Lots of avalanche activity to report from the region.  In the north Moderate to Strong NW winds at ridge top continued to load lee slopes resulting in a natural avalanche cycle to size 2.5 with crown depths 20 - 60cm in depth.  Just south of Golden explosive control work produced spectacular results with avalanches to size 3.5 & crown depths 100 - 160cm in depth.  All aspects at & above treeline were involved with the majority of the failures occurring on the early Feb. surface hoar.  In the central portion of the region a natural avalanche cycle to size 3.5 was observed on all aspects and elevations.  At this point it's not surprising that the early Feb SH was to blame.  As skies cleared Wednesdays, observers in the south of the region were able to get their eyes on a widespread avalanche cycle that occurred Monday & Tuesday producing avalanches to size 3.  A party of skiers accidently triggered a size 2 avalanche in the Panorama backcountry.  (Not within the resort boundaries)  The avalanche was on a 35 degree slope, which is the average pitch of an intermediate/advanced run at a ski area, in other words, not very steep.  The avalanche's crown measured 150 cm.  This continues the trend from a very active natural avalanche cycle that reached it's height on Monday and is ongoing. I've left the previous avalanche narrative in from Monday/Tuesday, since the snowpack is healing only slowly and this information is still pertinent. From Monday/Tuesday, Size 3 avalanches were common, with some size 4. Timber fell.  One remotely triggered avalanche triggered from 300m away caught my eye - it speaks to the propagation potential of the surface hoar now deeply buried. If this layer is triggered the avalanche will be big; this layer can be triggered from below so be mindful of overhead hazard. This layer will not go away in the next few days. Also, a sledder triggered a size 3 avalanche in the Quartz Creek area and while the machine is reportedly totaled, the rider is okay. There are two great observations from professionals working in the region recently.  The first one can be found on the MCR, it talks about the widespread & sensitive nature of the SH in the Northern Purcells.  You can start here and work your way into the March observations: http://www.acmg.ca/mcr/archives.asp The other is in the form of a youtube video which also deals with the surface hoar, highlighting the potential for remote triggering and large propagations when this layer fails.  Check out the shooting cracks in the video.  Another 50cm + of snow has fallen since this video was shot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmSJkS3SSbA&feature=youtu.be