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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two prominent, touchy weak layers in the snowpack that have been responsible for a several dangerous avalanches, including one fatality in this region. The upper layer was buried at the end of January and lies approximately 40 cm below the surface. The lower one was buried mid-January and lies approximately 75 cm below the surface. Both comprise a mix of surface hoar and facets and may lie on top of a sun crust on southerly aspects. Both layers are highly reactive and in any given location, one or both could potentially exist in the snowpack. Wide propagation has been noted, meaning avalanches have the potential to go big (up to size 3). These weak layers are most prevalent at treeline and below treeline elevations, but may also be found in sheltered areas in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong northerly and easterly winds have created complicated patterns of wind-loaded snow. Many slopes are </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/glossary#reverse-loading" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">reverse-loaded</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> or </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/glossary#cross-loading" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">cross-loaded</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snow depths are approximately 300 cm. Very sporadically, failures have occurred near the base of the snowpack in or close to this region. These releases have almost all been from high alpine areas, possibly triggered close to rocky features.</span></p>