The dec 15 layer is a concern mainly at treeline around Field, Emerald Lake and Little Yoho - this is a very specific band. Watch for overhead hazard BTL; avalanches can run into the forest.
The Dec 15 layer is a concern mainly at treeline around Field, Emerald Lake and Little Yoho - this is a very specific band, although avalanches initiated could run into areas below treeline.
The Dec 15 layer is a concern mainly at treeline around Field, Emerald Lake and Little Yoho - this is a very specific band, although avalanches initiated could run into areas below treeline.
Strong south winds combined with recent new snow has formed pockets of wind slab. This buries the Jan 16 surface hoar which is widespread and found down ~50cm. Slabs triggered over this weak layer could propagate far and trigger deeper layers.
The January 4th surface hoar is down 70cm and the Dec 15th layer is down 100cm. After a month under the snow, this surface hoar remains widespread and well-preserved. These layers should not be overlooked and could be sensitive in thin areas.
There are 3 weak layers in the upper snowpack: Jan. 16, Jan 6 and Dec. 15. They are a mix of sun crust, facets and surface hoar depending on aspect and elevation. Avalanches initiated in any of these layers will likely step down to the Dec. 15 layer
We are now in a lower likelihood/very high consequence scenario with the January 4th and the Dec 15th surface hoar layers. These layers should not be overlooked and could be sensitive to thin areas.
There are 3 weak layers in the upper snowpack: Jan. 16, Jan 6 and Dec. 15. They are a mix of sun crust, facets and surface hoar depending on aspect and elevation. Avalanches initiated in any of these layers will likely step down to the Dec. 15 layer
Storm slabs sit on a layer of surface hoar and/or a thin crust. They will be most sensitive in areas exposed to wind and unsupported convexities, where there's tension in the snowpack. Storm slabs triggered could step down to deeper weak layers.
We are now in a lower likelihood/very high consequence scenario with the January 4th and the Dec 15th surface hoar layers. These layers should not be overlooked and could be sensitive to human triggering in thin areas.
There are 3 weak layers in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec. 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on your aspect and elevation. Whumphing is occurring on these layers daily and step down avalanches are possible
Persistent weak layers present a lower likelihood/very high consequence scenario with the January 4th and the Dec 15th surface hoar layers. These layers could be sensitive to human triggering in thin areas, or overloads from storm slab avalanches.
There are 3 weak layers in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec. 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on your aspect and elevation. Recent loading has overloaded these layers and we are seeing avalanche running far.
Persistent weak layers present a lower likelihood / high consequence scenario with the Jan 16th, 4th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers. These layers could be sensitive to human triggering in thin areas, or overloads from storm slab avalanches.
There are 3 weak layers in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec. 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on your aspect and elevation. Recent loading has overloaded these layers and we are seeing avalanche running far.
Persistent weak layers present a lower likelihood / high consequence scenario with the Jan 16th, 4th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers. These layers could be sensitive to human triggering in thin areas, or overloads from wind slab avalanches.
There are three weak layers in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on your aspect and elevation. Avalanches are occurring on these layers and human triggering is likely.
Persistent weak layers present a lower likelihood / high consequence scenario with the Jan 16th, 4th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers. These layers could be sensitive to human triggering in thin areas, or overloads from wind slab avalanches.
Incoming new snow and wind will build fresh storm slabs. If triggered these may step down and trigger the persistent weaknesses in the upper snowpack.
There are three weak layers in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on your aspect and elevation. Avalanches are occurring on these layers and human triggering is likely.
There are three weak layers in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on your aspect and elevation. Avalanches are occurring on these layers and human triggering is likely.
Heavy snowfall and warming temperatures will create a reactive storm slab. If triggered, the slab could step down to deeper weak layers. With steady snowfall accumulation in the last week expect to see avalanches gaining mass and running far.
Persistent weak layers present a lower likelihood / high consequence scenario with the Jan 16th, 4th &amp;Dec 15th surface hoar layers buried deep. These layers could be overloaded and reach their tipping point with today's warming and heavy snowfall
There are three weak layers in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on your aspect and elevation. Avalanches are occurring on these layers and human triggering is likely.
The current storm is loading the slab over top of 3 layers: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on aspect and elevation. Avalanches are occurring on these layers and human triggering is likely.
Incoming new snow and wind will build fresh storm slabs.
Watch for sluffing in steep terrain.
Heavy snowfall created a reactive storm slab. Wind loading continues to overload this weakness. If triggered, the slab could step down to deeper weak layers. Avalanches are running full path.
Persistent weak layers present a lower likelihood / high consequence scenario with the Jan 16th, 4th &amp;Dec 15th surface hoar layers buried deep. These layers have woke up again resulting in large avalanches in the last 24hrs.
There are three weak layers in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on your aspect and elevation. Avalanches are occurring on these layers and human triggering is almost certain.
Natural Avalanches to size 3 were noted today along with numerous size 2 avalanches failing down 50-100cm on persistent weak layers.
widespread from rapid loading of new snow with warm temps and quick settlement.
There are three weak layers in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on your aspect and elevation. Avalanches are occurring on these layers and human triggering is almost certain.
Recent heavy snowfall has created a reactive storm slab. Wind transport has added to the load on lee slopes at and above treeline. If triggered, the slab could step down to deeper persistent weak layers.
Persistent weak layers present a lower likelihood / high consequence scenario with the Jan 16th, 4th &amp;Dec 15th surface hoar layers buried deep. Triggered storm slabs may overload these layers resulting in large avalanches.
There are three weak layers in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on your aspect and elevation. Avalanches are occurring on these layers and human triggering is almost certain.
There are three weak layers in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on your aspect and elevation. Avalanches are occurring on these layers and human triggering is almost certain.
This is the primary concern at all elevations. The new snow has settled into a touchy soft slab in many locations. This presents as a windslab in exposed areas, such as cross loaded and lee features at upper elevations.
Point releases have the ability to entrain new snow and accumulate significant mass.
Recent heavy snowfall has created a storm slab in some locations. Wind transport added to the load on lee slopes at and above treeline. If triggered, the slab could step down to deeper persistent weak layers.
Natural avalanche activity on the persistent weak layers has dropped off. The Jan 16th, 4th &amp;Dec 15th surface hoar layers  are buried deep. Large triggers such as cornice fall or storm slabs may overload these layers.
Three weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on your aspect and elevation. Destructive avalanches have occurred on these and will continue over the few days.
This is the primary concern at all elevations. The new snow has settled into a touchy soft slab in many locations. This presents as a windslab in exposed areas, such as cross loaded and lee features at upper elevations.
Point releases have the ability to entrain new snow and accumulate significant mass.
Three weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on your aspect and elevation. Destructive avalanches have occurred on these and will continue over the few days.
Ongoing heavy snowfall has created a storm slab. Wind transport added to the load on lee slopes at and above treeline. If triggered, the slab could step down to deeper persistent weak layers.
Natural avalanche activity will increase today with forecasted new snow and ongoing winds. The Jan 16th, 4th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers are buried deep, but avalanches in the storm snow can certainly step down and trigger these weak interfaces.
Point releases have the ability to entrain new snow and accumulate significant mass.
Three weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. Destructive avalanches have occurred on these and will continue over the few days.
If the forecasted new snow amounts of 15-20 cm with strong SW winds show up, we will likely see storm slabs failing over the next 24 hrs with potential to step down to deeper layers. Stick to non-avalanche terrain until things have a chance to settle
Three weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. Destructive avalanches have occurred on these and will continue over the few days.
If the forecasted new snow amounts of 15-20 cm with strong SW winds show up, we will likely see storm slabs failing over the next 24 hrs with potential to step down to deeper layers. Stick to non-avalanche terrain until things have a chance to settle
Ongoing heavy snowfall has created a storm slab. Strong to extreme South winds will have redistributed new snow into a touchy windslab in the Alpine &amp; at Treeline.&nbsp; If triggered, the slab could step down to deeper persistent weak layers.
Natural avalanche activity will increase today with forecasted new snow and ongoing winds. The Jan 16th, 4th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers are buried deep, but avalanches in the storm snow can step down and trigger these weak interfaces.
Three weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. Destructive avalanches have occurred on these and will continue over the few days.
Three weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. Destructive avalanches have occurred on these and will continue over the few days.
Consistent snowfall has created a storm slab. Previous strong South winds have redistributed the new snow into a windslab in the Alpine and at Treeline. If triggered, the slab could step down to deeper persistent weak layers.
Natural avalanche activity on the persistent weak layers has tapered off recently. The Jan 16th, 4th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers are buried deep, but avalanches in the storm snow can step down and trigger these weak interfaces.
Three weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. Destructive avalanches have occurred on these and will continue over the few days.
Expecting to build throughout the week with the forecasted winds.
Three weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. Natural activity is tapering, but it is still primed for human triggering.
The new snow that fell Saturday and Sunday has triggered a few slabs as it has sluffed off of rock faces or steep terrain. Consider the potential for this if you enter steep or confined terrain.
Natural avalanche activity on the persistent weak layers has tapered off recently. The Jan 16th, 4th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers are buried deep, but avalanches in the storm snow can step down and trigger these weak interfaces.
Three weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. 50-100 cm of snow over the last week has overloaded these layers.
Three weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. Natural activity is tapering, but it is still primed for human triggering.
The new snow that fell Saturday and Sunday has triggered a few slabs as it has sluffed off of rock faces or steep terrain. Consider the potential for this if you enter steep or confined terrain such as ice climbs.
Natural avalanche activity on the persistent weak layers has tapered off recently. The Jan 16th, 4th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers are buried deep, but avalanches in the storm snow can step down and trigger these weak interfaces.
Three weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. 50-100 cm of snow over the last week has overloaded these layers.
Three weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. Natural activity is tapering, but it is still primed for human triggering.
The Jan 16th, 4th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers have been quiet recently but may reawaken given a large trigger such as a storm slab avalanche or cornice fall.
Rapid snowfall on top of the 20cm+ already received this week will prime the surface for sluffing. Both natural and skier triggered sluffing can be expected today.
Three weak layers exist in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. The recent and forecasted snow will continue to overload these layers.
Three weak layers exist in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. The recent and forecasted snow will continue to overload these layers.
Look for storm slab formation with warmer temps and forecasted snow amounts. Winds will be variable in direction through the storm period which may result in widespread slab distribution. These new slabs may also be sitting on previous wind slabs.
The weak facet layer in the snowpack could wake-up with the new snow forecasted on Thursday.
Watch for slab formation with warming temperatures into the weekend. The new snow may also be sitting on old wind slabs
The Jan 16th, 4th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers have been quiet recently but may reawaken given a large trigger such as a storm slab avalanche or cornice fall.
Rapid snowfall, with 40cm of low density overnight will be easy to get moving in steep terrain. Both natural and skier triggered sluffing can be expected today.
Three weak layers exist in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers are very sensitive to triggering both naturally and by human triggering.
There are storm slabs up to 1m thick on many aspects and elevations from the big storm on Thursday. These will be highly sensitive to triggering and once initiated, can step down to the deeper persistent layers causing very large avalanches.
Three weak layers exist in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers are very sensitive to triggering both naturally and by human triggering.
There are storm slabs up to 1m thick on many aspects and elevations from the big storm on Thursday. These will be highly sensitive to triggering and once initiated, can step down to the deeper persistent layers causing very large avalanches.
Up to 45cm of HST fell through the forecast area, over-loading the already weak persistent slab and running far and fast.
The last storm brought over 60cm of new snow in 48hrs. Storm slabs remain touchy and are still resulting in large natural avalanches, as recently as 0700 this morning. Expect the &quot;first kiss of the sun&quot; to trigger more storm slab avalanches.
Several deeply buried persistent weak layers are primed for natural and skier triggering with the new storm load. These slides have the potential to reach the full extent of their run-out zones. Mature timber may not be a default safe spot today.
Three weak layers exist in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers are very sensitive to triggering both naturally and by human triggering.
There are storm slabs up to 1m thick on many aspects and elevations from the big storm on Thursday. These will be highly sensitive to triggering and once initiated, can step down to the deeper persistent layers causing very large avalanches.
Three weak layers exist in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers are very sensitive to triggering both naturally and by human triggering.
There are storm slabs up to 1m thick on many aspects and elevations from the big storm on Thursday. These will be highly sensitive to triggering and once initiated, can step down to the deeper persistent layers causing very large avalanches.
Up to 45cm of HST fell through the forecast area, over-loading the already weak persistent slab and running far and fast.
Very large avalanches of been running to this layer at the bottom of the snowpack clearing mature timber in the valley bottom
Forecasted winds will move around the new snow creating wind slabs that have the potential to step down to deeper layers in the snowpack.
The last storm brought over 60cm of snow in 48hrs. In the alpine, mod winds have built windslab. If triggered these slabs will propagate very wide. Cornices have also grown in size &amp; become more fragile in the last week, give them a wide berth!
Several deeply buried persistent weak layers have become reactive with the new snow load. If these layers are triggered the resulting avalanches will have the potential to reach the full extent of their run-out zones, possibly even further.
Persistent slabs remain a problem. The main concern is for areas exposed to large triggers such as cornices and large South facing alpine terrain exposed to afternoon sun.
Three weak layers exist in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers are sensitive to triggering both naturally and by human triggering.
Three weak layers exist in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers are sensitive to triggering both naturally and by human triggering.
The last storm brought 60cm+ of snow. In the alpine, strong winds have formed windslab. If triggered these slabs have potential to propagate. Cornices have grown in size &amp; become more fragile in the last week, avoid exposing yourself to this hazard.
Deeply buried persistent weak layers were reactive in the recent avalanche cycle. Larger loads such as storm slab or cornice fall may trigger these layers. Resulting avalanches will have the potential to reach the full extent of their run-out zones.
Three weak layers exist in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers are sensitive to triggering both naturally and by human triggering.
Three weak layers exist in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers are sensitive to triggering both naturally and by human triggering.
Persistent slabs remain a problem. The main concern is for areas exposed to large triggers such as cornices and large South facing alpine terrain exposed to the sun.
Back into lower probability but high consequence of a large avalanche if triggered with the PWL. Large loads such as wind slab or cornice fall may trigger these layers. Resulting avalanches will be large and may reach the end of their run-out zones.
Persistent slabs remain a problem. The main concern is for areas exposed to large triggers such as cornices and large South facing alpine terrain exposed to the sun.
Three weak layers exist in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers are sensitive to triggering both naturally and by human triggering.
Three weak layers exist in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers are sensitive to triggering both naturally and by human triggering.
These slabs will be most susceptible to triggering in shallow areas. This type of instability will linger for a while yet. The significant storms we've seen recently have overloaded these layers, priming slopes to fail only awaiting a trigger.
Up to 15cm of new snow is being blown in to fresh windslabs.
Persistent slabs remain a problem. The main concern is for areas exposed to large triggers such as cornices and large South facing alpine terrain exposed to the sun.
A 100-125cm dense slab of January storm snow overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers could easily be triggered.
A 100-125cm dense slab of January storm snow overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers could easily be triggered.
30cm of storm snow has been fallen over night with moderate southwest winds building pockets of wind slab in the alpine and exposed treeline locations. The storm slab will be most reactive along ridge lines, convexities and steep unsupported terrain.
These slabs will be most susceptible to triggering in shallow areas. This type of instability will linger for a while yet. The significant storms we've seen recently have overloaded these layers, priming slopes to fail only awaiting a trigger.
Up to 15cm of new snow with winds and warmer temperatures is creating fresh windslabs.
Persistent slabs remain a problem. The main concern is for areas exposed to large triggers such as cornices or smaller avalanches / sloughing from above.
A 100-125cm dense slab of January storm snow overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers could easily be triggered.
A 100-125cm dense slab of January storm snow overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers could easily be triggered.
40cm in 48hrs, previous moderate winds have redistributed it into pockets of wind slab in the alpine and exposed treeline locations. Expect the storm slab to be most reactive along ridge lines, convexities and in steep unsupported terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
These slabs will be most susceptible to triggering in shallow areas. This type of instability will linger for a while yet. The significant storms seen recently have overloaded these layers, priming slopes to fail only awaiting a trigger.
A 100-125cm dense slab of January storm snow overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers could easily be triggered.
A 100-125cm dense slab of January storm snow overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. These layers could easily be triggered.
Variable and strong upper elevation winds are continuing to create fresh windslabs.
Persistent slabs remain a problem. Areas exposed to large triggers such as cornices or smaller avalanches / sloughing from above are most likely to trigger this midpack weakness.
Watch for this layer to wake up if we get rapid loading from new snow on Saturday night. Expect avalanches to run full path into the valley bottom.
Natural and skier triggered avalanches are still resulting from this reactive storm slab problem.  Loading from moderate to strong southerly winds has increased the likelihood storm slabs being triggered and propagating, especially in exposed areas.
These slabs will be most susceptible to triggering in shallow areas. This type of instability will linger for a while yet. The significant storms seen recently have overloaded these layers, priming slopes to fail only awaiting a trigger.
Persistent slabs remain a problem. Areas exposed to large triggers such as cornices or smaller avalanches / sloughing from above are most likely to trigger this midpack weakness.
A 100-125cm dense slab of snow overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation.
A 100-125cm dense slab of snow overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation.
Natural and skier triggered avalanches are still resulting from this reactive storm slab problem. Loading from moderate to strong southerly winds has increased the likelihood storm slabs being triggered and propagating, especially in exposed areas.
These slabs will be most susceptible to triggering in shallow areas. This type of instability will linger for a while yet. The significant storms seen recently have overloaded these layers, priming slopes to fail only awaiting a trigger.
A 100-125cm dense slab of January storm snow overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation.
A 100-125cm dense slab of January storm snow overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation.
Whumpfing and cracking are signs of this layer's reactivity. Expect long propagation with a wind-stiffened snow surface.
These slabs will be most susceptible to triggering in shallow areas. This type of instability will linger for a while yet. The significant storms seen recently have overloaded these layers, priming slopes to fail only awaiting a trigger.
A 100-125cm dense slab of January storm snow overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation.
A 100-125cm dense slab of January storm snow overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation.
A stiff slab 50 to 90cm thick, sits over sun crusts on south and west aspects, Surface Hoar preserved at, and just above treeline and weak faceted crystals lurking in shallow snowpack features. This is a dangerous problem that is difficult to avoid.
20 hrs of strong N-NE winds have formed reverse loaded windslab at and above treeline. Natural slab avalanches to size 2 have been randomly occurring many triggered by cornice fall. Avoid exposing yourself to overhead hazard.
Persistent weak layers continue to linger and may be susceptible to human triggering in shallow areas. Larger triggers such as cornice fall may also wake these deeper weak layers resulting in larger avalanches.
A stiff slab 50 to 90cm thick, sits over sun crusts on south and west aspects, Surface Hoar preserved at, and just above treeline and weak faceted crystals lurking in shallow snowpack features. This is a dangerous problem that is difficult to avoid.
A 100-125cm strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location, and they continue to produce moderate, sudden planar test results.
A 100-125cm strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location, and they continue to produce moderate, sudden planar test results.
A stiff slab 50 to 90cm thick, sits over sun crusts on south and west aspects, Surface Hoar preserved at, and just above treeline and weak faceted crystals lurking in shallow snowpack features. This is a dangerous problem that is difficult to avoid.
A  strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location, and they continue to produce moderate, sudden planar test results.
In the deeper snowpack areas west of the divide the previously reported persistent weak layers within the mid-pack (Dec 15, Jan 6, and Jan 16 layers) are becoming stronger and only producing hard to no results with pit tests.
A strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location, and we are slowly gaining confidence with these layers.
In the deeper snowpack areas west of the divide the previously reported persistent weak layers within the mid-pack (Dec 15, Jan 6, and Jan 16 layers) are becoming stronger and only producing hard to no results with pit tests.
A stiff slab 50 to 90cm thick, sits over sun crusts on south and west aspects, Surface Hoar preserved at, and just above treeline and weak faceted crystals lurking in shallow snowpack features. This is a dangerous problem that is difficult to avoid.
A stiff slab 50 to 80cm thick, sits over: Sun Crusts (south and west aspects), Surface Hoar (at, and just above treeline) and weak Faceted Crystals (very developed in shallow snowpack features) This is a dangerous problem that is difficult to avoid.
A strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location, and we are slowly gaining confidence with these layers.
In the deeper snowpack areas west of the divide the previously reported persistent weak layers within the mid-pack (Dec 15, Jan 6, and Jan 16 layers) are becoming stronger and only producing hard to no results with pit tests.
A strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location, and we are slowly gaining confidence with these layers.
A stiff slab 50 to 80cm thick, sits over: Sun Crusts (south and west aspects), Surface Hoar (at, and just above treeline) and weak Faceted Crystals (very developed in shallow snowpack features) This is a dangerous problem that is difficult to avoid.
In the deeper snowpack areas west of the divide the previously reported persistent weak layers within the mid-pack (Dec 15, Jan 6, and Jan 16 layers) are becoming stronger and only producing hard to no results with pit tests.
A stiff slab 50 to 80cm thick, sits over sun Crusts (south and west aspects), Surface Hoar (at, and just above treeline) and weak Faceted Crystals (very developed in shallow snowpack features) This is a dangerous problem that is difficult to avoid.
A strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location, and we are slowly gaining confidence with these layers.
In the deeper snowpack areas west of the divide the previously reported persistent weak layers within the mid-pack (Dec 15, Jan 6, and Jan 16 layers) are becoming stronger and only producing hard to no results with pit tests.
Storm snow is landing on a facetted old snow surface. In steeper terrain expect surface sluffing, which can be an issue in terrain traps such as gully features.
A stiff slab 50 to 80cm thick, sits over sun Crusts (south and west aspects), Surface Hoar (at, and just above treeline) and weak Faceted Crystals (very developed in shallow snowpack features).
A strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location, and we are slowly gaining confidence with these layers.
A strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location, and we are slowly gaining confidence with these layers.
Moderate S'ly winds and 25cm of storm snow all landing on a facetted old snow surface. Where wind touched watch for a reactive storm slab at and above treeline. Recently buried windslab is also a concern more so on steeper solar locations.
In steep terrain expect surface power sluffing, which can be an issue in terrain traps such as gully features. Stay situationally aware as to people above and below you.
A strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location. We have not had any recent avalanche activity on these layers but keep them in mind in large terrain.
A strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location. We have not had any recent avalanche activity on these layers but keep them in mind in large terrain.
No recent avalanches have been observed on this facet layer but this is the sleeping dragon.
No recent avalanches have been observed on this facet layer but this is the sleeping dragon.
A cold, facetting, and structurally weak slab up to 80cm thick overlies faceted crystals (well developed in shallow areas). Low elevations will present as a loose dry avalanche problem.
A cold, facetting, and structurally weak slab up to 80cm thick overlies faceted crystals (well developed in shallow areas). Low elevations will present as a loose dry avalanche problem.
Late afternoon problem in steep, solar rocky terrain. Found to be entraining the surrounding, facetted snowpack and will build up volume quickly.
New snow and southerly winds have created reactive storm slabs. Slabs will be well-formed on lee features when wind has contributed to loading. These slabs are touchy and sensitive to human triggered loads as well as natural inputs like wind and sun.
A cold, facetting, and structurally weak slab up to 80cm thick overlies faceted crystals (well developed in shallow areas). Low elevations will present as a loose dry avalanche problem.
Late afternoon problem in steep, solar rocky terrain. Found to be entraining the surrounding, facetted snowpack and will build up volume quickly.
Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep rocky terrain. Watch for increasing hazard associated with prolonged sun affect.
Climbers avoid terrain exposed to the sun, we expect solar related avalanche activity over the next few days with prolonged sun affect and warmer day time temperatures.&nbsp; Loose wet avalanches can be expected to initiate from overhead rocks and cliffs.
Today the new snow will get a blast of strong spring solar radiation. This should trigger a natural cycle of loose wet avalanches on solar aspects, most likely initiated from rock outcrops or dropping snow pillows.
Late afternoon problem in steep, solar rocky terrain. Also found to be entraining the surrounding, facetted snowpack and will build up volume and speed quickly.
A cold, facetting, and structurally weak snowpack overlies faceted crystals (well developed in shallow areas).
Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep rocky terrain. Watch for increasing hazard associated with prolonged sun affect. Finish very early, or better yet, avoid steep confined features all together.
Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep rocky terrain. Watch for increasing hazard associated with prolonged sun affect. Finish very early, or better yet, avoid steep confined features all together.
The first sustained warming event of the season will put the deeply buried December Facet layer to the test. The 'where' and 'when' of this problem is difficult to evaluate, but likelihood will rise with the sustained warm temps forecast.
More of a problem Tuesday on, especially if overnight temperatures remain high.
Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep rocky terrain. Pay close attention to the effects of the sun on the avalanche terrain above you and avoid overhead exposure. With prolonged warm temps expect cornices to begin failing.
Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep rocky terrain. Watch for increasing hazard associated with prolonged sun affect. Finish very early, or better yet, avoid steep confined features all together.
Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep rocky terrain. Watch for increasing hazard associated with prolonged sun affect. Finish very early, or better yet, avoid steep confined features all together.
Late afternoon problem in steep, solar rocky terrain. Also found to be entraining the surrounding, facetted snowpack and will build up volume and speed quickly.
As daily temperature swings push further and further in to&nbsp; the upper snowpack, slab avalanches may occur at several interfaces within the facetted and structurally weak mid and lower snowpack.
Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep solar terrain. Pay close attention to the effects of the sun on the avalanche terrain above you and avoid overhead exposure. With prolonged warm temps expect cornices to begin failing.
solar aspects and elevations below the freezing level
Avoid steep gully areas and any sun exposed faces or overhead terrain - it will avalanche when the sun hits it. Stick to shaded terrain and look way overhead to make sure nothing big is hanging above you - things are falling off these days.
Avoid steep gully areas and any sun exposed faces or overhead terrain - it will avalanche when the sun hits it. Stick to shaded terrain and look way overhead to make sure nothing big is hanging above you - things are falling off these days.
Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep solar terrain. Pay close attention to the effects of the sun on the avalanche terrain above you and avoid overhead exposure. With prolonged warm temps expect cornices to begin failing.
solar aspects and elevations below the freezing level
The sun is strong right now and with this clear weather, it is destabilizing the snow on solar aspects in the afternoon. Generally these avalanches are running as loose wet and not stepping down to deeper layers, but the possibility remains.
The sun is strong right now and with this clear weather, it is destabilizing the snow on solar aspects in the afternoon. Generally these avalanches are running as loose wet and not stepping down to deeper layers, but the possibility remains.
Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep solar terrain. Pay close attention to the effects of the sun on the avalanche terrain above you and avoid overhead exposure.
Lower elevation temperatures have stayed above zero for the past 24hrs with a freezing level up to 1600m today. There is the chance of rain (10-15mm) starting early this afternoon which will weaken the snowpack below tree line.
The sun is strong right now and with this clear weather, it is destabilizing the snow on solar aspects in the afternoon. Generally these avalanches are running as loose wet and not stepping down to deeper layers, but the possibility remains.
Hot weather means cornice season, and this is the time when large mature cornices begin to fall off and the mountain sheds its snowpack. On ridges stay well away from cornices (they can reach back and get you), and avoid traveling under them.
With the freezing level forecast to be as high as 1900m on Friday, this could be a significant problem at lower elevations (particularly on ice climbs).
Lower elevation temperatures have stayed around zero for the past 24hrs and the freezing level should be up to 1700m later today. Forecast sunny periods could quickly weaken surface layers resulting in surface sloughing this afternoon.
Expect the new snow to shed from steep rocky terrain.
Areas with deeper storm snow amounts are sluffing easily. This is a good time to avoid steep gullied terrain where even a small avalanche will gain mass quickly. Wind, warm temps or sunny breaks will also increase the likelihood of this problem.
Today the snowpack will get the full effect of the sun.  Expect the recent 5-10 cm to become reactive on solar aspects especially around rocks and trees in steep terrain.  As the near surface crust breaks down in the PM we could see bigger avalanches
Expect any accumulated snow to shed from steep rocky terrain with solar or rain input.
Hazard will increase with clearing skies after new snow.
Cloud cover today should reduce the chance of loose wet slides on solar aspects. However if the sun does come out expect the recent 5-10 cm of snow to become reactive around rocks and trees on steep solar terrain.
Watch for this to become reactive if the sun comes out.
Cloud cover today should reduce the chance of loose wet slides on solar aspects. However if the sun does come out expect the recent 5-10 cm of new snow to become reactive around rocks and trees on steep solar terrain.
Watch for snowpack to become reactive if the sun comes out.
Rising freezing levels should turn the new snow moist at lower elevations. This new layer will bond well to gentle terrain but slide off easily where it overlies a crust in steep terrain. Loose wet avalanches may also trigger glide avalanches today.
Watch for snowpack to become reactive if the sun comes out.
Rain will destabilize the snowpack turning it isothermal, particularly where the snow cover is thin.
Today's high freezing level of 2000m and the possibility of rain at lower elevations will weaken the snowpack and increase the possibility of loose wet avalanches.
Concern still exists for last weeks storm snow (20-30 cm) where it overlies a crust on solar aspects. Some recent avalanches have been observed on this interface.
Five cm of new snow fell overnight with Southerly winds gusting to 81 km/hr. Another 5cm is forecast today with sustained winds building windslab in lee features.  Pay close attention solar aspects where near surface crusts act as a good bed surface
20cm new snow with Southerly winds gusting to 80 km/hr has formed a storm slab. Another 10cm is forecast today with sustained winds building windslab in lee features. Pay attention on solar aspects where near surface crusts act as a good bed surface
As the new snow increases the load over the March 15 crust on solar aspects we may start to see avalanche activity on this layer. If the facets below the crust also fail, larger propagations will be possible.
60cm of storm snow buries a crust up to 2000m on all aspects and into the alpine on solar aspects. 30cm of new snow is settling quickly could be reactive to human presence. Moderate to strong winds have formed wind slabs on lee features.
This problem includes new widespread storm slabs which will form if the expected snow and wind occurs, and some older wind slabs which will now be buried in specific features at upper elevations.
This problem includes new widespread storm slabs which will form if the expected snow and wind occurs, and some older wind slabs which will now be buried in specific features at upper elevations.
Watchout for storm slabs forming with new snow.
Because the snow surface is a smooth crust the new snow will run fast and far
With the help of strong south winds, the storm snow is forming into a cohesive slab. The slab sits on a variety of surfaces including a widespread crust below tree line, a crust on solar aspects, and isolated pockets of surface hoar on polar aspects.
With the help of strong south winds, the storm snow is forming into a cohesive slab. The slab sits on a variety of surfaces including a widespread crust below tree line, a crust on solar aspects, and isolated pockets of surface hoar on polar aspects.
Storm slabs may be susceptible to human triggering. Steep S aspects where the slab may sit on a sun crust and wind loaded features on N and E aspects are the main concern.
Variable strong winds have blown the recent storm snow around and loaded all aspects in the alpine. While these slabs are fresh they will be susceptible to human triggering, especially in steep unsupported terrain or with strong solar heating.
Moist surface snow ran naturally and was easily triggered by skiers on steeper terrain yesterday. With little overnight recovery below 1900m expect this problem to continue today.
Expect natural avalanche activity during periods of rain.
Expect the moist surface snow to destabilize rapidly as the temperature rises and snow/rain fall amounts increase.
70-90cm of settled snow sits on the mid March crust/facet combo and fails suddenly in the mod-hard range in stability tests on solar aspects. This layer might become more active with the incoming snow/rain and rising temperatures.
The snowpack is rapidly heating up and in shallow spots requires very little in the way of rain, sun or ambient heat to complete the process. Snow pillows falling onto snow of this character will trigger avalanches. Solar radiation is a trigger.
There is potential for loose wet avalanches in the afternoon when the day heats up.
The sun is expected to make an appearance today which will heat up solar aspects quickly and weaken the surface snow, resulting in potential avalanches.
The snowpack in shallow spots requires very little in the way of ambient heat to weaken it to point of triggering. Solar radiation speeds up this process dramatically.
Rising FL and rain could destabilize surface layers resulting in loose moist avalanches. A Moderate re-freeze overnight should have formed a crust well into treeline on all aspects and into the Alpine on Solar aspects after yesterday's warm up.
Expect loose wet avalanches to start running from steep slopes when temps warm up. Watch out for terrain traps where these small avalanches could have severe consequences. 
Over 30cm in last 48hrs initially accompanied by strong to extreme winds has created widespread storm slabs on all aspects at Treeline and in the Alpine. Expect the strong winds to have scoured S aspects &amp; created firm windslabs on N facing terrain.
The forecast calls for cloudy with sunny periods. If the sun does decide to make an appearance today solar radiation may initiate loose wet slides on steeper Southerly aspects. Rain possible later today will also destabilize surface layers.
This layer is widespread and most pronounced at treeline elevation. It will be most reactive in areas where wind loading has occurred and encouraged slab development.
This layer can be found at tree line and in the alpine but spotty in its distribution. It will be most reactive in areas where wind loading has occurred on lee aspects and on steep solar aspects where the surface hoar sits on a crust.
This layer can be found at all elevations, but is spotty in its distribution. It will be most reactive in wind loaded areas and on steep solar aspects where the surface hoar sits on a crust.
This layer can be found at all elevations, but is spotty in its distribution. It will be most reactive in wind loaded areas and on steep solar aspects where the surface hoar sits on a crust.
This layer can be found at all elevations, but is spotty in its distribution. It will be most reactive in wind loaded areas and on steep solar aspects where the surface hoar sits on a crust.
As the snowfall intensifies expect to see loose avalanche run from cliffy terrain into terrain features such as gullies.
40cm of new snow and strong winds are great ingredients for storm slabs. The storm snow is sitting on a mix of facets, surface hoar and crusts. The storm slab will be easy for skiers and riders to trigger on steep slopes today and tomorrow.
As the snowfall intensifies expect to see loose avalanche run from steep terrain.
80cm of storm snow and strong winds are great ingredients for storm slabs. The storm snow is sitting on a mix of facets, surface hoar and crusts. Natural Avalanche activity will peak today, storm slabs will be easy for skiers and riders to trigger.
Fresh slabs will continue to build over the next day as the storm fronts pass over our region.
As the snowfall intensifies expect to see loose avalanche run from steep terrain.
Up to 40 cm of recent snow along with strong winds will have created storm slabs and wind slabs at all elevation. These slabs are reactive to skier triggering and are running long distances. Ice climbers pay attention to overhead hazard.
Loose dry avalanches have been observed running long distances.
Up to 40 cm of recent snow along with strong winds will have created storm slabs and wind slabs at all elevation. These slabs are reactive to skier triggering and are running long distances. Ice climbers pay attention to overhead hazard.
Loose dry avalanches have been observed running long distances.
110cm of storm snow contains several instabilities and is poorly bonded to the Dec 9 interface. The storm has subsided, but slab formation continues with rising temperatures and strong winds. These slabs will be easy for skiers and riders to trigger.
Up to 40 cm of recent snow along with strong winds will have created storm slabs and wind slabs at all elevation. These slabs are reactive to skier triggering and are running long distances. Ice climbers pay attention to overhead hazard.
Loose dry avalanches have been observed running long distances.
Up to 40 cm of recent snow along with strong winds will have created storm slabs and wind slabs at all elevation. These slabs are reactive to skier triggering and are running long distances. Ice climbers pay attention to overhead hazard.
Loose dry avalanches have been observed running long distances.
The December 9 weak layer is down +100cm. This layer consists of surface hoar, facets and sun crust, depending on the aspect. Natural and human triggered avalanches are still occurring on this layer.
The new snow will continue to settle over time. Determining the strength of bond at the Dec. 11 interface will be key to safe travel in open features at treeline and below.
The mid and lower portions of the snowpack are weak and are now overloaded with critical levels of snow. We expect avalanches to step down to this deeper layer.
The mid and lower portions of the snowpack are weak and are now overloaded with critical levels of snow. We expect avalanches to step down to this deeper layer.
The bottom of the snowpack is a combination of crusts and facets that is reactive to large triggers.
The December 9 weak layer is down 60-100cm. This layer consists of surface hoar, facets, and sun crust, depending on the aspect. Natural and human triggered avalanches are still occurring on this layer.
Determining the strength of bond at the Dec11 interface is key to safe travel in open features at treeline and below.
Up to 50cm of recent snow along with strong winds will have created storm slabs and wind slabs at all elevations. These slabs are still reactive to skier triggering. Ice climbers pay attention to overhead hazard.
The mid and lower portions of the snowpack are weak and are now overloaded with critical levels of snow. We expect avalanches to step down to this deeper layer.
Up to 50cm of recent snow along with strong winds will have created storm slabs and wind slabs at all elevations. These slabs are still reactive to skier triggering. Ice climbers pay attention to overhead hazard.
The mid and lower portions of the snowpack are weak and are now overloaded with critical levels of snow. We expect avalanches to step down to this deeper layer.
Up to 50cm of recent snow with additional storm snow expected will have created storm slabs and wind slabs at all elevations. These slabs will be reactive to skier triggering. Ice climbers pay attention to overhead hazard.
The mid and lower portions of the snowpack are weak and are now overloaded with critical levels of snow. We expect avalanches to step down to this deeper layer.
Determining the strength of bond at the Dec11th interface is key to safe travel in avalanche terrain.
New snow will increase the load on deep weak layers. We may see the same kind of cycle that our norther neighbours saw last week.
Up to 50cm of recent snow with additional storm snow expected will have created storm slabs and wind slabs at all elevations. These slabs will be reactive to skier triggering. Ice climbers pay attention to overhead hazard.
The mid and lower portions of the snowpack are weak and are now overloaded with critical levels of snow. We expect avalanches to step down to this deeper layer.
25cm in the past 36hrs accompanied by moderate winds and near zero temps promoting storm slab formation, particularly on lee and cross loaded features.
Another 25-40 cm of new snow is forecast by end of day Thursday. This is falling on 50-70 cm deep storm slabs that have been reactive over the last week. These slabs are sitting on the Dec. 10th layer of facets and surface hoar.
The mid and lower portions of the snowpack are weak and are now overloaded with critical levels of snow. We expect avalanches to step down to this deeper layer, especially in thinner snowpack areas.
Another 25-40 cm of new snow is forecast by end of day Thursday. This is falling on 50-70 cm deep storm slabs that have been reactive over the last week. These slabs are sitting on the Dec. 10th layer of facets and surface hoar.
The mid and lower portions of the snowpack are weak and are now overloaded with critical levels of snow. We expect avalanches to step down to this deeper layer, especially in thinner snowpack areas.
Determining the strength of bond at the Dec11th interface is key to safe travel in avalanche terrain.
New snow has increase the load on deep weak layers. This loading is likely to continue on Thursday Night with continued snowfall, increasing the potential for human triggering.
This layer now sits under close to a meter of snow, any terrain that has not had previous activity on this layer should be given a wide berth.
The mid and lower portions of the snowpack are weak and are now overloaded with critical levels of snow. We expect avalanches to step down to these deeper layers of facets and depth hoar. Avoid avalanche terrain.
The mid and lower portions of the snowpack are weak and are now overloaded with critical levels of snow. We expect avalanches to step down to these deeper layers of facets and depth hoar. Avoid avalanche terrain.
This layer now sits under close to a meter of snow, any terrain that has not had previous activity on this layer should be given a wide berth.
Recent snow has now overloaded the weak middle and lower portions of the snowpack. Avalanches are frequently stepping down to these deeper layers of facets and depth hoar. Avoid traveling in&nbsp; avalanche terrain.
Recent snow has now overloaded the weak middle and lower portions of the snowpack. Avalanches are frequently stepping down to these deeper layers of facets and depth hoar. Avoid traveling in avalanche terrain.
caution shallow trigger locations
50cm+ of snow in the past 72hrs, accompanied by strong SW winds and warm temp's, has formed a storm slab at all elevations. Slabs will be more pronounced in immediate lee features below ridge crests and on cross-loaded slopes. Human triggering likely
Recent snow has now overloaded the Oct. 26 deep persistent layer of facets and depth hoar, and there is enough mass now to cause large avalanches.
The Dec. 10 persistent layer of facets and surface hoar is now buried 40 - 80cm. Avalanches have either been independently running on this layer, or stepping down to the basal weakness.
Recent snow has now overloaded the Oct. 26 deep persistent layer of facets and depth hoar, and there is enough mass now to cause large avalanches.
The Dec. 10 persistent layer of facets and surface hoar is now buried 40 - 80cm. Avalanches have either been independently running on this layer, or stepping down to the basal weakness.
This layer now sits under a meter of snow, any terrain that has not had previous activity on this layer should be given a wide berth.
50cm+ of storm snow, accompanied by strong SW winds and warm temp's, has formed a storm slab at all elevations; especially in immediate lee features below ridge crests and on cross-loaded slopes. Solar input may trigger slabs on steep, S'ly aspects.
This layer now sits under a meter of snow, any terrain that has not had previous activity on this layer should be given a wide berth.
Recent snow has now overloaded the Oct. 26 deep persistent layer of facets and depth hoar, and there is enough mass now to cause large avalanches.
The Dec. 10 persistent layer of facets and surface hoar is now buried 40 - 80cm. Avalanches have either been independently running on this layer, or stepping down to the basal weakness.
Recent snow has now overloaded the Oct. 26 deep persistent layer of facets and depth hoar, and there is enough mass now to cause large avalanches.
The Dec. 10 persistent layer of facets and surface hoar is now buried 40 - 80cm. Avalanches have either been independently running on this layer, or stepping down to the basal weakness.
Recent snow has now overloaded the Oct. 26 deep persistent layer of facets and depth hoar, and there is enough mass now to cause large avalanches.
The Dec. 10 persistent layer of facets and surface hoar is now buried 40 - 80cm. Avalanches have either been independently running on this layer, or stepping down to the basal weakness.
Recent snow has now overloaded the Oct. 26 deep persistent layer of facets and depth hoar, and there is enough mass now to cause large avalanches.
The Dec. 10 persistent layer of facets and surface hoar is now buried 40 - 80cm. Avalanches have either been independently running on this layer, or stepping down to the basal weakness.
This layer now sits under a meter of snow, any terrain that has not had previous activity on this layer should be given a wide berth.
Though we have not been seeing many recent results on this layer, the potential to trigger it remains in thin snowpack areas
This problem dominates the central and eastern part of the forecast region and will continue to do so for some time. Continue to avoid large, open avalanche prone slopes at treeline and in the alpine as these cannot yet be trusted.
The Dec 10 surface hoar and facets can be found 40-80 cm down in the deeper (western) parts of the forecast region. The layer is stabilizing, but continues to be a concern at at in treeline gladed areas.
This layer now sits under a meter of snow, any terrain that has not had previous activity on this layer should be given a wide berth.
This problem dominates the central and eastern part of the forecast region and will continue to do so for some time. Continue to avoid large, open avalanche prone slopes at treeline and in the alpine as these cannot yet be trusted.
The Dec 10 surface hoar and facets can be found 40-80 cm down in the deeper (western) parts of the forecast region. The layer is stabilizing, but continues to be a concern at at in treeline gladed areas.
The Dec 9 and Nov 21 persistent weak layers are down ~100-120cm and consists of surface hoar, facets, or a sun crust. Sudden test results are being seen on this layer. Human triggered avalanches on these layers remains possible.
The new snow from last week is settling and the interface with the old snow surface, buried up to a meter deep, is strengthening. Large triggers such as cornices have produced several releases in the past 48hrs.
The base of the snowpack is weak and facetted.  Likely trigger locations are around rocks, where cold air can penetrate to the base of the snowpack, and shallow snowpack  locations.
This problem dominates the central and eastern part of the forecast region and will continue to do so for some time. Continue to avoid large, open avalanche prone slopes at treeline and in the alpine as these cannot yet be trusted.
The Dec 10 surface hoar and facets can be found 40-80 cm down in the deeper (western) parts of the forecast region. The layer is stabilizing, but continues to be a concern .
This problem dominates the central and eastern part of the forecast region and will continue to do so for some time. Continue to avoid large, open avalanche prone slopes at treeline and in the alpine as these cannot yet be trusted.
The Dec 10 surface hoar and facets can be found 40-80 cm down in the deeper (western) parts of the forecast region. The layer is stabilizing, but continues to be a concern .
The Dec 9 and Nov 21 persistent weak layers are down ~100-120cm and consists of surface hoar, facets, or a sun crust depending on aspect and elevation. Human triggered avalanches on these layers are unlikely but still possible.
The new snow from last week is settling and the interface with the old snow surface, buried up to a meter deep, is strengthening. Large triggers such as cornices have produced several releases since the last storm.
The base of the snowpack is weak and facetted. Likely trigger locations are around rocks, where cold air can penetrate to the base of the snowpack, and shallow snowpack locations.
This problem dominates the central and eastern part of the forecast region and will continue to do so for some time. Natural activity on this layer has decreased but human triggered avalanches on this layer are still possible.
This problem is the Dec 10 surface hoar/facet layer which is down 40-80 cm along the Divide. Although this layer is stabilizing, there is still uncertainty with this interface. Evaluate this layer carefully prior to committing to bigger slopes.
This problem dominates the central and eastern part of the forecast region and will continue to do so for some time. Natural activity on this layer has decreased but human triggered avalanches on this layer are still possible.
This problem is the Dec 10 surface hoar/facet layer which is down 40-80 cm along the Divide. Although this layer is stabilizing, there is still uncertainty with this interface. Evaluate this layer carefully prior to committing to bigger slopes.
This problem is a slab overlying the Dec 10 surface hoar/facet layer which is down 40-80 cm. Although this layer is gaining strength, there is still uncertainty with this interface. Evaluate this layer carefully prior to committing to bigger slopes.
This problem dominates the central and eastern part of the forecast region and will continue to do so for some time. Natural activity on this layer has decreased but human triggered avalanches on this layer are still possible.
The new snow from last week is settling and the interface with the old snow surface, buried up to a meter deep, is strengthening. Large triggers such as cornices have produced several releases since the last storm.
The base of the snowpack is weak and facetted. Likely trigger locations are around rocks, where cold air can penetrate to the base of the snowpack, and shallow snowpack locations.
Though we have not been seeing many recent results on this layer, the potential to trigger it remains in thin snowpack areas.
This problem dominates the central and eastern part of the forecast region and will continue to do so for some time. Natural activity on this layer has decreased but human triggered avalanches on this layer are still possible.
The new snow will fall on to settle snow from last week. Below this the interface with the old snow surface, buried up to a meter deep, is strengthening however, large triggers such as cornices have produced several releases recently.
The base of the snowpack is weak and facetted. Likely trigger locations are around rocks, where cold air can penetrate to the base of the snowpack, and shallow snowpack locations.
This problem is a slab overlying the Dec 10 surface hoar/facet layer which is down 40-80 cm. Although this layer is gaining strength, there is still uncertainty with this interface. Evaluate this layer carefully prior to committing to bigger slopes.
Heavy snowfall, warming temperatures and moderate SW winds are working together to form fresh storm slabs. The bond to the cold, old snow surface will need time to strengthen. Expect the storm slab to be sensitive to human and natural triggering.
This problem dominates the central and eastern part of the forecast region and will continue to do so for some time. Natural activity on this layer has decreased but human triggered avalanches on this layer are still possible.
This problem is a slab overlying the Dec 10 surface hoar/facet layer which is down 40-80 cm. Although this layer is gaining strength, there is still uncertainty with this interface. Evaluate this layer carefully prior to committing to bigger slopes.
The new snow has come with strong winds at all elevations. Avoid overhead avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading
The new snow will fall on to settle snow from last week. Below this the interface with the old snow surface, buried up to a meter deep, is strengthening however, large triggers such as cornices have produced several releases recently.
The base of the snowpack is weak and facetted. Likely trigger locations are around rocks, where cold air can penetrate to the base of the snowpack, and shallow snowpack locations.
40cm+ storm snow with mod SW winds and warm temps has formed a touchy storm slab. The bond at the old snow surface is weak. The bond to the old snow surface will need time to strengthen. Expect the storm slab to be sensitive to human triggering.
A stiff slab overlying a&nbsp; weak lower snowpack comprised of facets and depth hoar can be found in most areas of the region (generally central and eastern) where&nbsp; a shallow snowpack exists. Give this weak snowpack some time to adjust to the storm load.
This problem is a slab overlying the Dec 10 surface hoar/facet layer which is down 50-90 cm. Although this layer is gaining strength, there is still uncertainty with this interface. Evaluate this layer carefully prior to committing to bigger slopes.
The recent snow came with strong winds at all elevations.
Even a small loose slide could have serious consequences for Ice Climbers
The new snow has added to the load on the Dec 11th weak interface.&nbsp; Buried more than a meter deep in some locations, this layer is strengthening but has been reactive to large triggers such as cornices recently.
40cm storm snow with mod SW winds and warm temps has formed a storm slab. The bond at the old snow surface is strengthening but it will still be sensitive to human triggering. The cold temp's may make it stubborn to trigger, but travel conservatively
A stiff slab overlying a weak lower snowpack comprised of facets and depth hoar can be found in most areas of the region (generally central and eastern) where a shallow snowpack exists. Give this weak snowpack some time to adjust to the storm load.
The recent snow came with strong winds at all elevations yet surprisingly little natural activity noted.
Even a small loose slide could have serious consequences for Ice Climbers. Expect the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain with recent 35cm of snow from Saturday.&nbsp;
The new snow has added to the load on the Dec 11th weak interface. Buried more than a meter deep in some locations, this layer is strengthening but has been reactive to large triggers such as cornices recently.
This problem is a slab overlying the Dec 10 surface hoar/facet layer which is down 60-100 cm. Although this layer is gaining strength, there is still uncertainty with this interface. Evaluate this layer carefully prior to committing to bigger slopes.
Caution shallow trigger locations
40cm storm snow, mod SW winds, and warm temps have formed a storm slab. The bond at the old snow surface is strengthening but it will still be sensitive to human triggering, especially in shallow or wind-affected areas.
A stiff slab overlying a weak lower snowpack comprised of facets and depth hoar can be found in most areas of the region (generally central and eastern) where a shallow snowpack exists. Give this weak snowpack some time to adjust to the storm load.
This problem is a slab overlying the Dec 10 surface hoar/facet layer which is down 60-100 cm. Although this layer is gaining strength, there is still uncertainty with this interface. Evaluate this layer carefully prior to committing to bigger slopes.
The recent snow came with strong winds at all elevations, wind effect is visible in all open terrain.
Be particularly cautious in steep areas with shallow snowpack, were the new snow is sitting on unconsolidated facets and depth hoar.
The new snow has added to the load on the Dec 11th weak interface. Buried more than a meter deep in some locations, this layer is strengthening but has been reactive to large triggers such as cornices recently.
A new storm slab will develop over the day with the incoming storm and bury old wind/storm slab. 40cm of settled storm snow has been redistributed by moderate southerly winds and formed pockets of wind slab at ridge line and cross loaded features.
Forecasts are calling for ~25 cm's by the morning and up to 50 cm's by Thursday evening. This will certainly form a touchy slab. Any avalanches initiated here are likely to step down to the deeper Dec. 10th layer.
The 60-100 cm slab overlying the Dec. 10th layer of facets and surface hoar will become overloaded with the forecasted 30-50 cm of snow on Thursday. Any avalanche that initiates is highly likely to step down to this layer.
25-50 cm of new snow on Thursday will sluff easily and is very likely to initiate a larger avalanche on the Persistent slab layer
Forecasts are calling for ~25 cm's by the morning and up to 50 cm's by Thursday evening. This will certainly form a touchy slab. Any avalanches initiated here are likely to step down to the deeper Dec. 10th layer.
The 60-100 cm slab overlying the Dec. 10th layer of facets and surface hoar will become overloaded with the forecasted 30-50 cm of snow on Thursday. Any avalanche that initiates is highly likely to step down to this layer.
25-50 cm of new snow on Thursday will sluff easily and is very likely to initiate a larger avalanche on the Persistent slab layer
Fresh snow and strong to extreme SW winds at all elevations, expect wind effect in all open terrain.
The new snow has added to the load on the Dec 11th weak interface. Buried more than a meter deep in some locations, this layer is strengthening but has been reactive in shallow snowpack areas recently.
The base of the snowpack is weak and facetted. In shallow snowpack areas the new snow will likely overload this weakness.
Rapid loading has created storm slabs at all elevations and aspects. Avalanches will run to and may cross valley bottom. Natural and human triggered avalanches will be very likely to almost certain as the cycle will peak today.
Loose dry avalanches are very likely today with the current rapid loading. Even small terrain features could sluff and be dangerous in the wrong place. Tree wells and deep snow immersion are also real hazards today!
Another 30 cm is forecasted for Emerald adding to the 35 cm already received. This will certainly form a touchy slab. Any avalanches initiated here are likely to step down to the deeper Dec. 10th layer.
The Dec. 10th layer of facets and surface hoar down 80-160 cm continues to be rapidly loaded by an ongoing intense storm. Any avalanche that initiates almost certainly to step down to this layer and run well into the run outs below treeline.
Loose snow avalanches are occurring and is very likely to initiate a larger avalanche on the Persistent slab layer described above.
Another 30 cm is forecasted for Emerald adding to the 35 cm already received. This will certainly form a touchy slab. Any avalanches initiated here are likely to step down to the deeper Dec. 10th layer.
The Dec. 10th layer of facets and surface hoar down 80-160 cm continues to be rapidly loaded by an ongoing intense storm. Any avalanche that initiates almost certainly to step down to this layer and run well into the run outs below treeline.
Loose snow avalanches are occurring and are very likely to initiate large avalanches on the persistent weak layer described above.
Up to 45cm of fresh snow, warm temperatures and moderate to strong SW winds are creating widespread touchy windslabs and storm slabs.
The new snow has added to the load on the Dec 11th weak interface. Buried more than a meter deep in some locations, this layer is strengthening but has been reactive in shallow snowpack areas recently.
The base of the snowpack is weak and facetted. In shallow snowpack areas the new snow will likely overload this weakness.
Rapid loading and strong winds have created storm slabs at all elevations and aspects. Avalanches can run well into the valley bottom. Natural and human triggered avalanches will be very likely to almost certain as the winds pick up this morning.
Up to 70 cm of storm snow has formed a touchy storm slab at all elevations. Numerous slopes &amp; cutbanks below treeline have avalanched wall to wall or remain poised for human triggering.
The Dec. 10th layer of facets &amp; surface hoar down 100-150 cm has been overloaded by recent storm snow. The snow pack needs time to adjust, be very conservative with route choices this weekend and avoid overhead exposure.
With winds tapering tomorrow, there should be fewer loose dry avalanches, but they will still be a concern given the amount of snow we have received. Any increase in wind could trigger loose dry avalanches which in turn can trigger deeper avalanches.
Up to 70 cm of storm snow has formed a touchy storm slab at all elevations.  Numerous slopes &amp; cutbanks below treeline have avalanched wall to wall or remain poised for human triggering. 
The Dec. 10th layer of facets &amp; surface hoar down 100-200 cm has been overloaded by recent storm snow. The snow pack needs time to adjust, be very conservative with route choices this weekend and avoid overhead exposure.
With winds tapering tomorrow, there should be fewer loose dry avalanches, but they will still be a concern given the amount of snow we have received. Any increase in wind could trigger loose dry avalanches which in turn can trigger deeper avalanches.
Up to 45cm of fresh snow, warm temperatures and moderate to strong SW winds are creating widespread touchy windslabs and storm slabs.
The new snow has added to the load on the Dec 11th weak interface. Buried more than a meter deep in some locations, this layer is strengthening but has been reactive in shallow snowpack areas recently.
The base of the snowpack is weak and facetted. In shallow snowpack areas the new snow will likely overload this weakness.
Rapid loading and strong winds have created storm slabs. Slabs will be most developed near ridgelines and on lee features where wind loading has occurred. These slabs could certainly be triggered by human loads.
There is the very real potential of a slab initiating on the weak basal layers (Oct. 30 layer), or a storm slab &quot;stepping down&quot; to cause a large avalanche. This problem will be around for some time.
Lots of  recent snow load will require some time to stabilize. These storm slabs exist in many areas and should be treated with caution in avalanche terrain, but should only be a problem in the short term.&nbsp;
The Dec. 10th layer of facets &amp; surface hoar down is now down 100- 150cm The snow pack needs time to adjust, be very conservative with route choices this weekend and avoid overhead exposure.
Up to 70 cm of storm snow has formed storm slabs at all elevations. These will likely be a problem only in the short term, but should be treated with caution. Many of these have also been failing at lower elevations in Little Yoho.
Up to 45cm of fresh snow, warm temperatures and moderate to strong SW winds are creating widespread touchy windslabs and storm slabs.
Storm slab will become more dangerous and reactive as the whole snowpack settles into a stiffer slab.
The new snow has added to the load on the Dec 11th weak interface. Buried more than a meter deep in some locations, this layer is strengthening but has been reactive in shallow snowpack areas recently.
Rapid loading and strong winds have created storm slabs. Slabs will be most developed near ridgelines and on lee features where wind loading has occurred. These slabs may be triggered by human loads.
Up to 45cm of new snow from Jan 2-4th, warm temperatures and moderate to strong SW winds created windslabs.
The new snow has added to the load on the Dec 11th interface. It is buried more than a meter deep in some locations. This layer is strengthening but was active during the storm in shallow snowpack areas.
The base of the snowpack is weak and facetted. In shallow snowpack areas the new snow in combination with a skier has the potential to overload this weakness.
There is the very real potential of a slab initiating on the weak basal layers (Oct. 30 layer), or a storm slab &quot;stepping down&quot; to cause a large avalanche. This problem will be around for some time.
Lots of recent snow load will require some time to stabilize. These storm slabs exist in many areas and should be treated with caution in avalanche terrain, but should only be a problem in the short term. Expect it to last for a couple more days.
The Dec. 10th layer of facets &amp; surface hoar down is now down 100- 150cm The snow pack needs time to adjust, be very conservative with route choices for a while yet.
Up to 70 cm of storm snow has formed storm slabs at all elevations. These will likely be a problem only in the short term, but should be treated with caution. Many of these have also been failing at lower elevations in Little Yoho.
More avalanche control work today proved that this layer is still touchy. Most avalanches scrubbed down to the October 26th facet crust or the ground. This layer needs time to adjust to the load and this problem will be around for some time.
These storm slabs exist in many areas and should be treated with caution in avalanche terrain, but should only be a problem in the short term. Expect it to last for a couple more days. If you trigger this layer, watch for the step down avalanche
There has not been much recent activity on the facets deep in the snowpack, but there is still the possibility to trigger them in shallow areas.
More avalanche control work today proved that this layer is still touchy. Most avalanches scrubbed down to the October 26th facet crust or the ground. This layer needs time to adjust to the load and this problem will be around for some time.
These storm slabs exist in many areas and should be treated with caution in avalanche terrain, but should only be a problem in the short term. Expect it to last for a couple more days. If you trigger this layer, watch for the step down avalanche
The base of the snowpack is weak and facetted in shallow areas and will likely be for some time. The new snow in combination with a skier has the potential to overload this weakness.
The Dec. 11th layer of facets, surface hoar is buried more than a meter deep. This layer is strengthening but was active during the recent storm.
Avalanche control work on Monday proved that this layer is still touchy. Most avalanches scrubbed down to the October 26th facet crust or the ground. This layer needs time to adjust to the load and this problem will be around for some time.
Avalanche control work on Monday proved that this layer is still touchy. Most avalanches scrubbed down to the October 26th facet crust or the ground. This layer needs time to adjust to the load and this problem will be around for some time.
The base of the snowpack is weak and facetted in shallow areas and will likely be for some time. The new snow in combination with a skier has the potential to overload this weakness.
Continued moderate winds formed winds slabs in the alpine and exposed ares at tree line. Winds were out of the NE, reverse loading ridge tops where you may not expect to find regular wind slabs.
The Oct. 26 layer is still very active. Some large natural avalanches are still occurring and human triggering is likely. This layer needs time to adjust to the load and this problem will be around for some time.
The base of the snowpack is weak and facetted in shallow areas and will likely be for some time. The new snow in combination with a skier has the potential to overload this weakness.
The Dec.10 layer of facets and some surface hoar are down 150+cm at treeline. There have been few observations from this deeper snowpack region as to the sensitivity of this layer, but recent avalanche control has seen deep propagations.
Continued snowfall, combined with mild temps, will have created soft storm slabs in many areas. In the region, storm slabs have been reactive and easily triggered by skiers. Be especially cautious in alpine areas, where it has buried windslabs.
The Oct. 26 layer is still very active. Some large natural avalanches are still occurring and human triggering is likely. This layer needs time to adjust to the load and this problem will be around for some time.
The base of the snowpack is weak and facetted in shallow areas and will likely be for some time. The Jan 2-4th 85cm of new snow in combination with a skier has the potential to overload this weakness.
The Dec.10 layer of facets and some surface hoar are down 150+cm at treeline. There have been few observations from this deeper snowpack region as to the sensitivity of this layer, but recent avalanche control has seen deep propagations.
Recent snowfall combined with mild temps, has created soft storm slabs in many areas. Storm slabs have been reactive and easily triggered by skiers. Be especially cautious in alpine areas, where it has buried windslabs.
The new snow seems to be bonding well to the old snow interface. In deeper snowpack areas, this deep weakness may be bridged by a sturdy new mid-pack. Build trust slowly in the new snowpack before committing to any large rideable slope.
The  facets and depth hoar 40 cm above the ground inspire little confidence. Some large natural avalanches are still occurring and human triggering is likely. This layer needs time to adjust to the load and this problem will be around for some time.
The Dec.10 layer of facets and some surface hoar are down 130+cm at treeline in the fatter snowpack areas more typical in this region. The sensitivity of this layer seems more concerning at lower elevations but few observations have been made so far
Recent snowfall combined with winds and mild temps has create storm slabs. Warm temperatures will increase slab properties and destabilize the surface snow, thereby increasing the likelihood of triggering this widespread problem.
Use caution in shallow snowpack areas where deep weakness might be more reactive to a human load.  Build trust slowly in the new snowpack before committing to any large rideable slope.
The facets and depth hoar 40 cm above the ground inspire little confidence. Some large natural avalanches are still occurring and human triggering is likely. This layer needs time to adjust to the load and this problem will be around for some time.
The Dec.10 layer of facets and some surface hoar are down 130+cm at treeline in the fatter snowpack areas more typical in this region. The sensitivity of this layer seems more concerning at lower elevations but few observations have been made so far
Use caution in shallow snowpack areas where deep weakness might be more reactive to a human load. Build trust slowly in the new snowpack before committing to any large rideable slope.
The facets and depth hoar 40 cm above the ground inspire little confidence. Some large natural avalanches are still occurring and human triggering is likely. This layer needs time to adjust to the load and this problem will be around for some time.
The Dec.10 layer of facets and some surface hoar are down 130+cm at treeline in the fatter snowpack areas more typical in this region. The sensitivity of this layer seems more concerning at lower elevations but few observations have been made so far
Warm temps and strong sunshine on steep solar aspects will cause natural avalanches at the warmest part of the day.
Surface slabs exist at all elevations and aspects, but may be more likely to trigger on solar aspects with the warm temp's and intense sunshine.
Use caution in shallow snowpack areas where deep weakness might be more reactive to a human load. Build trust slowly in the new snowpack before committing to any large rideable slope.
The weak facets and depth hoar  just  above the ground have an significant slab sitting above them . It is difficult to travel with any confidence given this structure. Some large natural avalanches are still occurring and human triggering is likely.
In deeper snowpack locations the Dec 10 layer is a thin, separated, layer of facets about 120cm deep which is becoming less of a problem. In thinner areas however, a thick layer of facets sits just below the Dec 10 layer which is about 80cm deep.
The previous warm, sunny days likely have cooked solar aspects, but we may still see loose, moist avalanches running during the warmest part of the day. Steep S/SW aspects are the most suspect for triggering.
The weak facets and depth hoar just above the ground have an significant 50-140cm thick slab sitting above them. This slab has been hardened by wind effect TL and above. Some large natural avalanches are still occurring and human triggering is likely
Use caution in shallow snowpack areas where deep weakness might be more reactive to a human load. Build trust slowly in the snowpack before committing to any large rideable slope.
In deeper snowpack locations the Dec 10 layer is a thin, separated, layer of facets about 120cm deep which is becoming less of a problem. In thinner areas however, Dec 10 is only about 80cm deep and has a thick, weak, facet layer siting just below.
Recent snowfall combined with winds and mild temps has create storm slabs. Warm temperatures will increase slab properties and destabilize the surface snow, thereby increasing the likelihood of triggering this widespread problem.
The weak facets and depth hoar just above the ground have an significant 50-140cm thick slab sitting above them. This slab has been hardened by wind effect TL and above. Activity is tapering, but human triggering is still possible and consequential.
In deeper snowpack locations the Dec 10 layer is a thin, separated, layer of facets about 120cm deep which is becoming less of a problem. In thinner areas however, Dec 10 is only about 80cm deep and has a thick, weak, facet layer siting just below.
Use caution in shallow snowpack areas where deep weakness might be more reactive to a human load. Build trust slowly in the snowpack before committing to any large rideable slope.
Regardless of snowfall amounts, Wind Slabs will continue to build over a crust / surface hoar&nbsp; layer during the forecast period.
This layer likely requires a large trigger. New wind slabs may step down causing large avalanches.
The weak facets and depth hoar just above the ground have an significant 50-140cm thick slab sitting above them. This slab has been hardened by wind effect TL and above. Activity is tapering, but human triggering is still possible and consequential.
Use caution in shallow snowpack areas where deep weakness would be more reactive to a human trigger. An avalanche of this nature would be large with severe consequences.
The weak facets and depth hoar just above the ground have an significant 100-140cm thick slab sitting above them. This slab has been hardened by wind effect TL and above. Activity is tapering, but human triggering is still possible and consequential.
The weak facets and depth hoar just above the ground have an significant 50-140cm thick slab sitting above them. This slab has been hardened by wind effect TL and above. Activity is tapering, but human triggering is still possible and consequential.
The weak facets and depth hoar just above the ground have an significant 100-140cm thick slab sitting above them. This slab has been hardened by wind effect TL and above. Activity is tapering, but human triggering is still possible and consequential.
The new snow will increase the reactivity of this deeply buried problem.&nbsp; An avalanche of this nature would be large with severe consequences.
The incoming new snow and strong SW winds will produce windslabs at all elevations. Beneath the slab is a widespread surface hoar layer on most aspect from treeline to the valley bottom. Also near treeline on southerly slopes is a buried sun crust.
Incoming storm snow will load on top of a widespread Jan 17th surface hoar layer. The bond to the old snow surface is suspect at all elevations. Warming temperatures may make the surface slab more sensitive to human triggering.
Surface sloughing of storm snow can be expected in steeper terrain. This may pose a hazard in terrain  trap features such as gulleys.
The weak facets and depth hoar just above the ground have an significant 50-140cm thick slab sitting above them. This slab has been hardened by wind effect TL and above. Activity is tapering, but human triggering is still possible and consequential.
The weak facets and depth hoar just above the ground have an significant 100-140cm thick slab sitting above them. This slab has been hardened by wind effect TL and above. Activity is tapering, but human triggering is still possible and consequential.
Use caution in shallow snowpack areas where deep weakness would be more reactive to a human trigger. An avalanche of this nature would be large with severe consequences.
Use caution in shallow snowpack areas where deep weakness would be more reactive to a human trigger. An avalanche of this nature would be large with severe consequences.
Weak facets and depth hoar are found just above the ground have an significant 50-140cm thick slab sitting above them. While natural  activity has dropped off,  human triggering is still possible. Be very cautious with thin snowpack areas . 
Weak facets and depth hoar found just above the ground  have an significant 50-140cm thick slab sitting above them. While natural activity has dropped off, human triggering is still possible. Be very cautious with thin snowpack areas .
Over the weekend we received 20cm of new snow accompanied by extreme winds forming wind slabs in specific locations throughout the park. This overlies the Jan 17th SH layer in sheltered areas and old unreactive wind slabs in exposed terrain.
Weak facets and depth hoar are present at the base of the snowpack in thin snowpack areas, and have a significant slab sitting above them. While natural avalanche activity has decreased, human triggering of this layer is still possible in these areas
Weak facets and depth hoar at the base of the snowpack have a significant slab (50-130cm thick) sitting above them. While natural avalanche activity has decreased, human triggering of this layer is still possible, especially in thin snowpack areas.
Use caution in shallow uneven snowpack areas where deep weakness would be more reactive to a human trigger. An avalanche of this nature would be large with severe consequences.
This layer likely requires a large trigger. Be cautious when transitioning from thick to thin snowpack areas
Over the weekend we received 20cm of new snow accompanied by extreme winds forming wind slabs in isolated locations throughout the park. This soft slab overlies the Jan 17th SH in sheltered areas and old unreactive wind slabs in exposed terrain.
Weak facets and depth hoar at the base of the snowpack have a significant slab (50-130cm thick) sitting above them. While natural avalanche activity has decreased, human triggering of this layer is still possible, especially in thin snowpack areas.
Weak facets and depth hoar at the base of the snowpack have a significant slab (50-130cm thick) sitting above them. While natural avalanche activity has decreased, human triggering of this layer is still possible, especially in thin snowpack areas.
Use caution in shallow uneven snowpack areas where deep weakness would be more reactive to a human trigger. An avalanche of this nature would be large with severe consequences.
This layer likely requires a large trigger. Be cautious when transitioning from thick to thin snowpack areas
Use caution in shallow uneven snowpack areas where deep weakness would be more reactive to a human trigger. An avalanche of this nature would be large with severe consequences.
This layer likely requires a large trigger. Be cautious when transitioning from thick to thin snowpack areas
Use caution in shallow uneven snowpack areas where deep weakness would be more reactive to a human trigger. An avalanche of this nature would be large with severe consequences.
The Jan 17th layer is down 20-40cm and consists of surface hoar in sheltered areas and sun crust on steep solar aspects. This layer seems more problematic between 1600-2100m. Where soft slab exists, human triggered avalanches are possible.
Pay attention to sluffing off cliffs and steep solar terrain, signs of a warming snowpack
Use caution in shallow uneven snowpack areas where deep weakness would be more reactive to a human trigger. An avalanche of this nature would be large with severe consequences.
The Jan 17th layer is down 20-40cm and consists of surface hoar in sheltered areas and sun crust on steep solar aspects. This layer is most problematic between 1600-2100m. Warm temperatures will cause this slab to consolidate and increase the hazard.
This layer likely requires a large trigger. Be cautious when transitioning from thick to thin snowpack areas
The Jan 17th layer is down 20-40cm and consists of surface hoar in sheltered areas and sun crust on steep solar aspects. This layer is most problematic between 1600-2100m. Warm temps have created a cohesive soft slab easily triggered by a person.
Variable accumulation of fresh snow Sunday with gusty NW winds has created small, reactive storm slabs, particularly where loaded by NW winds, over a variety of surfaces from suncrust, surface hoar and wind pressed areas.
The Jan 17th layer is down 30-50cm and consists of surface hoar in sheltered areas and sun crust on steep solar aspects. This layer is most problematic between 1600-1800m, and sensitive to human triggering.
This layer likely requires a large trigger. Be cautious when transitioning from thick to thin snowpack areas
The Jan 17th Surface Hoar layer is now down 30-50cm. This layer exists on all aspects, and is most problematic between 1400-1900m on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
A natural avalanche Monday on this layer shows that only minor changes may wake this generally dormant dragon. Triggering is most likely in thin areas, with variable snowpack depth. Use terrain choice and safe practices to minimize consequences.
A natural avalanche Monday on this layer shows that only minor changes may wake this generally dormant dragon. Triggering is most likely in thin areas, with variable snowpack depth. Use terrain choice and safe practices to minimize consequences.
Avoid avalanche terrain until the storm subsides and the snowpack can settle.
New snow may overload the deep persistent weakness. Avoid avalanche terrain.
Avoid avalanche terrain until the storm subsides and the snowpack can settle.
New snow may overload the deep persistent weakness. Avoid avalanche terrain.
The Jan 17th Surface Hoar layer is now down 30-50cm. This layer exists on all aspects, and is most problematic between 1400-1900m on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
The Jan 17th Surface Hoar layer is now down 30-50cm. This layer exists on all aspects, and is most problematic between 1400-1900m and on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
35cm of storm snow has created a reactive storm slab problem. Another 35cm of snow is expected to fall by Saturday afternoon with strong winds. Rapid loading will turn these slabs into a widespread touchy problem where natural avalanches are certain.
The Jan 17th Surface Hoar layer is now down 60cm. This layer exists on all aspects, and is most problematic between 1400-1900m and on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
A layer of weak facets is lurking at the bottom of the snowpack. Though there has been limited activity on this layer, it is still on our mind with consistent sudden collapse results in test profiles.
We expect 20-50 cm of storm snow by Sunday with moderate-strong SW-SE winds. Storm slabs will form in many areas. Natural avalanches are expected in steep terrain and human triggering will be likely in deeper storm snow areas.
We expect 20-40 cm of storm snow by Sunday with moderate-strong SW-SE winds. Storm slabs will form in many areas. Natural avalanches are expected in steep terrain and human triggering will be likely in deeper storm snow areas.
75cm of storm snow has created a reactive storm slab problem. Strong S winds are now battering the pass reloading areas that have previously avalanched. Rapid loading has turned these slabs into a touchy problem where natural avalanches are certain.
The Jan 17th Surface Hoar layer is now down 100cm+. This layer exists on all aspects, and is most problematic between 1400-1900m and on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
25-40cm of new snow has fallen under warmer temperatures at all elevations which will be reactive in the short term. The Jan. 17th layer is buried up to 65cm deep and consists of surface hoar, facets or crust and can be found up to 2300m.
Expect storm slabs to be reactive in the short term on many aspects. Especially watch areas where the buried Jan. 17th surface hoar and/or crust layer is present . This has been found below 2200m and where found, was reactive before this last storm.
Avoid avalanche terrain until the storm subsides and the snowpack can settle.
New snow may overload the deep persistent weakness. Avoid avalanche terrain.
70cm of storm snow has created a reactive storm slab problem. Strong S winds have now shifted to moderate NE wind reverse loading exposed areas. Expect the storm slab to be more reactive in wind effected areas.
The Jan 17th Surface Hoar layer is now down 90cm+/-. This layer exists on all aspects, and is most problematic between 1400-1900m and on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
The Jan 17 layer is a combination of Surface Hoar and/or a melt freeze crust. Since the recent storm, it has become reactive to skier traffic and can generally be found down 50cm. Dig down, look and test this layer at tree line and below.
The Jan 17 layer is a combination of Surface Hoar and/or a melt freeze crust. Since the recent storm, it has become reactive to skier traffic and can generally be found down 65cm. Dig down, look and test this layer at tree line and below.
Up to 50cm of recent snow followed by strong winds have redistributed the snow into thick slabs well into the terrain.
New snow with strong winds may overload the deep persistent weakness.
New low density snow sluffing out of very steep rocky terrain. 
70cm of storm snow, plus strong to extreme Southerly winds created wind and storm slabs over the weekend. On Sunday Strong NE winds relocated our storm snow again into wind slabs on specific terrain features at all aspects and elevations.
The Jan 17th Surface Hoar layer is now down 90cm+/-. This layer exists on all aspects, and is most problematic between 1400-1900m and on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
A layer of weak facets is lurking at the bottom of the snowpack. Though there has been limited activity on this layer, it is still on our mind with consistent sudden collapse results in test profiles.
The Jan 17 layer is a combination of Surface Hoar and/or a melt freeze crust. Since the recent storm, it has become reactive to skier traffic and can generally be found down 50cm. Dig down, look and test this layer at tree line and below.
The Jan 17 layer is a combination of Surface Hoar and/or a melt freeze crust. Since the recent storm, it has become reactive to skier traffic and can generally be found down 65cm. Dig down, look and test this layer at tree line and below.
Up to 50cm of recent snow followed by strong winds has built thick slabs well into the terrain.
New snow with strong winds recently overloaded the deep persistent weakness.
Expect sluffing out of steep rocky terrain when the sun is on it.
The Jan 17th Surface Hoar layer is now down 60-80cm. This layer exists on all aspects, and is most problematic between 1400-1900m and on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
Up to 50cm of recent snow followed by strong winds has built thick slabs well into the terrain.
New snow with strong winds recently overloaded the deep persistent weakness in shallow snowpack areas.
Expect sluffing out of steep rocky terrain if the sun is on it.
The Jan 17 and Jan 31 Surface Hoar layers are down ~70 and ~60cm respectively. This layer exists on all aspects, and is most problematic between 1400-1900m and on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
Up to 50cm of recent snow followed by strong winds has built thick slabs.&nbsp;
New snow with strong winds recently overloaded the deep persistent weakness in shallow snowpack areas.
Expect sluffing out of steep rocky terrain if the sun is on it.
The Jan 31 and Jan 17 surface hoar layers are down ~50 and ~70cm respectively. This layer exists on all aspects, and is most problematic between 1400-1900m and on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
Expect sluffing out of steep rocky terrain if the sun is on it.
Up to 50cm of recent snow followed by strong winds has built thick slabs.
New snow with strong winds recently overloaded the deep persistent weakness in shallow snowpack areas.
A layer of weak facets is lurking at the bottom of the snowpack. Though there has been limited activity on this layer, it is still on our mind with consistent sudden collapse results in test profiles.
The Jan 31 and Jan 17 surface hoar layers are down ~50 and ~70cm respectively. This layer exists on all aspects, and is most problematic between 1400-1900m and on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
Expect sluffing out of steep rocky terrain
Just a reminder, this is still there and can still be triggered from shallow snowpack areas. See avalanche activity summary.
The Jan 31 and Jan 17 surface hoar layers are down ~50 and ~70cm respectively. This layer exists on all aspects, and is most problematic between 1400-1900m and on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
Expect sluffing out of steep rocky terrain. Cold temperatures continue to loosen the surface snow to the point where it looses structure and avalanches as a point release. They can pick up enough mass to be a concern.
Just a reminder, this is still present and can still be triggered from shallow snowpack areas. See avalanche activity summary.
The Jan 31 and Jan 17 surface hoar layers are down ~50 and ~70cm respectively. These layers exists on all aspects, and are most problematic between 1400-1900m and on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
Expect sluffing out of steep rocky terrain. Cold temperatures will loosen the surface snow to the point where it loses structure and avalanches as a point release. They can pick up enough mass to be a concern.
Just a reminder, this is still present and can still be triggered from shallow snowpack areas. See avalanche activity summary.
The Jan 31 and Jan 17 surface hoar layers are down ~50 and ~70cm respectively. These layers exists on all aspects, and are most problematic between 1400-1900m and on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
Cold temperatures continue to weaken the surface snow.  Expect sluffing out of steep rocky terrain.
This is still present and could still be triggered from shallow snowpack areas. See MIN report.
A layer of weak facets is lurking at the bottom of the snowpack. Though there has been limited activity on this layer, it is still on our mind with consistent sudden collapse results in test profiles.
The Jan 31 and Jan 17 surface hoar layers are down ~50 and ~70cm respectively. These layers exist on all aspects and seem most reactive between 1400-1900m, especially on steep solar aspects where they overlie a crust.
Cold temperatures continue to weaken the surface snow. Expect sluffing out of steep rocky terrain.
This problem is still present and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas. See MIN report.
The Jan 17 Surface Hoar layer is buried 50 to 70cm at and below tree line. This interface exists on all aspects and most reactive between 1400-1900m; especially on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
This problem is still present and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas. See MIN report.
Storm snow is reactive to human traffic. More specific will information available in tomorrow's forecast
Use caution in steep, sheltered terrain
A layer of weak facets is lurking at the bottom of the snowpack.&nbsp; This new snow may be enough to affect this basal weakness in shallow snowpack areas.
The Jan 17 Surface Hoar layer is buried 50 to 70cm at and below tree line. This interface exists on all aspects and most reactive between 1400-1900m; especially on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
This problem could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.
Moderate Compression Test Results today on Forum Ridge at the Storm snow interface. 15-30cm of snow over the weekend will continue to build storm slabs.
Use caution in steep, sheltered terrain.
A layer of weak facets is lurking at the bottom of the snowpack. This new snow may be enough to affect this basal weakness in shallow snowpack areas.
The Jan 17 Surface Hoar layer is buried 50 to 70cm at and below tree line. This interface exists on all aspects and most reactive between 1400-1900m, especially on steep solar aspects where it overlies a crust.
Moderate Compression Test Results today on Forum Ridge at the Storm snow interface. 15-30cm of snow over the weekend will continue to build storm slabs.
Use caution in steep, sheltered terrain.
A layer of weak facets is lurking at the bottom of the snowpack. This new snow may be enough to affect this basal weakness in shallow snowpack areas.
It is possible to trigger deep slabs from shallow snowpack areas. If triggered, these will have severe consequences. Terrain management is critical to a safe day.
A few CM of new snow may add to the volume of loose dry avalanches, which have been occurring naturally as the snowpack surface facetted with cold temps. Ice climbers should consider consequences of an avalanche if climbing in confined gully features
It is possible to trigger deep slabs from shallow snowpack areas. If triggered, these will have severe consequences. Terrain management is critical to a safe day.
Little new snow to add to the volume in active loose dry avalanches occurring naturally in the facetted snow from recent cold temps. Ice climbers should consider consequences of an avalanche if climbing in confined gully features
It is possible to trigger deep slabs in shallow snowpack areas. Terrain management and assessment is critical to a safe day.
It is possible to trigger deep slabs in shallow snowpack areas. Terrain management and assessment is critical to a safe day.
A layer of weak facets is lurking at the bottom of the snowpack. This new snow may be enough to affect this basal weakness in shallow snowpack areas.
It is possible to trigger deep slabs in shallow snowpack areas. Terrain management and assessment is critical to a safe day.
It is possible to trigger deep slabs in shallow snowpack areas. Terrain management and assessment is critical to a safe day.
It is possible to trigger deep slabs in shallow snowpack areas. Terrain management and assessment is critical to a safe day.
A layer of weak depth hoar and facets is lurking at the bottom of the snowpack. Recent snow may have been enough to overload this layer in thin snowpack areas.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are sensitive to small natural and human triggers and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
It is possible to trigger deep slabs in shallow snowpack areas. Terrain management and assessment is critical to a safe day.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are sensitive to small natural and human triggers and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
Recent snow has been enough to create a slab over deep instabilities below treeline where the snowpack is shallow and weak, and melt freeze crusts have been preserved. These were reactive to skier traffic on Mt. Bertha on Thursday.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are sensitive to small natural and human triggers and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are sensitive to small natural and human triggers and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
Although natural deep persistent slab avalanches have been few and far between lately, they are still possible in isolated places. Steep, unsupported, and thin/variable depth are factors to be wary of.
This problem is probably isolated to terrain where surface snow doesn't show signs of previous wind affect : all elevations at the north end of the bulletin region, but only lower elevations in the Columbia Icefields region
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are sensitive to small natural and human triggers and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are sensitive to small natural and human triggers and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
Although the basal weakness (depth hoar) is generally dormant, with no recent natural loading of the snowpack, these may still be possible in isolated places. Steep, unsupported, and thin depth are factors to be wary of, as are cornices overhead.
Isolated to steep terrain where surface snow doesn't show signs of previous wind affect : all elevations at the north end of the bulletin region, but only lower elevations in the Columbia Icefields region
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
Although the basal weakness (depth hoar) is generally dormant, with no recent natural loading of the snowpack, these may still be possible in isolated places. Steep, unsupported, and thin depth are factors to be wary of, as are cornices overhead.
Isolated to steep terrain where surface snow doesn't show signs of previous wind affect : all elevations at the north end of the bulletin region, but only lower elevations in the Columbia Icefields region
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
Watch for reverse loading with recent N-E Winds.
Recent snow has been enough to create a  windslab over deep instabilities below treeline where the snowpack is shallow and weak, and melt freeze crusts have been preserved.
Isolated to steep terrain where surface snow doesn't show signs of previous wind affect.
Although the basal weakness (depth hoar) is generally dormant, with no recent natural loading of the snowpack, these may still be possible in isolated places.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
Isolated to steep terrain where surface snow doesn't show signs of previous wind affect.
Although the basal weakness (depth hoar) is generally dormant, with no recent natural loading of the snowpack, these may still be possible in isolated places.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
Point release activity is increasing with strong solar input particularly on steep S and W aspects at TL and below.
The basal weakness (aka depth hoar) is generally dormant; however, these may be possible to trigger in isolated shallow snowpack places.
Watch for new windslabs developing with NE winds, and old windslabs on all aspects.
The basal weaknesses are well bridged in deeper snowpack areas, but there remains the possibility to be surprised in thin snowpack areas.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
Point release activity can increase with strong solar input particularly on steep S and W aspects at all elevations. Cold temperatures continue to facet the surface snow causing it to loose cohesion.
The basal weakness (aka depth hoar) is generally dormant; however, these may be possible to trigger in isolated shallow snowpack places.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.
Cold temperatures continue to facet the surface snow causing it to loose cohesion. Point release activity will increase with strong solar input on steep S and W aspects at all elevations.
The basal weakness (aka depth hoar) is generally dormant; however, these may be possible to trigger in isolated shallow snowpack places.
Cold weather has created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Solar triggering of this problem will be come more of a concern over the next few days.
Cold weather has created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Solar triggering of this problem will be come more of a concern over the next few days.
Cold temperatures continue to facet the surface snow causing it to loose cohesion. Point release activity will increase with strong solar input on steep S and W aspects at all elevations.
The basal weakness (aka depth hoar) is generally dormant; however, these may be possible to trigger in isolated shallow snowpack places.
Cold temperatures continue to facet the surface snow causing it to loose cohesion. Point release activity will increase with strong solar input on steep S and W aspects at all elevations.
The basal weakness (aka depth hoar) is generally dormant; however, these may be possible to trigger in isolated shallow snowpack places.
Cold weather has created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Solar triggering of this problem will be come more of a concern over the next few days.
Old windslabs are lingering in the alpine, and new windslabs will be forming as winds increase from the SW on Thursday
The basal weaknesses are well bridged in deeper snowpack areas, but there remains the possibility to be surprised in thin snowpack areas.
Cold weather has created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Solar triggering of this problem will be come more of a concern over the next few days.
Cold weather has created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Solar triggering of this problem will be come more of a concern over the next few days.
Cold temperatures have facetted/weakened the upper snowpack. Point release activity will increase with warming on steep solar aspects at all elevations.
The weak and facetted snowpack is about to be tested by warming temperatures, then some new snow, for the first time in over a month. Triggering of the basal weakness may become possible in areas where the snowpack above still retains some cohesion.
Cold weather has created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Solar triggering of this problem will be come more of a concern over the next few days.
Cold weather has created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers.
Cold weather has created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers.
The weak and facetted snowpack is about to be tested by warming temperatures, then some new snow, for the first time in over a month. Triggering of the basal weakness may become possible in areas where the snowpack above still retains some cohesion.
Cold weather has created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Forecasted snow and winds could increase the reactivity of this problem in the alpine.
Cold weather has created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Forecasted snow and winds could increase the reactivity of this problem in the alpine.
The weak and facetted snowpack is about to be tested by warming temperatures, then some new snow, for the first time in over a month. Triggering of the basal weakness may become possible in areas where the snowpack above still retains some cohesion.
The basal weaknesses are well bridged in deeper snowpack areas, but there remains the possibility to be surprised in thin snowpack areas.
Cold weather created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. The new snow and winds have triggered many events in the last 24 hrs.
Cold weather created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. The new snow and winds have triggered many events in the last 24 hrs.
While skiier triggered sluffs may be possible in some areas if adventuring into very steep, shaded terrain, minimal natural activity is expected.  If any, it will be isolated to steep sunny slopes during the afternoons.
Skier triggered sluffs may be possible on both sun, and shaded terrain; minimal natural activity is expected. If any, it will be isolated to steep sunny slopes during the afternoons.
Cold weather created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers.
Cold weather created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers.
Previous cold temperatures created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets remain easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers.&nbsp; Narrow gullies are where this is most concerning.
Previous cold temperatures created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets remain easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Narrow gullies are where this is most concerning.
Previous cold temperatures created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets remain easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Narrow gullies are where this is most concerning.
Previous cold temperatures created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets remain easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Narrow gullies are where this is most concerning.
If the sun makes an appearance today, steep solar aspects will shed the new snow. Skiers will likely be able to trigger loose dry slides, on steep unsupported terrain features on all aspects.
Previous cold temperatures created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets remain easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Narrow gullies are where this is most concerning.
Previous cold temperatures created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets remain easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Narrow gullies are where this is most concerning.
Natural triggering has abated but human triggering remains a possibility, particularly in steep sheltered terrain.
When the sun makes an appearance today, steep solar aspects will shed the new snow. Skiers will likely be able to trigger loose dry slides on steep unsupported terrain features from all aspects.
Natural triggering has abated but human triggering remains a possibility, particularly in steep sheltered terrain.
If triggered on their own, loose dry avalanches that are smaller in size can be initiated in steep terrain.&nbsp; If triggered by a wind slab, much larger avalanches that can run far are possible as they entrains facets on the way down.
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_6F88C6A0">If triggered on their own, loose dry avalanches that are smaller in size can be initiated in steep terrain.  If triggered by a wind slab, much larger avalanches that can run far are possible as they entrains facets on the way down.</span><span class="s_AA239
Brief periods of intense sunshine are enough to trigger loose avalanches. This being said, northerly aspects are also prone to loose, dry avalanches with the new snow lying on facets.
Natural triggering has abated but human triggering remains a possibility, particularly in steep sheltered terrain.
If triggered on their own, loose dry avalanches that are smaller in size can be initiated in steep terrain. If triggered by a wind slab, much larger avalanches that can run far are possible as they entrains facets on the way down.
span class="s_6F88C6A0">If triggered on their own, loose dry avalanches that are smaller in size can be initiated in steep terrain. If triggered by a wind slab, much larger avalanches that can run far are possible as they entrains facets on the way down.
There remains the possibility to be surprised by deep weak layers in thin snowpack areas. As temperatures rise these will become increasingly unpredictable.
Expect the blower pow that fell overnight to sluff easily and keep in mind that it's sitting on up to 50cm of snow from earlier this week that could also get moving with it! Natural avalanches are possible on solar aspects if the sun comes out.
Watch out for steep rocky features.
The faceted snow is easily initiated as a sluff in steep terrain that will entrain all available loose snow until it hits lower angled terrain. If a windslab or cornice initiates these, expect increased width, mass, momentum and reach.
The faceted snow is easily initiated as a sluff in steep terrain that will entrain all available loose snow until it hits lower angled terrain. If a windslab or cornice initiates these, expect increased width, mass, momentum and reach.
Expect new snow to sluff easily and keep in mind that it's sitting on up to 50cm of snow from earlier this week that could also get moving with it! Natural avalanches are possible on solar aspects if the sun comes out.
Watch out for any sunny, steep features. Expecting good recovery to the surface freeze, overnight Saturday. Progressively rising Hazard over the daytime.
The faceted snow is easily initiated as a sluff in steep terrain that will entrain all available loose snow until it hits lower angled terrain. If a windslab or cornice initiates these, expect increased width, mass, momentum and reach.
While moist snow avalanches will start to become a problem themselves at lower elevations, as solar heating starts to take hold, consider a wider range of possible triggers to be available for the avalanche problems at upper elevations as well.
The faceted snow is easily initiated as a sluff in steep terrain that will entrain all available loose snow until it hits lower angled terrain. If a windslab or cornice initiates these, expect increased width, mass, momentum and reach.
While moist snow avalanches will start to become a problem themselves at lower elevations, as solar heating starts to take hold, consider a wider range of possible triggers to be available for the avalanche problems at upper elevations as well.
Watch out for any sunny, steep features. Expecting some recovery to the surface freeze, overnight Sunday. Progressively rising hazard over the day.
Potential for triggering will increase significantly over the week as the temperatures seep into the snowpack. If triggered, it's expected to be very large, running full path.
Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.
We are starting to see places where avalanches are failing on the basal weaknesses and scrubbing to ground. This is mostly occurring with large triggers in thin rocky areas but we expect this type of avalanche activity to increase with more heat.
Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.
We are starting to see places where avalanches are failing on the basal weaknesses and scrubbing to ground. This is mostly occurring with large triggers in thin rocky areas but we expect this type of avalanche activity to increase with more heat.
Loose avalanches are either running on hard bed surfaces, or entraining the faceted lower snowpack and running larger than normal.
There remains a concern for deep weak layers in thin snowpack areas. Rapidly warming temperatures and solar radiation have the potential to wake them up.
Strong sunshine and rapidly increasing temp's will destabilize the upper snowpack, resulting in wet loose avalanches during the heat of the day. Aspects facing the sun should be avoided while they are baking in the sun.
Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.
We are starting to see places where avalanches are failing on the basal weaknesses and scrubbing to ground. This is mostly occurring with large triggers in thin rocky areas but we expect this type of avalanche activity to increase with more heat.
Loose avalanches are either running on hard bed surfaces, or entraining the faceted lower snowpack and running larger than normal.
There remains a concern for deep weak layers in thin snowpack areas. Rapidly warming temperatures and solar radiation have the potential to wake them up.
Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.
We are starting to see places where avalanches are failing on the basal weaknesses and scrubbing to ground. This is mostly occurring with large triggers in thin rocky areas but we expect this type of avalanche activity to increase with more heat.
Progressively rising hazard over the day. Expect natural and human triggered loose wet avalanches on all sunny slopes, especially where steeper than 35 degrees. These are gouging to ground in thin areas.
As the upper snowpack becomes saturated with water, Wet Slabs are failing on solar aspects. In shallow areas, these are failing on the basal layers.
Strong sunshine and rapidly increasing temp's will destabilize the upper snowpack, resulting in loose wet avalanches during the heat of the day. Traveling in avalanche terrain is not recommended today; especially on solar aspects this afternoon.
Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.
We are starting to see places where avalanches are failing on the basal weaknesses and scrubbing to ground. This is mostly occurring with large triggers in thin rocky areas but we expect this type of avalanche activity to increase with more heat.
Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.
We are starting to see places where avalanches are failing on the basal weaknesses and scrubbing to ground. This is mostly occurring with large triggers in thin rocky areas but we expect this type of avalanche activity to increase with more heat.
Progressively rising hazard over the day. Expect natural and human triggered loose wet avalanches on all sunny slopes, especially where steeper than 35 degrees. These are gouging to ground in thin areas.
As the upper snowpack becomes saturated with water, Wet Slabs are failing on solar aspects. In shallow areas, these are failing on the basal layers.
Strong sunshine and rapidly increasing temp's will destabilize the upper snowpack, resulting in loose wet avalanches during the heat of the day. Traveling in avalanche terrain is not recommended today, especially on solar aspects this afternoon.
Progressively rising hazard over the day. Expect natural and human triggered loose wet avalanches on all sunny slopes, especially where steeper than 35 degrees. These are gouging to ground in thin areas.
As the upper snowpack becomes saturated with water, Wet Slabs are failing on solar aspects. In shallow areas, these are failing on the basal layers.
Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.
We have seen a few avalanches failing on the basal weaknesses and scrubbing to ground. This is mostly occurring with large triggers in thin rocky areas but we expect this type of avalanche activity to increase with more heat.
Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.
We have seen a few avalanches failing on the basal weaknesses and scrubbing to ground. This is mostly occurring with large triggers in thin rocky areas but we expect this type of avalanche activity to increase with more heat.
Strong sunshine and rapidly increasing temps will destabilize the upper snowpack, resulting in loose wet avalanches during the heat of the day. Traveling in avalanche terrain is not recommended today, especially on solar aspects this afternoon.
No recent overnight cooling to help recovery. An inversion, layered around 2200-2300m may keep BTL cool overnight but not TL or above. This will mean a constant wet loose hazard, and exposure to BTL run outs should be carefully considered and limited
The upper snowpack is saturated with water, creating Wet Slabs which are failing on solar aspects, sometimes to ground. In shallow areas, these are failing on the basal layers and can move fast on the dryer, weak, facetted snow below.
There remains a concern for deep weak layers in thin snowpack areas. Warm temperatures and solar radiation have the potential to wake them up.
Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.
Extended warm temperatures, solar radiation and buried weak layers are producing wet slab avalanches in all locations except high alpine, north (shady) aspects. The simple answer is to avoid all avalanche terrain until it cools and the snow freezes.
Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.
Extended warm temperatures, solar radiation and buried weak layers are producing wet slab avalanches in all locations except high alpine, north (shady) aspects. The simple answer is to avoid all avalanche terrain until it cools and the snow freezes.
Strong sunshine and rapidly increasing temps will destabilize the upper snowpack, resulting in loose wet avalanches during the heat of the day. Traveling in avalanche terrain is not recommended today, especially on solar aspects this afternoon.
Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.
Extended warm temperatures, solar radiation and buried weak layers are producing wet slab avalanches in all locations except high alpine, north (shady) aspects. The simple answer is to avoid all avalanche terrain until it cools and the snow freezes.
Be cautious of overhead hazard on solar aspects when the sun comes out.
Cooling on Saturday should reduce the likelihood of wet slab avalanches but they remain possible, especially if the sun comes out.
Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.
Extended warm temperatures, solar radiation and buried weak layers are producing wet slab avalanches in all locations except high alpine, north (shady) aspects. The simple answer is to avoid all avalanche terrain until it cools and the snow freezes.
A freezing level up to 1900m and a chance of strong solar input could destabilize the upper snowpack, resulting in loose wet avalanches during the heat of the day.
The amount of loose wet avalanche activity is related to the amount of solar input .&nbsp; The effects of this will be slightly diminished on Sunday depending on cloud cover but watch locally for heating.&nbsp;
The amount of loose wet avalanche activity is related to the amount of solar input . The effects of this will be slightly diminished on Sunday depending on cloud cover but watch locally for heating.
An isothermal snowpack exists at all elevations on solar aspects. This will need time to cool and settle before becoming truly trustworthy and natural, and especially human triggering is still possible in the meantime.
Cooling should reduce the likelihood of wet slab avalanches but remain possible, especially if the sun comes out.
A freezing level up to 2000m and a chance of strong solar input could rapidly destabilize the upper snowpack, resulting in loose wet avalanches during the heat of the day.
The amount of loose wet avalanche activity is related to the amount of solar input. The forecast does not indicate solar input on Monday, however forecasters are uncertain. Un-forecasted direct solar input will increase the avalanche danger.
The amount of loose wet avalanche activity is related to the amount of solar input. The forecast does not indicate solar input on Monday, however forecasters are uncertain. Un-forecasted direct solar input will increase the avalanche danger.
An isothermal snowpack exists at all elevations on solar aspects. This will need time to cool and settle before becoming truly trustworthy and natural, and especially human triggering is still possible in the meantime.
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">High freezing levels, warm temperatures, a chance of solar input, and or rain, will continue to destabilize the upper snowpack. The loose wet avalanche cycle continues on from last week, also a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/links/goto_e.asp?destination=http://data.avalanche.ca/Images/IMG_8463.JPG" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">large glide crack released in Mounds path </span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">yesterday.
With reduced solar inputs and a cooling temperature trend forecasted this week, the loose wet problem will be less of a concern. Any unforseen increases in temps/solar or significant rain could quickly increase the likelihood of this problem.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
With reduced solar inputs and a cooling temperature trend forecasted this week, the loose wet problem will be less of a concern. Any unforseen increases in temps/solar or significant rain could quickly increase the likelihood of this problem.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
An isothermal snowpack exists on all aspects below treeline, this will require several days of cooler temperatures to fully stabilize, human triggering is still possible in the meantime.
Primarily a Tuesday concern.
There remains a concern for deep weak layers in thin snowpack areas. Warm temperatures and solar radiation have the potential to wake them up.
New snow today will likely become moist at treeline and below.
The isothermal snowpack on all aspects below treeline will require several days of cooler temperatures to fully stabilize, human triggering remains possible.
With reduced solar inputs and a cooling temperature trend forecasted this week, the loose wet problem will be less of a concern. Any unforseen increases in temps/solar or significant rain could quickly increase the likelihood of this problem.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
With reduced solar inputs and a cooling temperature trend forecasted this week, the loose wet problem will be less of a concern. Any unforseen increases in temps/solar or significant rain could quickly increase the likelihood of this problem.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">
Isothermal snow (warm, moist, oatmeal-like slop) is now insulated by 10-15cm of new snow. Expect difficult travel below 2000m off previous tracks. Use caution on steep slopes below tree-line; there is very little strength holding it together.
Clear skies and warming temperatures will increase the avalanche activity on solar aspects. The recent snow will quickly degrade with any direct solar inputs causing sluffing and loose wet activity.
Clear skies and warming temperatures will increase the avalanche activity on solar aspects. The recent snow will quickly degrade with any direct solar inputs causing sluffing and loose wet activity.
Expect a natural cycle of loose snow avalanches from steep solar slopes tomorrow.
Isothermal snow (warm, moist, oatmeal-like slop) is now insulated by 10-15cm of new snow. Use caution on steep slopes below tree-line; there is very little strength holding it together once the surface crust breaks down.
Expect a natural cycle of loose snow avalanches from steep solar slopes tomorrow.
With the sun forecast to make more of an appearance on Friday and Saturday, the new snow sitting on the previous hard crust will become increasingly reactive.
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface melt-freeze crusts cap </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">weak isothermal snow</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> and the crust has been breaking down by mid afternoon on solar aspects. Use caution on steep slopes when crusts start to weaken, there is very little holding it together once the crust breaks down.
Expect a natural cycle of loose snow avalanches from steep solar slopes tomorrow.
ont-weight: normal;font-size: 13px;color: #0000FF;text-decoration: underline; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface melt-freeze crusts cap </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">weak isothermal snow</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> and the crust has been breaking down by mid afternoon on solar aspects. Use caution on steep slopes when crusts start to weaken, there is very little holding it together once the crust breaks down.
Natural cycle of loose snow avalanches can be expected from steep solar slopes
ont-weight: normal;font-size: 13px;color: #0000FF;text-decoration: underline; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface melt-freeze crusts cap </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">weak isothermal snow</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> and the crust has been breaking down by mid afternoon on solar aspects. Use caution on steep slopes when crusts start to weaken, there is very little holding it together once the crust breaks down.
Start early and finish early (be done by early afternoon). Once the day begins to warm up, avoid any gully features where wet snow may run.
Start early and finish early (be done by early afternoon). Once the day begins to warm up, avoid any gully features where wet snow may run.
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface melt-freeze crusts are capping </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">weak isothermal snow</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> in thin snowpack areas, BTL and higher on soar aspects. Crusts have been breaking down by mid afternoon. Use caution on steep solar slopes.
Start early and finish early (by noon). Once the day begins to warm up, avoid any gully features where wet snow may run.
Start early and finish early (by noon). Once the day begins to warm up, avoid any gully features where wet snow may run.
ont-weight: normal;font-size: 13px;color: #0000FF;text-decoration: underline; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface melt-freeze crusts are capping </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">weak isothermal snow</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> in thin snowpack areas BTL and higher on solar aspects. Crusts have been breaking down by mid afternoon. Avoid solar aspects in the afternoon!
Likely a cooler day with forecasted cloud cover for Wed and crusts will likely remain intact for the day. Should the forecasted weather be inaccurate, monitor the solar input and daytime heating to avoid any gully features where wet snow may run.
Likely a cooler day with forecasted cloud cover for Wed and crusts will likely remain intact for the day. Should the forecasted weather be inaccurate, monitor the solar input and daytime heating to avoid any gully features where wet snow may run.
Daytime heating will destabilize the snowpack as the surface crust melts. At lower elevations on solar aspects this process will happen more quickly then on Northerly facing slopes at treeline above. Rain will quickly melt these crusts.
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface melt-freeze crusts are capping </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">weak isothermal snow</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> in thin snowpack areas BTL. These crusts are prevalent at tree-line and above on solar aspects. Crusts have been breaking down by mid afternoon from the heat of the day.
Likely a cooler day with forecasted cloud cover for Thursday and crusts will likely remain intact for the day. Monitor the solar input and daytime heating to avoid any gully features where wet snow may run.
Likely a cooler day with forecasted cloud cover for Thursday and crusts will likely remain intact for the day. Monitor the solar input and daytime heating to avoid any gully features where wet snow may run.
Daytime heating will destabilize the snowpack as the surface crust melts particularly in late afternoons depending on the degree of overnight freeze. Rain can accelerate this process.
ont-weight: normal;font-size: 13px;color: #0000FF;text-decoration: underline; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface melt-freeze crusts are capping </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">weak isothermal snow</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> in thin snowpack areas BTL. These crusts are also prevalent at tree-line and above on solar aspects. Crusts have been breaking down by mid afternoon from the heat of the day.
This problem is directly related to daytime heating and solar inputs. Even on a cloudy day localized solar effect can quickly change the snow stability. Monitor changing conditions and avoid gully features later in the day where wet snow may run.
Daytime heating can destabilize the snowpack particularly in late afternoons depending on the degree of overnight freeze. Rain at lower elevations can accelerate this process.
Daytime warming, the strong spring sun, and rain will all increase the potential for loose wet avalanches to occur. Start and end your day early before surface crusts have a chance to break down.
This problem is directly related to daytime heating and solar inputs. Even on a cloudy day localized solar effect can quickly change the snow stability. Monitor changing conditions and avoid gully features later in the day where wet snow may run.
ont-weight: normal;font-size: 13px;color: #0000FF;text-decoration: underline; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface melt-freeze crusts are capping </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">weak isothermal snow</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> in thin snowpack areas BTL. These crusts are also prevalent at tree-line and above on solar aspects. Crusts have been breaking down by mid afternoon from the heat of the day.
This problem is directly related to daytime heating and solar inputs. Even on a cloudy day localized solar effect can quickly change the snow stability. With new snow expected to fall over existing crusts, monitor conditions closely for change.
This problem is directly related to daytime heating and solar inputs. Even on a cloudy day localized solar effect can quickly change the snow stability. With new snow expected to fall over existing crusts, monitor conditions closely for change.
Isothermal conditions are occurring on all aspects up to 2100m including North aspects particularly late in the afternoon. Overnight freeze stabilizing the snowpack in the a.m.. Rain at lower elevations can quickly accelerate this process.
ont-weight: normal;font-size: 13px;color: #0000FF;text-decoration: underline; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface melt-freeze crusts are capping </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">weak isothermal snow</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> in thin snowpack areas BTL. These crusts are also prevalent at tree-line and above on solar aspects. Crusts have been breaking down by mid afternoon from the heat of the day.
This problem is directly related to daytime heating and solar inputs. Even on a cloudy day localized solar effect can quickly change the snow stability. With new snow expected to fall over existing crusts, monitor conditions closely for change.
This problem is directly related to daytime heating and solar inputs. Even on a cloudy day localized solar effect can quickly change the snow stability. With new snow expected to fall over existing crusts, monitor conditions closely for change.
ont-weight: normal;font-size: 13px;color: #0000FF;text-decoration: underline; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface melt-freeze crusts are capping </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">weak isothermal snow</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> in thin snowpack areas BTL. These crusts are also prevalent at tree-line and above on solar aspects. Crusts have been breaking down by mid afternoon from the heat of the day.
Surface melt-freeze crusts are capping weak isothermal snow in thin snowpack areas BTL. These crusts are also prevalent at tree-line and above on solar aspects. Crusts have been breaking down by mid afternoon from the heat of the day.
Daytime warming, the strong spring sun, and rain will all increase the potential for loose wet avalanches to occur.
Surface melt-freeze crusts are capping weak isothermal snow in thin snowpack areas BTL. These crusts are also prevalent at tree-line and above on solar aspects. Crusts have been breaking down by mid afternoon from the heat of the day.
A weak melt-freeze crust is capping frail isothermal snow in thin snowpack areas BTL. These crusts are prevalent at tree-line and above on solar aspects. Crusts have been breaking down by mid afternoon from the heat of the day.
A weak melt-freeze crust is capping frail isothermal snow in thin snowpack areas BTL. These crusts are prevalent at tree-line and above on solar aspects. Crusts have been breaking down by mid afternoon from the heat of the day.
Rain on Saturday may trigger loose avalanches below treeline where snow remains.
A melt-freeze crust is capping weak isothermal snow in thin snowpack areas BTL. These crusts are prevalent at tree-line and above on solar aspects. Crusts have been breaking down by mid afternoon from the heat of the day.
Afternoon rain showers may warm surface crusts on lower elevation S aspects to the point of surface crust break down. Small wet surface slides may occur if this comes to pass.
New snow, warm temperatures, and potential solar input shall increase the likelihood of loose wet avalanches today. Steep solar asp will be the primary concern; however, all steep aspects below treeline should be suspect, and not to be trusted.