Moderate amounts of low density snow sit over a variety of old surfaces that include widely distributed hard wind slabs, or melt freeze crusts that exist on most aspects below 1000m and on solar aspects as high as 1600m. In exposed areas the newer snow has been shifted into deeper pockets of soft wind slab. The mid February persistent weak layer interface, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried approximately 80cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface, but it should still be on your radar, particularly in steeper, unsupported terrain. Cornices in the area are also reported to be very large and primed for triggering.
Recent snowfall amounts have been quite variable throughout the region. Generally speaking, ongoing moderate daily amounts and moderate to strong southwest winds have contributed to reactive wind and storm slab development. This recent snowfall has added to a deep and cohesive slab that overlies weak surfaces that formed early February. This interface, which lies between 1 and 2 metres below the surface, includes a widespread surface hoar instability that, depending on aspect an elevation, may exist in combination with facets or crusts. These persistent weak layers have been reactive all week and remain a concern at all elevations. The weight of new snow, near-surface avalanches, sleds, and skiers may easily trigger these deeper weaknesses creating unexpectedly large and destructive avalanches.Large cornices have also formed and could act as triggers for slopes below.
Snowpack obs taken from a Fracture Line Profile of a size 3.0 on NE aspect at 1500m.  A size 2.0 Na wind slab released directly below ridgelin e on a large alpine bowl feature.  Wind slab approx 50cmx100mX75m, released and was likely the trigger for the size 3.0 that released further down slope where in a more sheltered from the wind on the Feb 21 SH layer.  A pencil to knife hard slab overlies this layer, on average 80cms in depth.  Surface hoar was well preserved to size 6.0mm.
Up to 25cm of recent HST at treeline over the past 24hrs.  Now up to 40cm of snow is overlying the March 10th temperature crust and 110-150cm overlying the Valentines day surface hoar / Facet interface.  Moderate sudden planar sheers overlying the March 10th crust and moderate sudden planar sheers also persist on the valentines day surface hoar.  Propogation Saw test on a SE aspect at 2200m 30/110 END, indicating that propogation is likely on the Valentines day surface hoar layer.
Moderate precipitation ended around midnight after bringing 15-20 mm of water equivalent. The freezing level went up to about 1400 metres during the storm, so snowfall amounts vary by elevation. The recent series of storms have developed a storm slab that is about 100 cm thick. The storm slab is sitting on a mix of old hard windslabs and crusts. There is a persistent weak layer (PWL) of buried surface hoar from mid-february that is buried between 100-200 cm that is the main concern. This PWL shears with a fracture character that promotes wide propagations that result in very large avalanches. Recent avalanches up to size 4.5 have exceeded historical avalanche paths and resulted in the demolition of old timber.
The region has received about 35 cm of new snow in the past 2 days. Recent moderate to strong winds have transported available snow into thick windslabs in the alpine and at treeline, and have added weak new growth to the large cornices in the region. The new snow has added to the well consolidated storm slab that overlies weak surfaces that formed early February. This interface, which lies between 1 and 2 metres below the surface, includes a widespread surface hoar instability that, depending on aspect an elevation, may exist in combination with facets or crusts. These persistent weak layers have been reactive all week and remain a concern at all elevations. The weight of new snow, near-surface avalanches, sleds, and skiers may easily trigger these deeper weaknesses creating unexpectedly large and destructive avalanches.
New snow overnight and into Friday morning has brought the recent snow amount to about 40-50 cm. There is about 100 cm of snow from the past week that is settling into a cohesive storm slab. The mid-February surface hoar layer is buried down between 150-200 cm. This persistent weak layer may cause very wide propagations resulting in very large avalanches that may release naturally during loading periods from storms, or release from light additional loads like skiers and riders. If the skies clear and there is a period of strong solar radiation, that may be enough to cause a natural avalanche cycle.
Recently the region has received up to 50 cm of new snow. Touchy storm slabs exist at all elevations. Strong SW winds have created stiff wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks in the alpine and at treeline. The rainline sits around 1800m, with moist snow below. A melt freeze crust that developed early March is now buried below this new storm snow, and a poor bond exists.A thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects was buried at the end of February. A touchy persistent weak layer of facets and surface hoar, which was buried mid-February, is now down over 1m and has been producing large and widely-propagating avalanches. Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for large avalanches. With possible sunny periods starting Sunday afternoon,  I suspect storm snow could become reactive under the influence of solar radiation. It's possible that solar induced avalanches could step down to deeper weak layers, creating large avalanches.
Earlier in the week the region has received 30-40 cm of storm snow. An additional 15-25 cm fell overnight Wednesday. Touchy storm slabs exist at all elevations. Strong SW winds have created stiff wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks. The mid February surface hoar layer in the upper snowpack is most prevalent in the west and south of the region, particularly in the Flathead. Recent snowpack tests, as well as rider-triggered avalanches, on this weak layer indicate that it still has the potential to be triggered in many areas, resulting in a large destructive avalanche. Remote-triggering (from afar) and triggering on low-angled terrain are also concerns. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below. Snowpack structures are variable across the region. With possible sunny periods starting Sunday, I suspect the new storm snow could become reactive under the influence of solar radiation. It's possible that solar induced avalanches could step down to deeper weak layers, creating large avalanches. There is a fantastic Forum Post from Michel Ridge, North Flathead Area. This includes recent observations by the CAC South Rockies field team. Check it out!          http://avalanche.ca/Forums/forums/t/5565.aspx
40 cm of new snow overnight with light-moderate southerly winds created an unconsolidated slab above the recent storm snow. The combined slab above the mid-february persistent weak layer is now between 150-200 cm. Some operators continue to get easy-moderate sudden planar character shears on the mid-february surface hoar in shallow areas. The persistent weak layer continues to be a concern at all elevations, and may show wide propagations on low angle terrain below treeline. The new snow may consolidate and release naturally if the skies clear and we get some strong solar radiation. Snowpack conditions continue to be tricky to evaluate, and are variable throughout the region.
In the past week 100-180 cm storm snow has fallen, accompanied by strong SW winds. Storm slabs and wind slabs continue to build. Cornices are large, some reaching threshold and triggering the slopes below. For the most part, the new storm snow is right side up (lower density snow on top) and easy to moderate shears exist within the upper meter. The additional weight of new storm and wind slabs may step down and trigger a deep weakness, formed in mid-February. Recent test results on this layer produced hard sudden planar results down 120cm in the snowpack (DTH24 SP dwn 120cm on FC/RG 0.5). Very large avalanches are possible, which could be remote-triggered, triggered mid-slope, and/or propagate into low-angled terrain. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 350 cm.
Recently, 30-50 cm of new storm snow has fallen over the region, building storm slab at all elevations. Strong southerly winds have created wind slabs lee of ridgelines and terrain features. Crusts down 50-60 cm can be found on solar aspects in the Duffey Lake, Chilcotin, and Coquihalla areas. Previously, these crusts had a poor bond. Tests done on these crusts are showing moderate-hard results with sudden planar characteristics. With the additional stress of a new load, these crusts may act as a sliding layer.  Storm and wind slabs could overload these crusts, or even deeper the persistent weak layers(surface hoar, facets, crusts). Persistent weak layers are variable in distribution across the region. Generally they exist down 150 cm. Recent testing produced whumpfs and sudden planar results in snowpack tests. It is still is a key concern for step-down avalanches in many parts of the region. It is especially prevalent on south-facing slopes above treeline, and all slopes below treeline. Very large avalanches are possible, which could be remote-triggered, triggered mid-slope, and/or propagate into low-angled terrain.
Significant precipitation fell during the last storm, which turned to rain for a short time towards the end of the storm. This froze up in many places with colder overnight temperatures and now forms a crust, buried under a light amount of snow, which is supportive in some places and breakable in others. The crust will help to consolidate the snowpack in most areas. However, the rate at which the snow fell as well as reports of an "upside-down" snowpack with denser snow overlying lower density snow beneath, means it would be wise to assume avalanches could still be triggered on steep, unsupported terrain, such as ridge lines, rolls and gully sidewalls.
Sporadic strong and variable winds have redistributed moderate amounts of recent storm snow into wind slabs that most commonly exist in the lee of terrain features at treeline and in the alpine.In the northern part of the region two persistent weak layers are on the radar of some operators: Surface hoar buried at the beginning of March is as much as 70cm deep. The early February persistent weak layers (surface hoar, facets, crusts) are over a metre down.  Although triggering persistent weaknesses has become less likely, persistent slabs would be destructive in nature, particularly below treeline on isolated and sheltered steep terrain where buried surface hoar may be preserved. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Moderate amounts of low density snow sit over a variety of old surfaces that include widely distributed hard wind slabs, or melt freeze crusts that exist on most aspects below 1000m and on solar aspects as high as 1600m. In exposed areas the newer snow has been shifted into deeper pockets of soft wind slab. The mid February persistent weak layer interface, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface. However, recent snowpack tests have been giving hard but sudden "pop" results and indicate it is has the potential to react given the right trigger in the right place. For route selection, it should still be on your radar and is most likely triggerable on steeper, unsupported terrain. Cornices in the area are reported to be very large and primed for triggering.
Rain fell to around 2000 m on Thursday afternoon and froze into a crust on all aspects below this elevation. Around 10 cm new snow now sits above the crust. The previous storm snow overlies a sun crust on southern aspects and maybe a spotty 2 - 6mm surface hoar on north and east aspects, down around 60 cm. Below that, the more significant early February surface hoar is down 80 - 140cm. Snowpack tests show moderate to hard forces generating sudden planar shears on this layer. Below the early February surface hoar layer, the snowpack is strong in most places. Cornices are growing and would act as a significant trigger for all the layers mentioned above if they drop.
An additional 20cm of new snow fell overnight.  Over the past 72hrs, up to 50cm of new snow has fallen under the influence of a light to moderate SW flow.  The Valentines day surface hoar layer is now buried down up to 160cm and is becoming more stubborn to trigger.  Propagation saw tests are showing that if this layer is triggered it will propagate across a terrain feature but it is becoming less reactive to light loads such as a skier.  On solar aspects the March 10th temperature crust is down 50-60cm on solar aspects.  A thin layer of weak facetted crystals is developing on top of this crust and the bond between the new snow and the underlying crust should be carefully evaluated.  Any avalanche initiated in the upper snowpack will likely step down to the Valentines day interface so skiers should keep this on their mind as they travel.
Sporadic strong and variable winds have redistributed moderate amounts of recent storm snow into wind slabs that most commonly exist in the lee of terrain features at treeline and in the alpine. The mid-pack varies greatly depending on location. You may find up to three persistent weak layers. First, a surface hoar layer buried mid-March, now buried 60-80 cm deep, seems to be most prevalent in the mountains around Stewart. Second, a surface hoar layer buried early March, buried around 1 m, has been causing problems north of Terrace. Third, a weak layer comprising surface hoar or facets, buried early February, is now more than 1 m down. This has been causing issues particularly in the north around Ningensaw. However, recent reports indicate this layer is becoming difficult to trigger. Bear in mind that triggering any of these persistent weak layers would likely result in a very large avalanche. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Periods of sunshine have caused moist snow on solar aspects up to about 1500 metres. Recent cornice growth has made cornices unstable. The new snow has added to the well consolidated storm slab that overlies weak surfaces that formed early February. This interface, which lies between 1 and 2 metres below the surface, includes a widespread surface hoar instability that, depending on aspect an elevation, may exist in combination with facets or crusts. These persistent weak layers have been reactive all week and remain a concern at all elevations. The weight of new snow, near-surface avalanches, sleds, and skiers may easily trigger these deeper weaknesses creating unexpectedly large and destructive avalanches.
Some areas in the Monashee and Selkirks are reporting moist snow up to about 2000 metres due to short intense periods of solar radiation. The snow is moist up to about 1300 metres on all elevations. There is about 100 cm of snow from the past week that is settling into a cohesive storm slab. The mid-February surface hoar layer is buried down between 150-200 cm. This persistent weak layer may cause very wide propagations resulting in very large avalanches that may release naturally during loading periods from storms, or release from light additional loads like skiers and riders. If the skies clear and there is a period of strong solar radiation, that may be enough to cause a natural avalanche cycle.
Moderate amounts of low density snow sit over a variety of old surfaces that include widely distributed hard wind slabs, or melt freeze crusts that exist on most aspects below 1000m and on solar aspects as high as 1600m. In exposed areas the newer snow has been shifted into deeper pockets of soft wind slab. The mid February persistent weak layer interface, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface. However, recent snowpack tests have been giving hard but sudden "pop" results and indicate it is has the potential to react given the right trigger in the right place. For route selection, it should still be on your radar and is most likely triggerable on steeper, unsupported terrain. Cornices in the area are reported to be very large and primed for natural collapse or triggering by a person.
Convective flurries brought about 5-10 cm to most parts of the region, some areas reported up to 20 cm of new snow and graupel. The recent series of storms have developed a storm slab that is about 100 cm thick, and reported to be settling and stiffening. The storm slab is sitting on a mix of old hard windslabs and crusts. There is a persistent weak layer (PWL) of buried surface hoar from mid-february that is buried between 100-200 cm that is the main concern. This PWL shears with a fracture character that promotes wide propagations that result in very large avalanches. Recent avalanches up to size 4.5 have exceeded historical avalanche paths and resulted in the demolition of old timber. Very large weak cornices have developed during the recent stormy period. Even brief sunny periods over the next few days may cause natural activity in the storm slab, which may propagate the deeper weak layers.
A thick layer of graupel sits on top of a crust that formed near the end of the last big storm, when the snow turned to rain. The graupel pellets have rolled down off steeper slopes and have piled up into thick deposits in areas where the slope angle mellows. The crust is reported to be generally supportive and will help to consolidate the snowpack in most areas. However, at higher elevations, winds have already blown the new snow on top of the crust into fresh wind slabs.
Another 5-10 cm of new snow overnight combines with the 30-40 cm of snow on Friday morning to form a soft slab that is sitting on the recent storm snow. The combined slab above the mid-february persistent weak layer is now between 150-200 cm. Some operators continue to get easy-moderate sudden planar character shears on the mid-february surface hoar in shallow areas. The persistent weak layer continues to be a concern at all elevations, and may show wide propagations on low angle terrain below treeline. The new snow may consolidate and release naturally if the skies clear and we get some strong solar radiation. Snowpack conditions continue to be tricky to evaluate, and are variable throughout the region.
Unsettled weather has brought snow and wind through most of the week, creating variable wind slabs and storm slabs. On Saturday, snowpack tests in the southern Elk Valley showed a couple of shears in the top 20cm of storm snow. A rain crust is buried about 1m down. Two surface hoar layers, buried in February and now 1-2m deep, exhibited sudden planar results, which have been repeated in a number of locations. This means they still have the potential to produce widely-propagating, destructive avalanches if triggered. Most likely triggering mechanisms are a person traveling on a thin snowpack area, or a storm slab, wind slab or cornice stepping down. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallow snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below.
Rain fell to around 2000 m on Thursday afternoon and froze into a crust on all aspects below this elevation. Around 10 cm new snow now sits above the crust. The previous storm snow overlies a sun crust on southern aspects and maybe a spotty 2 - 6mm surface hoar on north and east aspects, down around 60 cm. Below that, the more significant early February surface hoar is down 80 - 140cm. Snowpack tests show moderate to hard forces generating sudden planar shears on this layer. Below the early February surface hoar layer, the snowpack is strong in most places. Cornices are growing and would act as a significant trigger for all the layers mentioned above if they drop.
Unsettled weather has brought snow and wind through most of the week, creating variable wind slabs and storm slabs. Rain fell to around 1800m, creating a very hard, 5cm thick crust, which is acting as an easy sliding layer for loose sluffs. Moist snow sits below the crust. Deeper in the snowpack, is a melt freeze crust that developed in early March. A thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects was buried at the end of February. A touchy persistent weak layer of facets and surface hoar, which was buried mid-February, is now down 1-2m and has been producing large and widely-propagating avalanches this month. Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for large avalanches.
In the past week 100-180 cm storm snow has fallen, accompanied by strong south-westerly winds. Storm slabs and wind slabs continue to build. Cornices are large, some reaching threshold and triggering the slopes below. The additional weight of new storm and wind slabs may step down and trigger a deep weakness, formed in mid-February. Recent test results on this layer produced hard sudden planar results. Very large avalanches are possible, which could be remote-triggered, triggered mid-slope, and/or propagate into low-angled terrain. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 350 cm.
Recent storm snow has created slabs at all elevations, which started out being very touchy, but seem to have gained strength. Strong southerly winds have created wind slabs behind ridgelines and terrain breaks. Crusts down 50-60 cm can be found on solar aspects in the Duffey Lake, Chilcotin, and Coquihalla areas. These exhibit moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. Deeper persistent weak layers are variable in distribution across the region. A crust/surface hoar/facet layer buried in early February, now down about 1.5m, is still is a key concern. It is especially prevalent on south-facing slopes above treeline, and all slopes below treeline. Although the likelihood of triggering this layer has decreased, the potential for surprisingly large avalanches remains.
Upper snowpack continues to settle.  Easy to Moderate sheers persist within the storm snow but they are strengthening.  On solar aspects the March 11th temperature crust down 40-50cm is producing easy to moderate sheers.  The valentines day surface hoar layer is now buried 140-170cm and is becoming more stubborn to trigger.
There is approximately 15-20cm of new snow (mostly graupel) sitting on a supportive rain crust at all elevations. Below the rain crust is a well settled, moist storm snow layer. The snowpack depth now exceeds 500cm above 1200m.
Convective flurries continued on Saturday resulting in another 5-10 cm of new snow. The recent series of storms have developed a storm slab that is about 100 cm thick, and reported to be settling and stiffening. The storm slab is sitting on a mix of old hard windslabs and crusts. There is a persistent weak layer (PWL) of buried surface hoar from mid-february that is buried between 100-200 cm that is the main concern. This PWL shears with a fracture character that promotes wide propagations that result in very large avalanches. Recent avalanches up to size 4.5 have exceeded historical avalanche paths and resulted in the demolition of old timber. Very large weak cornices have developed during the recent stormy period. Even brief sunny periods over the next few days may cause natural activity in the storm slab, which may propagate the deeper weak layers.
Convective flurries resulted in another 10-20 cm of new snow across the region combined with light winds. There is a soft slab about 50 cm thick that is sitting on the recent storm snow. The combined slab above the mid-february persistent weak layer is now between 150-200 cm. Some operators continue to get easy-moderate sudden planar character shears on the mid-february surface hoar in shallow areas. The persistent weak layer continues to be a concern at all elevations, and may show wide propagations on low angle terrain below treeline. The new snow may consolidate and release naturally if the skies clear and we get some strong solar radiation. Snowpack conditions continue to be tricky to evaluate, and are variable throughout the region.
Sporadic strong and variable winds have redistributed moderate amounts of recent storm snow into wind slabs that most commonly exist in the lee of terrain features at treeline and in the alpine. The mid-pack varies greatly depending on location. You may find up to three persistent weak layers. First, a surface hoar layer buried mid-March, now buried 60-80cm deep, which seems to be most prevalent in the mountains around Stewart. Second, a surface hoar layer buried early March, buried around 1m deep, has been causing problems north of Terrace. Third, a weak layer comprising surface hoar or facets, buried early in February, is now more than 1m down. This has been causing issues particularly in the north around Ninginsaw. However, recent reports indicate this layer is becoming difficult to trigger. Bear in mind that triggering any of these persistent weak layers would likely result in a very large avalanche. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Moderate amounts of low density snow sit over a variety of old surfaces that include widely distributed hard wind slabs, or melt freeze crusts that exist on most aspects below 1000m and on solar aspects as high as 1600m. In exposed areas the newer snow has been shifted into deeper pockets of soft wind slab. The mid February persistent weak layer interface, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface. However, recent snowpack tests have been giving hard but sudden "pop" results and indicate it is has the potential to react given the right trigger in the right place. For route selection, it should still be on your radar and is more likely to be triggered on steeper, unsupported terrain. Cornices in the area are reported to be very large and primed for natural collapse or triggering by a person.
Periods of sunshine have caused moist snow on solar aspects up to about 1500 metres. Recent cornice growth has made cornices unstable. The new snow has added to the well consolidated storm slab that overlies weak surfaces that formed early February. This interface, which lies between 1 and 2 metres below the surface, includes a widespread surface hoar instability that, depending on aspect and elevation, may exist in combination with facets or crusts. These persistent weak layers have been reactive all week and remain a concern at all elevations. The weight of new snow, near-surface avalanches, sleds, and skiers may easily trigger these deeper weaknesses creating unexpectedly large and destructive avalanches.
Some areas in the Monashee and Selkirks are reporting moist snow up to about 2000 metres due to short intense periods of solar radiation. The snow is moist up to about 1300 metres on all elevations. There is about 100 cm of snow from the past week that is settling into a cohesive storm slab. The mid-February surface hoar layer is buried down between 150-200 cm. This persistent weak layer may cause very wide propagations resulting in very large avalanches that may release naturally during loading periods from storms, or release from light additional loads like skiers and riders. If the skies clear and there is a period of strong solar radiation, that may be enough to cause a natural avalanche cycle.
Rain fell to around 2000 m on Thursday afternoon and froze into a crust on all aspects below this elevation. 10-30cm of new snow now sits above the crust. The previous storm snow overlies a sun crust on southern aspects and maybe a spotty 2-6mm surface hoar on north and east aspects, down around 60cm. Below that, the more significant early February surface hoar is down 80-140cm. Snowpack tests show moderate to hard forces generating sudden planar shears on this layer. Below the early February surface hoar layer, the snowpack is strong in most places. Cornices are growing and would act as a significant trigger for all the layers mentioned above if they drop.
Last week, 100-180 cm storm snow fell, accompanied by strong south-easterly to south-westerly winds. Storm slabs and wind slabs now appear to be slowly gaining strength. Cornices are large and threaten slopes below. A persistent weakness, formed in mid-February, continues to produce hard, sudden planar results in snowpack tests. The likelihood of triggering this layer has gone down, but very large avalanches remain possible, which could be triggered by a shallower avalanche or cornice fall. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 350 cm.
Recent storm snow created slabs at all elevations, which appear to have gained strength. Strong southerly winds left wind slabs behind ridgelines and terrain breaks. Large cornices loom and threaten slopes below. Crusts down 50-60 cm can be found on solar aspects in the Duffey Lake, Chilcotin, and Coquihalla areas. These exhibit moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests.Deeper persistent weak layers are variable in distribution across the region. A crust/surface hoar/facet layer buried in early February, now down about 1.5m, is still is a key concern. It is especially prevalent on south-facing slopes above treeline, and all slopes below treeline. Although the likelihood of triggering this layer has decreased, the potential for surprisingly large avalanches remains.
Unsettled weather has brought snow and wind through most of the week, creating variable wind slabs and storm slabs, which are up to 1.5m deep and yet to completely settle. Enormous cornices loom and have been routinely failing. Rainfall and a freeze late last week created a supportive crust below 1700m, which is acting as an easy sliding layer for storm snow.  The rain crust is becoming thicker and more supportive as the moist snow below it goes through successive overnight freezes. Deeper in the snowpack is a melt freeze crust that developed in early March. A thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects were buried at the end of February. A persistent weak layer of facets and surface hoar, which was buried mid-February, is now down 1-2m. While triggering of this layer has become less likely, it is still capable of producing very large and widely-propagating avalanches.
Unsettled weather has brought snow and wind through most of the week, creating variable wind slabs and storm slabs. On Saturday, snowpack tests in the Elk Valley, east of Sparwood, showed a couple of shears in the top 20cm of storm snow. A rain crust is buried about 1m down. Two surface hoar layers, buried in February and now 1-2m deep, exhibited sudden planar results, which have been repeated in a number of locations. This means they still have the potential to produce widely-propagating, destructive avalanches if triggered. Most likely triggering mechanisms are a person traveling on a thin snowpack area, or a storm slab, wind slab or cornice stepping down. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallow snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below.
An additional 2 to 3cm of new snow overnight at treeline. Storm snow totals are near 40cm at ridgetop. Soft slabs are present in alpine and treeline areas. A few recent avalanches up to size 2.5 are associated with the recent storm slabs. February surface hoar is down as much as 140cm and while more difficult to trigger, the consequences are large. The surface hoar is also susceptible to step down triggering. Cornices are quite large. The deep persistent weak layer of facets and depth hoar has been less active recently, but the possibility remains for a large destructive full depth avalanche if these layers are triggered.
Approximately 20cm of new snow sits on a solid rain crust from late last week. This new snow consists of a large amount of graupel. Below the crust is a thick layer of well settled old storm snow. The snowpack depth now exceeds 500cm near treeline.
The soon to be buried snow surface includes a sun crust on southerly aspects, surface facets or surface hoar in cool shady areas, and pockets of wind slab in exposed terrain. A variety of potential weak layers exist between 60 and 120cm deep. These include surface hoar or facets. There has been no recent activity on these layers but they could wake up with heavy triggers like a large cornice chunk or a snowmobile digging its track in. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
No new slab avalanches have been reported in the past day or two. There were a few reports of cornice failures, but most did not trigger slabs.
An additional 20cm of new snow brings the total storm snow amount to around 100cm in most areas. Several resistant shears have been noted in the storm snow. A sun crust on southern aspects and a spotty 2-6mm surface hoar on north and east aspects is down around 60-90cm. Below that, the more significant early February surface hoar is down 100-160cm. Snowpack tests show moderate to hard forces generating sudden planar shears on this layer. A melt-freeze crust, down 20-30cm, below 1800m provides some bridging to the layers below. Below the early February surface hoar layer, the snowpack is strong in most places. Cornices are very large and would act as a significant trigger for all the layers mentioned above if they drop.
Sunny periods on Sunday developed a sun-crust on southerly aspects up well into the alpine. The recent storm snow is reported to be bonding well to the old surface. There is a persistent weak layer (PWL) of buried surface hoar from mid-february that is buried between 100-200 cm that is the main concern. This PWL shears with a fracture character that promotes wide propagations that result in very large avalanches. Reports of avalanches on this layer are becoming less frequent. Forecast strong winds and new snow may build new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline.
Operators report that periods of broken skies on Sunday did not create widespread moist surface snow. It was reported to be warm enough to help settle the recent new snow and storm slab. The combined slab above the mid-february persistent weak layer is now between 150-200 cm. Some operators continue to get easy-moderate sudden planar character shears on the mid-february surface hoar in shallow areas. Snowpack conditions continue to be tricky to evaluate, and are variable throughout the region. Forecast strong wind and new snow may develop new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline.
Sunny breaks on Sunday caused moist snow up to about 2400 metres on solar aspects and up to about 1500 metres on all aspects. The recent storm snow is reported to have settled and bonded in most areas. Recent cornice growth has made cornices unstable. The new snow has added to the well consolidated storm slab that overlies weak surfaces that formed early February. This interface, which lies between 1 and 2 metres below the surface, includes a widespread surface hoar instability that, depending on aspect and elevation, may exist in combination with facets or crusts. These persistent weak layers have been reactive all week and remain a concern at all elevations. The weight of new snow, near-surface avalanches, sleds, and skiers may easily trigger these deeper weaknesses creating unexpectedly large and destructive avalanches.
Moist snow was reported up to about 2700 metres in the Monashees on solar aspects on Sunday. Temperatures dropped down to about -12.0 in the alpine overnight developing a melt-freeze crust on slopes that were affected by the sun during the day. The recent snow has been reported to be bonding well to the old surface of crusts and windslabs. Reports of avalanches on the deeply buried persistent weak layer are becoming less frequent. Forecast new snow and strong winds may develop new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline.
Unsettled weather has brought snow and wind through most of the week, creating variable wind slabs and storm slabs, which are up to 1.5m deep and yet to completely settle. Enormous cornices loom and have been routinely failing. Rainfall and a freeze late last week created a supportive crust below 1700m, which is acting as an easy sliding layer for storm snow.  The rain crust is becoming thicker and more supportive as the moist snow below it goes through successive overnight freezes. Deeper in the snowpack is a melt freeze crust that developed in early March. A thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects were buried at the end of February. A persistent weak layer of facets and surface hoar, which was buried mid-February, is now down 1-2m. While triggering of this layer has become less likely, it is still capable of producing very large and widely-propagating avalanches.
Unsettled weather has brought snow and wind through most of the week, creating variable wind slabs and storm slabs. On Saturday, snowpack tests in the Elk Valley, east of Sparwood, showed a couple of shears in the top 20cm of storm snow. A rain crust is buried about 1m down. Two surface hoar layers, buried in February and now 1-2m deep, exhibited sudden planar results, which have been repeated in a number of locations. This means they still have the potential to produce widely-propagating, destructive avalanches if triggered. Most likely triggering mechanisms are a person traveling on a thin snowpack area, or a storm slab, wind slab or cornice stepping down. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallow snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below.
Forecast snow and strong SW winds will likely create new storm and wind slab problems. Last week's storm snow created slabs at all elevations, which appear to have gained strength. Large cornices loom and threaten slopes below. Crusts down 50-60 cm can be found on solar aspects in the Duffey Lake, Chilcotin, and Coquihalla areas. These exhibit moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests.Deeper persistent weak layers are variable in distribution across the region. A crust/surface hoar/facet layer buried in early February, now down about 1.5m, is still is a key concern. It is especially prevalent on south-facing slopes above treeline, and all slopes below treeline. Although the likelihood of triggering this layer has decreased, the potential for surprisingly large avalanches remains.
Last week, 100-180 cm storm snow fell, accompanied by strong south-easterly to south-westerly winds. Storm slabs and wind slabs now appear to be slowly gaining strength. Cornices are large and threaten slopes below. A persistent weakness, formed in mid-February, continues to produce hard, sudden planar results in snowpack tests. The likelihood of triggering this layer has gone down, but very large avalanches remain possible, which could be triggered by a shallower avalanche or cornice fall. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 350 cm. With the arrival of Tuesday's storm, new storm slabs and wind slabs will develop. It may take several days for the new storm snow to settle out and start to stabilize.
Up to 3cm of new snow at treeline overnight. Strong to extreme SW winds continue to form slabs in alpine and treeline areas in lee and crossloaded features. Extensive scouring has occurred.
New wind slabs are likely in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests. The March 16 rain crust in now down 40-60cm and the storm snow above seems to be bonding well to this crust. The snowpack depth now exceeds 500cm near treeline.
5-15cm of new snow sits on the previous snow surface which included a sun crust on southerly aspects, surface facets or surface hoar in cool shady areas, and pockets of wind slab in exposed terrain. A variety of potential weak layers exist between 60 and 120cm deep. These include surface hoar or facets. There has been no recent activity on these layers but they could wake up with heavy triggers like a large cornice chunk or a snowmobile digging its track in. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
A dusting of new snow covers the previous surface which included a sun crust on southerly aspects, surface facets or surface hoar in cool shady areas, and pockets of wind slab in exposed terrain. The mid February persistent weak layer interface, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface. However, recent snowpack tests have been giving hard but sudden "pop" results and indicate it is has the potential to react given the right trigger in the right place. For route selection, it should still be on your radar and is more likely to be triggered on steeper, unsupported terrain. Cornices in the area are reported to be very large and primed for natural collapse or triggering by a person.
An additional 20-30cm of new snow on Tuesday with moderate to strong winds resulted in new wind slab formation in exposed leeward terrain. Several resistant shears have been noted in the storm snow. A sun crust on southern aspects and a spotty 2-6mm surface hoar on north and east aspects is down around 60-100cm. Below that, the more significant early February surface hoar is down 100-180cm. Snowpack tests show moderate to hard forces generating sudden planar shears on this layer. A melt-freeze crust, down 20-30cm, below 1800m provides some bridging to the layers below. Below the early February surface hoar layer, the snowpack is strong in most places. Cornices are very large and would act as a significant trigger for all the layers mentioned above if they drop.
Strong southerly winds combined with new snow to develop thin new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. Operators report that periods of broken skies on Sunday did not create widespread moist surface snow. It was reported to be warm enough to help settle the recent new snow and storm slab. The combined slab above the mid-february persistent weak layer is now between 150-200 cm. Some operators continue to get easy-moderate sudden planar character shears on the mid-february surface hoar in shallow areas. Snowpack conditions continue to be tricky to evaluate, and are variable throughout the region. Forecast strong wind and new snow may develop new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline.
Strong southerly winds combined with 10-15 cm of new snow created new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. Sunny periods on Sunday developed a sun-crust on southerly aspects up well into the alpine. The recent storm snow is reported to be bonding well to the old surface. There is a persistent weak layer (PWL) of buried surface hoar from mid-february that is buried between 100-200 cm that is the main concern. This PWL shears with a fracture character that promotes wide propagations that result in very large avalanches. Reports of avalanches on this layer are becoming less frequent.
Unsettled weather has brought snow and wind through most of the week, creating variable wind slabs and storm slabs. Newly formed 10-20cm thick wind slabs were easy to trigger on Tuesday at treeline and above. A melt-freeze crust buried below recent storm snow exists to 1900m on south aspects and 1700m elsewhere.  An older rain crust is buried about 1m down. Two surface hoar layers, buried in February and now 1-2m deep, continue to exhibit sudden planar results, which have been repeated in a number of locations. This means these layers still have the potential to produce widely-propagating, destructive avalanches if triggered. Most likely triggering mechanisms are a person traveling on a thin snowpack area, or a storm slab, wind slab or cornice stepping down. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallow snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below.
Snow and wind created fresh wind slabs and storm slabs on Tuesday. Snow which fell last week is slowly settling, but variable storm snow weaknesses and buried crusts mean a deep storm slab release is still possible. Large cornices threaten slopes below. Crusts down around 60cm can be found on solar aspects in the Duffey Lake, Chilcotin, and Coquihalla areas. These exhibit moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests.Deeper persistent weak layers are variable in distribution across the region. A crust/surface hoar/facet layer buried in early February, now down about 1.5m, is still is a key concern. It is especially prevalent on south-facing slopes above treeline, and all slopes below treeline. Although the likelihood of triggering this layer has decreased, the potential for surprisingly large avalanches remains.
Strong southerly winds combined with new snow to develop thin new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. Sunny breaks on Sunday caused moist snow up to about 2400 metres on solar aspects and up to about 1500 metres on all aspects. The recent storm snow is reported to have settled and bonded in most areas. Recent cornice growth has made cornices unstable. The new snow has added to the well consolidated storm slab that overlies weak surfaces that formed early February. This interface, which lies between 1 and 2 metres below the surface, includes a widespread surface hoar instability that, depending on aspect and elevation, may exist in combination with facets or crusts.
Unsettled weather has brought snow and wind through most of the week, creating variable wind slabs and storm slabs, which are up to 1.5m deep and yet to completely settle. Enormous cornices loom and have been routinely failing. Rainfall and a freeze late last week created a supportive crust below 1700m, which is acting as an easy sliding layer for storm snow.  Deeper in the snowpack is a melt freeze crust that developed in early March. A thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects were buried at the end of February. In isolated areas, snowpack tests give moderate, sudden planar results on this layer. A persistent weak layer of facets and surface hoar, which was buried mid-February, is now down 1-2m. While triggering of this layer has become less likely, it is still capable of producing very large and widely-propagating avalanches. It was triggered by explosives recently, creating a very destructive avalanche.
Snow and wind created fresh wind slabs and storm slabs on Tuesday. Heavy snow which fell last week is slowly settling, but variable storm snow weaknesses and buried crusts mean a deep storm slab release is still possible. Cornices are large and threaten slopes below. A persistent weakness, formed in mid-February, continues to produce hard, sudden planar results in snowpack tests. The likelihood of triggering this layer has gone down, but very large avalanches remain possible, which could be triggered by a shallower avalanche or cornice fall. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 350cm.
Strong southerly winds and new snow combined to develop thin new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline on Monday night and during the day on Tuesday. Moist snow was reported up to about 2700 metres in the Monashees on solar aspects on Sunday. Temperatures dropped down to about -12.0 in the alpine overnight developing a melt-freeze crust on slopes that were affected by the sun during the day. The recent snow has been reported to be bonding well to the old surface of crusts and windslabs. Reports of avalanches on the deeply buried persistent weak layer are becoming less frequent. Forecast new snow and strong winds may develop new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline.
Wheaton at TL: HS 100.  60cm facets and depth hoar bellow 10cm 4F windslab.  10cm DFs above in sheltered areas.  Above TL snow has been well distributed by recent SW winds.Fraser Wx: HS 180.  Lower pack faceted.  111205 FC/CR down 140.  Midpack well bonded. 30cms of setteled DFs above.  120221 interface down 70 bellow P rounds SH not found at interface.  CTNR x2
Travel up to Burstall pass for the bi-weekly study plot.  265cm of snow at 2400m.   130cm of snow on the HI board.  Upper snowpack is continuing to settle and strengthen.  Storm snow sheers that were found down 50cm earlier in the week were not reactive in snowpack tests today.  0214SH layer down 125cm and was coming out moderate 19 in deep tap test.  The quality of the sheer was also resistant planar.  Midpack mainly P+ with no other sheers found.
New wind slabs may be found in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests. The March 16 rain crust in now down 40-60cm and the storm snow above seems to be bonding well to this crust. The snowpack depth now exceeds 500cm near treeline.
Unsettled weather has brought snow and wind through most of the week, creating variable wind slabs and storm slabs, which are up to 1.5m deep and yet to completely settle. Cornices are large and unstable and deserve respect, especially during periods of warm weather. Rainfall and a freeze late last week created a supportive crust below 1700m (up to 1900 m on south aspects), which is acting as an easy sliding layer for storm snow.  Deeper in the snowpack is a melt freeze crust that developed in early March. Deeper still, a thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects were buried at the end of February. In isolated areas, snowpack tests give moderate, sudden planar results on this layer. Finally, a persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets, which was buried mid-February, is now down 1-2m. While triggering of this layer has become less likely, it is still capable of producing very large and widely-propagating avalanches. It was triggered by explosives recently, creating a very destructive avalanche.
20-30 cm new snow overlies a crust that exists on south aspects to around 1900 m and on other aspects to around 1700 m. Recent winds have blown the new snow into wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Below the crust, two persistent weak layers from mid-February are still being tracked by professionals. The upper one, buried around 16th Feb, is buried approximately 150 cm. The lower one, buried around 9th Feb, is buried typically 180 cm in high snow areas, but as little as 90 cm in low snow areas. Snowpack tests indicate, while both surface hoar layers are becoming more difficult to trigger, they still have the potential to release avalanches, with regular sudden, 'pop' results still being observed. If avalanches do release on this layer, they will go big. The most likely triggering mechanisms are a person traveling over a thin snowpack area, or a storm slab, wind slab or cornice stepping down. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallow snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below.
Snow and wind created fresh wind slabs and storm slabs on Tuesday. Heavy snow which fell last week is slowly settling, but variable storm snow weaknesses and buried crusts mean a deep storm slab release is still possible. Cornices are large and threaten slopes below. A persistent weakness, formed in mid-February, continues to produce hard, sudden planar results in snowpack tests. The likelihood of triggering this layer has gone down, but very large avalanches remain possible, which could be triggered by a shallower avalanche or cornice fall. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 350cm.
Conditions vary greatly throughout the region. Southeast areas (Coquihalla) have seen up to 60cm of new snow in the past 48 hours, while places like the Duffy Lake have seen considerably less. Expect new wind slabs to be deep in heavy snowfall areas and thin in other areas. Crusts down around 60cm can be found on solar aspects in the Duffey Lake, Chilcotin, and down closer to 1m in the Coquihalla. These exhibit moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. Deeper persistent weak layers are variable in distribution across the region. A crust/surface hoar/facet layer buried in early February, now down about 1.5m, is still is a key concern. It is especially prevalent on south-facing slopes above treeline, and all slopes below treeline. Although the likelihood of triggering this layer has decreased, the potential for surprisingly large avalanches remains. Cornices are reported to be very large and should be given a wide berth.
20-40cm of new snow sits on the previous snow surface which included a sun crust on southerly aspects, surface facets or surface hoar in cool shady areas, and pockets of wind slab in exposed terrain. A variety of potential weak layers exist between 60 and 120cm deep. These include surface hoar or facets. There has been no recent activity on these layers but they could wake up with heavy triggers like a large cornice chunk or a snowmobile digging its track in. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Up to 25cm of new snow covers the previous surface which included a sun crust on southerly aspects, surface facets or surface hoar in cool shady areas, and pockets of wind slab in exposed terrain. Moderate southerly winds have created new wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain. The mid February persistent weak layer interface, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface. However, recent snowpack tests have been giving hard but sudden "pop" results and indicate it is has the potential to react given the right trigger in the right place. For route selection, it should still be on your radar and is more likely to be triggered on steeper, unsupported terrain. Cornices in the area are reported to be very large and primed for natural collapse or triggering by a person.
An additional 20-30cm of new snow on Tuesday with moderate to strong winds resulted in new wind slab formation in exposed leeward terrain. Several resistant shears have been noted in the storm snow. A sun crust on southern aspects and a spotty 2-6mm surface hoar on north and east aspects is down around 60-100cm. Below that, the more significant early February surface hoar is down 100-180cm. Avalanche activity has become more sporadic on this layer, but ongoing large events indicate it still has the ability to fail, despite how deeply it is buried. A melt-freeze crust, down 20-30cm, below 1800m provides some bridging to the layers below. Below the early February surface hoar layer, the snowpack is strong in most places. Cornices are very large and would act as a significant trigger for all the layers mentioned above if they drop.
Newly formed soft wind slabs were touchy on Wednesday in specific terrain. Deeper in the snowpack, the major concerns are the mid-February persistent weak layer, buried 1-2 m deep, and facets at the base of the snowpack. Neither of these has truly healed and sporadic very large avalanches continue to occur.
South to south-westerly winds combined with new snow have created wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. Sunny periods on Sunday developed a sun-crust on southerly aspects up well into the alpine. Older storm snow is reported to be bonding well to underlying surfaces. A key concern is a persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar from mid-February that is buried 1-2 m deep. Snowpack tests give sudden "pops" results on this layer, indicating the ongoing potential for very large avalanches. Because the layer is so deeply buried, it's unlikely to fail without a large trigger (e.g. cornice fall or explosive). However, there's always the chance of someone stumbling across a sweet spot, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.
15-30cm of recent storm snow overlies various surfaces including settled snow, wind slabs and crusts. New wind slabs have formed in the alpine and at treeline. Sunny breaks on Sunday caused moist snow up to about 2400m on solar aspects and up to about 1500m on all aspect. Cornices have grown large and unstable. The new snow has added to the well consolidated storm slab that overlies weak surfaces that formed early February. This interface, which lies 1-2m below the surface, includes a widespread surface hoar instability that, depending on aspect and elevation, may exist in combination with facets or crusts.
South-westerly winds and new snow combined to develop new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline on Monday night and during the day on Tuesday. Moist snow was reported up to about 2700 m in the Monashees on solar aspects on Sunday, which turned into a melt-freeze crust with overnight cooling. Older storm slabs have been reported to be mainly bonding well to underlying surfaces. A persistent weak layer is now about 1-2 m deep and exhibits sudden planar results in snowpack tests where it is preserved.  Avalanches on this layer have become less frequent, but still remain possible.
Snowpack observations were taken from a generally North facing slope,  attempted a transect, digging in three different locations (relatively close together) all with aspects varying slightly of cardinal 0degrees (NW, N, NE) (See photos on discussion board) in an attempt to get a better idea of what terrain characteristics influenced the isolated Feb 21 SH layer. On Average the interface was down 80-90cms.  In the due north aspect, and also where it was most sheltered from Wind, the SH was preserved 6mm and reactive to Deep Tap Test (DTM 12 (SP)).  On the NE aspect (a little more exposed to wind) surface hoar was present, however not as large or preserved, but showed similar results to deep tap test.  On the NW aspect (even more exposed to wind), the SH was not present on the interface.  At all locations, approx 20-30cms of settled storm snow overlies a strong mid pack (1F-P) down to the Feb 21 interface, approx 5cms of 4F facets with surface hoar above.  Pencil rounds found below this layer.
18cm recent HST over the past 24hrs at lower elevations and up to 25cm at treeline.   Isolated storm slabs forming at treeline and a concern now exists for buried windslabs at treeline and above.
Solar aspects will probably go through a melt-freeze cycle with a surface crust overnight and moist snow during the day. Thin wind slabs may be found in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests. The March 16 rain crust in now down 40-60cm and the storm snow above seems to be bonding well to this crust. The snowpack depth now exceeds 500cm near treeline.
Significant amounts of new snow have fallen in the past week, which has set up touchy wind slabs and storm slabs in many locations. Cornices are large and unstable and deserve respect, especially when the sun is out and during periods of warm weather. Rainfall and a freeze late last week created a supportive crust below 1700m (up to 1900 m on south aspects), which has been acting as an easy sliding layer for storm snow.  Deeper in the snowpack is a melt freeze crust that developed in early March. Deeper still, a thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects were buried at the end of February. In isolated areas, snowpack tests give moderate, sudden planar results on this layer. Finally, a persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets, which was buried mid-February, is now down 1-2m. While triggering of this layer has become less likely, it is still capable of producing very large and widely-propagating avalanches. It continues to produce large, very destructive avalanches when tested using explosives.
Solar aspects are likely going through a melt-freeze cycle with frozen snow overnight becoming moist through the day. Snow and wind created fresh wind slabs and storm slabs on Tuesday. Heavy snow which fell last week is settling, but variable storm snow weaknesses and buried crusts mean a deep storm slab release is still possible. Cornices are large and threaten slopes below. A persistent weakness, formed in mid-February, continues to produce hard, sudden planar results in snowpack tests. The likelihood of triggering this layer has gone down, but very large avalanches remain possible, which could be triggered by a shallower avalanche or cornice fall. The snowpack depth at treeline is 350-500cm.
Solar aspects will likely go through a melt-freeze cycle with a frozen surface overnight becoming moist throughout the day. Snowfall amounts over the past few days have varied significantly throughout the region with southeast areas (Coquihalla) receiving up to 60cm of new snow, while places like the Duffy Lake have seen considerably less. Expect wind slabs to be deep in heavy snowfall areas and thin in other areas. Crusts down around 60cm can be found on solar aspects in the Duffey Lake, Chilcotin, and down closer to 1m in the Coquihalla. These exhibit moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. Deeper persistent weak layers are variable in distribution across the region. A crust/surface hoar/facet layer buried in early February, now down about 1.5m, is still is a key concern. It is especially prevalent on south-facing slopes above treeline, and all slopes below treeline. Although the likelihood of triggering this layer has decreased, the potential for surprisingly large avalanches remains. Cornices are reported to be very large and should be given a wide berth.
Moderate SE winds have created thin wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain. 20-40cm of new snow sits on the previous snow surface which included a sun crust on southerly aspects, surface facets or surface hoar in cool shady areas, and pockets of wind slab in exposed terrain. A variety of potential weak layers exist between 60 and 120cm deep. These include surface hoar or facets. There has been no recent activity on these layers but they could wake up with heavy triggers like a large cornice chunk or a snowmobile digging its track in. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Up to 25cm of new snow covers the previous surface which included a sun crust on southerly aspects, surface facets or surface hoar in cool shady areas, and pockets of wind slab in exposed terrain. Moderate southerly winds have created new wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain. The mid February persistent weak layer interface, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface. However, recent snowpack tests have been giving hard but sudden "pop" results and indicate it is has the potential to react given the right trigger in the right place. For route selection, it should still be on your radar and is more likely to be triggered on steeper, unsupported terrain. Cornices in the area are reported to be very large and primed for natural collapse or triggering by a person.
30-40 cm new snow overlies a crust that exists on south aspects to around 1900 m and on other aspects to around 1700 m. Recent winds have blown the new snow into wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Below the crust, two persistent weak layers from mid-February are still being tracked by professionals. The upper one, buried around 16th Feb, is buried approximately 150 cm. The lower one, buried around 9th Feb, is buried typically 180 cm in high snow areas, but as little as 90 cm in low snow areas. Snowpack tests indicate, while both surface hoar layers are becoming more difficult to trigger, they still have the potential to release avalanches, with regular sudden, 'pop' results still being observed. If avalanches do release on this layer, they will go big. The most likely triggering mechanisms are a person traveling over a thin snowpack area, or a storm slab, wind slab or cornice stepping down. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallow snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below.
10-20 cm new snow on Wednesday night followed a previous 20-30cm of new snow on Tuesday. This new snow has built storm slabs in many places and wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. A sun crust that recently formed on southern aspects to around 1700 m and a spotty 2-6mm surface hoar on north and east aspects are now buried around 60-100cm. Below that, the more significant early February surface hoar is down 100-180cm. Avalanche activity has become more sporadic on this layer, but ongoing large events indicate it still has the ability to fail, despite how deeply it is buried. A melt-freeze crust, down 20-30cm, below 1800m provides some bridging to the layers below. Below the early February surface hoar layer, the snowpack is strong in most places. Cornices are very large and would act as a significant trigger for all the layers mentioned above if they drop.
Recent snow and wind created mostly small, soft wind slabs. Deeper in the snowpack, the major concerns are the mid-February persistent weak layer, buried 1-2 m deep, and facets at the base of the snowpack. The February layer demands respect right now. It is very touchy and can be triggered remotely or by a light load on a variety of aspects, creating frighteningly large avalanches.
Wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline are becoming less reactive. A melt-freeze crust exists from valley floor into the alpine on solar aspects. Older storm slabs are mainly bonding well to underlying surfaces. A key concern is a persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar from mid-February that is buried 1-2 m deep. Snowpack tests give sudden "pops" results on this layer in some areas, indicating the ongoing potential for very large avalanches. Because the layer is so deeply buried, it's unlikely to fail without a large trigger (e.g. cornice fall or explosive). However, there's always the chance of someone stumbling across a sweet spot, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.
20-30 cm recent storm snow overlies various surfaces including settled snow, wind slabs and crusts. New wind slabs have formed in the alpine and at treeline. Solar warming last weekend left a melt-freeze crust up to about 2400 m on solar aspects and up to about 1500 m on all aspects. Cornices have grown large and unstable. A consolidated storm slab overlies weak surfaces that formed in early February. Now 1-2 m below the surface, these weaknesses include surface hoar, facets or crusts. Operators continue to express concern about the potential for deep releases on these interfaces.
Wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline. Moist snow was reported up to about 2700 m in the Monashees on solar aspects last weekend, which turned into a melt-freeze crust with overnight cooling. Older storm slabs are mainly bonding well to underlying surfaces. A persistent weak layer, buried in February, is now about 1-2 m deep and exhibits sudden planar results in snowpack tests where it is preserved.  Avalanches on this layer have become less frequent, but still remain possible, with big consequences.
Observed south aspects in the white pass between 900 and 1700m.  120221 FCCR rounding out but still reactive down 40 just at lower elevations.  At higher elevations FC found down 70 not reactive.  New SC/FC forming al all elevations on south facing terrain at treeline and above.  10 to 20 cm deep windslab found on S wind loaded features.
Up to 20cm low density new snow.  Very little wind affect in Alpine or treeline terrain.  New snow is burying the previous windslabs that were being encountered at treeline and above in open areas.  Loose snow is sluffing easily in steeper terrain with skier traffic.  Valentines day Surface hoar down 145cm in the Heros Bowl area and it beginning to settle out and strengthen in SOME areas.  Still a concern in our mind as we travel.
Solar aspects will probably go through a melt-freeze cycle with a surface crust overnight and moist snow during the day. Shady slopes could maintain 5-20cm of dry new snow. Thin wind slabs may be found in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests. The March 16 rain crust in now down 40-60cm and the storm snow above seems to be bonding well to this crust. The snowpack depth now exceeds 500cm near treeline.
Solar aspects are likely going through a melt-freeze cycle with frozen snow overnight becoming moist through the day. Snow and wind created fresh wind slabs and storm slabs on Tuesday. Heavy snow which fell last week is settling rapidly and gaining strength. Cornices are large and threaten slopes below. A persistent weakness, formed in mid-February, continues to produce hard, sudden planar results in snowpack tests. The likelihood of triggering this layer has gone down, but very large avalanches remain possible, which could be triggered by a shallower avalanche or cornice fall. The snowpack depth at treeline is 350-500cm.
Solar aspects will likely go through a melt-freeze cycle with a frozen surface overnight becoming moist throughout the day. Snowfall amounts over the past few days have varied significantly throughout the region with southeast areas (Coquihalla) receiving up to 60cm of new snow, while places like the Duffy Lake have seen considerably less. Expect wind slabs to be deep in heavy snowfall areas and thin in other areas. Crusts down around 60cm can be found on solar aspects in the Duffey Lake, Chilcotin, and down closer to 1m in the Coquihalla. These exhibit moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. Deeper persistent weak layers are variable in distribution across the region. A crust/surface hoar/facet layer buried in early February, now down about 1.5m, is still is a key concern. It is especially prevalent on south-facing slopes above treeline, and all slopes below treeline. Although the likelihood of triggering this layer has decreased, the potential for surprisingly large avalanches remains. Cornices are reported to be very large and should be given a wide berth.
Moderate SE winds have created thin wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain. 20-40cm of new snow sits on the previous snow surface which included a sun crust on southerly aspects, surface facets or surface hoar in cool shady areas, and pockets of wind slab in exposed terrain. A variety of potential weak layers exist between 60 and 120cm deep. These include surface hoar or facets. There has been no recent activity on these layers but they could wake up with heavy triggers like a large cornice chunk or a snowmobile digging its track in. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Up to 25cm of new snow covers the previous surface which included a sun crust on southerly aspects, surface facets or surface hoar in cool shady areas, and pockets of wind slab in exposed terrain. Moderate southerly winds have created new wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain. The mid February persistent weak layer interface, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface. However, recent snowpack tests have been giving hard but sudden "pop" results and indicate it is has the potential to react given the right trigger in the right place. For route selection, it should still be on your radar and is more likely to be triggered on steeper, unsupported terrain. Cornices in the area are reported to be very large and primed for natural collapse or triggering by a person.
Recent snow and wind created mostly small, soft wind slabs. Sunshine is expected to destabilize surface snow and weaken cornices, which are large and threaten slopes below. Deeper in the snowpack, the major concerns are the mid-February persistent weak layer, buried 1-2 m deep, and facets at the base of the snowpack. The February layer demands respect right now. It is very touchy and can be triggered remotely or by a light load on a variety of aspects, creating frighteningly large avalanches.
10-20 cm new snow on Wednesday night followed a previous 20-30cm of new snow on Tuesday. This new snow has built storm slabs in many places and wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. A sun crust that recently formed on southern aspects to around 1700 m and a spotty 2-6mm surface hoar on north and east aspects are now buried around 60-100cm. Below that, the more significant early February surface hoar is down 100-180cm. Avalanche activity has become more sporadic on this layer, but ongoing large events indicate it still has the ability to fail, despite how deeply it is buried. A melt-freeze crust, down 20-30cm, below 1800m provides some bridging to the layers below. Below the early February surface hoar layer, the snowpack is strong in most places. Cornices are very large and would act as a significant trigger for all the layers mentioned above if they drop.
Significant amounts of storm snow have fallen recently in this region and the new snow has been reacting readily in many places. Recent winds have blown the new snow into wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. A crust formed mid-March to around 1700m. Below the crust, two persistent weak layers from mid-February are still being tracked by professionals. The upper one, buried around 16th Feb, is buried approximately 150 cm. The lower one, buried around 9th Feb, is buried typically 180 cm in high snow areas, but as little as 90 cm in low snow areas. Snowpack tests indicate, while both surface hoar layers are becoming more difficult to trigger, they still have the potential to release avalanches, with regular sudden, 'pop' results still being observed. If avalanches do release on this layer, they will go big. The most likely triggering mechanisms are a person traveling over a thin snowpack area, or a storm slab, wind slab or cornice stepping down. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallow snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below.
Significant amounts of new snow have fallen in the past week, which has set up touchy wind slabs and storm slabs in many locations. Cornices are large and unstable and deserve respect, especially when the sun is out and during periods of warm weather. Rainfall and a freeze late last week created a supportive crust below 1700m (up to 1900 m on south aspects), which has been acting as an easy sliding layer for storm snow.  Deeper in the snowpack is a melt freeze crust that developed in early March. Deeper still, a thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects were buried at the end of February. In isolated areas, snowpack tests give moderate, sudden planar results on this layer. Finally, a persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets, which was buried mid-February, is now down 1-2m. While triggering of this layer has become less likely, it is still capable of producing very large and widely-propagating avalanches. It continues to produce large, very destructive avalanches when tested using explosives.
Wind slabs that formed mid-week exist in the alpine and at treeline. Moist snow was reported up to about 2700 m in the Monashees on solar aspects last weekend, which turned into a melt-freeze crust with overnight cooling. Older storm slabs are mainly bonding well to underlying surfaces. A persistent weak layer, buried in February, is now about 1-2 m deep and exhibits sudden planar results in snowpack tests where it is preserved.  Avalanches on this weakness, comprised of surface hoar, facets and crusts have become less frequent, but still remain possible, with big consequences. Below this, the snowpack is well settled and strong. Cornices in the region are large and unsupported.
20-30 cm recent storm snow overlies various surfaces including settled snow, wind slabs and crusts. New wind slabs have formed in the alpine and at treeline. Solar warming last weekend left a melt-freeze crust up to about 2400 m on solar aspects and up to about 1500 m on all aspects. Cornices have grown large and unstable. A consolidated deep slab overlies weak surfaces that formed in early February. Now 1-2 m below the surface, these weaknesses include surface hoar, facets or crusts. Operators continue to express concern about the potential for deep releases on these interfaces.
Wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline are becoming less reactive. A melt-freeze crust exists from valley floor into the alpine on solar aspects. Older storm slabs are mainly bonding well to underlying surfaces. A key concern is a persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar from mid-February that is buried 1-2 m deep. Snowpack tests give sudden "pops" results on this layer in some areas, indicating the ongoing potential for very large avalanches. Because the layer is so deeply buried, it's unlikely to fail without a large trigger (e.g. cornice fall or explosive). However, there's always the chance of someone stumbling across a sweet spot, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.
10cm of new snow fell at treeline overnight. Storm snow totals are now near 25 to 30cm, but are settling quickly due to the warm afternoon temperatures. The snow was turning moist on solar aspects by midday, so a sun crust is expected tomorrow morning that will break down through the day. In alpine and treeline areas, buried wind slabs are present, and the February surface hoar remains a concern buried up to 140cm.
Significant amounts of storm snow have fallen recently in this region and the new snow has been reacting readily in many places. Recent winds have blown the new snow into wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. A crust formed mid-March to around 1700m. Below the crust, two persistent weak layers from mid-February are still being tracked by professionals. The upper one, buried around 16th Feb, is buried approximately 150 cm. The lower one, buried around 9th Feb, is buried typically 180 cm in high snow areas, but as little as 90 cm in low snow areas. Snowpack tests indicate, while both surface hoar layers are becoming more difficult to trigger, they still have the potential to release avalanches, with regular sudden, 'pop' results still being observed. If avalanches do release on this layer, they will go big. The most likely triggering mechanisms are a person traveling over a thin snowpack area, or a storm slab, wind slab or cornice stepping down. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallow snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below.
Moderate to strong southeast winds have recently created wind slabs that have now gained considerable strength. Solar aspects are now moist under sunny skies during the day with a good crust recovery developing at night.  Surface hoar or facets may exist in some parts of the region of the region between 60 and 120cm deep. There has been no recent activity on these layers but they could wake up with heavy triggers like a large cornice chunk or a snowmobile digging its track in. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline are becoming less reactive. A melt-freeze crust exists from valley floor into the alpine on solar aspects. A key concern is a persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar from mid-February that is buried 1-2 m deep. Snowpack tests give sudden "pops" results on this layer in some areas, indicating the ongoing potential for very large avalanches. Because the layer is so deeply buried, it's unlikely to fail without a large trigger (e.g. cornice fall or explosive). However, there's always the chance of someone stumbling across a sweet spot, particularly in shallow snowpack areas. Solar warming could also destabilize the overlying snowpack, with the potential for step-downs or cornice triggering on this layer.
Sunshine is expected to destabilize surface snow and weaken cornices, which are large and threaten slopes below. Deeper in the snowpack, the major concerns are the mid-February persistent weak layer, buried 1-2 m deep, and facets at the base of the snowpack. The February layer demands respect right now. It is very touchy and can be triggered remotely or by a light load on a variety of aspects, creating frighteningly large avalanches.
Significant amounts of new snow have fallen in the past week, which has set up touchy wind slabs and storm slabs in many locations. Cornices are large and unstable and deserve respect, especially when the sun is out and during periods of warm weather. Rainfall and a freeze late last week created a supportive crust below 1700m (up to 1900 m on south aspects), which has been acting as an easy sliding layer for storm snow.  Deeper in the snowpack is a melt freeze crust that developed in early March. Deeper still, a thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects were buried at the end of February. In isolated areas, snowpack tests give moderate, sudden planar results on this layer. Finally, a persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets, which was buried mid-February, is now down 1-2m. While triggering of this layer has become less likely, it is still capable of producing very large and widely-propagating avalanches. It continues to produce large, very destructive avalanches when tested using explosives.
Up to 25cm of recent snow covers a variety of old surfaces. Moderate southerly winds have shifted this snow into wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain; however, recent reports indicate that the slab is settling well in some areas with no significant shears. Sun exposed slopes are now into a melt freeze cycle with southerly slopes becoming moist under sunny skies. The mid February persistent weak layer, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface, although I feel that triggering may be possible in steep, isolated terrain. Below this the snowpack is well settled and strong.  Cornices in the area are reported to be very large and primed for natural collapse or triggering by a person.
Wind slabs that formed mid-week exist in the alpine and at treeline. Solar aspects are now moist during the day with a good crust recovery developing at night.  In the mid-pack a persistent weak layer, buried in February, is now about 1-2 m deep and exhibits sudden planar results in snowpack tests where it is preserved.  Avalanches on this weakness, comprised of surface hoar, facets and crusts have become less frequent, but still remain possible, with big consequences. Below this, the snowpack is well settled and strong. Cornices in the region are large and unsupported.
Recently formed wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline. Solar radiation has led to moist surfaces on sun exposed slopes with good crust recovery developing at night. Cornices have grown large and unstable. A consolidated deep slab overlies weak surfaces that formed in early February. Now 1-2 m below the surface, these weaknesses include surface hoar, facets or crusts. Operators continue to express concern about the potential for deep releases on these interfaces.
The warm temperatures have brought us into a spring melt freeze cycle with the surface snow softening with daytime warming then crusting overnight as temperatures dip below freezing.  Isolated, thin windslabs remain in immediate lee loaded features at ridgecrests. The March 16 raincrust is buried 40-60cm and this interface is strengthening. Below this, the snowpack is well bonded.
The warm temperatures have brought us into a spring melt freeze cycle with the surface snow softening with daytime warming on solar aspects then crusting overnight as temperatures dip back below freezing. Cornices loom in the alpine and old windslabs linger on lee aspects in the alpine and open treeline. The vast amount of recent storm snow continues to settle and bond while deeper in the snowpack the persistent weakness from mid February remains a concern due to continued sudden planar test results.
The warm temperatures have brought us into a spring melt freeze cycle with the surface snow softening with daytime warming on solar aspects then crusting overnight as temperatures dip back below freezing. Large cornices loom in at ridgecrest. Recent storm snow varies significantly throughout the region with southeast areas (Coquihalla) receiving up to 60cm of new snow, while places like the Duffey Lake have seen considerably less. Expect wind slabs to be deep in heavy snowfall areas and thin in other areas. Crusts down around 60cm can be found on solar aspects in the Duffey Lake, Chilcotin, and down closer to 100cm in the Coquihalla. Deep, persistent weak layers buried in early February are variable in distribution across the region but remain a key concern. In recent snowpack analysis this layer remains well preserved as surface hoar on north aspects and is a suncrust, facet combo on solar aspects. On both aspects we have reports of clean sudden planar shears at an average depth of 150cm.  Although the likelihood of triggering this layer has decreased, the potential for surprisingly large avalanches remains.
The warm temperatures have brought us into a spring melt freeze cycle with the surface snow softening with daytime warming on solar aspects then crusting overnight as temperatures dip back below freezing. On north aspects, the surface snow remains cold. Up to 60 of recent storm snow is settling quickly with the warm temperatures and this most recent storm interface is gaining strength. The early February surface hoar lingers, down 100-180cm. Although the avalanche activity has become more sporadic on this layer, triggering it would yield a very large destructive avalanche.
Surface hoar growth overnight up to 10mm on sheltered aspects. Storm snow is settling. February surface hoar is buried 130cm at treeline and is still reactive to stability tests in the hard range. Midpack is well consolidated.
Wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline are becoming less reactive. A melt-freeze crust exists from valley floor into the alpine on solar aspects. A key concern is a persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar from mid-February that is buried 1-2 m deep. Snowpack tests give sudden "pops" results on this layer in some areas, indicating the ongoing potential for very large avalanches. Because the layer is so deeply buried, it's unlikely to fail without a large trigger (e.g. cornice fall or explosive). However, there's always the chance of someone stumbling across a sweet spot, particularly in shallow snowpack areas. Solar warming could also destabilize the overlying snowpack, with the potential for step-downs or cornice triggering on this layer.
Very warm temperatures on Sunday created moist snow on solar aspects up to 2500 metres, and on all aspects up to about 2200 metres. Cloud overnight may limit any re-freeze, and forecast rain starting Monday morning may further weaken the snowpack. Significant amounts of new snow have fallen in the past week, which has set up touchy wind slabs and storm slabs in many locations. Cornices are large and unstable and deserve respect, especially when the sun is out and during periods of warm weather. Rainfall and a freeze late last week created a supportive crust below 1700m (up to 1900 m on south aspects), which has been acting as an easy sliding layer for storm snow.  Deeper in the snowpack is a melt freeze crust that developed in early March. Deeper still, a thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects were buried at the end of February. In isolated areas, snowpack tests give moderate, sudden planar results on this layer. Finally, a persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets, which was buried mid-February, is now down 1-2m. While triggering of this layer has become less likely, it is still capable of producing very large and widely-propagating avalanches. It continues to produce large, very destructive avalanches when tested using explosives.
The warm temperatures have brought us into a spring melt freeze cycle with the surface snow softening with daytime warming then crusting overnight as temperatures dip below freezing. Even true north slopes have moist surface snow. Isolated, thin windslabs remain in immediate lee loaded features at ridgecrests. The March 16 raincrust is buried 40-60cm and this interface is strengthening. Below this, the snowpack is well bonded.
Recently formed wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline. Solar radiation has led to moist surfaces on sun exposed slopes with good crust recovery developing at night. Cornices have grown large and unstable. A consolidated deep slab overlies weak surfaces that formed in early February. Now 1-2 m below the surface, these weaknesses include surface hoar, facets or crusts. Operators continue to express concern about the potential for deep and destructive releases at this interface.
Moderate to strong southeast winds have created wind slabs that have now gained considerable strength. Solar aspects are now moist under sunny skies during the day with a good crust recovery developing at night.  Surface hoar or facets may exist in some parts of the region of the region between 60 and 120cm deep. There has been no recent activity on these layers but they could wake up with heavy triggers like a large cornice chunk or a snowmobile digging its track in. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Warm alpine temperatures combined with strong solar radiation on Sunday caused moist snow up to about 2400 metres. The major concerns are the mid-February persistent weak layer, buried 1-2 m deep, and facets at the base of the snowpack. The February layer demands respect right now. It is very touchy and can be triggered remotely or by a light load on a variety of aspects, creating frighteningly large avalanches.
Report from Saturday suggests that the February surface hoar is not widespread in the Crowsnest area. Significant amounts of storm snow have fallen recently in this region and the new snow has been reacting readily in many places. Recent winds have blown the new snow into wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. A crust formed mid-March to around 1700m. Below the crust, two persistent weak layers from mid-February are still being tracked by professionals. The upper one, buried around 16th Feb, is buried approximately 150 cm. The lower one, buried around 9th Feb, is buried typically 180 cm in high snow areas, but as little as 90 cm in low snow areas. Snowpack tests indicate, while both surface hoar layers are becoming more difficult to trigger, they still have the potential to release avalanches, with regular sudden, 'pop' results still being observed. If avalanches do release on this layer, they will go big. The most likely triggering mechanisms are a person traveling over a thin snowpack area, or a storm slab, wind slab or cornice stepping down. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallow snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below.
Moderate southerly winds have shifted recent storm snow into wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain; however, reports indicate that the slab is settling well in some areas with no significant shears. Sun exposed slopes are now into a melt freeze cycle with southerly slopes becoming moist under sunny skies. The mid February persistent weak layer, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface, although I feel that triggering may be possible in steep, isolated terrain in some parts of the region. Below this the snowpack is well settled and strong.  Cornices in the area are reported to be very large and primed for natural collapse or triggering by a person.
The recent warm, clear weather has left us with an aggressive melt freeze crust on solar aspects well into the alpine while shady, dead north slopes have grown some small surface hoar and remain powdery. Today's predominant cloud cover will likely keep the softening of the crust to a minimum. Cornices loom in the alpine and old windslabs linger on lee aspects in the alpine and open treeline. The vast amount of recent storm snow continues to settle and bond while deeper in the snowpack the persistent weakness from mid February remain a concern due to continued sudden planar test results.
Wind slabs that formed mid-week exist in the alpine and at treeline. Solar aspects are now moist during the day with a good crust recovery developing at night.  In the mid-pack a persistent weak layer, buried in February, is now about 1-2 m deep and exhibits sudden planar results in snowpack tests where it is preserved.  Avalanches on this weakness, comprised of surface hoar, facets and crusts have become less frequent, but still remain possible, with big consequences. Below this, the snowpack is well settled and strong. Cornices in the region are large and unsupported.
The warm temperatures have brought us into a spring melt freeze cycle with the surface snow softening with daytime warming on solar aspects then crusting overnight as temperatures dip back below freezing. Large cornices loom in at ridgecrest. Recent storm snow (now more than 72 hrs old) varies significantly throughout the region with southeast areas (Coquihalla) receiving up to 60cm of new snow, while places like the Duffey Lake have seen considerably less. The new snow is settling quickly and bonding well, with occasianl windslabs lurking in immediate lee locations. Crusts down around 60cm can be found on solar aspects in the Duffey Lake, Chilcotin, and down closer to 100cm in the Coquihalla. Deep, persistent weak layers buried in early February are variable in distribution across the region but remain a key concern. In recent snowpack analysis this layer remains well preserved as surface hoar on north aspects and is a suncrust, facet combo on solar aspects. On both aspects we have reports of clean sudden planar shears at an average depth of 150cm.  Although the likelihood of triggering this layer has decreased, the potential for surprisingly large avalanches remains.
The recent warm, clear weather has left us with an aggressive melt freeze crust on solar aspects well into the alpine while shady, dead north slopes have grown some small surface hoar and remain powdery. Today's predominant cloud cover will likely keep the softening of the crust to a minimum. The recent storm snow (now more than 72 hours old) has settled and bonded quickly. In recent snowpack tests, the early February surface hoar remains well preserved down 100-180cm and continues to yield sudden results. Although unlikely, triggering this layer would yield a very large, destructive avalanche.
Wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline are becoming less reactive. A melt-freeze crust exists from valley floor into the alpine on solar aspects. A key concern is a persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar from mid-February that is buried 1-2 m deep. Snowpack tests give sudden "pops" results on this layer in some areas, indicating the ongoing potential for very large avalanches. Because the layer is so deeply buried, it's unlikely to fail without a large trigger (e.g. cornice fall or explosive). However, there's always the chance of someone stumbling across a sweet spot, particularly in shallow snowpack areas. Solar warming could also destabilize the overlying snowpack, with the potential for step-downs or cornice triggering on this layer.
Warm alpine temperatures combined with strong solar radiation on Sunday caused moist snow up to about 2400 metres. The major concerns are the mid-February persistent weak layer, buried 1-2 m deep, and facets at the base of the snowpack. The February layer demands respect right now. It is very touchy and can be triggered remotely or by a light load on a variety of aspects, creating frighteningly large avalanches.
Very warm temperatures Sunday & Monday created moist snow on all aspects to ridgetop.  The highest elevation north facing slopes may be the exception.  Significant amounts of new snow have fallen in the past week, which has set up touchy wind slabs and storm slabs in many locations. Cornices are large and unstable and deserve respect, especially when the sun is out and during periods of warm weather. Rainfall and a freeze late last week created a supportive crust below 1700m (up to 1900 m on south aspects), which has been acting as an easy sliding layer for storm snow.  Deeper in the snowpack is a melt freeze crust that developed in early March. Deeper still, a thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects were buried at the end of February. In isolated areas, snowpack tests give moderate, sudden planar results on this layer. Finally, a persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets, which was buried mid-February, is now down 1-2m. While triggering of this layer has become less likely, it is still capable of producing very large and widely-propagating avalanches. It continues to produce large, very destructive avalanches when tested using explosives.
Moderate to strong southeast winds have created wind slabs on opposite slopes, and terrain features in the alpine, and treeline. Crusts have formed on solar aspects at all elevations. They become moist under sunny skies during the day with a good crust recovery at night.  Melt-freeze conditions exist below treeline. Forecast snow may have a poor bond to these crusts. Below this down 60-120 cm exists a surface hoar or facets interface. There has been no recent activity on these layers but they could wake up with heavy triggers like a large cornice fall, or under the weight of a sled and it's rider. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Recently formed wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline. Solar radiation has led to moist surfaces on sun exposed slopes with good crust recovery developing at night. Cornices have grown large and have become unstable; they may act as a large trigger on slopes below. A consolidated slab overlies a persistent weak layer that was buried in early February. Now 1-2 m below the surface, these weaknesses include surface hoar, facets or crusts. Concern still exists about the potential for deep and destructive releases at this interface. This may be a low probability, high consequence problem.
Wind slabs that formed mid-week exist in the alpine and at treeline. Solar aspects are now moist during the day with a good crust recovery developing at night. Buried in the mid-pack is a persistent weak layer that formed in February. This is now down 1-2 m deep and exhibits moderate-hard test results with sudden planar characteristics. Avalanches on this weakness comprised of surface hoar, facets and crusts have become less frequent, but still remain possible, with big consequences. Below this, the snowpack is well settled and strong. Cornices in the region are large, unsupported and should be avoided. They have the potential to fail, and trigger the slope below.
Report from Saturday suggests that the February surface hoar is not widespread in the Crowsnest area. Significant amounts of storm snow have fallen recently in this region and the new snow has been reacting readily in many places. Recent winds have blown the new snow into wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. A crust formed mid-March to around 1700m. Below the crust, two persistent weak layers from mid-February are still being tracked by professionals. The upper one, buried around 16th Feb, is buried approximately 150 cm. The lower one, buried around 9th Feb, is buried typically 180 cm in high snow areas, but as little as 90 cm in low snow areas. Snowpack tests indicate, while both surface hoar layers are becoming more difficult to trigger, they still have the potential to release avalanches, with regular sudden, 'pop' results still being observed. If avalanches do release on this layer, they will go big. The most likely triggering mechanisms are a person traveling over a thin snowpack area, or a storm slab, wind slab or cornice stepping down. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallow snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below.
Moderate southerly winds have formed wind slabs in the alpine, and at treeline on lee and cross-loaded terrain. North aspects at higher elevations hold dryer, low density snow in the upper 20 cm. Below this sits a well consolidated, settled mid pack. Crusts have formed on solar aspects at all elevations, becoming moist under sunny skies. Melt-freeze conditions exist below treeline on all aspects. The mid February persistent weak layer, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface, although I feel that triggering may be possible in steep, isolated terrain in some parts of the region. If an avalanche occurs on this weak interface it will be very large and destructive. Below this the snowpack is well settled and strong.  Cornices in the area are reported to be very large. Cornice failure could trigger an avalanche on the slope below.
Warm temperatures from the weekend softened and moistened the surface snow on all aspects. The surface has had limited recovery with the continued warm temperatures and light rain. Only at ridgeline elevations has a weak crust formed. Increasing winds have created isolated thin windslabs in lee locations at ridgecrest, overlying the slippery crust.
The recent warm, clear weather has left us with an aggressive melt freeze crust on solar aspects well into the alpine while shady, dead north slopes have grown some small surface hoar and remain powdery. Minor accumulations of new snow now overlie these surfaces. Increasing southerly winds are beginning to build new windslabs in lee locations at ridgecrest. Cornices loom in the alpine and continue to grow under the current conditions. The vast amount of recent storm snow continues to settle and bond while deeper in the snowpack the persistent weakness from mid February remain a lingering concern due to continued sudden planar test results.
The recent warm, clear weather has left us with an aggressive melt freeze crust on solar aspects well into the alpine while shady, dead north slopes have grown some small surface hoar and remain powdery. Cornices loom in the alpine. Recent storm snow (before the warmup) is bonding well, with occasional windslabs lurking in immediate lee locations. Crusts down around 60cm can be found on solar aspects in the Duffey Lake, Chilcotin, and down closer to 100cm in the Coquihalla. Deep, persistent weak layers buried in early February are variable in distribution across the region but remain a key concern. In recent snowpack analysis this layer remains well preserved as surface hoar on north aspects and is a suncrust, facet combo on solar aspects. On both aspects we have reports of clean sudden planar shears at an average depth of 150cm.  Although the likelihood of triggering this layer has decreased, the potential for surprisingly large avalanches remains.
The recent warm, clear weather has left us with an aggressive melt freeze crust on solar aspects well into the alpine while shady, dead north slopes have grown some small surface hoar and remain powdery. In some areas up to 15cm of new snow now overlies these surfaces. New windslabs are forming at ridgecrest under the increased winds. Large cornices loom in the alpine. In recent snowpack tests, the early February surface hoar remains well preserved down 100-180cm and continues to yield sudden results. Although unlikely, triggering this layer would yield a very large, destructive avalanche.
The expected 25 to 30cm of forecasted snow failed to materialize with only 1 to 2cm accumulating by mid afternoon. A sun crust is beginning to be buried on all solar aspects all the way to ridgetop. In addition, a melt freeze crust up to 2200m on north aspects and isolated pockets of surface hoar at all elevations are currently being buried. These will be layers to watch in the near future.
15cm of new snow at treeline over variety of surfaces, including crusts on solar aspects and pockets of surface hoar in sheltered northerly aspects. Visible wind affect in alpine areas indicating wind slab development. Snowpack is settling rapidly with warm temperatures.
Warm temperatures from the weekend softened and moistened the surface snow on all aspects. The surface has had limited recovery with the continued warm temperatures and light rain. Only at ridgeline elevations has a weak crust formed and the recent precip has fallen as snow. Increasing winds coupled with the new snow has created isolated thin windslabs in lee locations at ridgecrest, overlying the slippery crust.
The recent warm, clear weather has left us with an aggressive melt freeze crust on solar aspects well into the alpine while shady, dead north slopes have grown small surface hoar and remain powdery. In some areas up to 25cm of new snow now overlies these surfaces. New windslabs are forming at ridgecrest under the increased winds. Large cornices loom in the alpine. In recent snowpack tests, the early February surface hoar remains well preserved down 100-180cm and continues to yield sudden results. Although unlikely, triggering this layer would yield a very large, destructive avalanche.
The recent warm, clear weather has left us with an aggressive melt freeze crust on solar aspects well into the alpine while shady, dead north slopes have grown some small surface hoar and remain powdery. Minor accumulations of new snow now overlie these surfaces. Increasing southerly winds are beginning to build new windslabs in lee locations at ridgecrest. Cornices loom in the alpine and continue to grow under the current conditions. The vast amount of recent storm snow continues to settle and bond while deeper in the snowpack the persistent weakness from mid February remain a lingering concern due to continued sudden planar test results.
The recent warm, clear weather has left us with an aggressive melt freeze crust on solar aspects well into the alpine while shady, dead north slopes cultivated some small surface hoar and remained powdery. These surfaces are newly buried by the arrival of this latest storm. New windslabs are growing in lee locations at ridgecrests. Mature cornices will see further growth under current conditions. Deep, persistent weak layers buried in early February are variable in distribution across the region but remain a key concern. In recent snowpack analysis these layers remain well preserved as surface hoar on north aspects and as a suncrust, facet combo on solar aspects. Although the likelihood of triggering has decreased, the potential for surprisingly large avalanches remains.
Moderate to strong southeast winds have created wind slabs on opposite slopes and terrain features in the alpine, and treeline. Spring-like conditions have existed over the past several days. This has formed crusts on solar aspects at all elevations that become moist under sunny skies during the day. Melt-freeze conditions exist on all aspects below 1000 m. This has developed a well settled upper snowpack with no significant layers of concern. New surface hoar growth up to 10 mm has been reported on sheltered North aspects. Forecast snow may initially have a poor bond to these new surface forms (crusts, surface hoar). Below all this, down 60-120 cm exists a spotty surface hoar/ facet interface. Operations from the field noted no recent activity on this layer. I suspect it's becoming dormant, but would be suspicious of large triggers like cornice fall, or under the weight of a sled and it's rider in specific areas. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Moderate southerly winds have formed wind slabs in the alpine, and at treeline on lee and cross-loaded terrain. North aspects at higher elevations hold dryer, low density snow in the upper 20 cm. Spring-like conditions exist and crusts have formed on solar aspects at all elevations, becoming moist under sunny skies. Melt-freeze conditions exist below treeline on all aspects. Below this sits a well consolidated, settled mid pack. The mid February persistent weak layer, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface, although I feel that triggering may be possible in steep, isolated terrain in some parts of the region. If an avalanche occurs on this weak interface it will be very large and destructive. Below this the snowpack is well settled and strong.  Cornices in the area are reported to be very large. Cornice failure could trigger an avalanche on the slope below.
Recently formed variable wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline. Over the past several days, spring-like conditions have influenced the snowpack. Solar radiation has led to moist surfaces on sun exposed slopes up to ridgetop, other aspects moist below 1500 m. Crust recovery developing at night. Cornices have grown large and have become unstable; they may act as a large trigger on slopes below. A consolidated slab overlies a persistent weak layer that was buried in early February. Now 1-2 m below the surface, these weaknesses include surface hoar, facets or crusts. Concern still exists potentially for deep and destructive releases at this interface. This may be a low probability, high consequence problem that may require a large trigger.
Wind slabs that formed mid-week exist in specific areas in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes and terrain features. Solar aspects are moist during the day up to ridgetop, other aspects moist below 1500 m with crust recovery developing at night. Buried in the mid-pack is a persistent weak layer that formed in February. This is now down 1-2 m deep and exhibits moderate-hard test results with sudden planar characteristics. Avalanches on this weakness comprised of surface hoar, facets and crusts have become less frequent, but still remain possible, with big consequences. Below this, the snowpack is well settled and strong. Cornices in the region are large, unsupported and should be avoided. If they fail, they could potentially trigger a large deep persistent slab avalanche.
20 cm of snow fell Monday evening onto a melt freeze crust that formed on almost all aspects and elevations by very warm temperatures Sunday & Monday.  The new snow was accompanied by moderate SW winds which quickly formed fresh sensitive wind slabs.  Almost a meter of snow fell last week which kicked off a rowdy natural avalanche cycle.  Recent warm temps have helped the old storm snow to settle and gain strength.
Our field team traveled to the Elk Valley South Monday.  They report around 10 cm of snow from Monday night.  The team found sloppy wet snow below 1800m due to the warm temps the last few days.  Above 1800m they found a stout melt freeze crust on all aspects, with the exception being those that face due north.  The general snowpack structure consists of 10 cm of new snow that rests on a crust above 1800 m & wet grains below 1800 m.  The March 10 melt freeze crust is now around 60 cm below the snow surface.  The old February 9th surface hoar is down around 150cm below the surface.
Aster Lake region - snow surface moist to 2200m. Smith-Dorrien area - snow surface moist to treeline on solar aspects.  Dry snow above with some redistribution by wind occurring.
Moderate to strong southeast winds have created wind slabs on opposite slopes and terrain features in the alpine, and treeline. I expect this to continue through Thursday with cranking Southerlies all day. Spring-like conditions have existed over the past several days. This has formed crusts on solar aspects at all elevations that become moist under sunny skies during the day. Melt-freeze conditions exist on all aspects below 1000 m. This has developed a well settled upper snowpack with no significant layers of concern. New surface hoar growth up to 10 mm has been reported on sheltered North aspects. Forecast snow may initially have a poor bond to these new surface forms (crusts, surface hoar). Below all this, down 60-120 cm exists a very spotty surface hoar/ facet interface. Operations from the field noted no recent activity on this layer. I suspect it's becoming dormant, but would be suspicious of large triggers like cornice fall, or under the weight of a sled and it's rider in specific areas. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Wind slabs will continue to build. They may be found in unusual places, lower on the slope or in open areas below treeline. Windward aspects may become wind pressed, and even scoured. North aspects at higher elevations hold dryer, low density snow in the upper 20 cm. Spring-like conditions exist and crusts have formed on solar aspects at all elevations, becoming moist under sunny skies. Melt-freeze conditions exist below treeline on all aspects. Below this sits a well consolidated, settled mid pack. The mid February persistent weak layer, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface. It most likely needs a large trigger on a specific spot. If an avalanche occurs on this weak interface it will be very large and destructive. Below this the snowpack is well settled and strong.  Cornices in the area are reported to be very large. Cornice failure could trigger an avalanche on the slope below.
Recently formed variable wind slabs exist in the alpine, treeline, and open areas below treeline. These can be found on lee slopes, and behind terrain features. Over the past several days, spring-like conditions have influenced the snowpack. Solar radiation has led to moist surfaces on sun exposed slopes up to ridgetop, other aspects moist below 1500 m with crust recovery developing at night. Cornices have grown large and have become unstable; they may act as a large trigger on slopes below. A well settled, consolidated slab overlies a persistent weak layer that was buried in early February. Now 1-2 m below the surface, these weaknesses include surface hoar, facets or crusts. Concern still exists potentially for deep and destructive releases at this interface. This may be a low probability, high consequence problem that may require a large trigger.
Wind slabs that formed mid-week exist in isolated areas in the alpine and treeline behind terrain features, and in the immediate lee of ridgelines. With forecast snow and moderate South winds this problem may develop further. Spring-like conditions have existed over the past several days. Solar aspects are moist during the day up to ridgetop, other aspects moist below 1600 m with limited crust recovery developing at night. Northerly aspects at higher elevations host dryer, wintery snow. The warmer temperatures with no real significant weather changes have promoted settlement and bonding in the upper snowpack with no significant shears. Even though the upper snowpack is settling and becoming stronger, a deep persistent problem still lurks beneath. The February surface hoar, facet layer is down 1-2 m and exhibits moderate-hard test results with sudden planar characteristics. Avalanches on this weakness have become less frequent, but remain a possibility, with big consequences. At this point I feel it would take a large trigger like a cornice fall, smaller avalanche or a sled and its rider. This is a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are large, unsupported and should be avoided. Natural cornice releases are more likely under the influence of solar radiation, and warming temperatures.
Wednesday really felt like spring in the Lizard.  The region received a bit of snow, rain, sun & cloud along with a freezing level near 1800m.  20 cm of snow fell Monday evening onto a melt freeze crust that formed on almost all aspects and elevations by very warm temperatures Sunday & Monday.  The new snow was accompanied by moderate SW winds which quickly formed fresh, shallow & sensitive wind slabs.  Almost a meter of snow fell last week which kicked off a rowdy natural avalanche cycle.  Recent warm temps have helped the old storm snow to settle and gain strength.
Up to 60 cm of new snow has been loaded into soft slabs on lee start zones, especially into deep drifts at usual wind affected locations.
Our field team was traveling in the Elkford area today where they experienced a bit of everything spring in The Rockies has to offer; sun, cloud wind, snow & rain.  Their observations were very similar to yesterday.  They report around 10 cm of snow from Monday night.  The team found sloppy wet snow below 1800m due to the warm temps the last few days.  Above 1800m they found a stout melt freeze crust on all aspects, with the exception being those that face due north.  The general snowpack structure consists of 10 cm of new snow that rests on a crust above 1800 m & wet grains below 1800 m.  The March 10 melt freeze crust is now around 60 cm below the snow surface.  The old February 9th surface hoar is down around 150cm below the surface.
Warm temperatures from the weekend softened and moistened the surface snow on all aspects and the surface has had limited recovery with the continued warm temperatures and light rain. Only at ridgeline elevations has a weak crust formed and the recent precip has fallen as snow. Increasing winds coupled with the new snow has created isolated thin windslabs in lee locations at ridgecrest, overlying the slippery crust. At lower elevations the surface remains rain soaked.
Above 1700m, 30-40cm of new snow now overlies the March 26 interface. This has been accompanied by consistently moderate and at times gusty southwesterly winds forming windslabs in lee locations. Cornices are huge, and will continue to grow with this weather pattern. The 0326 interface is a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar is present in sheltered places. At lower elevations, the surface snow has had less recovery and the upper snowpack is predominantly moist. Below the newest storm interface, last week's storm snow is well settled and bonded, with further strength gains deeper in the pack.
Above 1700m, up to 20cm of new snow now overlies the March 26 interface. This has been accompanied by consistently moderate and at times gusty southwesterly winds forming windslabs in lee locations. Cornices are huge, and will continue to grow with this weather pattern. The March 26 interface is a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. At lower elevations, the surface snow has had less recovery and the upper snowpack is predominantly moist. Below the newest storm interface, last week's storm snow is well settled and bonded. The deep, persistent early February layers linger in the snowpack and remain a concern with heavy triggers.
Above 2000m, 20-40cm of new snow now overlies the March 26 interface. This has been accompanied by consistently moderate and at times gusty southwesterly winds forming windslabs in lee locations. Cornices loom, and will continue to grow with this weather pattern. The March 26 interface is a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. At lower elevations, the surface snow has had less recovery and the upper snowpack is predominantly moist. The deep, persistent early February surface hoar lingers in the snowpack giving sudden results in testing. Concern remains with heavy triggers.
A few test profiles were completed today, most in the treeline elevation zone.  Depending upon aspect, one or more thin melt-freeze crusts could be found in the top 20cm of the snowpack.  On sheltered northerly aspects the snow surface remains dry and no crusts were evident.  The February surface hoar layer burial depth is variable from 75-150cm deep and Compression tests on this layer revealed either HARD or No failures.  On lee aspects soft slabs 30-40cm thick have been observed have formed with as a result of winds over the past few days.
Wednesday really felt like spring in the Lizard.  The region received a bit of snow, rain, sun & cloud along with a freezing level near 1800m.  20 cm of snow fell Monday evening onto a melt freeze crust that formed on almost all aspects and elevations by very warm temperatures Sunday & Monday.  The new snow was accompanied by moderate SW winds which quickly formed fresh, shallow & sensitive wind slabs.  Almost a meter of snow fell last week which kicked off a rowdy natural avalanche cycle.  Recent warm temps have helped the old storm snow to settle and gain strength.
Our field team was working in the Flathead area Thursday where they observed a pretty tight and well consolidated snowpack.  The maximum foot penetration they found was 30 cm, even below treeline, the result of a more substantial overnight recovery/refreeze than the region has seen in many nights.  Earlier this week the team found sloppy wet snow below 1800m due to the warm temps and poor overnight recovery.  The general snowpack structure consists of 10 cm of new snow that rests on a crust above 1800 m & wet grains below 1800 m.  The March 10 melt freeze crust is now around 60 cm below the snow surface.  The old February 9th surface hoar is down around 150cm below the surface.
Above 2000m, 20-40cm of new snow now overlies the March 26 interface. This has been accompanied by consistently moderate and at times gusty southwesterly winds forming windslabs in lee locations. Cornices loom, and will continue to grow with this weather pattern. The March 26 interface is a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bond between the new snow and this interface is weak, especially where the surface hoar is present. At lower elevations, the high freezing levels have made the new snow heavy and moist. The deep, persistent early February surface hoar lingers in the snowpack giving sudden results in testing. Concern remains with heavy triggers and rapid loading.
20-40cm of new snow has fallen in the recent storm. Due to lingering high freezing levels, much of this snow is heavy and wet. This has kept wind transport to a minimum with very isolated windslab development in immediate lee areas. Below this, the upper snowpack is also moist; a carry-over from the sunny weekend. The mid and lower snowpack are both well bonded and strong.
30-40cm of new snow fell in the past 24 hours bringing storm snow totals to between 70-90cm overlying the March 26 interface. This has been accompanied by consistently moderate and at times gusty southerly winds, forming deep windslabs in lee locations. Cornices are huge, and will continue to grow with this weather pattern. The 0326 interface is a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar is present in sheltered places. In snowpack tests, the bond of the new snow and the March 26 interface is poor, with easy planar results. At lower elevations the high freezing level has kept the new snow heavy and moist. Below the newest storm interface, last week's storm snow is well settled and bonded, with further strength gains deeper in the pack. In isolated locations the weaknesses from early February linger and the chance for a large, deep release is possible in times of rapid loading from new snowfall, rain or cornice fall.
Above 1700m, 25-40cm of new snow now overlies the March 26 interface. This has been accompanied by consistently moderate and at times gusty southerly winds forming windslabs in lee locations. Cornices are huge, and will continue to grow with this weather pattern. The March 26 interface is a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bonds between the new snow and this interface are weak, especially in locations where the surface hoar is present. At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow moist and heavy. Below the newest storm interface, last week's storm snow is well settled and bonded. The deep, persistent early February layers linger in the snowpack and remain a concern with heavy triggers and rapid loading.
Moderate-Strong SE-S winds continue to build wind slabs. They may be found in unusual places, lower on the slope or in open areas below treeline. Windward aspects may become wind pressed, and even scoured. North aspects at higher elevations hold dryer, low density snow in the upper 20 cm. Spring-like conditions exist and crusts have formed on solar aspects at all elevations, becoming moist under sunny skies. Melt-freeze conditions exist @ treeline on all aspects. Below treeline has remained moist, with no recovery below 1500 m. The mid-pack is well consolidated. The mid February persistent weak layer, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface. It most likely needs a large trigger on a specific spot. If an avalanche occurs on this weak interface it will be very large and destructive. Below this the snowpack is well settled and strong.  Cornices in the area are reported to be very large. Cornice failure could trigger an avalanche on the slope below.
Recently formed, variable wind slabs exist in the alpine, treeline, and open areas below treeline. These can be found on lee slopes, and behind terrain features. Over the past several days, spring-like conditions have influenced the snowpack. Solar radiation has led to moist surfaces on sunny slopes up to ridgetop during the day, and other aspects moist below 1500 m with limited crust recovery overnight. Cornices have grown large and may become unstable under sunny skies; they may act as a large trigger on slopes below. A well settled, consolidated slab overlies a persistent weak layer that was buried in early February. Now 1-2 m below the surface, these weaknesses include surface hoar, facets or crusts. Concern still exists potentially for deep and destructive releases at this interface. This may be a low probability, high consequence problem that may require a large trigger.
New wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes, and behind terrain features. With forecast snow and moderate South winds these may develop further, and be very touchy to rider triggers.Spring-like conditions have existed over the past several days. Solar aspects are moist during the day up to ridgetop, other aspects moist below 1600 m with limited crust recovery developing at night. This should be on your radar. Sun exposed slopes should be avoided; especially if you see direct signs of instability like snowballing, or natural avalanche activity.  Northerly aspects at higher elevations host dryer, wintery snow. The warmer temperatures, with no significant weather changes have promoted settlement and bonding in the upper snowpack with no significant shears. Even though the upper snowpack is settling and becoming stronger, a deep persistent problem still lurks beneath. The February surface hoar, facet layer is down 1-2 m and exhibits moderate-hard test results with sudden planar characteristics. Avalanches on this weakness have become less frequent, but remain a possibility, with big consequences. At this point I feel it would take a large trigger like a cornice fall, smaller avalanche or a sled and its rider. This is a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are large, unsupported and should be avoided. Natural cornice releases are more likely under the influence of solar radiation, and warming temperatures.Huge cornices are looming above many slopes. With elevated freezing levels and sunny breaks, cornices may become weak. They could trigger the slope below.
Moderate to strong southeast winds have created wind slabs on opposite slopes and terrain features in the alpine, and treeline. Spring-like conditions have existed over the past several days forming crusts on solar aspects at all elevations that become moist under sunny skies during the day. Melt conditions exist on all aspects below 1000 m, with no significant re-freeze. This has developed a well settled upper snowpack with no significant layers of concern. New surface hoar growth up to 10 mm has been reported on sheltered North aspects. Forecast snow may initially have a poor bond to these new surface forms (crusts, surface hoar). Below all this, down 60-120 cm exists a very spotty surface hoar/ facet interface. Operations from the field noted no recent activity on this layer. I suspect it's becoming dormant, but would be suspicious of large triggers like cornice fall, or under the weight of a sled and it's rider in specific areas. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Moderate to strong southeast winds have created wind slabs on opposite slopes and terrain features in the alpine, and treeline. Spring-like conditions have existed over the past several days forming crusts on solar aspects at all elevations that become moist under sunny skies during the day. Melt conditions exist on all aspects below 1000 m, with no significant re-freeze. This has developed a well settled upper snowpack with no significant layers of concern. New surface hoar growth up to 10 mm has been reported on sheltered North aspects. Forecast snow may initially have a poor bond to these new surface forms (crusts, surface hoar). Below all this, down 60-120 cm exists a very spotty surface hoar/ facet interface. Operations from the field noted no recent activity on this layer. I suspect it's becoming dormant, but would be suspicious of large triggers like cornice fall, or under the weight of a sled and it's rider in specific areas. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
New snow has formed windslabs in the alpine, and added a new load to the very large cornices in the region. There is moist snow on all aspects below 1600 metres. The freezing level is forecast to drop down to valley bottom by Saturday morning. Operators in the Cariboo are not talking about the mid-february deeply buried weak layer. There have not been any avalanches released on the deep layer for some time in this region. Strong solar radiation may weaken the storm snow on southerly aspects on Saturday.
Recent storm snow may not be well bonded to buried melt-freeze crusts on southerly aspects. New wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes, and behind terrain features. With forecast snow and moderate South winds these may develop further, and be very touchy to rider triggers. Spring-like conditions have existed over the past several days. Solar aspects are moist during the day up to ridgetop, other aspects moist below 1600 m with limited crust recovery developing at night. Sun exposed slopes should be avoided; especially if you see direct signs of instability like snowballing, or natural avalanche activity. Recent warm temperatures have promoted settlement and bonding in the upper snowpack with no significant shears. There is still some concern for the mid-february buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-200 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are large, unsupported and should be avoided. Natural cornice releases are more likely under the influence of solar radiation, and warming temperatures. Huge cornices are looming above many slopes. With elevated freezing levels and sunny breaks, cornices may become weak and fall off naturally, or be easily triggered.
Moderate-Strong SE-S winds continue to build wind slabs. They may be found in unusual places, lower on the slope or in open areas below treeline. Windward aspects may become wind pressed, and even scoured. North aspects at higher elevations hold dryer, low density snow in the upper 20 cm. Spring-like conditions exist and crusts have formed on solar aspects at all elevations, becoming moist under sunny skies. Melt-freeze conditions exist @ treeline on all aspects. Below treeline has remained moist, with no recovery below 1500 m. The mid-pack is well consolidated. The mid February persistent weak layer, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface. It most likely needs a large trigger on a specific spot. If an avalanche occurs on this weak interface it will be very large and destructive. Below this the snowpack is well settled and strong.  Cornices in the area are reported to be very large. Cornice failure could trigger an avalanche on the slope below.
55 cm of storm snow in the last 24 hours. The Fernie effect is in full swing which has resulted in an avalanche cycle to size 4.
Up to 50cm of new snow has fallen in the recent storm. Early in the storm the freezing level remained high and the early storm snow was heavy and wet. As the freezing level slowly dropped, the snow became lighter, with the snow from the past 24 hours being mostly dry. Wind transport, initially not a factor with the moist snow, has increased with windslab development in immediate lee areas. Below the new storm snow, the upper snowpack is also moist; a carry-over from the previous sunny weekend. The mid and lower snowpack are both well bonded and strong.
The latest pulse of precipitation brings the storm snow totals to between 75-100cm overlying the March 26 interface. This has been accompanied by consistently moderate and at times gusty southerly winds, forming deep windslabs in lee locations. Cornices are huge, and will continue to grow with this weather pattern. Settlement rate is dramatic with the persistent warm temps. The 0326 interface is a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar is present in sheltered places. In snowpack tests, the bond of the new snow and the March 26 interface is poor, with easy planar results. Below the newest storm interface, last week's storm snow is well settled and bonded, with further strength gains deeper in the pack. In isolated locations the weaknesses from early February linger and the chance for a large, deep release is possible in times of rapid loading from new snowfall, rain or cornice fall.
Up to 20cm HST is overlying a variety of different layers depending on aspect and elevation.  Below 2200m a temperature crust can be found on all aspects.  The new snow appears to be bonding to this crust well in areas observed on Friday.  At treeline and above, the new snow is being redistributed by the SW flow building storm slabs up to 40cm thick.  Valentines day surface hoar layer is down 150 and producing hard to no results.
The region has received as much as 55 cm of storm snow in the last 24 hours which has kicked off a widespread natural avalanche cycle to size 4,  It's likely that avalanches are initially failing on the late march melt freeze crust and stepping down, perhaps even to the mid February SH.  Our field team was working in the Flathead area Thursday where they observed a pretty tight and well consolidated snowpack.  The maximum foot penetration they found was 30 cm, even below treeline, the result of a more substantial overnight recovery/refreeze than the region has seen in many nights.  Earlier this week the team found sloppy wet snow below 1800m due to the warm temps and poor overnight recovery.  The general snowpack structure consists of 10 cm of new snow that rests on a crust above 1800 m & wet grains below 1800 m.  The March 10 melt freeze crust is now around 60 cm below the snow surface.  The old February 9th surface hoar is down around 150cm below the surface.
30-50cm of new snow now overlies the March 26 interface. This has been accompanied by consistently moderate and at times gusty southerly winds forming windslabs in lee locations. Cornices are huge, and will continue to grow with this weather pattern. Settlement has been very The March 26 interface is a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bonds between the new snow and this interface are weak, especially in locations where the surface hoar is present. Easy planar results have been observed in testing at treeline on surface hoar size 2-4mm. At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow moist and heavy. The deep, persistent early February layers linger in the snowpack and remain a concern with heavy triggers and rapid loading.
30-50cm of new snow now overlies the March 26 interface. This has been accompanied by consistently moderate and at times gusty southwesterly winds forming windslabs in lee locations. Cornices loom, and will continue to grow with this weather pattern. The March 26 interface is a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bond between the new snow and this interface is weak, especially where the surface hoar is present. At lower elevations (1600m and below), the high freezing levels have made the new snow heavy and moist. The deep, persistent early February surface hoar lingers in the snowpack giving sudden results in testing. Concern remains with heavy triggers and rapid loading.
Weather and snowpack observations taken from Byrant Lake Pass.  10-20cms HST (last 48hrs) overlies a strong midpack of rounds.  Isolated wind slab forming in Alpine, 20 cms deep.  Storm slab settling in PM with warming temperatures.  South Aspects, 5cms overlies a 5-10cm sun crust, moist snow down 20cms.
New snow amounts were variable across the forecast area with 10 to 15cm falling at treeline overnight. With the warm temperatures the snowpack is settling rapidly. In the alpine and wind prone areas at treeline soft slabs continue to form. These slabs are sensitive to human triggering where they lie on previously formed crusts. The February surface hoar is still in the back of our minds and is triggerable by heavy loads such as cornices.
New snow has formed windslabs in the alpine, and added a new load to the very large cornices in the region. There is moist snow on all aspects below 1600 metres. Operators in the Cariboo are not talking about the mid-february deeply buried weak layer. There have not been any avalanches released on the deep layer for some time in this region.
Recent storm snow may not be well bonded to buried melt-freeze crusts on southerly aspects. New wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes, and behind terrain features. With forecast snow and moderate south winds these may develop further, and be very touchy to rider triggers. Spring-like conditions have existed over the past several days. Solar aspects are moist during the day up to ridgetop, other aspects moist below 1600 m with limited crust recovery developing at night. Recent warm temperatures have promoted settlement and bonding in the upper snowpack with no significant shears. There is still some concern for the mid-february buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-200 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are large, unsupported. Natural cornice releases are more likely under the influence of solar radiation and warming temperatures.
Up to 50cm of new snow has fallen in the recent storm. Early in the storm the freezing level remained high and the early storm snow was heavy and wet. As the freezing level slowly dropped, the snow became lighter, with the most recent snow being mostly dry. Wind transport, initially not a factor with the moist snow, has increased, with windslab development in immediate lee areas at ridgecrest. The mid and lower snowpack are both well bonded and strong.
Up to 70cm of new snow has fallen since March 26. Shears within the upper storm snow are tightening with the persistent warm temperatures, although a reactive graupel layer down 25-40 is remains. The March 26 interface is a melt freeze a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bond at this interface is gaining strength, with lingering concerns on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow heavy and moist. The deep, persistent early February surface hoar lingers in the snowpack giving sudden results in testing. Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
The latest pulse of precipitation brings the storm snow totals to between 75-100cm overlying surfaces that were buried on March 26. This interface consists of a crust which exists on all aspects except true north facing slopes at treeline and in the alpine, where small surface hoar is present in sheltered places . This week's snow continues to be redistributed by consistently moderate to strong variable winds, forming windslabs in unsuspecting locations. Cornices are huge, and will continue to grow with this weather pattern.  Below the March 26 interface, last week's storm snow is well settled and bonded, with further strength gains deeper in the pack. In isolated locations the weaknesses from early February linger and the chance for a large, deep release is possible in times of rapid loading from new snowfall, rain or cornice fall.
40-60cm of new snow now overlies an interface that was buried on March 26. This interface consists of a crust that exists on all aspects and elevations except north facing slopes at treeline and above where small surface hoar (5mm) may be found in sheltered areas. This week's snowfall has been accompanied by consistently moderate and at times gusty southerly winds forming windslabs in lee locations. The bonds between the new snow and this buried interface have been weak, especially in locations where the surface hoar is present. Easy planar results have been observed in testing at treeline on surface hoar size 2-4mm. At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow moist and heavy. The deep, persistent early February layers linger in the snowpack and remain a concern with heavy triggers and rapid loading.  Cornices are huge, and have continued to grow with this weather pattern.
Light amounts of new snow override a variety of old surfaces that include wind slab, crusts and spotty surface hoar. Spring-like conditions have existed over the past several days forming crusts on solar aspects at all elevations that become moist under sunny skies during the day. Melt conditions exist on all aspects below 1000 m, with no significant re-freeze. This has developed a well settled upper snowpack with no significant layers of concern at this time. Below all this, down 60-120 cm exists a very spotty surface hoar/ facet interface. Operations from the field noted no recent activity on this layer. I suspect it's becoming dormant, but would be suspicious of large triggers like cornice fall, or under the weight of a sled and it's rider in specific areas. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Light amounts of new snow overlie wind slabs that may be found in unusual places, lower on the slope or in open areas below treeline. Windward aspects may become wind pressed, and even scoured. North aspects at higher elevations hold dryer, low density snow in the upper 20 cm. Spring-like conditions exist and crusts have formed on solar aspects at all elevations, becoming moist under sunny skies. Melt-freeze conditions exist @ treeline on all aspects. Below treeline has remained moist, with no recovery below 1500 m. The mid-pack is well consolidated. The mid February persistent weak layer, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface. It most likely needs a large trigger on a specific spot. If an avalanche occurs on this weak interface it will be very large and destructive. Below this the snowpack is well settled and strong.  Cornices in the area are reported to be very large. Cornice failure could trigger an avalanche on the slope below.
Around 100 cm of snow rests on the March 27th crust.  This interface pas been producing large destructive avalanches in the last 48 hours.
The region has received 30 - 100 cm in the last 48 hours, with the greater accumulations being in the Fernie area.  This snow rests on the March 26th melt freeze crust.  Our field team notes that a very well supported mid pack lies below this interface.
Area Observed.  Young Massif East.  South facing slopes experience a freeze thaw cycle over the last 24hrs, suportinve crust in encountered in the AM.  Recent storm snow continues to settle. Great skiing on E - NE aspects.  South facing slopes wet down 20 m in the PM foot pen up to 70cm.
Moist snow being encountered on solar aspects by as early at 10:00am.  Moist snow on all aspects below 1900m by mid day.  March 29th Temperature crust buried down 40-60cm with recent snow and touchy storm slabs are being observed on this layer.  Winds spread storm and wind slabs developing in open wind affected terrain at treeline and above.  Mainly on N and E aspects.  Mid pack well settled.  Valentines day surface hoar layer down 140-160cm and producing hard to no results.
10-15cm of new snow has added to the 75-100cm that overlies surfaces that were buried on March 26. This interface consists of a crust which exists on all aspects except true north facing slopes at treeline and in the alpine, where small surface hoar may be present in sheltered places . This week's snow continues to be redistributed by consistently moderate to strong variable winds, forming windslabs in unsuspecting locations.  Below the March 26 interface, the snowpack is well settled and bonded, with further strength gains deeper in the pack. Cornices are huge, and will continue to grow with the forecast weather pattern.
40-70cm of snow that fell over the past few days now overlies an interface that was buried on March 26. This interface consists of a crust that exists on all aspects and elevations except north facing slopes at treeline and above where small surface hoar (5mm) may be found in sheltered areas. This week's snowfall has been accompanied by consistently moderate and at times gusty southerly winds forming windslabs in lee locations. The bonds between the new snow and the March interface have been weak, especially in locations where the surface hoar is present.  At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow moist and heavy. The deep, persistent early February layers linger in the snowpack and remain a concern with heavy triggers and rapid loading.  Cornices are huge, and have continued to grow with this weather pattern.
The region received 60 - 100 cm Friday/Saturday, coming to rest on the March 26th melt/freeze crust.  Warm temperatures prior to the storm helped to settle out the mid pack, field reports indicate a tight & well settled snowpack below the Mar. 26th crust.
The region received 30 - 100 cm Friday/Saturday with the Fernie area receiving the greatest accumulations.  The Elk Valley North & Crowsnest sub regions received significantly less snowfall.  Throughout the region the new snow rests on the March 26th melt freeze crust.  Warm temperatures prior to the storm helped to settle out the mid pack, our field team reports that below the storm snow the snowpack is quite tight.  At this point, there aren't any significant weak layers that are causing concern in the mid-pack.
Up to 70cm of new snow has fallen in the recent storm. Early in the storm the freezing level remained high and the early storm snow was heavy and wet. As the freezing level slowly dropped, the snow became lighter, with the most recent snow being mostly dry. Wind transport, initially not a factor with the moist snow, has increased, with windslab development in immediate lee areas at ridgecrest. The mid and lower snowpack are both well bonded and strong.
Light amounts of recently fallen snow overlie previously formed wind slabs.  In general, north aspects at higher elevations hold dryer, low density snow while melt/freeze conditions exist on solar aspects in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below. Solar aspects are becoming moist and unstable under sunny skies. The mid-pack is generally well consolidated; however, the mid February persistent weak layer, comprised of spotty surface hoar, facets and crusts, is buried 80-120 cm below the surface. No recent activity has been reported on this interface. It most likely needs a large trigger on a specific spot. If an avalanche occurs on this weak interface it will be very large and destructive. Below this the snowpack is well settled and strong.  Cornices in the area are reported to be very large. Cornice failure could trigger an avalanche on the slope below. On a side note, surface hoar growth has been noted in recent days and should be something to watch as new snow falls.
Recent storm snow may not be well bonded to buried melt-freeze crusts on southerly aspects. Up to 70cm of snow sits on a weak layer of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine. This layer has been reactive to snowpack testing and rider triggering in many parts of the region. New and buried wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes. Moist  snow exists below 1600m on all aspects with limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-february buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are very large.
Up to 70cm of new snow has fallen since March 26. Shears within the upper storm snow are tightening with the persistent warm temperatures, although a reactive graupel layer down 25-40 remains. The March 26 interface is a melt freeze a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bond at this interface is gaining strength, with lingering concerns on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow heavy and moist. The deep, persistent early February surface hoar lingers in the snowpack giving sudden results in testing. Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
Light amounts of recently fallen snow override a variety of old surfaces that include wind slab, crusts and spotty surface hoar. Spring-like conditions have existed over the past several days forming crusts on solar aspects at all elevations that become moist under sunny skies during the day. Melt conditions exist on all aspects below 1000 m, with no significant re-freeze.  Below all this, down 60-120 cm exists a very spotty surface hoar/ facet interface. Operations from the field noted no recent activity on this layer. I suspect it's becoming dormant, but would be suspicious of large triggers like cornice fall, or under the weight of a sled and it's rider in specific areas. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Up to 40cm of recent storm snow from the past 3 days combined with moderate winds have formed windslabs in the alpine continued to build already very large cornices. There is moist snow on all aspects below 1600 metres.
New snow amounts were highly variable across the region with an average of 10cm new at treeline. Extensive wind transport due to strong SW winds is building cornices and wind slabs up to 60cm deep. These slabs are very sensitive where they overlie previously formed sun crusts. Solar aspects are sun crusted, which breaks down during the day with very limited solar input. The February surface hoar and the deeply buried basal facets seem to be coming alive again as we transition into Spring.
Up to 70cm of new snow has fallen in the past 4 days. Higher freezing levels have made the snow surface moist. The mid and lower snowpack are both well bonded and strong. Windslabs have developed in the lee of ridgecrests in exposed treeline terrain prior to the rising freezing levels.
Light to moderate new snow accumulations have added to the 75-100cm that fell last week. Winds have mostly been moderate with strong gusts creating wind slabs on lee slopes. The past week's snow overlies reactive surfaces that were buried on March 26. This interface consists of a crust which exists on all aspects except true north facing slopes at treeline and in the alpine, where small surface hoar may be present in sheltered places.  Below the March 26 interface, the snowpack is well settled and bonded. Cornices are huge, and will continue to grow with the forecast weather pattern.
Recent storm snow may not be well bonded to buried melt-freeze crusts on southerly aspects. Up to 80cm of snow sits on a weak layer of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine. This layer has been reactive to snowpack testing and rider triggering in many parts of the region. New and buried wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes. Moist  snow exists below 1600m on all aspects with limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-february buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are very large.
Up to 50cm of recent storm snow from the past 3 days combined with moderate winds have formed windslabs in the alpine continued to build already very large cornices. There is moist snow on all aspects below 1600 metres.
Up to 100cm of new snow has fallen since March 26. Shears within the upper storm snow are tightening with the persistent warm temperatures, although a reactive layer down 40-50cm remains. The March 26 interface is a melt freeze a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bond at this interface is gaining strength, with lingering concerns on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow heavy and moist. The deep, persistent early February surface hoar lingers in the snowpack giving sudden results in testing. Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
Recent light snow accumulations add to the 40-70cm of snow that fell over the past week. Winds have mostly been moderate with strong gusts forming windslabs in lee locations. The past week's snowfall overlies an interface that was buried on March 26. This interface consists of a crust that exists on all aspects and elevations except north facing slopes at treeline and above where small surface hoar (5mm) may be found. The bonds between the new snow and the March 26th interface have been weak, especially in locations where the surface hoar is present.  In the north of the region, persistent early February layers linger deeper in the snowpack and remain a concern with heavy triggers and rapid loading.  Cornices are huge and potentially very destructive.
The region received 60 - 100 cm Friday/Saturday, coming to rest on the March 26th melt/freeze crust.  A previously tight & settled mid pack is currently changing as it's subjected to warm temperatures.  Avalanches have recently run fell depth, failing near the ground. Good overnight refreezing late in the week will likely quell this issue, but, in the short term, very warm temps on Tuesday lend themselves to large deep avalanches on isolated features.
The region received 30 - 100 cm Friday/Saturday with the Fernie area receiving the greatest accumulations.  The Elk Valley North & Crowsnest sub regions received significantly less snowfall.  Throughout the region the new snow rests on the March 26th melt-freeze / facet interface.  Warm temperatures are beginning to awaken layers that have been dormant for months.  A few very large avalanches have released in the region recently.  This issue will likely be quelled late in the week when freezing levels return to the surface, but, in the short term the issue will be exacerbated by very warm temperatures Tuesday.
On Monday light amounts of new snow were redistributed by strong to extreme winds into hard and soft windslabs at higher elevations. The recently developed windslabs overlie melt freeze conditions that exist on all aspects below 1000 m and on sun-exposed aspects higher up. A surface hoar layer that formed in recent days was also buried on Monday and may become a layer of concern as the overlying slab develops. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Light amounts of recently fallen snow overlie a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include crusts (found on all aspects below 1000m and on solar aspects higher up), and old windslabs.  Below this the snowpack is mostly well settled and strong; however, the mid-February surface hoar (buried 80-120cm deep) may still react to large triggers in isolated terrain.  Cornices in the area are reported to be very large and potentially unstable. On a side note, surface hoar growth has been noted in recent days and should be something to watch as new snow falls.
The snowpack is settling with the warm temperatures. Sun crusts are forming and melting on solar aspects as the days heat up. Strong SW winds at ridgetop continue to add to recent wind slab development at alpine and treeline elevations. Wind slabs remain touchy, with an average of 40cm sitting on a variety of surfaces, the most concerning being previously formed crusts.
15-40cm of new snow is bonding poorly to the previous snow surface, which includes surface hoar and/or a melt-freeze crust. Expect slabs to be particularly deep and touchy on wind-loaded slopes. Cornices are also very large and potentially unstable.
Light amounts of new snow overlie a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include crusts (found on all aspects below 1000m and on solar aspects higher up), and old wind slabs. Below this the snowpack is mostly well settled and strong; however, the mid-February surface hoar (buried 80-120cm deep) may still react to large triggers in isolated terrain. Cornices in the area are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
As of Tuesday morning heavy snowfall has already deposited up to 50cm, which is being redistributed by strong southwesterly winds into thick wind slabs. These wind and storm slabs are poorly bonded and continued snowfall and wind is adding additional load. A predominately crusty weak interface from late March, now down 50-150cm, remains a potential failure layer for large slab avalanches, especially with heavy triggers such as cornice falls and step-down avalanches. Cornices are also huge and weak.
15-20cm of new snow on Tuesday should quickly bond well to the previous wet snow surface with cooling temperatures. Snowpack tests on a steep wind-loaded slope on Monday produced resistant shears down 25cm, 35cm, and 55cm. Total snowpack depths are now close to 7m at higher elevations.
The recent storms have added up to about a metre of snow in the region. High freezing levels have consolidated the storm snow into a cohesive slab that may be propagated remotely. The storm snow slab is sitting on top of a sun crust that was buried on March 27th on southerly aspects, and above wind affected surfaces that may be facetted on northerly aspects. Forecast new snow will add another load that may cause another cycle of natural avalanches or easily triggered avalanches. Cornices are reported to be very large in the region, and new cornice growth is expected with forecast new snow and strong southerly winds. The mid snowpack is well settled and strong. There is a weak layer of facets or depth hoar in shallower snowpack areas that may fail with initial warming of the snowpack. There is also a weak layer of of facets or depth hoar above a crust at higher elevations where there was already snow in October.
As of Tuesday morning, 15cm of new snow in the Duffey Lake area adds to the 40-70cm of snow that fell over the past week, while light rain fell in the Coquihalla area. The past week's snowfall overlies a predominately crusty interface, except north facing slopes at treeline and above where small surface hoar (5mm) may be found. Recent reports include hard but sudden compression tests results and a Rutschblock 4 whole block failure on this late-March surface hoar in the Duffey Lake area. In the north of the region, persistent early February layers linger deeper and could fail as large step-down slabs.  Cornices are huge and potentially very destructive.
The most recent storm produced 40 - 100 cm of total snowfall, with the far south of the region receiving the greater accumulations.  80-100cm of storm snow from the past 7 days is sitting on a weak layer of Facets sitting on a crust. This layer seems to be most reactive on sun exposed slopes. Slopes below 1000 m continue to experience little or no overnight refreeze (recovery). The deeper early february surface hoar layers seem to have been unreactive in the short term but still remain a concern.
Up to 60cm of recent storm snow from the past 4 days combined with moderate winds have formed windslabs in the alpine continued to build already very large cornices. There is moist snow on all aspects below 1600 metres.
Recent storm snow may not be well bonded to buried melt-freeze crusts on southerly aspects. Up to 80cm of snow sits on a weak layer of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine. This layer has been reactive to snowpack testing and rider triggering in many parts of the region. New and buried wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes. Moist  snow exists below 1600m on all aspects with limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-february buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are very large.
Up to 100cm of new snow has fallen since March 26. Shears within the upper storm snow are tightening with the persistent warm temperatures, although a reactive layer down 40-50cm remains. The March 26 interface is a melt freeze a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bond at this interface is gaining strength, with lingering concerns on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow heavy and moist. The deep, persistent early February surface hoar lingers in the snowpack giving sudden results in testing. Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
Recent storm snow has added up to 50-100 cm depending on the drainage. The storm snow has been failing on a crust on southerly aspects. High freezing levels and solar radiation have caused wet loose snow avalanches. Forecast new snow and strong southwest winds are expected to build new windslabs and add to cornice growth. Storm slabs may be over-loaded by the load of the new snow and run naturally or be easily triggered.
There was a good re-freeze reported from Monday night. Southerly aspects became moist in the alpine on Tuesday, but snowballing and wet point releases were limited to size 1.0. Forecast new snow and strong winds are expected to create new windslabs and add a new load to storm slabs. Deep weak layers may continue to be triggered by large loads like cornice falls or storm slab avalanches. The forecast is for cooling after the storm. Cooler temperatures should reduce avalanches on deeply buried facets.
Area Observed:  Fraser Wx -  HS 158, HST 5 cm.  Well settled upper pack bonding well to strong supportive midpack.  CTN x 2Area Observed: White pass.  Isolated pockets of 4F 10cm deep windslab overlie widespread hard slab on north aspects.  Surface snow moist on all aspects up to 1100m. 120221 SH is still a concern on isolated sheltered and shaded N aspects.
5cm of new snow has fallen since this morning and it is not yet clear if this is the beginning of the "intense storm" or if the storm has lost some power. Soft slabs continue to form at alpine and treeline elevations and these remain sensitive to triggering in steep, unsupported lee terrain, especially where the slabs sit on buried crusts. The snowpack also continues to settle due to overall warm temperatures. Sun crusts and temperature crusts formed yesterday are now buried under today's snow. Cornices also continue to be a concern as they are large and have become active in recent days.
The most recent storm produced 40 - 100 cm of total snowfall, with the far south of the region receiving the greater accumulations.  80-100cm of storm snow from the past 7 days is sitting on a weak layer of Facets sitting on a crust. This layer seems to be most reactive on sun exposed slopes. Slopes below 1000 m continue to experience little or no overnight refreeze (recovery). The deeper early february surface hoar layers seem to have been unreactive in the short term but still remain a concern.
Recent storm snow has added up to 50-100 cm depending on the drainage. The storm snow has been failing on a crust on southerly aspects that may have small facets or surface hoar at the interface. High freezing levels and solar radiation have caused wet loose snow avalanches. Forecast new snow and strong southwest winds are expected to build new windslabs and add to cornice growth. Storm slabs may be over-loaded by the load of the new snow and run naturally or be easily triggered.
There was a good re-freeze reported from Monday night and again on Tuesday night, that has resulted in a supportive melt-freeze crust on all aspects up to about 2200 metres. North aspetcs may be dry down to about 2000 metres in some areas. Southerly aspects became moist in the alpine on Tuesday, but snowballing and wet point releases were limited to size 1.0. Forecast new snow and strong winds are expected to create new windslabs and add a new load to storm slabs. Deep weak layers may continue to be triggered by large loads like cornice falls or storm slab avalanches.
Moderate winds have blown light amounts of new snow into variable wind slabs in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. In sheltered areas 15-30cm of new snow sits on the previous surface that includes crusts (found on all aspects below 1000m and on solar aspects higher up), and old wind slabs. Below this the snowpack is mostly well settled and strong; however, the mid-February surface hoar (buried 80-120cm deep) may still react to large triggers in isolated terrain. Cornices in the area are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Recent storm snow may not be well bonded to buried melt-freeze crusts on southerly aspects. Up to 80cm of snow sits on a weak layer of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine. This layer has been reactive to snowpack testing and rider triggering in many parts of the region. New and buried wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee (northerly facing) slopes. Moist  snow exists below 1600m on all aspects with limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-february buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are very large and can trigger these deep layers. Recent reports of remotely triggered avalanches are noteworthy and suggest the problem will not heal quickly.
The new storm has started to develop new windslabs on northerly aspects. The recent storms have added up to about a metre of snow in the region. High freezing levels have consolidated the storm snow into a cohesive slab that may be propagated remotely. The storm snow slab is sitting on top of a sun crust that was buried on March 27th on southerly aspects, and above wind affected surfaces that may be facetted on northerly aspects. Operators are reporting moderate shears on the storm snow interface. Forecast new snow will add another load that may cause another cycle of natural avalanches or easily triggered avalanches. Cornices are reported to be very large in the region, and new cornice growth is expected with forecast new snow and strong southerly winds. The mid snowpack is well settled and strong. There is a weak layer of facets or depth hoar in shallower snowpack areas that may fail with initial warming of the snowpack. There is also a weak layer of of facets or depth hoar above a crust at higher elevations where there was already snow in October.
New snow combined with moderate southwest winds started to fall Wednesday morning. Up to 100cm of new snow has fallen since March 26. Shears within the upper storm snow are tightening with the persistent warm temperatures, although a reactive layer down 40-50cm remains. The March 26 interface is a melt freeze a crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bond at this interface is gaining strength, with lingering concerns on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow heavy and moist. The deep, persistent early February surface hoar lingers in the snowpack giving sudden results in testing. Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
10-15cm of new snow is bonding well to the 6-7m treeline snowpack. Recent snowpack tests gave moderate resistant results down 45-50cm on a thick graupel layer, but a couple of hard crusts in the slab above have reduced any likelihood of triggering this weakness.
Over 60cm of new snow in the past couple of days was redistributed by strong southwesterly winds into thick wind slabs. A predominately crusty weak interface from late March, now down 50-150cm, remains a potential failure layer for large slab avalanches, especially with heavy triggers such as cornice falls and step-down avalanches. The potential for remote triggering, step down avalanches, and wide propagations, makes the current snowpack structure particularly tricky to manage.
30cm of new snow in the Duffey Lake area in the past couple of days brings the total snowfall over the past week close to a metre, while rain followed by a skiff of new snow has resulted in dust-on-crust conditions in the Coquihalla area. The past week's snowfall overlies a predominately crusty interface, except north facing slopes at treeline and above where small surface hoar (5mm) may be found. Recent reports include hard but sudden compression tests results and a Rutschblock 4 whole block failure on this late-March surface hoar in the Duffey Lake area. Deep persistent weaknesses  linger in many colder and shallower snowpack areas. The potential for remote triggering, step down avalanches, and wide propagations, makes the current snowpack structure particularly tricky to manage.
15-40cm of new snow is generally bonding well to the previous predominately crusty snow surface. However, sheltered shady slopes may be harbouring buried surface hoar and/or preserved old storm snow from last week, which isn't as stable. Furthermore, not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
Another 10-40cm during the day and overnight Tuesday added to the 30-60cm of recent storm snow. Sustained southeasterly through northeasterly winds contributed to continued wind slab formation at all elevations, as well as cornice development. Although generally settling and bonding well, recent snowpack tests on a north facing treeline slope resulted in easy to moderate shears down 25cm within the storm snow, and down 65cm on an underlying crust. Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
Area Observed - White Pass East: Up to 20 cm HST accumulated in alpine.  Clound cover limited solar radiation and kept snow surface cool and dry.  Isolated pockets of reactive wind slab cracking around skis.  120221 SH found down 60 size 2 produced no resuts in compression tests.
A new crust layer is now prevalent within the snowpack.  The recent storm snow is now overlying the 0403 melt freeze crust (down 40) that can be found on all aspects except true north up to 2100m and on solar aspects up to 3000.  The new snow was sluffing easily on this crust entraining significant mass as it traveled.   The 0229 melt freeze crust was found down 80cm today at treeline areas.  Easy sheers were being noted within the storm snow and at the 0403 interface.  Moist snow was being encountered by 13:00 on all aspects except true north.  This warm temps was settling the recent snow into a soft slab that will only become more reactive with time.  Reports of large whumpfs near the Haig glacier.
Moderate winds have blown light amounts of new snow into variable wind slabs in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain, which are starting to bond. Surface snow on sun-exposed slopes is undergoing a daily melt-freeze cycle. In sheltered areas 15-30cm of new snow sits on the previous surface that includes crusts (found on all aspects below 1000m and on solar aspects higher up), and old wind slabs. Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
10-15cm of new snow is bonding well to the 6-7m treeline snowpack. Recent snowpack tests gave moderate resistant results down 45-50cm on a thick graupel layer, but a couple of hard crusts in the slab above have reduced any likelihood of triggering this weakness. Daytime warming and sun exposure will likely weaken cornices and melt surface snow
Over 60cm of new snow in the past couple of days was redistributed by strong southwesterly winds into thick wind slabs. A predominately crusty weak interface from late March, now down 50-150cm, remains a potential failure layer for large slab avalanches, especially with heavy triggers such as cornice falls and step-down avalanches. Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
30cm of new snow in the Duffey Lake area in the past couple of days brings the total snowfall over the past week close to a metre, while rain followed by a skiff of new snow has resulted in dust-on-crust conditions in the Coquihalla area. The past week's snowfall overlies a predominately crusty interface, except north facing slopes at treeline and above where small surface hoar (5mm) may be found. Recent reports include hard but sudden compression tests results and a Rutschblock 4 whole block failure on this late-March surface hoar in the Duffey Lake area. Deep persistent weaknesses linger in many colder and shallower snowpack areas. Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
15-40cm of new snow is settling and faceting, and generally bonding well to the previous predominately crusty snow surface. However, sheltered shady slopes may be harbouring buried surface hoar and/or preserved old storm snow from last week, which isn't as stable. Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
The region picked up 20 cm from Wednesdays storm which came to rest on the April 4th melt/freeze crust.  Recent storm snow has added up to 60-120 cm depending on the drainage. The storm snow has been failing on a crust on southerly aspects that may have small facets or surface hoar at the interface. High freezing levels and solar radiation have caused wet loose snow avalanches. Large cornices loom over many lee slopes.
10 - 20 cm of snow fell in the region Wednesday.  The new snow was accompanied by moderate winds out of the south which created soft slabs on lee aspects.  There was a good re-freeze reported from Monday night and again on Tuesday night, that has resulted in a supportive melt-freeze crust on all aspects up to about 2200 metres. North aspetcs may be dry down to about 2000 metres in some areas. Southerly aspects became moist in the alpine on Tuesday, but snowballing and wet point releases were limited to size 1.0. Forecast new snow and strong winds are expected to create new windslabs and add a new load to storm slabs. Deep weak layers may continue to be triggered by large loads like cornice falls or storm slab avalanches.
Wednesday's system produced around 30 cm of new snow in the north & 20 cm in the south.  This snow was accompanied by light NW winds that formed very soft slabs in wind exposed terrain.  The recent storms have added up to about a 125 cm of snow in the region. High freezing levels have consolidated this snow into a cohesive slab that may be propagated remotely. 125 cm now rests on top of a sun crust that was buried on March 27th on southerly aspects, and above wind affected surfaces that may be facetted on northerly aspects. Operators are reporting moderate shears on this interface.  Cornices are reported to be very large and exist on most ridge lines.  The mid-pack is well settled and strong. There is a weak layer of facets or depth hoar in shallower snowpack areas that may fail with initial warming of the snowpack. There is also a weak layer of of facets or depth hoar above a crust at higher elevations where there was already snow in October.
Recent snow accumulations range from 20-40cm in the past 48hours. 90-120cm of snow from the past 7 days is now sitting on a reactive weak layer over a crust. Slopes below 1000 m continue to experience little or no overnight refreeze (recovery). The deeper early february surface hoar layers seem to have been unreactive in the short term but still remain a concern with very heavy triggers such as a cornice fall.
Another 10-40cm during the past  two days has added to 30-60cm of recent storm snow. Sustained southeasterly through northeasterly winds are contributing to continued wind slab formation as well as cornice development at upper elevations. Although generally settling and bonding well, recent snowpack tests on a north facing treeline slope resulted in easy to moderate shears down 25cm within the storm snow, and down 65cm on an underlying crust. Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
Recent storm snow may not be well bonded to buried melt-freeze crusts on southerly aspects. Up to 80cm of snow sits on a weak layer of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline. This layer has been reactive to snowpack testing and rider triggering in many parts of the region. New and buried wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee (northerly facing) slopes. Moist  snow exists below 1600m on all aspects with limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-february buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are very large and can trigger these deep layers. Recent reports of remotely triggered avalanches are noteworthy and suggest the problem will not heal quickly.
Around 25 cm of snow fell Wednesday accompanied by moderate southwest winds which brings total snowfall since March 26th to 120 cm.  This snow rests on a suncrust on solar aspects and a melt freeze crust on non solar aspects below 2000m.  Reports from Wednesday afternoon indicate that the storm snow has been blown into soft slabs in upper elevation wind exposed terrain.  On N aspects shears within the upper storm snow are tightening with the persistent warm temperatures, although a reactive layer down 40-50cm remains. The March 26 interface consists of a melt/freeze crust down around 100cm, on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bond at this interface is gaining strength, with lingering concerns on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow heavy and moist. The deep, persistent early February surface hoar lingers in the snowpack giving sudden results in testing. Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
Storm snow continues to settle under the influences of mild temperatures.  Winds remained calm, as a result, slab development in alpine terrain has been isolated to immediate lees and ridgelines.  New snow sluffing easily on the April 2rd melt freeze crust down 20-40cm in the snowpack.
10-15cm of new snow is bonding well to the 6-7m treeline snowpack. Recent snowpack tests gave moderate resistant results down 45-50cm on a thick graupel layer, but a couple of hard crusts in the slab above have reduced any likelihood of triggering this weakness. Daytime warming and sun exposure will likely weaken cornices and melt surface snow. We should see a decent re-freeze overnight on the weekend.
The region picked up 20 cm from Wednesdays storm which came to rest on the April 4th melt/freeze crust.  An exiting upper trough likely shielded the region from much solar input Friday.  Recent storm snow has added up to 60-120 cm depending on the drainage. The storm snow has been failing on a crust on southerly aspects that may have small facets or surface hoar at the interface. High freezing levels and solar radiation have caused wet loose snow avalanches. Large cornices loom over many lee slopes.
Over 60cm of new snow in the past couple of days was redistributed by strong southwesterly winds into thick wind slabs. A predominately crusty weak interface from late March, now down 50-150cm, remains a potential failure layer for large slab avalanches, especially with heavy triggers such as cornice falls and step-down avalanches. Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
The snow surface consists of old wind slabs in exposed alpine terrain, spotty surface hoar on shady slopes, and a sun crust/moist snow on solar aspects. This sits on up to a metre of settling storm snow from last week. The March 27 layer, predominately crusty interface except north facing slopes at treeline and above where small surface hoar (5mm) may be found, is now down 60-120cm. Recent reports include hard but sudden compression tests results and a Rutschblock 4 whole block failure on this late-March surface hoar in the Duffey Lake area. Deep persistent weaknesses linger in many colder and shallower snowpack areas. Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
The snow surface consists of a sun crust on solar aspects and lower elevations (becoming moist during the day), surface hoar on shady slopes up into the alpine, and dry settling or faceting snow on higher north aspects. Pockets of wind slab are likely in exposed leeward alpine terrain. Sheltered shady slopes may be harboring buried surface hoar and/or preserved old storm snow from last week, which isn't as stable. Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
The region picked up 20 cm from Wednesdays storm which came to rest on the April 4th melt/freeze crust.  The new snow was introduced to the sun Friday as skies clear and the temperature at 1600 m climbed to +5.  The snow behaved well, very little activity was observed despite the warming.  Recent storm snow has added up to 60-120 cm depending on the drainage. The storm snow has been failing on a crust on southerly aspects that may have small facets or surface hoar at the interface. High freezing levels and solar radiation have caused wet loose snow avalanches. Large cornices loom over many lee slopes.
Wednesday's system produced around 40 cm of new snow in the north & 25 cm in the south.  This snow was accompanied by light NW winds that formed very soft slabs in wind exposed terrain.  The recent storms have added up to about a 125 cm of snow in the region. High freezing levels have consolidated this snow into a cohesive slab that may be propagated remotely. 125 cm now rests on top of a sun crust that was buried on March 27th on southerly aspects, and above wind affected surfaces that may be facetted on northerly aspects. Operators are reporting moderate shears on this interface.  Cornices are reported to be very large and exist on most ridge lines.  The mid-pack is well settled and strong. There is a weak layer of facets or depth hoar in shallower snowpack areas that may fail with initial warming of the snowpack. There is also a weak layer of of facets or depth hoar above a crust at higher elevations where there was already snow in October.
Recent snow accumulations range from 20-40 cm over the past few days. 40-80 cm of snow from the past week is sitting on a reactive weak layer over a crust. This weak layer was buried March 27th in the Interior. We've received recent reports from the field of large, destructive avalanches occurring on this layer. Remote triggering (from afar) has also been reported. This indicates the likelihood and potential sensitivity of this layer. Slopes below 1000 m continue to experience little or no overnight refreeze (recovery).  The deeper early February surface hoar layers seem to have been unreactive in the short term but still remain a concern with very heavy triggers such as a cornice fall, or step down avalanches.
Moderate winds have blown light amounts of new snow into variable wind slabs in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain, which are starting to bond. Surface snow on sun-exposed slopes is undergoing a daily melt-freeze cycle. In sheltered areas 15-30cm of new snow sits on the previous surface that includes crusts (found on all aspects below 1000m and on solar aspects higher up), and old wind slabs. Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
Recent storm snow seems to have a poor bond to buried melt-freeze crusts on southerly aspects. Up to 80cm of snow sits on a weak layer of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline. This layer has been reactive to snowpack testing and rider triggering in many parts of the region. Recent reports of remotely triggered avalanches are noteworthy and suggest the problem will not heal quickly. New and buried wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee (northerly facing) slopes. Spring-like, moist snow exists below 1600m on all aspects with limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-February buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are very large. With warmer temperatures, and longer periods of direct solar radiation, these may become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release these deep layers on slopes below. Cornices demand respect over the weekend. Keep back on ridgelines, and stay well clear of slopes below as temperatures rise.
The snow surface was introduced to the strong spring sun Thursday afternoon which left a crust in place on solar aspects, those that face SW, S & SE.  Around 30 cm of snow fell Wednesday accompanied by moderate southwest winds which brings total snowfall since March 26th to 120 cm. This snow rests on a suncrust on solar aspects and a melt freeze crust on non solar aspects below 2000m. On N aspects, shears within the upper storm snow are tightening with the persistent warm temperatures, although a reactive layer down 40-50cm remains. The March 26 interface consists of a melt/freeze crust down around 100cm, on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bond at this interface is gaining strength, with lingering concerns on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow heavy and moist. The deep, persistent early February surface hoar lingers in the snowpack giving sudden results in testing. Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
Over the past week up to 60 cm of recent storm snow has fallen. Sustained southeasterly through northeasterly winds are contributing to continued wind slab formation as well as cornice development at upper elevations. Although generally settling and bonding well, recent snowpack tests on a north facing treeline slope resulted in easy to moderate shears down 25cm within the storm snow, and down 65cm on an underlying crust that formed near the end of March.  Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
No new snow overnight, but lots of low density snow is available for transport. Wind loading is occurring at alpine and treeline elevations on lee slopes. On E, S and W aspects crusts are forming each evening and melting each day. The extent of melting is related to the amount of radiation and the air temperatures. Dry snow remains on N aspects above 1900m in most locations. The snowpack is settling. The deeply buried February surface hoar and basal facets are sporadically active in large natural avalanche events, including some triggered by cornice failures.
The deep and strong spring snowpack will continue to go through a melt-freeze cycle with daytime warming and solar radiation making the surface moist or wet during the day, and cooler overnight temperatures creating a hard surface crust. We may not see a good re-freeze on Sunday and Monday night if clouds move in and temperatures remain mild overnight. Snowpack depths are over 600cm near treeline.
Solar aspects and lower elevations have gone through a melt-freeze cycle for the past few days. Shady north aspects have had some recent surface hoar growth and surface faceting. This sits on around 100 cm of well settled storm snow from last week. A predominately crusty weak interface from late March, now down 50-150cm, remains a potential failure layer for large slab avalanches, especially with heavy triggers such as cornice falls and step-down avalanches. Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
The snow surface consists of old wind slabs in exposed alpine terrain, spotty surface hoar on shady slopes, and a sun crust/moist snow on solar aspects. This sits on up to a metre of settling storm snow from last week. The March 27 layer, predominately crusty interface except north facing slopes at treeline and above where small surface hoar (5mm) may be found, is now down 60-120cm. Recent reports include hard but sudden compression tests results and a Rutschblock 4 whole block failure on this late-March surface hoar in the Duffey Lake area. Deep persistent weaknesses linger in many colder and shallower snowpack areas. Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
The snow surface consists of a sun crust on solar aspects and lower elevations (becoming moist during the day), surface hoar on shady slopes up into the alpine, and dry settling or faceting snow on higher north aspects. Pockets of wind slab are likely in exposed leeward alpine terrain. Sheltered shady slopes may be harboring buried surface hoar and/or preserved old storm snow from last week, which isn't as stable. Not only will daytime warming and sun-exposure cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken, they will also increase settlement rates and decrease slab stability.
Moderate winds have blown light amounts of new snow into variable wind slabs in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain, which are starting to bond. Surface snow on sun-exposed slopes is undergoing a daily melt-freeze cycle. In sheltered areas 15-30cm of recent new snow sits on previous surfaces that include crusts (found on all aspects below 1000m and on solar aspects higher up), and old wind slabs. Daytime warming and sun-exposure will cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken. Wet slabs also become a possibility during periods of prolonged warming, especially if there is minimal amounts of overnight freeze.
Over the past week up to 60 cm of recent storm snow has fallen. Southeasterly through northeasterly winds have promoted wind slab formation as well as cornice development at upper elevations. Although generally settling and bonding well, instabilities may still be found in the recent storm snow and lower down on a crust that formed near the end of March. Daytime warming and sun-exposure will cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken. There is also the possibility for wet slabs to release on steep solar aspects during prolonged periods of warming.
Recent storm snow seems to have a poor bond to buried melt-freeze crusts on southerly aspects. Up to 80cm of snow sits on a weak layer of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline. This layer has been reactive to snowpack testing and rider triggering in many parts of the region. Recent reports of remotely triggered avalanches are noteworthy and suggest the problem will not heal quickly. New and buried wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee (northerly facing) slopes. Spring-like, moist snow exists below 1600m on all aspects with limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-February buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are very large. With warmer temperatures, and longer periods of direct solar radiation, these may become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release these deep layers on slopes below. Cornices demand respect over the weekend. Keep back on ridgelines, and stay well clear of slopes below as temperatures rise.
Recent snow accumulations range from 20-40 cm over the past few days. 40-80 cm of snow from the past week is sitting on a reactive weak layer over a crust. This weak layer was buried March 27th in the Interior. We've received recent reports from the field of large, destructive avalanches occurring on this layer. Remote triggering (from afar) has also been reported. This indicates the likelihood and potential sensitivity of this layer. Slopes below 1000 m continue to experience little or no overnight refreeze (recovery).  The deeper early February surface hoar layers seem to have been unreactive in the short term but still remain a concern with very heavy triggers such as a cornice fall, or step down avalanches.
Mild temperatures and intermittent solar radiation between breaks in convective snow flurries continue to settle out Wednesdays storm snow.  Wednesday's system produced around 40 cm of new snow in the north & 25 cm in the south.  The recent storms have added up to about a 125 cm of snow which rests on the March 27th interface.  This layer displays itself as a sun crust on southerly aspects and a temperature crust on more northerly slopes.  A thin layer of facets and or surface hoar can be found on this crust on all aspects.  Operators are still reporting moderate shears on this interface.  Cornices are reported to be very large and exist on most ridge lines.  The mid-pack is well settled and strong. There is a weak layer of facets or depth hoar in shallower snowpack areas that may fail with initial warming of the snowpack. There is also a weak layer of of facets or depth hoar above a crust at higher elevations where there was already snow in October.
Mild temperatures in combination with the strong spring sun have helped to settle out the 20 cm from Wednesdays storm which came to rest on the April 4th melt/freeze crust.  The new snow was introduced to the sun Friday as skies clear and the temperature at 1600 m climbed to +5.  The snow behaved well, very little activity was observed despite the warming.  Recent storm snow has added up to 60-120 cm depending on the drainage. Our field team was out in the region Saturday; they were able to find the March 27th interface down around 90cm below the snow surface but test profiles did not produce any results on this layer.  Large cornices loom over many lee slopes.
Mild temperatures in combination with the strong spring sun have helped to settle out the 20 cm from Wednesday's storm which came to rest on the April 4th melt/freeze crust.  The new snow was introduced to the sun Friday as skies clear and the temperature at 1600 m climbed to +5.  The snow behaved well, very little activity was observed despite the warming.  Recent storm snow has added up to 60-120 cm depending on the drainage. Our field team was out in the region Saturday; they were able to find the March 27th interface down around 90cm below the snow surface but test profiles did not produce any results on this layer.  Large cornices loom over many lee slopes.
Mild temperature continue to drive rapid settlement of Wednesdays storm snow.  A sun crust is in place on slopes that face SW, S & SE.  Dry snow can be found on due north facing slopes down to around 1400m.  Around 30 cm of snow fell Wednesday accompanied by moderate southwest winds which brings total snowfall since March 26th to 120 cm. This snow rests on a suncrust on solar aspects and a melt freeze crust on non solar aspects below 2000m. On N aspects, shears within the upper storm snow are tightening with the persistent warm temperatures, although a reactive layer down 40-50cm remains. The March 26 interface consists of a melt/freeze crust down around 100cm, on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bond at this interface is gaining strength, with lingering concerns on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow heavy and moist. The deep, persistent early February surface hoar lingers in the snowpack giving sudden results in testing. Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
True North aspects remain dry all the way to valley floor, but all other slopes (all aspects, all elevations) have one or more crusts. These crusts were melting and solar triggering of avalanches began on SE aspects by 11:00am and then continued around to the S, then W aspects in the afternoon. Pockets of windslab exist at alpine and treeline elevations on lee aspects and stability tests indicate that these slabs are skier triggerable in steep and unsupported terrain. Cornices are quite large. the February surface hoar and the basal facets have become a concern again as the snowpack transitions to spring-time conditions. Very large avalanches are expected if these layers are triggered by solar radiation and/or cornice failures. Human triggering is also possible from shallow snowpack areas.
The deep and strong spring snowpack may not see a good re-freeze on Monday night if clouds move in and temperatures remain mild overnight. Snowpack depths are over 600cm near treeline. Some glide cracks exist on steep rock slabs.
Solar aspects and lower elevations have gone through a melt-freeze cycle for the past few days. Shady north aspects have had some recent surface hoar growth and surface faceting. This sits on around 100 cm of well settled storm snow from last week. A predominately crusty weak interface from late March, now down 50-150cm, remains a potential failure layer for large slab avalanches, especially with heavy triggers such as cornice falls and step-down avalanches. Daytime warming and sun-exposure may cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken.
The snow surface consists of old wind slabs in exposed alpine terrain, spotty surface hoar on shady slopes, and a sun crust/moist snow on solar aspects. This sits on up to a metre of settling storm snow from last week. The March 27 layer is predominately a crusty interface except on north facing slopes at treeline and above where small surface hoar (5mm) may be found. It's now down 60-120 cm and has recently exhibited hard, sudden results and a Rutschblock 4 whole block failure in the Duffey Lake area. Deep persistent weaknesses linger in many colder and shallower snowpack areas. Daytime warming and sun-exposure may cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken.
The snow surface consists of a sun crust on solar aspects and at low elevations (becoming moist during the day), surface hoar on shady slopes up into the alpine, and dry settling or faceting snow on high north aspects. Pockets of wind slab are likely in exposed leeward alpine terrain. Sheltered shady slopes may be harboring buried surface hoar and/or preserved old storm snow from last week, which isn't as stable. Daytime warming or sun-exposure may cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken. Glide cracks have opened up, especially on steep rocky terrain features.
Mild temperatures and intermittent solar radiation between breaks in convective snow flurries have really settled out last weeks storm snow.  Wednesday's system produced around 40 cm of new snow in the north & 25 cm in the south.  The recent storms have added up to about 125 cm of snow which rests on the March 27th interface.  This layer displays as a sun crust on southerly aspects and a temperature crust on more northerly slopes.  A thin layer of facets and or surface hoar can be found on this crust on all aspects.  Cornices are reported to be very large and exist on most ridge lines.  The mid-pack is well settled and strong. There is a weak layer of facets or depth hoar in shallower snowpack areas that will likely fail once the region starts seeing warm days without overnight refreeze.  There is also a weak layer of facets or depth hoar above a crust at higher elevations where there was already snow in October.
Mild temperatures in combination with the strong spring sun have helped to settle out the 20 cm from Wednesday's storm which came to rest on the April 4th melt/freeze crust.  At this point last weeks storm snow has seen a lot of the sun & it has behaved quite well, producing very little in the way of avalanches.  Recent storm snow has added up to 60-120 cm depending on the drainage. Our field team was out in the region Saturday; they were able to find the March 27th interface down around 90cm below the snow surface but test profiles did not produce any results on this layer.  Large cornices loom over many lee slopes.  Glide cracks are a concern, be sure to give them a wide berth as they are very sensitive and could fail at any moment.
Mild temperatures in combination with the strong spring sun have helped to settle out the 20 cm from Wednesday's storm which came to rest on the April 4th melt/freeze crust.  At this point last weeks storm snow has seen a lot of the sun & it has behaved quite well, producing very little in the way of avalanches.  Recent storm snow has added up to 60-120 cm depending on the drainage. Our field team was out in the region Saturday; they were able to find the March 27th interface down around 90cm below the snow surface but test profiles did not produce any results on this layer.  Large cornices loom over many lee slopes.  Glide cracks are a concern, be sure to give them a wide berth as they are very sensitive and could fail at any moment.
Mild temperatures continue to drive rapid settlement of last week's storm snow.  A sun crust is in place on slopes that face SW, S & SE.  Dry snow can be found on due north facing slopes down to around 1400m.  Around 30 cm of snow fell Wednesday accompanied by moderate southwest winds which brings total snowfall since March 26th to 120 cm. This snow rests on a suncrust on solar aspects and a melt freeze crust on non solar aspects below 2000m.  The March 26 interface consists of a melt/freeze crust down around 100cm, on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bond at this interface is gaining strength, with lingering concerns on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. At lower elevations, the consistent high freezing levels have kept the new snow heavy and moist. The persistent early February surface hoar lingers deep in the snowpack and may once again become a player mid-week when the region goes several days without a good overnight refreeze or recovery.  Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
40-80 cm of recent storm snow is sitting on a reactive weak layer over a crust. This weak layer was buried March 27th in the Interior. Initially, we had many reports of large, destructive avalanches occurring on this layer, although the frequency of these events has been diminishing. However, this layer still needs to be closely monitored, especially since the crust could help channel moisture produced by the warm spring-time temperatures. There is a good chance that wet slabs could release on the crust during prolonged periods of warm temperatures and/or sunshine. Lower elevation slopes continue to experience little or no overnight refreeze (recovery).  The deeper early February surface hoar layers have been unreactive recently but still remain a concern with prolonged spring warming and very heavy triggers such as a cornice fall, or step down avalanches.
Moderate winds have blown light amounts of new snow into variable wind slabs in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain, which are starting to bond. Surface snow on sun-exposed slopes is undergoing a daily melt-freeze cycle. In sheltered areas 15-30cm of recent new snow sits on previous surfaces that include crusts (found on all aspects below 1000m and on solar aspects higher up), and old wind slabs. Daytime warming and sun-exposure will cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken. Wet slabs also become a possibility during periods of prolonged warming, especially if there is minimal amounts of overnight freeze.
Over the past week up to 60 cm of recent storm snow has fallen. Southeasterly through northeasterly winds have promoted wind slab formation as well as cornice development at upper elevations. Although generally settling and bonding well, instabilities may still be found in the recent storm snow and lower down on a crust that formed near the end of March. Daytime warming and sun-exposure will cause surface snow to lose cohesion and cornices to weaken. There is also the possibility for wet slabs to release on steep solar aspects during prolonged periods of warming.
Up to 80cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline. This layer has been reactive to snowpack testing and rider triggering in many parts of the region. Recent reports of remotely triggered avalanches are noteworthy and suggest the problem will not heal quickly. New and buried wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee (northerly facing) slopes. Spring-like, moist snow exists below 1800m on all aspects with limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-February buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are very large. With warmer temperatures, and longer periods of direct solar radiation, these may become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release these deep layers on slopes below. Cornices are large and sagging due to recent warm temperatures. Stay away from the edge along ridgelines, and stay well clear of slopes below as temperatures rise.
Crusts exist on all slopes up to 2900m except true north aspects. These crusts were breaking down by noon today. Minimal to no wind affect in the alpine near Aster Lake. Stability tests indicate a moderate shear down 50 to 60cm on an old storm snow interface. The snowpack continues to settle due to mild weather conditions.
The deep and strong spring snowpack may not see a good re-freeze on Monday night if clouds move in and temperatures remain mild overnight. Snowpack depths are over 600cm near treeline. Some glide cracks exist on steep rock slabs.
A melt-freeze crust exists on solar aspects and at low elevations. In some areas, limited overnight cooling has kept surface snow from re-freezing, leaving it loose and cohesionless. Surface hoar exists on shady slopes up into the alpine. Pockets of wind slab formed with recent southerly or easterly winds.  Dry settling or faceting snow can be found on high north aspects. A predominately crusty weak interface from late March, now down 50-150cm, has become less likely to trigger, but remains a potential failure layer for large slab avalanches.
Very large cornices are looming. Glide cracks have opened up, especially on steep rock slabs. The snow surface has gone through a few days of melt-freeze, creating either a crust or loose, cohesionless snow, depending on the temperature. A buried crust/surface hoar layer from late March, down 60-120 cm, is reported to have gained strength in the Duffey Lake area.
We have had very little information about the snowpack in this region for several days now. However, I suspect the warmer temperatures and generally light winds have consolidated the snowpack in many areas. Anticipate extensive crusts on solar aspects and moist snow at lower elevations. On shady aspects, I suspect you can still find pockets of dry snow, which may sit over previous old wind slabs. Wet slabs become a possibility during periods of prolonged warming, especially if there is minimal amounts of overnight freeze.
60 cm of recent storm snow is reported to be generally settling well with recent warm temperatures and generally light winds. However, operators are still reporting moderate, "resistant" shears within the recent storm snow. Additionally, a crust that formed near the end of March is a concern, particularly on steep, solar aspects. With prolonged warming, there is the possibility for wet slabs to release on this layer, or potentially on deeper layers (including the ground), as melt water starts to percolate through the snowpack. Cornices are large in some areas and drooping with recent warm temperatures.
Up to 80cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline. This layer still reacts to snowpack testing producing sudden, "pop" results. Recent reports of remotely triggered avalanches are noteworthy and suggest the problem will not heal quickly. Wind slabs are reported to be isolated to the immediate lee of exposed features at high elevations. Spring-like, moist snow exists on all south facing slopes as well as many north facing areas. There is limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-February buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are very large. With warmer temperatures, and longer periods of direct solar radiation, these may become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release these deep layers on slopes below. Cornices are large and sagging due to recent warm temperatures.
A melt-freeze crust exists on solar aspects and at low elevations. In some areas, limited overnight cooling has kept surface snow from re-freezing, leaving it loose and cohesionless. Surface hoar exists on shady slopes up into the alpine. Dry settling or faceting snow can be found on high north aspects. Pockets of wind slab formed with recent easterly outflow winds. Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features.
Up to 80cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline. This layer still reacts to snowpack testing producing sudden, "pop" results. Recent reports of remotely triggered avalanches are noteworthy and suggest the problem will not heal quickly. Wind slabs are reported to be isolated to the immediate lee of exposed features at high elevations. Spring-like, moist snow exists on all south facing slopes as well as many north facing areas. There is limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-February buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are very large. With warmer temperatures, and longer periods of direct solar radiation, these may become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release these deep layers on slopes below. Cornices are large and sagging due to recent warm temperatures.
Spring like weather, and conditions have promoted settlement and bonding of last week's storm snow over the April 4th melt/freeze crust, producing little avalanche activity. Below this a cohesive slab 60-120 cm (depending on the drainage) sits on the March 27th interface. Our field team was out in the region Saturday; they were able to find the March 27th interface down around 90cm but test profiles did not produce any results on this layer.  Large cornices loom over many lee slopes.  Glide cracks are a concern, be sure to give them a wide berth as they are very sensitive and could fail at any moment.
Mild temperatures and intermittent solar radiation have really settled out last weeks 25-40 cm of storm snow. The recent storms have added up to about 125 cm of snow which rests on the March 27th interface.  This interface consists of a sun crust on southerly aspects and a temperature crust on more northerly slopes.  A thin layer of facets and or surface hoar can be found on this crust on all aspects.  This will be a layer to watch over the next couple of days with rising freezing levels, little re-freeze. Cornices are reported to be very large and exist on most ridge lines.  The mid-pack is well settled and strong. There is a weak layer of facets or depth hoar in shallower snowpack areas that will likely fail once the region starts seeing warm days without overnight refreeze.  There is also a weak layer of facets or depth hoar above a crust at higher elevations where there was already snow in October.
Spring like weather, and conditions have promoted settlement and bonding of last week's storm snow over the April 4th melt/freeze crust, producing little avalanche activity. Below this a cohesive slab 60-120 cm (depending on the drainage) sits on the March 27th interface. Our field team was out in the region Saturday; they were able to find the March 27th interface down around 90cm but test profiles did not produce any results on this layer.  Large cornices loom over many lee slopes, they will likely become weak and fail under the warming temperatures and solar radiation. Cornice failures could be a significant enough to trigger on slopes below, initiating large avalanches. Glide cracks are a concern, be sure to give them a wide berth as they are very sensitive and could fail at any moment.
Mild temperatures and spring-like conditions continue to drive rapid settlement of last week's storm snow.  A sun crust exists on solar aspects, while Northerly slopes host dry, wintery conditions down to 1400 m. Below the surface, the upper pack seems to be settling quickly. This includes an average of 100 cm overlying the March 26th interface .The March 26 interface consists of a melt/freeze crust on all aspects except true north treeline and alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. The bond at this interface is gaining strength, with lingering concerns on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. The snow at lower elevations has become moist and heavy during the warm sunny days, then re-freezing at night creating true spring like conditions. The persistent early February surface hoar lingers deep in the snowpack and may once again become a player mid-week when the region goes several days without a good overnight refreeze or recovery.  Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
Crusts exist on all aspects at all elevations, except for true north aspects which have crusts below 2400m, and dry snow above. The snowpack is settling rapidly with the very warm temperatures. The deeply buried weak layers of surface hoar and basal facets are responsible for numerous large, destructive avalanches over the past few days. Cornices are large.
Spring like weather, and conditions continue. Surface snow is moist on all aspects below 1700 m, and the upper 10 cm is moist on solar aspects up to ridgetop. Higher true North aspects at upper elevations still host dry, wintery snow.  Large cornices loom over many lee slopes; they will likely become weak and fail under the warming temperatures and solar radiation. Cornice failures could be a significant enough to trigger on slopes below, initiating large avalanches. A layer to watch is buried up to 100 cm below the surface (depending on the drainage). This is the March 27th interface, which consists of melt-freeze crust. With the continued warm up, and solar influence the bond to this interface may weaken, and wet slabs may fail on this layer. Our field team was out in the region last Saturday; they were able to find the March 27th interface down around 90cm but test profiles did not produce any results on this layer.  Glide cracks are also a concern, be sure to give them a wide berth as they are very sensitive and could fail at any moment. The total settled snowpack depth is around 4 m @ 1600 m.
Spring like weather, and conditions have promoted settlement and bonding within the upper snowpack. Below this a cohesive slab 60-120 cm (depending on the drainage) sits on the March 27th interface. Our field team was out in the region on Tuesday; they were able to find the March 27th interface down around 95cm but test profiles did not produce any results on this layer. At 1900 m on a NE aspect the upper 10cm surface snow has become moist, below this the snow is still dry. All other aspects the snow has become moist. Without significant re-freeze the snowpack may continue to deteriorate through Thursday. Natural avalanches are expected. Large cornices loom over many lee slopes, and could trigger slopes below. Glide cracks are a concern, be sure to give them a wide berth as they are very sensitive and could fail at any moment.
Mild temperatures and solar radiation have settled out much of the upper snowpack. Spring-like conditions prevail, with surface crusts on solar aspects and melt- freeze conditions on all aspects below 1700 m. Over the next day the region will see less of a re-freeze, and higher freezing levels promoting moist snow throughout. Up to 120 cm sits on the March 27th interface. This interface consists of a sun crust on southerly aspects and a temperature crust on more northerly slopes.  A thin layer of facets and or surface hoar can be found on this crust on all aspects. Be aware of avalanches running on this layer over the next few days. There is also a weak layer of facets or depth hoar in shallower snowpack areas that is suspect once the region starts seeing warm days without overnight refreeze. Cornices are reported to be very large and exist on most ridge lines.  These will become weak under the direct solar influence and warming. I would stay very clear of cornices from above and below. The mid-pack is well settled and strong.
Mild temperatures and spring-like conditions continue.  A sun crust exists on solar aspects, while Northerly slopes host dry, wintery conditions down to 1400 m. Below the surface, the upper pack seems to be settling quickly with up to 100 cm of snow overlying the March 26th interface. This interface consists of a melt/freeze crust on all aspects except true north in the alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places.  This interface is a concern on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. The snow at lower elevations has become moist and heavy during the warm sunny days. The persistent early February surface hoar lingers deep in the snowpack and may re-awaken with forecast skyrocketing freezing levels and mod-heavy precipitation on Thursday. Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists. Snowpack depths are over 600 cm near treeline. The main concerns are loose wet surface snow conditions during periods of warm weather and glide cracks on steep rock slabs.
A melt-freeze crust exists on solar aspects and at low elevations. In some areas, limited overnight cooling has kept surface snow from re-freezing, leaving it loose and cohesionless. Areas of wind slab formed with recent southerly or easterly winds.  Dry settling or faceting snow can be found on high north aspects, now buried underneath these wind slabs. A predominately crusty weak interface from late March, now down 50-150cm, has become less likely to trigger, but remains a lingering concern.
Very large cornices are looming. Glide cracks have opened up, especially on steep rock slabs. The snow surface has gone through a few days of melt-freeze, creating either a crust or loose, cohesionless snow, depending on the temperature. A buried crust/surface hoar layer from late March, down 60-120 cm, is reported to have gained strength in the Duffey Lake area.
Cornices and icefall are an increased concern now that spring is upon us. A melt-freeze crust exists on solar aspects and at low elevations. In some areas, limited overnight cooling has kept surface snow from re-freezing, leaving it loose and cohesionless. Forecast rainfall at low elevations may have a similar effect. Surface hoar has been reported on shady slopes up into the alpine. Dry settling or faceting snow can be found on high north aspects. Pockets of wind slab formed with recent easterly outflow winds. Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features.
Up to 80cm of snow overlies a weak layer of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline. This layer still reacts to snowpack testing producing sudden, "pop" results. Recent reports of remotely triggered avalanches are noteworthy and suggest the problem will not heal quickly. Wind slabs are reported to be isolated to the immediate lee of exposed features at high elevations. Spring-like, moist snow exists on all south facing slopes as well as many north facing areas with limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-February buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are very large. With warmer temperatures, and longer periods of direct solar radiation, these may become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release these deep layers on slopes below. Cornices are large and sagging due to recent warm temperatures.
Up to 80cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline. This layer still reacts to snowpack testing producing sudden, "pop" results. Recent reports of remotely triggered avalanches are noteworthy and suggest the problem will not heal quickly. Wind slabs are reported to be isolated to the immediate lee of exposed features at high elevations. Spring-like, moist snow exists on all south facing slopes as well as many north facing areas. There is limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-February buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm. Avalanches releasing on this layer are a low probability-high consequence situation. Cornices in the region are very large. With warmer temperatures, and longer periods of direct solar radiation, these may become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release these deep layers on slopes below. Cornices are large and sagging due to recent warm temperatures.
Melt-freeze conditions exist to about 2100m on all aspects and to ridge top on solar aspects. On shaded aspects higher up, 60 cm of recent storm snow is reported to be generally settling well with recent warm temperatures and generally light winds. However, operators are still reporting moderate, "resistant" shears within the recent storm snow. Additionally, a crust that formed near the end of March is a concern, particularly on steep, solar aspects. With prolonged warming, there is the possibility for wet slabs to release on this layer, or potentially on deeper layers (including the ground), as melt water starts to percolate through the snowpack. Cornices are large in some areas and drooping with recent warm temperatures.
We have had very little information about the snowpack in this region for several days now. However, I suspect the warmer temperatures and generally light winds have consolidated the snowpack in many areas. Anticipate extensive crusts on solar aspects and moist snow at lower elevations. On shady aspects, I suspect you can still find pockets of dry snow, which may sit over previous old wind slabs. Wet slabs become a possibility during periods of prolonged warming, especially if there is minimal amounts of overnight freeze. Expect cornices to be large and potentially unstable, especially under sunny skies
Moist snow observed until 1200m, well settled powder snow in the alpine, which is supported by a strong mid and lower snowpack.
Melt freeze crust on all aspects but true north up to 3500m.  This crust was breaking down between 10-11am each day.  On North aspects above 2400m dry powder snow can still be found.  No sheers noted in the upper snowpack.
A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists. The main concerns are loose wet surface snow conditions during periods of warm weather and glide cracks on steep rock slabs.
A melt-freeze crust exists on solar aspects and at low elevations. In some areas, limited overnight cooling has kept surface snow from re-freezing, leaving it loose and cohesionless. Areas of wind slab formed with recent southerly or easterly winds.  Pockets of snow can be found on high north aspects, now buried underneath wind slabs in some areas. A predominately crusty weak interface from late March, now down 50-190 cm, has become less likely to trigger, but remains a lingering concern.
Very large cornices are looming. Glide cracks have opened up, especially on steep rock slabs. The snow surface has gone through a few days of melt-freeze, creating either a crust or loose, cohesionless snow, depending on the temperature. A buried crust/surface hoar layer from late March, down 60-120 cm, is reported to have gained strength in the Duffey Lake area.
Cornices and icefall are an increased concern now that spring is upon us. A melt-freeze crust exists on solar aspects and at low elevations. In some areas, limited overnight cooling has kept surface snow from re-freezing, leaving it loose and cohesionless. Forecast rainfall at low elevations may keep the snow surface weak. Pockets of dry snow and surface hoar may still be found on high north aspects. Areas of wind slab formed with recent easterly outflow winds. Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features.
We have had very little information about the snowpack in this region for several days now. However, I suspect the warmer temperatures and generally light winds have consolidated the snowpack in many areas. Anticipate extensive crusts on solar aspects and moist snow at lower elevations. On shady aspects, I suspect you can still find pockets of dry snow, which may sit over previous old wind slabs. Wet slabs become a possibility during periods of prolonged warming, especially if there is minimal amounts of overnight freeze. Expect cornices to be large and potentially unstable, especially under sunny skies.
Mild temperatures have settled out much of the upper snowpack. Spring-like conditions prevail; with surface crusts on solar aspects and melt conditions (no overnight re-freeze) on all aspects below 1700 m. Cornices are large and exist on most ridgelines. I don't expect this to be an immediate problem until it heats back up again, possibly Saturday.  Up to 100 cm sits on the March 27th interface. This interface consists of a buried sun crust on southerly aspects and a temperature crust on more northerly slopes.  A thin layer of facets and or surface hoar can be found on this crust on all aspects.  The bond on this interface seems to be improving. The mid-pack is well settled and strong. At the base of the snowpack sits a weak layer of facets and depth hoar. I'd be suspect of steeper unsupported slopes where the snowpack goes from thin to thick.
Up to 80cm of snow overlies a layer of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline.  Recent naturally triggered avalanches are noteworthy and suggest the problem still exists. Wind slabs are reported to be isolated to the immediate lee of exposed features at high elevations. Melt-freeze conditions exist on all sun-exposed slopes as well as many north facing areas with limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-February buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm.; however, avalanches releasing on this layer represent a low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With warmer temperatures and longer periods of direct solar radiation, these are likely to become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release these deep layers on slopes below.
Surface snow is moist on all aspects below 1700 m and up to ridgetop on  solar aspects. Higher true North aspects at upper elevations still host dry, wintery snow. Large cornices loom over many lee slopes. Cornice failures could be a significant enough to trigger on slopes below, initiating large avalanches. A layer to watch is buried up to 100 cm below the surface (depending on the drainage). This is the March 27th interface, which consists of melt-freeze crust. With forecast precipitation the bond to this interface may weaken, and avalanches may fail on this layer. Our field team was out in the region last Saturday; they were able to find the March 27th interface down around 90cm but test profiles did not produce any results on this layer.  Glide cracks are also a concern; especially with additional rain below 1500 m. These require respect, and a wide berth as they are very sensitive and could fail at any moment. The total settled snowpack depth is around 4 m @ 1600 m.
Up to 80cm of snow overlies a layer of facetted crystals that is sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline.  Recent reports of naturally triggered avalanches are noteworthy and suggest the problem still exists. Wind slabs are reported to be isolated to the immediate lee of exposed features at high elevations. Melt-freeze conditions exist on all solar aspects as well as many north facing areas. There is limited crust recovery developing at night. There is still concern for the mid-February buried surface hoar layer that is down about 140-220 cm. A very large trigger would most likely be required to initiate a slide and avalanches releasing on this layer represent a low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With warmer temperatures and longer periods of direct solar radiation, they may become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release these deep layers on slopes below.
Spring like warm weather has promoted settlement and bonding within the snowpack. Melt-freeze conditions are existing with moist snow below 1700 m on all aspects, and to ridgetop on solar aspects. Below the surface, down 60-120 cm sits on the March 27th interface. Our field team was out in the region last Saturday; they were able to find the March 27th interface down around 90cm but test profiles did not produce any results on this layer.  They were also out on Tuesday, found the layer again which seems to be more prominent on southerly aspects where the crust is thicker. The upper snowpack seems to be bonding to this interface and may soon become dormant. Glide cracks are a concern with the forecast rain below 1500 m. Be sure to give them a wide berth as they are very sensitive and could fail at any moment.
Melt-freeze conditions exist to about 2100m on all aspects and to ridge top on solar aspects. On shaded aspects higher up, 60 cm of recent storm snow is reported to be generally settling well with recent warm temperatures and generally light winds. However, shears may still exist within the storm snow. Additionally, a crust that formed near the end of March is a concern, particularly on steep, solar aspects. With prolonged warming, there is the possibility for wet slabs to release on this layer, or potentially on deeper layers (including the ground), as melt water starts to percolate through the snowpack. Cornices are large in some areas and drooping with recent warm temperatures.
Spring-like weather has transformed the snowpack significantly in the last 5 days. Melt-freeze conditions have existed, promoting crusts on solar aspects at all elevations. Melt-freeze crusts also exist on all aspects up to 1500 m. Below treeline elevations have seen more of the melt than the freeze, and the upper snowpack has become quite moist. Northerly aspects at upper elevations still host dry, wintery snow.  Below the surface, the upper pack seems to be settling quickly with up to 100 cm of snow overlying the March 26th interface. This interface consists of a melt/freeze crust on all aspects except true north in the alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. This interface is a concern on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. The persistent early February surface hoar lingers deep in the snowpack and may re-awaken with forecast skyrocketing freezing levels and mod-heavy precipitation on Thursday. Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
Observations taken from Powder Valley (transitional snowpack region)  Moist surface snow observed on all aspects to ridge-top.  At 1100m on South Aspect, Moist snow was observed to ground, HS was 140cms.  Profile on a North Aspect (1650m) revealed 20cms of moist snow sits on top of a 1F-P+ slab overtop of two SH layers down 55 and 65cms (Feb 21 SH).  CTH 26 (SP) down 65cms on SH, preserved to size 5-6mm.
Snowpack becoming isothermal at lower elevations due to rain.  Minimal freeze overnight.
A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists, with a depth of around five and a half metres at treeline. The main concerns are loose wet surface snow conditions during periods of warm weather and glide cracks on steep rock slabs.
A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists. A crust layer from late March, buried within the upper 2 m of the snowpack, remains a concern. Recent warm weather has led to moist snow on all aspects to about 2200 m, which is expected to have formed a crust, now covered by a small amount of new snow.  On north aspects above about 2400 m, dry snow may still be found. Large cornices threaten slopes and glide slab releases are a possibility, especially in steep rocky terrain.
Rain fell to 2000 m on Wednesday. Ongoing warm temperatures and the rain have caused the surface snowpack layers to become isothermal (at 0 °C), even on north aspects, to about 2100 m. This is expected to have formed a crust in some areas, now covered by a small amount of new snow.   Very large cornices are looming. Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of large, full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features at low elevations. Otherwise, a relatively strong and deep spring snowpack exists, which becomes weak during periods of warm weather or rainfall. A buried crust/surface hoar layer from late March, within the upper 1.5 m of the snowpack, is reported to have gained strength in the Duffey Lake area, but remains a lingering concern.
Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of large, full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features at low elevations. Otherwise, a relatively strong and deep spring snowpack exists, which becomes weak during periods of warm weather or rainfall. Recently, a lack of overnight freezing below about 1500m has left the snowpack weak. Large cornices and ice cliffs pose a threat from above. Pockets of dry snow and surface hoar may still be found on high north aspects. Areas of wind slab may exist near ridge crests.
Mild temperatures have settled out much of the upper snowpack. Spring-like conditions prevail; with surface crusts on solar aspects and melt conditions (no overnight re-freeze) on all aspects below 1700 m. New wind slabs may build with forecast snow and wind at upper elevations. Cornices are large and exist on most ridgelines. I don't expect this to be an immediate problem until it heats back up again, possibly Sunday. Up to 100 cm sits on the March 27th interface. This interface consists of a buried sun crust on southerly aspects and a temperature crust on more northerly slopes.  A thin layer of facets and or surface hoar can be found on this crust on all aspects.  The bond on this interface seems to be improving. The mid-pack is well settled and strong. At the base of the snowpack sits a weak layer of facets and depth hoar. I'd be suspect of steeper unsupported slopes where the snowpack goes from thin to thick.
On Thursday, up to 10 cm of new snow fell at upper elevations. With forecast snow and wind, wind slabs are likely building at higher elevations behind ridgecrests and terrain features. Lower elevations continue to see rain, and loose wet avalanches are likely. This recent spring- like warm weather has promoted settlement within the snowpack. Melt-freeze conditions exist, and snow is moist below 1700 m on all aspects. On solar aspects the snow has become moist to ridgetop and new snow may have a poor bond to the crust. Below the surface, down 60-100 cm sits on the March 27th interface which seems to be more predominant on southerly aspects. The bond on this interface seems to be improving, as field tests have shown no significant results. On Tuesday our field team went back to the Flathead to gather some observations. They found the mid Feb surface hoar layer down 280 cm, test results showed a Deep Tap Test of 21 with a sudden collapse characteristic. This layer currently sits dormant, but may wake up later this spring under a prolonged heat up.  Glide cracks are a concern with the forecast rain below 1500 m. Be sure to give them a wide berth as they are very sensitive and could fail at any moment.
Surface snow is moist on all aspects below 1700 m and up to ridgetop on solar aspects. Higher true North aspects at upper elevations still host dry, wintery snow. Large cornices loom over many lee slopes. Cornice failures could be a significant enough to trigger slopes below. Buried below 80-100 cm is the March 27th interface, which consists of small surface hoar crystals overlying a crust. This seems to be more predominant on Southerly aspects where the crust is at its thickest. The bond on this interface seems to be getting stronger. Field tests on this layer have shown no recent significant results. Glide cracks are also a concern; especially with additional rain below 1500 m. These require respect and a wide berth as they are very sensitive and could fail at any moment. The total settled snowpack depth is around 4 m @ 1600 m.
Spring-like weather has transformed the snowpack significantly in the last 5 days. Melt-freeze conditions have existed, promoting crusts on solar aspects at all elevations. Melt-freeze crusts also exist on all aspects up to 1500 m. Below treeline elevations have seen more of the melt than the freeze, and the upper snowpack has become quite moist. Northerly aspects at upper elevations still host dry, wintery snow.  With forecast snow, small wind slabs may be building at higher elevations. These may be found hiding behind terrain features, or in the immediate lee of ridgecrests. Below the surface, the upper pack seems to be settling quickly with up to 100 cm of snow overlying the March 26th interface. This interface consists of a melt/freeze crust on all aspects except true north in the alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. This interface is a concern on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. The mid February surface hoar layer is buried deep in the pack; this is a low probability high consequence scenario and may take a significant event to be triggered from a specific location. Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
We have had very little information about the snowpack in this region for several days now. However, I suspect the light snowfall with light winds at higher elevations has created a fairly consistent covering over a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include well settled powder on steep north-facing slopes, and temperature-affected snow on solar aspects up high and on all aspects at lower elevations. I suspect below the snow line, rain is penetrating and weakening already wet snow. As we head deeper into spring, expect potentially potent, yet relatively short-lived, instabilities with each storm. Wet slabs and wet loose snow avalanches also remain a real possibility during periods of warming or direct solar radiation, especially if there is minimal amounts of overnight freeze. Expect cornices to be large and potentially unstable, especially under sunny skies.
Very warm temperatures have dominated the region in recent days and all but the highest, north-facing slopes saw moist to wet surface conditions. As of Thursday morning, slightly cooler temperatures have allowed light amounts of new snow to fall above about 2000m while rain continued to penetrate and weaken the snowpack at lower elevations. Up to 60cm below the surface, you might find a weak crust interface in the alpine and at treeline; however, I suspect that forecast cooling may assist in strengthening this weak layer in most areas. The mid-February buried surface hoar layer is down about 200 cm, although avalanches releasing on this layer represent a very low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With spring temperatures, these are more likely to become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release deep layers on slopes below.
Very warm temperatures have dominated the region in recent days and all but the highest, north-facing slopes saw moist to wet surface conditions. As of Thursday morning, slightly cooler temperatures have allowed light amounts of new snow to fall above about 2000m while rain continued to penetrate and weaken the snowpack at lower elevations. Up to 80cm below the surface, you might find remnants of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline; however, I suspect that forecast cooling may assist in strengthening this weak layer in most areas. The mid-February buried surface hoar layer is down about 140-220 cm, although avalanches releasing on this layer represent a very low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With spring temperatures, these are more likely to become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release deep layers on slopes below.
Very warm temperatures have dominated the region in recent days and all but the highest, north-facing slopes saw moist to wet surface conditions. As of Thursday morning, slightly cooler temperatures have allowed light amounts of new snow to fall above about 2000m while rain continued to penetrate and weaken the snowpack at lower elevations. Up to 80cm below the surface, you might find remnants of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline; however, I suspect that forecast cooling may assist in strengthening this weak layer in most areas. The mid-February buried surface hoar layer is down about 140-220 cm, although avalanches releasing on this layer represent a very low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With spring temperatures, these are more likely to become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release deep layers on slopes below.
A lot of terrain observed today.  North aspects have 20-30cm moist snow on the surface and below that a pencil hard slab. This lies over top two degrading surface hoar layers 50cm and 65cm deep.  The more shallow SH layer was moderately reactive to compression test (13, SP) and unreactive to ECT. South aspects nearing isothermic conditions down at least 100cm and nearing Dec 5th crust.
An isothermal snow pack can now be found at lower elevations.  New snow that fell over the past 24hrs was rapidly settling into a soft slab due to the mild temperatures.
Rain fell to 2000 m on Wednesday. Ongoing warm temperatures and the rain have caused the surface snowpack layers to become isothermal (at 0 °C), even on north aspects, to about 2100 m. This is expected to have formed a crust in most areas, now covered by a small amount of new snow. Very large cornices are looming. Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of large, full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features at low elevations. Otherwise, a relatively strong and deep spring snowpack exists, which becomes weak during periods of warm weather or rainfall. A buried crust/surface hoar layer from late March, within the upper 1.5 m of the snowpack, is reported to have gained strength in the Duffey Lake area, but remains a lingering concern.
Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of large, full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features at low elevations. Otherwise, a relatively strong and deep spring snowpack exists, which becomes weak during periods of warm weather or rainfall. Recently, a lack of overnight freezing below about 1500m has left the snowpack weak. Large cornices and ice cliffs pose a threat from above. Pockets of dry snow and surface hoar may still be found on high north aspects. Areas of wind slab may exist near ridge crests.
A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists, with a depth of around five and a half metres at treeline. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations). Glide cracks have opened up in many areas, posing the threat of full-depth releases. Be cautious to avoid travelling below slopes which have glide cracks. These can be hard to spot from below.
A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations). A crust layer from late March, buried within the upper 2 m of the snowpack, remains a lingering concern. A melt-freeze crust can be found on all aspects below about 2200 m.  On high north aspects, dry snow may still be found. Conditions may be quite icy in the morning, so travel with care.  Large cornices threaten slopes and glide slab releases are a possibility, especially in steep rocky terrain.
Some areas in the north and west are reporting that there was no freeze again on Thursday night. In the south of the area it was reported that there was a freeze above 1700 metres. We are getting into a classic spring melt-freeze scenario. When the temperatures rise in the afternoon and when we have periods of rain showers the snowpack will weaken and moist to wet point releases may be initiated. There is a crust that was buried around the 27th of March that has some preserved facets above it that is now down about 100 cm. This crust may propagate wide avalanches if large triggers like moist and wet avalanches get bit moving. This crust is mostly an issue on south aspects. Deeply buried facets from early in the season may continue to be triggered on northerly aspects during periods of extended warming.
Surface snow is moist on all aspects below 1700 m and up to ridgetop on solar aspects. Higher true North aspects at upper elevations still host dry, wintery snow. Large cornices loom over many lee slopes. Cornice failures could be significant enough to trigger slopes below. Buried below 80-100 cm is the March 27th interface, which consists of small surface hoar crystals overlying a crust. This seems to be more predominant on Southerly aspects where the crust is at its thickest. The bond on this interface seems to be getting stronger. Field tests on this layer have shown no recent significant results. Glide cracks are also a concern; especially with additional rain below 1500 m. The total settled snowpack depth is around 4 m @ 1600 m.
Spring-like weather has transformed the snowpack significantly in the last 5 days. Melt-freeze conditions have existed, promoting crusts on solar aspects at all elevations. Melt-freeze crusts also exist on all aspects up to 1500 m. Below treeline elevations have seen more of the melt than the freeze, and the upper snowpack has become quite moist. Northerly aspects at upper elevations still host dry, wintery snow.  With forecast snow, small wind slabs may be building at higher elevations. These may be found hiding behind terrain features, or in the immediate lee of ridgecrests. Below the surface, the upper pack seems to be settling quickly with up to 100 cm of snow overlying the March 26th interface. This interface consists of a melt/freeze crust on all aspects except true north in the alpine, where small surface hoar (5mm) is present in sheltered places. This interface is a concern on true south aspects where the crust is thickest and where the surface hoar lurks. The mid February surface hoar layer is buried deep in the pack; this is a low probability high consequence scenario and may take a significant event to be triggered from a specific location. Concern remains with heavy triggers (cornice), step down avalanches and rapid loading from intense precipitation, strong winds or sun.
Very warm temperatures dominated the region throughout the week and all but the highest, north-facing slopes saw moist to wet surface conditions. As of Thursday morning, slightly cooler temperatures have allowed light amounts of new snow to fall above about 2000m while rain continued to penetrate and weaken the snowpack at lower elevations. Up to 80cm below the surface, you might find remnants of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline. The mid-February buried surface hoar layer is down about 140-220 cm, although avalanches releasing on this layer represent a very low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With spring temperatures, these are more likely to become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release deep layers on slopes below.
Very warm temperatures dominated the region throughout the week and all but the highest, north-facing slopes saw moist to wet surface conditions. As of Thursday morning, slightly cooler temperatures have allowed light amounts of new snow to fall above about 2000m while rain continued to penetrate and weaken the snowpack at lower elevations. Up to 80cm below the surface, you might find remnants of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline. The mid-February buried surface hoar layer is down about 140-220 cm, although avalanches releasing on this layer represent a very low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With spring temperatures, these are more likely to become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release deep layers on slopes below.
Very warm temperatures have dominated the region in recent days and all but the highest, north-facing slopes saw moist to wet surface conditions. As of Thursday morning, slightly cooler temperatures have allowed light amounts of new snow to fall above about 2000m while rain continued to penetrate and weaken the snowpack at lower elevations. Up to 60cm below the surface, you might find a weak crust interface in the alpine and at treeline. The mid-February buried surface hoar layer is down about 200 cm, although avalanches releasing on this layer represent a very low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With spring temperatures, these are more likely to become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release deep layers on slopes below.
Challenging travel conditions below 1300m with full depth ski penetration in isothermal snowpack at times.  Snow pit on south aspect at 1300m revealed isothermal snowpack to ground (160HS).  Cornices observed with no visible failures
On Thursday, up to 10 cm of new snow fell at upper elevations. This recent spring- like warm weather has promoted settlement within the snowpack. Melt-freeze conditions exist, and snow is moist below 1700 m on all aspects. On solar aspects the snow has become moist to ridgetop and new snow may have a poor bond to the crust. Below the surface, down 60-100 cm sits on the March 27th interface which seems to be more predominant on southerly aspects. The bond on this interface seems to be improving, as field tests have shown no significant results. On Tuesday our field team went back to the Flathead to gather some observations. They found the mid Feb surface hoar layer down 280 cm, test results showed a Deep Tap Test of 21 with a sudden collapse characteristic. This layer currently sits dormant, but may wake up later this spring under a prolonged heat up.
We have had very little information about the snowpack in this region for several days now. However, I suspect the light snowfall with light winds at higher elevations have created a fairly consistent covering over a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include well settled powder on steep north-facing slopes, and temperature-affected snow on solar aspects up high and on all aspects at lower elevations. I suspect below the snow line, light rain has been rain is penetrating and weakening already wet snow. As we head deeper into spring, expect potentially potent, yet relatively short-lived, instabilities with each storm. Wet slabs and wet loose snow avalanches also remain a real possibility during periods of warming or direct solar radiation, especially if there is minimal amounts of overnight freeze. Expect cornices to be large and potentially unstable, especially under sunny skies.
Up to 30cm of recent HST at higher elevations continues to be redistributed by the variable winds.  This new snow is rapidly forming storm slabs as conditions are ideal for slab development due to warm temps and L-M winds.  Snowpack at lower elevations is approaching isothermal.
A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists, with a depth of around five and a half metres at treeline. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations). Glide cracks have opened up in many areas, posing the threat of full-depth releases. Be cautious to avoid travelling below slopes which have glide cracks. These can be hard to spot from below.
As we transition into spring the surface layers of the snowpack have a great deal of influence on the snowpack. When there is a solid re-frozen surface crust, travel is fast and easy, and the snowpack is held together by the surface cap. Any deeper persistent weak layers are unlikely to fail until the surface cap breaks down from daytime heating. When there is no crust, any deeper weak layers may fail depending on the amount of heat and the triggering force that is applied.
As we transition into spring the surface layers of the snowpack have a great deal of influence on the snowpack. When there is a solid re-frozen surface crust, travel is fast and easy, and the snowpack is held together by the surface cap. Any deeper persistent weak layers are unlikely to fail until the surface cap breaks down from daytime heating. When there is no crust, any deeper weak layers may fail depending on the amount of heat and the triggering force that is applied.
Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of large, full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features at low elevations. Recently, a lack of overnight freezing at low elevations has left the snowpack weak and isothermal. Once a good freeze occurs, stability should improve dramatically. Large cornices and ice cliffs pose a threat from above. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations). We have limited observations from alpine elevations, but it's always possible that storm slabs or wind slabs will develop as storms come and go.
As we transition into spring the surface layers of the snowpack have a great deal of influence on the snowpack. When there is a solid re-frozen surface crust, travel is fast and easy, and the snowpack is held together by the surface cap. Any deeper persistent weak layers are unlikely to fail until the surface cap breaks down from daytime heating. When there is no crust, any deeper weak layers may fail depending on the amount of heat and the triggering force that is applied.
As we transition into spring the surface layers of the snowpack have a great deal of influence on the snowpack. When there is a solid re-frozen surface crust, travel is fast and easy, and the snowpack is held together by the surface cap. Any deeper persistent weak layers are unlikely to fail until the surface cap breaks down from daytime heating. When there is no crust, any deeper weak layers may fail depending on the amount of heat and the triggering force that is applied.
A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations) and improve when the surface freezes. Conditions may be quite icy in the morning. A crust layer from late March, buried within the upper 2 m of the snowpack, remains a lingering concern. Large cornices threaten slopes and glide slab releases are a possibility, especially in steep rocky terrain.
Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of large, full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features at low elevations. Recently, a lack of overnight freezing at low elevations left the snowpack weak. Once a few good freezes occur, stability should improve dramatically. Large cornices pose a threat from above. A buried crust/surface hoar layer from late March, within the upper 1.5 m of the snowpack, is reported to have gained strength in the Duffey Lake area, but may remain a lingering concern. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations).
We have had very little information about the snowpack in this region for several days now. However, I suspect the light snowfall with light winds at higher elevations have created a fairly consistent covering over a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include well settled powder on steep north-facing slopes, and temperature-affected snow on solar aspects up high and on all aspects at lower elevations. Below the snow line I suspect light rain has been penetrating and weakening already wet snow. As we head deeper into spring, expect potentially potent, yet relatively short-lived, instabilities with each storm. Melt-freeze cycles are the most likely conditions you'll encounter. If temperatures go below freezing, moist or wet snow surfaces may develop crusts that will strengthen the snowpack. During periods of warming, rain or direct solar radiation, crusts will break down and pushy and destructive wet slabs and wet loose snow avalanches will become a real possibility. In short, warming is the most likely condition that will create an increased avalanche danger at this time of year, especially if there is a minimal amount of overnight freeze. Expect cornices to be large and potentially unstable, especially under sunny skies.
Very warm temperatures dominated the region throughout the week and all but the highest, north-facing slopes saw moist to wet surface conditions. Since Thursday morning, slightly cooler temperatures have allowed light amounts of new snow to fall above about 2000m while rain continued to penetrate and weaken the snowpack at lower elevations. Up to 80cm below the surface, you might find remnants of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline. The mid-February buried surface hoar layer is down about 140-220 cm, although avalanches releasing on this layer represent a very low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With spring temperatures, these are more likely to become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release deep layers on slopes below.
Very warm temperatures dominated the region earlier in the week and all but the highest, north-facing slopes saw moist to wet surface conditions. Since Thursday morning, slightly cooler temperatures have allowed light amounts of new snow to fall above about 2000m while rain continued to penetrate and weaken the snowpack at lower elevations. Up to 80cm below the surface, you might find remnants of facetted crystals sitting on a crust in the alpine and at treeline. The mid-February buried surface hoar layer is down about 140-220 cm, although avalanches releasing on this layer represent a very low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With spring temperatures, these are more likely to become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release deep layers on slopes below.
Very warm temperatures have dominated the region in recent days and all but the highest, north-facing slopes saw moist to wet surface conditions. Since Thursday morning, slightly cooler temperatures have allowed light amounts of new snow to fall above about 2000m while rain continued to penetrate and weaken the snowpack at lower elevations. Up to 60cm below the surface, you might find a weak crust interface in the alpine and at treeline. The mid-February buried surface hoar layer is down about 200 cm, although avalanches releasing on this layer represent a very low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With spring temperatures, these are more likely to become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release deep layers on slopes below.
Up to 30cm recent HST at treeline and above.  Isolated soft slabs in high alpine and isolated treeline features.  HST settling rapidly.  Moist snow on all aspects below 2300m.  April 11th temperature crust down 20-30cm and supportive in areas traveled.  Over 300cm of HS at 2400m in the Murray Moraines area.
A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists, with a depth of around five and a half metres at treeline. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations). Glide cracks have opened up in many areas, posing the threat of full-depth releases. Be cautious to avoid travelling below slopes which have glide cracks. These can be hard to spot from below.
As we transition into spring the surface layers have a great deal of influence on the snowpack. When there is a solid re-frozen surface crust, travel is fast and easy, and the snowpack is held together by the surface cap. Any deeper persistent weak layers are unlikely to fail until the surface cap breaks down from daytime heating. When there is no crust, any deeper weak layers may fail depending on the amount of heat and the triggering force that is applied. If it cools off and snows, new snow and windslabs may not bond well to the hard spring crusts.
As we transition into spring the surface layers have a great deal of influence on the snowpack. When there is a solid re-frozen surface crust, travel is fast and easy, and the snowpack is held together by the surface cap. Any deeper persistent weak layers are unlikely to fail until the surface cap breaks down from daytime heating. When there is no crust, any deeper weak layers may fail depending on the amount of heat and the triggering force that is applied. If it cools off and snows, new snow and windslabs may not bond well to the hard spring crusts.
As we transition into spring the surface layers have a great deal of influence on the snowpack. When there is a solid re-frozen surface crust, travel is fast and easy, and the snowpack is held together by the surface cap. Any deeper persistent weak layers are unlikely to fail until the surface cap breaks down from daytime heating. When there is no crust, any deeper weak layers may fail depending on the amount of heat and the triggering force that is applied. If it cools off and snows, new snow and windslabs may not bond well to the hard spring crusts.
A generally strong and deep spring snowpack exists. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations) and improve when the surface freezes. Conditions may be quite icy in the morning. A crust layer from late March, buried within the upper 2 m of the snowpack, remains a lingering concern, although the snowpack above it is settling and strengthening. Large cornices threaten slopes and glide slab releases are a possibility, especially in steep rocky terrain.
Very large cornices are looming. Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of large, full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features at low elevations. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations) and improve when the surface freezes. A buried crust/surface hoar layer from late March, within the upper 1.5 m of the snowpack, is reported to have gained strength, but remains a lingering concern.
Glide cracks have opened up and pose the threat of large, full-depth releases, especially on steep rocky terrain features at low elevations. Large cornices and ice cliffs pose a threat from above. At this time of year, snowpack stability tends to decrease during times of warming (e.g. on slopes receiving sunshine, during rainfall, in the afternoon and at low elevations) and improve when the surface is frozen. Lately, a lack of consistent overnight freezing has left the snowpack weak and unconsolidated, although some re-freezing has been reported in some areas.
As we transition into spring the surface layers have a great deal of influence on the snowpack. When there is a solid re-frozen surface crust, travel is fast and easy, and the snowpack is held together by the surface cap. Any deeper persistent weak layers are unlikely to fail until the surface cap breaks down from daytime heating. When there is no crust, any deeper weak layers may fail depending on the amount of heat and the triggering force that is applied. If it cools off and snows, new snow and windslabs may not bond well to the hard spring crusts.
Spring conditions exist in the region. Exposure to the sun, warm temperatures, and periods of rain are the most likely factors to influence the avalanche danger. If the temperatures go below freezing overnight, strong crusts should develop that are likely to hold the snowpack together. If the sun shines for a few hours, the crusts may break down quickly and moist surface snow avalanches may start running naturally. Continued warming from more sun, rain, or no overnight freeze, may cause surface avalanches to step down and trigger deeper wet slab avalanches. Prolonged warming may also weaken large and destructive cornices. It is important to monitor the temperature and the freezing levels as they may change rapidly from day to day.
Last week, very warm temperatures affected all but the highest north facing slopes. Since Thursday morning, mostly light to locally moderate amounts of new snow have fallen forming soft slabs on the resulting crust while rain has continued to penetrate and weaken the snowpack at lower elevations. Up to 80cm below the surface, you will find another crust in the alpine and at treeline that was reactive with warming throughout last week. The mid-February buried surface hoar layer is down about 140-220 cm, although avalanches releasing on this layer represent an extremely low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With spring temperatures, these are more likely to become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release deep layers on slopes below.
Last week, very warm temperatures affected all but the highest north facing slopes. Since Thursday morning, light to locally moderate amounts of new snow have formed soft slabs on the resulting crust at treeline and above while rain has continued to penetrate and weaken the snowpack at lower elevations. Up to 80cm below the surface, you'll find another crust that was reactive last week in the alpine and at treeline. The mid-February buried surface hoar layer is down about 140-220 cm, although avalanches releasing on this layer represent an extremely low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With spring temperatures, these are more likely to become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release deep layers on slopes below.
Last week, very warm temperatures affected all but the highest north facing slopes. Since Thursday morning, mostly light to locally moderate amounts of new snow have fallen forming soft slabs on the resulting crust while rain has continued to penetrate and weaken the snowpack at lower elevations. Up to 80cm below the surface, you will find another crust in the alpine and at treeline that may have been reactive with warming throughout last week. The mid-February buried surface hoar layer is down about 200 cm, although avalanches releasing on this layer represent an extremely low probability-high consequence scenario. Cornices in the region are very large. With spring temperatures, these are more likely to become weak and fail. They could provide a large enough trigger to release deep layers on slopes below.
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 10cm of new snow overnight with storm snow totals up to 25cm over the past 48hrs. Storm slab formation is ongoing in the Alpine and selected locations at Treeline due to strong SW winds. Shears exist with the storm snow, failing in the easy range on compression tests. The Nov rain crust, now buried an average of 100cm at Treeline continues to produce hard shear results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An additional 20-30 cm of heavy new snow has fallen in the past 24 hours. This dense new snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer, now down 35-50 cm. In addition, expect to find dense wind slabs in exposed lee terrain at and above treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deeper in the snowpack you might find a thin, spotty surface hoar layer about 85cm down. As well, the early November rain crust now sits over 100cm down in most locations (at treeline and above) and may exist in combination with facets. These layers seem to have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with additional loading producing surprisingly large and destructive avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack depth in the alpine ranges from 130-225 cm, and treeline is around 150 cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">New storm slabs continue to develop in the alpine, and may be between 30-50 cm deep. Reports show that it has been above freezing with a mix of snow and rain at treeline. The november rain crust is a layer of concern that has been reported across the region. It is important to watch the load develop above this layer, as deep releases will occur when it becomes reactive. Expect a great deal of variation as you change elevation. Most areas sound like they are below threshold up to at least 1600 metres, and then you might find close to 200 cms at the highest alpine elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm slab and wind slab instabilities exist at treeline and in alpine locations. They may be touchy to rider triggers; especially on leeward slopes and behind terrain features where pockets of wind slab easily build. At treeline depths in the southern part of the region range between 70 – 125 cm, but highly variable in the alpine with deep wind drifts and scoured slopes in exposed areas. Generally, the mid-pack is gaining strength and possibly even bridging the persistent weakness below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging down deeper is the early November facet/crust persistent layer. This crust sits near the base of the snowpack down 70-110 cm. Test results on this layer earlier this week produced moderate (drops) I have no current obs to suggest the snow above or below this interface is gaining strength, or weakening. In most areas, because this weakness is located near the ground, any associated avalanche activity will likely be limited to slopes with smooth ground cover. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A recently buried surface hoar layer is now down around 30-50 cm. We have limited information on the extent and sensitivity of this layer in this region. Watch for clues of instability like whumpfing or cracking and recent avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There may be another thin buried surface hoar layer down about 115 cm. As well, the November rain crust now exists over 125cm down in some locations and may exist in combination with facets. These layers seems to have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with additional loading.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 140cm and 170cm. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-40 cm of dense storm snow overlies a surface hoar layer, or crust in some areas. This new snow arrived with moderate southerly winds creating wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Continued loading from snow and wind for the next several days will increase the likelihood and size of avalanches on this weakness.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deeper in the snowpack you might find a thin, spotty surface hoar layer between 65 and 100 cm down. As well, the November rain crust now exists over 100cm down in most locations (at treeline and above) and may exist in combination with facets. These layers seem to have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with additional loading.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Average snow depths at treeline are approximately 140cm to 165cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An additional 20-30 cm of heavy new snow has fallen in the past 24 hours. This dense storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer, now down 40-50 cm. Recent snowpack tests give consistent easy results on this layer. Given the current weather forecast I would suspect that this layer will be primed for natural and human triggered avalanches for the next few days.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the mid snowpack, there may be a spotty and thin buried surface hoar layer between 50 and 80cm deep. At the base of the snowpack sits the early November rain crust. Located about 100cm below the surface, it seems most likely to be found in deeper snowpack areas and may have associated facets. These layers seem to have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with additional loading.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">A report from near Harvey Pass tells us that there is about 25 cms of storm snow that is &quot;damp&quot; at treeline and the ski penetration is only about 20 cms. The November crust was found to be buried down about 60 cms and was associated with a layer of facets either directly above or below. Light winds were not transporting much snow in this area. Alpine elevations may be quite different, as most of the recent precipitation has fallen as snow. We are hoping that the storm snow will bond well as temperatures cool, this may still take a day or two.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Continued pulses of light-moderate snow accumulations, and strong ridgetop winds. Storm slabs and new wind slabs will load a variety of weak surfaces. These surfaces consist of large surface hoar, a thin sun crust, surface facets. The new snow may have a poor bond to these underlying weaknesses. Below the surface, the mid-pack seems to be settled and bridging over the early Nov facet/crust. However, near the bottom of the snowpack under the crust exists large, low density </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/faceted_snow.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">faceted crystals.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/faceted_snow.htm" target="_blank" /><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack tests from earlier this week showed sudden collapse (&quot;drops&quot;) results on the early November facet/crust deep persistent weakness. Because this weakness is so close to the ground in most areas, associated avalanche activity will likely be limited to slopes with smooth ground cover (e.g. scree slopes, rock slabs, summer firn, glaciers, etc.). Be aware of triggering this layer from thin, rocky areas, this persistent weakness my be a low probability/ high consequence scenario.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline the snowpack generally sits below threshold.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm slabs and fresh wind slabs have loaded a variety of weak surfaces. These (now buried) surfaces consist of large surface hoar, a thin sun crust, and surface facets. <br />Below this, the mid-pack seems to be fairly settled, strong and bridging instabilities that may exist deeper.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Under the mid-pack (90-150 cm down) sits the early November facet/ crust persistent weakness. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden collapse (or &quot;drops&quot;) results on the early November facet/crust deep persistent weakness, but because this weakness is so close to the ground in most areas, any associated avalanche activity will likely be limited to slopes with smooth ground cover (e.g. scree slopes, rock slabs, summer firn, glaciers, etc.). Areas that are most susceptible to trigger this deep persistent weakness are shallow, thin and variable snowpack deposition spots.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">To view a recent snow pit profile from the Spearhead Range, check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.wayneflannavalancheblog.com/2012/11/yesterday-afternoon-at-1500-front-rolls.html" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Wayne Flann Avalanche Blog.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm slab is about 30-40 cms deep in the alpine, and is moist and well consolidated at treeline. The storm slab is sitting on a surface hoar layer that developed last week during the clear weather. Another surface hoar layer that developed during mid-november was reported to be active last week. There is a rain crust near the ground that we're calling the early November crust. There are some facets below it, or it may appear as a sandwich of crusts and facets, but it's been reported  as unreactive at this time. There is still a sharp transition in snow depth from treeline to below treeline making back-country travel challenging under 1300 m in elevation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A new storm slab has developed at the ridge tops where the rain turned to moist snow. Some pockets of wind slab may develop overnight due to forecast heavy precipitation and falling freezing levels. Snow amounts decrease to below threshold for avalanches below about 1200 metres.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 35cm of recent snowfall over the past 48hrs.  This snow has fallen with little to no wind affect except for at higher elevations (above 2500m).  Pockets of storm slabs  up to 30cm thick are being encountered along ridgelines and in cross-loaded features but these slabs do not appear to extend far downslope.  Easy sheers persist within the storm snow down 30-40cm.  The Nov crust is now down 100cm and hard sheers persist in a facet layer below the crust.  Lots of snow is currently available for transport and storm slabs will be quick to build with the influx of moderate winds. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is 100-110 cms at the ridge tops, and 65 cms at 1200 metres. The moist snow is cooling and bonding to the surface. Snow amounts decrease to below threshold for avalanches below 1200 metres.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm of moist storm snow has fallen in the past 3 days. This snowfall was accompanied by generally moderate southerly winds, forming wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. Below the storm snow is a layer of surface hoar or a thin crust. There are no new snowpack tests on this layer, but it is likely that this layer is primed for natural and skier triggered avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack you might find a thin, spotty surface hoar layer about 100cm down. As well, the early November rain crust now sits over 120cm down in most locations (at treeline and above) and may exist in combination with facets. These layers seem to have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with continued loading and forecast warming. There is also the potential for storm slabs to &quot;step down&quot; creating a very large and destructive avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There is significantly more snow in the alpine (150 cm) than at treeline (90 cm). A 5 cm bridging crust has been reported at 1650 metres that may extend to near the ridge tops. It sounds like a lot of paths ran naturally during the day on Saturday. There has not been any activity reported on the early November crust. The next storm that is forecast for Tuesday may bring enough of a load to activate the deeply buried weak layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Instabilities may exist within or under the recent storm snow. A surface hoar layer or thin crust may be found at the base of the storm snow, down 40-60 cm, but we have very limited information on the extent or sensitivity of this layer in this region. A second buried surface hoar layer, down about 115 cm, and the early November rain crust (facet-crust combo), over 125cm down in some locations, remain a concern for deep step-down avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 140cm and 170cm. In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm of moist storm snow has fallen in the past 3 days. This snowfall was accompanied by generally moderate southerly winds, forming wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. Below the storm snow may be layer of surface hoar or a thin crust. Observations of this weakness are limited. It would be a good idea to dig down and confirm the existence and sensitivity of this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack you might find a thin, spotty surface hoar layer about 100cm down. As well, the early November rain crust now sits over 120cm down in most locations (at treeline and above) and may exist in combination with facets. These layers seem to have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with continued loading and forecast warming.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> There is also the potential for storm slabs to &quot;step down&quot; creating a very large and destructive avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm of moist storm snow has fallen in the past 3 days. This snowfall was accompanied by generally moderate southerly winds, forming wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. Below the storm snow is a layer of surface hoar or a thin crust. Recent snowpack tests give consistent easy results on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the mid snowpack, there may be a thin buried surface hoar layer between 80 and 100cm deep. At the base of the snowpack sits the early November rain crust. This layer seems most likely to be found in deeper snowpack areas and may have associated facets. These layers have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with continued loading and forecast warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at </span><a href="mailto:forecaster@avalanche.ca" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">A report from near Harvey Pass tells us that there is about 25 cms of storm snow that is &quot;damp&quot; at treeline and the ski penetration is only about 20 cms. The November crust was found to be buried down about 60 cms and was associated with a layer of facets either directly above or below. Light winds were not transporting much snow in this area. Alpine elevations may be quite different, as most of the recent precipitation has fallen as snow. We are hoping that the storm snow will bond well as temperatures cool, this may still take a day or two.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slab instabilities exist in the upper snowpack at treeline and in the alpine. They may be touchy to rider triggers; especially on leeward slopes and behind terrain features where pockets of wind slab easily build. At treeline depths in the southern part of the region range between 70-125 cm, but highly variable in the alpine with deep wind drifts and scoured slopes in exposed areas. Generally, the mid-pack is gaining strength and possibly even bridging the persistent weakness below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging down deeper is the early November facet/crust persistent layer. This crust sits near the base of the snowpack down 80-130 cm. Test results on this layer earlier this week produced moderate (drops) I have no current observations to suggest the snow above or below this interface is gaining strength, or weakening. In most areas, because this weakness is located near the ground, any associated avalanche activity will likely be limited to slopes with smooth ground cover. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Report of a 10 cm stubborn wind slab on NE aspects in the alpine. Variable reports of a surface hoar layer that developed last week and was buried on the 28th; releases are likely on this layer if you have it in your area. There is a surface hoar layer that developed during mid-november was reported to be active last week, but has not been reactive during the recent storm. There is a rain crust near the ground that we're calling the early November crust. There are some facets below it, or it may appear as a sandwich of crusts and facets, but it's been reported  as unreactive at this time. There is still a sharp transition in snow depth from treeline to below treeline making back-country travel challenging under 1300 m in elevation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm slabs and new wind slabs will load a variety of weak surfaces and be touchy. These surfaces consist of large surface hoar, a thin sun crust, surface facets. The new snow may have a poor bond to these underlying weaknesses. Below the surface, the mid-pack seems to be settled and bridging over the early Nov facet/crust. However, near the bottom of the snowpack under the crust exists large, low density </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/faceted_snow.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_3FE45715">faceted crystals.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> The storm (loading) on Tuesday will provide a good test on this basal weakness.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/faceted_snow.htm" target="_blank" /><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack tests from earlier this week showed sudden collapse results on the early November facet/crust deep persistent weakness. Because this weakness is so close to the ground in most areas, associated avalanche activity will likely be limited to slopes with smooth ground cover (e.g. scree slopes, rock slabs, summer firn, glaciers, etc.). Be aware of triggering this layer from thin, rocky areas, this persistent weakness my be a low probability/ high consequence scenario.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The Sea to Sky Region has seen anywhere from 90-140 cm of storm snow over the past 4 days. Storm slabs and fresh wind slabs continue to build, and natural avalanche activity has been widespread. I suspect the old weak snow surfaces (thin sun crusts, SH, surface facets) that developed early last week have been cleaned out in most places.  <br />Below this, the mid-pack seems to be fairly settled, strong and possibly bridging instabilities that may exist deeper. <br /><br />Under the mid-pack (90-150 cm down) sits the early November facet/ crust persistent weakness. Recent snowpack testing done on an East aspect @ 2000 m have shown hard results with sudden collapse characteristics. Because this weakness is so close to the ground in most areas, any associated avalanche activity will likely be limited to slopes with smooth ground cover (e.g. scree slopes, rock slabs, summer firn, glaciers, etc.). Areas that are most susceptible to trigger this deep persistent weakness are shallow, thin and variable snowpack deposition spots. The continuous loading pattern should provide direct testing on the early November facet/crust weakness. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25 of new snow overnight with storm snow totals up to 50cm from the last 4 days. Storm slab formation is extensive in the alpine, but is highly variable at treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm of moist storm snow has fallen in the past several days. This snowfall was accompanied by generally moderate south-southwest winds, forming wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. Below the storm snow may be a layer of surface hoar or a thin crust. There are no new snowpack tests on this layer and recent reports describe the surface hoar as being small and spotty.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack you might find a second thin surface hoar layer about 100cm down. As well, the early November rain crust now sits over 120cm down in most locations (at treeline and above) and may exist in combination with facets. Recent snowpack tests give occasional hard sudden collapse (Drops) results on the early November layer. There is potential for this layer to wake up with continued loading from snow and wind, or for storm slabs to &quot;step down&quot; creating a very large and destructive avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Instabilities may exist within or under the recent storm snow. A surface hoar layer or thin crust may be found at the base of the storm snow, down 40-60 cm, but we have very limited information on the extent or sensitivity of this layer in this region. A second buried surface hoar layer, down about 115 cm, and the early November rain crust (facet-crust combo), over 125cm down in some locations, remain a concern for isolated deep slab avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 140cm and 170cm. In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm of moist storm snow has fallen in the past 3 days. This snowfall was accompanied by generally moderate southerly winds, forming wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. Below the storm snow may be layer of surface hoar or a thin crust. Observations of this weakness are limited. It would be a good idea to dig down and confirm the existence and sensitivity of this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack you might find a thin, spotty surface hoar layer about 100cm down. As well, the early November rain crust now sits over 120cm down in most locations (at treeline and above) and may exist in combination with facets. These layers have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with continued loading and forecast warming.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> There is also the potential for storm slabs to &quot;step down&quot; creating a very large and destructive avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm of moist storm snow has fallen in the past several days. This snowfall was accompanied by generally moderate south-southwest winds, forming wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. Below the storm snow is a layer of surface hoar or a thin crust. Recent snowpack tests give consistent easy results on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the mid snowpack, there may be a thin buried surface hoar layer between 80 and 100cm deep. At the base of the snowpack sits the early November rain crust. This layer seems most likely to be found in deeper snowpack areas at higher elevations. These layers have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with continued loading and forecast warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at </span><a href="mailto:forecaster@avalanche.ca" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slab instabilities exist in the upper snowpack at treeline and in the alpine. They may be touchy to rider triggers; especially on leeward slopes and behind terrain features where pockets of wind slab easily build. At treeline depths in the southern part of the region range between 90-125 cm, but highly variable in the alpine with deep wind drifts and scoured slopes in exposed areas. Recent snowpack tests on a SE aspect around 1400m  showed CTH (resistant &quot;pop&quot;) on an old facet layer 55 cm down, and a rutschblock score of 5. Generally, the mid-pack is gaining strength and possibly even bridging the persistent weakness below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging down deeper is the early November facet/crust persistent layer. This crust sits near the base of the snowpack down 80-130 cm. Test results on this layer earlier this week produced hard results (&quot;drops&quot;). I have no current observations to suggest the snow above or below this interface is gaining strength, or weakening. In most areas, because this weakness is located near the ground, any associated avalanche activity will likely be limited to slopes with smooth ground cover.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent observations suggest that the alpine is fairly wind hammered from the steady, moderate SE winds. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/hard_slab_avalanche.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_42FC617C">Hard slabs,</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> storm, and </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_42FC617C">wind slab</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> instabilities exist at treeline and in the alpine. Recent test results done in the upper storm snow show an easy (RP) shear down 20-25 cm and a hard (RP) down 80 cm. The mid-pack is gaining strength and is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging down deeper is the early November facet/crust layer. This crust sits near the base of the snowpack, and tests done in the Bear Pass area around 1100 m have shown this layer to be unreactive. Testing done in the Shames area on this interface have also shown no results, with moist snow below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snowpack depth is around 150-180 cm at treeline, and deeper but more variable in the alpine. The snowpack at below treeline elevations is near 100 cm deep, and reported to be strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the past 4 days up to 80 cm of recent storm snow has fallen in the Coquihalla area, and nearly 50 cm on the Duffy. Storm slabs and new wind slabs load a variety of old surfaces within the upper snowpack. These old surfaces consist of large surface hoar, a thin sun crust, and surface facets. <br />Below, the mid-pack is reported to be well settled and bridging over the early November facet/crust persistent weakness. This persistent weakness sits near the bottom of the snowpack with large, low density </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/faceted_snow.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">faceted</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> crystals below it. Snowpack tests from earlier this week showed sudden collapse results on the early November facet/crust, Possible trigger points could be from shallow, thin and rocky locations. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A new storm slab has developed at the ridge tops where the rain turned to moist snow. Some pockets of wind slab may develop overnight and into Tuesday due to forecast heavy precipitation, extreme winds and falling freezing levels. Snow amounts decrease to below threshold for avalanches below about 1200 metres.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The Sea to Sky Region has seen anywhere from 90-150 cm of storm snow over the past 5 days. Storm slabs and fresh wind slabs continue to build. I suspect the old weak snow surfaces (thin sun crusts, SH, surface facets) that developed early last week have been cleaned out in most places.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below this, the mid-pack seems to be fairly settled, strong and possibly bridging instabilities that may exist deeper.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Under the mid-pack (100-250 cm down) sits the early November facet/ crust persistent weakness. Recent snowpack testing done on an East aspect @ 2000 m have shown hard results with sudden collapse characteristics. Areas that are most susceptible to trigger this deep persistent weakness are from a shallow, thin and variable  deposition spots. The continuous loading provides direct testing on the early November facet/crust weakness.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the last few days snowfall amounts have been highly variable throughout the region and windslabs may exist at higher elevations. Reports indicate that up to 50cm of recent storm snow may now sit above a surface hoar layer that developed last week and was buried on the 28th. Although not necessarily widespread in the region, releases on this layer are likely if you have it in your area. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is a surface hoar layer that developed during mid-november was reported to be active last week, but has not been reactive during the recent storm. There is a rain crust near the ground that we're calling the early November crust. There are some facets below it, or it may appear as a sandwich of crusts and facets, but it's been reported  as unreactive at this time. There is still a sharp transition in snow depth from treeline to below treeline making back-country travel challenging under 1300 m in elevation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> In general, significant variations in snowpack structure exist across the region. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">A report from near Harvey Pass tells us that there is about 25 cms of storm snow that is &quot;damp&quot; at treeline and the ski penetration is only about 20 cms. Having said that, recent accumulations have been highly variable throughout the region and more recent strong winds have most likely redistributed surface snow into pockets of windslab at higher elevations. Continued windslab development is expected with forecast weather.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The November crust was found to be buried down about 60 cms and was associated with a layer of facets either directly above or below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Up to 20cm of recent snow sits above a 5 cm rain crust that exists at 1650 metres and has been redistributed into wind slabs at higher elevations.  This crust may extend to near the ridge tops, although recent alpine observations have been limited.  Further windslab development is expected with forecast weather.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The mid snowpack is fairly well consolidated.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Near the bottom of the snowpack is the early November rain crust/ facet combo. Reactivity on this layer spiked on Friday/Saturday with warmer temperatures and rapid loading.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There is significantly more snow in the alpine (150 cm) than at treeline (90 cm).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Extensive redistribution of storm snow at TL/ALP with cornice growth enhanced.  Test profile at TL produced minor CTM12-15 (SP) in top 20cm of settled HST.  CTH 26 (SP) down 88cm on 121106 RC.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slab instabilities exist in the upper snowpack at treeline and in the alpine. They may be touchy to rider triggers; especially on leeward slopes and behind terrain features where pockets of wind slab easily build. At treeline depths in the southern part of the region range between 90-125 cm, but highly variable in the alpine with deep wind drifts and scoured slopes in exposed areas. At treeline spotty, isolated areas of surface hoar growth exists (up to 3mm). Recent snowpack tests on a SE aspect around 1400m  showed CTH (resistant &quot;pop&quot;) on an old facet layer 55 cm down, and a rutschblock score of 5. Generally, the mid-pack is gaining strength and possibly even bridging the persistent weakness below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging down deeper is the early November facet/crust persistent layer. This crust sits near the base of the snowpack down 80-130 cm. Test results on this layer earlier this week produced hard results (&quot;drops&quot;). I have no current observations to suggest the snow above or below this interface is gaining strength, or weakening. In most areas, because this weakness is located near the ground, any associated avalanche activity will likely be limited to slopes with smooth ground cover.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of new storm snow, accompanied by strong NW-SE winds has fallen over the region in the past 3 days. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">continue to dominate the upper snowpack. The snow surface conditions are variable with hard slabs, wind slabs and areas that are scoured. Recent test results done in the upper storm snow show an easy (RP) shear down 20-25 cm and a hard (RP) down 80 cm. The mid-pack is gaining strength and is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging down deeper is the early November facet/crust layer. This crust sits near the base of the snowpack, and tests done in the Bear Pass area around 1100 m have shown this layer to be unreactive. Testing done in the Shames area on this interface have also shown no results, with moist snow below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snowpack depth above 1000 m is 150-200 cm deep. Below 1000 m the snowpack shows a sharp transition from 100 cm dropping to 50 cm, and is generally below threshold.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Expect to find heavy amounts of new snow and deep wind drifts at higher elevations. Total snowpack depths decrease to below threshold for avalanches below about 1200 metres.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 20cm of snow in the Selkirks and Eastern Monashees brings the total snowpack depth to as much as 270cm at treeline. 3-10mm </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> buried late last week can be found down 50-80cm and has been reactive to light triggers on unsupported features at treeline elevations. The well-settled and strong mid-pack may be bridging deeper weaknesses; however, recent snowpack tests produced occasional hard but sudden results on the early November </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/faceted_snow.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">facet</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">/crust combination down 100-190cm in treeline and alpine areas. Furthermore, favorable slab structure for </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/stepping_down.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">step-down fractures</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> can contribute to the persistence of this deep weakness. Meanwhile in the Okanagan, relatively warm temperatures are promoting a well consolidated 70-80cm treeline snowpack with isolated small thin wind slabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Treeline and alpine areas have received well over a metre of new snow since late last week with weaknesses lingering within and under this storm snow. Of particular note was preserved 8mm surface hoar found on a sheltered open slope just below treeline, which gave moderate but energetic sudden collapse results in repeated compression tests. The mid-pack seems to be fairly settled, strong, and possibly bridging instabilities that may exist deeper. However, snowpack tests continue to produce  occasional hard but sudden results on the early November </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/faceted_snow.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">facet</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">/crust combination down as deep as 200cm on leeward slopes. Furthermore, favorable slab structure for </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/stepping_down.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">step-down</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> fractures can contribute to the persistence of this deep weakness.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The Coquihalla Pass area received 90cm of new snow since Sunday, while the Duffy Lake area got about 50cm. Weaknesses linger within and under this storm snow. Of particular note is surface hoar buried late last week, which is likely well preserved and weak on sheltered open slopes treeline and below. The mid-pack seems to be well settled and strong, and possibly bridging deeper weaknesses. However, it wasn't too long ago when snowpack tests were producing moderate but sudden collapse results on the early November facet/crust combination near the base of the snowpack. Furthermore, favorable slab structure for step-down fractures can contribute to the persistence of this deep weakness.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New storm snow 30-50 cm over the past 3 days blankets the region. Instabilities (</span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar layer</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, and a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/sun_crust.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">thin sun crust</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">) may exist within or down 40-60 cm. We have very limited information on the extent or sensitivity of these layers in this region. A second buried surface hoar layer, down about 115 cm, and the early November rain crust (facet-crust combo), over 140cm down in some locations, remain a concern for isolated deep slab avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 140cm and 180cm. Elevations below 1500m are still reported as below threshold. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds and light to locally moderate snowfall are responsible for newly formed wind slabs which are likely to exist at treeline and above. Over the last few days snowfall amounts have been highly variable throughout the region; however, reports indicate that up to 60cm of recent storm snow may sit above a surface hoar layer that was buried on the 28th. Although not widespread in the region, releases on this layer are likely if you have it in your area. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A surface hoar layer that developed during mid-november may exist up to 85cm down, but has not been reactive during the recent storm. There is a rain crust near the ground that we're calling the early November crust. There are some facets below it, or it may appear as a sandwich of crusts and facets, but it's been reported as unreactive at this time. There is still a sharp transition in snow depth from treeline to below treeline making back-country travel challenging under 1300 m in elevation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Significant variations in snowpack structure exist across the region. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 80 cm of moist storm snow has fallen in the past 4 days. This snowfall was accompanied by generally moderate southerly winds, forming wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. Below the storm snow may be layer of surface hoar or a thin crust. Observations of this weakness are limited. It would be a good idea to dig down and confirm the existence and sensitivity of this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack you might find a thin, spotty surface hoar layer about 100cm down. As well, the early November rain crust now sits over 120cm down in most locations (at treeline and above) and may exist in combination with facets. These layers have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with continued loading. Th</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">ere is also the potential for storm slabs to &quot;step down&quot; creating a very large and destructive avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Recent storm accumulations have been highly variable throughout the region with some reports from the east side of the region indicating storm slabs up to 40cm deep. Warmer temperatures at lower elevations have created moist surfaces that will most likely form a temperature crust with dropping freezing levels. Ongoing light to locally moderate snowfall and strong to extreme winds will create pockets of windslab at treeline and above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The November crust was found to be buried down about 60 cms and was associated with a layer of facets either directly above or below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Up to 30cm of recent storm snow has accumulated in the region and has most likely been redistributed into deeper reactive wind slabs at treeline and above.  These recent accumulations sit above a 5 cm rain crust that exists at 1650 metres and may extend almost to ridge tops, although alpine observations have been limited.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The mid snowpack is fairly well consolidated.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Near the bottom of the snowpack is the early November rain crust/ facet combo. Reactivity on this layer spiked last Friday/Saturday with warmer temperatures and rapid loading.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There is significantly more snow in the alpine (150 cm) than at treeline (90 cm).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm of moist storm snow has fallen in the past several days. This snowfall was accompanied by generally moderate to more recently strong southwest winds forming wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. Below the storm snow you may find a layer of surface hoar or a thin sun crust that were buried on November 28th. Snowpack tests have shown easy results on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the mid snowpack, there may be a thin buried surface hoar layer between 90 and 110cm deep. At the base of the snowpack sits the early November rain crust. This layer seems most likely to be found in deeper snowpack areas at higher elevations. These layers have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with continued loading and forecast warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at </span><a href="mailto:forecaster@avalanche.ca" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-25cm new snow overnight by Wednesday morning with moderate to strong SW winds at treeline elevations and above.  Pockets of wind slabs are being encountered in the upper snowpack up to 40cm thick that are reactive to ski cutting in steeper unsupported features.  Midpack is well settled with the 1106CR down 100cm on average throughout the forecast region.  Hard results are being encountered underneath the crust in a layer of FC sz 203.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Expect to find heavy amounts of new snow and deep wind drifts at higher elevations. Total snowpack depths decrease to below threshold for avalanches below about 1200 metres.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Treeline and alpine areas have received well over a metre of new snow since late last week with weaknesses lingering within and under this storm snow. Of particular note was preserved 8mm surface hoar found on a sheltered open slope just below treeline, which gave moderate but energetic sudden collapse results in repeated compression tests. The mid-pack seems to be fairly settled, strong, and possibly bridging instabilities that may exist deeper. However, snowpack tests continue to produce occasional hard but sudden results on the early November </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/faceted_snow.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">facet</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">/crust combination down as deep as 200cm on leeward slopes. Furthermore, favorable slab structure for </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/stepping_down.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">step-down</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> fractures can contribute to the persistence of this deep weakness.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 36 cms in the past 24 hours brings recent snow fall amounts up to about 120 cms for the Coquihalla Pass area. Duffy Lake area has seen about 50-70 cm. Weaknesses linger within and under this storm snow. Of particular note is surface hoar buried late last week, which is likely well preserved and weak on sheltered open slopes treeline and below. The mid-pack seems to be well settled and strong, and possibly bridging deeper weaknesses. However, it wasn't too long ago when snowpack tests were producing moderate but sudden collapse results on the early November facet/crust combination near the base of the snowpack. Furthermore, favorable slab structure for step-down fractures can contribute to the persistence of this deep weakness.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Very strong winds and warm temperatures on Tuesday created some stiff wind slabs in the alpine and open areas at treeline. The Selkirks and Eastern Monashees total snowpack depth has reached as much as 270cm at treeline. 3-10mm </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> buried late last week can be found down 50-80cm and has been reactive to light triggers on unsupported features at treeline elevations. The well-settled and strong mid-pack may be bridging deeper weaknesses; however, recent snowpack tests produced occasional hard but sudden results on the early November </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/faceted_snow.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">facet</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">/crust combination down 100-190cm in treeline and alpine areas. Furthermore, favorable slab structure for </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/stepping_down.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">step-down fractures</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> can contribute to the persistence of this deep weakness. Meanwhile in the Okanagan, relatively warm temperatures are promoting a well consolidated 70-80cm treeline snowpack with isolated small thin wind slabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slab</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> instabilities are likely to exist in the upper snowpack at treeline and in the alpine. They may be touchy to rider triggers, especially on leeward slopes and behind terrain features. Treeline depths range between 90-125 cm, but highly variable in the alpine with deep wind drifts and scoured slopes in exposed areas. At treeline spotty, isolated areas of surface hoar growth exists (up to 3mm). This is most likely buried down 15-20 cm under the recent storm snow. Snowpack tests on a SE aspect around 1400m  showed CTH (resistant &quot;pop&quot;) on an old facet layer 55 cm down, and a rutschblock score of 5. Generally, the mid-pack is gaining strength and possibly even bridging the persistent weakness below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging down deeper is the early November facet/crust deep persistent layer. This crust sits near the base of the snowpack down 80-130 cm. Test results on this layer earlier this week produced hard results (&quot;drops&quot;). I have no current observations to suggest the snow above or below this interface is gaining strength, or weakening. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 80 cm of moist storm snow has fallen in the past 4 days. This snowfall was accompanied by generally moderate southerly winds, forming wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. Below the storm snow may be layer of surface hoar or a thin crust. Observations of this weakness are limited. It would be a good idea to dig down and confirm the existence and sensitivity of this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack you might find a thin, spotty surface hoar layer about 100cm down. As well, the early November rain crust now sits over 130cm down in most locations (at treeline and above) and may exist in combination with facets. These layers have shown isolated reactivity on Tuesday, becoming overloaded with recent storm snow, stepping down to ground and creating large size 3 avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow 40-60 cm fell over the past 4 days blankets the region. Instabilities (</span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar layer,</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> and a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/sun_crust.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">thin sun crust</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">) may exist within or down 40-60 cm. We have very limited information on the extent or sensitivity of these layers, but suspect them to be reactive under the load of the new snow. A second buried surface hoar layer, down about 115 cm, and the early November rain crust (facet-crust combo), over 140cm down in some locations, remain a concern for isolated deep slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 140cm and 180cm. Elevations below 1500m are still reported as below threshold.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts have been highly variable, but in deeper snowpack areas up to 85 cm of settled storm snow has fallen in the past week. This snowfall was accompanied by generally moderate to more recently strong and variable winds, forming deep and reactive wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the recent storm snow is a layer of surface hoar that was buried at the end of November. This layer continues to be reactive. At the base of the snowpack sits the early November rain crust. This layer seems most likely to be found in deeper snowpack areas at higher elevations. I'm not aware of any activity on this layer as of late, but observations have been limited and it may have the potential to 'wake-up' with continued loading.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are significant variations in snowpack structure from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thank you to those who have shared field observations with us. If you would like to do the same, you may contact us at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">On Tuesday night the region received over 60mm of precipitation. At alpine elevations this arrived as snow while rain fell below 1700m. This came with moderate to strong winds that formed deep, dense, reactive wind/storm slabs at higher elevations. This storm adds to recent moderate accumulations which sit above a 5 cm rain crust that exists at 1650 metres and may extend almost to ridge tops. The mid snowpack is fairly well consolidated.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Near the bottom of the snowpack is the early November rain crust/ facet combo. Due to limited observations, it is not known if this layer was reactive with the recent rapid loading, but I suspect that it is possible. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Cornices are also reported to be large and unstable at this time. Cornice failure could be destructive by itself, but could also trigger a large release on the slope below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Recent storm accumulations have been highly variable throughout the region; however, some ares have seen moderate to heavy snowfall over the past few days. In general winds have been strong creating widespread windslabs at higher elevations. Warmer temperatures and rain at lower elevations have created moist surfaces that will most likely form a temperature crust with dropping freezing levels.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At the base of the snowpack you may find the early November crust which is associated with a layer of facets either directly above or below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the upper snowpack, strong winds and light to locally heavy snowfall are responsible for newly formed wind slabs which are likely to exist on north to northeast aspects at treeline and above. Winds have also shaped new cornices which could fail and act as a trigger for the slope below</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 75cm of  snow that fell over the past week may sit above a surface hoar layer that was buried on the 28th. Although not widespread in the region, releases on this layer are quite likely if you have it in your area. Another surface hoar layer that developed during mid-november may exist up to 100cm down, and is still on the radar of professionals in the Golden area. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At the base of the snowpack, there is a rain crust near the ground that we're calling the early November crust. There are some facets below it, or it may appear as a sandwich of crusts and facets. Although we haven't seen much activity on this layer in deeper snowpack areas, it is still reactive in the southeast corner of the region. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In general, significant variations in snowpack structure exist across the region. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Limited obs today due to avalanche control efforts.  Increased cornice formation noted due to recent winds.  Sympathetic cornice release observed during control work.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is over 200 cms at 1400 metres elevation (ridge tops), and only about 40 cms at 1000 metres. There are some deep pockets of recent storm snow at the ridge tops. Reports say that the storm snow is well bonded and settled. The snow level is below threshold for avalanches below about 1200 metres.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent very strong wind event has caused extensive wind scouring in the alpine and at treeline. Ski penetration is limited to about 10 cm above a stiff buried wind slab. Foot penetration may still be up to 70 cms as the wind slab is not able to carry the weight of a person without skis. The recent storm snow (up to about 130 cms) appears to be bridging above the early November weak layer, and we are not seeing deep releases down to the rain/ice crust. There is not much discussion about surface hoar that was buried last week, and we are not getting reports about test results on that layer. Professionals are concerned about the early November rain crust. If this deep persistent weak layer (DPWL) becomes reactive, the consequences will be very large destructive avalanches. The crust may be buried between 100-200 cms depending on the total depth of the snowpack in your area. The crust may be a bigger problem where it has a layer of facetted crystals above, rather than where it is like a laminated sandwich of crusts and facets. If that sounds too technical for you, then the take home is that this is not an easy problem to gauge when or where it might wake up.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">16 cms in the past 24 hours and 52 cms in the past 48 hours brings recent snow fall amounts up to about 135 cms for the Coquihalla Pass area. Duffy Lake area has seen about 60-80 cm. Weaknesses linger within and under this storm snow. Of particular note is surface hoar buried late last week, which is likely well preserved and weak on sheltered open slopes treeline and below. The mid-pack seems to be well settled and strong, and possibly bridging deeper weaknesses. However, it wasn't too long ago when snowpack tests were producing moderate but sudden collapse results on the early November facet/crust combination near the base of the snowpack. Furthermore, favorable slab structure for step-down fractures can contribute to the persistence of this deep weakness.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are wind slabs of varying thickness and stiffness in the alpine and at treeline that were formed earlier in the week from very strong winds and warm temperatures during the storm. There is a surface hoar layer (November 28th) that is buried between 40-70 cms as the slab above has become more consolidated. This layer appears to be mostly between 1600-2000 metres in elevation, and may be very reactive in areas that experienced valley fog last week when it formed. The big unknown is the deep persistent weak layer (DPWL) of early November rain crust. This layer formed in early November when a warm rain event extended well up into the alpine and than froze into an ice layer. This layer is found where there was enough snow on the ground at the time of this event to become saturated and then freeze. Large scree slopes, areas where snow was still on the ground from last winter, and some smooth glaciers are the most suspect locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 90 cm of moist storm snow has fallen in the past 5 days. This snowfall was accompanied by generally moderate southerly winds, forming wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. Below the storm snow may be layer of surface hoar or a thin crust. Observations of this weakness are limited. It would be a good idea to dig down and confirm the existence and sensitivity of this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack you might find a thin, spotty surface hoar layer about 100cm down. As well, the early November rain crust now sits over 120cm down in most locations (at treeline and above) and may exist in combination with facets. These layers have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with continued loading. There is also the potential for storm or wind slabs to &quot;step down&quot; creating a very large and destructive avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the upper snowpack, recent strong winds and light to locally moderate snowfall are responsible for wind slabs which are likely to exist on north to northeast aspects at treeline and above. Winds have also shaped new cornices which could fail and act as a trigger for the slope below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 75cm of  snow that fell over the past week may sit above a surface hoar layer that was buried on November 28th. Although not widespread in the region, releases on this layer may be likely if you have it in your area. Another surface hoar layer that developed during mid-november may exist up to 100cm down, and is still on the radar of professionals in the Golden area.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Near the ground is the early November crust. There are some facets below it, or it may appear as a sandwich of crusts and facets. In some areas it may only now be primed for triggering with recent heavy loading. Observations have been limited; however, deep and destructive slides have been reported on this layer in a neighboring region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In general, significant variations in snowpack structure exist across the region. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 60 cm of new storm snow has fallen over the region in the past 4 days. Recently formed and buried windslabs continue to dominate the upper snowpack. Test results show an easy resistant shear down 30-35 cm and a hard resistant down 80 cm. The mid-pack is gaining strength and is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging down deeper, there is an early November facet/crust layer, which sits near the base of the snowpack. Tests done in the Bear Pass area around 1100 m have shown this layer to be unreactive. Testing done in the Shames area on this interface have also shown no results, with moist snow below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snowpack depth above 1000 m is 150-200 cm deep. Below 1000 m the snowpack shows a sharp transition from 100 cm dropping to 50 cm, and is generally below threshold.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slab instabilities exist in the upper snowpack at treeline and in the alpine. Treeline snow depths range between 90-125 cm. Snow depths in the alpine are highly variable with deep wind drifts and scoured slopes in exposed areas. A buried layer of small surface hoar crystals exists at tree-line in isolated sheltered areas. This is most likely buried down 15-20 cm under recent storm snow. A weak layer of facets sitting on a crust exists near the base of the snowpack down 80-130 cm. Test results on this layer earlier this week produced hard, sudden results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60 cm of storm snow has fallen over the past 5 days. Instabilities (surface hoar layer, and a thin sun crust) may exist within or down 40-60 cm. We have very limited information on the extent or sensitivity of these layers, but suspect them to be reactive under the load of the new snow. A second buried surface hoar layer, down about 115 cm, and the early November rain crust (facet-crust combo), over 140cm down in some locations, remain a concern for isolated deep slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 140cm and 180cm. Elevations below 1500m are still reported as below threshold.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts have been highly variable, but in deeper areas up to 85 cm of settled storm snow has fallen in the past week. This snowfall was accompanied by generally moderate to more recently strong and variable winds, forming deep and reactive wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the recent storm snow is a layer of surface hoar that was buried at the end of November. This layer continues to be reactive. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack sits the early November rain crust. This layer seems most likely to be found in deeper snowpack areas at higher elevations. I'm not aware of any activity on this layer in the Kootenay Boundary region; however, deep and destructive releases have been observed in the South Columbia region (directly to the north). This indicates to me that, where it exists, this layer may now be primed for triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are significant variations in snowpack structure from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at </span><a href="mailto:forecaster@avalanche.ca" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">On Tuesday night the region received over 60mm of precipitation. At alpine elevations this arrived as snow while rain fell below 1700m. The storm came with moderate to strong winds that formed deep, dense, reactive wind/storm slabs at higher elevations. Although triggering is still very possible at higher elevations, it is likely that the upper snowpack has strengthened considerably below 1700m with more recent cooling.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In some parts of the region, there are reports of buried surface hoar that exists on shaded aspects above 1800m. This layer was buried at the end of November and now sits about 100cm below the surface .</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Near the bottom of the snowpack is the early November rain crust/ facet combo. Due to limited observations, it is not known if this layer was reactive with the recent rapid loading, but I suspect that it is possible. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Cornices are also reported to be large and unstable at this time. Cornice failure could be destructive by itself, but could also trigger a large release on the slope below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Recent storm accumulations have been highly variable throughout the region; however, some ares saw moderate to heavy snowfall a few days ago. In general winds have been strong creating widespread windslabs at higher elevations. Warmer temperatures and rain at lower elevations have created moist surfaces that will most likely form a temperature crust with dropping freezing levels. Cornices are also reported to be unseasonably large and potentially unstable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There have been reports of buried surface hoar up to a metre down. This layer, which was buried about a week ago, seems most prevalent on the west side of the region. Little is known about its current reactivity.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At the base of the snowpack you may find the early November crust which is associated with a layer of facets either directly above or below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10 unsettled HN overlies an overall settled midpack, however there are 4F winslabs present at TL and ALP in specific terrain. Nov06 crust now down 70-80 at TL. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some snowpack areas are now deep enough for avalanches to occur, particularly near ridge tops and in loaded gullies. Below about 1200 m, the snowpack remains too shallow. In general the snowpack is reported to be well bonded. Moderate weaknesses in the recent storm snow are likely to gain strength quickly. The upper snowpack exhibits a strong interface with a buried crust. The lower snowpack consists of crusts and moist snow. Snowpack depths range from 40-200 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are wind slabs of varying thickness and stiffness in the alpine and at treeline that were formed earlier in the week from very strong winds and warm temperatures during the storm. There is a surface hoar layer (November 28th) that is buried between 40-70 cms as the slab above has become more consolidated. This layer appears to be mostly between 1600-2000 metres in elevation, and may be very reactive in areas that experienced valley fog last week when it formed. The big unknown is the deep persistent weak layer (DPWL) of early November rain crust. This layer formed in early November when a warm rain event extended well up into the alpine and than froze into an ice layer. This layer is found where there was enough snow on the ground at the time of this event to become saturated and then freeze. Large scree slopes, areas where snow was still on the ground from last winter, and some smooth glaciers are the most suspect locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The Coquihalla has a well settled &quot;right side up&quot; snowpack that is about 190 cms deep at 1550 metres elevation. &quot;Right side up&quot; means that the surface layers are light and soft, and then the layers get progressively more dense as you move down through the snowpack. The ski penetration has been reported to be about 40 cms and the foot penetration is very deep at 80 cms. The light snow is causing a lot of sluffing in steeper terrain, but is not reacting as a slab. The November crust has not been found in the Coquihalla, although we don't have any reports from the high alpine. Conditions may be quite different in the North of this region, please email us your observations if you are out in the field. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecaster@avalanche.ca" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent very strong wind event has caused extensive wind scouring in the alpine and at treeline. Ski penetration is limited to about 15-20 cm above a stiff buried wind slab. Foot penetration may still be up to 70 cms as the wind slab is not able to carry the weight of a person without skis. The recent storm snow (up to about 130 cms) appears to be bridging above the early November weak layer, and we are not seeing deep releases down to the rain/ice crust. There is not much discussion about surface hoar that was buried last week, and we are not getting reports about test results on that layer. Professionals are concerned about the early November rain crust. If this deep persistent weak layer (DPWL) becomes reactive, the consequences will be very large destructive avalanches. The crust may be buried between 100-200 cms depending on the total depth of the snowpack in your area. The crust may be a bigger problem where it has a layer of facetted crystals above, rather than where it is like a laminated sandwich of crusts and facets. If that sounds too technical for you, then the take home is that this is not an easy problem to gauge when or where it might wake up.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the upper snowpack light amounts of low density snow override wind slabs which were formed earlier in the week. In some areas, recent winds have also shaped unseasonably large cornices.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 75cm of  snow that fell over the past week may sit above a surface hoar layer that was buried at the end of November. Although not widespread in the region, releases on this layer may be likely if you have it in your area. Another surface hoar layer that developed during mid-november may exist up to 100cm down, and is still on the radar of professionals on the east side of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Near the ground is the early November crust. There are some facets below it, or it may appear as a sandwich of crusts and facets. In some areas it may only now be primed for triggering with recent heavy loading. Observations have been limited; however, deep and destructive slides have been reported on this layer in a neighboring region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In general, significant variations in snowpack structure exist across the region. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm accumulations have been highly variable throughout the region; however, some ares saw significant snowfall earlier in the week. In general, winds have been moderate to strong creating widespread windslabs at higher elevations, although I suspect that in recent days they may have gained some strength. In some areas the most recent accumulations may sit over a rain crust that extends up to 2000m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There have been reports of buried surface hoar up to a metre down. This layer, which was buried at the end of November, seems most prevalent on the west side of the region. Little is known about its current reactivity.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack you may find the early November crust which is associated with a layer of facets either directly above or below. Recent tests have shown sudden results at this interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">On Thursday night the region received up to 32cm of new snow with moderate accumulations continuing on Friday. At all elevations sudden shears were observed within this new storm slab. Below 1700m this new snow overrides a crust. At higher elevations it sits above a deep storm slab that was highly reactive earlier in the week.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In some parts of the region, there are reports of buried surface hoar that exists on shaded aspects above 1800m. This layer was buried at the end of November and now sits about 120cm below the surface .</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Near the bottom of the snowpack is the early November rain crust/ facet combo. Due to limited observations, it is not known if this layer has been reactive, but I suspect that it is possible with the recent heavy loading.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Cornices are also reported to be large and unstable at this time. Cornice failure could be destructive by itself, but could also trigger a large release on the slope below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm of new snow has fallen in the past 5 days. Instabilities (surface hoar layer, and a thin sun crust) may exist within or down 50-70 cm. We have very limited information on the extent or sensitivity of these layers, but suspect them to be reactive under the load of the new snow. A second buried surface hoar layer, down about 115 cm, and the early November rain crust (facet-crust combo), over 140cm down in some locations, remain a concern for isolated deep slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 150cm and 190cm. Elevations below 1500m are still reported as below threshold.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Accumulations of 80-100 cm of new snow has fallen in the last week. This snowfall was accompanied by generally moderate southerly winds, forming wind slabs in open terrain. Below the storm snow may be layer of surface hoar or a thin crust. Observations of this weakness are limited. It would be a good idea to dig down and confirm the existence and sensitivity of this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the southern portions of the region, you may find a thin spotty surface hoar layer about 100cm down. As well, the early November rain crust now sits 150-180cm down in most locations (at treeline and above) and may exist in combination with facets. These layers have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with continued loading. There is also the potential for storm or wind slabs to &quot;step down&quot; creating a very large and destructive avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall amounts have been mostly moderate over the past week with significantly greater accumulations occurring in the Kootenay Pass area where well over a metre of snow has fallen since the end of November. Current surfaces most likely include varying amounts of fairly low density storm snow which override windslabs which formed earlier in the week.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the recent storm snow is a layer of surface hoar that was buried at the end of November. This layer continues to be reactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack sits the early November rain crust. This layer seems most likely to be found in deeper snowpack areas at higher elevations. I'm not aware of any activity on this layer in the Kootenay Boundary region; however, deep and destructive releases have been observed in the South Columbia region (directly to the north). This indicates to me that, where it exists, this layer may now be primed for triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are significant variations in snowpack structure from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm of new storm snow has fallen over the region in the past 5 days. This has been accompanied by strong winds from a wide variety of directions. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">continue to dominate the upper snowpack. Alpine and treeline surface snow conditions are variable with buried wind slabs, newly formed wind slabs and areas that are heavily scoured. Recent test results done in the upper storm snow show an easy resistant shear down 30-35 cm and a hard resistant down 80 cm. The mid-pack is gaining strength and is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A November facet/crust layer can be found near the base of the snowpack. Tests done earlier in the week in the Bear Pass area around 1100 m have shown this layer to be unreactive. Testing done in the Shames area on this interface have also shown no results, with moist snow below. We do not have much recent information on this facet/crust interface, so it would be worth digging down yourself to test for its existence and reactivity.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snowpack depth above 1000 m is 150-200 cm deep. Below 1000 m the snowpack shows a sharp transition from 100 cm dropping to 50 cm, and is generally below threshold.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slab instabilities exist in the upper snowpack at treeline and in the alpine. Treeline snow depths range between 90-125 cm. Snow depths in the alpine are highly variable with deep wind drifts and heavily scoured slopes in exposed areas. A layer of small surface hoar crystals exists at tree-line in isolated sheltered areas. This is most likely buried down 15-20 cm under recent storm snow. A weak layer of facets sitting on a crust exists near the base of the snowpack down 80-130 cm. Test results on this layer earlier this week produced hard, sudden results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface facetting in upper 10cm's. Windslabs are buried beneath this about 15cm. The mid-pack is generally well settled and supportive. The Nov. 6 crust is down 70-80 at TL. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There has been 30-40 cms of new snow that fell with light winds in the past 48 hours. This brings the recent storm snow amount up to about 70-80 cms. There is widespread sluffing in the new snow in steep unsupported terrain, but no reports of slab avalanche failures in the storm snow. The late November surface hoar is now buried more than a metre deep and close to 150 cms in some of the snowier areas. This layer has mostly been found between 1700-2000 metres in elevation. There have not been any new reports of avalanches sliding on this layer. The early November rain crust is deeply buried. There was one report of a size 3.0 avalanche that released naturally on this layer in the southern Selkirks. I think we need to keep this problem on the front page through another storm cycle, and see how it reacts to more loading and rapid temperature changes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent very strong wind event has caused extensive wind scouring in the alpine and at treeline. Ski penetration is limited to about 15-20 cm above a stiff buried wind slab. Foot penetration may still be up to 70 cms as the wind slab is not able to carry the weight of a person without skis. The recent storm snow (up to about 130 cms) appears to be bridging above the early November weak layer, and we are not seeing deep releases down to the rain/ice crust. There is not much discussion about surface hoar that was buried last week, and we are not getting reports about test results on that layer. Professionals are concerned about the early November rain crust. If this deep persistent weak layer (DPWL) becomes reactive, the consequences will be very large destructive avalanches. The crust may be buried between 100-200 cms depending on the total depth of the snowpack in your area. The crust may be a bigger problem where it has a layer of facetted crystals above, rather than where it is like a laminated sandwich of crusts and facets. If that sounds too technical for you, then the take home is that this is not an easy problem to gauge when or where it might wake up.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is  about 140 cms below treeline in the Duffey Lake area, with 30 cms ski penetration and waist deep foot penetration at treeline. At 1900 metres on a NE aspect there was 60 cms of very light (Fist) density snow above slightly stiffer (4 Finger) snow. Snow stability tests showed only mid storm collapses. The Coquihalla also has a well settled &quot;right side up&quot; snowpack that is about 190 cms deep at 1550 metres elevation. &quot;Right side up&quot; means that the surface layers are light and soft, and then the layers get progressively more dense as you move down through the snowpack. The ski penetration has been reported to be about 40 cms and the foot penetration is very deep at 80 cms. The light snow is causing a lot of sluffing in steeper terrain, but is not reacting as a slab. The November crust has not been found in the Coquihalla, although we don't have any reports from the high alpine. Conditions may be quite different in the North of this region, please email us your observations if you are out in the field. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecaster@avalanche.ca" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow from the past week has has settled and been redistributed by the wind. Instabilities (surface hoar layer on sheltered northerly aspects and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects) may exist within or down 50-70 cm. We have very limited information on the extent or sensitivity of these layers, but suspect them to be reactive under the load of the new snow. A second buried surface hoar layer, down about 115 cm, and the early November rain crust (facet-crust combo), over 140cm down in some locations, remain a concern for isolated deep slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 150 and 200cm. Elevations below 1500m are still reported as below threshold.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are greatly appreciated. Email us at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow from the past week is settling and has been redistributed by the wind. Below the storm snow may be layer of surface hoar or a thin crust. Observations of this weakness are limited. It would be a good idea to dig down and confirm the existence and sensitivity of this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the southern portions of the region, you may find a thin spotty surface hoar layer about 100-140cm down. As well, the early November rain crust now sits 150-180cm down in most locations (at treeline and above) and may exist in combination with facets. These layers have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with continued loading. There is also the potential for storm or wind slabs to &quot;step down&quot; creating a very large and destructive avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow from the past week has settled and been redistributed by the wind from a variety of directions at upper elevations. Alpine and treeline surface snow conditions are variable with buried wind slabs, newly formed wind slabs and areas that are heavily scoured. The mid-pack is gaining strength and is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An November facet/crust layer can be found in the bottom quarter of the snowpack.  We do not have much recent information on this facet/crust interface, so it may be worth digging down yourself to test its reactivity.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snowpack depth above 1000 m is 150-200 cm deep. Below 1000 m the snowpack shows a sharp transition from 100 cm dropping to 50 cm, and is generally below threshold.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slab instabilities exist in the upper snowpack at treeline and in the alpine. Treeline snow depths range between 90-125 cm. Snow depths in the alpine are highly variable with deep wind drifts and heavily scoured slopes in exposed areas. A layer of small surface hoar crystals exists at tree-line in isolated sheltered areas. This is most likely buried down 15-20 cm under recent storm snow. A weak layer of facets sitting on a crust exists near the base of the snowpack down 80-130 cm. Test results on this layer earlier this week produced hard, sudden results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some snowpack areas are now deep enough for avalanches to occur, particularly near ridge tops and in loaded gullies. Below about 1200 m, the snowpack remains too shallow. In general the snowpack is reported to be well bonded. Moderate weaknesses in the recent storm snow are likely to gain strength quickly. The upper snowpack exhibits a strong interface with a buried crust. The lower snowpack consists of crusts and moist snow. Snowpack depths range from 40-200 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of new snow and light SW winds have created storm slab instabilities at all elevations. They are very touchy 1700-1500 m, running loose and far on the early December crust. At higher elevations the new snow sits above a deep storm slab that was reactive earlier in the week, and may become reactive again under this new load. In some parts of the region reports of buried </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_42FC617C">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">  may exist on sheltered, Northerly aspects above 1800m. This layer was buried at the end of November and now sits about 120cm below the surface. Cornices are also reported to be large and unstable at this time. Cornice failure could be destructive by itself, but could also trigger a large release on the slope below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the bottom of the snowpack is the early November rain crust/ facet combo. Due to limited observations, it is not known if this layer has been reactive. This persistent weak layer could wake up under the stress of a heavy load, like large cornice fall. Average snowpack depth at treeline elevations are near 160 cm. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm accumulations have been variable throughout the region, however some ares saw significant snowfall earlier in the week. Recent accumulations may sit over a rain crust that extends up to 2000 m, the new snow may have a poor bond to this crust. Widespread wind slabs exist at higher elevations, although I suspect that in recent days they may have gained some strength. There have been reports of buried surface hoar up to a metre down. This layer, which was buried at the end of November, seems most prevalent on the west side of the region. Little is known about its current reactivity.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack an early November crust which is associated with a layer of facets either directly above or below. Recent tests have shown sudden results at this interface. In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Skier trigger-able wind slabs up to 20cm thick building in open wind affected terrain at treeline and above with the Strong NW flow that arrived in the forecast region mid-day on sunday.  Some cracking as you transition into open areas.  Mid-pack below these new slabs is well settled with the 1106cr down 110cm but it is showing signs of breaking down. Lots of near surface facetting in below treeline areas with cold temps.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some snowpack areas are now deep enough for avalanches to occur, particularly near ridge tops and in loaded gullies. Below about 1200 m, the snowpack remains too shallow. In general the snowpack is reported to be well bonded. Moderate weaknesses in the recent storm snow are likely to gain strength quickly. The upper snowpack exhibits a strong interface with a buried crust. The lower snowpack consists of crusts and moist snow. Snowpack depths range from 40-200 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is widespread sluffing in the new snow in steep unsupported terrain, but no reports of slab avalanche failures in the storm snow. The late November surface hoar is now buried more than a metre deep and close to 150 cms in some of the snowier areas. This layer has mostly been found between 1700-2000 metres in elevation. There have not been any new reports of avalanches sliding on this layer. The early November rain crust is deeply buried. There was one report of a size 3.0 avalanche that released naturally on this layer in the southern Selkirks. I think we need to keep this problem on the front page through another storm cycle, and see how it reacts to more loading and rapid temperature changes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some exposed areas have developed a thin stiff wind slab in the alpine. Sheltered areas have 20-30 cms of light unconsolidated snow above a gradually stiffening snowpack. Snowpack tests have not been showing any consistent results in the storm snow. Foot penetration may still be up to 70 cms as the wind slab is not able to carry the weight of a person without skis. Professionals are concerned about the early November rain crust. If this deep persistent weak layer (DPWL) becomes reactive, the consequences will be very large destructive avalanches. The crust may be buried between 100-200 cms depending on the total depth of the snowpack in your area. The crust may be a bigger problem where it has a layer of facetted crystals above, rather than where it is like a laminated sandwich of crusts and facets. If that sounds too technical for you, then the take home is that this is not an easy problem to gauge when or where it might wake up.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is  about 140 cms below treeline in the Duffey Lake area, with 30 cms ski penetration and waist deep foot penetration at treeline. At 1900 metres on a NE aspect there was 60 cms of very light (Fist) density snow above slightly stiffer (4 Finger) snow. Snow stability tests showed only mid storm collapses. The Coquihalla also has a well settled &quot;right side up&quot; snowpack that is about 190 cms deep at 1550 metres elevation. &quot;Right side up&quot; means that the surface layers are light and soft, and then the layers get progressively more dense as you move down through the snowpack. The ski penetration has been reported to be about 40 cms and the foot penetration is very deep at 80 cms. The light snow is causing a lot of sluffing in steeper terrain, but is not reacting as a slab. The November crust has not been found in the Coquihalla, although we don't have any reports from the high alpine. Conditions may be quite different in the North of this region, please email us your observations if you are out in the field. forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Kootenays have received over a metre of snow over the past week, with Kootenay Pass seeing the highest amount regionally. Regardless, current surfaces most likely include varying amounts of fairly low density storm snow which override wind slabs that formed earlier in the week. Below the recent storm snow exists a surface hoar layer that was buried at the end of November. Recent tests on this layer show CTM (SP) down 100 cm sliding on surface hoar 4-10 mm in size. Near the base of the snowpack sits the early November rain crust. This layer is most likely to be found in deeper snowpack areas at higher elevations. I'm not aware of any activity on this layer in the KB region; however, deep and destructive releases have been observed in the South Columbia region (directly to the north). Keep this on your radar, especially when traveling in areas at higher elevations that have a smooth ground cover where the existing crust is uniform and consistent. Average snowpack depths at treeline are 130-200 cm. There are significant variations in snowpack structure from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 50 cm of new snow and light SW winds have created storm slab instabilities at all elevations. In past days they have been running easily 1700-1500 m, running loose and far on the early December crust. At higher elevations the new snow sits above a deep storm slab that was reactive earlier in the week, and may become reactive again under this new load. In some parts of the region reports of buried surface hoar may exist on sheltered, Northerly aspects above 1800m. This layer was buried at the end of November and now sits about 120cm below the surface. Cornices are also reported to be large and unstable at this time. Cornice failure could be destructive by itself, but could also trigger a large release on the slope below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Near the bottom of the snowpack is the early November rain crust/ facet combo. Due to limited observations, it is not known if this layer has been reactive. This persistent weak layer could wake up under the stress of a heavy load, like large cornice fall. Average snowpack depth at treeline elevations are near 160 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70cm of low density storm snow and has been redistributed by the wind in exposed areas. In the southern portions of the region, you may find a thin yet reactive surface hoar layer about 100-120cm down. As well, the early November rain crust now sits 150-200cm down in most locations (at treeline and above) and may exist in combination with facets. The facet crust layer has been unreactive in recent days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs exist in the upper snowpack on north to northeast aspects at treeline and above. Last weeks storm snow and moderate winds have also shaped unseasonably large cornices. Around 80 cm of snow fell over the past week. This loads a surface hoar layer that was buried on November 28th. Although not widespread in the region, releases on this layer may be likely if you have it in your area. A bit deeper (near 100 cm down) another surface hoar layer that developed during mid-November may still exist. Recent testing around the Invermere area has proved this layer to be unreactive. This does not mean its unreactive throughout the region. Its important to dig down in your local riding area, and test these layers before you disregard them. Near the base of the snowpack is the early November crust. Facet sit facets below it, or it may appear as a sandwich of crusts and facets. In some areas it may only now be primed for triggering with recent heavy loading. Observations have been limited; however, deep and destructive slides have been reported on this layer in a neighboring region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm accumulations have been variable throughout the region, however some ares saw significant snowfall earlier in the week. Recent accumulations may sit over a rain crust that extends up to 2000 m, the new snow may have a poor bond to this crust. Widespread wind slabs exist at higher elevations, although I suspect that in recent days they may have gained some strength. There have been reports of buried surface hoar up to1m down. This layer, which was buried at the end of November, seems most prevalent on the west side of the region. Little is known about its current reactivity.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack an early November crust which is associated with a layer of facets either directly above or below. Recent tests have shown sudden results at this interface. In general, snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An additional 15-30cm of snow has fallen accompanied by strong winds. This sits on top of the settled storm accumulations from last week. Alpine and treeline surface snow conditions are variable with buried wind slabs, newly formed wind slabs and areas that are heavily scoured. The mid-pack is gaining strength and is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A November facet/crust layer can be found near the base of the snowpack. We don not have much recent information on this facet/crust interface, so it may be worth digging down yourself to test its reactivity.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snowpack depth above 1000 m is 160-220 cm deep. Below 1000 m the snowpack shows a sharp transition from 100 cm dropping to 50 cm, and is generally below threshold.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> Windslab instabilities exist in the upper snowpack at treeline and in the alpine from recent snowfall accompanied by moderate to strong winds. Treeline snow depths range between 90-125 cm. Snow depths in the alpine are highly variable with deep wind drifts and heavily scoured slopes in exposed areas. A layer of small surface hoar crystals exists at tree-line in isolated sheltered areas. This is most likely buried down 20-35 cm. A weak layer of facets sitting on a crust exists near the base of the snowpack down 90-140 cm. We do not have much information on the reactivity of this layer. If you are traveling in the backcountry, send us your observations. Every bit of information helps us to create a better product. Email us at forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most recent storm is settling and being redistributed by the wind. A buried surface hoar layer, down about 120 cm, and the early November rain crust (facet-crust combo), over 150cm down in some locations, remain a concern for isolated deep slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 160 and 200cm. Elevations below 1500m are still reported as below threshold.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, snowpack information is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Minimal (1cm) new snow over the previous 24 hours.  A strong temperature gradient is resulting in increased facetting and progressive weakening within the snowpack.  A W-NW flow through day is contributing toward additional redistribution of storm snow at and above treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds from the South East and South West has created winds slabs on lee slopes yesterday. These winds slabs will continue to build with the forecasted moderate precipitation and strong winds from the West tonight and tomorrow. I suspect that they will be easy to trigger these windslabs with light loads in the alpine and at treeline. Sluffing (dry loose avalanches) is also a concern on steep slopes in wind sheltered areas. Average snow depths at treeline is between 160 and 220 cm. Elevations below 1500 m are still reported as below threshold. The deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and early November crust) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack are still a concern not so much because of their sensitivity but more because of the large size avalanches they would produce if they would be triggered. In general, snowpack information is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 80cm of low density storm snow has been redistributed by the wind in exposed areas. New windslabs will be created on lee slopes and cross loaded areas in the alpine and treeline with the forecasted moderate to strong precipitation and westerly winds. Sluffing (dry loose avalanches) is also to be expected in steep wind sheltered slopes. In the southern portions of the region, you may find a thin yet reactive surface hoar layer about 120-140cm down in open areas between 2200 m and 1500 m. Besides the isolated surface hoar problem, the mid-pack seems well consolidated. The early November rain crust now sits 150-200 cm down in most locations (at treeline and above) and may exist in combination with facets. The facet crust layer has been unreactive in recent days but could wake up in specific areas that are being wind loaded.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds have shifted dry snow into soft and hard wind slabs in the alpine and exposed treeline terrain. A buried crust from early December is providing a sliding surface for storm snow layers. In some parts of the region, surface hoar may be buried on sheltered, northerly aspects above 1800 m. This layer was buried at the end of November and now sits about 120 cm below the surface. Cornices are also reported to be large and unstable.  A rain crust/facet layer from November could wake up with a very heavy load such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent dry snow has been transported by strong NW winds, creating wind slabs in some areas. Loose snow spilling onto fans has created localized loading. A buried rain crust extends to about 1800 -2000 m. A layer of surface hoar buried about 1 m down seems most prevalent on the west side of the region. At the base of the snowpack an early November crust/facet layer remains a concern. Recent tests have shown sudden results at this interface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, snowpack observations are sparse in this region and significant variations are likely to exist from one drainage to another. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow is being redistributed by very strong winds, creating wind slabs on a variety of slopes. In sheltered areas below treeline, loose sluff may be encountered. New wind slabs may be sitting above widespread surface hoar, making a touchy combination. The surface hoar was particularly noticeable in the Shames backcountry on Saturday. In general the mid-pack is gaining strength. A November facet/crust layer can be found near the base of the snowpack. Observations of this layer are limited, however recent explosives testing suggests it may be more problematic in the north of the region than in the south. Above about 1000 m, the snowpack  is 150-200 cm deep. Below 1000 m, the snowpack is only just reaching threshold.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow has been redistributed by very strong W-NW winds, creating touchy wind slabs on a variety of slopes, even below treeline. In the upper snowpack, surface hoar is buried at tree line in isolated sheltered areas. A November crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack has the potential for deep releases. Snow depths are highly variable due to the influence of recent winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wind may have already started to transport the light surface snow. If not, there should be wind effect by morning, and a lot of snow available for transport into wind slabs. There is widespread sluffing in the new snow in steep unsupported terrain, but no reports of slab avalanche failures in the storm snow. The late November surface hoar is now buried more than a metre deep and close to 150 cms in some of the snowier areas. This layer has mostly been found between 1700-2000 metres in elevation. There have not been any new reports of avalanches sliding on this layer. The early November rain crust is deeply buried. There was one report of a size 3.0 avalanche that released naturally on this layer in the southern Selkirks. I think we need to keep this problem on the front page through another storm cycle, and see how it reacts to more loading and rapid temperature changes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There has been a lot of unconsolidated surface snow (about 30-40 cms) that is now available for transport by the forecast strong Westerly winds. Expect wind slabs to develop in the alpine and at treeline. Heavy sluffing may continue to be experienced in sheltered locations. There is still concern about the weak surface hoar layer that is buried down about 100 cms; it may become reactive with the additional load of the new storm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There has been a lot of unconsolidated surface snow that has been producing heavy sluffing in steeper terrain. It sounds like the wind is starting to transport some of this light surface snow into wind slabs. If the wind has not affected the snow yet, it probably will by morning. There is still concern in this region for the late November surface hoar that is buried about 100-125 cms. New wind slabs and the recent storm snow may be enough of a load to make this weakness reactive to light additional loads. There was some discussion about a thin variable crust that formed around the 5th of December. We have not heard any concern about this lately, do you see it in your local area?</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warming temperatures are settling the snowpack. Light new snow amounts of 3-5 cms are being transported by moderate westerly winds at the ridge tops. There is 150-200 cms at the ridge tops, and about 50 cms at 900 metres. There are no layers of concern at this time. The new storm on Tuesday may not bond well to the old surface at higher elevations. Expect wind slabs to build at ridge tops and in gully features at higher elevations. Rising freezing levels may cause some moist snow up to about 1000 metres. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some exposed areas have developed a thin stiff wind slab in the alpine. Sheltered areas have 20-30 cms of light unconsolidated snow above a gradually stiffening snowpack. Snowpack tests have not been showing any consistent results in the storm snow. Foot penetration may still be up to 70 cms as the wind slab is not able to carry the weight of a person without skis. Professionals are concerned about the early November rain crust. If this deep persistent weak layer (DPWL) becomes reactive, the consequences will be very large destructive avalanches. The crust may be buried between 100-200 cms depending on the total depth of the snowpack in your area. The crust may be a bigger problem where it has a layer of facetted crystals above, rather than where it is like a laminated sandwich of crusts and facets. If that sounds too technical for you, then the take home is that this is not an easy problem to gauge when or where it might wake up.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">It sounds like the wind started to transport the light surface snow into wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. There is  about 140 cms below treeline in the Duffey Lake area, with 30 cms ski penetration and waist deep foot penetration at treeline. At 1900 metres on a NE aspect there was 60 cms of very light (Fist) density snow above slightly stiffer (4 Finger) snow. Snow stability tests showed only mid storm collapses. The Coquihalla also has a well settled &quot;right side up&quot; snowpack that is about 190 cms deep at 1550 metres elevation. &quot;Right side up&quot; means that the surface layers are light and soft, and then the layers get progressively more dense as you move down through the snowpack. The ski penetration has been reported to be about 40 cms and the foot penetration is very deep at 80 cms. The light snow is causing a lot of sluffing in steeper terrain, but is not reacting as a slab. The November crust has not been found in the Coquihalla, although we don't have any reports from the high alpine. Conditions may be quite different in the North of this region, please email us your observations if you are out in the field. forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Test profile 2200m, N asp at Treeline in location subject to windloading.  CTE down 14cm and down 23 cm within storm snow  layers and on top of a hard windslab- easily skier triggerable.  Still finding consistent hard test results down 130cm on top of Nv raincrust at this site.  Concern regarding this layer is in areas of thin snowcover.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds have shifted dry snow into soft and hard wind slabs in the alpine and exposed treeline terrain. A buried crust from early December, which peters out at about 1800 m, may still provide a sliding surface for storm snow layers. In some parts of the region, surface hoar may be buried on sheltered, northerly aspects above 1800m. This layer was buried at the end of November and now sits about 120 cm below the surface. Cornices are also reported to be large and unstable. A rain crust/facet layer from November could wake up with a very heavy load such as cornice fall. In general we have limited observations from the Lizard Range. Yours are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca .</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent dry snow has been transported by strong NW to W winds, creating wind slabs in some lee areas. Loose snow spilling onto fans has also created localized loading. Below this, the snowpack is reported to be well-settled. Below about 1400 m (or as high as 1800 m on some slopes), snowpack depth is below threshold for avalanches. Cornices have grown large in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">You may find a couple of layers of interest: A buried rain crust fizzles out at about 1800 m. A localized layer of surface hoar buried about 1 m down may still exist in sheltered pockets. At the base of the snowpack, a variable early November crust/facet layer exists. Recently, snowpack tests have shown hard results on this layer and no deep releases have been observed. It will remain in the back of our minds as a possible failure layer with very heavy snow loading or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-40 cm of fresh snow in the past couple days and the moderate to strong winds from the Northwest and Southwest has created the windslab problem on lee slopes in the alpine and treeline. This new snow could also be burying older and deeper windslabs in the alpine. Sluffing is still an issue on steep features protected from the wind below treeline. Below treeline, also watch for early season obstacles, such as stumps and creeks.  The deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and early November crust) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack are still a concern in this region, however, we haven't had report of their sensitivity or reactiveness. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures on Tuesday led to upside-down storm snow (dense snow over lighter snow) and rain at low elevations. Recent storm snow has been redistributed by very strong winds, creating wind slabs which may now be buried on a variety of slopes.  The mid-pack is generally well-settled. A November facet/crust layer can be found near the base of the snowpack. Sporadic releases are still occurring on this layer with a heavy trigger. Above about 1000 m, the snowpack is 150-250 cm deep. Below about 1000 m, snowpack depths peter out pretty quickly.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures on Monday night led to upside-down storm snow (dense snow over lighter snow) and rain at low elevations. Wind slabs formed in the last few days may now be buried on a variety of slopes.  In the upper snowpack, surface hoar is buried at tree line in isolated sheltered areas. A November crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack has the potential for deep releases. Snow depths are highly variable due to the influence of recent winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 80 cm of snow fell over the past week. This loads a surface hoar and/or facet layer that was buried at the end of November. Recent snowpack tests from the Invermere area gave moderate but resistant results on this weakness where it was found as surface hoar down 34cm. A bit deeper (near 100 cm down) another surface hoar layer that developed during mid-November may still be reactive; however, recent testing around the Invermere area has proved this layer to be unreactive. Near the base of the snowpack is the early November crust/facet deep persistent weakness. Recent tests throughout the region suggest that it is primed for triggering if you hit the right spot, with anywhere from easy to hard results but consistent sudden fractures. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Expect to find pockets of touchy wind slabs in exposed areas. Sheltered areas have 20-30cm of light unconsolidated snow above a gradually stiffening snowpack. Snowpack tests have not been showing any consistent results in the recent storm snow. The early November crust may be buried between 100-200cm down depending on the total depth of the snowpack in your area. Although unlikely, avalanches associated with this crust could be massive. It may also be a bigger problem where it has a layer of facetted crystals above, rather than where it is like a laminated sandwich of crusts and facets. If that sounds too technical for you, then the take home is that this is not an easy problem to gauge when or where it might wake up.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A recent Rutschblock test at 2100m on a north aspect above Duffy Lake gave an RB3 whole block release down 30cm on a storm snow weakness. The late November surface hoar was found down 70cm but unreactive to snowpack testing. A well settled and rounding mid-pack is overlaying the early November crust, which gave a moderate sudden planer compression test result in the overlying facets. Meanwhile in the Coquihalla area, recent reports suggest an overall well settled &quot;right side up&quot; (progressively more dense with depth) snowpack. The low density surface snow is causing a lot of sluffing in steeper terrain, but not reacting as a slab. The early November crust has not been found in the Coquihalla, although we don't have any reports from the high alpine. Conditions may be quite different in the Northern part of this region, please email us your observations if you are out in the field. forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Weakness exist within and under recent storm snow. Most notably is surface hoar that recently gave moderate to hard but sudden results in compression tests where it has been found as large as 10mm in size down 75-100cm. Elsewhere, are facets sitting on a rain crust that recently gave moderate but resistant compression test results where they were found down 30-35cm on a southwest aspect at 2020m in a shallow area of Kootenay Pass. Near the base of the snowpack sits the early November rain crust. This layer is most likely to be found in deeper snowpack areas at higher elevations. Recent reports suggest that this deep persistent weakness has been producing inconsistent, but occasionally sudden snowpack test results and remains a concern. Keep this on your radar, especially when traveling in areas at higher elevations that have a smooth ground cover where the existing crust is uniform and consistent. Finally, expect to find significant variations in snowpack structure from one drainage to another, so digging down and making your own observations may be critical to safe slope selection.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to heavy snowfall all day Tuesday dropped another 25-30cm of snow above 1000m or so. This new snow will likely take a day or to to bond and may be especially touchy in wind-loaded areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of warmer-denser new snow from the past few days fell on a cooler-lower density storm layer possibly creating storm slabs and also burying older windslabs.  The moderate to strong North West and South West winds most likely created new windslabs on leeslopes in the alpine and at treeline. The bond within the new snow with the older storm snow interface is unknown, but it still remains a concern in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes. There has been report of multiple significant results (sudden planar) on the Late November surface hoar layer now down around 100 cm and 150 cm in snowier areas. The early November crust is still a concern and is producing more varied results from break to sudden planar.  Large planar slopes with known smooth ground cover are areas to avoid in respect to this concern. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The 15-30 cm of new snow is likely to produce sluffing in wind sheltered areas at all elevations.  Windslabs are also a concern on lee slopes in the alpine and treeline since winds were blowing quite strong from the South West and North West last night. The mid-pack is generally well consolidated with a surface hoar layer that has not reacted or produced significant shears lately. The early November crust is also in a similar state but if triggered, it would produce very large avalanches. Large planar alpine slopes with smooth ground cover are the areas to avoid in respect to that problem. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Down flow winds have created pockets of windslabs in some areas.  Higher elevation terrain has windslabs up to 30cm thick in most open wind affected areas.  These slabs are not only on N and E aspects but also on more southern aspects due to NW winds earlier in the week.  The midpack is overall, well settled with no prominent weak layers and the 1106CR is down 100cm and only producing sheers in the hard range.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow instabilities are likely for the next few days. New and buried wind slabs are widespread and exist on a variety of alpine and exposed treeline slopes due to variable winds. A rain crust is now buried by new snow at low elevations. A November facet/crust layer can be found near the base of the snowpack. Very large releases are still occurring on this layer with a heavy trigger, such as storm slabs stepping down, explosives, or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The 5-10 cm of new snow that fell in the past couple days is sitting on the older storm snow and is continuing to settle. Some isolated windslabs exist in the alpine and at treeline on Easterly aspects and on cross loaded features. This loads 2 surface hoar and/or facet layers that were buried at mid November and then, at the end of November. Except for explosive results, recent snowpack tests gave no significant results on these weaknesses located consecutively around 50 cm and 100 cm below the surface of the snowpack. Near the base of the snowpack is the early November crust/facet deep persistent weakness. It would be possible to trigger if you hit the right spot, like a thinner snowpack area on a slope with smooth ground cover.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to heavy snowfall all day Tuesday dropped another 25-30cm of snow. This new snow will likely take a day or to to bond and may be especially touchy in wind-loaded areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 cm of new snow fell from the recent storm with moderate winds creating touchy soft slabs at treeline and most likely thinker and harder windslabs in the alpine on Easterly aspects. Indeed, snowpack test showed easy result within the storm snow.  This new load is sitting on the Late November surface hoar layer now down around 100 cm and the early November crust down 200cm. Because of the stability tests variations (from no results to suddan planars), the limited quantity of observations and significant depth of those layers, they remain the primary concerns.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent dry snow has been transported by strong NW to W winds, creating wind slabs in some lee areas.  Below this, the snowpack is reported to be well-settled. Below about 1400 m (or as high as 1800 m on some slopes), snowpack depth is below threshold for avalanches. Cornices have grown large in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">You may find a couple of layers of interest: A buried rain crust fizzles out at about 1800 m. A localized layer of surface hoar buried about 1 m down may still exist in sheltered pockets. At the base of the snowpack, a variable early November crust/facet layer exists. Recently, snowpack tests have shown hard results on this layer and no deep releases have been observed. It will remain in the back of our minds as a possible failure layer from thin snowpack trigger spots, or with very heavy snow loading or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New and buried wind slabs exist on a variety of slopes due to strong, variable winds over the last week. In the alpine, some areas are scoured to rock, while you may find 2 m + in windloaded areas. A rain crust formed a couple of days ago on low elevation slopes. Surface hoar is buried in the upper pack at treeline in isolated sheltered areas. We haven’t had any recent reports of reactivity on this layer. A November crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack has the potential for deep releases, particularly from a thin-spot trigger point or with a heavy trigger like cornice fall or a surface avalanche stepping down. Expect new storm slabs and wind slabs to develop during the remainder of the week as a series of fronts hits the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds have shifted snow into soft and hard wind slabs in alpine and exposed treeline terrain. A buried crust from early December, which peters out at about 1800 m, may still provide a sliding surface for storm snow layers. In some parts of the region, surface hoar may be buried on sheltered, northerly aspects above 1800m. This layer was buried at the end of November and now sits about 120 cm below the surface. Cornices are also reported to be large and unstable. A deep rain crust/facet layer from November could wake up with a very heavy load such as cornice fall. In general, we have limited snowpack observations. Please let us know what you are seeing out there at </span><a href="mailto:forecaster@avalanche.ca" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. Thanks!</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent winds have been stiffening the low density storm snow and forming reactive slabs. Below these recent storm snow weaknesses, the snowpack is well settled and strong. A layer of surface hoar that formed during late November has been found intact or decomposing in some locations down a meter or more. The early November crust/facet combination near the base of the snowpack seems to be dormant, at least in deep snowpack areas where it is buried too deeply by a stiff snowpack to be affected by light triggers on the snow surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent winds have been redistributing the low density surface snow onto leeward slopes creating thin wind slabs that have been giving moderate compression tests results. Surface hoar buried at the end of November recently gave moderate to hard but sudden results in compression tests where it has been found as large as 10mm down 75-120cm, or shallower in the Rossland Range where it more of a concern. On a southwest aspect at 2020m in a shallow faceted snowpack area of Kootenay Pass, facets sitting on a rain crust recently gave moderate but resistant compression test results down 30-35cm. Recent reports suggest that the early November facet/crust deep persistent basal weakness has been producing inconsistent, but occasionally sudden snowpack test results and remains a concern. Keep this on your radar, especially when traveling in areas at higher elevations that have a smooth ground cover where the existing crust is uniform and consistent.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A recent Rutschblock test at 2100m on a north aspect above Duffy Lake gave an RB3 whole block release down 30cm on a storm snow weakness. The late November surface hoar was found down 70cm but so far has been unreactive to snowpack testing. A well settled and rounding mid-pack is overlaying the early November crust, which gave a moderate sudden planer compression test result in the overlying facets. Meanwhile in the Coquihalla area, recent reports suggest an overall well settled &quot;right side up&quot; (progressively more dense with depth) snowpack. The low density surface snow is causing a lot of sluffing in steeper terrain, but not reacting as a slab. Conditions may be quite different in the Northern part of the region, please email us your observations if you are out in the field. forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30 cm of fresh snow has been transported by West and South West winds in the alpine and treeline&nbsp; creating the windslab problem on lee slopes. It has been reported that these windslabs are reactive under the weight of a skier. In sheltered areas, this new snow could also be burrying older and deeper windslabs in the alpine. Sluffing is still an issue on steep features protected from the wind below treeline. Below treeline, also watch for early season obstacle, such as stumps and creeks. The deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and early November crust) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack are still a concern in this region, however, we haven't had report of their sensitivity or reactiveness. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30 cm of new snow fell from the recent storm with moderate winds creating touchy soft slabs at treeline and most likely thicker and harder windslabs in the alpine on Easterly aspects. Indeed, snowpack tests showed easy results within the storm snow.  The mid-pack is generally well consolidated with a surface hoar layer that has not reacted or produced significant shears lately. The early November crust is also in a similar state but if triggered, it would produce very large avalanches. Large planar alpine slopes with smooth ground cover are the areas to avoid in respect to that problem.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Friday morning there could be 20-25 cm of new snow sitting on a thin sun crust on southerly aspects, and potentially a thin surface hoar layer on shady slopes. This new snow may not bond well initially, depending on snowfall amounts. Below this is 35-40 cm of well settled storm snow from earlier in the week. The snowpack depth ranges from 120 to well over 200 cm depending on elevation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent winds have been stiffening the low density storm snow and forming reactive slabs. New snow falling on Thursday may be burying a thin layer of surface hoar in some areas. Below the recent storm snow weaknesses, the snowpack is well settled and strong. A layer of surface hoar that formed during late November has been found intact or decomposing in some locations down a meter or more. The early November crust/facet combination near the base of the snowpack seems to be dormant, at least in deep snowpack areas where it is buried too deeply by a stiff snowpack to be affected by light triggers on the snow surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow may be burying a thin layer of surface hoar and increasing winds are likely forming new wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. A recent Rutschblock test at 2100m on a north aspect above Duffy Lake gave an RB3 whole block release down 30cm on a storm snow weakness. The late November surface hoar was found down 70cm but unreactive to snowpack testing. A well settled and rounding mid-pack is overlaying the early November crust, which gave a moderate sudden planer compression test result in the overlying facets. Meanwhile in the Coquihalla area, recent reports suggest an overall well settled &quot;right side up&quot; (progressively more dense with depth) snowpack. The early November crust has not been found in the Coquihalla, although we don't have any reports from the high alpine. Conditions may be quite different in the Northern part of this region, please email us your observations if you are out in the field. forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent winds have been redistributing the low density surface snow onto leeward slopes creating thin wind slabs that have been giving moderate compression tests results. Surface hoar buried at the end of November recently gave moderate to hard but sudden results in compression tests where it has been found as large as 10mm down 90-120cm, or shallower in the Rossland Range where it more of a concern. On a southwest aspect at 2020m in a shallow faceted snowpack area of Kootenay Pass, facets sitting on a rain crust recently gave moderate but resistant compression test results down 30-35cm. Recent reports suggest that the early November facet/crust deep persistent basal weakness has been producing inconsistent, but occasionally sudden snowpack test results and remains a concern. Keep this on your radar, especially when traveling in areas at higher elevations that have a smooth ground cover where the existing crust is uniform and consistent.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">HSL building at TL &amp; ALP,  settled midpack and 1106 crust down 70-80</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Windslabs should grow slightly tonight in specific areas (Easterly aspects) in the alpine and at treeline with the forecasted light precipitations, moderate winds and the older snow available for transport.  The new snow is also burying some older slightly deeper windslabs in sheltered areas. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. The deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and early November crust) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack are still a concern in this region, however, it is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region at this time.  Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds have shifted snow into soft and hard wind slabs in alpine and exposed treeline terrain. Cornices are reported to be large and unstable. Below about 1800 m, 50 cm of loose dry snow sits on a buried crust from early December, providing a smooth surface for sluffing. In some parts of the region, surface hoar is buried on sheltered, northerly aspects above 1800m. This layer was buried at the end of November and now sits about 120 cm below the surface. We haven’t had any recent reports of reactivity on this layer. A deep rain crust/facet layer sits near the base of the snowpack. Any of these layers could become reactive with heavy wind-loading, or if triggered from a thin snowpack area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs exist on slopes lee to the west. Below these surface layers, the snowpack is reported to be generally well-settled. Snowpack depth is below threshold for avalanches below about 1400 m (or as high as 1800 m on some slopes). Cornices have grown large in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We are still watching a few layers, but recent snowpack tests have suggested that these are generally fairly well bonded. There is a buried rain crust in the upper snowpack which fizzles out at about 1800 m. A localized layer of surface hoar buried about 1 m down may still exist in sheltered pockets. At the base of the snowpack, a variable early November crust/facet layer exists. Any of these layers could become reactive with heavy loading, or if triggered from a thin snowpack area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Windslabs should grow slightly tonight in specific areas (Easterly aspects) in the alpine and at treeline with the forecasted light precipitations, moderate winds and the older snow available for transport.  The new snow is also burying some older slightly deeper windslabs in sheltered areas. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. The mid-pack is generally well consolidated with a surface hoar layer that has not reacted or produced significant shears lately. The early November crust is also in a similar state but if triggered, it would produce very large avalanches. Large planar alpine slopes with smooth ground cover are the areas to avoid in respect to that problem.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow instabilities are likely to continue developing over the next few days as variable new snow layers build up. Spotty surface hoar is also buried in the upper snowpack, particularly in sheltered treeline areas. New and buried wind slabs are widespread and exist on a variety of alpine and exposed treeline slopes due to variable winds. Of key concern is a November facet/crust layer which can be found near the base of the snowpack. This layer, which is widespread, can be triggered from thin-spot trigger points, or with a heavy load, such as storm slabs stepping down, cornice fall or a snowmobile. It has the potential for very large, destructive avalanches and demands respect. A rain crust is buried in the upper snowpack at low elevations. In general the snowpack is highly variable in depth due to windy conditions this season. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Windslabs are still a concern in specific areas (Easterly aspects) in the alpine and at treeline with the forecasted light precipitations, moderate winds and the older snow available for transport.  The new snow is also burying some older slightly deeper windslabs in sheltered areas. Overall, the upper snowpack is reported to be settling well.  The November 28 surface hoar down 100-140 cm (between 1500 and 2000 m) is producing moderate to no results. The early November crust down 150-200 cm is also still a concern producing sudden collapses to no results. Professionals are still cautious in relation to these lingering deep problems, but the slow and improving trend hopefully allows us to step it down or even maybe take it out of the primary concerns in the near future. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow instabilities are likely to continue developing over the next few days as variable new snow layers build up. Spotty surface hoar is also buried in the upper snowpack, particularly in sheltered treeline areas. New and buried wind slabs are widespread and exist on a variety of alpine and exposed treeline slopes due to variable winds. Of key concern is a November facet/crust layer which can be found near the base of the snowpack. This layer, which is widespread, can be triggered from thin-spot trigger points, or with a heavy load, such as storm slabs stepping down, cornice fall or a snowmobile. It has the potential for very large, destructive avalanches and demands respect. A rain crust is buried in the upper snowpack at low elevations. In general the snowpack is highly variable in depth due to windy conditions this season. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Watch for new and old isolated windslabs in the alpine and at treeline on Easterly aspects and on cross loaded features. The main concerns are still the 2 persistent weak layers (early November crust down 60-100cm and Late November surface hoar down 40cm).  Be aware that triggering an avalanche in a touchier windslabs area could step down to the deeper more stubborn problems. The crust-facet combo seems to be more reactive in the South part of the region. The surface hoar layer seems to be reactive mostly in the North part of the region still producing the odd sudden collapses result on North and North West facing slopes.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Pockets of hard and soft slabs up to 40cm thick at ridgelines and in crossloaded features throughout Alpine areas.  These slabs are overlying a well settled midpack with the 1106 crust down 100cm on average.  This layer did not produce any sheers in snowpack tests on Friday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A new sun crust and/or thin surface hoar layer sit on 35-40 cm of relatively low density storm snow that fell on Thursday. This new snow was likely redistributed by moderate winds forming new wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. Instabilities may exist within or under the new snow and slab avalanches may release naturally (with additional loading by snow and wind on Saturday) or be triggered by the weight of a person. The snow pack continues to build and now ranges from 150 to over 250 cm depending on elevation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 10 cm of new snow may have buried a thin layer of surface hoar in some areas. Moderate westerly winds have probably redistributed low density snow into soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. The late November surface hoar has been found down 70-90 cm but produces inconsistent results with snowpack testing. A well settled and rounding mid-pack is overlaying the early November crust, which continues to give occasional sudden planer compression test result in the overlying facets. Meanwhile in the Coquihalla area, recent reports suggest an overall well settled &quot;right side up&quot; (progressively more dense with depth) snowpack. The early November crust has not been found in the Coquihalla, although we don't have any reports from the high alpine. Conditions may be quite different in the Northern part of this region, please email us your observations if you are out in the field. forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 30 cm of new snow on Thursday may have buried a thin layer of surface hoar in some areas. Recent winds have been stiffening the low density storm snow and forming reactive slabs in exposed lee terrain. Below the recent storm snow weaknesses, the snowpack is well settled and strong. A layer of surface hoar that formed during late November has been found intact or decomposing in some locations down a meter or more. The early November crust/facet combination near the base of the snowpack seems to be dormant, at least in deep snowpack areas where it is buried too deeply by a stiff snowpack to be affected by light triggers on the snow surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow will continue to get deeper in the region, likely creating some short-term unstable layers but also hiding some previous wind slabs. Because the wind shifted around the clock (outflow and onshore),slabs could be on most aspects in alpine and exposed treeline slopes. Previously, spotty surface hoar was reported in the upper snowpack which may remain under this new snow in sheltered treeline areas.&nbsp; A key concern is a November facet/crust layer which can be found near the base of the snowpack. This layer, which is widespread, can be triggered from thin-spot trigger points, or with a heavy load, such as storm slabs stepping down, cornice fall or a sled track trenching. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Short-lived storm snow instabilities are likely to develop on steeper terrain as new snow continues to accumulate. But more importantly, forecast wind is sure to concentrate it and build deeper touchy windslabs; they may form lower down on slopes than typically expected. Older hidden windslabs from previous winds may still linger; remember that those winds blew from many directions so just about any exposed slope could harbour one. Spotty surface hoar is also buried in the upper snowpack, particularly in sheltered treeline areas. Of key concern is a November facet/crust layer which can be found near the base of the snowpack. This layer, which is widespread, can be triggered from thin-spot trigger points, or with a heavy load, such as storm slabs stepping down, cornice fall or a snowmobile. It has the potential for very large, destructive avalanches and demands respect. A rain crust is buried in the upper snowpack at low elevations. In general the snowpack is highly variable in depth due to windy conditions this season. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent winds have been redistributing the low density surface snow onto leeward slopes creating wind slabs that have been giving moderate compression tests results. Surface hoar buried at the end of November recently gave moderate to hard, but sudden results, in compression tests where it has been found as large as 10mm down 90-120cm, or shallower in the Rossland Range where it more of a concern. On a southwest aspect at 2020m in a shallow faceted snowpack area of Kootenay Pass, facets sitting on a rain crust recently gave moderate but resistant compression test results down 30-35cm. Recent reports suggest that the early November facet/crust deep persistent basal weakness has been producing inconsistent, but occasionally sudden snowpack test results and remains a concern. Keep this on your radar, especially when traveling in areas at higher elevations that have a smooth ground cover where the existing crust is uniform and consistent.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs remain a concern in exposed lee terrain in the alpine and at treeline. The new snow is also burying some older deeper windslabs on northerly aspects in the alpine. Overall, the upper snowpack is reported to be settling well. The November 28 surface hoar down 100-140 cm (between 1500 and 2000 m) is producing moderate to no results in snowpack tests. The early November crust, down 150-200 cm, has produced occasional sudden results in snowpack tests. Professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering continues to decrease as the overlying snowpack builds and continues to gain strength. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some new surface hoar has been reported overnight. Thin windslabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline in exposed terrain. Some loose snow sluffing may be experienced in steep terrain. Snow pit test results continue to show weak layers of surface hoar that was buried during mid and late November, however we have not seen any activity on these layers recently. The early season rain crust is another layer that continues to show results in tests, but has not been active.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The top 50 cms of recent snow has been transported into a wind slab in the alpine, and at treeline. The wind slabs tend to be hard and stubborn to release. At lower elevations the recent snow is still unconsolidated and may result in sluffing in steep terrain where it is sitting on a hard re-frozen crust. Cornices have experienced some rapid growth and may be weak and fall off naturally or with the addition of more wind loading.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs exist on slopes lee to the west. Below these surface layers, the snowpack is reported to be generally well-settled. Snowpack depth is below threshold for avalanches below about 1400 m (or as high as 1800 m on some slopes). Cornices have grown large in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We are still watching a few layers, but recent snowpack tests have suggested that these are generally fairly well bonded. There is a buried rain crust in the upper snowpack which fizzles out at about 1800 m. A localized layer of surface hoar buried about 1 m down may still exist in sheltered pockets. At the base of the snowpack, a variable early November crust/facet layer exists. Any of these layers could become reactive with heavy loading, or if triggered from a thin snowpack area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Windslabs should grow slightly tonight in specific areas (Easterly aspects) in the alpine and at treeline with the forecasted light precipitations, moderate winds and the older snow available for transport. The new snow is also burying some older slightly deeper windslabs in sheltered areas. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. The deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and early November crust) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack are still a concern in this region, however, it is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region at this time. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable amounts of new snow (10-30 cms) overnight with light winds has created a layer of loose snow above recent wind slabs. The new snow is expected to continue to cause sluffing in steep terrain, and may make it difficult to locate older wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. Most operators are reporting that the recent storm snow has settled and that there are no new weak layers that are causing shears. The early November rain crust continues to give results in tests, however it has not been active.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface faceting. Otherwise little change.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of low density new snow has fallen in the past few days. New wind slabs are likely in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine and at treeline. The new snow is also burying some older deeper wind slabs on northerly aspects in the alpine. Overall, the upper snowpack is reported to be settling well. The late November surface hoar, down 100-140 cm (between 1500 and 2000 m), is producing moderate to no results in snowpack tests. The early November crust, down 150-200 cm, has produced occasional sudden results in snowpack tests. Professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering continues to decrease as the overlying snowpack builds and continues to gain strength. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack where triggering may be possible. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong ridge top winds have created deep and dense wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. There are a variety of potential weaknesses within or below the recent storm snow, including pockets of surface hoar on shady slopes and a couple thin sun crusts on south facing slopes. The likelihood and size of avalanches will increase with continued loading from snow and wind over the next couple days. I recommend giving all this new snow a few days to settle and strengthen before pushing into steeper, more challenging terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Several potential weaknesses may exist within or under the new storm snow, including one or two surface hoar layers and a sun crust. Recent winds have been stiffening the low density storm snow and forming reactive slabs in exposed lee terrain. Below the recent storm snow weaknesses, the snowpack is well settled and strong. A layer of surface hoar that formed during late November has been found intact or decomposing in some locations down a meter or more. The early November crust/facet combination near the base of the snowpack seems to be dormant, at least in deep snowpack areas where it is buried too deeply by a stiff snowpack to be affected by light triggers on the snow surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Several weaknesses may exist within and under the new storm snow, including one or two surface hoar layers and a sun crust. Moderate to strong southwesterly winds have probably redistributed low density snow into soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. The late November surface hoar is down 70-90 cm but produces inconsistent results with snowpack testing. A well settled and rounding mid-pack is overlaying the early November crust, which continues to give occasional sudden planer compression test result in the overlying facets. Meanwhile in the Coquihalla area, recent reports suggest an overall well settled &quot;right side up&quot; (progressively more dense with depth) snowpack. The early November crust has not been found in the Coquihalla, although we don't have any reports from the high alpine. Conditions may be quite different in the Northern part of this region, please email us your observations if you are out in the field. forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow instabilities are likely to be slowly settling and gaining strength. Spotty surface hoar was buried in the upper snowpack, particularly in sheltered treeline areas. New and buried wind slabs are widespread and exist on a variety of alpine and exposed treeline slopes due to variable winds. Of key concern is a November facet/crust layer which can be found near the base of the snowpack. This layer, which is widespread, can be triggered from thin-spot trigger points, or with a heavy load, such as storm slabs stepping down, cornice fall or a snowmobile. It has the potential for very large, destructive avalanches and demands respect. A rain crust is buried in the upper snowpack at low elevations. In general the snowpack is highly variable in depth due to windy conditions this season. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm forecast for today (Saturday) didn't seem to make it onshore with any great punch, only light accumulations reported away from the coast. The upper snowpack should be mostly slowly settling powder with pockets of windslab or wind affected snow in exposed areas. Below this, near Shames at least, there may be some patchy surface hoar. Deeper in the snowpack professionals continue to monitor a crust down near the ground. It seems this problem is confined to&nbsp; alpine areas and likely needs a large trigger and / or a shallow snow pack feature to trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 to 50 cm HST low density with some wind affect ALP &amp; TL. WSL immediate lee. Buried hard SL from Dec 4 in ALP.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Windslab development should increase today (Saturday) in the alpine and treeline elevations with moderate SW winds. These slabs are most likely immediately behind ridge crests and downslope ribs. There's ample recent snow available to fuel slab development if the wind picks up as forecast. There still may be deeper hidden windslabs lingering in the Alpine, but these would probably require a larger trigger. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. The deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and early November crust) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern in this region. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that </span><span class="s_2488BF4F">pop or drop</span><span class="s_3FE45715">. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable amounts of new snow (25 - 45 cms) with light winds has created a layer of loose snow or very soft slab. A brief storm Saturday afternoon with forecast moderate SW wind could easily create touchy wind slabs. There's up to 50 cm of new snow to continue sluffing in steep terrain and cold temperatures suggest any pockets of wind slab could remain touchy for several days. Both the late November surface hoar and the early November rain crust continues to be listed as concerns by professionals, however they have not been active.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some new surface hoar has been reported overnight. Thin windslabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline in exposed terrain. Some loose snow sluffing may be experienced in steep terrain. Snow pit test results continue to show weak layers of surface hoar that was buried during mid and late November, however we have not seen any activity on these layers recently. The early season rain crust is another layer that continues to show results in tests, but has not been active.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a couple of cms of light new snow. The top 50 cms of recent snow has been transported into a wind slab in the alpine, and at treeline. The wind slabs tend to be hard and stubborn to release. At lower elevations the recent snow is still unconsolidated and may result in sluffing in steep terrain where it is sitting on a hard re-frozen crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable snowpack conditions exist across the sub-regions of the South Rockies. The West of the region resembles the Lizard range with a little less overall depth to the snow pack. As you move to the East the snowpack depths gradually become more shallow. Expect to find wind slabs that have developed over the past 4-5 days in all areas at higher elevations. There continues to be some discussion about the early November rain crust. You may be able to find this crust in areas that had snow on the ground when that rain event happened. However, the crust has not been active. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Reports from the Kootenay Pass and Whitewater areas are similar. Both areas have about 10-15 cms of loose snow that is bonding to another 20-30 cms of well settled snow below. The late November surface hoar continues to give results in snow profile stability tests. In the Rossland range, the late November surface hoar has not been buried by as much new snow, and continues to give sudden planar results in stability tests (when the bond between the layers fail, it fails suddenly and across the whole block that is being tested). The old surface hoar at the boundary between the slabs has been found to be intact and quite large in this part of the region. This well preserved layer may continue to react to increased loading from users or a new storm load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Trace to 4cm of new snow overnight. Variable hard and soft wind slabs in alpine and isolated areas at treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow accumulations in the north and near the coast (for example the mountains near Stewart) are as high as 65 cm; away from the coast there was much less. For example near Shames it was closer to 20 cm of storm snow but the total snowpack depth only added 5 cm due to settling. The upper snowpack should be mostly settling powder depending on elevation. I expect wind slabs or wind affected snow in higher elevation exposed areas. Deeper in the snowpack professionals continue to monitor a crust down near the ground. It seems this problem is confined to&nbsp; alpine areas and likely needs a large trigger and / or a shallow snow pack feature to trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow instabilities are likely slowly settling and gaining strength. Spotty surface hoar was buried in the upper snowpack, particularly in sheltered treeline areas. New and buried wind slabs are widespread and exist on a variety of alpine and exposed treeline slopes due to variable winds. Of key concern is a November facet/crust layer which can be found near the base of the snowpack. This layer, which is widespread, can be triggered from thin-spot trigger points, or with a heavy load, such as storm slabs stepping down, a cornice fall or a snowmobile track digging a trench. It has the potential for large, destructive avalanches. . In general the snowpack depths, and therefore strength is highly variable due to windy conditions this season. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Windslabs were developing Saturday afternoon and this process should continue Sunday &amp; Monday in the alpine and treeline elevations with forecast S or SW winds. These slabs are most likely immediately behind ridge crests and downslope ribs. There's ample recent snow available to fuel slab development as winds pick up. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. Deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and early November crust) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that pop or drop in stability tests. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The area has variable amounts of accumulated storm snow ranging from 25 to 50 cm. Saturday saw increased SE to SW wind that transported snow so fresh wind slabs in exposed treeline and alpine areas is likely region wide. Most operators are reporting that the recent storm snow does not have significant new weak layers within it. The accumulated storm snow seems to be slowly settling (in other words, remaining blower). The early November rain crust continues to be listed as a concern, however it has not been active.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deep and dense wind slabs will continue to build over the next few days. There are a variety of potential weaknesses within or below the recent storm snow, including a layer of large graupel crystals, pockets of surface hoar on shady slopes and various crusts. Snowpack depth is around 230 cm. The likelihood and size of avalanches will increase with continued loading from snow and wind over the next couple of days. This is a good time for conservative decision-making. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of low density new snow has formed wind slabs in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine and at treeline. In areas sheltered from the wind, the new snow is sluffing fast and far. Older wind slabs are also buried on northerly aspects in the alpine. Overall, the upper snowpack is reported to be settling well. The late November surface hoar, down 100-140 cm (between 1500 and 2000 m), is producing moderate to no results in snowpack tests, with isolated sudden results. The early November crust, down 150-230 cm, has produced occasional sudden results in snowpack tests. Professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering continues to decrease as the overlying snowpack builds and continues to gain strength. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thin windslabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline in exposed terrain. Some loose snow sluffing may be experienced in steep terrain. Snow pit test results continue to show weak layers of surface hoar that were buried during mid and late November, however we have not seen any activity on these layers recently. The early season rain crust is another layer that continues to show results in tests, but has not been active. Forecast new snow and strong SW winds are expected to continue to develop wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has formed a soft slab on all aspects that is between 10-30 cms deep. Below 1800 metres the storm snow is not bonding well to a melt-freeze crust that developed last week. The storm forecast for Sunday night should continue to develop a storm slab on all aspects and at all elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of new snow may have buried a thin layer of surface hoar in some areas. Recent winds have been stiffening the low density storm snow and forming reactive slabs in exposed lee terrain. Below the recent storm snow weaknesses, the snowpack is well settled and strong. A layer of surface hoar that formed during late November has been found intact or decomposing in some locations down a metre or more. The early November crust/facet combination near the base of the snowpack seems to be dormant, at least in deep snowpack areas where it is buried too deeply by a stiff snowpack to be affected by light triggers on the snow surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow combined with light winds formed some very soft slab on all aspects. The recent storm snow has not consolidated into a slab. Forecast strong winds and more new snow should create storm slabs on all aspects and at all elevations. The late November surface hoar layer that is buried down about 50 cms may be reactive in the Rossland Range with added load from the storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some light new snow 5-10 cms combined with light winds has not consolidated into a slab. The new storm on Sunday night is expected to develop a storm slab on all aspects. Variable snowpack conditions exist across the sub-regions of the South Rockies. The West of the region resembles the Lizard range with a little less overall depth to the snow pack. As you move to the East the snowpack depths gradually become more shallow. Expect to find wind slabs that have developed over the past 4-5 days in all areas at higher elevations. There continues to be some discussion about the early November rain crust. You may be able to find this crust in areas that had snow on the ground when that rain event happened. However, the crust has not been active. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deep new snow affected the Coquihalla much more than other parts of the region over the weekend. The next system forecast to arrive overnight Sunday/Monday is likely to follow the same pattern. This means that storm slabs and wind slabs will probably be more widespread around the Coquihalla than elsewhere. New snow may have buried a thin layer of surface hoar in some areas. Moderate westerly winds are likely to have created wind slabs in lee terrain. The late November surface hoar down 70-130 cm produces inconsistent results with snowpack testing. A well settled and rounding mid-pack is overlying the deeply buried November crust/facet layer, which continues to give occasional sudden planar compression test results. This layer has not been observed in the Coquihalla.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and below it is becoming increasingly apparent that the November rain crust is breaking down due to facetting. In deeper snowpack areas the breakdown same breakdown is occurring although the process is slower.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">After a brief respite on Tuesday, deep and dense wind slabs will continue to build on a variety of slopes due to changing wind directions. There are several potential weaknesses within or below the recent storm snow, including a layer of large graupel crystals, pockets of surface hoar on shady slopes and various crusts. Snowpack depth is around 230 cm. The likelihood and size of avalanches will increase with continued loading from snow and wind this week. This is a good time for conservative decision-making.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 60 cm of low density new snow has formed wind slabs in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine and at treeline. In areas sheltered from the wind, the new snow is sluffing fast and far. Older wind slabs are also buried on northerly aspects in the alpine. Overall, the upper snowpack is reported to be settling well. The late November surface hoar, down 100-140 cm (between 1500 and 2000 m), is producing moderate to no results in snowpack tests, with isolated sudden results. The early November crust, down 150-230 cm, has produced occasional sudden results in snowpack tests. Professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering continues to decrease as the overlying snowpack builds and continues to gain strength. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm deposited 10-15 cms in the North of the region near Golden, and 20-25 cms further South near the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy. Some areas reported a new layer of surface hoar that developed just before the storm in the North of the region, and are now buried down 5-15 cms. Thin new windslabs continue to grow as strong Southeast winds transport snow at alpine elevations in the North. Strong Southwest winds are transporting snow into wind slabs in the South of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm has deposited about 30-50 cms in the past few days. Most of this snow fell with very light winds. Strong Southwest winds have now transported the storm snow into thick wind slabs on North thru East aspects at higher elevations. Storm slabs that have been described as very touchy with fast propagating fractures shooting out 10 metres from skis and boards, are on all aspects. There is a thin melt-freeze crust from early December below 1800 metres that is providing easy shears at and below treeline, that are resulting in widespread avalanche activity.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The light new storm snow over the past few days arrived with very light winds. Strong Southwest winds started to transport that new snow into wind slabs on Monday afternoon. Storm slabs are expected to be found at all elevations, and should be very easy to trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow depths are highly variable and decrease as you go inland. 40-80 cm of recent storm snow overlies a thin layer of surface hoar in some areas. Wind slabs are buried on many exposed slopes in the alpine and near treeline from previous winds. New wind slabs are likely to form as low density snow will be easily shifted by forecast strong southerly winds. The mid-pack is well settled and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of surface hoar that formed during late November has been found intact or decomposing in some locations down a metre or more. The early November crust/facet combination near the base of the snowpack seems to be dormant. Triggering one of these persistent weak layers from a shallow snowpack area remains possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Low density storm snow has been shifted by variable winds into soft slabs in the alpine and at treeline. A layer of surface hoar and stellars buried on Dec 10 exists at treeline in the Duffey Lake area and may be more widespread. Recent snowpack tests produced hard to no results on a deeper surface hoar layer from late November, buried down 70-100 cm. A consolidated mid-pack overlies the deeply buried November crust/facet layer, which gives occasional sudden planar compression test results. This layer has not been observed in the Coquihalla area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 20 cms of snow on Monday brings the recent storm snow up to about 50 cms. The storm snow initially fell with very light winds and settled into an unconsolidated or very soft slab. On Monday the strong Southwest winds started transporting that snow and stiffening the slab. Expect very touchy soft slab conditions in sheltered terrain and stiff wind slab conditions on North thru East aspects. The storm snow may not bond well to old surfaces at lower elevations. The Rossland Range has a buried surface hoar layer at treeline and below that may become reactive with added load of this storm snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow accumulations in the north and near the coast (for example the mountains near Stewart) are as high as 65 cm; away from the coast there was much less. For example near Shames it was closer to 20 cm of storm snow but the total snowpack depth only added 5 cm due to settling. The upper snowpack should be mostly settling powder depending on elevation. I expect wind slabs or wind affected snow in higher elevation exposed areas. A surface hoar layer, reported to be 5 to 10 mm thick, has been reported from the Shames backcountry. It may exist in other areas too. Snowpack tests showed sudden &quot;pop&quot; results on this layer, indicating the possibility for avalanche releases on this layer (although none have been definitely attributed to it as of 17-Dec). Deeper in the snowpack professionals continue to monitor a crust down near the ground. It seems this problem is confined to  alpine areas and likely needs a large trigger and / or a shallow snow pack feature to trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow instabilities are likely slowly settling and gaining strength. Spotty surface hoar was buried in the upper snowpack on Saturday, particularly in sheltered treeline areas. New and buried wind slabs are widespread and exist on a variety of alpine and exposed treeline slopes due to variable winds. Of key concern is a November facet/crust layer which can be found near the base of the snowpack. This layer, which is widespread, can be triggered from thin-spot trigger points, or with a heavy load, such as storm slabs stepping down, a cornice fall or a snowmobile track digging a trench. It has the potential for large, destructive avalanches. . In general the snowpack depths, and therefore strength is highly variable due to windy conditions this season. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack comprises deep amounts of unconsolidated snow in sheltered locations, and soft slabs in open, exposed locations. These slabs are most likely immediately behind ridge crests and downslope ribs. There's ample recent snow available to fuel slab development if winds pick up. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. Persistent and Deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that pop or drop in stability tests. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The area has variable amounts of accumulated storm snow ranging from 25 to 50 cm. Recent winds have redistributed some of the very low density snow into soft slabs in exposed treeline and alpine areas. Most operators are reporting that the recent storm snow does not have significant new weak layers within it. The accumulated storm snow seems to be slowly settling (in other words, remaining blower). The early November rain crust continues to be tracked by professionals. However it has not been active recently.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Test profile in Chester lake area.  Hs 105cm.  1F RG midpack with FC'ing evident throughout snowpack.  Nov CR layer disintegrating under influence of strong temperature gradient.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm deposited 10-15 cms in the North of the region near Golden, and 20-25 cms further South near the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy. Some areas reported a new layer of surface hoar that developed just before the storm in the North of the region, and are now buried down 5-15 cms. Thin new windslabs continue to grow as strong Southeast winds transport snow at alpine elevations in the North. Strong Southwest winds are transporting snow into wind slabs in the South of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm slab has been reported to be very soft and easy to trigger by light additional loads. Propagation has been limited to wind affected pockets. The wind has been mostly light since the storm and was only strong during the storm at ridge tops. If the storm snow settles into a more cohesive slab, propagations may become longer and entrain more snow. Heavy sluffing has been reported in steep terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm brought another 20-40 cms of dry light snow combined with moderate to strong Southwest winds. The storm slab has been very easy to trigger in areas where the wind stiffened the slab a bit. In most places the slab is still soft to very soft and it is not propagating far. Expect heavy sluffing in steep terrain. The well settled mid-pack has not been showing shears in snow profile tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">During the storm on Monday the height of the snowpack in Harvey Pass was 225 cms at 2000 metres. There was 20 cms of new snow and the storm slab was 45 cms thick. Moderate to strong Southwest winds were moving snow at treeline all afternoon. There was about another 15 -20 cms of snow after these observations. There was cracking in the soft slab ahead of skis when travelling. We suspect that stiffer wind slab was forming at higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack comprises deep amounts of unconsolidated snow in sheltered locations, and soft slabs in open, exposed locations. These slabs are most likely immediately behind ridge crests and downslope ribs. There's ample recent snow available to fuel slab development if winds pick up. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. Persistent and Deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that pop or drop in </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/stability_test.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">stability tests</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">More heavy snow and strong winds will increase the likelihood and size of avalanches on Wednesday. There are several potential weaknesses within or below the recent storm snow. Wind slabs can be found behind ridges and in gullies in areas exposed to the wind. Very deep unconsolidated snow exists below treeline. This could fail as a loose dry avalanche or soft slab in any steep terrain, with enough mass and force to trip you up or push you into a terrain trap. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect new storm slabs and wind slabs to form on a widespread basis on Wednesday. A previous 40-80 cm of recent storm snow has been shifted into wind slabs on slopes lee to SE to SW winds. A couple of layers of surface hoar were buried last week in some areas. Snowpack test results on the surface hoar suggest an improving bond. The mid-pack is reported to be well settled and strong. A deeper layer of surface hoar from late November has been found intact or decomposing in some locations down a metre or more. The early November crust/facet combination near the base of the snowpack seems to be dormant. Triggering one of these persistent weak layers from a shallow snowpack area, or with a heavy trigger, remains possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect new storm slabs and wind slabs to form on Wednesday. Previous low density storm snow has been shifted by variable winds into soft slabs in the alpine and at treeline. A layer of surface hoar and stellars buried on Dec 10 exists at treeline in the Duffey Lake area and may be more widespread. Recent snowpack tests produced hard to no results on a deeper surface hoar layer from late November, buried down 70-100 cm. A consolidated mid-pack overlies the deeply buried November crust/facet layer, which continues to give occasional sudden planar compression test results. This layer has not been observed in the Coquihalla area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">More than 120 cm of snow has accumulated this week in some areas. Various storm snow instabilities have been observed. In areas affected by recent SW to SE winds, new wind slabs and touchy cornices exist at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, the new snow is sluffing fast and far, with enough ‘push’ to get you into trouble. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. The late November surface hoar, down 100-160 cm (between 1500 and 2000 m), is producing moderate to no results in snowpack tests, with isolated sudden results. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack, has produced occasional sudden results in snowpack tests. Professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 65cm of recent storm snow is settling rapidly. Recent compression tests gave easy to moderate sudden planar shears down 20cm and 35cm, as well as moderate resistant shears down 70cm, all on recent storm snow interfaces. A buried surface hoar layer, reported to be 5 to 10mm thick, recently produced sudden snowpack test results down 60-80cm in the Shames backcountry, and may exist in other areas too. Avalanche professionals continue to monitor a crust down near the ground. It seems this problem is confined to  alpine areas and likely needs a large trigger and/or a shallow snow pack feature to trigger. Cornices are also really big and forecast strong winds and cooling temperatures could make them especially heavy and brittle.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow instabilities are likely slowly settling and gaining strength. Spotty surface hoar was buried in the upper snowpack, particularly in sheltered treeline areas. New and buried wind slabs are widespread and exist on a variety of alpine and exposed treeline slopes due to variable winds. Of key concern is a November facet/crust layer which can be found near the base of the snowpack. This layer, which is widespread, can be triggered from thin-spot trigger points, or with a heavy load, such as storm slabs stepping down, a cornice fall or a snowmobile track digging a trench. It has the potential for large, destructive avalanches. In general the snowpack depths, and therefore strength is highly variable due to windy conditions this season. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The area has variable amounts of accumulated storm snow ranging from 25 to 50cm since Saturday. Recent winds have redistributed some of the very low density snow into soft slabs in exposed treeline and alpine areas, which seem to be more of a concern in the Monashees. Most operators are reporting that the recent storm snow does not have significant new weak layers within it, but is very low density and sluffing easily and is settling slowly. The early November rain crust continues to be tracked by professionals; however, it has not been active recently. Glide cracks are also opening up, and the potential for subsequent largely unpredictable full-depth avalanches are a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total storm snow in the region ranges from 50 - 140 cm with the greatest accumulations in the south.  The very light storm snow has been slowly settling, but I feel like we're entering a time of transition.&nbsp; The main concern has been loose snow avalanches which we usually consider a manageable problem.  This will shift to a more tricky wind slab problem as wind whistles into the region Wednesday evening.  Extreme winds + plenty of light density snow available for transport will likely result in widespread touchy windslabs in wind exposed locations at and above treeline.  The early November rain crust continues to be tracked by professionals; however, it has not been active recently. Glide cracks are also opening up, and the potential for subsequent largely unpredictable full-depth avalanches are a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow overlie older storm and windslab instabilities which are likely settling and gaining strength. Spotty surface hoar was buried in the upper snowpack, particularly in sheltered treeline areas.  Of key concern is a November facet/crust layer which can be found near the base of the snowpack. This layer, which is widespread, can be triggered from thin-spot trigger points, or with a heavy load, such as storm slabs stepping down, a cornice fall or a snowmobile track digging a trench. It has the potential for large, destructive avalanches. In general the snowpack depths, and therefore strength is highly variable due to windy conditions this season. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">continued wind building wind slabs at TL and above. Significant wind transport today. Midpack generally well settled, but surface facetting continues with strong TG. Nov crust down 80-100 at TL and is starting to break down at TL elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 65cm of recent storm snow is settling rapidly, although weaknesses still exist within storm snow interfaces. A buried surface hoar layer, reported to be 5 to 10mm thick, recently produced sudden snowpack test results down 60-80cm in the Shames backcountry, and may exist in other areas too. Avalanche professionals continue to monitor a faceted crust near the ground. It seems this problem is confined to alpine areas and likely needs a large trigger and/or a shallow snow pack feature to trigger. Cornices are also really big and forecast strong winds and cooling temperatures could make them especially heavy and brittle.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack comprises deep amounts of unconsolidated snow in sheltered locations, and soft slabs in open, exposed locations. These slabs are most likely immediately behind ridge crests and downslope ribs. There's ample recent snow available to fuel slab development if winds pick up. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. Persistent and Deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that pop or drop in </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/stability_test.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">stability tests</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Just under half a meter of new snow has fallen as of Wednesday morning.  I expect another 20 cm or snow Wednesday afternoon with the potential for an additional 10 - 20 Thursday.  There are several potential weaknesses within or below the recent storm snow. Wind slabs can be found behind ridges and in gullies. Very deep unconsolidated snow exists below treeline. This could fail as a loose dry avalanche or soft slab in any steep terrain, with enough mass and force to trip you up or push you into a terrain trap. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the South Elk valley (West of Sparwood) today the height of snow was 160 cms at 1800 metres elevation. The top 20 cms was the recent storm snow. The height of snow was 220 cms at 2000 metres. The field team was looking for the early December crust that has been reported to be active in the Lizard range. They found a crust about 20 cms above the ground (probably the early November crust) and another crust about 90 cms above the ground that was probably the early December crust.  Snow profile tests did not show any shears on either of these layers in this location. Watch for the new snow and wind on Thursday to transport snow into a storm slab on all aspects and wind slabs on exposed terrain at higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect widespread storm slab and wind slab formation in the wake of weather forecast for Wednesday. This will add to the 40-80 cm of recent storm snow that has been shifted into wind slabs on slopes lee to SE to SW winds. A couple of layers of surface hoar were buried last week in some areas. Snowpack test results on the surface hoar suggest an improving bond. The mid-pack is reported to be well settled and strong. A deeper layer of surface hoar from late November has been found intact or decomposing in some locations down a metre or more. The early November crust/facet combination near the base of the snowpack seems to be dormant. Triggering one of these persistent weak layers from a shallow snowpack area, or with a heavy trigger, remains possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm is forecast to come in with some strong winds, this may stiffen the surface and create a new stiff storm slab. We have only had a one day break between storms, the following is how we were describing the snowpack before the new storm. The storm slab (two days old now) has been reported to be very soft and easy to trigger by light additional loads. Propagation has been limited to wind affected pockets. The wind has been mostly light since the storm and was only strong during the storm at ridge tops. If the storm snow settles into a more cohesive slab, propagations may become longer and entrain more snow. Heavy sluffing has been reported in steep terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow has been mostly unconsolidated with no reported new shears. The new storm may have more wind, and may quickly transport all of the available snow into new wind slabs. The wind with the new storm may not bond well to the old surface. It will be important to evaluate the bond and test the amount of force required to cause a shear between these two layers. Skiing and riding conditions have been reported to be very good, but this may change overnight depending on how the new storm and wind transported snow interfaces with the recent storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thin wind slabs continue to develop with each pulse of snow and wind. Most of the precipitation has been tracking along the U.S. border, so the southern parts of this region may have quite a bit more new snow than the North. Areas with sheltered terrain have been reporting no new shears in the recent storm snow. Unconsolidated snow with thin wind slabs in exposed terrain in the alpine and at treeline has been reported from most areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect new storm slabs and wind slabs to form on Wednesday. This will add to the variable amounts of low density storm snow that has been shifted by winds into soft slabs in the alpine and at treeline. A layer of surface hoar and stellars buried on Dec 10 exists at treeline in the Duffey Lake area and may be more widespread.  Buried down 70-100 cm, you might find a surface hoar layer from late November; however, no recent avalanches have been observed on this layer. A consolidated mid-pack overlies the deeply buried November crust/facet layer, which continues to give occasional sudden planar compression test results. This layer has not been observed in the Coquihalla area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">More than 120 cm of snow has accumulated this week in some areas. Various storm snow instabilities have been observed. In areas affected by recent SW to SE winds, new wind slabs and touchy cornices exist at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, the new snow is sluffing fast and far, with enough ?push? to get you into trouble. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. The late November surface hoar, down 100-160 cm (between 1500 and 2000 m), is producing moderate to no results in snowpack tests, with isolated sudden results. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack, has produced occasional sudden results in snowpack tests. Professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">More than 120 cm of snow has accumulated this week in some areas. Various storm snow instabilities have been observed. Southerly winds picked up a bit Wednesday evening and created new wind slabs and touchy cornices near ridgetop. The raucous sluffing is likely a thing of the past but still something to keep in mind below treeline, especailly near terrain traps. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. The late November surface hoar, down 100-160 cm (between 1500 and 2000 m), is producing moderate to no results in snowpack tests, with isolated sudden results. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack, has produced occasional sudden results in snowpack tests. Professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total storm snow in the region ranges from 50 - 150 cm with the greatest accumulations in the south.  The raucous sluffing has slowed down &amp; the main concern is now wind affected terrain at and above treeline.  The early November rain crust continues to be tracked by professionals; however, it has not been active recently. Glide cracks are also opening up, and the potential for subsequent largely unpredictable full-depth avalanches are a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm deposited 15-20 cms in the North of the region near Golden, and 20-50 cms further South near the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy.  Moderate to strong winds Wednesday/Thursday created windslabs 20 - 60 cm in depth at and above treeline.  Windslab distribution and size is wildly inconsistent across the region, but it feels like they grow in size as you travel further south.  There is some talk about a December 16th surface hoar layer, but it's distribution is *very* spotty.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm slab has been reported to be very soft and easy to trigger by light additional loads. Propagation has so far been limited to wind affected pockets, but may be becoming slightly more widespread with a slightly denser upper snowpack. The wind picked on Thursday afternoon and this will likely generate more widespread wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. If the storm snow settles into a more cohesive slab, propagations may become longer and entrain more snow. Heavy sluffing has been reported in steep terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has received an impressive amount of new snow in recent days. The snowfall was accompanied by consistently strong to extreme winds that have since backed off leaving significant amounts of lower density snow over deeper windslabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A couple of layers of surface hoar were buried last week in some areas. Test results on the surface hoar suggest an improving bond. A deeper layer of surface hoar from late November is now well over a metre down and no activity has been reported on this layer either. In general, the mid-pack is reported to be well settled and strong.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early November crust/facet combination near the base of the snowpack seems to be dormant. Triggering one of these persistent weak layers has become unlikely; however, the consequences would be significant.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack comprises deep amounts of unconsolidated snow in sheltered locations, and soft slabs in open wind exposed terrain.  I believe these slabs to be between 20 - 40 cm in depth and are most likely to be found immediately behind ridge crests and lee of mid slope terrain features like ribs.  Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. Persistent and Deep Persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that pop or drop in </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/stability_test.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">stability tests</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the last few days, the North Shore mountains have been getting pummeled with new snow with over 70cm falling in 24 hours in one location.  It seems that as soon as one layer gains strength, another storm/ windslab arrives keeping avalanche danger ratings elevated. Wind slabs can be found at higher elevations behind ridges and in gullies. Very deep unconsolidated snow exists below treeline. This could fail as a loose dry avalanche or soft slab in any steep terrain, with enough mass and force to trip you up or push you into a terrain trap. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Expect ongoing storm slab and wind slab development. This will add to the variable amounts of low density storm snow that has been shifted by winds into soft slabs in the alpine and at treeline. A layer of surface hoar and stellars buried on Dec 10 exists at treeline in the Duffey Lake area and may be more widespread.  Buried down 70-100 cm, you might find a surface hoar layer from late November; however, no recent avalanches have been observed on this layer. A consolidated mid-pack overlies the deeply buried November crust/facet layer, which continues to give occasional sudden planar compression test results. This layer has not been observed in the Coquihalla area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Very light amounts of new snow have been redistributed by winds at higher elevations. This overlies the past week's storm snow which is settling rapidly, although weaknesses may still exist within storm snow interfaces. A buried surface hoar layer, reported to be 5 to 10mm thick, recently produced sudden snowpack test results down 60-80cm in the Shames backcountry, and may exist in other areas too. Avalanche professionals continue to monitor a faceted crust near the ground. It seems this problem is confined to alpine areas and likely needs a large trigger and/or a shallow snow pack feature to trigger. Cornices are also really big and forecast strong winds and cooling temperatures could make them especially heavy and brittle.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow overlie older storm and windslab instabilities which are likely settling and gaining strength.  Spotty surface hoar was buried in the upper snowpack, particularly in sheltered treeline areas. Of key concern is a November facet/crust layer which can be found near the base of the snowpack. This layer, which is widespread, can be triggered from thin-spot trigger points, or with a heavy load, such as storm slabs stepping down, a cornice fall or a snowmobile track digging a trench. It has the potential for large, destructive avalanches. In general the snowpack depths, and therefore strength is highly variable due to windy conditions this season. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most recent storm brought 20-40 cms of dry light snow combined with moderate to strong Southwest winds. The storm slab has been very easy to trigger in areas where the wind stiffened the slab a bit. In most places the slab is still soft to very soft and it is not propagating far. Expect heavy sluffing in steep terrain. The well settled mid-pack has not been showing shears in snow profile tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Only relatively small amounts of new snow have been added since the more significant storms at the beginning of the week. Storm slab depths are variable from approximately 20 to 45 cm. Moderate to strong Southwest winds have recently been moving snow at treeline and in the alpine--expect wind slabs to be developing in exposed lee areas. Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November and one around 90 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. Snowpack tests indicate these crusts are well bonded to the snow above and below. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">General weakening of snowpack taking place due to strong temperature gradient.  The Nov crust layer continues to deteriorate and recent field tests continue to produce compression test results in the HARD range.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm new snow overnight with a two day storm total of 20cm. This snow has fallen with very little wind effect at and below treeline. However, in the alpine significant wind slab development has occurred. Cornices are also growing.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack comprises deep amounts of unconsolidated snow in sheltered locations, and soft slabs in open wind exposed terrain. I believe these slabs to be between 20 - 40 cm in depth and are most likely to be found immediately behind ridge crests and lee of mid slope terrain features like ribs. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. Persistent and Deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that pop or drop in </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/stability_test.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">stability tests</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">More than 120 cm of snow has accumulated this week in some areas. Various storm snow instabilities have been observed. Southerly winds picked up a bit Wednesday/Thursday evening and created new wind slabs and touchy cornices near ridgetop. The raucous sluffing is likely a thing of the past but still something to keep in mind below treeline, especially near terrain traps. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. The late November surface hoar, down 100-160 cm (between 1500 and 2000 m), is producing moderate to no results in snowpack tests, with isolated sudden results. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack, has produced occasional sudden results in snowpack tests. Professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the last few days, the North Shore mountains have seen very significant accumulations of new snow. The snow tap turned itself off on Friday. The last storm brought relatively warmer, slightly denser snow, and in places a little rain. The rain formed a thin crust and the warmer snow put denser snow on top of lower density snow, which for a while was being described as &quot;slabby&quot; or &quot;spooky&quot;. This problem appears to have mostly settled out, however, it may be still worth bearing in mind, especially on steep, convex terrain, which is where this problem would be most likely to release an avalanche. Wind slabs can be found at higher elevations behind ridges and in gullies. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and generally stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm amounts have reached 130 cm or more in this region. The most recent storm snow fell with a higher density than some of the underlying snow below, giving &quot;upside-down&quot; snow conditions. The storm slab has been reported to be easy to trigger by light additional loads. The wind picked on Thursday afternoon and this has generated extensive wind slabs in exposed lee terrain at upper elevations. Below the quite considerable amount of storm snow, the snowpack is generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has received an impressive amount of new snow in recent days. The snowfall was accompanied by consistently strong to extreme winds that have since backed off leaving windslabs at higher elevations and deep loose snow below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A couple of layers of surface hoar were buried last week in some areas. Test results on the surface hoar suggest an improving bond. A deeper layer of surface hoar from late November is now well over a metre down and no activity has been reported on this layer either. In general, the mid-pack is reported to be well settled and strong. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early November crust/facet combination near the base of the snowpack seems to be dormant. Triggering one of these persistent weak layers has become unlikely; however, the consequences would be significant.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> The region has seen a daily supply of light to moderate (with some locally heavy) snow accumulations over the past week. In exposed areas, the new snow most likely exists as a windslab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A layer of surface hoar buried on Dec 10 exists at treeline in the Duffey Lake area and may be more widespread.  A bit deeper in the mid snowpack you might find a surface hoar layer from late November; however, tests seem to be showing limited reactivity on this layer. A generally consolidated mid-pack overlies the deeply buried November crust/facet layer which does not seem to have been reactive lately. This layer has not been observed in the Coquihalla area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light amounts of new snow have been redistributed by winds at higher elevations. This overlies the past week's storm snow which has most likely settled and gained significant strength. A buried surface hoar layer, reported to be 5 to 10mm thick, has produced sudden snowpack test results down about 80cm in the Shames backcountry, and may exist in other areas too. Avalanche professionals continue to monitor a faceted crust near the ground which has been reactive this week in the Bear Pass area. It seems this problem is confined to alpine areas and likely needs a large trigger and/or a shallow snow pack feature to trigger. Cornices are also really big and forecast strong winds and cooling temperatures could make them especially heavy and brittle.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total storm snow in the region ranges from 50 - 140 cm with the greatest accumulations in the south. Sluffing is limited to the most recent storm snow &amp; the main concern is now wind affected terrain at and above treeline. The early November rain crust continues to be tracked by professionals; however, it has not been active recently. Glide cracks are also opening up, and the potential for subsequent largely unpredictable full-depth avalanches are a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Winds picked up mid week and moved a lot of storm snow around, especially in the upper treeline &amp; alpine elevations. The recent storm deposited 25-50 cm in the North of the region near Golden, and 30-80 cm further South near the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy. Moderate to strong winds Wednesday/Thursday created windslabs capable of producing size 2 avalanches at and above treeline. Windslab distribution and size is wildly inconsistent across the region, but it feels like they grow in size as you travel further south.  There is some talk about a December 16th surface hoar layer, but it's distribution is *very* spotty.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow overlie older storm and windslabs which have likely settled and gained strength. It is suspected that the recent light accumulations have been redistributed into wind slabs in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Spotty surface hoar was buried in the upper snowpack in sheltered treeline areas although little is known about its reactivity. Of concern is a November facet/crust layer which can be found near the base of the snowpack. This layer, which seems widespread, is possibly gaining some strength. Having said that, it may be triggered from thin-spot trigger points, or with a heavy load and has the potential for large, destructive avalanches. In general the snowpack depths, and therefore strength is highly variable due to windy conditions this season. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable amounts of new snow have given storm slab depths ranging from approximately 20 to 50 cm. Extensive wind transport has build big wind drifts in many areas behind exposed terrain features. Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November and one around 90 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. Snowpack tests indicate these crusts are well bonded to the snow above and below. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 110 cm new snow has fallen in the last week. The storm slab has been very easy to trigger in areas where the wind stiffened the slab a bit. In most places the slab is still relatively unconsolidated and soft and it is not propagating far. Expect heavy sluffing in steep terrain. The well settled mid-pack has not been showing shears in snow profile tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of new snow overnight with very little wind affect.  Up to 25cm of recent storm snow can now be found in Alpine areas.  This snow has fallen with only light winds and as a result, the wind slabs that developed earlier in the week are now burried and harder to locate.  The 1106 basal crust is down 100-120cm throughout the forecast region is beginning to break down.  It is still possible to trigger this basal weakness from thin or shallow snowpack areas.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light amounts of recent snow have been redistributed by strong winds into mainly stiff windslabs. This overlies older storm snow which has most likely settled and gained significant strength. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the mid snowpack you might find a buried surface hoar layer, reported to be 5 to 10mm in size. Last week it produced sudden snowpack test results down 60-80cm in the Shames backcountry, and may exist in other areas as well. In the far north there have been reports of faceted crystals in the top metre of the snowpack producing moderate to hard test results.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At the base of the snowpack a faceted crust remains on the radar of avalanche professionals, particularly in the north of the region. It seems this problem is mostly confined to alpine areas and likely needs a large trigger and/or a shallow snowpack feature. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices are also large. Continued strong winds and cooling temperatures could make them especially heavy and brittle.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of recent snow overlie older storm and windslabs. It is suspected that the recent light accumulations have been redistributed into wind slabs in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Spotty surface hoar was buried in the upper snowpack in sheltered treeline areas, although little is known about its reactivity. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A facet/crust layer which formed in early November can be found near the base of the snowpack. This layer, which seems widespread, is probably gaining some strength. Having said that, it may be triggered from thin-spot trigger points, or with a heavy load and has the potential for large, destructive avalanches. In general the snowpack depths, and therefore strength, is highly variable due to windy conditions this season. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the last few days, the North Shore mountains have seen very significant accumulations of new snow. The last storm brought relatively warmer, slightly denser snow, and in places a little rain. The rain formed a thin crust and the warmer snow put denser snow on top of lower density snow, which for a while was being described as &quot;slabby&quot; or &quot;spooky&quot;. This problem appears to have mostly settled out, however, it may be still worth bearing in mind, especially on steep, convex terrain, which is where this problem would be most likely to release an avalanche. Storm slabs may continue to build with new snowfall amounts. Wind slabs can be found at higher elevations behind ridges and in gullies. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and generally stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has received an impressive amount of new snow in recent days with over a metre falling throughout the week in some areas. The snowfall was accompanied by consistently strong to extreme winds that have since backed off leaving windslabs at higher elevations and deep loose snow below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A couple of layers of surface hoar were buried last week in some areas. Another deeper layer of surface hoar from late November is now well over a metre down. No activity has been reported on any of these surface hoar layers. In general, the mid-pack is reported to be well settled and strong. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early November crust/facet combination near the base of the snowpack seems to be dormant; however, the consequences of a deep release would be very serious. Avalanches at this interface would most likely require a large trigger along a thin, unsupported snowpack area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 110 cm new snow has fallen in the last week. Consistent, moderate SW winds have been retributing the new snow onto lee slopes and behind terrain features. In areas of wind effect, expect the storm slab to be stiffer, easy to trigger and more reactive. In most places the slab is still relatively unconsolidated and soft and it is not propagating far. Expect heavy sluffing in steep terrain. Large sluffs may be able to push you around; beware of </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/terrain_trap.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">terrain traps.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> Below the storm snow sits a well settled mid-pack that has not been showing shears in snow profile tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The region has seen a daily supply of moderate to locally heavy snow accumulations over the past week. In the alpine and in exposed areas at treeline, the new snow most likely exists as a windslab. The recent snow has been settling well; however, weaknesses may still exist within the storm interfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A layer of surface hoar buried on Dec 10 exists at treeline in the Duffey Lake area and may be more widespread. A bit deeper in the mid snowpack you might find a surface hoar layer from late November; however, tests seem to be showing limited reactivity on this layer. A generally consolidated mid-pack overlies the deeply buried November crust/facet layer which does not seem to be reactive as of late. This layer has not been observed in the Coquihalla area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the last 72 hours storm snow totals in the north are between 30 - 50 cm while the south of the region has seen closer to 80 cm near the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy. This adds to the abundance of storm snow that's fallen in the last 10 days. Strong winds on Wednesday/Thursday wreaked havoc in the alpine creating wind slabs capable of failing as large avalanches.  Cornices are also a problem at the highest elevations. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is reported to be settling well.  I haven't heard of any test results on the late November surface hoar in the last few days.  The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack comprises deep amounts of unconsolidated snow in sheltered locations, and soft slabs in open wind exposed terrain. I believe these slabs to be between 20 - 40 cm in depth and are most likely to be found immediately behind ridge crests and lee of mid slope terrain features like ribs. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. Persistent and Deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that pop or drop in </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/stability_test.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">stability tests</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the past week storm amounts in the Lizard Range have reached 150 cm or more. With additional snowfall in the forecast, storm slabs will continue to build at all elevations. Current storm slabs have been easily triggered by light additional loads. Wind slabs exist at upper elevations on leeward slopes and behind terrain features. Cornices have grown considerably and pose a threat. If they fail, the load will likely trigger storm and wind slabs on slopes below. The mid pack is generally well settled through the region, and the average treeline snowpack depth sits near 250 cm.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An average of 150 cm of storm snow fell in the last 10 days across the region.  Winds picked up Wednesday/Thursday of this week and wreaked havoc on wind exposed terrain both in the alpine and at the upper treeline elevations.  Wind slabs and touchy cornices are now a serious concern on north through east facing slopes.  Sluffing of the new snow is still a concern in steep wind sheltered terrain.  There are some reports of a suncrust down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well.  I haven't heard of any test results on the late November surface hoar in the last few days.  The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable amounts of new snow have given storm slab depths ranging from approximately 20 to 50 cm. Extensive wind transport has built stiff wind slabs overlying lower density storm snow and may be touchy to rider triggers. Large wind drifts can be found in many areas behind exposed terrain features. Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November and one around 90 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. Snowpack tests indicate these crusts are well bonded to the snow above and below. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total storm snow in the region ranges from 50 - 140 cm with the greatest accumulations in the south  Winds picked up Wednesday/Thursday of this week and wreaked havoc on wind exposed terrain both in the alpine and at the upper treeline elevations.  Wind slabs and touchy cornices are now a serious concern on north through east facing slopes.  Sluffing of the new snow is still a concern in steep wind sheltered terrain.  There are some reports of a suncrust down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well.  I haven't heard of any significant test results on the late November surface hoar in the last few days.  The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. Glide cracks are also opening up, and the potential for subsequent largely unpredictable full-depth avalanches are a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15cm of new snow with storm snow totals near 30cm. Minimal wind effect until above 2500m where variable wind slab conditions exist including hard and soft slabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the last four days the north of the region received 30 - 50 cm while the zone closer to the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy received closer to 80 cm. Winds picked up Wednesday/Thursday of last week forming large wind slabs in the Alpine that produced a limited avalanche cycle to size 2 that persisted through Friday.  It sounds like these slabs are settling out but I'm still suspect of them, especially on steep unsupported features. New (relatively) thin wind slabs involving Saturday nights snow may still be an issue Monday. Cornices are also a problem at the highest elevations. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. I haven't heard of any test results involving the late November surface hoar in the last five days. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total recent storm snow in the region ranges from 50 - 140 cm with the greatest accumulations in the south. Winds picked up Wednesday/Thursday of this week forming large wind slabs in the Alpine.  This generated a limited avalanche cycle that persisted through Friday.  It sounds like these slabs are settling out but I'm still suspect of them, especially on steep unsupported features. New (relatively) thin wind slabs involving Saturday nights snow may still be an issue Monday.  There are some reports of a suncrust down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. I haven't heard of any significant test results on the late November surface hoar in the last five days. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. Glide cracks are also opening up, and the potential for subsequent largely unpredictable full-depth avalanches are a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An average of 150 cm of storm snow fell in the last 10 days across the region. Winds picked up Wednesday/Thursday of this week forming large wind slabs in the Alpine.  This generated a limited avalanche cycle to size 3 that persisted through Friday.  It sounds like these slabs are settling out but I'm still suspect of them, especially on steep unsupported features. New (relatively) thin wind slabs involving Saturday nights snow may still be an issue Monday. There are some reports of a suncrust down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be well settled.  I haven't heard of any test results involving the late November surface hoar in the last five days. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over a metre of snow has fallen this week with strong SE winds, which has created wind slabs in alpine and open treeline terrain. New cornices exist. In sheltered areas below treeline, very deep loose snow has built up. Three surface hoar layers in the upper/mid snowpack appear to be gaining strength. In general, the mid-pack is strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer has become unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs overlie a generally well–settled snowpack. Surface hoar layers in the upper/mid snowpack appear to have gained strength and are now less of a concern. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer appears to be inactive. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on this layer may be possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs and cornices have developed on a fairly widespread basis and may be found in unusual locations lee to NE and E outflow winds. Surface faceting is likely to continue while the weather remains cold. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper metre of the pack has been observed in the Shames backcountry. The midpack is generally well settled. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to give hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs and cornices are likely to have developed on a fairly widespread basis and may be found in unusual locations lee to NE and E outflow winds. Spotty surface hoar was buried in the upper snowpack in sheltered treeline areas, although little is known about its reactivity. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a facet/crust layer remains a concern for unlikely but possible deep releases. It may be possible to trigger this weakness with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 - 30 cm of low density storm snow rests on a supportive midpack.  Unlike the neighboring regions, operators in the North Columbia are reporting minimal wind effect. Persistent and Deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that pop or drop in </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/stability_test.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">stability tests</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm accumulations has built storm slabs ranging in depths from from approximately 20 to 50 cm. Moderate Southerly winds have formed wind slabs on exposed areas in the alpine and at treeline. Most commonly, touchy wind slabs are found on lee slopes and behind terrain features. Loose dry avalanches may be touchy, especially from steeper terrain features. A large enough sluff may have enough force to push you around or even bury you, beware of terrain traps below. Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November and one around 90 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. Snowpack tests indicate these crusts are well bonded to the snow above and below. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the past week storm amounts in the Lizard Range have reached 150 cm or more. With additional snowfall in the forecast, storm slabs will continue to build at all elevations. Current storm slabs have been easily triggered by light additional loads. Wind slabs exist at upper elevations on leeward slopes and behind terrain features. Cornices have grown considerably and pose a threat. If they fail, it  will likely trigger storm and wind slabs on slopes below. The mid pack is generally well settled through the region, and the average treeline snowpack depth sits near 250 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 110 cm new snow has fallen in the last week. Consistent, moderate SW winds have been redistributing the new snow onto lee slopes and behind terrain features. In areas of wind effect, expect the storm slab to be stiffer, easy to trigger and more reactive. In most places the slab is still relatively unconsolidated and soft and it is not propagating far. The recent storm snow seems to be settling with moderate to hard resistant shears in the top meter of the snowpack. In some areas of the region people are still seeing and testing buried surface hoar down around 130 cm. Test results are in the hard to very hard range with sudden results. Deeper in the snowpack sits a well settled mid-pack.&nbsp; that has not been showing shears in snow profile tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the last few days, the North Shore mountains have seen significant accumulations of new snow. The last storm brought relatively warmer, slightly denser snow, and in places a little rain. The rain formed a thin crust and the warmer snow put denser snow on top of lower density snow, which for a while was being described as &quot;slabby&quot;. Touchy storm slabs have continued to build with new snowfall amounts. Wind slabs can be found at higher elevations behind ridges and in gullies, predominantly on SW-W aspects. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and generally stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface facetting and upper snowpack settling. Shears persist in previous HST. Nov rain crust has been inactive in recent field tests, but remains a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over a metre of snow has fallen this week with strong SE winds, which has created wind slabs in alpine and open treeline terrain. New cornices exist. In sheltered areas below treeline, very deep loose snow has built up. Three surface hoar layers in the upper/mid snowpack appear to be gaining strength. In general, the mid-pack is strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer has become unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs have developed lee to both SE and down-valley winds. Apart from a couple of strengthening storm snow weaknesses, the snowpack is generally well-settled. Surface hoar layers in the upper/mid snowpack appear to be gaining strength but still exhibit hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer appears to be inactive. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on this layer may be possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs and cornices have developed on a fairly widespread basis and may be found on many slopes due to variable wind directions. Surface faceting is likely to continue while the weather remains cold. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper metre of the pack has been observed in the Shames backcountry. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to give hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs and cornices have developed on a fairly widespread basis and may be found in locations lee to NE, E and SE winds. Spotty surface hoar was buried in the upper snowpack in sheltered treeline areas, although little is known about its reactivity. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point. Continuing cold temperatures will do little to increase the strength of the snowpack.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the last few days, the North Shore mountains have seen up to 50 cm of storm snow. New storm slabs were touchy to rider triggers, but have been settling out and bonding. The cooler temperatures have kept&nbsp; the recent storm snow dry and is easily transported to lee slopes from current SW winds.&nbsp; Wind slabs can be found at higher elevations behind ridges and in gullies, predominantly on W-E aspects. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and generally stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An average of 150 cm of storm snow fell in the last 10 days across the region. A wind event from last week formed relatively deep wind slabs in the alpine. New snow combined with wind has formed fresh windslabs on the surface. There are some reports of a suncrust down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar is currently inactive. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the last four days the north of the region received 30 - 50 cm while the zone closer to the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy received closer to 80 cm. A wind event from last week formed relatively deep wind slabs in the alpine. New snow combined with wind has formed fresh windslabs on the surface.&nbsp; Cornices are also a problem at the highest elevations. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. I haven't heard of any test results involving the late November surface hoar in the last five days. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 110 cm new snow has fallen over the past week. The recent storm snow seems to be settling with moderate to hard resistant shears in the top meter of the snowpack.  In areas of wind effect, expect the storm slab to be stiffer, easy to trigger and more reactive. In sheltered places the slab is still relatively unconsolidated and soft and may not propagate far. In some areas through the region, people continue to monitor the late November buried surface hoar found down around 130 cm. Test results are in the hard to very hard range with sudden results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, but you can expect a consequential avalanche to occur if this layer fails. Deeper in the snowpack sits a well settled mid-pack.  </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The week before Christmas, storm amounts in the Lizard Range reached 150 cm or more. As the temperatures stay cool, and very little precipitation is in the forecast, I suspect the new storm snow will start to settle out and bond within the upper snowpack. Wind slabs are likely to exist on exposed slopes, and behind terrain features (spines and gullies). Stiffer storm slabs, and wind slabs continue to be touchy to rider triggers. Cornices have grown considerably at ridgelines, and pose a threat with significant cooling. If they fail, they could trigger larger avalanches from the slopes below. Digging deeper, the mid pack is generally well settled throughout the region, and the average treeline snowpack depth sits near 250 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 - 30 cm of low density storm snow rests on a generally strong midpack. Operators in this region are reporting minimal wind effect in the alpine and at treeline. Persistent and Deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them being reactive. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that pop or drop in </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/stability_test.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">stability tests</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total recent storm snow in the region ranges from 50 - 140 cm with the greatest accumulations in the south. A wind event from last week formed relatively deep wind slabs in the alpine. New snow combined with wind has formed fresh windslabs on the surface. There are some reports of a suncrust down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar is currently unreactive. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. Glide cracks are also opening up, and the potential for subsequent largely unpredictable full-depth avalanches are a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The average storm slab depth is approximately 20 to 50 cm, and may be sensitive to rider triggers; especially in areas of wind effect on lee slopes and behind terrain features (spines, gullies, ridgelines). The most recent storm snow is low density and showing a poor bond (sluffing) on steeper terrain features. A large enough sluff may have enough force to push you around or even bury you, beware of terrain traps below you. Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November and one around 90-110 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. At this point in time the Nov. crust seems to be dormant. Recent snowpack tests done on the December crust from the Harvey Pass Riding Area showed a moderate compression test failure, with a sudden collapse characteristic. Testing on that layer showed inconsistent results, but I feel value is there to keep that layer in the back of your mind. It may be stubborn to trigger, but the result would be a consequentially large avalanche. The mid pack is generally strong and well bonded.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs which formed during last week’s strong winds are now buried by 10-30 cm of new snow and may be found in alpine and open treeline terrain. New cornices exist. In sheltered areas below treeline, loose snow is slowly becoming more consolidated. Three surface hoar layers in the upper/mid snowpack appear to be gaining strength. In general, the mid-pack is strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer has become unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs have developed lee to both SE and down-valley winds. Apart from a couple of strengthening storm snow weaknesses, the snowpack is generally well-settled. Surface hoar layers in the upper/mid snowpack appear to be gaining strength but still exhibit hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer appears to be inactive. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on this layer may be possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs and cornices have developed on a fairly widespread basis and may be found on many slopes due to variable wind directions. Surface faceting is likely to continue while the weather remains cold. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper metre of the pack has been observed in the Shames backcountry. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to give hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A shallow snowpack (about 1m deep) exists, with facets continuing to develop while arctic cold air prevails. Strong winds have scoured some SE aspects in the alpine to ground. Wind slabs exist in many wind-exposed areas, however their distribution is quite variable. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point or with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The average storm slab depth is approximately 20 to 50 cm, and may be sensitive to rider triggers; especially in areas with wind effect on lee slopes and behind terrain features (spines, gullies, ridgelines). Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November and one around 90-140 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. Recent snowpack tests done on the December crust from the Harvey Pass Riding Area showed a moderate compression test failure, with a sudden collapse characteristic. The testing done on that layer showed inconsistent results. Recent compression and deep tap tests done in the Lizard Range have shown hard results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, especially in deeper snowpack areas. However, if triggered, a large and destructive avalanche would occur. The mid pack is generally well settled throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the last few days, the North Shore mountains have seen up to 50 cm of storm snow. New storm slabs were touchy to rider triggers, but have been settling out and bonding. The cooler temperatures have kept  the recent storm snow dry and is easily transported to lee slopes from current SW winds.  Wind slabs can be found at higher elevations behind ridges and in gullies, predominantly on W-E aspects. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and generally stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wind event from last week formed relatively deep </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in the alpine. New snow combined with wind has formed fresh wind slabs on the surface. The mid-pack is reported to be </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/settlement.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">settling </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">well. Recent reports indicate late November </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> (near the middle of the snowpack) and  early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) have been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the past week storm snow amounts in the Lizard Range reached 150 cm or more. Cooler temperatures should promote new storm snow to settle out and bond within the upper snowpack. Wind slabs are likely to exist on exposed slopes, and behind terrain features (spines and gullies). Stiffer storm slabs, and wind slabs continue to be touchy to rider triggers. Deeper in the snowpack sits two rain crusts. One buried in November, and the other in early December. The December crust is now found down 140 - 180 cm. Recent compression and deep tap tests done on this layer have shown hard results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, especially in deeper snowpack areas. However, if triggered, a large and destructive avalanche would occur. The mid pack is generally well settled throughout the region, and the average treeline snowpack depth sits near 250 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 - 30 cm of low density storm snow rests on a generally strong midpack. Recent west and southwest winds will have redistributed the new snow in alpine and treeline locations, creating windslabs on the surface. Persistent and deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there has been little recent evidence of them being reactive. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that &quot;pop or drop&quot; in </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/stability_test.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">stability tests</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">If you are spending anytime in the backcountry, send us your observations. Every bit is greatly appreciated! Email us at: forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 110 cm new snow has fallen over the past week. The recent storm snow seems to be settling with moderate to hard resistant shears in the top meter of the snowpack.  In areas of wind effect, expect the storm slab to be stiffer, easy to trigger and more reactive. In sheltered places the slab is still relatively unconsolidated and soft and may not propagate far. In some areas through the region, people continue to monitor the late November buried surface hoar found down around 130 cm. Test results are in the hard to very hard range with sudden results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, but you can expect a consequential avalanche to occur if this layer fails. Deeper in the snowpack sits a well settled mid-pack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No new snow in last 24hrs. Surface facetting(top 10) due to cold temps. Mid pack well settled with buried windslabs evident in alpine near ridge lines &amp; crossloaded features. Nov crust down 100 at Treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wind event from last week formed relatively deep </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in the alpine. These have been buried by the most recent new snow combined with wind forming fresh wind slabs on the surface. In sheltered open areas at and below tree line there is newly formed </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> sitting on the snow surface. There are some reports of a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/sun_crust.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">sun crust </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar (near the middle of the snowpack) and early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) have been inactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A shallow snowpack (about 1m deep) exists, with facets continuing to develop while arctic cold air prevails. Strong winds have scoured some SE aspects in the alpine to ground. Wind slabs exist in many wind-exposed areas, however their distribution is quite variable. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point or with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most recent new snow from the weekend and late last week has been redistributed by the wind creating </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in isolated locations. These are sitting on a generally well-settled mid-pack. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/uploads/decisionmaking/DM_AvalProbEssentials_DP_V1.0.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Deep persistent </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them being reactive. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">If you are spending anytime in the backcountry, send us your observations. Every bit is greatly appreciated! Email us at: forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wind event from last week formed relatively deep </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in the alpine. The most recent new snow combined with wind has formed fresh wind slabs on the surface. In sheltered open areas at tree line and below there is newly formed </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> sitting on the snow surface. There are some reports of a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/sun_crust.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">sun crust</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar and early November crust have been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering deep persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wind event from last week formed relatively deep </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in the alpine. New snow combined with wind has formed fresh wind slabs on the surface. The mid-pack is reported to be </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/settlement.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">settling </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">well. Recent reports indicate the late November </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> (near the middle of the snowpack) and  early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) have been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs have developed lee to both SE and down-valley winds. Apart from a couple of strengthening storm snow weaknesses, the snowpack is generally well-settled. Surface hoar layers in the upper/mid snowpack appear to be gaining strength but still exhibit hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer appears to be inactive. A thick layer of facets making up the bottom the snowpack was observed on a north aspect near Wendy Thompson Hut. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on a basal weakness may be possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New and buried wind slabs may be found in alpine and open treeline terrain. Fragile cornices exist. In sheltered areas below treeline, loose snow is slowly becoming more consolidated. Three surface hoar layers in the upper/mid snowpack appear to be gaining strength. In general, the mid-pack is strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer has become unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs and cornices have developed on a fairly widespread basis and may be found on many slopes due to variable wind directions. Some alpine slopes are heavily scoured. Surface faceting is likely to continue while the weather remains cold. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper metre of the pack has been observed in the Shames backcountry. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer has recently given hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cooler temperatures have promoted recent storm snow to settle out and start bonding within the upper snowpack. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">likely exist on exposed slopes, and behind terrain features (spines and gullies). Stiffer storm slabs, and wind slabs may continue to be touchy to rider triggers. Deeper in the snowpack sit two rain crusts. One buried in November, and the other in early December. The December crust is found down 140 - 180 cm, and the November crust is deeper around 200 cm. Recent compression and deep tap tests done on this layer have shown hard results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, especially in deeper snowpack areas. However, if triggered, a large and destructive avalanche would occur. The mid pack is generally well settled throughout the region, and the average treeline snowpack depth sits near 250 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The average storm slab depth is approximately 20 to 50 cm, and may be sensitive to rider triggers; especially in areas that host more of a</span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D"> wind slab</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> problem (lee slopes and behind terrain features (spines, gullies, ridgelines). Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November and one around 90-140 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. Recent snowpack tests done on the December crust from the Harvey Pass Riding Area showed a moderate compression test failure, with a sudden collapse characteristic. The testing done on that layer showed inconsistent results. Recent compression and deep tap tests done in the Lizard Range have shown hard results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, especially in deeper snowpack areas. However, if triggered, a large and destructive avalanche would occur. The mid pack is generally well settled throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow seems to be settling with moderate to hard resistant shears in the top meter of the snowpack. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> have formed and may be easy to trigger and more reactive, especially on leeward slopes, and behind terrain features (spines, gullies). In sheltered places the slab is still relatively unconsolidated and soft and may not propagate far. In some areas through the region, people continue to monitor the late November buried </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> found down around 130 cm. Snowpack testing has shown compression and deep tap test results in the hard to very hard range with a variety of fracture characteristics, including no results, breaks and some with sudden results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, but you can expect a consequential avalanche to occur if this layer fails. Dig down, find and test weak layers that may exist in your neck of the woods. Deeper in the snowpack sits a generally well settled mid-pack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In wind exposed areas, recent storm snow has been transported to lee slopes from moderate East winds. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> may be found on leeward slopes, behind ridges and in gullies predominantly on SouthWest-North aspects. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong. The average snowpack depth at treeline elevations sits near 300 cm. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Very little change in the snowpack over the past few days.  The upper snowpack continues to settle and strengthen.  Windslabs building at ridgeline's with increased westerly winds above 2500m.  Below treeline in in sheltered areas at treeline, surface is growing up to sz 4mm.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wind event from last week formed relatively deep </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in the alpine. These have been buried by the most recent new snow combined with wind forming fresh wind slabs on the surface. In sheltered open areas at tree line and below there is newly formed surface hoar now buried by 5-10cm of low density snow. There are some reports of a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/sun_crust.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">sun crust </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar (near the middle of the snowpack) and early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) have been inactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most recent new snow from the weekend and late last week has been redistributed by the wind creating </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in isolated locations. These are sitting on a generally well-settled mid-pack. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/uploads/decisionmaking/DM_AvalProbEssentials_DP_V1.0.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Deep persistent </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them being reactive. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">If you are spending anytime in the backcountry, send us your observations. Every bit is greatly appreciated! Email us at: forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wind event from last week formed relatively deep </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in the alpine. The most recent new snow combined with wind has formed fresh wind slabs on the surface. In sheltered open areas at tree line and below there is newly formed </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> now buried by 5-15cm of low density snow. There are some reports of a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/sun_crust.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">sun crust</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar is currently unreactive. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow has been transported to lee slopes from moderate East winds. Pockets of </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slab </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">may be found on leeward slopes, behind ridges and in gullies predominantly on SouthWest-North aspects. Below 900 m the snowpack becomes moist and is slightly losing strength and may produce small loose wet avalanches from steep terrain features. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong. The average snowpack depth at treeline elevations sits near 300 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm snow seems to be settling with moderate to hard resistant shears in the top meter of the snowpack. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> have formed and may be easy to trigger, especially on leeward slopes, and behind terrain features (spines, gullies). In sheltered places the slab is still relatively unconsolidated and soft and may not propagate far. Through the region, people continue to monitor the late November buried surface hoar found down around 115-130 cm. Snowpack testing has shown compression and deep tap test results in the hard to very hard range with a variety of fracture characteristics, including no results, breaks and some with sudden results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, but you can expect a consequential avalanche to occur if this layer fails. Dig down, find and test weak layers that may exist in your neck of the woods. The mid-pack is generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last weeks accumulated storm snow has started to settle out and bond within the upper snowpack. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> may be touchy to rider triggers, especially on exposed slopes, and behind terrain features (spines and gullies). Deeper in the snowpack sit two rain crusts. One buried in November, and the other in early December. The December crust is found down 140 - 180 cm, and the November crust is deeper around 200 cm. Recent compression and deep tap tests done on this layer have shown hard results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, especially in deeper snowpack areas. However, if triggered, a large and destructive avalanche would occur. Thin-thick cross-loaded features, and shallower snowpack locations are examples of terrain that may be more susceptible to triggers. The mid pack is generally well settled throughout the region, and the average treeline snowpack depth sits near 250 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow is landing on variable surfaces including wind slabs and surface facets. Some alpine slopes are heavily scoured. Cornices are fragile. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper metre of the pack has been observed in the Shames backcountry. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer sometimes gives hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A shallow snowpack (about 1m deep) exists, with facets continuing to develop while arctic cold air prevails. Strong winds have scoured some SE aspects in the alpine to ground. Wind slabs exist in many wind-exposed areas, however their distribution is quite variable and some areas have no wind-effect at all. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point or with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wind event from last week formed relatively deep </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in the alpine. New snow combined with wind has formed fresh wind slabs on the surface and/or buried newly formed </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in sheltered, open areas at and below tree line. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate the late November surface hoar (near the middle of the snowpack) and early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) have been mostly inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow is starting to settle out and bond within the upper snowpack. Moderate to strong winds from the SW-NE have built wind slabs that may be sensitive to rider triggers. Likely areas where a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slab</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> problem may exist are: lee slopes and behind terrain features (spines, gullies, ridgelines). Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November down 170-200 cm and one around 90-140 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. Recent snowpack tests done on the December crust from the Harvey Pass Riding Area showed a moderate compression test failure, with a sudden collapse characteristic. The testing done on that layer showed inconsistent results. Recent compression and deep tap tests done in the Lizard Range have shown hard results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, especially in deeper snowpack areas. However, if triggered, a large and destructive avalanche would occur. Typical trigger points are thin-thick snowpack areas, cross loaded gullies or around rocky outcrops. The mid pack is generally well settled throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New and buried wind slabs may be found in alpine and open treeline terrain. Fragile cornices exist. A couple of storm snow weaknesses have been observed, but these are likely to be short-lived. In sheltered areas below treeline, loose snow is slowly becoming more consolidated. In general, the mid-pack is strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer is now unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently, wind slabs have developed lee to both SE and down-valley winds. Apart from a couple of strengthening storm snow weaknesses, the snowpack is generally well-settled. Surface hoar layers buried in the upper/mid snowpack appear to be gaining strength but still exhibit hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer appears to be inactive. A thick layer of facets making up the bottom the snowpack was observed on a north aspect near Wendy Thompson Hut. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on a basal weakness may be possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Very little change in the snowpack over the past few days.  The upper snowpack continues to settle and strengthen .  Windslabs building along ridge crests with increased west to north west winds above 2500m.  Below treeline in in sheltered areas at treeline, surface hoar is growing - size range 4-10mm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Previous storm snow is settling out and bonding to the upper snowpack with no associated weak layers. Above 900 m the snow remains dry, and some </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/sluff.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">sluffing</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> may be seen from very steep terrain features. Isolated pockets of </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slab</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> may still be found on lee slopes or behind terrain breaks. Below 900 m the snowpack becomes moist and small loose wet avalanches may be seen out of steep terrain. The average settled snowpack depth is 250-300 cm. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack seems to be settling and bonding with no significant shears. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> have formed and may be easily triggered by a rider in specific places like: leeward slopes, and behind terrain features (spines, gullies).Through the region, people continue to monitor the late November buried surface hoar found down around 115-130 cm. Snowpack testing has shown compression and deep tap test results in the hard to very hard range with a variety of fracture characteristics, including no results, breaks and some with sudden results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, but you can expect a consequential avalanche to occur if this layer fails. Dig down, find and test weak layers that may exist in your neck of the woods. The mid-pack is generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow is settling out with no significant shears in the upper snowpack. Recently formed </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> crystals have appeared on Northerly aspects, and a thin sun-crust exists on Southerly aspects. These may be future weak layers once buried by new snow. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> exist in specific locations and may be touchy to rider triggers, especially on exposed slopes, and behind terrain features (spines and gullies). Digging deeper in the snowpack sit two rain crusts. One buried in November, and the other in early December. The December crust is found down 140 - 180 cm, and the November crust is deeper around 200 cm. Compression and deep tap tests done on this layer have shown hard results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, especially in deeper snowpack areas. However, if triggered, a large and destructive avalanche would occur. Thin-thick cross-loaded features, and shallower snowpack locations are examples of terrain that may be more susceptible to triggers. The mid pack is generally well settled throughout the region, and the average treeline snowpack depth sits near 250 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In sheltered open areas at tree line and below there is newly formed surface hoar now buried by 10-20cm of low density snow. This surface hoar may be sitting on a thin sun crust on steep southerly facing slopes. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar (near the middle of the snowpack) and early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) have been inactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow combined with wind has formed fresh wind slabs on the surface and/or buried newly formed </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in sheltered, open areas at and below tree line. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate the late November surface hoar, near the middle of the snowpack has been inactive as of late. There has been a recent report of the early November crust, near the base of the snowpack being reactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow seems to be settling out with no significant layers. Moderate winds from the SW-NE have built </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> that may be sensitive to rider triggers. Areas that may host a wind slab problem are </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/leeward.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">lee slopes</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> and behind terrain features (spines, gullies, ridgelines). Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November down 170-200 cm and one around 90-140 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. Recent snowpack tests done on the December crust from the Harvey Pass Riding Area showed a moderate compression test failure, with a sudden collapse characteristic but inconsistent results. Testing done in the Crowsnest South Riding Area showed compression tests in the moderate range with non planar breaks. Its important to dig down and test the reactiveness of these layers in your local riding areas. This layer may be difficult to trigger, however typical trigger points are thin-thick snowpack areas, cross loaded gullies or around rocky outcrops. If triggered a large destructive avalanche may occur. The mid pack is generally well settled throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15cm of new low density snow been lightly redistributed by the wind creating </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in isolated locations and burying a thin layer of surface hoar or facets. These are sitting on a generally well-settled mid-pack. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/uploads/decisionmaking/DM_AvalProbEssentials_DP_V1.0.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Deep persistent </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them being reactive. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">If you are spending anytime in the backcountry, send us your observations. Every bit is greatly appreciated! Email us at: forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most recent new snow combined with wind has formed fresh thin wind slabs on the snow surface in the alpine and at tree line. In sheltered open areas at tree line and below there is newly formed </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> now buried by 10-25cm of low density snow. There are some reports of a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/sun_crust.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">sun crust</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> down around 100 cm in steep south facing features. The mid-pack is reported to be settling well. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar is currently unreactive. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively new and buried wind slabs may be found in alpine and open treeline terrain. Fragile cornices exist. A couple of storm snow weaknesses have been observed, but these are likely to be short-lived. In sheltered areas below treeline, loose snow is slowly becoming more consolidated. In general, the mid-pack is strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer is now unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow mingle with newly formed surface hoar. This surface structure overlies variably wind affected snow. Apart from a couple of strengthening storm snow weaknesses, the snowpack is generally well-settled. Surface hoar layers buried in the upper/mid snowpack appear to be gaining strength but still exhibit hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer appears to be inactive. A thick layer of facets making up the bottom the snowpack was observed on a north aspect near Wendy Thompson Hut in the Duffey Lake area. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on a basal weakness may be possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In some areas over 25cm of recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces. These surfaces may include facets, surface hoar and variable windslabs from a week of strong to extreme northeast outflow winds. A layer of surface hoar buried in the upper metre of the pack has been observed in the Shames backcountry. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to give hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A shallow snowpack (about 1m deep) exists, with facets that have continued to develop with this week's cool arctic air. Strong winds have scoured some SE aspects in the alpine to ground. Wind slabs exist in many wind-exposed areas, however their distribution is quite variable and some areas have no wind-effect at all. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point or with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface hoar is present below 2200m in sheltered areas. Surface faceting continues due to persistent cold temperatures. In the alpine significant wind slab development has occurred over the last 48 hours on N and W asp. These slabs also extend just below ridgecrest on E and S aspects. Previously formed buried wind slabs, now down 25 to 55cm are reactive in the moderate to hard range of compression tests. No cracking or whumpfing was observed today.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most recent new snow combined with wind has formed fresh thin </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> on the snow surface in the alpine and at tree line. In sheltered open areas at tree line and below there is newly formed </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> now buried by 10-30cm of low density snow. The mid-pack is reported to be well settled. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar is currently unreactive. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In sheltered open areas at tree line and below there is newly formed </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> now buried by 10-30cm of low density snow. This surface hoar may be sitting on a thin sun crust on steep southerly facing slopes. The mid-pack is reported to be well settled. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar (near the middle of the snowpack) and early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) have been inactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rising freezing levels and warmer temperatures will promote deterioration within the snow surfaces. The snowpack will likely become moist, and loose wet avalanches may be seen out of steep terrain. The average settled snowpack depth is 250-300 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow combined with wind has formed fresh wind slabs on the surface and/or buried newly formed surface hoar in sheltered, open areas at and below tree line. The mid-pack is reported to be well settled. There has been a recent report of the early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) being reactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about this lingering persistent slab problem, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow is settling out with no significant shears in the upper snowpack. Recently formed </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> crystals have formed on Northerly aspects, and a thin sun-crust exists on Southerly aspects. These may become weak layers once buried by new snow. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> exist in specific locations and may be touchy to rider triggers, especially on exposed slopes, and behind terrain features (spines and gullies). Digging deeper in the snowpack sit two rain crusts. One buried in November, and the other in early December. The December crust is found down 140 - 180 cm, and the November crust is deeper around 200 cm. Compression and deep tap tests done on this layer have shown hard results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, especially in deeper snowpack areas. However, if triggered, a large and destructive avalanche would occur. Thin-thick cross-loaded features, and shallower snowpack locations are examples of terrain that may be more susceptible to triggers. The mid pack is generally well settled throughout the region, and the average treeline snowpack depth sits near 250 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow is settling out with no significant layers in the upper snowpack. Moderate winds from the southwest have built </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> that may be sensitive to rider triggers in specific areas on lee slopes and behind terrain features (spines, gullies, ridgelines). Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November down 140-200 cm and one around 70-140 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. Recent snowpack tests done in the Flathead and Crowsnest South on the crusts have shown moderate-hard, and no results, with manly no non planar break fracture characteristics. Its important to dig down and test the reactiveness of these layers in your local riding areas. This layer may be difficult to trigger, however typical trigger points are thin-thick snowpack areas, cross loaded gullies or around rocky outcrops. If triggered a large destructive avalanche may occur. The mid pack is generally well settled throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> 20-40 cm of low density snow can still be found at the surface in the alpine and below. Some minor wind effect created wind slabs that are limited to lee and crossloaded terrain in alpine and open treeline terrain. No significant shears were obtained when the top or mid snowpack was tested. However, fragile cornices may exist and a surface hoar interface has been observed near the surface in sheltered areas. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer is now unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads (like a large cornice) which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche. Yesterday's size 3 avalanche is a good demonstration of this concern. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm snow is settling and showing no significant shears in the top meter of the snowpack. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> have formed and may easy to trigger in specific locations, like leeward slopes, and behind terrain features (spines, gullies).Through the region, people continue to monitor the late November buried surface hoar found down 115-130 cm. Snowpack testing has shown Compression and Deep Tap test results in the hard to very hard range with a variety of fracture characteristics, including no results, breaks and some with sudden results. This layer may be difficult to trigger, but if triggered you can expect a consequential avalanche to occur. Dig down, find and test weak layers that may exist in your neck of the woods. The mid-pack is generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few cm of snow fell since yesterday's 20-30 cm of recent storm snow. The storm snow which fell with light to moderate winds from the SE formed new windslabs on lee side of ridges in the alpine and at treeline. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Note that a layer of surface hoar buried in the upper meter of the pack has been observed in the Shames backcountry.  In sheltered areas and below treeline, 40 cm of low density snow overlies a stiffer base. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to give hard, sudden results to no results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow mingle with newly formed surface hoar. This surface structure overlies variably wind affected snow. As an overview, the snowpack is generally well-settled. Surface hoar layers buried in the upper/mid snowpack appear to be gaining strength but still exhibit hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer appears to be inactive. A thick layer of facets making up the bottom the snowpack was observed on a north aspect near Wendy Thompson Hut in the Duffey Lake area. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on a basal weakness may be possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few cm fell since yesterday with relatively light winds from the NW.  As a general overview, a shallow snowpack (about 1m deep) exists, with facets that have continued to develop with this week's cool arctic air. Strong winds have scoured some SE aspects in the alpine to ground. Wind slabs exist in many wind-exposed areas, however their distribution is quite variable and some areas have no wind-effect at all. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain and early season hazards like exposed stumps are still to watch for. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point or with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Not much is changing out there at this time.  Alpine areas have wind skin and pockets of wind slabs that is making the skiing hooky and challenging.  Surface hoar is growing below 2100m on all aspects and the snowpack below this elevation is beginning to facet and weaken.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow combined with wind has formed fresh wind slabs on the surface and/or buried newly formed surface hoar in sheltered, open areas at and below tree line. The mid-pack is reported to be well settled. There has been a recent report of the early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) being reactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about this lingering persistent slab problem, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In sheltered open areas at tree line and below there is newly formed </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> now buried by 10-30cm of low density snow. This surface hoar may be sitting on a thin sun crust on steep southerly facing slopes. The mid-pack is reported to be well settled. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar (near the middle of the snowpack) and early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) have been inactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most recent new snow combined with wind has formed fresh thin wind slabs on the snow surface in the alpine and at tree line. In sheltered open areas at tree line and below there is newly formed surface hoar now buried by 10-30cm of low density snow. The mid-pack is reported to be well settled. Recent reports indicate late November surface hoar is currently unreactive. The early November crust, near the base of the snowpack has also been inactive as of late. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about these lingering persistent slab problems, but the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar continues to grow on all aspects and at all elevations, report from Allen Creek observed up to 20 mm. The 10-20cm of new low density snow has been lightly redistributed by the wind creating </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.com/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in isolated locations and burying a small layer of surface hoar or facets. These are sitting on a generally well-settled mid-pack. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/uploads/decisionmaking/DM_AvalProbEssentials_DP_V1.0.pdf" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Deep persistent </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them being reactive.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A generally well settled snowpack exists. Surface layers may become weak with solar radiation and forecast warming temperatures this week. Be especially cautious at low elevations and on steep sun-exposed slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs seem to be gaining some strength. Cornices are large and could act as a trigger for slabs on slopes below. Loose dry snow is sluffing readily in steep terrain. Surface hoar which was buried on Boxing Day has a light covering of snow on it and exhibits very easy, sudden results in snowpack tests. Although not deeply buried, it is causing wide propagations where it’s buried deeper by wind-deposited snow. A generally settled mid-snowpack overlies two buried crusts. The December crust is found 140-180 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack. Recent snowpack tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie (in the South Rockies region), where sudden results on the November crust and a large settlement were observed on Saturday. Although unlikely, there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche, especially from thin snowpack areas. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster’s blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for more discussion on this.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs may be found behind terrain breaks such as ridges, ribs and gully walls. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies the late November surface hoar, buried down 115-130 cm. Recent test results are inconsistent, but an avalanche failed on this layer in the Rossland Range on Christmas Eve. A deeply buried crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack is considered dormant. Although unlikely, there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche, especially from thin snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs may be found behind terrain breaks such as ridges, ribs and gully walls. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies two or more buried crusts. The December crust is found 70-140 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack. Recent snowpack tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie, where sudden results on the November crust and a large settlement were observed on Saturday. Although unlikely, there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche, especially from thin snowpack areas. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster’s blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for more discussion on this.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs will most likely take form on lee side of ridges in the alpine and at treeline during the day tomorrow. These will be touchy until they have time to bond to the old surface, which could take a couple days. In sheltered areas, the new snow could hide older windslabs that were formed by the previous NE winds. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Note that a layer of surface hoar buried in the upper meter of the pack has been observed in the Shames backcountry.  In sheltered areas and below treeline, 40 cm of low density snow overlies a stiffer base. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to give hard, sudden results to no results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As a general overview, a shallow snowpack (about 1m deep) exists, with facets that have continued to develop with this week's cool arctic air. Older wind event have scoured some alpine slopes to ground and the forecasted strong Southerly winds for tonight and tomorrow could also redistribute the snow in the alpine and at treeline to create new windslabs.  The distribution of these windslabs will be quite variable and some areas were reported to have no wind-effect at all. Indeed, cold density snow is still possible to find at the surface in wind sheltered areas. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain and early season hazards like exposed stumps and rocks are still to watch for. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point or with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few centimeter fell since yesterday adding to the windslabs on lee side of ridge tops. These windslabs could possibly be triggered by a skier, however the potential size of these avalanches is not expected to be large. In sheltered areas, it is still possible to find low density snow at the surface in the alpine and below.  A crust of moist snow can be found on steep South facing aspects. No significant shears were obtained when the top or mid snowpack was tested. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer is now unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads (like a large cornice) which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow fell yesterday.  The steep South facing aspects are getting moist in the afternoon with warm temperatures and sun effect creating some minor snowballing and most likely a surface crust when cooling.  This new snow overlies a variety of wind affected snow producing sudden planar results in the Northern part of the region but not producing results in the Coquihalla area . As an overview, the snowpack is generally well-settled.  Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer appears to be inactive but still produces the odd sudden shear in isolated areas. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on a basal may be possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface hoar up to 5mm in sheltered areas at 2300m and below. Surface facetting continues. Midpack is loosing strength due to continued cool temperatures promoting facetting. Condition of November rain crust is highly variable (still a crust in some areas, facetted out in others) and did produce shears in multiple field tests today.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A generally well settled snowpack exists. Surface layers may become weak with solar radiation and forecast warming temperatures this week. Be especially cautious at low elevations and on steep sun-exposed slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New surface hoar continues to grow in areas that are sheltered from the wind. Recent surface hoar is buried beneath a thin layer of cold dry snow. Thin wind slabs continue to develop due to the availability of loose snow for transport. Continued winds are expected to stiffen these soft wind slabs. Deeper weak layers have not been reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow combined with wind has formed fresh wind slabs on the surface and/or buried newly formed surface hoar in sheltered, open areas at and below tree line. The mid-pack is reported to be well settled. There has been a recent report of the early November crust (near the base of the snowpack) being reactive. It's important to note that professionals are still cautious about this lingering persistent slab problem, however the likelihood of triggering is low. Be wary of steep complex terrain with a shallow snowpack, where triggering a persistent weakness is more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New surface hoar continues to grow in areas that are sheltered from the wind. Recent light snowfalls have been transported into soft wind slabs in the alpine. Continued wind effect may stiffen these wind slabs and allow for longer fracture propagations. Deeper instabilities have been inactive, but may still be triggered by large loads in thin snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar continues to grow in areas that are sheltered from the wind. Near surface facetting continues to keep surface layers dry and loose. Loose snow continues to sluff easily in steep terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs may be found behind terrain breaks such as ridges, ribs and gully walls. Slopes receiving direct sun may now swing between exhibiting moist snow and a frozen sun crust. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies the late November surface hoar, buried down 115-130 cm. This layer seems particularly reactive in the Rossland Range, where an avalanche a week ago, snowpack test results and a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/encyclopedia/whumpf.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">whumpf</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> on Sunday demonstrate its potential reactivity, especially from thin snowpack areas. A deeply buried crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack is considered dormant. Although unlikely, there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecast winds may build new wind slabs on slopes lee to the NW. Cornices are large and could act as a trigger for slabs on slopes below. Loose dry snow is sluffing readily in steep terrain. Surface hoar which was buried on Boxing Day has a light covering of snow on it and may become a problem once buried more deeply. A generally settled mid-snowpack overlies two buried crusts. The December crust is found 140-180 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack. Recent snowpack tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie (in the South Rockies region), where sudden results on the November crust and a large settlement were observed on Saturday. Although unlikely, there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche, especially from thin snowpack areas. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster’s blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for more discussion on this.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Loose dry snow may sluff easily in steep terrain and may be shifted by winds to create new wind slabs behind terrain breaks such as ridges, ribs and gully walls. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies two or more buried crusts. The December crust is found 70-140 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack. Recent snowpack tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie, where sudden results on the November crust and a large settlement were observed on Saturday. Although unlikely, there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche, especially from thin snowpack areas. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster’s blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for more discussion on this.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some relatively thin windslabs exist on lee side of ridge top and on cross loaded features. Even though they are continuing to bond, these windslabs have been triggered by skiers recently and could still be, especially with the warmth and solar radiation forecasted in the afternoon. In sheltered areas, it is still possible to find low density snow at the surface in the alpine and below.  The South facing aspects are expected to become moist at the surface in the afternoon and create a crust when cooled. No significant shears were obtained when the top or mid snowpack was tested. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer is now unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads (like a large cornice) which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The steep South facing aspects are getting moist with warm temperatures and sun effect weakening the surface layer during the afternoons. Relatively small winds slabs also exists below ridges on lee slopes. As an overview, the snowpack is generally well-settled.  Near the base of the snowpack, the crust/facet layer appears to be inactive but still produces the sudden planar and collapse shears in isolated areas, especially in the Northern part of the region. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on a basal may be possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs are suspected to be touchy on lee side of ridges in the alpine and at treeline, especially on solar aspects in the inversion altitude band. In sheltered areas, the new snow could hide older windslabs. The mid-pack is generally well settled. In sheltered areas and below treeline, 30 cm of low density snow overlies a stiffer base. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer is still lingering but we have no recent information about its reactivity. I suspect that this weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but that it would remain possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Similar conditions as yesterday with a few more centimeters of snow. As a general overview, a shallow snowpack (about 1m deep) exists, with facets that have continued to develop at the surface of the snowpack and at the base of the snowpack in shallow and rocky areas. Strong winds have scoured some alpine slopes to ground. Wind slabs exist in many wind-exposed areas, however their distribution is quite variable and some areas have no wind-effect at all. Indeed, cold density snow is still possible to find at the surface in wind sheltered areas. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain and early season hazards like exposed stumps and rocks are still to watch for. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point, with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a shallower slab stepping down to it. The natural slab avalanche that happened on December 28th is a good example of this concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface hoar growth below treeline continues due to cold clear nights.  More facetting of upper layers as well.  Midpack strength continues to hang in there although the strong temperature gradient is weakening the midpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A generally well settled snowpack exists. Surface layers may become weak with solar radiation and forecast warming temperatures this week. Be especially cautious at low elevations and on steep sun-exposed slopes. Watch out for tree bombs. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Loose dry snow may turn to loose moist snow on steep, sun-warmed slopes. Forecast winds may build new wind slabs on slopes lee to the NW by Wednesday morning. Cornices are large and could fail with warming temperatures. Surface hoar which was buried on Boxing Day has a light covering of snow on it. A generally settled mid-snowpack overlies two buried crusts. The December crust is found 140-180 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack. Recent snowpack tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie (in the South Rockies region), where there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche from specific thin, rocky snowpack areas. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster’s blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for more discussion on this.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface layers may become weak with solar radiation and forecast warming temperatures this week. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies two or more buried crusts. The December crust is found 70-140 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack. Recent snowpack tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie, where there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche in specific thin, rocky snowpack areas. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster’s blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">for more discussion on this.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecast alpine warming and direct sun may lead to a loose moist snow surface. Wind slabs may be found in isolated areas behind terrain breaks such as ridges, ribs and gully walls. Loose dry snow is sluffing in sheltered terrain. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies the late November surface hoar, buried down 115-130 cm. This layer seems particularly reactive in the Rossland Range, in rocky, thin snowpack areas. A deeply buried crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack is considered dormant. Although unlikely, there is a lingering possibility of triggering a persistent slab in isolated areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New surface hoar continues to grow in areas that are sheltered from the wind. Recent surface hoar is buried beneath a thin layer of cold dry snow. Thin wind slabs continue to develop due to the availability of loose snow for transport. Continued winds are expected to stiffen these soft wind slabs. Deeper weak layers have not been reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a mix of new surface hoar layers and thin light snowfalls that have buried these layers. Some wind slabs have developed as the recent snow has been transported into the lee of terrain features at higher elevations. The mid layers of the snowpack have settled and are generally reported to be strong. Weak layers that were developed in November continue to show results in tests, but have not been reactive. Thin snowpack areas are the most likely place for deeper layers to be reactive to the additional load of a skier or rider.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar continues to grow in areas that are sheltered from the wind. Near surface facetting continues to keep surface layers dry and loose. Loose snow continues to sluff easily in steep terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New surface hoar continues to grow in areas that are sheltered from the wind. Recent light snowfalls have been transported into soft wind slabs in the alpine. Continued wind effect may stiffen these wind slabs and allow for longer fracture propagations. Deeper instabilities have been inactive, but may still be triggered by large loads in thin snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some relatively thin windslabs exist on lee side of ridge top and on cross loaded features. Even though they are continuing to bond, these windslabs have been triggered by skiers recently and could still be, especially during solar radiation and/or warming forecast for the afternoon. In sheltered areas, it is still possible to find low density snow at the surface in the alpine and below. South facing aspects are expected to become moist at the surface in the afternoon and create a crust when cooled. No significant shears were observed in the top or mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer is now unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads (like a large cornice) which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The steep South facing aspects are getting moist with warm temperatures and sun effect weakening the surface layer during the afternoons. As an overview, the snowpack is generally well-settled.? Near the base of the snowpack, the crust/facet layer appears to be inactive but still produces the sudden planar and collapse shears in isolated areas, especially in the Northern part of the region. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on a basal may be possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent new snow was warmer and denser in places than the existing snow on the ground, helping to create touchy storm slab conditions. The upper slab, while generally thin, was highly reactive in many places on Monday. Winds marked a significant shift from mostly light northerly to a period of strong south southwesterly to southeasterly. These have set up touchy wind slabs in many exposed lee areas. There are two surface hoar layers in the upper snowpack. The upper one formed at the end of December and is buried approximately 30 cm below the surface. Professionals have reported easy, sudden planar compression test results on this layer and it has been reactive to skier-triggering. The lower one formed at the beginning of December and is buried approximately 90 cm below the surface. Hard, planar compression tests have been reported on this layer. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to give hard, sudden results to no results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is generally shallow (about 1m deep). and strong winds have scoured some alpine slopes to ground. Wind slabs exist in many wind-exposed areas, however their distribution is quite variable and some areas have no wind-effect at all. It is still possible to find cold, low density snow at the surface in wind sheltered areas. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain and early season hazards like exposed stumps and rocks are still present in places. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point or with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall). A natural slab avalanche that happened on December 28th illustrates that caution is still warranted for this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Not much is changing in the snowpack lately. The continued cold temps are promoting facetting of the snowpack. Surface hoar continues to grow and surface facetting is also ongoing. recent stability tests indicate a variable shear in the upper 25 to 55cm in alpine areas and no consistent results on the November rain crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Minor surface hoar growth continues in areas that are sheltered from the wind. Surface facetting is loosening the upper layers, allowing for a slight increase in sluffing. Recent small surface hoar is buried beneath a thin layer of cold dry snow. Wind slabs continue to develop due to the availability of loose snow for transport. Deeper weak layers have not been reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Loose dry snow may turn to loose moist snow on steep, sun-warmed slopes. Wind slabs exist on slopes lee of the recent Westerly winds. They have been producing hard non-planar compression tests results and not reacting easily during ski testing.  However, I suspect it would be possible to find a place to trigger a windslab under the weight of a skier, the recent avalanche observations supporting that thought.  Cornices are large and could fail with warming temperatures. Surface hoar which was buried on Boxing Day has a light covering of snow on it. A generally settled mid-snowpack overlies two buried crusts. The December crust is found 140-180 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack. Recent snowpack tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie (in the South Rockies region), where there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche from specific thin, rocky snowpack areas. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster’s blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for more discussion on this.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Minor surface hoar growth continues in areas that are sheltered from the wind. Near surface facetting is maintaining dry and loose surface snow. Previous moderate to strong winds have built windslabs in lee locations in the alpine and at treeline.  The midpack is strong and well settled while the deep weaknesses remain dormant.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Minor surface hoar growth continues in areas that are sheltered from the wind. Near surface facetting is maintaining dry and loose surface snow. The midpack is strong and well settled while the deep weaknesses remain dormant.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface layers (windslabs in alpine lee areas, cornices and loose snow in sheltered areas) may become weak with solar radiation and forecast warming temperatures. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies two or more buried crusts. The December crust is found 70-140 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack. Recent snowpack tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie, where there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche in specific thin, rocky snowpack areas. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster’s blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for more discussion on this.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The North Shore snowpack is generally well consolidated, and there are no reports of weak layers within the snowpack. Snowpack depth is approximately 250 cm. Surface layers are becoming moist during the day, with warm temperatures and solar radiation, then freezing into a crust overnight. Watch out for tree bombs. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a mix of new surface hoar layers and thin light snowfalls that have buried these layers. Some wind slabs have developed as the snow has been transported into the lee of terrain features at higher elevations. These have been reported to be reactive at ridgetops but have limited </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/encyclopedia/propagation.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">propagation</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> potential. Sun and warmth in the alpine could weaken sun exposed slopes, be careful especially where cornices could fall and act as a trigger. The mid layers of the snowpack have settled and are generally reported to be strong. Weak layers that were developed in November continue to show results in tests, but have not been reactive. Thin snowpack areas are the most likely place for deeper layers to be reactive to the additional load of a skier or rider.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecasted alpine warming and direct sun may lead to a loose moist snow surface. New wind slabs were formed by recent NW winds below ridgetops on lee aspects. Loose dry snow is sluffing in sheltered terrain. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies the late November surface hoar, buried down 115-130 cm. This layer seems particularly reactive in the Rossland Range, in rocky, thin snowpack areas. A deeply buried crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack is considered dormant. Although unlikely, there is a lingering possibility of triggering a persistent slab in isolated areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent mild temperatures have consolidated previous wind slabs in most areas, although it may still be possible to find relatively thin windslabs on the lee side of ridge top and on cross loaded features in exposed areas. The warm temperatures have created a moist snow surface, which will freeze into a crust as temperatures cool. This will be most noticeable on south facing slopes. No significant shears have been observed recently in the top or mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, but is now unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads (like a large cornice) which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The steep South facing aspects are getting moist with warm temperatures and sun effect weakening the surface layer during the afternoons. As an overview, the snowpack is generally well-settled.? Near the base of the snowpack, the crust/facet layer appears to be inactive but still produces the sudden planar and collapse shears in isolated areas, especially in the Northern part of the region. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on a basal may be possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts are much higher close to the coast compared with even a little way inland. The new snow was warmer and denser in places compared with the existing snow on the ground, helping to create touchy storm slab conditions. Winds marked a significant shift from mostly light northerly to a period of strong south southwesterly to southeasterly. These have set up touchy wind slabs in many exposed lee areas. There are two surface hoar layers in the upper snowpack. The upper one formed at the end of December and is buried approximately 30 cm below the surface. Professionals have reported easy, sudden planar compression test results on this layer and it has been reactive to skier-triggering. The lower one formed at the beginning of December and is buried approximately 90 cm below the surface. Hard, planar compression tests have been reported on this layer. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to give hard, sudden results to no results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is generally shallow (about 1m deep) and strong winds have scoured some alpine slopes to ground. Wind slabs exist in many wind-exposed areas. Their distribution is quite variable and some areas have no wind-effect at all. It is still possible to find cold, low density snow at the surface in wind sheltered areas. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain and early season hazards like exposed stumps and rocks are still present in places. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point or with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall). A size 2 natural slab avalanche triggered by a cornice fall that occurred on December 28th in the Hankin area illustrates that caution is still warranted for this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">SH growing up to 10mm, 2100m and below. Top 20 facetting with strong TG. Above 2100m surface snow is either wind pressed or has thin windslabs, all aspects. Buried WS in ALP and TL. Midpack holding up well despite cold temps. Nov crust down 80-110 at 2200m and breaking down in certain areas. These areas are unpredictable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Slow and subtle change is the name of the game under the current conditions. Surface hoar growth continues with bigger crystals observed below 1800m (up to 10mm). In protected areas, the surface hoar continues into treeline and the low alpine but crystal size is significantly smaller and distribution is very patchy. Near surface faceting has penetrated the upper snowpack as deep as 30cm, keeping the surface snow soft. The sun from the past few days has left behind a thin, breakable crust on south and west aspects. In some isolated areas this crust is more widespread to other aspects due to the inversion conditions. These crusts will likely facet out in the next few nights.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable winds have built windslabs in many exposed locations at treeline and in the alpine The faceting process has softened many of the older windslabs, but fresh deposits may be reactive to rider traffic.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled. The crust/facet combo found deep in the snowpack is still present, but has become dormant.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Slow and subtle change is the name of the game under the current conditions. Surface hoar growth continues with bigger crystals observed at treeline and below (up to 15mm). In protected areas, the surface hoar continues into the alpine but crystal size is significantly smaller and distribution is patchy. Near surface faceting has penetrated the upper snowpack as deep as 30cm, keeping the surface snow soft. The patchy sun from the past few days has left behind a thin, breakable crust on south and west aspects. In some areas (the southern portion of the region) this crust is more widespread to other aspects due to the inversion conditions. These crusts will likely facet out in the next few nights.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable winds have built windslabs in many exposed locations at treeline and in the alpine but the faceting process has softened many of these windslabs. Fresh deposits may still be reactive to rider traffic.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled. The crust/facet combo found deep in the snowpack is still present, but has become dormant.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The North Shore snowpack is generally well consolidated, and there are no reports of weak layers within the snowpack. Snowpack depth is approximately 250 cm. Surface layers are becoming moist during the day, with warm temperatures and solar radiation, then freezing into a crust overnight. Watch out for tree bombs. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Slow and subtle change is the name of the game under the current conditions. Surface hoar growth continues with bigger crystals observed at treeline and below (up to 15mm). In protected areas, the surface hoar continues into the alpine but crystal size is significantly smaller and distribution is patchy. Near surface faceting has penetrated the upper snowpack as deep as 30cm, keeping the surface snow soft. The patchy sun from the past few days has left behind a thin, breakable crust on south and west aspects. In some areas (predominantly the northern half of the region) this crust is more widespread to other aspects due to the inversion conditions. These crusts will likely facet out in the next few nights.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable winds have built windslabs in many exposed locations at treeline and in the alpine. The faceting process has softened many of the older windslabs, but fresh deposits have been reactive to rider traffic.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled. The crust/facet combo found deep in the snowpack is still present, but has become dormant.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent mild temperatures have consolidated previous wind slabs in most areas, although it may still be possible to find relatively thin windslabs on the lee side of ridge top and on cross loaded features in exposed areas. The warm temperatures have created a moist snow surface, especially on south facing slopes, which will freeze into a crust as temperatures cool. Surface hoar crystals growing up to 20mm have been observed on the snow surface. No significant shears have been observed recently in the top or mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, but is now unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads (like a large cornice) which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steep south facing aspects are getting moist with warm temperatures and solar radiation, weakening the surface layer during the afternoons. The snowpack is generally settled, with no significant weak layers reported in the upper or mid snowpack. Surface hoar crystals up to 20mm have been observed on the snow surface. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer appears to be inactive. However, it still produces sudden shears in snowpack tests in isolated areas, especially in the Northern part of the region. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on this layer is possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts vary from 20 to 50cm and the bond between the new snow and the old is likely to be poor in many places. Winds have been strong southwesterly to southeasterly. These have set up touchy wind slabs in many exposed lee areas. There are two surface hoar layers in the upper snowpack. The upper one formed at the end of December and is buried approximately 30 cm below the surface. Professionals have reported easy, sudden planar compression test results on this layer and it has been reactive to skier-triggering. The lower one formed at the beginning of December and is buried approximately 90 cm below the surface. Hard, planar compression tests have been reported on this layer. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to give hard, sudden results to no results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is generally shallow (about 1m deep) and strong winds have scoured some alpine slopes to ground. Wind slabs exist in many wind-exposed areas. Their distribution is quite variable and some areas have no wind-effect at all. It is still possible to find cold, low density snow at the surface in wind sheltered areas. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain and early season hazards like exposed stumps and rocks are still present in places. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point or with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall). A size 2 natural slab avalanche triggered by a cornice fall that occurred on December 28th in the Hankin area illustrates that caution is still warranted for this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> A generally settled upper snowpack overlies two or more buried crusts. The December crust is found 70-140 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack. Recent snowpack tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie, where there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche in specific thin, rocky snowpack areas. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster's blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for more discussion on this.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variety of surfaces exist on the snowpack including windslabs that were formed by recent NW winds below ridgetops on lee aspects, 15-20 cm of facets due to overnight cooling, surface hoar in shaded aspects at treeline and below treeline and a sun crust on solar aspects. Although size should remain small, I suspect it is possible to trigger windslabs under the weight of a skier below ridgetops and also loose dry snow in steep sheltered terrain. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies the late November surface hoar, buried down 115-130 cm. This layer seems particularly reactive in the Rossland Range and in the central part of the region. A deeply buried crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack is considered dormant. Although unlikely, there is a lingering possibility of triggering a persistent slab in isolated areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a mix of snowpack surfaces going from wind slabs on various aspects under ridgetops in the alpine, widespread loose facets15-20 cm thick, surface hoar mostly at treeline and below treeline and a solar crusts on South aspects.  The forecast strong winds from the SW and W could further build the windslabs on lee features.  Sluffing is also very likely on steep slopes on all aspects and all elevations. The mid layers of the snowpack have settled and are generally reported to be strong. Weak layers that were developed in November continue to show the odd sudden collapse result in snowpack tests, but have not been reactive to skier or snowmobile traffic. Thin snowpack areas are the most likely place for deeper layers to be reactive to the additional load of a skier or rider. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> The light recent precipitations combined with the moderate Westerly winds have developed new windslabs in the alpine on lee feature and might be hiding older windslabs in sheltered areas. It could be possible to trigger them under the weight of a skier. Cornices have also been growing and are a concern to professionals. Surface hoar which was buried on Boxing Day has a light covering of snow on it. A generally settled mid-snowpack overlies two buried crusts. The December crust is found 140-180 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack. Recent snowpack tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie (in the South Rockies region), where there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche from specific thin, rocky snowpack areas. Check out the forecaster's blog for more discussion on this. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">1-3cm of HN24.  Widespread surface hoar growth below 2100m up to sz 10mm.  Upper snowpack continues to facet under the influence of cold temperatures.  Mid-pack still supportive and the 1106 rain crust (rc) is still evident at the base of the snowpack but unreactive in snowpack tests.  Height of snow is on average 140-160cm at treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is generally shallow (about 1m deep) and strong winds have scoured some alpine slopes to ground. Wind slabs exist in many wind-exposed areas. Their distribution is quite variable and some areas have no wind-effect at all. It is still possible to find cold, low density snow at the surface in wind sheltered areas. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain and early season hazards like exposed stumps and rocks are still present in places. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point or with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall). A size 2 natural slab avalanche triggered by a cornice fall that occurred on December 28th in the Hankin area illustrates that caution is still warranted for this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A thin layer of dry cold snow has buried recent surface hoar layers. Surface hoar growth resulted in bigger crystals observed at treeline and below (up to 15mm). In protected areas, the surface hoar continues into the alpine but crystal size is significantly smaller and distribution is patchy. Near surface faceting has penetrated the upper snowpack as deep as 30cm, keeping the surface snow soft. The patchy sun from the past few days has left behind a thin, breakable crust on south and west aspects. In some areas (predominantly the northern half of the region) this crust is more widespread to other aspects due to the inversion conditions. Variable winds have built windslabs in many exposed locations at treeline and in the alpine The faceting process has softened many of the older windslabs, but fresh deposits have been reactive to rider traffic.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled. The crust/facet combo found deep in the snowpack is still present, but has become dormant.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A thin layer of dry cold snow has buried recent surface hoar layers. Surface hoar growth resulted in bigger crystals observed at treeline and below (up to 15mm). In protected areas, the surface hoar continues into the alpine but crystal size is significantly smaller and distribution is patchy. Near surface faceting has penetrated the upper snowpack as deep as 30cm, keeping the surface snow soft. The patchy sun from the past few days has left behind a thin, breakable crust on south and west aspects. The mid-pack  is well settled. The crust/facet combo found deep in the snowpack is still present, but has become dormant.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A thin layer of dry cold snow has buried recent surface hoar layers. Surface hoar growth resulted in bigger crystals observed at treeline and below (up to 10mm). In protected areas, the surface hoar continues into the alpine but crystal size is significantly smaller and distribution is patchy. Near surface faceting has penetrated the upper snowpack as deep as 30cm, keeping the surface snow soft. The patchy sun from the past few days has left behind a thin, breakable crust on south and west aspects. The mid-pack  is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Incoming snow may not bond well to existing snow surfaces including surface hoar (up to 20 mm in size), facets, hard wind slabs or a sun crust. Storm slab problems may develop quickly once it begins snowing. Recent SE winds have formed new wind slabs at alpine and treeline elevations, while older wind slabs appear generally well settled. No significant shears have been observed recently in the top or mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists which is now unlikely to be triggered. However, professionals are still mindful of thin snowpack trigger areas or large loads (like a large cornice) which could wake it up again, leading to a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs overlie a generally settled snowpack, with no significant weak layers reported in the upper or mid snowpack. Current surfaces include surface hoar, sun crusts and facets. These may provide a weak interface with forecast snowfall. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer appears to be inactive. However, it still produces sudden shears in snowpack tests in isolated areas, especially in the northern part of the region. Although unlikely, triggering an avalanche on this layer is possible from thin snowpack areas or with a very heavy trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The North Shore snowpack is generally well consolidated, and there are no reports of weak layers within the snowpack. Snowpack depth is approximately 250 cm. Reports suggest that surface hoar has been destroyed, so forecast storm snow will hopefully bond reasonably well to the old surface, except perhaps where a sun crust exists.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lots of depth and surface variability has been observed in the Crowsnest area of the region recently. Windslabs exist below ridge top on lee alpine and treeline slopes (North facing slopes) and wind pressed or rocky surface on wind scoured aspects (South facing slopes). Surface is also facetting in shallower snowpack areas. Cornices have also been growing and are a concern to professionals. It is also interesting to make a mental note for the future snowfall event that a surface hoar layer is growing at the surface in the below treeline band. The generally settled upper snowpack overlies two or more buried crusts. The December crust is found 70-140 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack. Recent ski/snowmobile tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie, where there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche in specific thin, rocky snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few centimeters of new snow added to yesterdays few centimeters with the moderate to strong SW winds has formed new windslabs that are reactive to skiers and also contributed to the growth of cornices. The facet/surface hoar layer from Boxing day is now buried under 20 cm in some areas and is reactive. Indeed, some recent skier triggered slab avalanches stepped down to this layer. A generally settled mid-snowpack overlies two buried crusts. The December crust is found 140-180 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack.  Snowpack tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie (in the South Rockies region), where there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche from specific thin, rocky snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-60cm of recent storm snow is bonding poorly, with very touchy reactivity on buried surface hoar, especially near Terrace. This layer is being triggered naturally or remotely and propagating widely. Recent strong southwesterly to southeasterly winds have also set up wind slabs in many exposed lee areas. There are two surface hoar layers in the upper snowpack. The upper one formed at the end of December and is buried approximately 30 cm below the surface. This one is particularly reactive at present. The lower one formed at the beginning of December and is buried approximately 90 cm below the surface. Hard, planar compression tests have been reported on this layer. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to give hard, sudden results to no results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a mix of snowpack surfaces going from wind slabs on various aspects under ridgetops in the alpine and in open treeline areas, widespread loose facets 15-20 cm thick, surface hoar mostly at treeline and below treeline and a solar crusts on South aspects.  The forecast moderate winds from the W and SW (and the few cm of new snow in the South part of the region) could further build the windslabs on lee features.  Sluffing is also very likely on steep slopes on all aspects and all elevations. The mid layers of the snowpack have settled and are generally reported to be strong. Weak layers that were developed in November have not been reactive to skier or snowmobile traffic and are giving non-planar results. Thin snowpack areas are the most likely place for deeper layers to be reactive to the additional load of a skier or rider.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variety of surfaces exist on the snowpack including windslabs that were formed by recent W and SW winds below ridgetops on lee aspects, 15-20 cm of facets due to overnight cooling, surface hoar on shaded aspects at treeline and below treeline and a sun crust on solar aspects. The forecasted moderate Westerly winds and the few new cms of snow could make the windslabs grow further slightly. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies the late November surface hoar, buried down 115-130 cm. This layer seems particularly reactive in the Rossland Range and in the central part of the region. A deeply buried crust/facet layer near the base of the snowpack is considered dormant. Although unlikely, there is a lingering possibility of triggering a persistent slab in isolated areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">LIttle change.  Surface hoar continues to grow under the influence of the cold clear nights.  Warm temps at upper elevations making a thin temperature crust on steep solar aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thin layers of dry cold snow are accumulating each day. In some areas this new snow has been transported into wind slabs. The recent cold and dry weather has caused the surface snow to facet and become weakly bonded. There has also been some surface hoar growth, mostly at and below treeline that has resulted in a weak bond below the new snow. This weak bonding has resulted in dry loose snow sluffing out of steep terrain. Forecast new snow on top of this weak unconsolidated surface should continue to sluff easily. Steep solar exposed terrain developed a thin sun crust during the recent period of warm air at higher elevations. If the new storm snow develops into a consolidated slab above the weak surface layers and crusts, expect this slab to be easy to trigger by light additional loads. If the new snow is transported into a wind slab, expect those pockets of wind slab to be very reactive; they may fail naturally or be triggered from adjacent terrain.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thin layers of dry cold snow are accumulating each day. In some areas this new snow has been transported into wind slabs. The recent cold and dry weather has caused the surface snow to facet and become weakly bonded. This weak bonding has resulted in dry loose snow sluffing out of steep terrain. Forecast new snow on top of this weak unconsolidated surface should continue to sluff easily. The base layers of the shallow snowpack have also facetted and become weaker. The relatively strong mid-pack has formed a bridge above the deep facets. The forecast storm over the next few days may create a storm slab above the weak surface layers, and/or over-load the mid-pack bridge. This type of incremental loading requires frequent assessments of the amount of loading above the weak layers, and whether that load will react as a consolidated slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thin layers of dry cold snow are accumulating each day. In some areas this new snow has been transported into wind slabs. The recent cold and dry weather has caused the surface snow to facet and become weakly bonded. There has also been some surface hoar growth, mostly at and below treeline that has resulted in a weak bond below the new snow. This weak bonding has resulted in dry loose snow sluffing out of steep terrain. Forecast new snow on top of this weak unconsolidated surface should continue to sluff easily. If the new storm snow develops into a consolidated slab above the weak surface layers, expect this slab to be easy to trigger by light additional loads. If the new snow is transported into a wind slab, expect those pockets of wind slab to be very reactive; they may fail naturally or be triggered from adjacent terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thin layers of dry cold snow are accumulating each day. In some areas this new snow has been transported into wind slabs. The recent cold and dry weather has caused the surface snow to facet and become weakly bonded. There has also been some surface hoar growth, mostly at and below treeline that has resulted in a weak bond below the new snow. This weak bonding has resulted in dry loose snow sluffing out of steep terrain. Forecast new snow on top of this weak unconsolidated surface should continue to sluff easily. Steep solar exposed terrain developed a thin sun crust during the recent period of warm air at higher elevations. If the new storm snow develops into a consolidated slab above the weak surface layers and crusts, expect this slab to be easy to trigger by light additional loads. If the new snow is transported into a wind slab, expect those pockets of wind slab to be very reactive; they may fail naturally or be triggered from adjacent terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The North Shore snowpack is generally well consolidated, and there are no reports of weak layers within the snowpack. Snowpack depth is approximately 250 cm. Reports suggest that surface hoar has been destroyed, so forecast storm snow will hopefully bond reasonably well to the old surface, except perhaps where a sun crust exists.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Incoming snow may not bond well to existing snow surfaces including surface hoar (up to 20 mm in size), facets, hard wind slabs or a sun crust. Storm slab problems may develop very quickly once it begins snowing. Recent SE winds have formed new wind slabs at alpine and treeline elevations, while older wind slabs appear generally well settled. No significant shears have been observed recently in the top or mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs overlie a generally settled snowpack, with no significant weak layers reported in the upper or mid snowpack. Current surfaces include surface hoar, sun crusts and facets. These may provide a weak interface with forecast new snow. </span><span class="s_E6FD2046">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10cm of light density new snow overlies the January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface. Moderate and strong south/southwest winds have redistributed this new snow into small windslabs in immediate lee features in the alpine and exposed treeline and these windslabs are reactive to human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface consists predominantly of loose facets up to 30cm deep. In isolated locations (sheltered treeline and below treeline) surface hoar is present and there is a sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain. High in the alpine in exposed locations, old windslabs linger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering this layer from a shallow spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10cm of recent new snow has been heavily affected by the recent strong winds. Softslab, hardslab and sastrugi are all present in open, lee terrain. Windward slopes are hard wind pressed and scoured in some locations. These new slabs are becoming reactive to human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In sheltered locations, near surface faceting continues. Surface hoar is growing on shady, sheltered slopes at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lots of snow depth and surface condition variability exists in the region. Hard windslabs can be found on North and East facing terrain due to previous moderate and strong South and West winds. The windward slope are hard pressed and in many locations scoured down to very shallow snow depths (or to rock!). In more sheltered areas, the cold nights have facetted the upper snowpack, leaving the surface snow soft. Surface hoar is growing in these sheltered locations as well. A sun crust has formed on steep South facing slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is well settled and strong. This overlies one or two crusts (location specific) with the higher crust being as shallow as 70cm below the surface. Concern lingers (unlikely) for triggering a deep slab avalanche in a shallow snowpack area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 5cm of low density new snow overlies the January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface. Moderate south/southwest winds have redistributed this new snow into small windslabs in immediate lee features in the alpine and exposed treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface consists predominantly of loose facets up to 30cm deep. In isolated locations (sheltered treeline and below treeline) surface hoar up to 12mm is present. There is a 1-3cm sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain. In exposed locations, old windslabs linger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. Concern remains in specific locations (Rossland Range) for the November 28 surface hoar buried 95cm.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering from a shallow spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-70cm of recent storm snow is bonding very poorly, with very touchy reactivity on buried surface hoar, especially near Terrace. This layer is being triggered naturally or remotely and propagating widely. Recent strong southwesterly to southeasterly winds have set up wind slabs in many exposed lee areas. There are two surface hoar layers in the upper snowpack. The upper one formed at the end of December and is buried approximately 30 cm below the surface. This one is particularly reactive at present. The lower one formed at the beginning of December and is buried approximately 90 cm below the surface. Hard, planar compression tests have been reported on this layer. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to give hard, sudden results to no results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15cm of recent new snow overlies the January 4th interface. The new snow has been heavily affected by the recent strong winds. Softslab, hardslab and sastrugi are all present in open and lee terrain. Windward slopes are hard wind pressed and scoured in some locations. These new slabs are reactive naturally and to human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface consists predominantly of loose facets up to 30cm deep. In isolated locations (sheltered treeline and below treeline) surface hoar is present and there is a sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain. The new snow is bonding poorly to these surfaces; sluffing continues and small storm slabs are beginning to release.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In isolated areas, up to 10cm of new snow has fallen. In areas with northerly winds, the new snow has been transported into small windslabs on south facing terrain (reverse loading).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lots of snow depth and surface condition variability exists in the region. Hard windslabs can still be found on North and East facing terrain due to previous moderate and strong South and West winds. The windward slope are hard pressed and in many locations scoured down to very shallow snow depths (or to rock!). In more sheltered areas, the cold nights have facetted the upper snowpack, leaving the surface snow soft. Surface hoar is growing in these sheltered locations as well. A sun crust has formed on steep South facing slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is well settled and strong. This overlies one or two crusts (location specific) with the higher crust being as shallow as 70cm below the surface. Concern lingers (unlikely) for triggering a deep slab avalanche in a shallow snowpack area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On the west side of the region up to 30cm of low density new snow overlies the January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface while on the east side the new snow totals around 10cm. Moderate and strong south/southwest winds have redistributed this new snow into small windslabs in immediate lee features in the alpine and exposed treeline and these windslabs are reactive to human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface consists predominantly of loose facets up to 30cm deep. In isolated locations (sheltered treeline and below treeline) surface hoar is present and there is a sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain. High in the alpine in exposed locations, old windslabs linger. The new snow is bonding poorly to these interfaces, and lots of sluffing is being reported. Where the storm snow is deeper, the sluffing is extensive enough to require a management plan.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering this layer from a shallow spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15cm of low density new snow overlies the January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface. Moderate south/southwest winds have redistributed this new snow into small windslabs in immediate lee features in the alpine and exposed treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface consists predominantly of loose facets up to 30cm deep. In isolated locations (sheltered treeline and below treeline) surface hoar up to 12mm is present. There is a 1-3cm sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain. In exposed locations, old windslabs linger. The new snow is bonding poorly to this interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. Concern remains in specific locations (Rossland Range) for the November 28 surface hoar buried 95cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering from a shallow spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10 to 15cm of new snow at treeline in the past 36hrs. Further wind slab development has occurred in alpine areas and loading was ongoing due to strong W and NW winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The freezing level came up to around 1250 m on Saturday afternoon, making the snow moist to that elevation. On Sunday, 15cm or so new snow fell. Recent winds have gusted from the south and southeast, likely setting up wind slabs on mainly northerly aspects in exposed areas above 1250 m. Reports suggest that surface hoar from the recent clear period has been destroyed, so the new storm snow will hopefully bond reasonably well to the old surface, except perhaps at higher elevations where a sun crust exists. Below the recent new snow, the North Shore snowpack is well consolidated, and there are no reports of weak layers within the snowpack. Snowpack depth is approximately 250 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow is bonding poorly to existing snow surfaces that include surface hoar (up to 20 mm in size), facets, hard wind slabs or a sun crust. The upper storm slab has so far been reported as thin (10-20 cm) and soft. However, with more snow it will rapidly increase in thickness and danger. Recent SE winds have formed new wind slabs at alpine and treeline elevations. No significant shears have been observed recently below the recent storm snow in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has fallen on old surfaces comprising surface hoar and facets. The crystals are better developed in shady areas, but on solar aspects they lie on top of a sun crust. On all aspects, the bond between the old snow and the new storm snow is likely to be poor. In exposed areas, particularly on northerly aspects, wind slabs have formed and are reported to be easily triggered by light loads such as skiers. Below the recent storm snow, and through most of the middle portion of the snowpack, no significant weak layers have been reported. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-70cm of recent storm snow is bonding poorly to old snow surfaces, especially near Terrace. The old snow surfaces comprise of surface hoar crystals and/or facets. A few days ago, this layer was being triggered naturally or remotely and propagating widely. Near Bear Pass, reports indicate the storm snow may be bonding slightly better. Recent strong southwesterly to easterly winds have set up wind slabs in many exposed lee areas. There are two surface hoar layers in the upper snowpack. The upper one formed at the end of December and is buried on average 50 cm below the surface. This one is particularly reactive at present. The lower one formed at the beginning of December and is buried around a metre below the surface. There are no recent reports of activity on this layer. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to give hard, sudden results to no results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thin layers of dry cold snow are accumulating each day. In some areas this new snow has been transported into wind slabs. The recent cold and dry weather has caused the surface snow to facet and become weakly bonded. This weak bonding has resulted in dry loose snow sluffing out of steep terrain. Forecast new snow on top of this weak unconsolidated surface should continue to sluff easily. The base layers of the shallow snowpack have also facetted and become weaker. The relatively strong mid-pack has formed a bridge above the deep facets. The forecast storm over the next few days may create a storm slab above the weak surface layers, and/or over-load the mid-pack bridge. This type of incremental loading requires frequent assessments of the amount of loading above the weak layers, and whether that load will react as a consolidated slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There have been variable amounts (15-30 cms) of new snow across the region. In some areas this new snow has been transported into wind slabs. The recent cold and dry weather has caused the surface snow to facet and become weakly bonded. There has also been some surface hoar growth, mostly at and below treeline that has resulted in a weak bond below the new snow. This weak bonding has resulted in dry loose snow sluffing out of steep terrain. Forecast new snow on top of this weak unconsolidated surface should continue to sluff easily. If the new storm snow develops into a consolidated slab above the weak surface layers, expect this slab to be easy to trigger by light additional loads. If the new snow is transported into a wind slab, expect those pockets of wind slab to be very reactive; they may fail naturally or be triggered from adjacent terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There have been variable (15-30 cms) snowfall amounts across the region. In some areas this new snow has been transported into wind slabs. The recent cold and dry weather has caused the surface snow to facet and become weakly bonded. There has also been some surface hoar growth, mostly at and below treeline that has resulted in a weak bond below the new snow. This weak bonding has resulted in dry loose snow sluffing out of steep terrain. Forecast new snow on top of this weak unconsolidated surface should continue to sluff easily. Steep solar exposed terrain developed a thin sun crust during the recent period of warm air at higher elevations. If the new storm snow develops into a consolidated slab above the weak surface layers and crusts, expect this slab to be easy to trigger by light additional loads. If the new snow is transported into a wind slab, expect those pockets of wind slab to be very reactive; they may fail naturally or be triggered from adjacent terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There has been variable (15-30 cms) snow fall amounts across the region. In some areas this new snow has been transported into wind slabs. The recent cold and dry weather has caused the surface snow to facet and become weakly bonded. There has also been some surface hoar growth, mostly at and below treeline that has resulted in a weak bond below the new snow. This weak bonding has resulted in dry loose snow sluffing out of steep terrain. Forecast new snow on top of this weak unconsolidated surface should continue to sluff easily. Steep solar exposed terrain developed a thin sun crust during the recent period of warm air at higher elevations. If the new storm snow develops into a consolidated slab above the weak surface layers and crusts, expect this slab to be easy to trigger by light additional loads. If the new snow is transported into a wind slab, expect those pockets of wind slab to be very reactive; they may fail naturally or be triggered from adjacent terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 25cm of storm snow has fallen in the past 48hrs. Storm slabs are present in the alpine and treeline areas as well as open areas below treeline. Some cracking was observed today in the alpine. The surface hoar and surface facets are now buried and are a layer of concern, especially at treeline and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some areas are reporting about 40 cms of storm snow above the surface hoar/surface faceting/sun crusts that were buried on January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">. Where this slab is thicker, it has become reactive to skiers and riders. This new storm slab is expected to continue to develop due to forecast snow fall amounts. The mid-pack is strong, and deeply buried weak layers have not been reactive.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some areas are reporting about 40 cms of storm snow above the surface hoar/surface faceting/sun crusts that were buried on January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">. Where this slab is thicker, it has become reactive to skiers and riders. This new storm slab is expected to continue to develop due to forecast snow fall amounts. The mid-pack is strong, and deeply buried weak layers have not been reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thin layers of dry cold snow are accumulating each day. In some areas this new snow has been transported into wind slabs. The recent cold and dry weather has caused the surface snow to facet and become weakly bonded. This weak bonding has resulted in dry loose snow sluffing out of steep terrain. Forecast new snow on top of this weak unconsolidated surface should continue to sluff easily. The base layers of the shallow snowpack have also facetted and become weaker. The relatively strong mid-pack has formed a bridge above the deep facets. The forecast storm over the next few days may create a storm slab above the weak surface layers, and/or over-load the mid-pack bridge. This type of incremental loading requires frequent assessments of the amount of loading above the weak layers, and whether that load will react as a consolidated slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm slab continues to develop. Storm snow amounts are up to 30-40 cms. The storm snow has not consolidated into a cohesive slab, but we are expecting that to happen in the next 24-48 hours due to forecast new snow amounts. We expect the recent surface hoar and surface facets to be well preserved as they were buried by cold and dry new snow. The mid-pack is well settled, and deeply buried weak layers have not been reported to be reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">45 cm new snow fell on Sunday night, overloading the upper snowpack in many places. Recent winds have gusted from the south and southeast, and thick wind slabs have set up in places on northerly aspects. Reports indicated that despite the amount and intensity of the new snow, by Monday morning, it had mostly bonded quite well. Below the recent new snow, the North Shore snowpack is well consolidated, and there are no reports of weak layers within the snowpack. Snowpack depth is approximately 250 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow is bonding poorly to existing snow surfaces that include surface hoar (up to 20 mm in size), facets, hard wind slabs or a sun crust. The upper storm slab has so far been reported as thin (20-30 cm) and soft. However, with more snow it will rapidly increase in thickness and danger. Recent SE winds have formed new wind slabs at alpine and treeline elevations. No significant shears have been observed recently below the recent storm snow in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-90cm of recent storm snow is bonding poorly to old snow surfaces, especially near Terrace. The old snow surfaces comprise of surface hoar crystals and/or facets. A few days ago, this layer was being triggered naturally or remotely and propagating widely. Near Bear Pass, reports indicate the storm snow may be bonding slightly better. Recent strong southwesterly to easterly winds have set up wind slabs in many exposed lee areas. There are two surface hoar layers in the upper snowpack. The upper one formed at the end of December and is buried on average 50 cm below the surface. This one is particularly reactive at present. The lower one formed at the beginning of December and is buried more than a metre below the surface. There are no recent reports of activity on this layer. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to give hard, sudden results to no results in snowpack tests. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On the west side of the region up to 50cm of low density new snow overlies the January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface while on the east side the new snow totals around 10cm. Moderate and strong south/southwest winds have redistributed this new snow into small windslabs in immediate lee features in the alpine and exposed treeline and these windslabs are reactive to human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface consists predominantly of loose facets up to 30cm deep. In isolated locations (sheltered treeline and below treeline) surface hoar is present and there is a sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain. In some areas the new snow is bonding poorly to these interfaces, and lots of sluffing is being reported. Where the storm snow is deeper (around 30cm), the sluffing is extensive enough to require a management plan. The deepest deposits of storm snow (pushing 50cm) are settling into a more cohesive storm slab. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering this layer from a shallow spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30cm of recent new snow has been heavily affected by the recent strong winds. Softslab and hardslab are all present in open, lee terrain at all elevations. Windward slopes are hard wind pressed and scoured in some locations. These new slabs are reactive to human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm snow is sitting on a variety of older surfaces (January 4th interfaces) including old hard windslabs in the alpine, sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. There is enough density to the new snow that it is beginning to form a cohesive storm slab even where untouched by the winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15cm of low density new snow has fallen recently. Moderate south/southwest winds have redistributed this new snow into small windslabs in immediate lee features in the alpine and exposed treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface consists predominantly of loose facets up to 30cm deep. In isolated locations (sheltered treeline and below treeline) surface hoar up to 12mm is present. There is a 1-3cm sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain. Above this interface is another surface hoar layer, creating a reactive sandwich of weak crystals. The storm snow is bonding poorly to this interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. The November 28 surface hoar is still being found in isolated, sheltered below treeline locations buried 95-120cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering from a shallow spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In isolated areas, up to 10cm of new snow has fallen. In areas with northerly winds, the new snow has been transported into small windslabs on south facing terrain (reverse loading).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lots of snow depth and surface condition variability exists in the region. Hard windslabs can still be found on North and East facing terrain due to previous moderate and strong South and West winds. The windward slope are hard pressed and in many locations scoured down to very shallow snow depths (or to rock!). In more sheltered areas, the cold nights have facetted the upper snowpack, leaving the surface snow soft. Surface hoar has grown in these sheltered locations as well. A sun crust has formed on steep South facing slopes. These interfaces are now slightly buried by the new storm snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is well settled and strong. This overlies one or two crusts (location specific) with the higher crust being as shallow as 70cm below the surface. Concern lingers (unlikely) for triggering a deep slab avalanche in a shallow snowpack area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has fallen on old surfaces comprising surface hoar and facets. The crystals are better developed in shady areas, but on solar aspects they lie on top of a sun crust. On all aspects, the bond between the old snow and the new storm snow is likely to be poor. In exposed areas, particularly on northerly aspects, wind slabs have formed and are reported to be easily triggered by light loads such as skiers. Below the recent storm snow, and through most of the middle portion of the snowpack, no significant weak layers have been reported. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5cm of new snow with up to 25cm of recent storm snow. Persistent strong westerly winds are cresting storm slabs in lee terrain. These slabs are producing cracking and small slab releases with ski cutting at treeline elevations. The Jan 6 layer of surface hoar and facets is reactive to stability tests in the easy range where storm slab conditions exist above the weak layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has been sluffing readily and developing into slabs, which have a weak bond to old snow surfaces including surface hoar, facets and a sun crust. By Wednesday morning, storm snow totals could be 1m or more in some areas, leading to the potential for deep and destructive storm snow avalanches. In wind-affected areas, wind slabs have formed behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is developing into slabs, with a weak bond to old snow surfaces including surface hoar, facets and a sun crust. By Wednesday morning, storm snow totals could be 1m or more in some areas, leading to the potential for deep and destructive storm snow avalanches. In wind-affected areas, wind slabs have formed behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is developing into slabs, with a weak bond to old snow surfaces including surface hoar (at and below treeline) and facets. By Wednesday morning, storm snow totals could be 80-90 cm in some areas, leading to the potential for deep and destructive storm snow avalanches. In wind-affected areas, wind slabs have formed behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is building up over a weak, faceted old snow surface, which may lead to storm slab development or loose dry sluffing. In wind-affected areas, wind slabs have formed behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets and the remnants of a crust. As snow builds up incrementally over these weaknesses, avalanche danger is also likely to gradually increase. Under these circumstances, it can be hard to evaluate if/when the tipping point will occur which leads to slab avalanches failing on persistent weak layers. Keep track of snow loading in your local area and adopt a cautious approach to terrain selection.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On the west side of the region up to 50cm of new snow overlies the January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface while on the east side the new snow totals around 10-20cm. Consistent moderate and strong south/southwest winds have redistributed this new snow into windslabs in lee features in the alpine and exposed treeline and these windslabs are reactive to human triggering. In some areas the windslabs extend lower down the slope than normal due to locally extreme winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface consists predominantly of loose facets. In isolated locations (sheltered treeline and below treeline) surface hoar is present and there is a sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain. In some areas the new snow is bonding poorly to these interfaces, and lots of sluffing is being reported. Where the storm snow is deeper (around 30cm), the sluffing is extensive enough to require a management plan. The deepest deposits of storm snow (pushing 50cm) are settling into a more cohesive storm slab. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering this layer from a shallow spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-40cm of new snow has fallen recently. Moderate south/southwest winds have recently increased to strong values, magnifying the windslab development. Windslabs now extend lower into the terrain as opposed to being limited to the immediate lee of ridgelines. These windslabs are becoming reeactive to rider triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface consists predominantly of loose facets. In isolated locations (sheltered treeline and below treeline) surface hoar up to 12mm is present. There is a 1-3cm sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain. Above this interface is another surface hoar layer, creating a reactive sandwich of weak crystals. The storm snow is bonding poorly to this interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. The November 28 surface hoar is still being found in isolated, sheltered below treeline locations buried 95-120cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering from a shallow spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In isolated areas, up to 20cm of new snow has fallen. In areas with northerly winds, the new snow has been transported into reactive windslabs on south facing terrain (reverse loading).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This new snow overlies significant snow depth and layer variabilities. Hard windslabs, hard pressed snow (windward slopes) and previous wind scour are all lightly buried. In more sheltered areas at and below treeline small surface hoar is buried and on south and west facing terrain the interface is a sun crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is well settled and strong. This overlies one or two crusts (location specific) with the higher crust being as shallow as 70cm below the surface. Concern lingers (unlikely) for triggering a deep slab avalanche in a shallow snowpack area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 15-20cm has added to the 40-90cm of storm snow in the past 10 days or so. Weaknesses exist within and under this recent storm snow including touchy surface hoar and/or facets from the end of December under it all. Recent strong southwesterly to easterly winds have set up wind slabs in many exposed lee areas. A deeper surface hoar layer was buried at the beginning of December and is now down well over a metre, but there are no recent reports of activity on this layer. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to concern local avalanche professionals. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is bonding poorly and weaknesses linger in the recent storm snow. Recent winds have gusted from the south and southeast, likely setting up wind slabs on mainly northerly aspects in exposed areas above 1250 m. Rain is expected overnight Tuesday, which should cause immediate instability, but help to improve conditions with cooling temperatures over the forecast period. Below the recent new snow, the North Shore snowpack is well consolidated, and there are no reports of weak layers within the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30cm of recent new snow has been heavily affected by the recent strong winds. Softslab and hardslab are all present in open, lee terrain at all elevations. Windward slopes are hard wind pressed and scoured in some locations. These new slabs are reactive to human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm snow is sitting on a variety of older surfaces (January 4th interfaces) including old hard windslabs in the alpine, sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. There is enough density to the new snow that it is forming a cohesive storm slab even where untouched by the winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 30cm in the Coquihalla area since late Monday brings the storm snow total to over 60cm since Friday, while the Duffey Lake area got around half that much. Weaknesses exist within this recent storm snow as well as at the interface with the previous snow surface, which includes large surface hoar, facets, old hard wind slabs, or a sun crust. Recent compression tests on a north aspect below treeline gave easy sudden planar shears down 23cm, moderate sudden planar shears down 39cm, and hard sudden planar shears down 60cm. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30cm of storm snow since Friday is bonding poorly to the previous snow surface, which includes large surface hoar, facets, old hard wind slabs, or a sun crust. As more snow continues to load this weakness, and the slab settles and becomes cohesive, it is expected to become even more touchy with the potential for larger avalanches. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An additional 20cm of new snow over the past 24hrs with strong SW winds. Widespread storm slab development in Alpine terrain and in all open areas at treeline.  35-40cm of recent storm snow can now be expected throughout the forecast region. The 0106 Surface hoar/facet interface is down 40-50cm and extensive cracking was being observed on this layer on Tuesday.  The 1106 rain crust at the base of the snowpack should be in skiers minds as there is a potential for avalanches to step down to this interface.&nbsp; Cornices were growing quickly on Wednesday with the warm temps, new snow and strong winds.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deep storm snow overlies weak old snow surfaces including surface hoar (most prevalent at and below treeline), facets and sun crusts (found on some steep south to south-west aspects). There is a poor bond at this interface. In wind-exposed terrain, wind slabs and cornices have formed in the lee of ridges and ribs. Storm snow will take time to settle and stabilize, even after the weather improves and temperatures drop. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deep storm snow overlies weak old snow surfaces including surface hoar (most prevalent at and below treeline), facets and sun crusts (found on some steep south to south-west aspects). There is a poor bond at this interface. In wind-exposed terrain, wind slabs and cornices have formed in the lee of ridges and ribs. Storm snow will take time to settle and stabilize, even after the weather improves and temperatures drop. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has developed into slabs, with a weak bond to old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found at and below treeline) and facets. Variable amounts of snow (25-90 cm) have fallen across the region, meaning the avalanche danger is likely to be different from place to place. In heaviest-affected areas, there is the potential for deep and destructive storm snow avalanches. Strong winds have left widespread wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack was saturated by rain on Tuesday night at most elevations. Temperatures cooled by Wednesday morning resulting in a breakable melt-freeze crust with a few centimetres of new snow on top. Observations from Tuesday include an old rain crust down around 60cm with snowpack tests giving generally moderate to hard results just above and below the crust. An extended column test also showed potential for widespread fracture propagation associated with this weakness. Continued cooling should help to stabilize the recent storm snow instabilities. Below the recent new snow, the North Shore snowpack is well consolidated, and there are no reports of weak layers within the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of snow are sitting over a weak, faceted old snow surface, which is causing loose dry sluffing in steep terrain. In wind-affected areas, wind slabs have formed behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets and the remnants of a crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 60 cm of snow has fallen in the past 2 days. This new snow was initially bonding very poorly to the previous snow surface, which includes large surface hoar, facets, old hard wind slabs, or a sun crust. It is likely that a slab has formed as temperatures rose on Tuesday night and winds increased. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 85 cm of snow fell at the Coquihalla Pass by Wednesday morning. The Duffy Lake area also received significant snowfall with approximately 40 cm being reported. Weaknesses exist within this recent storm snow as well as at the interface with the previous snow surface, which includes large surface hoar, facets, old hard wind slabs, or a sun crust. Recent compression tests on a north aspect below treeline gave several sudden planar (pops) results in the top 100 cm. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">50-100cm of storm snow has fallen in the past 10 days or so. Weaknesses exist within and under this recent storm snow including touchy surface hoar and/or facets from the end of December under it all. Recent strong southwesterly to easterly winds have set up wind slabs in many exposed lee areas. A deeper surface hoar layer was buried at the beginning of December and is now down well over a metre, but there are no recent reports of activity on this layer. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to concern local avalanche professionals. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm has brought up to 60cm of new snow to the region. Consistent southwesterly winds have redistributed the new snow (dramatically in some areas) to create widespread windslabbing on lee and open features in the alpine and exposed treeline. Where the wind has been strongest, we have reports of windslabs much lower on slopes than normal.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There have been avalanches reported both within the storm layers as well as at the initial storm interface, the January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> layer. This layer consists of small facets, surface hoar on sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. The bonds with the facetted snow are improving while the surface hoar / sun crust interface is weak. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering this layer from a shallow spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm has brought up to 60cm of snow. Consistent southwest winds have redistributed the new snow (dramatically in some areas) to create widespread windslabbing on lee and open features in the alpine and exposed treeline. Where the wind has been strongest, windslabs are much lower on slopes than normal.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There have been avalanches reported both within the storm layers as well as at the initial storm interface, the January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> layer. This layer consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. The bonds with the facetted snow are improving while the surface hoar &amp;/or sun crust interface is weak. There are reports of Sudden Planar shears (fast &amp; clean) in compression tests and “Propagation Likely” results in extended column tests on the preserved surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. The November 28 surface hoar is still being found in isolated, sheltered below treeline locations buried 120cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering this layer from a shallow spot or with a heavy load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 60cm of recent new snow has been heavily affected by the recent strong winds. Softslab and hardslab are all present in open, lee terrain at all elevations. Pillows up to 120cm deep have been reported and these new slabs are reactive to human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm snow is sitting on a variety of older surfaces (January 4th interfaces) including old hard windslabs in the alpine, sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. At lower elevations the warm temperatures have promoted significant settlement.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm has deposited anywhere from 20-40cm of new snow. This has been accompanied by strong to extreme southwest winds, resulting in extensive windslab development in lee and open terrain. Due to the consistent winds, the slabbing extends well down onto slopes much lower than is normal. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This new snow overlies significant snow depth and layer variabilities. Hard windslabs, hard pressed (windward slopes) snow and previous wind scour are all newly buried. In more sheltered areas the interface is small facets, surface hoar on sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. Snowpack tests on the surface hoar yield Sudden Planar results.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is well settled and strong. This overlies one or two crusts (location specific) with the higher crust being as shallow as 80cm below the surface. Concern lingers (unlikely) for triggering a deep slab avalanche in a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An additional 24cm of snow fell overnight bringing our totals over the past week to 50cm of snow at lower elevations and closer to 70cm at higher elevations. Widespread storm slabs can now be found in alpine terrain.  These slabs vary from 30-50cm thick.  These slabs are overlying the 0106 Surface hoar/Facet interface.  The surface hoar is most prevalent below 2100m and more spotty in nature above this elevation.  At higher elevations, winds have developed stiff windslabs that are failing on this interface in the easy range in test results.  There was no evidence of any avalanches stepping down to any deeper instabilities.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack was saturated by rain on Tuesday night. Temperatures have cooled significantly after the storm, resulting in a solid crust with 5-10 cm of low density snow on top. This crust is likely strong enough to bridge the previous storm snow weaknesses. The snowpack is very deep for this time of year. In fact, some weather stations show that this is the deepest January snowpack on record. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 60 cm of snow fell earlier this week. This new snow was generally upside down feeling and was affected by strong winds at higher elevations. The storm snow was initially bonding very poorly to the previous snow surface, which includes large surface hoar, facets, old hard wind slabs, or a sun crust. Snowpack tests on Wednesday continued to yield easy to moderate sudden planar, or &quot;pops&quot;, results on this interface. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-80 cm of snow fell earlier this week, with the heaviest amounts in the Coquihalla area. Strong southwesterly winds produced dense wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. Weaknesses exist within this recent storm snow as well as at the interface with the previous snow surface, which includes large surface hoar, facets, old hard wind slabs, or a sun crust. Recent compression tests on a north aspect below treeline gave several sudden planar (pops) results in the top 100 cm. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">50-100cm of storm snow has fallen in the past 10 days or so. Northerly outflow winds may have produced wind slabs in exposed terrain primarily near the coast. Weaknesses within this recent storm snow have strengthened but a weak layer of facets or surface hoar exists at the base of the storm snow. Recent snowpack tests give generally moderate sudden planar, or &quot;pops&quot;, results on this buried surface hoar layer and indicate potential for wide propagation. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to concern local avalanche professionals. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 25 cm of recent snow is sitting over a weak, faceted old snow surface, which is causing loose dry sluffing in steep terrain. In wind-affected areas, wind slabs have formed behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets and the remnants of a crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has developed into slabs, with a weak bond to old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially below about 1600 m in sheltered areas) and facets. Variable amounts of storm snow (25-90 cm) have fallen across the region, meaning the avalanche danger is likely to be different from place to place. In heaviest-affected areas, there is the potential for deep and destructive storm snow avalanches. Strong winds have left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-100 cm of recent snow has developed into slabs, with a weak bond to old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of buried surface hoar is patchy, but where it exists, it is extremely touchy, with widespread propagation and remote-triggering occurring. Strong winds have left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-90 cm of recent snow has developed into slabs above old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW-facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of buried surface hoar is patchy, but in the neighbouring North Columbia region, it is extremely touchy in some areas, with widespread propagation and remote-triggering occurring. I don’t yet have enough information to know how isolated this problem is, so you’ll need to get your shovel out and test this layer in your local area.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds have left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 60cm of recent new snow has been heavily affected by the recent strong winds. Softslab and hardslab are all present in open, lee terrain at all elevations. Pillows up to 120cm deep have been reported and these new slabs are reactive to human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm snow is sitting on a variety of older surfaces (January 4th interfaces) including old hard windslabs in the alpine, sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. At lower elevations the warm temperatures have promoted significant settlement.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm has deposited anywhere from 20-40cm of new snow. This has been accompanied by strong to extreme southwest winds, resulting in extensive windslab development in lee and open terrain. Due to the consistent winds, the slabbing extends well down onto slopes much lower than is normal. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This new snow overlies significant snow depth and layer variabilities. Hard windslabs, hard pressed (windward slopes) snow and previous wind scour are all newly buried. In more sheltered areas the interface is small facets, surface hoar on sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. Snowpack tests on the surface hoar yield Sudden Planar results.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is well settled and strong. This overlies one or two crusts (location specific) with the higher crust being as shallow as 80cm below the surface. Concern lingers (unlikely) for triggering a deep slab avalanche in a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm has brought 60 - 100cm of new snow to the region. Consistent southwesterly winds have redistributed the new snow (dramatically in some areas) to create widespread windslabbing on lee and open features in the alpine and exposed treeline. Where the wind has been strongest, we have reports of windslabs much lower on slopes than normal.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There have been avalanches reported both within the storm layers as well as at the initial storm interface, the January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> layer. This layer consists of small facets, surface hoar on sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. The bonds with the facetted snow are improving while the surface hoar / sun crust interface is weak. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering this layer from a shallow spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm has brought up to 60cm. Consistent SW winds have redistributed the new snow (dramatically in some areas) to create widespread windslabbing on lee and open features in the alpine and exposed treeline. Where the wind has been strongest, windslabs are much lower on slopes than normal.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanches have been reported both within the storm layers as well as at the initial storm interface which has been dubbed the January 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> layer. This layer consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. The bonds with the facetted snow are improving while the surface hoar &amp;/or sun crust interface is weak. There are reports of Sudden Planar shears (fast &amp; clean) in compression tests and </span><span class="s_2488BF4F">Propagation Likely</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> results in extended column tests on the preserved surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. The November 28 surface hoar is still being found in isolated, sheltered below treeline locations buried 120cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering this layer from a shallow spot or with a heavy load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temps have tightened up the upper snowpack and we have seen some settlement of the storm snow over the past 24hrs.  Easy sheers persist down 30-60cm on the storm snow interface which is surface hoar at lower elevations (below treeline) and a combination of surface hoar and facets at treeline and above.  Avalanche control on Friday on the EEOR slide paths as well as the Buller Corner slide paths produced 4 sz 2 avalanches that ran quite far and fast with significant entrainment of the upper storm snow layers.  Propagations were not that wide, but towards the end of the day, westerly winds were increasing and we can expect storm and windslabs in the upper snowpack to become more cohesive.  We did not have any avalanches step down to the 1106CR.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack was saturated by rain earlier this week. Temperatures over the past couple days have cooled significantly, resulting in a solid crust with 5-10 cm of low density snow on top. This crust is likely strong enough to bridge the previous storm snow weaknesses. The snowpack is very deep for this time of year. In fact, some weather stations show that this is the deepest January snowpack on record. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A dusting of up to 15 cm of new  snow sits on the 40-60 cm of snow that fell earlier this week. Northerly outflow winds have created thin new wind slabs in exposed terrain, while older wind slabs still exist from the previous storm. Below the storm snow is a weak layer of surface hoar, facetted snow, and/or a crust. Snowpack tests on Wednesday continued to yield easy to moderate sudden planar, or &quot;pops&quot;, results on this interface. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Northerly outflow winds have produced new wind slabs in exposed terrain, primarily near the coast. A dusting of new snow may have buried a new layer of surface hoar that formed on Wednesday night. Below this the recent storm snow is settling and gaining strength, but a weak layer of surface hoar or facetted snow sits at the base of the storm snow (down 60-90 cm). Recent snowpack tests give generally moderate sudden planar, or &quot;pops&quot;, results on this buried surface hoar layer and indicate potential for wide propagation. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to concern local avalanche professionals. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 15 cm of low density new snow sits on the previous 40-80 cm of storm snow from earlier in the week. Northerly outflow winds have produced pockets of new wind slabs in south facing terrain, and old dense wind slabs lurk below the surface on northerly aspects. A layer of surface hoar, facetted snow, and /or a crust exists at the base of the recent storm snow. Snowpack tests show that this interface is susceptible to human triggering and has the potential to propagate widely. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-90 cm of recent snow is settling into slabs above old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW-facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of buried surface hoar is patchy, but where it does exist, it is touchy, with widespread propagation and remote-triggering occurring. Recent winds have left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 25 cm of recent snow is sitting over a weak, faceted old snow surface, which is causing loose dry sluffing in steep terrain. In wind-affected areas, wind slabs have formed behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets and the remnants of a crust. New surface hoar growth at the surface may develop into a weak layer once buried with further snowfall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-100 cm of recent snow has developed into slabs, with a weak bond to old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW-facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of buried surface hoar is patchy, but where it exists, it is extremely touchy, with widespread propagation and remote-triggering occurring. Strong winds have left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Around 50 cm of storm snow fell in favored locations earlier this week. This snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interfaces) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. We don't have a good handle on exactly where the surface hoar is and is not.  As a result, you need to dig frequently to confirm the presence or absence of surface hoar/sun crust/facets on individual slopes if you're thinking about jumping into complex or challenging terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The wind during the storm was primarily out of the SW, but the winds have been all over the map since then.  As a result I'm suspect of wind slabs on all exposed slopes at and above treeline.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The South Rockies snowpack is fairly complex at the moment.  Here's the highlights: Around 50 cm of storm snow fell in favored locations earlier this week. This snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interfaces) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. We don't have a good handle on exactly where the surface hoar is and is not.  As a result, you need to dig frequently to confirm the presence or absence of surface hoar/sun crust/facets on individual slopes if you're thinking about jumping into complex or challenging terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wind during the storm was primarily out of the SW, but the winds have been all over the map since then.  As a result I'm suspect of wind slabs on all exposed slopes at and above treeline.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has developed into slabs, with a weak bond to old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially below about 1600 m in sheltered areas) and facets. Variable amounts of storm snow (25-90 cm) fell across the region, leaving the buried surface hoar at a prime depth for human-triggering. Recent winds have left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 cm of light density snow fell Thursday adding to the 60 cm of rapidly settling storm snow that rests on the January 4th interface which consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. The bonds with the facetted snow are improving while the surface hoar &amp;/or sun crust interface is weak.  Recent tests show Resistant Planar shears on this layer in the alpine, but easy/sudden shears persist at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Previous SW winds redistributed the new snow (dramatically in some areas) to create widespread wind slabbing on lee and open features in the alpine and exposed treeline. Where the wind has been strongest, wind slabs are much lower on slopes than normal.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. The November 28 surface hoar is still being found in isolated, sheltered below treeline locations buried 120cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering this layer from a shallow spot or with a heavy load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 - 80 cm of rapidly settling storm snow rests on the January 4th interface which consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. The bonds with the facetted snow are improving while the surface hoar &amp;/or sun crust interface is weak.  Recent tests on this interface show shears trending towards Resistant Planar.  It should be noted that the interface has the full attention of professional operators in the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Previous SW winds redistributed the new snow (dramatically in some areas) to create widespread wind slabbing on lee and open features in the alpine and exposed treeline. Where the wind has been strongest, wind slabs are much lower on slopes than normal.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering this layer from a shallow spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">HST settling to 45cm @ 2100m, Below 2100m, surface hoar and facets make up the midpack, above 2100m, a thinner layer of facets are on top of a settled midpack. Nov crust down 120. HS 124&nbsp; See result of compression test </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.facebook.com/kcpublicsafety" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">here</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface consists of a sun crust or moist snow on steep southerly aspects and dry snow or surface hoar on shady slopes. Rain followed by cool temperatures helped to stabilize the previous storm snow from earlier last week. The snowpack is very deep for this time of year. In fact, some weather stations show that this is the deepest January snowpack on record. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface consists of thin new wind slabs, a sun crust, dry snow, or feathery surface hoar depending on aspects and elevation. Below this 40-70 cm of storm snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar, facetted snow, and/or a crust. Snowpack tests on Wednesday continued to yield easy to moderate sudden planar, or &quot;pops&quot;, results on this interface. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 15 cm of low density new snow sits on the previous 40-80 cm of storm snow from earlier in the week. Northerly outflow winds have produced pockets of new wind slabs in south facing terrain, and old dense wind slabs lurk below the surface on northerly aspects. A layer of surface hoar, facetted snow, and /or a crust exists at the base of the recent storm snow. Snowpack tests show that this interface is susceptible to human triggering and has the potential to propagate widely. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Northerly outflow winds have produced new wind slabs in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. 60-90 cm of storm snow from last week continues to settle and gain strength. However, a weak layer of surface hoar or facetted snow sits at the base of the storm snow. Recent snowpack tests give generally moderate sudden planar, or &quot;pops&quot;, results on this buried surface hoar layer and indicate potential for wide propagation. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to concern local avalanche professionals. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 25 cm of recent snow is sitting over a weak, faceted old snow surface. Loose dry sluffing is likely in steep terrain sheltered from the wind. In wind-affected areas, wind slabs have formed behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets and the remnants of a crust. New surface hoar growth at the surface may develop into a weak layer once buried with further snowfall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-90 cm of recent snow is settling over old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of buried surface hoar is patchy, but where it exists, it may still be touchy. Many operators are cautiously optimistic that it is showing an improved bond. Recent winds have left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow is slowly settling above old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially below about 1600 m in sheltered areas) and facets. Where it exists, the buried surface hoar is at a prime depth for human-triggering. Recent winds have left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-100 cm of recent snow is settling over old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of buried surface hoar is patchy, but where it exists, it may still be touchy. Many operators are cautiously optimistic that it is showing an improved bond. Recent winds have left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 50 cm of storm snow fell in favored locations earlier this week. This snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. The bond at this interface is gaining strength.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs created during and just after last weeks storm have grown old and tired. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger.</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 50 cm of storm snow fell in favored locations earlier this week. This snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. The bond at this interface is gaining strength. Our field team spent Friday in the Harvey Pass area hunting for this interface. They were unable to produce any failures on the interface in their test pits </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs created during and just after last weeks storm have grown old and tired. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 cm of light density snow fell Thursday adding to the 60 cm of settled storm snow that rests on the January 4th interface which consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. The bonds at this interface are improving.  The layer is still alive and well in test pits but has not been reactive to human triggering in the last day or so.  Wind slabs created by the previously raucous SW winds have grown old &amp; tired. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. The November 28 surface hoar is still being found in isolated, sheltered below treeline locations buried 120cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists but seams to have gone dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 - 90 cm of settled storm snow rests on the January 4th interface which consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes.  The bonds at this interface are gaining strength but I still wouldn't bet the house on it. Recent tests on this interface show shears trending towards Resistant Planar.  Professionals operating in the region are most concerned about slopes that have not yet avalanched. Windslabs formed during the last storm are getting old and tired.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November is till evident but it is inactive at this point.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface consists of a sun crust or moist snow on steep southerly aspects and dry snow or surface hoar on shady slopes. Rain followed by cool temperatures helped to stabilize the previous storm snow from earlier last week. However, snowpack tests continue to produce moderate results near a buried crust down 55-65 cm. It is currently unlikely to trigger this layer, but this could change when conditions warm up significantly this week. I would be a little cautious on steep open slopes that did not previously avalanche once temperatures jump above zero.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 - 90 cm of settled storm snow rests on the January 4th interface which consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. The bonds at this interface are gaining strength but I still wouldn't bet the house on it. Recent tests on this interface show shears trending towards Resistant Planar. Professionals operating in the region are most concerned about slopes that have not yet avalanched. Wind slabs formed during the last storm are getting old and tired.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November is till evident but it is inactive at this point.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface consists of thin new wind slabs, a sun crust, dry snow, or feathery surface hoar depending on aspect and elevation. Below this 40-70 cm of storm snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar, facetted snow, and/or a crust. Snowpack tests on Wednesday continued to yield easy to moderate sudden planar, or &quot;pops&quot;, results on this interface. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface consists of thin new wind slabs, a sun crust, dry snow, or feathery surface hoar depending on aspect and elevation. Below this 40-80 cm of settling storm snow sits on a layer of surface hoar, facetted snow, and /or a crust. Recent snowpack tests show that this interface is gaining strength but is likely still susceptible to human triggering with potential to propagate widely. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place..</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface consists of wind slab, surface hoar, and weak facetted snow depending on aspect and elevation. Below this 60-90 cm of storm snow from last week continues to settle and gain strength. However, a weak layer of surface hoar or facetted snow sits at the base of the storm snow. Recent snowpack tests give generally moderate sudden planar, or &quot;pops&quot;, results on this buried surface hoar layer and indicate potential for wide propagation. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to concern local avalanche professionals. This seems most prevalent near Bear Pass where the snowpack distribution is quite variable. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 cm of light density snow fell Thursday adding to the 60 cm of rapidly settling storm snow that rests on the January 4th interface which consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. The bonds at this interface are improving.  The layer is still alive and well in test pits but has not been reactive to human triggering in the last day or so.  Wind slabs created by the previously raucous SW winds have grown old &amp; tired. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. The November 28 surface hoar is still being found in isolated, sheltered below treeline locations buried 120cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists but seams to have gone dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 50 cm of storm snow fell in favored locations earlier this week. This snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. The bond at this interface has tightened up and gained a lot of strength with the cold temps. Our field team didn't have any failures on this layer in their travels around Harvey Pass Friday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs created during and just after last weeks storm have grown old and tired. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack instabilities will most likely become unstable again with the rapid warming that has already started and additional solar radiation on Tuesday. The trigger of a surface instability could step down to the deeper persistent instability creating bigger avalanches. Read the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster's blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> to learn more about this process. Indeed, the 25 cm of last week's snow is sitting over a weak, faceted old snow surface and a surface hoar layer in some areas. Loose dry sluffing is likely in steep terrain sheltered from the wind. In wind-affected areas, wind slabs have formed behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets and the remnants of a crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack instabilities that were starting to settle will most likely become unstable again with the rapid warming forecasted for tomorrow and additional solar radiation on Tuesday.  Read the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster's blog </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">to learn more about this process. Last week's storm snow is sitting above weak surfaces including surface hoar (found especially below about 1600 m in sheltered areas) and facets. Where it exists, the buried surface hoar is at a prime depth for triggering by rapid warming. Recent winds have also left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, loose snow avalanches could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack instabilities that were starting to settle could become unstable again if rapid warming occurs in the next 2 days.  Read the forecaster blog to learn more about this process. The 50-90 cm of snow that fell in the past week is sitting over weaker snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of buried surface hoar is patchy, but where it exists, it may become touchy again. Recent winds have also left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Around 60 cm of storm snow fell in favored locations earlier this week. This snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. The bond at this interface has tightened up and gained a lot of strength with the cold temps. Our field team didn't have any failures on this layer in their travels around Harvey Pass Friday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Wind slabs created during and just after last weeks storm have grown old and tired. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack instabilities that were starting to settle could become unstable again if rapid warming occurs in the next 2 days.  Read the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster's blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> to learn more about this process. The 50-90 cm of snow that fell in the past week is sitting over weaker snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of buried surface hoar is patchy, but where it exists, it is touchy (easy to moderate sudden planar test results and see avalanche observation section). Recent winds have also left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. In areas sheltered from the wind, fast-moving sluff could throw you off your feet or carry you into a terrain trap. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little change over the past 24hrs.  Upper snowpack continues to tighten up due to the cold temps and facetting continues in shallow snowpack areas.  Some pockets of surface facetting in Alpine terrain on N aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow settling slowly.  Strong-extreme winds forecast for the day have not manifested themselves in the core of the forecast area but were prevalent only a few km away at the north end of the  Spray valley.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Freezing drizzle on Monday probably formed a slick surface crust on all aspects. This crust should break down, at least on sun exposed slopes, as temperatures warm and the cloud bank lowers. There is still one notable snowpack weakness down 55-65 cm near an old melt-freeze crust. This layer continues to give moderate to hard &quot;pops&quot; results in snowpack tests. There is a strong crust above this weakness making it unlikely to be triggered, but the crust could weaken over the next few days with forecast warm temperatures and sunshine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface consists of thin new wind slabs, a sun crust, dry snow, or feathery surface hoar depending on aspect and elevation. Below this 40-70 cm of storm snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar, facetted snow, and/or a crust. Snowpack tests continue to yield moderate sudden planar, or &quot;pops&quot;, results on this interface. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface consists of thin new wind slabs, a sun crust, dry snow, or feathery surface hoar depending on aspect and elevation. Below this 40-80 cm of settling storm snow sits on a layer of surface hoar, facetted snow, and /or a crust. Recent snowpack tests show that this interface is gaining strength but is likely still susceptible to human triggering with potential to propagate widely. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place..</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface has probably changed from facetted snow and/or surface hoar to a dusting of new snow, a rain or freezing rain crust, and new dense wind slabs depending on aspect and elevation. Below this 60-90 cm of storm snow from last week continues to settle and gain strength. However, a weak layer of surface hoar or facetted snow sits at the base of the storm snow and continues to react in snowpack tests and slope tests. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer continues to concern local avalanche professionals. This seems most prevalent near Bear Pass where the snowpack distribution is quite variable. This weakness is unlikely to be triggered by a single person, but it remains possible with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall) or from a thin-spot trigger point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Thin 1F wind slab 5 - 10 cm thick formed Sunday, hasn't been very reactive.  Below this around 60cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. The bond at this interface has tightened up and gained a lot of strength with the cold temps. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Thin 1F wind slab 5 - 10 cm thick formed Sunday, hasn't been very reactive.  Below this around 60cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. The bond at this interface has tightened up and gained a lot of strength with the cold temps. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds picked up out of the west Sunday creating a thin wind slab 5 - 15cm thick in open alpine and treeline features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Under this new wind slab 65 cm of settled snow rests on the January 4th interface which consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. The bonds at this interface are improving.? The layer is still alive and well in test pits but has not been reactive to human triggering in the last day or so.? Wind slabs created by the previously raucous SW winds have grown old &amp; tired. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. The November 28 surface hoar is still being found in isolated, sheltered below treeline locations buried 120cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists but seams to have gone dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack instabilities that were starting to settle could become unstable again if rapid warming occurs with the forecasted weather for the next 2 days. Read the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> to learn more about this process. The 50-90 cm of recent snow is sitting over weaker snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of buried surface hoar is patchy, but where it exists, it may become touchy again. Recent strong winds have also left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 - 90 cm of settled storm snow rests on the January 4th interface which consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas and sun crust on steep south and west facing slopes. This interface has gained a significant amount of strength.  The concern is that it will spring back to life when the warm temperatures and direct solar come into play midweek. Recent tests on this interface show shears trending towards Resistant Planar. Professionals operating in the region are most concerned about slopes that have not yet avalanched. Wind slabs formed during the last storm are getting old and tired.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November is till evident but it is inactive at this point.? </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack instabilities that were starting to settle will most likely become unstable again with the continuation of the warming trend and additional solar radiation tomorrow.  Read the</span><a href="[1/13/2013 3:58:53 PM] Grant Helgeson: http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D"> forecaster's blog </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">to learn more about this process. Last week's storm snow and yesterday's snow is sitting above weak surfaces including surface hoar (found especially below about 1600 m in sheltered areas), facets and also on a sun crust on South facing slopes. Where it exists, the buried surface hoar is producing sudden collapse results and is sitting at a prime depth for triggering with rapid warming. Recent winds and some new snow have also left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine elevations and also buried old windslabs. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Check out yesterday's </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=QGdojcvrGPM#!" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">YouTube video</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> which demonstrates some of the weak layers and test results found around Valemount BC. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack instabilities that are starting to settle could become unstable again if rapid warming occurs in the next 2 days. Read the</span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D"> forecaster's blog </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">to learn more about this process. The 50-90 cm of snow that fell in the past week is sitting over weaker snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of buried surface hoar is patchy, but where it exists, it is touchy (easy to moderate sudden planar test results and see avalanche observation section). Recent winds have also left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface hoar layer down 60-80 cm has started to be reactive in some areas with the warming.  There is also signs of intense wind effect in the alpine by recent strong NW winds leaving shallow areas and hard windslabs on lee side of ridges. The continuing warming and solar radiation forecasted for tomorrow will maintain the weakening of the snowpack trend. Read the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://forecasters-blog.avalanche.ca/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster's blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> to learn more about this process. Triggering a surface instability could step down to the deeper persistent instability creating bigger avalanches. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets and the early November crust. Even though the crust has been unreactive for a while, professionals are concerned about it again with the warming which could awake it, especially in shallow areas at treeline and in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong north-westerly winds have left hard and soft wind slabs in the lee of ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. Recent storm snow is settling over old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it is still possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. Watch out for rapid warming on alpine slopes over the next couple of days, which could weaken the slab above these interfaces. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North to north-westerly winds have left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. Recent storm snow is settling over old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it is still possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. Watch out for rapid warming on alpine slopes over the next couple of days, which could weaken the slab above these interfaces. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent northerly to westerly winds have left new wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks at alpine and treeline elevations. A weak interface (surface hoar, a sun crust or facets) buried in early January is of most concern on steep south to south-west aspects and below about 1700 m in sheltered areas. Snowpack test results on this interface vary from sudden to no results. Recent storm snow is fully settled in some locations, and still showing easy to moderate shears in other places. Watch out for rapid warming on alpine slopes over the next couple of days, which could weaken the slab above these interfaces. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Check out this </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=QGdojcvrGPM#%21" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">YouTube video</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> which demonstrates some of the weak layers and test results found around Valemount BC. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North to north-westerly winds have left wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. Recent storm snow is settling over old snow surfaces including surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it is still possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. Watch out for rapid warming on alpine slopes over the next couple of days, which could weaken the slab above these interfaces. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above freezing temperatures at higher elevations caused snow surface moistening on on sun-exposed slopes, breaking down the 1-2cm surface crust, and weakening wind slabs. The surface snow on northerly aspects has been remaining dry with continued surface hoar growth. Below this, 40-80 cm of settling storm snow sits on a persistent weakness of buried surface hoar, facetted snow, and /or a crust. Recent snowpack tests show that this interface is gaining strength but is likely still susceptible to human triggering with potential to propagate widely. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer that was buried at the end of December is now down 60-80 cm, and has become reactive in some areas with recent warming. There are also signs of recent intense northwest winds in the alpine and at treeline leaving scoured areas and hard windslabs on lee side of ridges and terrain breaks.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar and the remnants of a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface consists of a sun crust or moist snow on steep southerly aspects, and dry snow or surface hoar on shady slopes, overlying a thick rain crust. Rain followed by cool temperatures helped to stabilize the previous storm snow from earlier last week; however, snowpack tests continue to produce moderate sudden results near a buried crust down 55-70 cm. It is currently unlikely to trigger this layer, but this could change when conditions warm up significantly this week. I would be a little cautious on steep open slopes that did not previously avalanche once temperatures jump above zero.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent temperature inversions and freezing rain at higher elevations has resulted in a thin surface crust in treeline and alpine areas, while surface facets and surface hoar are surviving in the cold air trapped in valley bottoms.  Some higher elevations particularly in the eastern part of the region may have gotten a dusting of new snow, effectively protecting the surface hoar, before the freezing rain, which would have capped this potential future persistent weakness with a thin crust. Below this, weaknesses within the 30-60cm of well settled storm snow is only producing resistant fractures in recent snowpack tests. However, a persistent weakness of surface hoar or facetted snow buried at the end of December sits at the base of this recent storm snow and continues to react as sudden fractures in snowpack tests particularly below treeline. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although well developed basal facets remain a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent winds have formed thin windslabs in open alpine and treeline features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Under this new wind slab ~65cm of settled snow rests on the January 4th interface which consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas, and a sun crust on steep solar aspects. The layer is still reactive in test pits, but has not been reactive to human triggering in recent days.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. The November 28 surface hoar is still being found in isolated, sheltered below treeline locations buried 120cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists but seams to be dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">New windslabs may exist in unusual locations due to northwest winds. These windslabs may overlie surface hoar, facets or a sun crust on steep solar aspects. Below this around 60cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. The bond at this interface seems to have strengthened somewhat with time. The overlying slab has also settled significantly.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface consists of thin new wind slabs, a sun crust, moist snow, dry faceted snow, or large surface hoar depending on aspect, elevation, and time of day. Below this 40-70 cm of  recent storm snow sits on a persistent weakness of surface hoar, facetted snow, and/or a crust buried at the beginning of January. Reports from last weekend include a Rutschblock Score of 3 down 52cm on a thin crust in the Whistler area, and hard compression test results on distinct surface hoar on a northeast facing open glade below treeline in the Chehalis (northwest of Hope). No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">New windslabs may exist in unusual locations to strong winds and the northwesterly influence. Below this around 60cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. The bond at this interface seems to have strengthened somewhat with time. The overlying slab has also settled significantly.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow is continuing to settle but cold temperatures have resulted in considerable facetting within the upper layers.  New surface hoar growth of 2-3mm was observed up to treeline elevation in travels today.  WInd effects from the past 24 hours are becoming more evident with some sculpting and scouring observed.  Slopes open to the full effects of the wind are developing thin crusts.  Ski quality in sheltered areas is still very good.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface consists of a sun crust or moist snow on steep southerly aspects, and dry snow or surface hoar on shady slopes, overlying a rain crust. Recent snowpack tests continue to produce moderate to hard resistent planar results on a couple different old storm snow weaknesses within the top 50 cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface consists of thin new wind slabs, a sun crust, moist snow, dry faceted snow, or large surface hoar depending on aspect, elevation, and time of day. Below this 40-70 cm of  recent storm snow sits on a persistent weakness of surface hoar, facetted snow, and/or a crust buried at the beginning of January. Reports from last weekend include a Rutschblock Score of 3 down 52cm on a thin crust in the Whistler area, and hard compression test results on distinct surface hoar on a northeast facing open glade below treeline in the Chehalis (northwest of Hope). No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above freezing temperatures at higher elevations caused snow surface moistening on sun-exposed slopes, breaking down the 1-2 cm surface crust, and weakening wind slabs. The surface snow on northerly aspects has been remaining dry with continued surface hoar growth. Below this, 40-80 cm of settling storm snow sits on a persistent weakness of buried surface hoar, facetted snow, and /or a crust. Recent snowpack tests show that this interface is gaining strength but is likely still susceptible to human triggering with potential to propagate widely. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Mild temperatures have resulted in moist snow below treeline, while strong or extreme upper winds have scoured areas and produced hard or soft wind slabs in a variety of areas at all elevations. Below this, weaknesses within the 30-60cm of well settled storm snow are only producing resistant fractures in recent snowpack tests. However, a persistent weakness of surface hoar or facetted snow buried at the end of December sits at the base of this recent storm snow and continues to react as sudden fractures in snowpack tests particularly below treeline. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although well developed basal facets remain a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong north to north-westerly winds have left wind slabs in many areas, even at treeline. Settled storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong NW through SW winds have left wind slabs in many areas, even at treeline. Cornices are unstable in some places. Settled storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong north to north-westerly winds have left wind slabs in many areas, even at treeline. Settled storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On the surface there are signs of recent intense northwest winds in the alpine and at treeline leaving scoured areas and hard windslabs on lee side of ridges and terrain breaks.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer that was buried at the end of December is now down 60-80 cm, and has become reactive in some areas with recent warming. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An otherwise strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar and the remnants of a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong north to north-westerly winds have left wind slabs in many areas, even at treeline. Settled storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent winds have formed windslabs in alpine and treeline terrain</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this new wind slab ~65cm of settled snow rests on the January 4th interface which consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas, and a sun crust on steep solar aspects. The layer is still reactive in test pits, but has not been reactive to human triggering in recent days.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. The November 28 surface hoar is still being found in isolated, sheltered below treeline locations buried 120cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists but seams to be dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of loose snow may overlie windslabs which exist in unusual locations due to strong northwesterly winds. Below this around 60cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces that were buried on January 4th. These surfaces include a sun crust on steep solar aspects, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below, and facets everywhere else. The bond at this interface seems to have strengthened somewhat with time. The overlying slab has also settled significantly.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is reportedly well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be large and potentially unstable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">New windslabs may exist in unusual locations due to strong northwest winds. These windslabs may overlie surface hoar, facets or a sun crust on steep solar aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Below this around 60cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. Where it has not already avalanched, the bond at this interface seems to have strengthened with time. The overlying slab has also settled significantly.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The midpack is well settled and strong with one or two (location specific) crusts deep in the snowpack. These crust/facets combos are largely dormant, with the only concern being triggering from a shallow snowpack area or with a heavy trigger.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Windslabs continue to develop in the ALP &amp; TL with the high winds. Visible signs of widespread crossloading at all elevations. Front ranges are seeing rapid sublimation with wind. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong north to north-westerly winds have left wind slabs in many areas, even at treeline. Settled storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong NW through SW winds have left wind slabs in many areas, even at treeline. Around 40-60 cm settled snow sits above surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. Test results on these interfaces vary from no result to moderate, sudden results. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong NW through SW winds have left wind slabs in many areas, even at treeline. Around 40-60 cm settled snow sits above surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. Test results on these interfaces vary from no result to moderate, sudden results. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is generally considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong NW through SW winds have left wind slabs in many areas, even at treeline. Settled storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface consists of thin wind slabs and wind-pressed snow, a sun crust or moist snow, and dry faceted snow or large surface hoar depending on aspect, elevation, and time of day. 40-70cm below the surface is a persistent weakness of surface hoar, facetted snow, and/or a crust buried at the beginning of January. Most recent tests have shown moderate results at this interface with resistent planar fracture characteristics. Although not widespread, this layer seems to be found in portions of sheltered terrain at and below treeline, and may still be fairly well preserved.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain below treeline has maintained moist snow at lower elevations.  Moderate amounts of new snow (heavy amounts in the north) are likely to exist as new windslabs at treeline and above. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A persistent weakness of surface hoar or facetted snow buried at the end of December sits below all of the more recent storm snow and is still on the radar of professionals in the area. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, although well developed basal facets remain a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface consists of a sun crust or moist snow on steep southerly aspects, and dry snow or surface hoar on shady slopes, overlying a rain crust. Rain followed by cool temperatures helped to stabilize the previous storm snow from earlier last week; however, snowpack tests continue to produce moderate to hard results within the top 50 cm. It is currently unlikely to trigger this layer, but this could change when conditions warm up significantly this week. I would be a little cautious on steep open slopes that did not previously avalanche once temperatures jump above zero.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Intense recent winds have redistributed snow and created large cornices. The snow surface is now a mix of sastrugi, hard slab and soft slab in open areas. Below this around 60cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else.  Reports indicate that this bond has strengthened over time and is now fairly tight.  The overlying slab has also settled significantly. The bond at this interface seems to have strengthened somewhat with time. The overlying slab has also settled significantly.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Intense recent winds have redistributed snow and created large cornices. The snow surface is now a mix of sastrugi, hard slab and soft slab in open areas. Below this around 60cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else.  Reports indicate that this bond has strengthened over time and is now fairly tight.  The overlying slab has also settled significantly. The bond at this interface seems to have strengthened somewhat with time. The overlying slab has also settled significantly.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above freezing temperatures at higher elevations have caused snow surfaces to moisten on on sun-exposed slopes, breaking down the 1-2cm surface crust, and weakening wind slabs. The surface snow on northerly aspects has been remaining dry with continued surface hoar growth. Below this, 40-80 cm of settling storm snow sits on a persistent weakness of buried surface hoar, facetted snow, and /or a crust. Recent snowpack tests show that this interface is gaining strength but is likely still susceptible to human triggering with potential to propagate widely. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain below treeline has continued to maintain moist surfaces at lower elevations. Moderate amounts of new snow and strong winds at higher elevations have most likely formed hard windslabs in the lee of terrain breaks and ridges.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer that was buried at the end of December is now down 60-80 cm, and was reactive in some areas with recent warming. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An otherwise strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar and the remnants of a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent winds have formed hard slabs, soft slabs and sastrugi in open terrain.  We've recieved reports of hard slabs up to a meter deep in the region. South and West facing slopes have been moistening up during the day with the warm temperatures.  Under the moist snow and windslabs the January 4th layer can be found down 50 - 150 cm.  It consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas, and a sun crust on steep solar aspects.  Test pits are still showing resistant planar shears at this interface, but it hasn't been reactive to human triggering for days now.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is well bonded and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">HSL forming in ALP/TL due to intense chinook wind conditions.  Windward slopes being stripped bare with X westerly flow in all elevation zones. Constant spindrift in steep lee terrain. Isolated patches of 130106 SH found in areas BTL still- still reactive during control work.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread hard slabs in all open wind affected terrain.  Mixture of hardslabs and soft slabs at treeline failing down 40-50cm on the Jan 6th facet interface.  Midpack still well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong NW through SW winds have left wind slabs in many areas, even at treeline. These are likely to be gaining strength as time goes on and the amount of snow available for transport diminishes. Around 40-60 cm settled storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. Test results on these interfaces vary from no result to moderate, sudden results. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is generally considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow overlie surface hoar and facets in some areas. Strong N through SW winds have left wind slabs on many slopes, even at treeline. Around 40-60 cm of older settled storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW-facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is generally considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Ongoing strong to extreme NW to SW winds have stripped windward aspects and left wind slabs on many lee slopes, even below treeline. Around 40-60 cm settled storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. Test results on these interfaces vary from no result to moderate, sudden results. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent strong north to north-westerly winds have left wind slabs in many areas, even at treeline. These are likely to be gaining strength as time goes on and the amount of snow available for transport diminishes. Settled storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface consists of thin wind slabs and wind-pressed snow, a sun crust or moist snow, and dry faceted snow or large surface hoar depending on aspect, elevation, and time of day. 40-70cm below the surface is a persistent weakness of surface hoar, facetted snow, and/or a crust buried at the beginning of January. Most recent tests have shown moderate results at this interface with resistent planar fracture characteristics. Although not widespread, this layer seems to be found in portions of sheltered terrain at and below treeline, and may still be fairly well preserved.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above freezing temperatures at higher elevations have caused snow surfaces to moisten on sun-exposed slopes; however, a nightly crust recovery is likely with the cooler temperatures and clear skies. The surface snow on northerly aspects is dry and wind affected with continued surface hoar growth at lower elevations. Below this, 40-80 cm of settling storm snow sits on a persistent weakness of buried surface hoar, facetted snow, and /or a crust. Recent snowpack tests show that this interface is gaining strength but is likely still susceptible to human triggering with potential to propagate widely. No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by warming or heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain below treeline has maintained moist snow at lower elevations, although a nightly crust recovery is likely with forecast clear skies.  Light amounts of new snow (moderate to heavy amounts in the north) exist as new storm slabs and windslabs at treeline and above. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A persistent weakness of surface hoar or facetted snow buried at the end of December sits below all of the more recent storm snow and is still on the radar of professionals in the area. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although well developed basal facets remain a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain below treeline has continued to maintain moist surfaces at lower elevations, although a nightly crust recovery is likely with forecast clear skies . Light to moderate amounts of new snow and strong to extreme winds at higher elevations have most likely formed hard windslabs in the lee of terrain breaks and ridges.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer that was buried at the end of December is now down 60-80 cm, and was reactive in some areas with recent warming. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An otherwise strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar and the remnants of a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent winds have formed hard slabs, soft slabs and sastrugi in open terrain.  We've received reports of hard slabs up to a meter deep in the region. South and West facing slopes have been moistening up during the day with the warm temperatures.  Protected areas are growing surface hoar to 10mm. Under the moist snow and wind slabs the January 4th layer can be found down 50 - 150 cm.  It consists of small facets, surface hoar (up to 12mm) in sheltered treeline and below treeline areas, and a sun crust on steep solar aspects.  When tested, the interface produces the full spectrum of fracture characters from sudden planar to no failure at all.  Needless to say it's quite varied. The midpack is well bonded and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface consists of a sun crust or moist snow on steep southerly aspects, and dry snow or surface hoar on shady slopes, overlying a rain crust. Rain followed by cool temperatures helped to stabilize the previous storm snow from earlier last week.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Intense recent winds have redistributed snow and created large cornices. The snow surface is now a mix of sastrugi, hard slab and soft slab in open areas.  With the warm temps, slopes receiving direct sun are moistening in the afternoon.  Surface hoar is continuing to form in protected areas too. Below this around 60cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. Reports indicate that this bond has strengthened over time and is now fairly tight. The overlying slab has also settled significantly. The bond at this interface seems to have strengthened somewhat with time. The overlying slab has also settled significantly.  There are some reports of glide cracks on Mt Fernie, these mysterious phenomena should be given a wide berth. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Intense recent winds have redistributed snow and created large cornices. The snow surface is now a mix of sastrugi, hard slab and soft slab in open areas.  With the warm temps, slopes receiving direct sun are moistening in the afternoon.  Surface hoar is continuing to form in protected areas too. Below this around 60cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. Reports indicate that this bond has strengthened over time and is now fairly tight. The overlying slab has also settled significantly. The bond at this interface seems to have strengthened somewhat with time. The overlying slab has also settled significantly.  There are some reports of glide cracks on Mt Fernie, these mysterious phenomena should be given a wide berth. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little Change.  Widespread hardslabs in all open wind affected terrain.  LOTS of bard rock showing from the winds that have ravaged the area over the past few days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface consists of a sun crust or moist snow on steep southerly aspects, and dry snow or surface hoar on shady slopes, overlying a rain crust. Rain followed by cool temperatures helped to stabilize the previous storm snow from earlier last week.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Savage winds out of the NW have wreaked havoc on the region.  N &amp; W facing slopes are wind pressed or wind-stripped.  Slopes lee to these winds were left with wind slabs up to a meter in depth in open areas. Warm temperatures have created moist snow that can be found on almost all aspects up to 2300m.  Protected areas are growing surface hoar to 10mm, while many other slopes are sporting a zipper crust due to the warm temps.  Under the snow surface lies the January 4th interface, down around 75 cm &amp; obviously much deeper in wind loaded areas.  This layer of small/facets/crusts and intermittent surface hoar is producing planar shears in some drainages and no failure at all in others.  At the moment it's tough to find soft snow to recreate in.  The midpack is well good, nicely bonded and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Intense recent winds have redistributed snow and created large cornices. The snow surface is now a mix of sastrugi, hard slab and soft slab in open areas. With the warm temps, slopes receiving direct sun are moistening in the afternoon. Surface hoar is continuing to form in protected areas too. Below this around 60cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. Reports indicate that this bond has strengthened over time and is now fairly tight. The overlying slab has also settled significantly. The bond at this interface seems to have strengthened somewhat with time. The overlying slab has also settled significantly. There are some reports of glide cracks on Mt Fernie, these mysterious phenomena should be given a wide berth. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Intense recent winds have redistributed snow and created large cornices. The snow surface is now a mix of sastrugi, hard slab and soft slab in open areas.  With the warm temps, slopes receiving direct sun are moistening in the afternoon.  Surface hoar is continuing to form in protected areas too. Below this around 60cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. Reports indicate that this bond has strengthened over time and is now fairly tight. The overlying slab has also settled significantly. The bond at this interface seems to have strengthened somewhat with time. The overlying slab has also settled significantly.  There are some reports of glide cracks on Mt Fernie, these mysterious phenomena should be given a wide berth. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above freezing temperatures have caused snow surfaces to moisten on sun-exposed slopes; however, a nightly crust recovery is likely with forecast clear skies. The surface snow on northerly aspects is dry and wind-affected with continued surface hoar growth at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-80 cm below the surface is a persistent weakness of surface hoar that was buried at the beginning of January. Recent tests have shown moderate results at this interface with resistent planar fracture characteristics. Although not widespread, this layer seems to be found in portions of sheltered terrain near treeline, and may still be fairly well preserved. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by warming or heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent strong to extreme NW to SW winds have stripped windward aspects and left wind slabs on many lee slopes, even below treeline. Around 40-60 cm settled storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. Test results on these interfaces vary from no result to moderate, sudden results. They appear to be more reactive in the middle part of the region rather than in the Northern part of the region. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above freezing temperatures at higher elevations have caused snow surfaces to moisten on sun-exposed slopes; however, a nightly crust recovery is likely with forecast clear skies. The surface snow on northerly aspects is dry and wind-pressed with continued surface hoar growth at lower elevations. Below this, 40-80 cm of settling storm snow sits on a persistent weakness of buried surface hoar, facetted snow, and /or a crust. Recent snowpack tests show that this interface is gaining strength but may still be susceptible to human triggering . No significant weaknesses have been reported recently below this in the mid snowpack layers. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by warming or heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A trace to 3 cm of new snow fell with Strong NW-SW winds. Recent and past strong NW-SW winds have left wind slabs in many areas, even at treeline. These are gaining strength with mild temperatures and as the amount of snow available for transport diminishes. Around 40-60 cm settled storm snow sits above surface hoar, a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. Results on the surface hoar layer vary from sudden planar to resistant planar in the moderate to hard range. It appears to be more reactive in the Northern part of the region, especially in the 1900 to 1500 m. range. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is generally considered inactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A melt freeze crust is likely to exist in most areas below treeline that were previously rain soaked. Light amounts of recent snow (heavy amounts in the north) exist as storm slabs and windslabs at treeline and above. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A persistent weakness of surface hoar buried at the end of December sits below all of the more recent storm snow and is still on the radar of professionals in the area. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although well developed basal facets remain a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20 cm of new snow fell with strong NW switching to SW winds creating windslabs on lee side in alpine and at treeline. The new windslabs were producing some sudden planar tests results and were reactive to skier traffic. The forecasted mild temperatures and reduced wind transport should give them a chance to improve the bond with the underlying surface. Cornice growth has also been observed. The storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially below treeline in sheltered areas down around 40 cm), a sun crust on steep S to SW -facing slopes and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. Indeed, snow tests showed sudden planar results in the easy to moderate range. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10 cm of new snow fell with strong Westerly winds creating new hard windslabs and soft windslabs in the alpine and at treeline (less snow fell in the Southern part of the region). Some cornices growth was also observed. Around 40-60 cm of snow sits above surface hoar (found especially below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW-facing slopes) and facets. The surface hoar layer still produces sudden planar shears in the moderate to hard range. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is generally considered inactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A melt freeze crust most likely exists on lower elevation slopes that were previously rain-soaked. Light to locally moderate amounts of recent snow and strong to extreme winds at higher elevations have formed hard windslabs in the lee of terrain breaks and ridges.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer that was buried at the end of December is now down 60-80 cm, and was reactive in some areas with recent warming but is most likely gaining strength.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An otherwise strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar and the remnants of a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm temperatures and solar radiation forecasted for tomorrow could weaken the windslabs and persistent slabs, especially those found on steep South facing slopes. If surface snow becomes moist, loose wet avalanches could also take place, and even though small in size, they could become a problem if thrown off your feet in a terrain trap.</span><span class="s_E6FD2046"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715"> As a general picture, around 40-60 cm of snow sits above surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. Test results on these interfaces vary from hard to moderate results. They appear to be more reactive in the middle part of the region rather than in the Northern part of the region. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm temperatures and solar radiation forecasted for tomorrow could weaken the windslabs and persistant slabs, especially those found on steep South facing slopes. If surface snow becomes moist, loose wet avalanches could also take place, and even though small in size, they could become a problem if thrown off your feet in a terrain trap.  As a general picture, around 40-60 cm settled storm snow sits above surface hoar, a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. Results on the surface hoar layer vary from sudden planar to resistant planar in the moderate to hard range. It appears to be more reactive in the Northern part of the region, especially in the 1900 to 1500 m. range. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, they may be triggered by the warming trend or under with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is generally considered inactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm temperatures and solar radiation forecasted for tomorrow could weaken the recent windslabs and persistent slabs, especially those found on steep South facing slopes. If surface snow becomes moist, loose wet avalanches could also take place, and even though small in size, they could become a problem if thrown off your feet in a terrain trap. As a general picture, around 40-60 cm settled storm snow sits above surface hoar, a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. Results on the surface hoar layer vary from sudden planar to resistant planar in the moderate to hard range. It appears to be more reactive in the 1900 to 1500 m. range. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, they may be triggered by the warming trend or under with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is generally considered inactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Despite the above freezing temperatures the snow surface is recovering overnight.  Southerly aspects have a bit of a crust on them.  The surface hoar that littered the cooler north and east facing aspects is breaking down with the warm temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above freezing temperatures at higher elevations have caused snow surfaces to moisten on sun-exposed slopes; however, a nightly crust recovery has been occurring under clear skies. The surface snow on northerly aspects is dry and heavily wind-affected with continued surface hoar development at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-80 cm below the surface is a persistent weakness of surface hoar that was buried at the beginning of January. Despite recent warming, no recent avalanche activity has occurred at this interface. Having said that, triggering may still be possible in isolated terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by warming or heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above freezing temperatures at higher elevations have caused snow surfaces to moisten on sun-exposed slopes; however, a nightly crust recovery is likely with forecast clear skies. The surface snow on northerly aspects is dry and wind-pressed with continued surface hoar growth at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-80 cm below the surface is a persistent weakness of buried surface hoar. No recent activity has been reported on this layer, but human triggering may be possible in isolated terrain, particularly with forecast warm temperatures. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by intense warming or by heavy triggers in steep, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In areas below treeline that were previously rain soaked a melt freeze crust is now likely to exist. At higher elevations light amounts of recent snow (heavy amounts in the north) were redistributed by strong to extreme westerly winds and now exist as lingering storm slabs and wind slabs..</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A persistent weakness of surface hoar buried at the end of December sits about 60cm below the surface. It has most likely gained significant strength; however, human triggering may still be possible.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although well developed basal facets remain a concern in the north of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A melt freeze crust most likely exists on lower elevation slopes that were previously rain-soaked. Light to locally moderate amounts of recent snow and strong to extreme winds at higher elevations have formed hard wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks and ridges.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer that was buried at the end of December is now down 60-80 cm, and was reactive in some areas with recent warming but is most likely gaining significant strength.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An otherwise strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar and the remnants of a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm temperatures and solar radiation forecasted for tomorrow could weaken the recent windslabs and persistent slabs, especially those found on steep South facing slopes. If surface snow becomes moist, loose wet avalanches could also take place, and even though small in size, they could become a problem if thrown off your feet in a terrain trap. The recent storm snow sits above surface hoar layer, a sun crust on steep S to SW -facing slopes and facets. The surface hoar layer is still producing easy to moderate sudden planar shears below 1500 m. in sheltered areas. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, they may be triggered by the warming trend or under with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little Change.  Widespread hardslabs in all open wind affected terrain.  LOTS of bare rock showing from the winds that have ravaged the area over the past few days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Intense recent winds have redistributed snow and created large cornices. The snow surface is now a mix of sastrugi, hard slab and soft slab in open areas. While the effects of the wind were dramatic, the sensitivity of the wind slab to triggering is decreasing. With the warm temps, slopes receiving direct sun are moistening in the afternoon. Surface hoar is continuing to form in protected areas too with recent observations of 10cm crystals. Below this around 50cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. Tests on this interface are still yielding sudden planar results, but the overlying slab has settled significantly and there haven't been any reported avalanches on this layer in some time now.  There are some reports of glide cracks on Mt Fernie, these mysterious phenomena should be given a wide berth. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Savage winds out of the NW have wreaked havoc on the region. N &amp; W facing slopes are wind pressed or wind-stripped. Slopes lee to these winds were left with wind slabs up to a meter in depth in open areas. While the results of the recent winds appear dramatic, the wind slabs are quite stubborn in their trigger-ability for the most part.  There are of course, exceptions, see the recent avalanche observations. Warm temperatures have created moist snow that can be found on almost all aspects up to 2300m. Protected areas are growing surface hoar to 20mm, while many other slopes are sporting a zipper crust due to the warm temps. Under the snow surface lies the January 4th interface, down around 75 cm &amp; obviously much deeper in wind loaded areas. This layer of small/facets/crusts and intermittent surface hoar is producing planar shears in some drainages and no failure at all in others. At the moment it's tough to find soft snow to recreate in. The midpack is well good, nicely bonded and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Intense recent winds have redistributed snow and created large cornices. The snow surface is now a mix of sastrugi, hard slab and soft slab in open areas. While the effects of the wind were dramatic, the sensitivity of the wind slab to triggering is decreasing. With the warm temps, slopes receiving direct sun are moistening in the afternoon. Surface hoar is continuing to form in protected areas too. Below this around 50cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. Tests on this interface are still yielding sudden planar results, but the overlying slab has settled significantly and there haven't been any reported avalanches on this layer in some time now.  There are some reports of glide cracks on Mt Fernie, these mysterious phenomena should be given a wide berth. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variety of surfaces await the next snowfall; windslabs in the alpine, facets and surface hoar in specific areas and a suncrust on South facing slopes. The windslabs in the alpine and at treeline are settling and slowly breaking down due to surface facetting. The surface hoar layer below the 40-60 cm of generally well settled snow is not reactive to skier traffic but still produces some sudden planar shears in isolated locations mainly on S aspects below 1800 m.  A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive. </span><span class="s_E6FD2046" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Unseasonably warm temperatures in the alpine have led to a melt-freeze cycle on sun-exposed slopes. Wind-affected surfaces are found at treeline and above. Large surface hoar crystals are growing in sheltered terrain below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by warming or heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current medley of snow surfaces includes hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice and thin melt-freeze crusts. A persistent weakness of surface hoar buried at the end of December sits about 50-70cm below the surface. Recent snowpack tests gave moderate to hard, sudden results on this layer. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the north of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current medley of snow surfaces includes hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice and thin melt-freeze crusts. Surface hoar layers buried in the upper snowpack are patchy in their distribution. Recent snowpack tests gave moderate to hard, resistant results on one of these layers near Smithers. An otherwise strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar and the remnants of a crust. The snowpack depth is around 100 cm at treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variety of surfaces await the next snowfall; windslabs in the alpine, facets and surface hoar in specific areas and a suncrust on South facing slopes. The windslabs in the alpine and at treeline are settling and slowly breaking down due to surface facetting. The surface hoar layer below the 40-60 cm of generally well settled snow is becoming less of a concern for the professionals but still produces some sudden planar shears amongst other resistant planar and break shears.  A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variety of surfaces await the next snowfall; windslabs in the alpine, facets and surface hoar in localised areas and a suncrust on South facing slopes. The windslabs in the alpine and at treeline are settling and slowly breaking down due to surface facetting. The surface hoar layer below the 40-60 cm of generally well settled snow is still a concern to professionals, especially below 1900 m. in sheltered-shady areas and on S aspects . It still produces sudden planar shears in those areas as well as some resistant planars.  A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Unseasonably warm temperatures in the alpine have led to a melt-freeze cycle on sun-exposed slopes. The surface snow on northerly aspects is dry and heavily wind-affected. Large surface hoar crystals are growing in sheltered terrain below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by warming or heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A thin layer of new snow is sitting on windslabs in the alpine and at treeline and above a well settled 40 cm of snow. A crust is present on S facing slopes. A surface hoar layer is found under the top 40 cm and is reactive especially below 1500 m. in sheltered areas.&nbsp; This weak layer is becoming less of a concern for the professional but still produces a variety of test results. The distribution of this weak is patchy, but where it exist, it may be triggered with the weight of a person or snowmobile. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">&nbsp; </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface layers and midpack continuing to facet away - winds generally calm and no redistribution of snow taking place.  Widespread wind effects in all elevation zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Intense recent winds have redistributed snow and created large cornices. The snow surface is now a mix of sastrugi, hard slab and soft slab in open areas. While the effects of the wind were dramatic, the sensitivity of the wind slab to triggering is decreasing. With the warm temps, slopes receiving direct sun are moistening in the afternoon. Surface hoar is continuing to form in protected areas too. Reports indicate that the crystals are as big as 20mm. Below this around 50cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. Tests on this interface are still yielding sudden planar results, but the overlying slab has settled significantly and there haven't been any reported avalanches on this layer in some time now.  There are some reports of glide cracks on Mt Fernie, these mysterious phenomena should be given a wide berth. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Intense recent winds have redistributed snow and created large cornices. The snow surface is now a mix of sastrugi, hard slab and soft slab in open areas. While the effects of the wind were dramatic, the sensitivity of the wind slab to triggering is decreasing. With the warm temps, slopes receiving direct sun are moistening in the afternoon. Surface hoar is continuing to form in protected areas too. Reports indicate that the crystals are as big as 20mm. Below this around 50cm of settled snow rests on a myriad of old surfaces (January 4th interface) that include sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain, surface hoar in sheltered locations at treeline and below and facets everywhere else. Tests on this interface are still yielding sudden planar results, but the overlying slab has settled significantly and there haven't been any reported avalanches on this layer in some time now.  There are some reports of glide cracks on Mt Fernie, these mysterious phenomena should be given a wide berth. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Savage winds out of the NW have wreaked havoc on the region. N &amp; W facing slopes are wind pressed or wind-stripped. Slopes lee to these winds were left with wind slabs up to a meter in depth in open areas. While the results of the recent winds appear dramatic, the wind slabs are quite stubborn in their trigger-ability for the most part.  There are of course, exceptions, see the recent avalanche observations. Warm temperatures have created moist snow that can be found on almost all aspects up to 2300m. Protected areas are growing surface hoar to 20mm, while many other slopes are sporting a zipper crust due to the warm temps. Under the snow surface lies the January 4th interface, down around 75 cm &amp; obviously much deeper in wind loaded areas. This layer of small/facets/crusts and intermittent surface hoar is producing planar shears in some drainages and no failure at all in others. At the moment it's tough to find soft snow to recreate in. The midpack is well good, nicely bonded and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack is generally deep, well settled and stable with no persistent weak layers. Despite the above freezing temperatures the snow surface is recovering overnight.  Southerly aspects have a bit of a crust on them.  The surface hoar that previously littered the cooler north and east facing aspects is has been broken down by the warm temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current medley of snow surfaces includes hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice and thin melt-freeze crusts. New snow may bond poorly to some of these surfaces, especially where surface hoar sits on a hard crust. Surface hoar layers buried in the upper snowpack are patchy in their distribution. Recent snowpack tests gave moderate to hard, resistant results on one of these layers near Smithers. An otherwise strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar and the remnants of a crust. The snowpack depth is around 100 cm at treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Incoming snow will be landing on a medley of surfaces including hard wind slabs, thin and thick crusts, facets, and large surface hoar crystals which have been growing in some sheltered terrain below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack is generally deep, well settled and stable with no persistent weak layers. Despite the above freezing temperatures the snow surface is refreezing overnight with a crust primarily on south aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, the region has a relatively shallow, faceted, and wind-affected snowpack that is well settled with progressively stiffer and stronger snow with depth. Large surface hoar growth and surface faceting continues in sheltered and shady areas, while sun-exposed slopes have been subject to melt-freeze cycles. Open unprotected areas are highly wind-effected with scoured areas, hard wind slab, sastrugi, and delicate cornices. All of these current snow surfaces will likely provide a poor bond once buried, and will be especially concerning when and where a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab develops.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large surface hoar growth and surface faceting continues in sheltered and shady areas, open unprotected areas are highly wind-affected, while sun-exposed slopes have been subject to melt-freeze cycles. All of these current snow surfaces will likely provide a poor bond once buried, and will be especially concerning when and where a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab develops. The persistent weakness buried early January recently produced moderate sudden planar compression test results where is was found down 45cm on a steep north facing alpine slope. However, in general, this persistent weakness is much deeper and no longer reacting in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large surface hoar growth and surface faceting continues in sheltered and shady areas, while sun-exposed slopes have been subject to melt-freeze cycles. Open unprotected areas are highly wind-effected with scoured areas, hard wind slab, sastrugi, and delicate cornices. All of these current snow surfaces will likely provide a poor bond once buried, and will be especially concerning when and where a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab develops. The persistent weakness buried early January is generally no longer reacting in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Incoming snow will be landing on a medley of surfaces including hard wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals which have been growing in some sheltered terrain below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current medley of snow surfaces includes hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar. New snow may bond poorly to some of these surfaces, especially where surface hoar sits on a hard crust. Two persistent weaknesses (comprising surface hoar and facets) buried in the upper snowpack give moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests in some locations. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the north of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow accompanied by strong SW-W winds will create loose snow concern in sheltered areas and new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes. These new layers will most likely be touchy for a certain time and could also put on the needed load to awake the deeper instabilities that have been unreactive to skier traffic lately. The new snow will be sitting on a variety of surfaces; sun crust on S facing slopes, surface hoar layer mostly found in shaded-sheltered areas below treeline, facets and old windslabs that were breaking down. The early January surface hoar layer found under the top 50-70 cm, which has been unreactive to skier traffic but still producing the odd sudden planar shears especially under the elevation of 1500 m. in sheltered areas, could become more reactive with this added load. Under these concerning layers, a strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.&nbsp; </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow will fall on a variety of surfaces; windslabs in the alpine, facets, surface hoar below treeline in sheltered areas and a suncrust on South facing slopes.&nbsp; New windslabs and some sluffing in sheltered terrain is expected.&nbsp; </span><span class="s_3FE45715">These new layers will most likely be touchy for a certain time.</span><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface hoar layer below the 40-60 cm of generally well settled snow is still a concern to professionals, especially below 1900 m. in sheltered-shady areas and on S aspects. It still produces sudden planar shears in those areas as well as some resistant planars.  A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow accompanied by strong SW-W winds is creating loose snow concern in sheltered areas and new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes. These new layers will most likely be touchy for a certain time and could also put on the needed load to awake the deeper instabilities that have been unreactive to skier traffic lately. The new snow will be sitting on a variety of surfaces; sun crust on S facing slopes, surface hoar layer and facets in sheltered areas and windslabs in the alpine and under ridges at treeline. The early January surface hoar layer found under the top 50-70 cm, which has been unreactive to skier traffic but still producing sudden planar shears especially under the elevation of 1500 m. in sheltered areas, could become more reactive with this added load. Under these concerning layers, a strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow accompanied by strong SW-W winds will create loose snow concern in sheltered areas and new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes. These new layers will most likely be touchy for a certain time and could also put on the needed load to awake the deeper instabilities that have been unreactive to skier traffic lately. The new snow will be sitting on a variety of surfaces; sun crust on S facing slopes, surface hoar layer mostly found in shaded-sheltered areas below treeline, facets and old windslabs that were breaking down. The early January surface hoar layer found under the top 50-70 cm, which has been unreactive to skier traffic but still producing sudden planar shears especially under the elevation of 1500 m. in sheltered areas, could become more reactive with this added load. Under these concerning layers, a strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No change - widespread hard and soft slab conditions with serious wind degradation in all open terrain.  Midpack continues to weaken under the influence of facetting.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A dusting of snow came down throughout the day on Wednesday.  Emphasis on dusting...  Otherwise not much is changing.  Lens of hard slabs can be found in Alpine terrain and in all lee features.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is landing on a medley of snow surfaces including hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice and thin melt-freeze crusts. Surface hoar layers buried in the upper snowpack are patchy in their distribution. Recent snowpack tests recently gave generally hard to no results near Smithers. An otherwise strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. The snowpack depth is around 100 cm at treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is landing on a medley of snow surfaces includes hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar. New snow may bond poorly to some of these surfaces, especially where surface hoar sits on a hard crust. Two persistent weaknesses (comprising surface hoar and facets) buried in the upper snowpack give moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the north of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is landing on a medley of surfaces including hard wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow will fall on a variety of surfaces; windslabs in the alpine, facets, surface hoar below treeline in sheltered areas and a suncrust on South facing slopes.  New windslabs and some sluffing in sheltered terrain is expected.  These new layers will most likely be touchy for a certain time.The surface hoar layer below the 40-60 cm of generally well settled snow is still a concern to professionals, especially below 1900 m. in sheltered-shady areas and on S aspects. It still produces sudden planar shears in those areas as well as some resistant planars.  A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is landing on a medley of surfaces including hard wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered terrain below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength, but still exhibits moderate, sudden results in isolated snowpack tests. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large surface hoar growth and surface faceting continues in sheltered and shady areas, while sun-exposed slopes have been subject to melt-freeze cycles. Open unprotected areas are highly wind-effected with scoured areas, hard wind slab, sastrugi, and delicate cornices. All of these current snow surfaces will likely provide a poor bond once buried, and will be especially concerning when and where a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab develops. The persistent weakness buried early January is generally no longer reacting in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow falling with strong SW-W winds in the alpine will create new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes and a loose snow concern in sheltered areas. The new snow will be sitting on a variety of surfaces; sun crust on S facing slopes, surface hoar layer mostly found in shaded-sheltered areas below treeline, facets and old windslabs that were breaking down. We suspect the bond between the new snow and the old surfaces will not be very good and that it could also put on the needed load to awake the deeper instabilities that have been unreactive to skier traffic lately. The early January surface hoar layer found under the top 50-70 cm, which has been unreactive to skier traffic but still producing sudden planar shears especially under the elevation of 1500 m. in sheltered areas, could become more reactive with this added load. Under these concerning layers, a strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large surface hoar growth and surface faceting continues in sheltered and shady areas, open unprotected areas are highly wind-affected, while sun-exposed slopes have been subject to melt-freeze cycles. All of these current snow surfaces will likely provide a poor bond once buried, and will be especially concerning when and where a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab develops. The persistent weakness buried early January recently produced moderate sudden planar compression test results where is was found down 45cm on a steep north facing alpine slope. However, in general, this persistent weakness is much deeper and no longer reacting in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is developing a storm slab on all aspects and at all elevations. The new storm slab is sitting on various hard surfaces, like wind slabs and sun-crusts. A weak layer of facetted snow on the old surface may make an easy sliding layer for the new snow. Wind transported snow may develop deep pockets of fresh soft wind slab near ridge tops and in gullies.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow falling with strong SW-W winds in the alpine will create new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes and a loose snow concern in sheltered areas. The new snow will be sitting on a variety of surfaces; sun crust on S facing slopes, surface hoar layer mostly found in shaded-sheltered areas below treeline, facets and old windslabs that were breaking down. We suspect the bond between the new snow and the old surfaces will not be very good and that it could also put on the needed load to awake the deeper instabilities that have been unreactive to skier traffic lately. The early January surface hoar layer found under the top 50-70 cm, which has been unreactive to skier traffic but still producing sudden planar shears especially under the elevation of 1500 m. in sheltered areas, could become more reactive with this added load. Under these concerning layers, a strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow accompanied by strong SW-W winds is creating loose snow concern in sheltered areas and new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes. These new layers will most likely be touchy for a certain time and could also put on the needed load to awake the deeper instabilities that have been unreactive to skier traffic lately. The new snow will be sitting on a variety of surfaces; sun crust on S facing slopes, surface hoar layer and facets in sheltered areas and windslabs in the alpine and under ridges at treeline. The early January surface hoar layer found under the top 50-70 cm, which has been unreactive to skier traffic but still producing sudden planar shears especially under the elevation of 1500 m. in sheltered areas, could become more reactive with this added load. Under these concerning layers, a strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In general, the region has a relatively shallow, faceted, and wind-affected snowpack that is well settled with progressively stiffer and stronger snow with depth. Large surface hoar growth and surface faceting continues in sheltered and shady areas, while sun-exposed slopes have been subject to melt-freeze cycles. Open unprotected areas are highly wind-effected with scoured areas, hard wind slab, sastrugi, and delicate cornices. All of these current snow surfaces will likely provide a poor bond once buried, and will be especially concerning when and where a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab develops.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 14cm of new snow at treeline by Thursday morning BUT it was accompanied by strong westerly winds which have resulted in considerable redistribution of the storm snow and scouring of windward slopes.  There was 7cm of new snow in the Smith-Dorrien valley bottom area at the Burstall/Chester trailheads.  The same mix of hard and soft slabs will be found in all open terrain.  The midpack continues to weaken under the influence of a relatively strong temperature gradient promoting facetting.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">More snow will add on to the 20 to 40 cm that fell yesterday with moderate winds from the W-SW. New windslabs in the alpine and at treeline under lee ridgetops will grow thicker and their bond to the old surfaces will be weak for a certain time. Soft slabs and loose snow is expected to slide very easily on the January 23th surface hoar layer that is located in shaded-sheltered areas below treeline and also on the buried suncrust found on South facing slopes. This significant new load (over 40 mm of water equivalent) might also awake the early January surface hoar weak layer that will be sitting down 80 cm in sheltered areas below treeline. Under these concerning layers, a strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">More snow will add on to the 20 to 30 cm that fell yesterday with moderate winds from the W-SW. New windslabs in the alpine and at treeline under lee ridgetops will grow thicker and their bond to the old surfaces will be weak for a certain time. Soft slabs and loose snow is expected to slide very easily on the January 23th surface hoar layer that is located in shaded-sheltered areas below treeline and also on the buried suncrust found on South facing slopes. This significant new load (over 30-40 mm of water equivalent) might also awake the early January surface hoar weak layer that will be sitting down 80 cm in sheltered areas below treeline. Under these concerning layers, a strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable hard surfaces like wind slabs and sun crusts developed during the recent period with no precipitation. Some areas have a weak layer of surface hoar and/or surface facets that were on top of the hard sliding layers that are now buried. The new storm snow has not bonded well to these old surfaces, but reports suggest that the new snow has not consolidated into a cohesive slab. Forecast snow is expected to continue to develop a storm slab above the weak layers and sliding surfaces.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable hard surfaces that developed during the recent dry spell have been buried by 10-15 cms of new snow. A weak layer of surface hoar or near surface facets was reported on the surface before being buried. Incremental snow falls are expected to continue to build a new storm slab above these weak layers and sliding surfaces.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is developing a storm slab on all aspects and at all elevations. The new storm slab is sitting on various hard surfaces, like wind slabs and sun-crusts. A weak layer of facetted snow on the old surface may make an easy sliding layer for the new snow. Wind transported snow may develop deep pockets of fresh soft wind slab near ridge tops and in gullies.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable hard surfaces like wind slabs and sun crusts developed during the recent period with no precipitation. Some areas have a weak layer of surface hoar and/or surface facets that were on top of the hard sliding layers that are now buried. The new storm snow has not bonded well to these old surfaces, but reports suggest that the new snow has not consolidated into a cohesive slab. Forecast snow is expected to continue to develop a storm slab above the weak layers and sliding surfaces.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">More snow will add on to the10 to 30 cm that fell yesterday with moderate winds from the W-SW (more snow fell in the S part of the region). New windslabs in the alpine and at treeline under lee ridgetops will grow thicker and their bond to the old surfaces will be weak for a certain time. Soft slabs and loose snow is expected to slide very easily on the January 23th surface hoar layer that is located in shaded-sheltered areas below treeline and also on the buried suncrust found on South facing slopes. This significant new load might also awake the early January surface hoar weak layer that will be sitting down 80 cm in sheltered areas below treeline. Under these concerning layers, a strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable amounts of new snow are building up over a medley of surfaces including hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar. Winds are likely to shift snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. Two persistent weaknesses (comprising surface hoar and facets) buried in the upper snowpack give moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the north of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is landing on a medley of snow surfaces including hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice and thin melt-freeze crusts. Winds are likely to shift snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. Surface hoar layers buried in the upper snowpack are patchy in their distribution. Recent snowpack tests recently gave generally hard to no results near Smithers. An otherwise strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. The snowpack depth is around 100 cm at treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is landing on a medley of surfaces including hard wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered areas below treeline. Southerly winds have shifted new snow into soft slabs on lee slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is landing on a medley of surfaces including hard wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered areas below treeline. Southerly winds have shifted snow into soft slabs on lee slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">More snow will add on to the 10 cm that fell yesterday with moderate winds from the W-SW. New windslabs in the alpine and at treeline under lee ridgetops will form and their bond to the old surfaces might be weak for a certain time. Loose snow is expected to slide very easily on the January 23th surface hoar layer that is located in shaded-sheltered areas below treeline and also on the buried suncrust found on South facing slopes. The early January surface hoar weak layer is still a concern to professionals. It is mostly found under 30-50 cm in the below treeline band and is still producing a variety of test results. Under these concerning layers, a strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thin touchy storm slabs are building in Alpine terrain with the recent storm snow.  These slabs are overlying the previous hard slabs that developed earlier in the week.  Thin weak areas surround the lens of hard slabs making them tougher to locate. Wide propagations are likely due to the stiff nature of the overlying slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable amounts of new snow are building up over a medley of surfaces including hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar. Winds are shifting snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. Two persistent weaknesses (comprising surface hoar and facets) buried in the upper snowpack recently gave moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the north of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 15 cm snow overlies a medley of surfaces including hard old wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered terrain below treeline. Winds have created soft slabs in the lee of terrain features in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength, but still exhibits moderate, sudden results in isolated snowpack tests. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is landing on a medley of old surfaces including hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice and thin melt-freeze crusts. Winds are likely to shift snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. Surface hoar layers buried in the upper snowpack are patchy in their distribution. Recent snowpack tests recently gave generally hard to no results near Smithers. An otherwise strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. The snowpack depth is around 100 cm at treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 40 cm fell with the last 2 systems (more W and a little bit less in other parts of the region) with light to moderate S-SW winds in the alpine and with relatively warm temperatures at low elevations.  Storm slabs are found at all elevations. In the alpine, it is expected that the bond between these slabs and the underlying surface will improve, however they could also gain propagation potential with the continuing settlement. In other words, they could become harder to trigger, but if triggered, they will generate bigger avalanches. The new snow is also sitting on a couple of weak layers; a suncrust on S facing slopes and on a surface hoar layer mostly found below treeline. The bond of the new snow with these layer is now weak and it usually takes longer to improve and is harder to predict. It is therefore important to keep monitoring their location and reactivity to ski and snowpack tests. The early January surface hoar layer down 60-80 cm, also in the below treeline band, is becoming less of a concern to professionals. It has been producing a variety of snowpack results (from break to sudden planar) but has not been reactive to skier traffic in a while. </span></p>