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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Additional snow amounts of around 15 cm Monday night has brought storm snow totals to approximately 40 cm in this region. This storm snow is resting on a variety of surfaces, including crusts on southern aspects, hard wind-affected snow in exposed locations and soft faceted snow in sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two layers of weak surface hoar crystals are buried in the snowpack between 45 and 80 cm deep, which were buried in mid-February and early-February. The layers may be associated with a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. Avalanche activity on these layers has tapered, but it may still be possible to trigger one of these layers in isolated areas such as steep cutblocks and large open glades.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There are wind slabs everywhere at all elevation on all aspects, except the most protected of terrain below treeline. Thin sun crusts have formed on solar aspects. The prolonged period of frigid temperatures has heavily faceted the snowpack, and there is no little strength to the midpack in most areas. Ski quality is poor in most areas. 10 to 15cm of new snow Tuesday evening will hopefully improve the snowpack, but probably won't be enough to lead to any significant changes from an avalanche perspective.</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">Relatively light amounts of moist snow have fallen on a variety of snow surfaces including a crust on steep southerly slopes and possibly weak surface hoar crystals on sheltered and shaded slopes. The new snow may take a little time to bond, especially on northerly aspects at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. The layer is likely most prominent in the North Shore Mountains and on north aspects. This layer continues to be reactive in snowpack tests. The problem is not typical for the region and we expect this persistent weak layer to continue to linger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of recent storm snow is sitting mainly on facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two weak layers of surface hoar in the upper snowpack that were buried in late January and early February. They can be found between 60-120 cm below the surface. These layers consist primarily of surface hoar, though they may be associated with crusts on steeper, south facing slopes. These weak layers are most prominent on south facing slopes and all aspects below treeline. Avalanche activity on these layers has declined in recent days, however it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche in isolated areas such as steep cutblocks, large open glades, and steep south facing terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where the cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of recent storm snow is sitting mainly on facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are up to three layers of surface hoar that were buried in January and February. These layers are around 50 to 90 cm deep and are most prominent at lower elevations. The surface hoar may sit on a crust on south facing slopes. Avalanches on these layers are infrequent, however it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche in isolated areas such as steep cutblocks, large open glades and south facing slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak and sugary faceted grains that sit on a crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A95EAA36">25-30 cm of storm snow now sits over various surfaces such as old and firm wind slabs in the alpine and open areas at treeline on all aspects. A widespread sun / temperature crust is also found hidden under this new snow on south facing slopes. Isolated pockets of surface hoar crystals have also been observed at the surface on north-facing slopes around 2000m right before this storm rolled in. The mid-snowpack consists of sugary faceted grains (facets) of different hardness. Two older layers of surface hoar still exist down 55-80 and down 95-150 around 1600-1900m .The lower snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A95EAA36">10-15 cm of new snow had fallen within the last storm and now sits over hard wind slabs and wind pressed snow in alpine terrain. A widespread sun/ temperature crust is also found hidden under this new snow on south facing slopes up to mountain tops. Last months cold temperatures have transformed most of the snowpack into weaker faceted snow with few if any distinct layers. In deep snowpack areas, it is possible to find a slab sitting above a layer of facets and surface hoar that was buried in mid-January and is 50-80 cm deep. The layer is most prominent in the Elk Valley between 1600 m and 1900 m, but no recent avalanche activity has been reported on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 15-20 cm new snow added to previous amounts to give storm totals in the range of 30-50 cm. Towards the end of the storm, winds shifted to the north, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs on south-facing slopes. Beneath the recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and crusts on steep southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow have been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs, including on south-facing slopes. Beneath this recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft and faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and melt-freeze crusts on southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate amounts of new snow are expected Wednesday night and Thursday, which will add to the 40-60 cm of recent storm snow. This is likely bonding poorly to a wide variety of old snow surfaces: crusts on solar aspects, facets up high and surface hoar in sheltered locations. Not much further below this interface is a second weak layer that was buried on February 19 and comprises weak facets and surface hoar crystals. Recent avalanche activity appears to have been equally split between these two layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region is expected to receive 10-15 Wednesday night through Thursday, which will add to the previous 15 to 30 cm of storm snow accumulations since Monday. This new snow rests on previously wind hammered snow, sun crusts (on solar aspects), and sugary facets. February's cold weather weakened the upper- and mid-snowpack. In some sheltered areas, 20-50 cm of the snowpack was faceting, or sits on facets (sugary snow),</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of storm snow from the last week is sitting mainly on facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a two weak layers in the upper snowpack that were buried in mid and late January. These can be found approximately 60-120 cm deep. Both layers consist of surface hoar and may be associated with a crust on steep, south facing slopes. These weak layers have been most reactive at lower elevations. Avalanche occurrences on these layers have tapered significantly, however it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche on these layers in isolated areas such as steep cutblocks and large open glades.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where the cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-50 cm of recent storm snow sits mainly on facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevations, a weak layer buried in mid January can be found approximately 50-90 cm deep. This layer consists of surface hoar and facets, and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below. Avalanche activity has dropped off significantly, however it may still be possible to trigger avalanches on this layer in areas such as steep cutblocks, and large open glades in the trees.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A95EAA36">Additional snow amounts of 5 cm Tuesday has brought storm snow totals to approximately 40 cm in this region. This storm snow is resting on a variety of surfaces, including crusts on southern aspects, hard wind-affected snow in exposed locations and soft faceted snow in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A95EAA36">Two layers of weak surface hoar crystals are buried in the snowpack between 45 and 80 cm deep, which were buried in mid-February and early-February. The layers may be associated with a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. Avalanche activity on these layers has tapered, but it may still be possible to trigger one of these layers in isolated areas such as steep cutblocks and large open glades.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An upslope storm deposited only 10 to 15cm along the Continental divide, with as much as 25cm in the Front Ranges closer to Canmore. This new snow overlies a variety of previous surfaces including sun crust, wind slab, breakable wind crust, sastrugi and facets. A couple of reports today of very poor quality skiing in the Spray. No change to the mid-pack and basal layers - they are still primarily weak and facetted and only have some residual strength in the deeper snowpack areas. Expect occasional ski penetration to ground, especially at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively light amounts of moist snow have fallen on a variety of snow surfaces including a crust on steep southerly slopes and possibly weak surface hoar crystals on sheltered and shaded slopes. The new snow may take a little time to bond, especially on northerly aspects at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. The layer is likely most prominent in the North Shore Mountains and on north aspects. This layer continues to be reactive in snowpack tests. The problem is not typical for the region and we expect this persistent weak layer to continue to linger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of recent storm snow is sitting mainly on facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two weak layers of surface hoar in the upper snowpack that were buried in late January and early February. They can be found between 60-120 cm below the surface. These layers consist primarily of surface hoar, though they may be associated with crusts on steeper, south facing slopes. These weak layers are most prominent on south facing slopes and all aspects below treeline. Avalanche activity on these layers has declined in recent days, however it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche in isolated areas such as steep cutblocks, large open glades, and steep south facing terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where the cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of recent storm snow is sitting mainly on facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are up to three layers of surface hoar that were buried in January and February. These layers are around 50 to 90 cm deep and are most prominent at lower elevations. The surface hoar may sit on a crust on south facing slopes. Avalanches on these layers are infrequent, however it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche in isolated areas such as steep cutblocks, large open glades and south facing slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak and sugary faceted grains that sit on a crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A95EAA36">Moist snow on the surface of sunny slopes. Up to 40 cm of recent storm snow overlies various surfaces such as old and firm wind slabs in the alpine and open areas at treeline on all aspects. A widespread sun/ temperature crust is also found hidden under this new snow on south facing slopes. Isolated pockets of surface hoar crystals were observed at the surface on north-facing slopes around 2000m right before this storm rolled in. The mid-snowpack consists of sugary faceted grains (facets) of different hardness. Two older layers of surface hoar still exist down 55-80 and down 95-150 around 1600-1900m. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A95EAA36">Recent 15-20 cm of low density snow now overlies old and firm wind slabs in alpine terrain. The middle snowpack consist of weaker faceted snow with few if any distinct layers. In wind affected treeline and alpine areas there is a slab above these facets. In isolated wind protected locations a thin surface hoar layer from mid-January is 50-80 cm deep. The surface hoar is most prominent in the Elk Valley between 1600 m and 1900 m. Regardless of whether it's facets or surface hoar they're difficult to trigger, yet hitting a thin spot or trenching with a sled, especially when the weather warms, might just do it on steep unsupported slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 15-20 cm new snow added to previous amounts to give storm totals in the range of 30-50 cm. Towards the end of the storm, winds shifted to the north, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs on south-facing slopes. Beneath the recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and crusts on steep southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow have been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs, including on south-facing slopes. Beneath this recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft and faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and melt-freeze crusts on southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is generally well-settled.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Continued snowfall is adding to the 40-60 cm of previous storm snow. The recent snow is settling but is covering a wide variety of old snow surfaces: crusts on solar aspects, facets up high, and surface hoar in sheltered locations. Not much further below this storm snow interface is a second weak layer buried on February 19 made up of weak facets and surface hoar crystals. Recent avalanche activity was more or less equally split between these two layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 to 45 cm of slightly upside down storm snow has accumulated since Monday. This new snow rests on previously wind hammered snow, sun crusts (on solar aspects) and sugary facets. February's cold weather weakened the upper and mid-snowpack. In some sheltered areas, 20 to 50 cm of the snowpack was faceting, or sits on facets (sugary snow),</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of storm snow from the last week is sitting mainly on facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a two weak layers in the upper snowpack that were buried in mid and late January. These can be found approximately 60-120 cm deep. Both layers consist of surface hoar and may be associated with a crust on steep, south facing slopes. These weak layers have been most reactive at lower elevations. Avalanche occurrences on these layers have tapered significantly, however it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche on these layers in isolated areas such as steep cutblocks and large open glades.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where the cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-50 cm of recent storm snow sits mainly on facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevations, a weak layer buried in mid January can be found approximately 50-90 cm deep. This layer consists of surface hoar and facets, and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below. Avalanche activity has dropped off significantly, however it may still be possible to trigger avalanches on this layer in areas such as steep cutblocks, and large open glades in the trees.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A95EAA36">Last 7 days snowfalls (25-40 cm) now sit on various surfaces such as sun crusts on southerly slopes, hard wind-affected snow in exposed locations and soft faceted snow in sheltered areas. Recent winds have switched around from north to west to south affecting the fresh snow on a variety of aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A95EAA36">Two layers of weak surface hoar crystals are buried in the snowpack between 55 and 90 cm deep, which were buried in mid-February and early-February. The layers may be associated with a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A cooler day than expected kept the snow dry for the most part. Solar aspects, especially around rocks or trees will probably have a hint of a suncrust by late this afternoon. Speaking of crusts, remember that there is also a buried crust on solar aspects. While not widespread, or thick it can be found on steep terrain. Beyond the predictable crust formation, we still have those pesky windslabs from the last couple of wind events. These range in hardness, but unfortunately seem to be everywhere in the alpine. And of course, we have the lower 2/3's of the snowpack that is still a delicate combo of facets and depth hoar. This is a CRITICAL layer as the spring temps slowly creep up. The buzz around the forecaster's office is the expectation of these waking up easily and suddenly. These avalanches will flow far and fast when they occur.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively light amounts of moist snow have fallen on a variety of snow surfaces including a crust on steep southerly slopes and possibly weak surface hoar crystals on sheltered and shaded slopes. The new snow may take a little time to bond, especially on northerly aspects at higher elevations. The new snow has been formed into a hard and thick crust on south facing slopes, at least in the North Shore mountains.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. The layer is likely most prominent in the North Shore Mountains and on north aspects. This layer continues to be reactive in snowpack tests. The problem is not typical for the region and we expect this persistent weak layer to continue to linger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">10-15 cm of new snow brings the recent storm snow to 30-60 cm. This snow is sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. The recent storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggering. This persistent slab is currently our primary concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations, a weak layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) buried in mid-January can be found approximately 60-120 cm deep. This layer has recently been unreactive, however, the forecast warming event may awaken this layer in low elevation areas such as steep cutblocks and large open glades.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">15-30 cm of recent storm snow is sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. The recent storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggering. This persistent slab is currently our primary concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations, a weak layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) buried in mid-January can be found approximately 50-90 cm deep. This layer has recently been unreactive, however, the forecast warming event may awaken this layer in low elevation areas such as steep cutblocks and large open glades.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The base of the snowpack is composed of facets (weak, sugary snow) that sit on a crust. Large avalanches failing on these facets may become more likely after a long period of warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A95EAA36">The snow surface is getting moist on south and west slopes at lower elevations. Up to 40 cm of storm snow in the last week overlies various surfaces such as old and firm wind slabs in the alpine and open areas at treeline on all aspects. A widespread sun/ temperature crust is also found hidden under this new snow on south facing slopes. Isolated pockets of surface hoar crystals were observed at the surface on north-facing slopes around 2000m right before the last storm rolled in. The mid-snowpack consists of sugary faceted grains (facets) of different hardness. Two older layers of surface hoar still exist down 55-80 and down 95-150 around 1600-1900m. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A95EAA36">Moderate to strong southwest winds have affected the low density storm snow at and above treeline, building winds slabs near ridgetop and behind lee features. These fresh slabs overly old slab slabs in alpine terrain. The sun has transformed the recent 15-20 cm of storm snow which became moist on southerly aspects at lower elevations. The middle snowpack consists of weaker faceted snow with few if any distinct layers. In isolated wind protected locations a thin surface hoar layer from mid-January is 50-80 cm deep. The surface hoar is most prominent in the Elk Valley between 1600 m and 1900 m. Regardless of whether they are facets or surface hoar crystals, when the weather warms they may produce avalanches on steep unsupported slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 15-20 cm new snow added to previous amounts to give storm totals in the range of 30-50 cm. Towards the end of the storm, winds shifted to the north, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs on south-facing slopes. Beneath the recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and crusts on steep southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow have been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs, including on south-facing slopes. Beneath this recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft and faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and melt-freeze crusts on southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is generally well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Continued snowfall is adding to the 40-60 cm of previous storm snow. The recent snow is settling but is covering a wide variety of old snow surfaces: crusts on solar aspects, facets up high, and surface hoar in sheltered locations. Not much further below this storm snow interface is a second weak layer buried on February 19 made up of weak facets and surface hoar crystals. Recent avalanche activity was more or less equally split between these two layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25 to 50 cm of slightly upside down (higher density on top) storm snow has accumulated since Monday. This recent snow rests on previously wind affected surfaces, sun crusts (on solar aspects) and weak, sugary facets. The prolonged period of cold temperatures in February has had an overall effect of weakening the upper and mid-snowpack, as well as the basal snowpack in thinner areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region the lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">10-15 cm of new snow brings the recent storm snow to 40-60 cm. This snow is sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. The recent storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggering. This persistent slab is currently our primary concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations, a weak layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) buried in mid-January can be found approximately 70-120 cm deep. This layer has recently been unreactive, however, the forecast warming event may awaken this layer in low elevation areas such as steep cutblocks and large open glades.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of new snow brings the recent storm snow to 30-55 cm. This snow is sitting on facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevations, a weak layer buried in mid January can be found approximately 50-90 cm deep. This layer consists of surface hoar and facets, and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has been most reactive at lower elevations below treeline. Avalanche activity has dropped off significantly, however, the forecast warming event may awaken this layer in areas such as steep cutblocks.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas 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_A95EAA36">In the last week 25-40 cm of storm snow has fallen which is becoming moist on aspects that have seen the strong March sun. Recent winds have switched from north to west to south leaving wind affected snow on a variety of aspects, especially on features near ridgetops and open areas at treeline. Various surfaces are hidden under the recent storm snow such as sun crusts on southerly slopes, hard wind-affected snow in exposed locations and soft faceted snow in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A95EAA36">Two weak layers that mainly consist of surface hoar are buried in the snowpack between 55 and 90 cm deep, these were buried in mid-February and early-February. The layers may be associated with a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. Although no recent avalanche activity has been reported on these layers, they may become a concern as the warming progresses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15cm of snow fell (drainage dependant) through convective flurries over the past 24hrs.  This snow tapers to only a few cms at lower elevations.  The previous warm temps have created widespread temperature crusts on solar aspects up to 3000m.  Windslabs from the moderate SW winds on Friday are evident in alpine terrain up to 20cm thick.  These slabs are overlying the previous facetted surface and if they initiate, they are quick to entrain the weak lower snowpack and run far.  Watch for these wind slabs overlying this weak facetted base and also be aware of awakening the lower down basal facets from a thin weak area.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively light amounts of moist snow have fallen on a variety of snow surfaces including a crust on steep south slopes and possibly weak surface hoar crystals on sheltered and shaded slopes. The new snow may take a little time to bond, especially on north aspects at higher elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. The layer is likely most prominent in the North Shore Mountains and on north aspects. This layer continues to be reactive in snowpack tests. The problem is not typical for the region and we expect this persistent weak layer to linger for some time.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There is 30-60 cm. of recent storm snow is sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. The recent storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggering. This persistent slab is currently our primary concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations below treeline, a weak layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) buried in mid-January can be found approximately 60-120 cm. deep and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has recently been unreactive, however, the forecast warming event may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">15-30 cm of recent storm snow is sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. The recent storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggering. This persistent slab is currently our primary concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations a weak layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) buried in mid-January can be found approximately 50-90 cm deep and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has recently been unreactive, however, the forecast warming event may awaken this layer in low elevation areas such as steep cutblocks and large open glades.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The base of the snowpack is composed of facets (weak, sugary snow) that sit on a crust. Very large avalanches failing on this persistent weak layer may become more likely with the forecast sunshine and rising freezing levels.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A95EAA36">The snow surface is getting moist on south and west slopes. Up to 40 cm of storm snow in the last week overlies various surfaces such as old and firm wind slabs in the alpine and open areas at treeline on all aspects. A widespread sun/ temperature crust is also found hidden under this new snow on south facing slopes. Isolated pockets of surface hoar crystals were observed at the surface on north-facing slopes around 2000m right before the last storm rolled in. The mid-snowpack consists of sugary faceted grains (facets) of different hardness. Two older layers of surface hoar still exist down 55-80 and down 95-150 around 1600-1900m. See Avalanche Activity section below for why this is relevant!</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8"> Moderate to strong southwest winds have affected the low density storm snow at and above treeline, building winds slabs near ridgetop and behind lee features. These fresh slabs overly old slab slabs in alpine terrain. The sun has transformed the recent 15-20 cm of storm snow which became moist on southerly aspects at lower elevations. The middle snowpack consists of weaker faceted snow with few if any distinct layers. In isolated wind protected locations a thin surface hoar layer from mid-January is 50-80 cm deep. The surface hoar is most prominent in the Elk Valley between 1600 m and 1900 m. Regardless of whether they are facets or surface hoar crystals, when the weather warms they may produce avalanches.</span><span class="s_A95EAA36" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 15-20 cm new snow added to previous amounts to give storm totals in the range of 30-50 cm. Towards the end of the storm, winds shifted to the north, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs on south-facing slopes. Beneath the recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and crusts on steep southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For Sunday, we're most concerned about the upper 30 to 50 cm of snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. After Saturday night, we're not expecting an overnight re-freeze for at least a few nights. That's going to allow the snowpack to warm and start freeing up a lot of water which acts like lubrication. When it doesn't freeze overnight, this process gets turbo-charged. Could multiple hot days and warm nights wake up deeply buried weak layers that we haven't thought about for awhile? We're not sure, but now is probably a time to let the mountains do their thing from afar and check back in when the freezing level returns to seasonal norms which could happen by next weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow have been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs, including on south-facing slopes. Beneath this recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft and faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and melt-freeze crusts on southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is generally well-settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For Sunday, we're most concerned about the upper 10 to 40 cm of snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. After Saturday night, we're not expecting an overnight re-freeze for at least a few nights. That's going to allow the snowpack to warm and start freeing up a lot of water which acts like lubrication. When it doesn't freeze overnight, this process gets turbo-charged. Could multiple hot days and warm nights wake up deeply buried weak layers that we haven't thought about for awhile? We're not sure, but now is probably a time to let the mountains do their thing from afar and check back in when the freezing level returns to seasonal norms which could happen by next weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Continued snowfall means there's 50 to 100 cm of &quot;settled&quot; snow since the drought ended March 10. The recent snow is settling into a slab with the warm temperatures: however, it's covering a wide variety of old snow surfaces: crusts on solar aspects, facets up high, and surface hoar in sheltered locations. Not much further below this storm snow interface is a second weak layer buried on February 19 made up of weak facets and surface hoar crystals. Recent avalanche activity was more or less equally split between these two layers. The lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Avalanche Activity section below highlights remotely triggered avalanches:  the recent storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab, the old cold weak layers remain. For slightly complex reasons (snowpack creep, strain rates, viscous coupling, and similar geeky snow science stuff) warm temperatures are keeping the balance near a tipping 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">Up to 60 cm of upside down (higher density on top) storm snow has accumulated since Monday. This recent snow rests on previously wind affected surfaces, sun crusts (on solar aspects) and weak, sugary facets. The prolonged period of cold temperatures in February has had an overall effect of weakening the upper and mid-snowpack, as well as the basal snowpack in thinner areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region the lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There is 40-60 cm. of recent storm snow is sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. The recent storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggering. This persistent slab is currently our primary concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations below treeline, a weak layer buried in mid-January can be found approximately 70-120 cm. deep. This layer consists of surface hoar and facets, and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has recently been unreactive, however, the forecast warming event may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">30-55 cm. of recent storm snow is sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. The recent storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggering. This persistent slab is currently our primary concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations below treeline, a weak layer buried in mid-January can be found approximately 50-90 cm. deep. This layer consists of surface hoar and facets, and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has recently been unreactive, however, the forecast warming event may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Saturday, solar aspects (south and west) were sporting a new crust on the surface while 10 to 15 cm of unconsolidated and relatively cold snow can still be found on more shaded aspects (north and east). Wind slabs are likely done at this point, zapped of their strength by time and warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For Sunday, we're most concerned about the upper 20 to 30 cm of snow that sits on mix of facets and crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. We have at least three prominent weak layers in the upper meter, and after Saturday night, we're not expecting an overnight re-freeze for at least a few nights. That's going to allow the snowpack to warm and start freeing up a lot of water which acts like lubrication. When it doesn't freeze overnight, this process gets turbo-charged. How many hot days and warm nights will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers? We're not sure, but now is probably a time to let the mountains do their thing from afar and check back in when the freezing level returns to seasonal norms which could happen by next weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Freezing levels on Saturday climbed up to 2200m with isolated moist snow in areas below this elevation.  The previous warm temps have created widespread temperature crusts on solar aspects up to 3000m. Windslabs from the moderate SW winds on Friday are evident in alpine terrain up to 20cm thick. These slabs are overlying the previous facetted surface and if they initiate, they are quick to entrain the weak lower snowpack and run far. Watch for these wind slabs overlying this weak facetted base and also be aware of awakening the lower down basal facets from a thin weak area. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs are likely done at this point, zapped of their strength by time and warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For Sunday, we're most concerned about the upper 20 to 30 cm of snow that sits on crust on steep south slopes and possibly weak surface hoar crystals on sheltered and shaded slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. The layer is likely most prominent in the North Shore Mountains and on north aspects. After Saturday night, we're not expecting an overnight re-freeze for at least a few nights. That's going to allow the snowpack to warm and start freeing up a lot of water which acts like lubrication. When it doesn't freeze overnight, this process gets turbo-charged. How many hot days and warm nights will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers? We're not sure, but now is probably a time to let the mountains do their thing from afar and check back in when the freezing level returns to seasonal norms which could happen by next weekend.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There is 30-60 cm. of recent storm snow is sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. The recent storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggering. This persistent slab is currently our primary concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations below treeline, a weak layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) buried in mid-January can be found approximately 60-120 cm. deep and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has recently been unreactive, however, the forecast warming event may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong in most areas; except for rocky areas in the alpine with a shallow snowpack where multiple days of intense sunshine and warming could trigger sporadic very large avalanches running to valley bottoms.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">15-30 cm of recent storm snow is sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. The recent storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggering. This persistent slab is currently our primary concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations a weak layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) buried in mid-January can be found approximately 50-90 cm deep and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has recently been unreactive, however, the forecast warming event may awaken this layer in low elevation areas such as steep cutblocks and large open glades.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The base of the snowpack is composed of facets (weak, sugary snow) that sit on a crust. Very large avalanches failing on this persistent weak layer will become more likely with the forecast sunshine and rising freezing levels.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upper snowpack: Getting warm and moist during the day, maybe forming ephemeral crusts overnight. On sunny aspects there may be buried crusts serving as sliding layers. On lee slopes there may be buried hard layers of wind effected snow (buried wind slabs). There might even be some good old soft snow (powder hiding out on high elevation shadier places). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid pack: The mid-snowpack consists of sugary faceted grains (facets) of different hardness. Two older layers of surface hoar still exist down 55-80 and down 95-150 around 1600-1900m. See Avalanche Activity section below for why this is relevant!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower pack: Was reportedly strong in deep snowpack regions, but I have doubts in shallower areas where the long February cold weakened even the deep layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Now add a bunch of heat and sun ... the snowpack won't be feelin' the love. Forecasting how many sunny days and warm nights it's going to take to wake up deeper layers is tough; however, I can say with confidence it's a good time to stand aside, watch from afar, let the mountains shed their coat, and come back to the game when things return to normal after the temperatures cool.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upper snowpack: Getting warm and moist during the day, maybe forming ephemeral crusts overnight. On sunny aspects there may be buried crusts serving as sliding layers. On lee slopes there may be buried hard layers of wind effected snow (buried wind slabs). There might even be some good old soft snow (powder) hiding out on high elevation shady slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid pack: The mid-snowpack consists of sugary faceted grains (facets) and layers of harder wind effected snow. In isolated wind protected locations a thin surface hoar layer from mid-January is 50-80 cm deep. The surface hoar is most prominent in the Elk Valley between 1600 - 1900 m. See Avalanche Activity section below for why this is relevant!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower pack: I have doubts about it's strength in shallower areas where the February cold weakened even the deep layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Now add a bunch of heat and sun ... the snowpack won't be feelin' the love. Forecasting how many sunny days and warm nights it's going to take to wake up deeper layers is tough; however, I can say with confidence it's a good time to stand aside, watch from afar, let the mountains shed their coat, and come back to the game when things return to normal after the temperatures cool.</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 30 cm of snow has fallen in the last week. Towards the end of the last storm winds shifted to the north forming some unusual wind slabs on south-facing slopes. Beneath this more recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and crusts on steep southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For Monday, we're most concerned about the upper 30 to 50 cm of snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There may be bigger questions deeper in the snowpack. We're not expecting an overnight re-freeze for the forseeable future. That's going to allow the snowpack to warm which starts freeing up a lot of water which lubricates the upper snowpack. It also allows the upper snowpack to start creeping downhill at an accelerated rate. When it doesn't freeze overnight, this process gets turbo-charged. Could multiple hot days and warm nights wake up deeply buried weak layers that we haven't thought about for awhile? We're not sure, but now is probably a time to let the mountains do their thing from afar and check back in when the freezing level returns to seasonal norms which could happen by next weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow have been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs, including on south-facing slopes. Beneath this recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft and faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and melt-freeze crusts on southerly slopes. The middle and lower snowpack is generally well-settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For Monday, we're most concerned about the upper 10 to 40 cm of snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There may be bigger questions deeper in the snowpack. We're not expecting an overnight re-freeze for the forseeable future. That's going to allow the snowpack to warm which starts freeing up a lot of water which lubricates the upper snowpack. It also allows the upper snowpack to start creeping downhill at an accelerated rate. When it doesn't freeze overnight, this process gets turbo-charged. Could multiple hot days and warm nights wake up deeply buried weak layers that we haven't thought about for awhile? We're not sure, but now is probably a time to let the mountains do their thing from afar and check back in when the freezing level returns to seasonal norms which could happen by next weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 50 and 100 cm of &quot;settled&quot; snow since the drought ended March 10. At lower elevations the most recent precipitation came as rain. The recent snow is settling into a slab with the warm temperatures: however, it's covering a wide variety of old snow surfaces: crusts on solar aspects, facets up high, and surface hoar in sheltered locations. Not much further below this storm snow interface is a second weak layer buried on February 19 made up of weak facets and surface hoar crystals. Recent avalanche activity was more or less equally split between these two layers. The lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Avalanche Activity section below highlights remotely triggered avalanches: the recent storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab, the old cold weak layers remain. For slightly complex reasons (snowpack creep, strain rates, viscous coupling, and similar geeky snow science stuff) warm temperatures are keeping the snow stability balance near a tipping 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">Up to 50 cm arrived in the past week. This recent snow rests on previously wind affected surfaces, sun crusts (on solar aspects) and weak, sugary facets. The prolonged period of cold temperatures in February has had an overall effect of weakening the upper and mid-snowpack, as well as the basal snowpack in thinner areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Sunshine and warm temperatures will weaken the upper snowpack; the difficult question is how quickly this will affect deeper layers. One answer is the thinner the snowpack depth, the quicker it will happen.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There is 40-60 cm. of recent storm snow is sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. The recent storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggering. This persistent slab is currently our primary concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations below treeline, a weak layer buried in mid-January can be found approximately 70-120 cm. deep. This layer consists of surface hoar and facets, and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has recently been unreactive, however, the forecast warming event may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong in most areas; except for rocky areas in the alpine with a shallow snowpack where multiple days of intense sunshine and warming could trigger sporadic very large avalanches running to valley bottoms.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">30-60 cm. of recent storm snow is sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. The recent storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggering. This persistent slab is currently our primary concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations below treeline, a weak layer buried in mid-January can be found approximately 50-90 cm. deep. This layer consists of surface hoar and facets, and may be combined with a crust on south facing slopes. This layer has recently been unreactive, however, the forecast warming event may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong in most areas; except for rocky areas in the alpine with a shallow snowpack where multiple days of intense sunshine and warming could trigger sporadic very large avalanches running to valley bottoms.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Solar aspects (south and west) were sporting a new crust Saturday. Sunday's blast of heat has likely eliminated any trace of cold snow, but you may still find some on high elevation north features. Wind slabs are likely done at this point, zapped of their strength by time and warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We're not expecting any overnight re-freeze Sunday night, and we're very concerned about the upper 20 to 30 cm of snow that sits on a mix of facets and crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. We have at least three prominent weak layers in the upper meter and we're not expecting an overnight re-freeze for the foreseeable future. That's going to allow the snowpack to warm which starts freeing up a lot of water which lubricates the upper snowpack. It also allows the upper snowpack to start creeping downhill at an accelerated rate. When it doesn't freeze overnight, this process gets turbo-charged. How many hot days and warm nights will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers? We're not sure, but now is probably a time to let the mountains do their thing from afar and check back in when the freezing level returns to seasonal norms which could happen by next weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">As we quickly enter spring, the alpine snowpack is changing...FAST! The sudden spike in temperatures and solar exposure are making crusts more of a widespread layer. Expect them on any slope that sees the sun. On the shaded aspects, we have those lingering windslabs to worry about. All evidence points to these windslabs being very sensitive to temperature changes. The lack of support within the snowpack is preventing any sort of anchoring. Treeline has a similar issue, only the windslabs are thinner and not as widespread. The treeline slabs may be even touchier because of their thin nature and shorter recover (re-freeze) time at night.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">To share an opinion, this year's snowpack has a character that we haven't seen before. We have a long history with facets and depth hoar, but this year's crop is off&nbsp; the charts. As such, we feel it's necessary to acknowledge the uncertainty by avoiding large terrain right now. The snowpack has no trustworthy qualities right now.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The heat wave has likely eliminated any trace of cold snow, but you may still find some on high elevation north features. Wind slabs are likely done at this point, zapped of their strength by time and warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We're very concerned about the upper 20 to 30 cm of snow that sits on crust on steep south slopes and possibly weak surface hoar crystals on sheltered and shaded slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The even bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. This layer is most prominent in the North Shore Mountains on north aspects. We're not expecting an overnight re-freeze for the foreseeable future. That's going to allow the snowpack to warm which starts freeing up a lot of water which lubricates the upper snowpack. It also allows the upper snowpack to start creeping downhill at an accelerated rate. How many hot days and warm nights will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers? We're not sure, but now is probably a time to let the mountains do their thing from afar and check back in when the freezing level returns to seasonal norms which could happen by next weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">30-60 cm. of well settled snow has created a cohesive slab sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. Natural avalanches on this layer are expected to continue.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations below treeline, a weak layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) buried in mid-January can be found approximately 60-120 cm. deep and may be combined with a crust on south aspects. The current warming event may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer. Smaller loose wet avalanches may &quot;step-down&quot; to this deeper layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong in most areas; except for rocky areas in the alpine with a shallow snowpack where multiple days of intense sunshine and warming could trigger sporadic very large avalanches running to valley bottoms.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">15-30 cm. of well settled snow has created a cohesive slab sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. Natural avalanches on this layer are expected to continue.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations below treeline, a weak layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) buried in mid-January can be found approximately 50-90 cm. deep and may be combined with a crust on south aspects. The current warming event may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer. Smaller loose wet avalanches may &quot;step-down&quot; to this deeper layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The base of the snowpack is composed of facets (weak, sugary snow) that sit on a crust. Very large avalanches failing on this persistent weak layer will become more likely with the intense sunshine and rising freezing levels.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upper snowpack: Getting warm and moist during the day, maybe forming ephemeral crusts overnight. On sunny aspects there may be buried crusts serving as sliding layers. On lee slopes there may be buried hard layers of wind effected snow (buried wind slabs). There might even be some good old soft snow (powder hiding out on high elevation shadier places). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid pack: The mid-snowpack consists of sugary faceted grains (facets) of different hardness. Two older layers of surface hoar still exist down 55-80 and down 95-150 around 1600-1900m. See Avalanche Activity section below for why this is relevant!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower pack: Was reportedly strong in deep snowpack regions, but I have doubts in shallower areas where the long February cold weakened even the deep layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Now add a bunch of heat and sun ... the snowpack won't be feelin' the love. Forecasting how many sunny days and warm nights it's going to take to wake up deeper layers is tough; however, I can say with confidence it's a good time to stand aside, watch from afar, let the mountains shed their coat, and come back to the game when things return to normal after the temperatures cool.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upper snowpack: Getting warm and moist during the day, maybe forming weak crusts overnight that deteriorate during the day. On sunny aspects there may be buried crusts serving as sliding layers. On lee slopes there may be buried hard layers of wind effected snow (buried wind slabs).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid pack: The mid-snowpack consists of sugary faceted grains (facets) and layers of harder wind effected snow. In isolated wind protected locations a thin surface hoar layer from mid-January is 50-80 cm deep. The surface hoar is most prominent in the Elk Valley between 1600 - 1900 m. See Avalanche Activity section below for why this is relevant.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower pack: The strength of the lower snowpack is is very much in question in shallower areas where the February cold was able to penetrate and weaken basal layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecasting how many sunny days and warm nights it's going to take to wake up deeper layers is tough, but we can say with confidence that it's a good time to stand aside and let the mountains shed their coat. Stability will improve greatly when temperatures cool off.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 30 cm of snow has fallen in the last week. Towards the end of the last storm winds shifted to the north forming some unusual wind slabs on south-facing slopes. Beneath this more recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and crusts on steep southerly slopes. Currently, we're most concerned about the upper 30 to 50 cm of snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. With little overnight re-freeze the warm temperatures will penetrate deeper allowing melt and a lot of water which will lubricate the upper snowpack. It also allows the upper snowpack to start creeping downhill at an accelerated rate. It’s hard to say how many hot days and warm nights it will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers. We're not sure, but now is probably a time to let the mountains do their thing from afar and check back in when the freezing levels return to seasonal norms which could happen by next weekend.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow have been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs, including on south-facing slopes. Beneath this recent snow you may find hard wind-affected snow at higher elevations, soft and faceted snow in shaded and sheltered areas, and melt-freeze crusts on southerly slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, the snowpack is complex and with the continued warming and little overnight re-freeze we're very concerned about the upper 10 to 40 cm of snow that sits on a mix of facets and crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. With little overnight re-freeze the warm temperatures will penetrate deeper allowing melt and a lot of water which will lubricate the upper snowpack. It also allows the upper snowpack to start creeping downhill at an accelerated rate. Its hard to say how many hot days and warm nights it will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers that we haven't thought about in a long time. We're not sure, but now is probably a time to let the mountains do their thing from afar and check back in when the freezing levels return to seasonal norms which could happen by next weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 50 and 100 cm of settled snow forms the upper snowpack, the product of storms since the drought ended on March 10. At lower elevations this precipitation came as rain. With the help of warming temperatures, the recent snow has settled into a slab that covers a variety of old snow surfaces. These include crusts on solar aspects, facets on shaded aspects at higher elevations, and surface hoar in shaded and sheltered locations. Not much further below this storm snow interface is a second weak layer buried on February 19, primarily made up of weak facets and surface hoar crystals. Recent avalanche activity was more or less equally split between these two layers. The lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Avalanche Activity section below shows heightened recent avalanche activity. Our recent storm snow has settled into an unstable slab over a range of lingering old weak layers formed during the cold spell. For the near term, expect warm temperatures to keep the snow stability balance near or beyond its tipping 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">Up to 50 cm of snow arrived in the past week. This recent snow rests on previously wind affected surfaces, sun crusts (on solar aspects) and weak, sugary facets. The prolonged period of cold temperatures in February has had an overall effect of weakening the upper and mid-snowpack, as well as the basal snowpack in thinner areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Sunshine and warm temperatures will weaken the upper snowpack; the difficult question is how quickly this will affect deeper layers. One answer is the thinner the snowpack depth, the quicker it will happen.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">40-60 cm. of well settled snow has created a cohesive slab sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. Natural avalanches on this layer are expected to continue.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations below treeline, a weak layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) buried in mid-January can be found approximately 70-120 cm. deep and may be combined with a crust on south aspects. The current warming event may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer. Smaller loose wet avalanches may &quot;step-down&quot; to this deeper layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong in most areas; except for rocky areas in the alpine with a shallow snowpack where multiple days of intense sunshine and warming could trigger sporadic very large avalanches running to valley bottoms.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">30-60 cm. of well settled snow has created a cohesive slab sitting on a pile of facets (sugary snow), as well as a crust on sun exposed slopes. Natural avalanches on this layer are expected to continue.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At lower elevations below treeline, a weak layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) buried in mid-January can be found approximately 50-90 cm. deep and may be combined with a crust on south aspects. The current warming event may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer. Smaller loose wet avalanches may &quot;step-down&quot; to this deeper layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong in most areas; except for rocky areas in the alpine with a shallow snowpack where multiple days of intense sunshine and warming could trigger sporadic very large avalanches running to valley bottoms.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, solar aspects (south and west) are showing signs of melt by day and a freeze by night. In some locations, sheltered northerly aspects have new surface hoar forming and variable wind effect remains on exposed slopes at treeline and in the alpine. The current snowpack is complex and with the continued warming and little overnight re-freeze we're very concerned about the upper 20 to 30 cm of snow that sits on a mix of facets and crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. We have at least three prominent weak layers in the upper meter of the snowpack. With little overnight re-freeze the warm temperatures will penetrate deeper allowing melt and a lot of water which will lubricate the upper snowpack. It also allows the upper snowpack to start creeping downhill at an accelerated rate. Its hard to say how many hot days and warm nights it will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers. We're not sure, but now is probably a time to let the mountains do their thing from afar and check back in when the freezing levels return to seasonal norms which could happen by next weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">As we quickly enter spring, the alpine snowpack is changing...FAST! The sudden spike in temperatures and solar exposure are making crusts more of a widespread layer. Expect them on any slope that sees the sun. On the shaded aspects, we have those lingering wind slabs to worry about. All evidence points to these wind slabs being very sensitive to temperature changes. The lack of support within the snowpack is preventing any sort of anchoring. Treeline has a similar issue, only the wind slabs are thinner and not as widespread. The treeline slabs may be even touchier because of their thin nature and shorter recover (re-freeze) time at night.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">To share an opinion, this year's snowpack has a character that we haven't seen before. We have a long history with facets and depth hoar, but this year's crop is off the charts. As such, we feel it's necessary to acknowledge the uncertainty by avoiding large terrain right now. The snowpack has no trustworthy qualities right now.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The heat wave has likely eliminated any trace of cold snow, but you may still find some on high elevation north features. Wind slabs are likely done at this point, zapped of their strength by time and warming. We're very concerned about the upper 20 to 30 cm of snow that sits on crust on steep south slopes and possibly weak surface hoar crystals on sheltered and shaded slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The even bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. A layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. This layer is most prominent in the North Shore Mountains on north aspects. With little overnight re-freeze the warm temperatures will penetrate deeper allowing melt and a lot of water which will lubricate the upper snowpack. It also allows the upper snowpack to start creeping downhill at an accelerated rate. Its hard to say how many hot days and warm nights it will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers. We're not sure, but now is probably a time to let the mountains do their thing from afar and check back in when the freezing levels return to seasonal norms which could happen by next weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A cohesive slab of snow around 30 to 60 cm thick overlies weak and sugary faceted snow or a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. Natural avalanches are expected to continue at this interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, a weak layer of faceted grains and/or feathery surface hoar crystals buried in mid-January can be found around 60 to 120 cm deep, which may be combined with a melt-freeze crust on south aspects. The current warm conditions may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer. Smaller loose wet avalanches may trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is around thin, rocky areas in the alpine, where the snowpack is composed of faceted snow. The warm air and sunny skies could trigger very large avalanches that could run to the valley bottom.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A cohesive slab of snow around 20 to 30 cm thick overlies weak and sugary faceted snow or a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. Natural avalanches are expected to continue at this interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, a weak layer of faceted grains and/or feathery surface hoar crystals buried in mid-January can be found around 50 to 90 cm deep, which may be combined with a melt-freeze crust on south aspects. The current warm conditions may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer. Smaller loose wet avalanches may trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow, which may be associated with a melt-freeze crust. The warm air and sunny skies could increase the likelihood of triggering very large avalanches on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upper snowpack: Getting warm and moist during the day, maybe forming weak crusts overnight that deteriorate during the day. On sunny aspects there may be buried crusts serving as sliding layers. On lee slopes there may be buried hard layers of wind effected snow (buried wind slabs).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid pack: The mid-snowpack consists of sugary faceted grains (facets) of different hardness. Two older layers of surface hoar still exist down 55-80 and down 95-150 around 1600-1900m. As warmth penetrates into the snowpack each day, it progressively increases strain on these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has recently been reported to be strong in deep snowpack regions, but its strength is in doubt in shallower areas where the long February cold was able to penetrate and weaken even basal snowpack layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecasting how many sunny days and warm nights it's going to take to wake up deeper layers is tough, but we can say with confidence that it's a good time to stand aside and let the mountains shed their coat. Stability will improve greatly when temperatures cool off.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upper snowpack: Getting warm and moist during the day, likely forming weak crusts overnight that deteriorate during the day. On sunny aspects there may be buried crusts serving as sliding layers. On lee slopes there may be buried hard layers of wind effected snow (buried wind slabs).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid pack: The mid-snowpack consists of sugary faceted grains (facets) and layers of harder wind effected snow. In isolated sheltered locations a thin surface hoar layer from mid-January is 50-80 cm deep. The surface hoar is most prominent in the Elk Valley between 1600 - 1900 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower pack: The strength of the lower snowpack is increasingly in question in shallower areas where the February cold was able to penetrate and weaken basal layers. Warm temperatures are increasing the strain on basal weaknesses each day.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecasting how many sunny days and warm nights it's going to take to wake up deeper layers is tough, but we can say with confidence that it's a good time to stand aside and let the mountains shed their coat. Stability will improve greatly when temperatures cool off.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are highly variable. On higher elevation northerly aspects (above 1900 m) you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs. On solar aspects (East, South, West) moist snow exists creating melt-freeze conditions at higher elevations and mostly just melt conditions below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. With little overnight re-freeze the warm temperatures will penetrate deeper and continue to destabilize the snowpack. Its hard to say how many hot days and warm nights it will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers that we haven't thought about in a long time. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, the snowpack is complex and with the continued warming and little overnight re-freeze natural avalanche activity remains possible. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are highly variable. On higher elevation northerly aspects (above 1900 m) you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs. On solar aspects (East, South, West) moist snow exists creating melt-freeze conditions at higher elevations and mostly just melt conditions below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. With little overnight re-freeze the warm temperatures will penetrate deeper and continue to destabilize the snowpack. It’s hard to say how many hot days and warm nights it will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers that we haven't thought about in a long time. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, the snowpack is complex and with the continued warming and little overnight re-freeze natural avalanche activity remains possible. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 50 and 100 cm of settled snow forms the upper snowpack, the product of storms since the drought ended on March 10. At lower elevations this precipitation came as rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">With the help of warming temperatures, this recent snow has settled into a slab that covers a variety of old snow surfaces left in the wake of the drought. These include crusts on solar aspects, facets on shaded aspects at higher elevations, and surface hoar in shaded and sheltered locations. In many areas the upper snowpack described above has become isothermal (slushy and cohesionless) as a result of warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Not much further below this storm snow interface is a second weak layer buried on February 19, primarily made up of weak facets and surface hoar crystals. Both of these layers have produced recent avalanches and will remain a concern under the current warming pattern. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of settled snow from storms last week sits on the surface. This snow rests on previously wind affected surfaces, sun crusts (on solar aspects) and weak, sugary facets. The prolonged period of cold temperatures in February has had an overall effect of weakening the upper and mid-snowpack, as well as the basal snowpack in thinner areas. These weaknesses are increasingly being tested under the pattern of strong warming currently affecting the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A cohesive slab of snow around 40 to 60 cm thick overlies weak and sugary faceted snow or a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. Natural avalanches are expected to continue at this interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, a weak layer of faceted grains and/or feathery surface hoar crystals buried in mid-January can be found around 70 to 120 cm deep, which may be combined with a melt-freeze crust on south aspects. The current warm conditions may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer. Smaller loose wet avalanches may trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is around thin, rocky areas in the alpine, where the snowpack is composed of faceted snow. The warm air and sunny skies could trigger very large avalanches that could run to the valley bottom.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A cohesive slab of snow around 30 to 60 cm thick overlies weak and sugary faceted snow or a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. Natural avalanches are expected to continue at this interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, a weak layer of faceted grains and/or feathery surface hoar crystals buried in mid-January can be found around 60 to 100 cm deep, which may be combined with a melt-freeze crust on south aspects. The current warm conditions may awaken this layer, resulting in large, destructive avalanches. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer. Smaller loose wet avalanches may trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is around thin, rocky areas in the alpine, where the snowpack is composed of faceted snow. The warm air and sunny skies could trigger very large avalanches that could run to the valley bottom.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, solar aspects are showing signs of melt by day and a freeze by night. In some locations, sheltered northerly aspects have new surface hoar forming and variable wind effect remains on exposed slopes at treeline and in the alpine. The current snowpack is complex and with the continued warming and little overnight re-freeze the snowpack will continue to break down. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. Two crusts exist in the upper snowpack and the bond of the overlying snow is most concerning with deteriorating. The first crust is down 20 to 30 cm and loose wet avalanches have slid on this interface. The deeper one down 60-95 cm has also been producing easy shears in test profiles and potentially just waiting for enough heat to penetrate and deteriorate before avalanches start failing on it, if they do? Its hard to say how many hot days and warm nights it will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">As we quickly enter spring, the alpine snowpack is changing...FAST! The sudden spike in temperatures and solar exposure are making crusts more of a widespread layer. Expect them on any slope that sees the sun. On the shaded aspects, we have those lingering wind slabs to worry about. All evidence points to these wind slabs being very sensitive to temperature changes. The lack of support within the snowpack is preventing any sort of anchoring. Treeline has a similar issue, only the wind slabs are thinner and not as widespread. The treeline slabs may be even touchier because of their thin nature and shorter recover (re-freeze) time at night.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">To share an opinion, this year's snowpack has a character that we haven't seen before. We have a long history with facets and depth hoar, but this year's crop is off the charts. As such, we feel it's necessary to acknowledge the uncertainty by avoiding large terrain right now. The snowpack has no trustworthy qualities right now.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are variable and the heat has likely eliminated any trace of cold snow except on high elevation north features. Melt-freeze conditions (more melt then freeze at lower elevations) exist on all other aspects and elevations and signs of snowballing, surface sluffing and loose wet avalanches are current.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack a layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. This layer is most prominent in the North Shore Mountains on north aspects. With little overnight re-freeze the warm temperatures will penetrate deeper and continue to destabilize the snowpack and possible imitating larger persistent slab avalanches. It’s hard to say how many hot days and warm nights it will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers that we haven't thought about in a long time. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm air and sunny skies have produced moist snow to ridge top on all aspects. The upper 30 to 60 cm of snow may slide easily during the day, either as loose wet snow or as a cohesive slab, as it sits over weak faceted grains or a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. The moist snow may freeze into a melt-freeze crust overnight.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, a weak layer of faceted grains and/or feathery surface hoar crystals buried in mid-January can be found around 60 to 120 cm deep. Although this layer has been dormant for a few weeks, the current warm conditions may awaken this layer. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is around thin, rocky areas in the alpine, where the snowpack is composed of faceted snow. The warm air and sunny skies could trigger very large avalanches that could run to the valley bottom.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm air and sunny skies have produced moist snow to ridge top on all aspects. The upper 20 to 30 cm of snow may slide easily during the day, either as loose wet snow or as a cohesive slab, as it sits over weak faceted grains or a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. The moist snow may freeze into a melt-freeze crust overnight.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of faceted grains and/or feathery surface hoar crystals buried in mid-January may be found around 50 to 90 cm deep. Although this layer has been dormant for a few weeks, the current warm conditions may awaken this layer. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow, which may be associated with a melt-freeze crust. The warm air and sunny skies could increase the likelihood of triggering very large avalanches on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upper snowpack: Getting warm and moist during the day, maybe forming weak crusts overnight that deteriorate during the day. On sunny aspects the upper snowpack has become increasingly isothermal (slushy and cohesionless) with successive days of warming. On lee slopes there may be buried hard layers of wind effected snow (buried wind slabs).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid pack: The mid-snowpack consists of sugary faceted grains (facets) of different hardness. Recent loose wet avalanches have been gouging into this faceted snow and entraining additional mass. Occasional slab fractures have also initiated above these facets.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has recently been reported to be strong in deep snowpack regions, but its strength is in doubt in shallower areas where the long February cold was able to penetrate and weaken even basal snowpack layers. Some of the largest recent slab avalanches have initiated in thin snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">It's a good time to stand aside and let the mountains shed their coat. Stability will improve greatly when temperatures cool off.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upper snowpack: Getting warm and moist during the day, likely forming weak crusts overnight that deteriorate during the day. On sunny aspects the upper snowpack has become increasingly isothermal (slushy and cohesionless) with successive days of warming. On lee slopes there may be buried hard layers of wind effected snow (buried wind slabs).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid pack: The mid-snowpack consists of sugary faceted grains (facets) and layers of harder wind effected snow. Recent loose wet avalanches have been entraining additional mass by gouging into this faceted snow. These facets have also acted as a failure plane in recent slab releases.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower pack: The strength of the lower snowpack is increasingly in question in shallower areas where the February cold was able to penetrate and weaken basal layers. Warm temperatures are increasing the strain on basal weaknesses each day. Basal snowpack and ground are evident in the start zones and tracks of many recent avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">It's a good time to stand aside and let the mountains shed their coat. Stability will improve greatly when temperatures cool off.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are highly variable. On higher elevation north aspects (above 1700 m) you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs. On solar aspects (East, South, West) moist snow surfaces exist creating melt-freeze conditions at higher elevations and mostly just melt conditions below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. With little overnight re-freeze the warm temperatures will penetrate deeper and continue to destabilize the snowpack. Its hard to say how many hot days and warm nights it will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers that we haven't thought about in a long time. </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">Snow surfaces are highly variable. On higher elevation north aspects (above 1900 m) you may find dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs. On solar aspects (East, South, West) moist snow exists creating melt-freeze conditions at higher elevations and mostly just melt conditions below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. Down 40-60 cm below the melt-freeze crust on solar aspects and the wintery snow on the polar aspects sits the February facet interface. The warm temperatures will continue to penetrate deeper and destabilize the snowpack. Its hard to say how many hot days and warm nights it will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers that we haven't thought about in a long time. </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">Between 50 and 100 cm of settled snow forms the upper snowpack at higher elevations, the product of storms since the drought ended on March 10. At lower elevations this precipitation came as rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">With the help of warm temperatures, this recent snow has either settled into a slab on shaded aspects or become increasingly isothermal (slushy) on sun-exposed aspects. Where it exists as a slab, it covers a variety of old snow surfaces left in the wake of the drought.  These include crusts on solar aspects, facets on shaded aspects at higher elevations, and surface hoar in shaded and sheltered locations. This variable layer has been the primary failure plane in recent slab avalanche observations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Not much further below this storm snow interface is a second weak layer buried on February 19, primarily made up of weak facets and surface hoar crystals. Recent loose wet and slab avalanches have been observed gouging into the faceted snow in this layer, thereby entraining additional mass.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of settled snow from storms last week sits on the surface. With the help of warm temperatures, this snow has either settled into a slab on shaded aspects or becomes increasingly isothermal (slushy) each day on sun-exposed aspects. Where it exists as a slab, it overlies previously wind affected surfaces, sun crusts (on solar aspects) and weak, sugary facets. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The prolonged period of cold temperatures in February had an overall effect of weakening the upper and mid-snowpack, as well as the basal snowpack in thinner areas. These weaknesses are increasingly being tested under the pattern of strong warming currently affecting the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm air and sunny skies have produced moist snow to ridge top on all aspects. The upper 40 to 60 cm of snow may slide easily during the day, either as loose wet snow or as a cohesive slab, as it sits over weak faceted grains or a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. The moist snow may freeze into a melt-freeze crust overnight.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, a weak layer of faceted grains and/or feathery surface hoar crystals buried in mid-January may be found around 70 to 120 cm deep. Although this layer has been dormant for a few weeks, the current warm conditions may awaken this layer. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is around thin, rocky areas in the alpine, where the snowpack is composed of faceted snow. The warm air and sunny skies could trigger very large avalanches that could run to the valley bottom.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm air and sunny skies have produced moist snow to ridge top on all aspects. The upper 30 to 60 cm of snow may slide easily during the day, either as loose wet snow or as a cohesive slab, as it sits over weak faceted grains or a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. The moist snow may freeze into a melt-freeze crust overnight.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, a weak layer of faceted grains and/or feathery surface hoar crystals buried in mid-January may be found around 60 to 100 cm deep. Although this layer has been dormant for a few weeks, the current warm conditions may awaken this layer. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is around thin, rocky areas in the alpine, where the snowpack is composed of faceted snow. The warm air and sunny skies could trigger very large avalanches that could run to the valley bottom.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, solar aspects are showing signs of melt by day and a freeze by night. In some locations, sheltered northerly aspects have new surface hoar forming and variable wind effect remains on exposed slopes at treeline and in the alpine. The current snowpack is complex and with the continued warming and little overnight re-freeze the snowpack will continue to break down. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. Two crusts exist in the upper snowpack and the bond of the overlying snow is most concerning with deteriorating. The first crust is down 20 to 30 cm and loose wet avalanches have slid on this interface. The deeper one down 60-95 cm has also been producing easy shears in test profiles and potentially just waiting for enough heat to penetrate and deteriorate before avalanches start failing on it, if they do? Its hard to say how many hot days and warm nights it will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread crusts in the morning which are quickly breaking down in the early afternoon. Thats the current pattern. What's important to note is the snowpack is still a winter one. Meaning it still has layers buried beneath which could fail. Northern aspects in particular will preserve these layers and keep them active for some time yet. The good news is that the warm weather pattern is predictable. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are variable and the heat has likely eliminated any trace of cold snow except on high elevation north features. Melt-freeze conditions (more melt then freeze at lower elevations) exist on all other aspects and elevations and signs of snowballing, surface sluffing and loose wet avalanches are current.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack a layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. This layer is most prominent in the North Shore Mountains on north aspects. With little overnight re-freeze the warm temperatures will penetrate deeper and continue to destabilize the snowpack and possibly initiating larger persistent slab avalanches. Its hard to say how many hot days and warm nights it will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers that we haven't thought about in a long time. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm air and sunny skies have produced wet snow to ridge top on southerly aspects and up to around 1800 m on northerly aspects. The upper 30 to 60 cm of snow may slide easily during the day on sun-exposed slopes, either as loose wet snow or as a cohesive slab, as this snow sits over weak faceted grains or a melt-freeze crust. The wet snow may freeze into a melt-freeze crust overnight.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, a weak layer of faceted grains and/or feathery surface hoar crystals may be found around 60 to 120 cm deep. Although this layer has been dormant for a few weeks, the current warm conditions may awaken this layer. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is around thin, rocky areas in the alpine, where the snowpack is composed of faceted snow. The warm air and sunny skies could trigger very large avalanches that could run to the valley bottom.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm air and sunny skies have produced wet snow to ridge top on southerly aspects and up to around 2100 m on northerly aspects. The upper 20 to 30 cm of snow may slide easily during the day, either as loose wet snow or as a cohesive slab, as it sits over weak faceted grains or a melt-freeze crust. The wet snow may freeze into a melt-freeze crust overnight.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of faceted grains and/or feathery surface hoar crystals buried in mid-January may be found around 50 to 90 cm deep. Although this layer has been dormant for a few weeks, the current warm conditions may awaken this layer. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow, which may be associated with a melt-freeze crust. The warm air and sunny skies has increased the likelihood of triggering very large avalanches on this layer.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Upper snowpack: Getting warm and moist during the day, maybe forming weak crusts overnight that deteriorate during the day. On sunny aspects the upper snowpack has become increasingly isothermal (slushy and cohesionless) with successive days of warming. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Mid-pack: The mid-snowpack consists of weak facets (sugary snow). Recent loose wet avalanches have been gouging into this faceted snow and entraining additional mass. Occasional slab fractures have also initiated above these facets.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack has recently been reported to be strong in deep snowpack regions, but its strength is in doubt in shallow areas where the long, cold drought in February weakened the basal (bottom of the snowpack) layers. Some of the largest recent slab avalanches have initiated in shallow snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upper snowpack: Getting warm and moist during the day, likely forming weak crusts overnight that deteriorate during the day. On sunny aspects the upper snowpack has become increasingly isothermal (slushy and cohesionless) with successive days of warming. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid pack: The mid-snowpack consists of facets (weak, sugary snow) and layers of harder wind effected snow. Recent loose wet avalanches have been entraining additional mass by gouging into this faceted snow. These facets have also acted as a failure plane in recent slab releases.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower pack: The strength of the lower snowpack is increasingly in question in shallower areas where the February cold was able to weaken basal (bottom of the snowpack) layers and warm temperatures are increasing the strain on these weaknesses each day.  Many of the recent slab avalanches failed on these facets sitting just above the ground. It's a good time to stand aside and let the mountains shed their coat. Stability will improve greatly when temperatures cool off.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are highly variable. On higher North aspects (above 1700 m) you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs. On solar aspects (East, South, West) the upper 10-30 cm is moist but re-freezes overnight into a solid crust. Most solar slopes at lower elevations are becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal. </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack has gone through a lot of change with the hot and sunny weather. With forecast freezing levels and air temperatures dropping, the mushy snowpack will start to solidify and lock-up allowing for hard conditions and less avalanche activity, especially on the solar slopes. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are highly variable. On higher North aspects (above 1700 m) you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some unusual wind slabs. On solar aspects (East, South, West) the upper 10-20 cm is moist but re-freezes overnight into a solid crust which breaks down by noon. Most solar slopes at lower elevations are becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. Down 40-60 cm below the melt-freeze crust on solar aspects and the wintery snow on the polar aspects sits the February facet interface. The warm temperatures will continue to penetrate deeper and destabilize the snowpack. Its hard to say how many hot days and warm nights it will it take to wake up the more deeply buried weak layers, if they even wake up at all? </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-100 cm of settled snow forms the upper snowpack at higher elevations, the product of storms since the drought ended on March 10. At lower elevations this precipitation came as rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">With the help of warm temperatures, this recent snow has either settled into a slab on shaded aspects or become increasingly isothermal (slushy) on sun-exposed aspects. Where it exists as a slab, it covers a variety of old snow surfaces left in the wake of the drought. These include crusts on solar aspects, facets (sugary snow) on shaded aspects at higher elevations, and surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) in shaded/sheltered locations. This variable layer has been the primary failure plane in recent slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Not much further below this storm snow interface is a second weak layer buried on February 19, primarily made up of weak facets or surface hoar. Recent loose wet and slab avalanches have been observed gouging into this faceted snow and entraining additional mass.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong in most areas, except for rocky areas in the alpine with a shallow or highly variable snowpack depth. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of settled snow from storms last week sits on the surface. With the help of warm temperatures, the 50 cm of snow from last week's storm has either settled into a slab on shaded aspects or becomes increasingly isothermal (slushy) on sun-exposed aspects. Where it exists as a slab, it overlies weak facets (sugary snow). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The prolonged period of cold temperatures in February had an overall effect of weakening the upper and mid-snowpack, as well as the basal (lower) snowpack in shallow areas. These weaknesses are increasingly being tested under the pattern of strong warming currently affecting the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm air and sunny skies have produced wet snow to ridge top on southerly aspects and up to around 1800 m on northerly aspects. The upper 40 to 60 cm of snow may slide easily during the day on sun-exposed slopes, either as loose wet snow or as a cohesive slab, as this snow sits over weak faceted grains or a melt-freeze crust. The wet snow may freeze into a melt-freeze crust overnight.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, a weak layer of faceted grains and/or feathery surface hoar crystals may be found around 70 to 120 cm deep. Although this layer has been dormant for a few weeks, the current warm conditions may awaken this layer. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is around thin, rocky areas in the alpine, where the snowpack is composed of faceted snow. The warm air and sunny skies could trigger very large avalanches that could run to the valley bottom.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm air and sunny skies have produced wet snow to ridge top on southerly aspects and up to around 1800 m on northerly aspects. The upper 30 to 60 cm of snow may slide easily during the day on sun-exposed slopes, either as loose wet snow or as a cohesive slab, as this snow sits over weak faceted grains or a melt-freeze crust. The wet snow may freeze into a melt-freeze crust overnight.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, a weak layer of faceted grains and/or feathery surface hoar crystals may be found around 60 to 100 cm deep. Although this layer has been dormant for a few weeks, the current warm conditions may awaken this layer. Steep cutblocks and large open glades at lower elevations are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is around thin, rocky areas in the alpine, where the lower snowpack is composed of faceted snow. The warm air and sunny skies may increase the likelihood of triggering large avalanches that could run to the valley bottom.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, solar aspects are showing signs of melt by day and a freeze by night. Only the upper 10-20 cm is re-freezing into a solid crust which breaks down by noon. Most solar slopes at lower elevations are becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> You can still find dry, wintery snow on North facing slopes in the alpine and variable wind effect remains. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bigger questions are deeper in the snowpack. Two crusts exist in the upper snowpack and the bond of the overlying snow is most concerning. The first crust is down 20 to 30 cm and loose wet avalanches have slid on this interface. The deeper one down 60-95 cm has also produced easy shears in test profiles and is potentially just waiting for enough heat to penetrate, creating a cohesive slab that may avalanche, if it does? </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are variable and the heat has likely eliminated any trace of cold snow except on high elevation north features. Melt-freeze conditions (more melt then freeze at lower elevations) exist on all other aspects and elevations and signs of snowballing, surface sluffing and loose wet avalanches are current.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack a layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. This layer is most prominent in the North Shore Mountains on north aspects. With little overnight re-freeze the warm temperatures will penetrate deeper and continue to destabilize the snowpack and possibly initiating larger persistent slab avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below around 1600 m, the snow surface should remain wet on all aspects due to rain this weekend. Above around 1600 m, the weekend’s precipitation should fall as snow.  The snow will overly a melt-freeze crust on all aspects up to 2000 m and to ridgetop on sun-exposed slopes. The new snow will fall onto previously dry snow and potentially surface hoar crystals on northerly aspects above 2000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is on northerly aspects above around 2000 m, where a weak layer of faceted grains may still exist in combination with old and hard wind-affected snow. This layer is buried around 40 to 60 cm.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below around 1800 m, the snow surface should remain wet on all aspects due to rain this weekend. Above around 1800 m, the weekend's precipitation should fall as snow.  The snow will overly a melt-freeze crust on all aspects up to 2000 m and to ridgetop on sun-exposed slopes. The new snow will fall onto previously dry snow and potentially surface hoar crystals on northerly aspects above 2000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few weak layers may still exist in the snowpack. A layer of faceted grains may be found 20 to 30 cm deep. It could be most problematic when in combination with hard wind-affected snow, which has been found on northerly aspects above 2000 m. Another layer of faceted grains and/or surface hoar may be found around 50 to 90 cm deep, also with a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. These layers haven't produced avalanches recently, but professionals are tracking them, as they have been reactive in some snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow, which may be associated with a melt-freeze crust. Although this layer has been dormant for a while now, there were recent reports of a few sporadic avalanches on this layer, suggesting that it could still be triggered.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Upper snowpack: Getting warm and moist during the day, maybe forming weak crusts overnight that deteriorate during the day. On sunny aspects the upper snowpack has become increasingly isothermal (slushy and cohesionless) with successive days of warming. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Mid-pack: The mid-snowpack consists of weak facets (sugary snow). Recent loose wet avalanches have been gouging into this faceted snow and entraining additional mass. Occasional slab fractures have also initiated above these facets.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack has recently been reported to be strong in deep snowpack regions, but its strength is in doubt in shallow areas where the long, cold drought in February weakened the basal (bottom of the snowpack) layers. Some of the largest recent slab avalanches have initiated in shallow snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Upper snowpack: Getting warm and moist during the day, likely forming weak crusts overnight that deteriorate during the day. On sunny aspects the upper snowpack has become increasingly isothermal (slushy and cohesionless) with successive days of warming. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Mid pack: The mid-snowpack consists of weak facets (sugary snow) and layers of harder wind effected snow. Recent loose wet avalanches have been entraining additional mass by gouging into this faceted snow. These facets have also acted as a failure plane in recent slab releases.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower pack: The strength of the lower snowpack is increasingly in question in shallower areas where the February cold was able to weaken basal (bottom of the snowpack) layers and warm temperatures are increasing the strain on these weaknesses each day. Many of the recent slab avalanches failed on these facets sitting just above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are variable. On higher North aspects (above 1700 m) you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some isolated wind slabs. On solar aspects (East, South, West) at treeline and in the alpine the upper 10-30 cm will likely sport a firm crust with cooling temperatures. Below treeline the snow could remain moist or wet if it doesn't re-freeze. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack has gone through a lot of change with the hot and sunny weather. The mushy snowpack will start to solidify and lock-up allowing for hard conditions and less avalanche activity, especially on the solar slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are variable. On higher North aspects (above 1700 m) you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some isolated wind slabs. On solar aspects (East, South, West) at treeline and in the alpine the upper 10-30 cm will likely sport a firm crust with cooling temperatures. Below treeline the snow could remain moist or wet if it doesn't re-freeze. Below the melt-freeze crust on solar aspects and the wintery snow on the polar aspects down 40-60 cm sits the February facet interface. This interface may be reactive on higher North aspects where a firm surface crust doesn't exist. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack has gone through a lot of change with the hot and sunny weather. The mushy snowpack will start to solidify and lock-up allowing for hard conditions and less avalanche activity, especially on the solar slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-100 cm of settled snow forms the upper snowpack at higher elevations, the product of storms since the drought ended on March 10. At lower elevations this precipitation came as rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">With the help of warm temperatures, this recent snow has either settled into a slab on shaded aspects or become increasingly isothermal (slushy) on sun-exposed aspects. Where it exists as a slab, it covers a variety of old snow surfaces left in the wake of the drought. These include crusts on solar aspects, facets (sugary snow) on shaded aspects at higher elevations, and surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) in shaded/sheltered locations. This variable layer has been the primary failure plane in recent slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Not much further below the March 10th interface is a second weak layer of facets buried on February 19th. Recent loose wet and slab avalanches have been observed gouging into this faceted snow and entraining additional mass.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong in most areas, except for rocky areas in the alpine with a shallow or highly variable snowpack depth. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">30-50 cm of well settled snow overlies weak facets (sugary snow) that were around March. 10th. which is currently the primary layer of concern for human triggering persistent slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets. Large avalanches initiating on these facets are most likely in rocky, alpine terrain where there is a shallow or highly variable snowpack depth. They would likely require a large trigger such as a cornice fall, snowmobile, or a group of people standing in the same spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below around 1600 m, the snow surface should remain wet on all aspects due to rain this weekend. Above around 1600 m, the weekend’s precipitation should fall as snow.  The snow will overly a melt-freeze crust on all aspects up to 2000 m and to ridgetop on sun-exposed slopes. The new snow will fall onto previously dry snow and potentially surface hoar crystals on northerly aspects above 2000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is on northerly aspects above around 2000 m, where a weak layer of faceted grains may still exist in combination with old and hard wind-affected snow. This layer is buried around 40 to 60 cm.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below around 1500 m, the snow surface should remain wet on all aspects due to rain this weekend. Above around 1500 m, the weekend’s precipitation should fall as snow.  The snow will overly a melt-freeze crust on all aspects up to 2000 m and to ridgetop on sun-exposed slopes. The new snow will fall onto previously dry snow and potentially surface hoar crystals on northerly aspects above 2000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where a weak layer of faceted grains may still exist in combination with old and hard wind-affected snow. This layer is buried around 30 to 60 cm.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, solar aspects are showing signs of melt by day and a freeze by night. Only the upper 10-20 cm is re-freezing into a solid crust which typically breaks down by noon. Most solar slopes at lower elevations are becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> You can still find dry, wintery snow on North facing slopes above 2000m and variable wind effect remains. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two crusts exist in the upper snowpack and the bond of the overlying snow is most concerning. The first crust is down 20 to 30 cm and loose wet avalanches have slid on this interface. The deeper one down 60-95 cm has also produced easy shears in test profiles and is potentially just waiting for enough heat to penetrate, creating a cohesive slab that may avalanche, if it does? This will likely become less of a concern over time when temperatures drop to more seasonal norms.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist snow was found up to the summits of regional peaks on all but true north aspects in alpine areas by 10:30 am on Friday.  Treeline and below unskied areas were also becoming isothermal and unsupportive by mid day.  Loose wet slides are failing and pulling out slabs in some areas that are overlying the weak basal facets that have been an issue all season.  Where they are not pulling out slides they are gouging out the facets and running far.  This weeks heat has been a shock to the snowpack and in the long term conditions will improve with cooler temperatures but until then, there is a wet upper snow pack overlying weak basal facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are variable and the heat has likely eliminated any trace of cold snow except on high elevation north features. Melt-freeze conditions (more melt then freeze at lower elevations) exist on all other aspects and elevations and signs of snowballing, surface sluffing and loose wet avalanches are current.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack a layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. This layer is most prominent in the North Shore Mountains on north aspects. There have been no recent reports of avalanches or the reactivity of this layer in snowpack tests. However the layer can still be found. As the warm temperatures penetrate deeper and continue to destabilize the snowpack this layer may wake up initiating a larger persistent slab avalanche. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A melt-freeze crust is found on the snow surface everywhere except for northerly aspects above 2000 m, where dry snow still prevails. The crust may weaken into moist or wet snow at low elevations or on southerly aspects, depending on daytime warming and cloud cover.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception may be on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where a weak layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm may still exist in combination with old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A melt-freeze crust is found on the snow surface everywhere except for northerly aspects above 2000 m, where dry snow still prevails. The crust may weaken into moist or wet snow at low elevations or on southerly aspects, depending on daytime warming and cloud cover.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a weak layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm may still exist on northerly aspects above 2000 m. The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow, which may be associated with a melt-freeze crust. Although these layers have been dormant for a while now, there were recent reports of a few sporadic avalanches, suggesting that they could still be triggered.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards becoming isothermal (0 C throughout the snowpack). In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank" /><span class="s_1681A555">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards becoming isothermal (0 C throughout the snowpack). In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets. Large deep persistent slab avalanches initiating on these facets is currently the primary concern for this region. They are most likely in rocky, alpine terrain where there is a shallow or highly variable snowpack depth. They would likely require a large trigger such as a cornice fall, snowmobile, or a group of people standing in the same spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are variable. On higher north aspects above 2000 m you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds which may have formed isolated wind slabs. On solar aspects (south and west) at and above treeline the snow surface is expected to have a supportive crust by Sunday Morning. There are still a handful of melt freeze crusts, surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack, but all of these layers appear to have gone dormant for the time being. We're expecting a good overnight refreeze on Saturday night and increasing cloud cover Sunday which should allow the upper snowpack to solidify.`</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are variable. On higher North aspects (above 1700 m) you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds, potentially creating some isolated wind slabs. On solar aspects (South and West) at treeline and in the alpine the upper 10-30 cm will likely sport a firm crust with cooling temperatures. Below treeline the snow could remain moist or wet if it doesn't re-freeze. Below the melt-freeze crust on solar aspects and the wintery snow on the polar aspects down 40-60 cm sits the February facet interface. This interface may be reactive on higher North aspects where a firm surface crust doesn't exist. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack has gone through a lot of change with the hot and sunny weather. We're expecting a good overnight refreeze on Saturday night and increasing cloud cover Sunday which should allow the upper snowpack to solidify.`</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At upper elevations, 50-100 cm of well settled snow overlies weak facets (sugary snow) that were buried around March. 10th. which is currently the primary layer of concern for human triggering persistent slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Not much further below the March 10th interface is a second weak layer of facets buried on February 19th. Recent loose wet and slab avalanches have been observed gouging into this faceted snow and entraining additional mass.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards becoming isothermal (0 C throughout the snowpack). In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At upper elevations, 30-50 cm of well settled snow overlies weak facets (sugary snow) that were around March. 10th. which is currently the primary layer of concern for human triggering persistent slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets. Large avalanches initiating on these facets are most likely in rocky, alpine terrain where there is a shallow or highly variable snowpack depth. They would likely require a large trigger such as a cornice fall, snowmobile, or a group of people standing in the same spot.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards becoming isothermal (0 C throughout the snowpack). In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A melt-freeze crust is found on the snow surface everywhere except for northerly aspects above 2000 m, where dry snow still prevails. The crust may weaken into moist or wet snow at low elevations or on southerly aspects, depending on daytime warming and cloud cover.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception may be on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where a weak layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm may still exist in combination with old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A melt-freeze crust is found on the snow surface everywhere except for northerly aspects above 2000 m, where dry snow still prevails. The crust may weaken into moist or wet snow at low elevations or on southerly aspects, depending on daytime warming and cloud cover.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception is on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where a weak layer of faceted grains buried 30 to 60 cm may still exist in combination with old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Solar aspects are melting during the day and freezing at night. Only the upper 10 to 20 cm is re-freezing into a solid crust which typically breaks down by noon. Most solar slopes at lower elevations are becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> You can still find dry, wintery snow on North facing slopes above 2000 m and variable wind effect remains. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two crusts exist in the upper snowpack and the bond of the overlying snow is our biggest concern. The first crust is down 20 to 30 cm and loose wet avalanches have recently slid on this interface. The deeper one down 60 to 95 cm has produced easy shears in test profiles. Avalanches on this interface are unlikely, but possible. This interface should become less of a concern with cooler temperatures early next week. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Valley bottom snow tends to be refrozen, isothermic snow up to 2300m, all aspects. Above that, the true north aspects have dry snow and crusts on the remaining aspects. Windslabs are still present in north facing alpine terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are variable and the heat has likely eliminated any trace of cold snow except on high elevation north features. Melt-freeze conditions (more melt than freeze at lower elevations) exist on all other aspects and elevations. The current surface continues to produce snowballing, surface sluffing and loose wet avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack a layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. There have been no recent reports of avalanches nor activity of this layer in snowpack tests. The recent warm temperatures have probably helped this layer to heal significantly, the one place where it may still be a concern is high elevation north facing terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecast light new snow amounts will accumulate above a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres, with the exception of north aspects above 2000 metres, where it will bury settled and preserved dry snow. Below about 1500 metres, precipitation as rain will land on variably isothermal (slushy) and crusty surfaces. This moisture will promote isothermal conditions where they don't already exist. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecast trace snowfall will accumulate above a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres, with the exception of north aspects above 2000 metres, where it will land on settled and preserved dry snow. Below about 1500 metres, light precipitation as rain will land on variably isothermal (slushy) and crusty surfaces. Any added moisture will promote isothermal conditions where they don't already exist. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid snowpack is generally consolidated and strong, but exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow which may coexist with a melt-freeze crust. One very large persistent slab was observed to have failed at this layer during the recent warming event.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards becoming isothermal (0 C throughout the snowpack). In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards becoming isothermal (0 C throughout the snowpack). In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets. Large deep persistent slab avalanches initiating on these facets is currently the primary concern for this region. They are most likely in rocky, alpine terrain where there is a shallow or highly variable snowpack depth. They would likely require a large trigger such as a cornice fall, snowmobile, or a group of people standing in the same spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface is quite variable. On higher north aspects above 2000 m you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds which may have formed isolated old wind slabs. We're looking at a good overnight refreeze on Sunday night, so most surfaces should have a supportive surface crust Monday morning. There are still a handful of melt/freeze crusts, surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack, but all of these layers appear to have gone dormant for the time being. The snowpack at mid and upper elevations is expected to continue to gain strength as we enter a period of consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface is quite variable. On higher north aspects above 2000 m you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds which may have formed isolated old wind slabs. We're looking at a good overnight refreeze on Sunday night, so most surfaces should have a supportive surface crust Monday morning. There are still a handful of melt/freeze crusts, surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack including the February facet interface which is down 20 to 60 cm below the surface, but all of these layers appear to have gone dormant for the time being. The snowpack at mid and upper elevations is expected to continue to gain strength as we enter a period of consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At upper elevations, 50-100 cm of well settled snow overlies weak facets (sugary snow) that were buried around March. 10th. which is currently the primary layer of concern for human triggering persistent slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Not much further below the March 10th interface is a second weak layer of facets buried on February 19th. Recent loose wet and slab avalanches have been observed gouging into this faceted snow and entraining additional mass.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards becoming isothermal (0 C throughout the snowpack). In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At upper elevations, 30-50 cm of well settled snow overlies weak facets (sugary snow) that were around March. 10th. which is currently the primary layer of concern for human triggering persistent slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets. Large avalanches initiating on these facets are most likely in rocky, alpine terrain where there is a shallow or highly variable snowpack depth. They would likely require a large trigger such as a cornice fall, snowmobile, or a group of people standing in the same spot.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards becoming isothermal (0 C throughout the snowpack). In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecast light new snow amounts will accumulate above a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres, with the exception of north aspects above 2000 metres, where it will bury settled and preserved dry snow. Below about 1500 metres, precipitation as rain will land on variably isothermal (slushy) and crusty surfaces. This moisture will promote isothermal conditions where they don't already exist. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecast light new snow amounts will accumulate above a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres, with the exception of north aspects above 2000 metres, where it will bury settled and preserved dry snow.  Below about 1500 metres, precipitation as rain will land on variably isothermal (slushy) and crusty surfaces. This moisture will promote isothermal conditions where they don't already exist.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 30 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface is quite variable. On higher north aspects above 2000 m you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds which may have formed isolated old wind slabs. We're looking at a good overnight refreeze on Sunday night, so most surfaces should have a supportive surface crust Monday morning. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The two crusts in the upper snowpack are our biggest concern. The first crust is down 20 to 30 cm and loose wet avalanches have recently slid on this interface. The deeper one down 60 to 95 cm has produced easy shears in test profiles. Avalanches on this interface are unlikely, but possible. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack at mid and upper elevations is expected to continue to gain strength as we enter a period of consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Valley bottom snow tends to be mostly refrozen snow up to 2300m, all aspects. Above that, the true north aspects have dry snow and crusts on the remaining aspects. Windslabs are still present in north facing alpine terrain. Expect conditions to change rapidly when the sun comes out. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are variable and the heat has likely eliminated any trace of cold snow except on high elevation north features. Melt-freeze conditions (more melt than freeze at lower elevations) exist on all other aspects and elevations. The current surface continues to produce snowballing, surface sluffing and loose wet avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack a layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. There have been no recent reports of avalanches nor activity on this layer in snowpack tests. The recent warm temperatures have probably helped this layer to heal significantly, the one place where it may still be a concern is high elevation north facing terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow amounts have been accumulating above a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres, with the exception of limited north aspects above 2000 metres, where it may bury settled dry snow. Below about 1500 metres, new snow will land on variably isothermal (slushy) and crusty surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Trace amounts of new snow have begun to accumulate above a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres, with the exception of limited north aspects above 2000 metres, where it may land on settled dry snow. Below about 1500 metres, it will land on variably isothermal (slushy) and crusty surfaces. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid snowpack is generally consolidated and strong, but exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow which may coexist with a melt-freeze crust. One very large persistent slab was observed to have failed at this layer during the recent warming event.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards becoming isothermal (0 C throughout the snowpack). In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards becoming isothermal (0 C throughout the snowpack). In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets. Large, deep persistent slab avalanches are most likely in rocky, alpine terrain where there is a shallow or highly variable snowpack depth. They would likely require a large trigger such as a cornice fall, snowmobile, or a group of people standing in the same spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow might form wind slabs in the alpine and is overlying a variety of snow layers. On higher north aspects above 2000 m you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds which may have formed isolated old wind slabs. There are still a handful of melt/freeze crusts, surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack, but all of these layers appear to have gone dormant for the time being. The snowpack at mid and upper elevations is expected to continue to gain strength as we enter a period of consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15 cm of new snow at upper elevations Tuesday night sits on a variety of surfaces. On higher north aspects above 2000 m it may sit on some dry, faceted snow and/or isolated old wind slabs. Most other places the new snow is sitting on either moist snow or a crust. There are still a handful of melt/freeze crusts, surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack including the February facet interface which is down 20 to 60 cm below the surface, but all of these layers appear to have gone dormant for the time being. The snowpack at mid and upper elevations is expected to continue to gain strength as we enter a period of consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At upper elevations, 50-100 cm of well settled snow overlies weak facets (sugary snow) that were buried around March. 10th. which is currently the primary layer of concern for human triggering persistent slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Not much further below the March 10th interface is a second weak layer of facets buried on February 19th. Recent loose wet and slab avalanches have been observed gouging into this faceted snow and entraining additional mass.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards becoming isothermal (0 C throughout the snowpack). In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At upper elevations, 30-50 cm of well settled snow overlies weak facets (sugary snow) that were around March. 10th. which is currently the primary layer of concern for human triggering persistent slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets. Large avalanches initiating on these facets are most likely in rocky, alpine terrain where there is a shallow or highly variable snowpack depth. They would likely require a large trigger such as a cornice fall, snowmobile, or a group of people standing in the same spot.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards becoming isothermal (0 C throughout the snowpack). In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow amounts have begun to accumulate above a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres, with the exception of north aspects above 2000 metres, where it may bury settled dry snow. Below about 1500 metres, new snow will land on variably isothermal (slushy) and crusty surfaces. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow amounts are accumulating above a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres, with the exception of limited north aspects above 2000 metres, where it may bury settled dry snow. Below about 1500 metres it will land on variably isothermal (slushy) and crusty surfaces. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 30 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface is quite variable. On higher north aspects above 2000 m you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds which may have formed isolated old wind slabs. Expect to see a supportive crust on or near the surface if there is a good overnight freeze. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The two crusts in the upper snowpack are our biggest concern. The first crust is down 20 to 30 cm and loose wet avalanches have recently slid on this interface. The deeper one down 60 to 95 cm has produced easy shears in test profiles. Avalanches on this interface are unlikely, but possible. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack at mid and upper elevations is expected to continue to gain strength as we enter a period of consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The melt freeze crust on the surface was mostly non-supportive up to trreeline. Wind slabs in the high alpine on north aspects are still a concern for triggering. The melt/freeze crust is not expected to refreeze very well with Monday night's cloudy skies.  Avalanche danger is directly related to daytime heating and re-freezing of the melt/freeze crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect to see 15-25 cm of new snow at upper elevations sitting on either moist snow or a melt freeze crust. Below 1300 m approximately, precipitation forecast for Monday night may fall as a mix of snow and rain or just rain. Melt-freeze conditions (more melt than freeze at lower elevations) exist on all other aspects and elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack a layer of weak and sugary faceted grains sits on a melt-freeze crust about 50 to 120 cm deep. There have been no recent reports of avalanches nor activity on this layer in snowpack tests. The recent warm temperatures have probably helped this layer to heal significantly, the one place where it may still be a concern is high elevation north facing terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable new snow amounts of 10-20 cm have accumulated above a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres, with the exception of limited north aspects above 2000 metres, where it may have landed on the last dry snow that remained after last week's warm up. Below about 1500 metres, new snow has buried variably isothermal (slushy) and crusty surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Precipitation as rain has continued to saturate the snowpack that is for the most part isothermal and disappearing rapidly below about 1100 metres.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable new snow amounts of a trace to 20 cm have accumulated above a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres, with the exception of limited north aspects above 2000 metres, where it may have landed on the last dry snow that remained after last week's warm up. Below about 1500 metres, it has buried variably isothermal (slushy) and crusty surfaces. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Precipitation as rain has continued to saturate the snowpack that is for the most part isothermal and disappearing rapidly below about 1100 metres.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid snowpack is generally consolidated and strong, but exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow which may coexist with a melt-freeze crust. One very large persistent slab was reported to have failed at this layer during last week's warming event.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards being moist or wet throughout. In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The prolonged warm spell has transitioned sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below toward becoming moist or wet throughout. In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recently formed wind slabs in the alpine are overlying a variety of snow layers. On higher north aspects above 2000 m you may find some dry, faceted snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly and northerly winds which may have formed isolated old wind slabs. There are still a handful of melt/freeze crusts, surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack, but all of these layers appear to have gone dormant for the time being. The snowpack at mid and upper is gaining strength in consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10 cm of new snow at upper elevations from Monday night sits on a variety of surfaces. On higher north aspects above 2000 m it may sit on some dry, faceted snow and/or isolated old wind slabs. At most other places the new snow is sitting on either moist snow or a crust. There are still a handful of melt/freeze crusts, surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack, but all of these layers appear to have gone dormant for the time being. The snowpack at mid and upper elevations is gaining strength in consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable new snow amounts of 10-20 cm have accumulated above a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres, with the exception of north aspects above 2000 metres, where it may have landed on the last dry snow that remained after last week's warm up. Below about 1500 metres, new snow has buried variably isothermal (slushy) and crusty surfaces. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Precipitation as rain has continued to saturate the snowpack that is for the most part isothermal and disappearing rapidly below about 1100 metres.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of new snow is expected to have accumulated above a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres, with the exception of limited north aspects above 2000 metres, where it may have landed on the last dry snow that remained after last week's warm up. Below about 1500 metres new snow has buried variably isothermal (slushy) and crusty surfaces. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Precipitation as rain has continued to saturate the snowpack that is for the most part isothermal and disappearing rapidly below about 1100 metres.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 30 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface is quite variable. On higher north aspects above 2000 m you may find some dry snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly winds which may have formed isolated thin wind slabs. Expect to see a supportive crust on or near the surface if there is a good overnight freeze.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two crusts of note in the upper snowpack. The first crust is down 20 to 30 cm and loose wet avalanches have recently slid on this interface. The deeper one down 60 to 95 cm has produced easy shears in test profiles. Avalanches on this interface are unlikely, but possible. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 35 cm of new snow fell Monday night into Tuesday at upper elevations. That is sitting on either moist snow or a melt freeze crust. Below 1300 m approximately, precipitation Monday night fell as a mix of snow and rain or just rain, so expect the snow surface to be moist or wet. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 20 cm of new snow from Tuesday's storm has buried a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres. Below this elevation the new snow buried variably moist or crusty surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Precipitation as rain continued to saturate the snowpack that is increasingly isothermal (slushy and cohesionless) and disappearing rapidly below about 1100 metres.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 50 to 70 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable new snow amounts of a trace to 25 cm have accumulated above a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres. Below this elevation it buried variably moist or crusty surfaces. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Precipitation as rain has continued to saturate the snowpack that is increasingly isothermal (slushy and cohesionless) and disappearing rapidly below about 1100 metres.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid snowpack is generally consolidated and strong, but exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow which may coexist with a melt-freeze crust. Only one very large persistent slab was reported to have failed at this layer during last week's warming event.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is likely a crust everywhere but high elevation, north facing terrain. This crust will likely break down (melt) during the day as temperatures rise and the sun comes out. The recent prolonged warm spell has transitioned the snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below towards being moist or wet throughout, during the heat of the day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">A dusting of new snow now sits on a melt-freeze crust in most areas, thought it may sit on moist snow at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The recent prolonged warm spell has transitioned the snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below toward becoming moist or wet throughout, during the heat of the day. In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recently formed wind slabs in the alpine are bonding well to the underlying layers. On higher north aspects above 2000 m it may sit on some dry, faceted snow and/or isolated old wind slabs. At most other places the new snow is sitting on either moist snow or a crust. There are still a handful of melt/freeze crusts, surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack, but all of these layers appear to have gone dormant for the time being. The snowpack at mid and upper elevations is gaining strength in consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10 cm of recent snow at upper elevations is bonding well with a variety of snow layers underneath. On higher north aspects above 2000 m it may sit on some dry, faceted snow and/or isolated old wind slabs. At most other places the new snow is sitting on either moist snow or a crust. There are still a handful of melt/freeze crusts, surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack, but all of these layers appear to have gone dormant for the time being. The snowpack at mid and upper elevations is gaining strength in consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 20 cm of new snow from Tuesday's storm has buried a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres. Below this elevation the new snow buried variably moist or crusty surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Precipitation as rain continued to saturate the snowpack that is increasingly isothermal (slushy and cohesionless) and disappearing rapidly below about 1100 metres.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 50 to 70 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of new snow from Tuesday's storm accumulated above a surface of melt-freeze crust that exists in most areas above 1500 metres. Below this elevation the new snow buried variably moist or crusty surfaces. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Precipitation as rain continued to saturate the snowpack that is increasingly isothermal (slushy and cohesionless) and disappearing rapidly below about 1100 metres.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 70 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations, up to 10 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust or moist snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly winds which may have formed isolated thin wind slabs. At lower elevations, expect to see a supportive crust on or near the surface if there is a good overnight freeze. This crust sits above a largely moist or wet snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two crusts of note in the upper snowpack. The first crust is down 20 to 30 cm and loose wet avalanches have recently slid on this interface. The deeper one down 60 to 95 cm has produced easy shears in test profiles. Avalanches on this interface are unlikely, but possible. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 15cm of snow has fallen over the past 48hrs with light occasional gusting into moderate SW winds. This new snow has fallen on top of a previous melt freeze crust that developed during last weeks heat wave. The main concerns at this time are isolated thin wildslabs in alpine terrain that are overlying the previous melt freeze crust as well as concerns associated with the deep persistent weak base. The freezing level on Wednesday climbed to 2200m with some moist snow being found below this elevation. Untracked areas at treeline and below are weak isothermal. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 35 cm of new snow fell Monday night into Tuesday at upper elevations. Moderate to strong southwest wind has created wind slabs in high elevation terrain which might still be triggered by skiers. This recent new snow is sitting on either moist snow or a melt freeze crust. Below 1300 m approximately, precipitation Monday night fell as a mix of snow and rain or just rain, so expect the snow surface to be moist or wet.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New sun crusts and temperature crusts are likely to exist on sun exposed aspects at all elevations as well as shaded aspects below about 1700 metres. Below this surface, 10 to 30 cm of recent snow (variable over the region and increasing with elevation) buried a previous surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres earlier this week.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack below about 1500 metres has been disappearing rapidly under the influence of sustained above freezing temperatures, strong sunshine, and rain. The chance of loose wet avalanches increases each day as these factors break down surface crusts and bring snow to its melting point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 50 to 70 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable new snow amounts of about 5 to 25 cm from a storm earlier in the week buried a surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres. Below this elevation it buried variably moist or crusty surfaces. Precipitation fell as rain below about 1100 metres.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack below about 1500 metres has been disappearing rapidly under the influence of sustained above freezing temperatures, strong sunshine, and rain. The chance of loose wet avalanches increases each day as these factors break down surface crusts and bring snow to its melting point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid snowpack is generally consolidated and strong, but exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow which may coexist with a melt-freeze crust. Only one very large persistent slab was reported to have failed at this layer during last week's warming event.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is likely a crust everywhere but high elevation, north facing terrain, where the snow remains dry. The crust will likely break down (melt) during the day as temperatures rise and the sun comes out. The snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below is becoming moist or wet during the heat of the day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Around 5 cm of recent new snow sits on a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The recent prolonged warm spell has transitioned the snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below toward becoming moist or wet, during the heat of the day. In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there is still a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recently formed wind slabs in the alpine are bonding well to the underlying layers, but there might still be isolated pockets which can be triggered by humans. On higher north aspects above 2000 m the recent new snow is sitting on dry, faceted snow. At most other places the new snow is sitting on either moist snow or a crust. Below 1800 m the entire snowpack is isothermal [wet and slushy] underneath the melt/freeze crust.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15 cm of recent snow at upper elevations is bonding well with a variety of snow layers underneath, but there might still be isolated wind slab which can be triggered by humans. On higher north aspects above 2000 m it may sit on some dry, faceted snow. At most other places the new snow is sitting on either moist snow or a crust.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New sun crusts and temperature crusts are likely to exist on sun exposed aspects at all elevations as well as shaded aspects below about 1700 metres. Below this surface, 10 to 30 cm of recent snow (variable over the region and increasing with elevation) buried a previous surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres earlier this week.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack below about 1500 metres has been disappearing rapidly under the influence of sustained above freezing temperatures, strong sunshine, and rain. The chance of loose wet avalanches increases each day as these factors break down surface crusts and bring snow to its melting point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 50 to 70 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New sun crusts and temperature crusts are likely to exist on sun exposed aspects at all elevations as well as shaded aspects below about 1800 metres. Below this surface, 10 to 30 cm of recent snow (variable over the region and increasing with elevation) buried a previous surface of melt-freeze crust in most areas above 1500 metres earlier this week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack below about 1500 metres has been disappearing rapidly under the influence of sustained above freezing temperatures, strong sunshine, and rain. The chance of loose wet avalanches increases each day as these factors break down surface crusts and bring snow to its melting point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. Exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a gradually strengthening layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 70 cm deep may still be preserved below an overlying slab of old and hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations, up to 15 cm of recent new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust or moist snow. Some of this has been redistributed by southwesterly winds which may have formed isolated thin wind slabs. At lower elevations, expect to see a supportive crust on or near the surface if there is a good overnight freeze. This crust sits above a largely moist or wet snowpack.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This recent storm has dropped around 10-20cm of snow, more toward the East. Expect to find some soft slabs in the alpine. Expect this new snow to slide and entrain all of the storm snow, especially on solar aspects. . This new snow has fallen on top of a previous melt freeze crust that developed during last weeks heat wave. The main concerns at this time is the new snow sliding on solar aspects that are overlying the previous melt freeze crust as well as concerns associated with the deep persistent weak base. The freezing level on Thursday climbed to 2300m with some moist snow being found below this elevation. Untracked areas at treeline and below are weak isothermal. In these Spring conditions, the avalanche danger rating can deteriorate rapidly, especially with solar input.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent snow from the beginning of the week is wet and sitting on either moist snow or a melt freeze crust. With warm air temperatures and sunshine you can expect the snow surface to be moist or wet.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New crusts are likely found on all surfaces except for shaded slopes above 1700 m. On Tuesday, 10 to 30 cm of snow (variable over the region and increasing with elevation) buried a crust in most areas above 1500 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack below about 1500 m has been disappearing rapidly under the recent warm temperatures, sunshine, and rain. The chance of loose wet avalanches increases each day as these factors break down surface crusts and bring snow to its melting point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally strong. Exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a layer of faceted grains may still be preserved beneath 50 to 70 cm of hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable new snow amounts of about 5 to 25 cm from a storm earlier in the week buried a crust in most areas above 1500 m. Below this elevation it buried variably moist or crusty surfaces. Precipitation fell as rain below about 1100 m. The snowpack below about 1500 m has been disappearing rapidly under the influence of warm temperatures, strong sunshine, and rain. The chance of loose wet avalanches increases each day as these factors break down surface crusts and bring snow to its melting point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid snowpack is generally consolidated and strong, but exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a layer of faceted grains may still be preserved beneath 40 to 60 cm of hard wind-affected snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow which may coexist with a melt-freeze crust. Only one very large persistent slab was reported to have failed at this layer during last week's warming event.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is likely a crust everywhere but high elevation, north facing terrain, where the snow remains dry. The crust will likely break down (melt) during the day as temperatures rise and the sun comes out. The snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below is becoming moist or wet during the heat of the day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below is becoming moist or wet, during the heat of the day. In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there is still a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recently formed wind slabs in the alpine are bonding well to the underlying layers, but there might still be isolated pockets which can be triggered by humans especially along ridge crests (</span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/c09379e8-6362-40ad-a6ef-386536576cb7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">see the MIN report of our field team here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">). On higher north aspects above 2000 m the recent new snow is gradually bonding with the dry, faceted [weak and sugary] snow underneath. In most other places the new snow is sitting on either moist snow or a crust. Below 1800 m the entire snowpack is isothermal [wet and slushy] underneath the melt/freeze crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15 cm of recent snow at upper elevations is bonding well with a variety of snow layers underneath, but there might still be isolated wind slab which can be triggered by humans especially along ridge crests (</span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/c09379e8-6362-40ad-a6ef-386536576cb7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">see the MIN report of our field team here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">). On higher north aspects above 2000 m it may sit on some dry, faceted [weak and sugary] snow. In most other places the new snow is sitting on either moist snow or a crust.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New crusts are likely found on all surfaces except for shaded slopes above 1700 m. On Tuesday, 10 to 30 cm of snow (variable over the region and increasing with elevation) buried a crust in most areas above 1500 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack below about 1500 m has been disappearing rapidly under the recent warm temperatures, sunshine, and rain. The chance of loose wet avalanches increases each day as these factors break down surface crusts and bring snow to its melting point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally strong. Exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a layer of faceted grains may still be preserved beneath 50 to 70 cm of hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New crusts are likely found on all surfaces except for shaded slopes above 1800 m. On Tuesday, 10 to 30 cm of snow buried a crust above 1500 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack below about 1500 m has been disappearing rapidly under the recent warm temperatures, sunshine, and rain. The chance of loose wet avalanches increases each day as these factors break down surface crusts and bring snow to its melting point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally strong. Exceptions may exist on north aspects above 2000 m, where a layer of faceted grains may still be preserved beneath 40 to 70 cm of hard wind-affected snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations, the recent 15 cm snow from the beginning of the week is bonding well with the melt-freeze crust or moist snow below. Some of the recent snow was redistributed by southerly winds which formed isolated thin wind slabs. These wind slabs may still be triggered by humans. At lower elevations, expect to see a supportive crust on or near the surface if there is a good overnight freeze. This crust sits above a largely moist or wet snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-20cm of recent snow is settling under the influence of the warmer temps.  Isolated windslabs are being found in alpine areas along ridgelines with some cracking noted.  Moist snow was found up to 3000m on Friday with dry snow still on north aspects down to treeline.  Stability is changing throughout the day due to temps, quality of freeze and aspect.  As conditions warm up, stability will decrease.  Pay close attention to cloud cover and aspect you are travelling on or under throughout your trip.  Quality of freeze is also a big factor so be sure to access the online weather stations to aid in your trip planning. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent snow from the beginning of the week is wet and sitting on either moist snow or a melt freeze crust. With warm air temperatures and sunshine you can expect the snow surface to become moist or wet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most slopes have entered a </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions-scenario2" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">daily melt-freeze cycle</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, with the exception of north-facing terrain above 1800 m. On these colder slopes, you may find 10-20 cm of powder or isolated wind slabs. These same slopes may also have a layer of faceted grains buried 50 to 70 cm below the surface, but this layer has shown signs of strengthening. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most slopes have entered a </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions-scenario2" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">daily melt-freeze cycle</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, with the exception of north-facing slopes above 2000 m. On these colder slopes, you may find 10-20 cm of dry powder or isolated wind slabs. These same slopes may also have a layer of faceted grains buried 30 to 50 cm below the surface, but this layer that has shown signs of strengthening. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid snowpack is generally strong, but the base of the snowpack is composed of faceted snow that is capable of producing very large avalanches during times of intense warming (such as last week).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is likely a crust everywhere but high elevation, north facing terrain, where the snow remains dry. The crust will likely break down (melt) during the day as temperatures rise and the sun comes out. The snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below may become moist or wet during the heat of the day, especially if the sun comes out.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is likely a crust everywhere but high elevation, north facing terrain, where the snow remains dry. The crust will likely break down (melt) during the day as temperatures rise and if the sun comes out.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below may become moist or wet during the heat of the day, especially if the sun comes out. In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard may fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there is still a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently formed wind slabs in the alpine are bonding well to the underlying layers, but there might still be isolated pockets along ridge crests which can be triggered by humans (</span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/c09379e8-6362-40ad-a6ef-386536576cb7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">see the MIN report of our field team here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">). On higher north aspects above 2000 m new snow from early last week is gradually bonding with the dry, faceted [weak and sugary] snow underneath. In most other places surface snow is moist. Below 1800 m the entire snowpack is either moist or wet underneath a supportive melt/freeze crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow that fell early last week at upper elevations is bonding well with a variety of snow layers underneath, but there might still be isolated wind slab which can be triggered by humans especially along ridge crests (</span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/c09379e8-6362-40ad-a6ef-386536576cb7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">see the MIN report of our field team here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">). On higher north aspects above 2000 m it may sit on some dry, faceted [weak and sugary] snow. In most other places snowpack is moist or wet throughout with possibly a crust on or near the surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most slopes have entered a </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions-scenario2" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">daily melt-freeze cycle</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, with the exception of north-facing slopes above roughly 1800 m. On these colder slopes, you may find 10-30 cm of dry powder or isolated wind slabs. These same slopes may also have a layer of faceted grains buried 50 to 70 cm below the surface that has been responsible for several slab avalanches over the past few days. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most slopes have entered a </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions-scenario2" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">daily melt-freeze cycle</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, with the exception of north-facing slopes above 1800 m. On these colder slopes, you may find 10-30 cm of powder or isolated wind slabs. These same slopes may also have a layer of faceted grains buried 30 to 60 cm below the surface, but this layer that has shown signs of strengthening over the past week. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations on north aspects, recent new snow from early last week is bonding well with the melt-freeze crust or moist snow below. At lower elevations, expect to see a supportive crust on or near the surface if there is a good overnight freeze. This crust sits above a largely moist or wet snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack is likely moist or wet. Freezing temperatures overnight are possibly creating a crust on the surface at upper elevations. With warm air temperatures and sunshine you can expect the crust to break down and become moist or wet snow again as the day progresses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most slopes have entered a </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions-scenario2" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">daily melt-freeze cycle</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, with the exception of north-facing terrain above roughly 2000 m. On these colder slopes, you may find 10-20 cm of powder or isolated wind slabs. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most slopes have entered a </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions-scenario2" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">daily melt-freeze cycle</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, with the exception of north-facing terrain above 2000 m. On these colder slopes, you may find dry powder or isolated wind slabs. These same slopes may also have a layer of faceted grains buried 20 to 40 cm below the surface, but this layer has not produced recent avalanche activity. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of faceted snow that is capable of producing large avalanches during times of intense warming (such as two weeks ago).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 5 cm of new snow likely sits on a crust everywhere but high elevation, north facing terrain, where the underlying snow remains dry.&nbsp; </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below may become moist or wet during the heat of the day, especially if the sun comes out.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">5-10 cm of new snow likely sits on a crust everywhere but high elevation, north facing terrain, where the underlying snow remains dry. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below may become moist or wet during the heat of the day, especially if the sun comes out.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets (sugary snow). In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
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.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently formed wind slabs in the alpine are bonding well to the underlying layers, but there might still be isolated pockets along ridge crests. Dry snow can still be found on higher north aspects above 2000 m. In most other places surface snow is moist. Below 1800 m the entire snowpack is either moist or wet underneath a supportive melt/freeze crust.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There still might still be lingering reactive wind slabs in the north part of the region that formed last week along ridge crests. Higher north aspects above 2000 m still hold dry snow. In most other places snowpack is moist or wet throughout with possibly a crust on or near the surface.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_1681A555 { font-family: 'Times New Roman';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 16px;color: #000000; } 
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Sun exposed slopes in the alpine and on all aspects at treeline and below are becoming moist to wet during the heat of the day. In these areas spring conditions are in effect; the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Dry snow may remain on shady slopes in the alpine. In these locations, 50-100 cm of snow sits on a layer of facets (sugary snow) that was buried around March 10th. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_1681A555 { font-family: 'Times New Roman';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 16px;color: #000000; } 
.s_AA239A9B { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below are becoming moist to wet during the heat of the day. In these areas, spring conditions are in effect; the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Dry snow may still be found on shady slopes in the alpine. At these locations, 30-50 cm of well settled snow overlies a layer of facets (sugary snow) that was buried around March 10th. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most slopes have entered a </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions-scenario2" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">daily melt-freeze cycle</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, with the exception of north-facing terrain above roughly 2000 m. On these colder slopes, you may find 10-30 cm of dry powder or isolated wind slabs. These same slopes may also have a layer of faceted grains buried 50 to 70 cm below the surface. This layer has been responsible for a few large isolated avalanches over the past few days. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
.s_B5813F7D { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #0000FF;text-decoration: underline; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most slopes have entered a </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions-scenario2" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">daily melt-freeze cycle</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, with the exception of north-facing terrain above 1800 m. On these colder slopes, you may find 10-30 cm of dry powder or isolated wind slabs. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations on north aspects, recent new snow from early last week is bonding well with the melt-freeze crust or moist snow below. At lower elevations, expect to see a supportive crust on or near the surface if there is a good overnight freeze. This crust sits above a largely moist or wet snowpack.</span></p>
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.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_AA239A9B { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow from last week has settled to between 5 and 10cm of dry snow on high elevation Northerly aspects. Otherwise most areas now sport a surface crust that melts during the day and re-freezes overnight. Isolated pockets of wind slabs can be found in Alpine areas near ridgelines. The basal layer of facets/depth hoar is alive and well, and has been reactive in isolated areas when the snowpack heats up and looses its strength. Travel conditions below treeline involve ski penetration to ground unless you stick to a previously well-established up-track.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack is likely moist or wet. Freezing temperatures overnight are possibly creating a crust on the surface at upper elevations. With warm air temperatures and sunshine you can expect the crust to break down and become moist or wet snow again as the day progresses.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most slopes have entered a </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions-scenario2" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">daily melt-freeze cycle</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, with the exception of north-facing terrain above roughly 2000 m. On these colder slopes, you may find 10-20 cm of powder or isolated wind slabs. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
.s_B5813F7D { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #0000FF;text-decoration: underline; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most slopes have entered a </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions-scenario2" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">daily melt-freeze cycle</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, with the exception of north-facing terrain above 2000 m. On these colder slopes, you may find dry powder or isolated wind slabs. These same slopes may also have a layer of faceted grains buried 20 to 40 cm below the surface, but this layer has not produced recent avalanche activity. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of faceted snow that is capable of producing large avalanches during times of intense warming (such as two weeks ago).</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below may become moist or wet during the heat of the day, especially if the sun comes out. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On steep, north facing alpine terrain, 5 cm recent snow overlies a cold, dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_1681A555 { font-family: 'Times New Roman';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 16px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Around 15 cm new snow overlies a thick crust on most aspects and elevations and is rapidly settling with warm temperatures. On north facing terrain in the alpine, the underlying snow remains dry. The snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below may become moist or wet during the heat of the day, especially if the sun comes out.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets (sugary snow). In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently formed wind slabs in the alpine are bonding well to the underlying layers, but there might still be isolated pockets along ridge crests. Dry snow can still be found on higher north aspects above 2000 m. In most other places surface snow is moist. Below 1800 m the entire snowpack is either moist or wet underneath a supportive melt/freeze crust.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There may still be lingering reactive wind slabs in the north part of the region that formed last week along ridge crests. Higher north aspects above 2000 m still hold dry snow. In most other places snowpack is moist or wet throughout with possibly a crust on or near the surface.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_1681A555 { font-family: 'Times New Roman';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 16px;color: #000000; } 
.s_AA239A9B { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Sun exposed slopes in the alpine and on all aspects at treeline and below are becoming moist to wet during the heat of the day. In these areas spring conditions are in effect; the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Dry snow may remain on shady slopes in the alpine. In these locations, 50-100 cm of snow sits on a layer of facets (sugary snow) that was buried around March 10th. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_1681A555 { font-family: 'Times New Roman';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 16px;color: #000000; } 
.s_AA239A9B { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below are becoming moist to wet during the heat of the day. In these areas, spring conditions are in effect; the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Dry snow may still be found on shady slopes in the alpine. At these locations, 30-50 cm of well settled snow overlies a layer of facets (sugary snow) that was buried around March 10th. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most slopes have entered a </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions-scenario2" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">daily melt-freeze cycle</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, with the exception of north-facing terrain above roughly 2000 m. On these colder slopes, you may find 10-30 cm of dry powder or isolated wind slabs. These same slopes may also have a layer of faceted grains buried 50 to 70 cm below the surface. This layer has been responsible for a few large isolated avalanches last week. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
.s_B5813F7D { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #0000FF;text-decoration: underline; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most slopes have entered a </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions-scenario2" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">daily melt-freeze cycle</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, with the exception of north-facing terrain above 1800 m. On these colder slopes, you may find 10-30 cm of dry powder or isolated wind slabs. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dry snow may still be found on north aspects above 2000 m. At lower elevations, expect to see a supportive crust on or near the surface if there is a good overnight freeze. This crust sits above a largely moist or wet snowpack.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack is likely moist or wet. Freezing temperatures overnight are possibly creating a crust on the surface at upper elevations. With warm air temperatures and sunshine you can expect the crust to break down and become moist or wet snow again as the day progresses.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is expected on Wednesday at higher elevations, which will fall with southwest wind. The precipitation will fall onto a hard melt-freeze crust on all aspects and elevations except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it will fall onto dry snow. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A bit of new snow is expected in the alpine on Wednesday, which will otherwise fall as rain at lower elevations. This will fall onto a hard melt-freeze crust on all aspects and elevations except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it will fall onto dry snow and isolated wind slabs. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of sugary faceted snow. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this layer is lower during colder periods and elevated during intense warming.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below may become moist or wet during the heat of the day, especially if the sun comes out. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steep, north facing alpine terrain, still holds a cold, dry snowpack where well settled slab sits over weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_1681A555 { font-family: 'Times New Roman';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 16px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">About 5 cm recent snow overlies a thick crust on most aspects and elevations. On north-facing, alpine terrain, up to 20 cm recent snow is bonding well to a cold, dry snowpack. Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets (sugary snow). In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat (like north-alpine), human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The snowpack on sun-exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below may become moist or wet during the heat of the day, especially if the sun comes out. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of new snow falling Tuesday night and Wednesday is expected to be redistributed at upper elevations by southwesterly winds. This sits on a melt-freeze crust or wet snow depending on elevation, except for north aspects above 2000 m where it may be sitting on dry snow and/or weak feathery surface hoar. Below 1800 m the entire lower snowpack is either moist or wet.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of new snow falling Tuesday night and Wednesday is expected to be redistributed at upper elevations by southwesterly winds. This sits on a melt-freeze crust or wet snow depending on elevation, except for north aspects above 2000 m where it may be sitting on dry snow and/or weak feathery surface hoar. Below 1800 m the entire lower snowpack is either moist or wet.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_1681A555 { font-family: 'Times New Roman';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 16px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Sun exposed slopes in the alpine and on all aspects at treeline and below are becoming moist to wet during the heat of the day. In these areas spring conditions are in effect; the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Dry snow may remain on shady slopes in the alpine. In these locations, 50-100 cm of snow sits on a layer of facets (sugary snow) that was buried around March 10th.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_1681A555 { font-family: 'Times New Roman';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 16px;color: #000000; } 
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below are becoming moist to wet during the heat of the day. In these areas, spring conditions are in effect; the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Dry snow may still be found on shady slopes in the alpine. At these locations, 30-50 cm of well settled snow overlies a layer of facets (sugary snow) that was buried around March 10th.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 5 cm of new snow is expected at treeline and alpine elevations on Wednesday, which will otherwise fall as rain at lower elevations. This will fall onto a hard melt-freeze crust on all aspects and elevations except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it will fall onto 10 to 30 cm of dry snow and isolated wind slabs. North slopes above 2000 m may also have a layer of sugary faceted snow buried 50 to 70 cm. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A bit of new snow is expected in the alpine on Wednesday, which will otherwise fall as rain at lower elevations. This will fall onto a hard melt-freeze crust on all aspects and elevations except for north slopes above 1800 m, where it will fall onto 10 to 30 cm of dry snow and isolated wind slabs. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dry snow may still be found on north aspects above 2000 m. At lower elevations, expect to see a supportive crust on or near the surface if there is a good overnight freeze. This crust sits above a largely moist or wet snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Spring is here it would seem!  The snowpack varies in its stability depending on a number of different factors.  Day time high, quality of freeze overnight, aspect and influx of new load from snow or rain.  In general, as temperatures warm up, stability will decrease.  These decreases will be most apparent on solar aspects where the radiation is strong.  The timing on this decrease will vary but can be affected by overnight freeze and aspect.  Poor freezes mean, avalanche danger will increase quickly with warming.  Northern aspects are still holding some dry snow at upper elevations but expect a battle up and down from there. The deep persistent weak facets will be with us until the snow is gone.  Be sure to asses this layer as you travel.  Some good corn is out there if you can get the timing right!!&nbsp; Start Early and be home early and avoid the heat of the day</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At uppermost elevations, 10-20 cm of new snow is likely sitting on a crust or wet snow. Below that, the upper snowpack is mostly moist or wet. At lower elevations precipitation is falling as rain onto an already moist or wet snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below approximately 1800 m, the recent precipitation likely fell as rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few centimeters of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and isolated wind slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below approximately 1700 m, the recent precipitation likely fell as rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of sugary faceted snow. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this layer is lower during colder periods and elevated during intense warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and is moist or wet during the heat of the day, especially under direct sun. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steep, north facing alpine terrain, still holds a cold, dry snowpack where well settled slab sits over weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The snowpack on sun-exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below is moist or wet during the heat of the day, especially under direct sun. Isolated dry snow persists on north-facing alpine terrain, with up to 20 cm loose snow over a cold, dry snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets (sugary snow). In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat (like north-alpine), human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of new snow falling Wednesday has been redistributed at upper elevations by southwesterly winds. This sits on a melt-freeze crust or wet snow depending on elevation, except for north aspects above 2000 m where it may be sitting on dry snow and/or weak feathery surface hoar. Below 1800 m the entire lower snowpack is either moist or wet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There may be up to 5 cm of new snow at upper elevations redistributed by southwesterly winds. This sits on a melt-freeze crust or wet snow depending on elevation, except for north aspects above 2000 m where it may be sitting on dry snow and/or weak feathery surface hoar. Below 1800 m the entire lower snowpack is either moist or wet.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Sun exposed slopes in the alpine and on all aspects at treeline and below have become moist to wet during the heat of the day. In these areas spring conditions are in effect; the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Dry snow may remain on north-facing slopes in the alpine. In these locations, 50-100 cm of snow sits on a layer of facets (sugary snow) that was buried around March 10th.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below have become moist to wet during the heat of the day. In these areas, spring conditions are in effect; the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Dry snow may still be found on north-facing slopes in the alpine. At these locations, 30-50 cm of well settled snow overlies a layer of facets (sugary snow) that was buried around March 10th.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 5 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on 10 to 30 cm of dry snow, surface hoar (feathery crystals) and isolated wind slabs. Below approximately 1800 m, the recent precipitation likely fell as rain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North facing slopes above 2000 m may also have a layer of sugary faceted snow buried 50 to 70 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 5 cm of new snow in the alpine sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 1800 m, where it sits on 10 to 30 cm of dry snow and isolated wind slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There may be 5-10 cm of new snow at upper elevations that has been redistributed by southwesterly winds. This sits on dry snow on north aspects above 2000 m and a crust or moist snow on all other aspects. At lower elevations, expect to see a supportive crust on or near the surface if there is a good overnight freeze. This crust sits above a largely moist or wet snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At uppermost elevations, 20-40 cm of new snow is likely sitting on a crust or wet snow. Below that, the upper snowpack is mostly moist or wet. At lower elevations precipitation is falling as rain onto an already moist or wet snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 10 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below approximately 1800 m, the recent precipitation likely fell as rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few centimeters of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and isolated wind slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below approximately 1700 m, the recent precipitation likely fell as rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of sugary faceted snow. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this layer is lower during colder periods and elevated during intense warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</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">Wet flurries and rain have sprinkled a spring snowpack. During the heat of the day and especially under direct sun, the snowpack has become moist or wet except for sheltered north-facing alpine areas. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steep, north facing alpine terrain, may still hold a cold, dry snowpack where well settled slab sits over weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Wet flurries and rain have sprinkled a spring snowpack. During the heat of the day and especially under direct sun, the snowpack has become moist or wet, on all but north-facing alpine areas where isolated dry snow persists on a cold, wind-affected snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets (sugary snow). In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat (like north-alpine), human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above around 1800 m, 10 to 20 cm of recent snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north, where the snow may overly weak faceted snow or surface hoar. The snow has been redistributed by strong southerly wind. Another 5 to 10 cm is expected to accumulate during Friday. Below 1800 m, the snowpack is wet. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above around 1900 m, 10 to 15 cm of recent snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north, where the snow may overly weak faceted snow or surface hoar. The snow has been redistributed by strong southerly wind. Another 5 cm is expected to accumulate during Friday. Below 1900 m, the snowpack is wet. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below have become moist to wet during the heat of the day. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Dry snow may remain on north-facing slopes in the alpine. In these locations, 50-100 cm of snow sits on a layer of facets (sugary snow) that was buried around March 10th.</span></p>
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.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_1681A555 { font-family: 'Times New Roman';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 16px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below have become moist to wet during the heat of the day. In these areas, spring conditions are in effect; the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Dry snow may still be found on north-facing slopes in the alpine. At these locations, 30-50 cm of well settled snow overlies a layer of facets (sugary snow) that was buried around March 10th.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on 10 to 30 cm of dry snow, surface hoar (feathery crystals) and isolated wind slabs. Below approximately 1800 m, the recent precipitation likely fell as rain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North facing slopes above 2000 m may also have a layer of sugary faceted snow buried 50 to 70 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10 cm of new snow in the alpine sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 1800 m, where it sits on 10 to 30 cm of dry snow and isolated wind slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above around 1800 m, 5 to 15 cm of recent snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north, where the snow may overly weak faceted snow or surface hoar. The snow has been redistributed by strong southerly wind. Another 5 cm is expected to accumulate during Friday. Below 1800 m, the snowpack is wet. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above around 1400 m, expect to find 40 to 50 cm of recent snow that overlies a melt-freeze crust or wet snow. This new snow may have been blown around with strong south wind, producing deeper deposits in lee terrain features. Below 1400 m, the snowpack is wet from rain and above-freezing temperature. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals). Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
.p_CC664AAA { margin: 0px 0px 12px 0px;text-align: left;text-indent: 0pt;padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } 
.s_3FE45715 { font-family: 'Arial';font-style: Normal;font-weight: normal;font-size: 13.3333333333333px;color: #000000; } 
</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and isolated wind slabs. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of sugary faceted snow. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this layer is lower during colder periods and elevated during intense warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</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">Wet flurries and rain have sprinkled a spring snowpack, and it looks like that trend will continue into the weekend. During the heat of the day and especially under direct sun, the snowpack has become moist or wet except for sheltered north-facing alpine areas. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steep, north facing alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry snowpack where a well settled slab sits over weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wet flurries and rain have sprinkled a spring snowpack and it looks like that trend will continue into the weekend. During the heat of the day and especially under direct sun, the snowpack has become moist or wet, on all but north-facing alpine areas where isolated dry snow persists on a cold, wind-affected snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets (sugary snow). In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat (like north-alpine), human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Somewhere around 10 and 30 cm of snow is expected in the region Friday night into Saturday. This snow will overly recent storm snow on high-elevation northerly aspects and a melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Below around 1800 m, the snow will fall onto a wet and well-settled snowpack. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 to 20 cm of snow is expected in the region Friday night into Saturday. The snow will fall with strong to extreme southwest wind. This snow will overly recent storm snow on high-elevation northerly aspects and a melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Below around 1900 m, the snow will fall onto a wet and well-settled snowpack. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow falling through the weekend is unlikely to bond well to the mix of old surfaces that include both crust and surface hoar. This will likely only be a problem at and above treeline. Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Previously, sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below were becoming moist to wet during the heat of the day. Dry snow may remain on north-facing slopes in the alpine. In these locations, 50-100 cm of snow sits on a layer of facets (sugary snow) that was buried around March 10th.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow falling through the weekend is unlikely to bond well to the mix of old surfaces that include both crust and surface hoar. This will likely only be a problem at and above treeline. Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Previously, sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below were becoming moist to wet during the heat of the day. Dry snow may still be found on north-facing slopes in the alpine. At these locations, 30-50 cm of well settled snow overlies a layer of facets (sugary snow) that was buried around March 10th.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on 10 to 30 cm of dry snow, surface hoar (feathery crystals) and isolated wind slabs. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North facing slopes above 2000 m may also have a layer of sugary faceted snow buried 50 to 70 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of new snow in the alpine and at treeline sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 1800 m, where it sits on 10 to 30 cm of dry snow and isolated wind slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 to 20 cm of snow is forecast for Saturday above 1500 m, which will overly a melt-freeze crust or wet snow. The snow will fall with strong south wind, producing wind slabs in lee terrain features. Below 1500 m, the snowpack is wet and rapidly melting.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Anywhere from 20 to 80 cm of snow is expected to fall Friday night into Saturday. The freezing level will hover between 1100 m and 1400 m. Above the snow-rain line, snow may accumulate quickly and it will be blown around by strong to extreme south to southwest wind. Below the snow-rain line, the snowpack will remain wet and continue to melt rapidly during the storm.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals). Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of sugary faceted snow. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this layer is lower during colder periods and elevated during intense warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</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">Wet flurries and rain have sprinkled a spring snowpack and it looks like that trend will continue into the weekend, </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/a53d279c-0d56-4c68-a3e9-8e15d0c8e8ba" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">but there is still some reasonably good riding to be found</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight re-freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is becoming isothermal.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wet flurries and rain have sprinkled a spring snowpack and it looks like that trend will continue into the weekend, </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/a53d279c-0d56-4c68-a3e9-8e15d0c8e8ba" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">but there is still some reasonably good riding to be found</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight re-freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry and wind affected snowpack where a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is becoming isothermal.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 to 30 cm of recent snow has been blown around by strong to extreme southerly wind. This snow overlies recent storm snow on high-elevation northerly aspects and a melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 cm of recent snow fell with strong southerly wind. The snow overlies recent storm snow on high-elevation northerly aspects and a melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 40 cm of storm snow now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of crust, surface hoar and facets. The crust is widespread and up to 4 cm thick. Spotty surface hoar and facets have been reported on top of the crust on high elevation north facing slopes. Strong wind generally out of the south Friday night likely formed fresh slabs that may be sensitive to human triggering this weekend.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down 40 to 100 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5 to 20 cm of storm snow now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of crust, surface hoar and facets. The crust is widespread and up to 4 cm thick. Spotty surface hoar and facets have been reported on top of the crust on high elevation north facing slopes. Light to moderate wind generally out of the south Friday night may have formed shallow storm slabs that may be sensitive to human triggering this weekend.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down 30 to 50 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in some areas. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North facing slopes above 2000 m may also have a layer of sugary faceted snow buried 50 to 70 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of new snow in the alpine and at treeline sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 1800 m, where it sits on dry snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 cm of recent snow fell above 1500 m. Another 10 cm of snow is expected on Sunday above 1700 m, with associated strong to extreme southwest wind. This will likely form new wind slabs. All this recent snow overlies a melt-freeze crust or wet snow. Below 1500 m, the snowpack is wet and rapidly melting.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Precipitation amounts have totaled 80 to 100 mm in the past three days. This has likely all fallen as snow above around 1700 m and all as rain below 1200 m. Between 1200 m and 1700 m, expect a rapid change from 0 cm to 80 cm of recent snowfall. The snow has likely been blown around by strong south wind. Below 1200 m, the snowpack is rapidly melting.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals). Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of sugary faceted snow. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this layer is lower during colder periods and elevated during intense warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</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">Wet flurries and rain have sprinkled a spring snowpack and it looks like that trend will continue Monday, </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/a53d279c-0d56-4c68-a3e9-8e15d0c8e8ba" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">but there is still some reasonably good riding to be found</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight re-freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is becoming isothermal.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wet flurries and rain have sprinkled a spring snowpack and it looks like that trend will continue into Monday, </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/a53d279c-0d56-4c68-a3e9-8e15d0c8e8ba" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">but there is still some reasonably good riding to be found</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight re-freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry and wind affected snowpack where a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is becoming isothermal.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 to 30 cm of recent snow has been blown around by strong to extreme southerly wind. This snow overlies dry, cold snow on high-elevation northerly aspects and a melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall over the weekend has been redistributed by wind at treeline elevations and above forming wind slabs at ridgetop and in lee terrain. The snow overlies recent storm snow on high-elevation northerly aspects and a melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Snow is melting rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 40 cm of storm snow now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of crust, surface hoar and facets. The crust is widespread and up to 4 cm thick. Spotty surface hoar and facets have been reported on top of the crust on high elevation north facing slopes. Moderate to strong wind generally out of the south over the weekend likely formed fresh slabs which may remain sensitive to human triggering Monday. North facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down 40 to 100 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At and below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5 to 20 cm of storm snow now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of crust, surface hoar and facets. The crust is widespread and up to 4 cm thick. Spotty surface hoar and facets have been reported on top of the crust on high elevation north facing slopes. Light to moderate wind generally out of the south over the weekend may have formed shallow storm slabs that may remain sensitive to human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down 30 to 50 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in some areas. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North facing slopes above 2000 m may also have a layer of sugary faceted snow buried 50 to 70 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of recent storm snow in the alpine and at treeline sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 1800 m, where it sits on dry snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 cm snowfall over the weekend and continuing flurries are being redistributed by southwesterly winds. Slabs have formed in lee features at upper treeline and alpine elevations. The recent snow overlies a melt-freeze crust or wet snow; below 1500 m the snowpack is wet and rapidly melting. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Spring is here it would seem! The snowpack varies in its stability depending on a number of different factors. Day time high, quality of freeze overnight, aspect and influx of new load from snow or rain. In general, as temperatures warm up, stability will decrease. These decreases will be most apparent on solar aspects where the radiation is strong. The timing on this decrease will vary but can be affected by overnight freeze and aspect. Poor freezes mean avalanche danger will increase quickly with warming. Northern aspects are still holding some dry snow at upper elevations but expect a battle up and down from there. The deep persistent weak facets will be with us until the snow is gone. Be sure to asses this layer as you travel. Some good corn is out there if you can get the timing right!! Start early and be home early and avoid the heat of the day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Precipitation amounts totaled 80 to 100 mm over the weekend. This has likely fallen as snow above around 1700 m and as rain below 1200 m, where the snowpack is rapidly melting. Between 1200 m and 1700 m, expect a rapid change from 0 cm to 80 cm of recent snowfall. The snow has likely been blown around by strong south wind.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-35 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals). Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of sugary faceted snow. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this layer is lower during colder periods and elevated during intense warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Sunday night the region picked up 10 cm of moist snow. This snow rests on a supportive crust above about 1400 m. Below 1400 m the snowpack is becoming isothermal. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight re-freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Sunday night the region picked up 5 to 10 cm of moist snow. This snow rests on a supportive crust above about 1400 m. Below 1400 m the snowpack is becoming isothermal. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight re-freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall accumulated over the weekend and continuing flurries have been moved by south and westerly winds forming slabs in the alpine and upper treeline. This covers a melt-freeze crust on most slopes, and dry, faceted snow and isolated surface hoar and on high north-facing terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect a snowpack that changes with elevation and through the day, between 1200-1800 m sun and warm temperatures are producing a moist snowpack. Below 1200 m the snow is melting rapidly.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Southwesterly winds have redistributed recent snowfall, forming slabs at ridgetop and in immediate lee terrain. This covers a melt-freeze crust on most slopes, and dry, faceted snow and isolated surface hoar and on high north-facing terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures during the day are moistening the snowpack up to 2000 m; snow is rapidly melting at lower elevations. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 40 cm of rather wet storm snow now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of crust, surface hoar and facets. The crust is widespread and up to 4 cm thick. Spotty surface hoar and facets have been reported on top of the crust on high elevation north facing slopes. Moderate to strong wind generally out of the south over the weekend likely formed fresh slabs which may remain sensitive to human triggering. North facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down 40 to 100 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5 to 20 cm of storm snow now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of crust, surface hoar and facets. The crust is widespread and up to 4 cm thick. Spotty surface hoar and facets have been reported on top of the crust on high elevation north facing slopes. Light to moderate wind generally out of the south over the weekend may have formed shallow storm slabs that may remain sensitive to human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down 30 to 50 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-35 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in some areas. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North facing slopes above 2000 m may also have a layer of sugary faceted snow buried 50 to 70 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of recent storm snow in the alpine and at treeline sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 1800 m, where it sits on dry snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-35 cm of recent storm snow that fell over the weekend sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals). Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Spring is here it would seem! The snowpack varies in its stability depending on a number of different factors. Day time high, quality of freeze overnight, aspect and influx of new load from snow or rain. In general, as temperatures warm up, stability will decrease. These decreases will be most apparent on solar aspects where the radiation is strong. Cornices could become weak and prone to failure. The timing on this decrease will vary but can be affected by overnight freeze and aspect. Poor freezes mean avalanche danger will increase quickly with warming. Northern aspects are still holding some dry snow at upper elevations but expect a battle up and down from there. The deep persistent weak facets will be with us until the snow is gone. Be sure to asses this layer as you travel. Some good corn is out there if you can get the timing right!! Start early and be home early and avoid the heat of the day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain and snow over the weekend have amalgamated with the snowpack and warm temperatures through the day are producing a moist snowpack. Below, 1200 m the snow is melting rapidly.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-35 cm of recent storm snow that fell over the weekend sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals). On northern aspects the new snow is not bonding as well and humans can trigger storm slab avalanches. On sun exposed slopes the new snow might release as loose wet avalanches. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, snow remains dry. Southwest winds developed wind slabs around ridges and exposed treeline features and into the alpine. Below 1200 m, snow is disappearing rapidly.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of sugary faceted snow. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this layer is lower during colder periods and elevated during intense warming.</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">Sunday night the region picked up 10 cm of moist snow which has turned to shmoo from daily warming. This snow rests on a supportive crust above about 1400 m. Below 1400 m the snowpack is becoming isothermal. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Sunday night the region picked up 5 to 10 cm of moist snow which turned to shmoo from the warmer temperatures during the day. This snow rests on a supportive crust above about 1400 m. Below 1400 m the snowpack is becoming isothermal. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br /></span><span class="s_3FE45715">During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where a well settled slab rests on weak sugary snow. Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 cm wind and temperature affected snow covers a melt-freeze crust on most slopes and dry, settled snow on north-facing and sheltered alpine terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect a snowpack that changes with elevation and through the day, between 1800 and 1200 m sun and warm temperatures through the day are producing a moist snowpack. Below, 1200 m the snow is melting rapidly.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm wind and temperature affected snow covers a melt-freeze crust on most slopes, and dry, faceted snow and isolated surface hoar on north-facing alpine terrain. Wind slabs have formed around ridgetops and lee alpine features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures during the day are moistening the snowpack up to 2000 m; snow is rapidly melting at lower elevations. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.</span></p>
<style type="text/css">
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New storm snow expected overnight on Tuesday will add to the 10 to 40 cm of storm snow from last weekend that now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of crust, surface hoar and facets. The crust is widespread and up to 4 cm thick. Spotty surface hoar and facets have been reported on top of the crust on high elevation north facing slopes. Moderate to strong wind generally out of the south over the weekend likely formed fresh slabs which may remain sensitive to human triggering. North facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down 40 to 100 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of storm snow now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of crust, surface hoar and facets. The crust is widespread and up to 4 cm thick. Spotty surface hoar and facets have been reported on top of the crust on high elevation north facing slopes. Light to moderate wind generally out of the south over the weekend may have formed shallow storm slabs that may remain sensitive to human triggering especially where it sits above the April 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down 30 to 50 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 to 40 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in some areas. These slopes may also have a layer of sugary faceted snow buried 60 to 80 cm. On northern aspects the new snow is not bonding as well and humans can trigger storm slab avalanches. Strong southwest winds on Monday created isolated wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. On sun exposed slopes the new snow might release as loose wet avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 to 25 cm of recent storm snow in the alpine and at treeline sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 1800 m, where it sits on dry snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-35 cm of recent storm snow that fell over the weekend sits on a melt-freeze crust on most aspects and is bonding well with the underlying layer. On north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the recent new snow sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals) it is not bonding as well and might be sensitive to triggering. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Flurries have fallen over high alpine terrain, wetter precipitation at lower elevations is keeping the snowpack moist and encouraging rapid melt below 1200 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-35 cm of recent storm snow that fell over the weekend sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals). On northern aspects the new snow is slowly bonding and humans might still trigger wind slab avalanches.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2100 m, snow remains dry. Southwest winds developed wind slabs around ridges and exposed treeline features and into the alpine. Below 1200 m, snow is disappearing rapidly.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of sugary faceted snow. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this layer is lower during colder periods and elevated during intense warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of accumulated snow from the past few days is moist and has turned to shmoo from daily warming at treeline and below. A supportive crust sits below the recent snow above 1400 m. Below 1400 m the snowpack is becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where isolated reactive wind slabs may exist and a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of accumulated snow from the past few days is moist and has turned to shmoo from daily warming at treeline and below. A supportive crust sits below the recent snow above 1400 m. Below 1400 m the snowpack is becoming</span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D"> isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15 cm wind and temperature affected snow overlies a crust on most aspects and a dry, settled snowpack on north-facing alpine terrain. In the alpine and upper treeline, wind loaded pockets up to 40 cm deep have developed around ridge crests and northerly terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect a snowpack that changes with elevation and through the day, between 1800 and 1200 m sun and warm temperatures through the day are producing a moist snowpack. Below, 1200 m the snow is melting rapidly. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm wind and temperature affected snow covers a melt-freeze crust on most slopes, and dry, faceted snow and isolated surface hoar on north-facing alpine terrain. Wind slabs have formed around upper treeline and alpine ridge crests and lee terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures during the day are moistening the snowpack up to 2000 m; snow is rapidly melting at lower elevations. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10 cm of snow fell at upper elevations on Tuesday night. This brings 20-80 cm of recent snow which sits above a weak layer buried April 4th. This layer consists of a crust, surface hoar and facets. The crust is widespread and up to 4 cm thick. Spotty surface hoar and facets have been reported on top of the crust on high elevation north facing slopes. Fresh wind slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering especially on the higher elevation northerly aspects and the new storm snow will likely be reactive once the sun shines though.&nbsp; </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging deeper, north facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down approximately 100 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal and in some places below threshold throughout much of the forecast region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of storm snow from last weekend now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of a 4 cm crust, surface hoar and facets. The recent snow has transitioned into a hard surface on most aspects and elevations with the exception of high alpine North aspects. Spotty surface hoar and facets have been reported on top of the crust on high elevation north facing slopes. Light to moderate wind generally out of the south over the weekend may have formed shallow wind slabs that may be sensitive to human triggering especially where it sits above the April 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">North facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down 30 to 50 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is i</span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">sothermal </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 to 40 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in some areas. On northern aspects the new snow is slowly bonding and humans might still trigger storm slab avalanches. Strong southwest winds on Monday created isolated wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's unsettled weather produced 15-30 cm of snow in the alpine which tapers rapidly with elevation. This snow is sitting on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for northerly slopes above 1800 m, where it sits on dry snow and possibly small surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) in isolated locations. I suspect high elevation, north facing terrain where wind slabs may be sitting on small surface hoar would currently be the most likely place to trigger a slab avalanche.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-35 cm of recent storm snow that fell over the weekend sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects, but on north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the recent new snow sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals). The recent snow is bonding well with the underlying layers. Wind slabs can still be found in immediate lee features along ridge crests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 15 cm snow and rain fell through Wednesday at upper elevations. Warm temperatures and wet precipitation are producing a moist, spring snowpack. Below 1200 m, the snowpack is rapidly disappearing. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last week’s unsettled weather produced 20-50 cm of snow that sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals). On northern aspects the new snow is slowly bonding and humans might still trigger wind slab avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-25 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze in most locations, except for northerly aspects above 2100 m. where the old snow surface remained dry and the recent snow sits on small surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) in isolated locations. Southwest winds formed wind slabs in lee features below ridgetops. The depth of the snowpack deteriorates rapidly below 1200 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Weak facets (sugary grains) remain at the bottom of the snowpack in the alpine creating a low likelihood, high consequence scenario that would likely require a large trigger to initiate an avalanche. Steep, rocky areas with a shallow or highly variable snowpack are the most likely places to trigger a very large avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 cm overnight brings 20-35 cm of recent accumulated snow since last weekend which sits above a supportive crust at treeline and in the alpine. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where isolated reactive wind slabs may exist and a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is becoming </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://An unstable airmass is mostly responsible for the continued spring-like unsettled weather conditions. Convective flurries and periods of cloud and sunshine will persist through the forecast period." target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 cm overnight brings 20-35 cm of recent accumulated snow since the last weekend which sits above a supportive crust at treeline and in the alpine. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where isolated reactive wind slabs may exist and a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm. of recent storm snow is sitting on a melt/freeze crust, except for north facing terrain above 2000 m. where the old snow surface remained dry. This recent snow has been affected by the sun and re-distributed by southerly winds, forming wind slabs on lee features below ridgetops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack structure changes with elevation and aspect. Below roughly 1900 m. the snowpack is moist and is melting rapidly at lower elevations. Check out this useful link for managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm wind and temperature affected snow covers a melt-freeze crust on most slopes, and dry, faceted snow and isolated surface hoar on north-facing alpine terrain. Wind slabs have formed around upper treeline and alpine ridge crests and lee terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures during the day are moistening the snowpack up to 2000 m; snow is rapidly melting at lower elevations. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Anywhere from 20-80 cm of recent storm snow sits above a weak layer buried April 4th. This layer consists of a 4 cm thick crust on all aspects and surface hoar/facets above the crust on northerly aspects. This layer has been reactive with the recent storm snow and fresh wind slabs will likely remain sensitive to human triggering through the weekend, especially on the higher elevation northerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging deeper, north facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down approximately 100 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal and in some places below threshold throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of storm snow from last weekend now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of a 4 cm crust, surface hoar and facets. The recent snow has transitioned into a hard surface on most aspects and elevations with the exception of high alpine North aspects. Light to moderate wind generally out of the south over the weekend may have formed&nbsp; wind slabs that may be sensitive to human triggering especially where it sits above the April 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weeks unsettled weather produced 30-50 cm of snow that sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in some areas. On northern aspects the new snow is slowly bonding and humans might still trigger wind slab avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last week's unsettled weather produced 20-35 cm of snow in the alpine which tapers rapidly with elevation. This snow is sitting on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for northerly slopes above 1800 m, where it sits on dry snow and possibly small surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) in isolated locations. High elevation, north facing terrain where wind slabs may be sitting on small surface hoar might currently be the most likely place to trigger a slab avalanche.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last week's unsettled weather produced 10-35 cm of snow that sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects, but on north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the recent new snow sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals). The recent snow is bonding well with the underlying layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack varies in its stability depending on the day time high, quality of freeze overnight, aspect and influx of new load from snow or rain. In general, as temperatures warm up, stability will decrease. These decreases will be most apparent on solar aspects where the radiation is strong. Cornices could become weak and prone to failure. The timing on this decrease will vary but can be affected by overnight freeze and aspect. Poor freezes mean avalanche danger will increase quickly with warming. Northern aspects are still holding some dry snow at upper elevations but expect a battle up and down from there. The deep persistent weak facets will be with us until the snow is gone. Be sure to asses this layer as you travel. Some good corn is out there if you can get the timing right!! Start early and be home early and avoid the heat of the day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 mm. of precipitation on Wednesday fell as moist snow at treeline and rain below which sits on a melt freeze crust. Warm temperatures and wet precipitation are producing a moist, spring snowpack. Below 1200 m, the snowpack is rapidly disappearing. With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The new snow likely falls on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the snow stayed dry. Last weeks unsettled weather produced 20-50 cm of snow which is slowly bonding on northern aspects where it might sit on surface hoar (feathery crystals) in some areas.  Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Currently, the snowpack structure changes dramatically with elevation and aspect. 5-25 cm. of recent storm snow (amounts tapering with elevation) is sitting on a melt/freeze crust, except for north facing terrain above 2100 m. where the old snow surface remained dry and small surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) may be present in isolated locations. This recent snow has been affected by the sun and re-distributed by southwesterly winds, forming wind slabs on lee features below ridgetops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Weak facets (sugary grains) remain at the bottom of the snowpack in the alpine creating a low likelihood, high consequence scenario that would likely require a large trigger to initiate an avalanche. Steep, rocky areas with a shallow or highly variable snowpack are the most likely places to trigger a very large avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Below roughly 1900 m, the snowpack is moist and is melting rapidly at lower elevations. Check out this useful link for managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 cm Thursday night brings 20-35 cm of recent accumulated snow since last weekend which sits above a supportive crust at treeline and in the alpine. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where isolated reactive wind slabs may exist and a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is becoming </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://An unstable airmass is mostly responsible for the continued spring-like unsettled weather conditions. Convective flurries and periods of cloud and sunshine will persist through the forecast period." target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-35 cm of recent snow has accumulated in the last week above a supportive crust at treeline and in the alpine. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where isolated reactive wind slabs may exist and a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, the snowpack structure changes dramatically with elevation and aspect. 15-30 cm. of recent storm snow (amounts tapering with elevation) is sitting on a melt/freeze crust, except for north facing terrain above 2000 m. where the old snow surface remained dry and small surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) may be present in isolated locations. This recent snow has been affected by the sun and re-distributed by southerly winds, forming wind slabs on lee features below ridgetops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below roughly 1900 m, the snowpack is moist and is melting rapidly at lower elevations. Check out this useful link for managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Currently, the snowpack structure changes dramatically with elevation and aspect. 10-20 cm. of recent storm snow (amounts tapering with elevation) is sitting on a melt/freeze crust, except for north facing terrain above 2000 m. where the old snow surface remained dry and small surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) may be present in isolated locations. This recent snow has been affected by the sun and re-distributed by southerly winds, forming wind slabs on lee features below ridgetops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Below roughly 1900 m, the snowpack is moist and is melting rapidly at lower elevations. Check out this useful link for managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Anywhere from 20-80 cm of recent storm snow sits above a weak layer buried April 4th. This layer consists of a 4 cm thick crust on all aspects and surface hoar/facets above the crust on northerly aspects. This layer has been reactive with the recent storm snow and fresh wind slabs will likely remain sensitive to human triggering through the weekend, especially on the higher elevation northerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging deeper, north facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down approximately 100 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal and in some places below threshold throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of storm snow from last weekend now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of a 4 cm crust, surface hoar and facets. The recent snow has transitioned into a hard surface on most aspects and elevations with the exception of high alpine North aspects. Light to moderate wind generally out of the south over the last week may have formed wind slabs that may be sensitive to human triggering especially where it sits above the April 4</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">throughout much of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The new snow likely falls on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the snow has remained dry. Last weeks unsettled weather produced 30-50 cm of snow which is slowly bonding on northern aspects where it might sit on surface hoar (feathery crystals) in some areas. Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The new snow likely falls on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the snow stayed dry. Last weeks unsettled weather produced 20-40 cm of snow which is slowly bonding on northern aspects where it might sit on surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) in isolated locations. Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The new snow likely falls on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the snow surface consists of dry snow. Last week's unsettled weather produced 10-35 cm of snow and is bonding well with the underlying layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 mm. of precipitation on Wednesday fell as moist snow at treeline and rain below which sits on a melt freeze crust. Warm temperatures and wet precipitation are producing a moist, spring snowpack. The snowpack depth decreases rapidly below 1200 m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 20 cm new snow covers a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the snow stayed dry. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On north-facing aspects in the alpine, the recent 20-50 cm snow was redistributed by wind and, in isolated locations, buried surface hoar. Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Currently, the snowpack structure changes dramatically with elevation and aspect. 5-25 cm. of recent storm snow (amounts tapering with elevation) is sitting on a melt/freeze crust, except for north facing terrain above 2100 m. where the old snow surface remained dry and small surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) may be present in isolated locations. This recent snow has been affected by the sun and re-distributed by southwesterly winds, forming wind slabs on lee features below ridgetops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Weak facets (sugary grains) remain at the bottom of the snowpack in the alpine creating a low likelihood, high consequence scenario that would likely require a large trigger to initiate an avalanche. Steep, rocky areas with a shallow or highly variable snowpack are the most likely places to trigger a very large avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Below roughly 1900 m, the snowpack is moist and is melting rapidly at lower elevations. Check out this useful link for managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 cm Thursday night brings 20-35 cm of recent accumulated snow since last weekend which sits above a supportive crust at treeline and in the alpine. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where isolated reactive wind slabs may exist and a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is becoming </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://An unstable airmass is mostly responsible for the continued spring-like unsettled weather conditions. Convective flurries and periods of cloud and sunshine will persist through the forecast period." target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-35 cm of recent snow has accumulated in the last week above a supportive crust at treeline and in the alpine. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface becomes moist or wet almost everywhere. The exception being high elevation north facing features. Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where isolated reactive wind slabs may exist and a well settled slab rests on weak facets (sugary snow). Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack is becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, the snowpack structure changes dramatically with elevation and aspect. Light amounts of new snow and extreme southeasterly winds on Saturday scoured windward surfaces and may have created fresh wind slabs much further down slopes than expected. These winds also created cornice growth. Expect these new cornices to be fragile.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below roughly 1900 m, the snowpack is moist and is melting rapidly at lower elevations. Check out this useful link for managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Currently, the snowpack structure changes dramatically with elevation and aspect. 10-20 cm. of recent storm snow (amounts tapering with elevation) is sitting on a melt/freeze crust, except for north facing terrain above 2000 m. where the old snow surface remained dry and small surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) may be present in isolated locations. This recent snow has been affected by the sun and re-distributed by southerly winds, forming wind slabs on lee features below ridgetops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Below roughly 1900 m, the snowpack is moist and is melting rapidly at lower elevations. Check out this useful link for managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region is receiving a bit of new snow, but as of Saturday afternoon amounts are less than 10 cm. As we enter into mid-April we're dealing with a classic warm snowpack. At and below treeline the snowpack is becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. We're entering a cooler period for the next few days, so a surface crust is expected to remain supportive. This supportive crust is what the new snow will come to rest on in most locations. The exception is high elevation north facing features where 20 to 80 cm of cold dry snow sits above the April 4th crust which may have some surface hoar or facets above it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging deeper, north facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down approximately 100 cm below the surface which are thought to be dormant at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region is receiving a bit of new snow, but as of Saturday afternoon amounts are less than 5 cm. As we enter into mid-April we're dealing with a classic warm snowpack. At and below treeline the snowpack is becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. We're entering a cooler period for the next few days, so a surface crust is expected to remain supportive. This supportive crust is what the new snow will come to rest on in most locations. The exception is high elevation north facing features where up to 20 cm of cold dry snow sits above the April 4th crust which may have some surface hoar or facets above it. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 20 cm new snow covers a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the snow stayed dry. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On north-facing aspects in the alpine, the recent 30-50 cm snow was redistributed by wind and, in isolated locations buried surface hoar. Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar may still be sensitive to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 10 cm fresh snow covers a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where the snow stayed dry. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Prior to Saturdays flurries, the recent 20-40 cm snow accumulated at upper elevations and was redistributed by wind and formed wind slabs. In isolated north-facing alpine terrain, recent snow fell on surface hoar. Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 15 cm new snow covers a melt-freeze crust on most aspects except for north facing slopes above 2000 m, where new snow overlies dry, settled snow. At these sheltered upper elevations, the recent 10-35 cm snow over the past week is bonding well to the underlying layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20 mm. of precipitation on Saturday fell as moist snow at treeline and rain below which sits on a melt freeze crust. Warm temperatures and wet precipitation are producing a moist, spring snowpack. The snowpack depth decreases rapidly below 1200 m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-20 cm snow accumulated above 1600 m on Sunday along with westerly winds. On most aspects this covers a melt-freeze crust; on north facing slopes in the alpine, new snow fell over the recent 20-50 cm wind-affected snow and, in isolated locations buried surface hoar. Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Currently, the snowpack structure changes dramatically with elevation and aspect. 5-10 cm of snow Saturday night and moderate southwesterly winds have created small wind slabs in lee features below ridgetops. The new snow is sitting on a melt/freeze crust, except for north facing terrain above 2100 m. where the old snow surface remained dry and small surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) may be present in isolated locations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Weak facets (sugary grains) remain at the bottom of the snowpack in the alpine creating a low likelihood, high consequence scenario that would likely require a large trigger to initiate an avalanche. Steep, rocky areas with a shallow or highly variable snowpack are the most likely places to trigger a very large avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Below roughly 1900 m, the snowpack is moist and is melting rapidly at lower elevations. Check out this useful link for managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Fernie Factor really kicked in late Saturday into early Sunday. The region picked up about 30 cm of snow (and 53 mm of water). This snow sits above a widespread supportive crust. Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where fresh storm slabs are thought to be widespread. Steep north facing terrain is also harboring a deeply buried layer of facets. Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">It looks like it is going to warm up this week and all the new snow will likely produce a widespread and powerful loose wet cycle. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface will become moist or wet almost everywhere (except for high elevation north) and loose wet avalanches could run far.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack has melted or is </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://An unstable airmass is mostly responsible for the continued spring-like unsettled weather conditions. Convective flurries and periods of cloud and sunshine will persist through the forecast period." target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Saturday Night storm delivered 10 to 20 cm of snow which makes for 20 to 40 cm of new snow in the last week. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">This snow sits above a widespread supportive crust. Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where fresh storm slabs are thought to be widespread. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Steep north facing terrain is also harboring a deeply buried layer of facets. Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">It looks like it is going to warm up this week and all the new snow will likely produce a widespread and powerful loose wet cycle. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface will become moist or wet almost everywhere (except for high elevation north) and loose wet avalanches could run far.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack has melted or is </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, the snowpack structure changes dramatically with elevation and aspect. Light amounts of new snow and extreme southeasterly winds on Saturday scoured windward surfaces and may have created fresh wind slabs much further down slopes than expected. These winds also created cornice growth. Expect these new cornices to be fragile.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below roughly 1900 m, the snowpack is moist and is melting rapidly at lower elevations. Check out this useful link for managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Currently, the snowpack structure changes dramatically with elevation and aspect. 10-20 cm. of recent storm snow (amounts tapering with elevation) is sitting on a melt/freeze crust, except for north facing terrain above 2000 m. where the old snow surface remained dry and small surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) may be present in isolated locations. This recent snow has been affected by the sun and re-distributed by southerly winds, forming wind slabs on lee features below ridgetops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Below roughly 1900 m, the snowpack is moist and is melting rapidly at lower elevations. Check out this useful link for managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/pages/static-page/spring-conditions" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">HERE.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region received 5 to 20 cm of snow Saturday into Saturday night. There is now about 20 cm of dry snow on high elevation north facing slopes and a 5 to 10 cm melt freeze crust on all other aspects. As we enter into mid-April we're dealing with a classic warm snowpack. At and below treeline the snowpack is becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. We're tracking the April 4th crust which is down 20 to 80 cm below the surface on high elevation north facing slopes. Surface hoar and facets have been observed on this crust and it continues to produce sudden planar results in snowpack tests. We have not heard of any activity on this interface recently, but this week's cycle of storms have potential to activate it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging deeper, north facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down approximately 100 cm below the surface which are thought to be dormant at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region received 5 to 10 cm of snow Saturday into Saturday night. There is now about 10 cm of dry snow on high elevation north facing slopes and a thick melt freeze crust on all other aspects. As we enter into mid-April we're dealing with a classic warm snowpack. At and below treeline the snowpack is becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. We're tracking the April 4th crust which is down 15 to 30 cm below the surface on high elevation north facing slopes. Surface hoar and facets have been observed on this crust and it continues to produce sudden planar results in snowpack tests. We have not heard of any activity on this interface recently, but this week's cycle of storms have potential to activate it. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 20 cm snow accumulated above 1600 m Sunday, westerly winds are redistributing fresh snow. On most aspects this covered a melt-freeze crust; on north facing slopes in the alpine, new snow fell over the recent 25-60 cm wind-affected snow and, in isolated locations buried surface hoar. Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 15 cm snow accumulated above 1200 m Sunday along with westerly winds. On most aspects this covered a melt-freeze crust; on north facing slopes in the alpine, new snow fell over the recent 20-50 cm wind-affected snow and surface hoar in isolated locations. Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 15 cm new snow accumulated into Sunday, westerly wind are redistributing snow at upper treeline and higher. The new snow adds to last weeks snowfall totalling 15-30 cm over a crust on most aspects. On high alpine polar aspects, the underlying snowpack is settled and dry.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20 mm. of precipitation on Saturday fell as moist snow at treeline and rain below which sits on a melt freeze crust. Warm temperatures and wet precipitation are producing a moist, spring snowpack. The snowpack depth decreases rapidly below 1200 m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30 cm fell around the region since Saturday, south and westerly winds have produced isolated pockets of windslab around ridge crest and lee features. The new snow accumulated over a melt freeze crust on most aspects. On north-facing terrain above 2000 m, the new snow accumulated over another 20-30 cm wind-affected snow from early April, in isolated areas surface hoar may now be buried 50-65 cm. Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers. Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sun and rising freezing levels are warming the snowpack and settling new snow, the likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase as heat penetrates into the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 cm of recent snow has remained dry in northerly alpine terrain and may overly isolated pockets of weak surface hoar crystals. All other aspects and elevation bands will have either wet surface snow or a melt-freeze crust due to an increasing freezing level and heat from the sun. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Weak and sugary faceted grains remain at the bottom of the snowpack in the alpine. This layer creates a low likelihood but high consequence scenario. Steep, rocky areas with a shallow snowpack are the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Saturday Night storm delivered 10 to 20 cm of snow which makes for 20 to 40 cm of new snow in the last week. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">This snow sits above a widespread supportive crust. Steep, north facing, alpine terrain may still hold a cold, dry, snowpack where fresh storm slabs are thought to be widespread. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Steep north facing terrain is also harboring a deeply buried layer of facets. Although unlikely, human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible, especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">It looks like it is going to warm up this week and all the new snow will likely produce a widespread and powerful loose wet cycle. During the heat of the day, especially under direct sun, the snow surface will become moist or wet almost everywhere (except for high elevation north) and loose wet avalanches could run far.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline the snowpack has melted or is </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encylopedia/#isothermal" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30 cm of recent snowfall was blown around by strong southerly wind, forming wind slabs in lee terrain features. This recent snow should remain dry on northerly aspects in the alpine but will otherwise moisten with an increasing freezing level and periods of sun. The snowpack is rapidly melting below 1800 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 15 cm of recent snow fell with strong westerly wind, forming wind slabs in lee terrain features at alpine elevations. This snow may overly weak and feathery surface hoar in isolated areas. Heat from the sun and an increasing freezing level will likely moisten alpine snow on southerly aspects. Below around 1800 m, the snowpack is consolidated and rapidly melting.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region received 5 to 20 cm of snow Saturday into Saturday night. There is now about 20 cm of dry snow on high elevation north facing slopes and a 5 to 10 cm melt freeze crust on all other aspects. As we enter into mid-April we're dealing with a classic warm snowpack. At and below treeline the snowpack is becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. We're tracking the April 4th crust which is down 20 to 80 cm below the surface on high elevation north facing slopes. Surface hoar and facets have been observed on this crust and it continues to produce sudden planar results in snowpack tests. We have not heard of any activity on this interface recently, but this week's cycle of storms have potential to activate it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging deeper, north facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down approximately 100 cm below the surface which are thought to be dormant at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region received 5 to 10 cm of snow Saturday into Saturday night. There is now about 10 cm of dry snow on high elevation north facing slopes and a thick melt freeze crust on all other aspects. As we enter into mid-April we're dealing with a classic warm snowpack. At and below treeline the snowpack is becoming </span><a href="https://avalanche.org/avalanche-encyclopedia/isothermal/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">isothermal</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. We're tracking the April 4th crust which is down 15 to 30 cm below the surface on high elevation north facing slopes. Surface hoar and facets have been observed on this crust and it continues to produce sudden planar results in snowpack tests. We have not heard of any activity on this interface recently, but this week's cycle of storms have potential to activate it. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-40 cm fell around the region since Saturday, in the alpine new snow has been redistributed by wind in exposed areas. The new snow accumulated over a melt freeze crust on most aspects. On north-facing terrain above 2000 m, the new snow accumulated over another 20-30 cm wind-affected snow from early April, in isolated areas surface hoar may now be buried 30-65 cm. Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers. Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sun and rising freezing levels are warming the snowpack and settling new snow, the likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase as heat penetrates into the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-40 cm fell around the region since Saturday, in the alpine new snow has been redistributed by wind in exposed areas. The new snow accumulated over a melt freeze crust on most aspects. On north-facing terrain above 2000 m, the new snow accumulated over another 20-30 cm wind-affected snow from early April, in isolated areas surface hoar may now be buried 30-65 cm. Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers. Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sun and rising freezing levels are warming the snowpack and settling new snow, the likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase as heat penetrates into the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-40 cm fell around the region since Saturday with flurries continuing through Monday. The new snow accumulated over a melt freeze crust on most aspects. On north-facing terrain above 2000 m, the new snow accumulated over another 15-30 cm wind-affected snow from early April. The snowpack is well settled below and snow is disappearing rapidly below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sun and rising freezing levels are warming the snowpack and settling new snow, the likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase as heat penetrates into the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30 cm of recent snowfall has likely been blown around by southerly wind, which overlies a melt-freeze crust. This recent snow should remain dry above 1500 m on northerly aspects but will otherwise moisten with an increasing freezing level and sunny periods. The snowpack is rapidly melting below 1200 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Bow Peak Hwy93 N @2400m HS 95. CTHRP results on Nov6 CR prominent 20cm off of ground.  5cm HN24 in most locations being redistributed mainly from SW winds forming thin wind slabs on lee aspects at ridgetop. Facetting of snowpack winning in many areas</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_91E506DB"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard test results were found at treeline on facets sandwiched between the two crusts in the icefields area. The crusts are deteriorating in this area.  Windslabs continue as the main concern. Winds had shifted to more Southerly flows by late afternoon.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 20 cm of wet, dense snow is forming a storm slab sitting on a suncrust of steep solar slopes and surface hoar elsewhere. The surface hoar layer was largest at treeline, and were mixed with large stellar crystals. The Nov 6 crust is facetting and in recent tests it takes a hard force but gives sudden planar or sudden collapse results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">&lt; 5cm of new snow over the course of the day accompanied with light wind have generated soft wind-slabs at high elevations. Likely, these wind-slabs are not more than 20cm thick. Furthermore, the Nov 6 crust remains a concern, down 80cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_91E506DB"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard test results were found at treeline on facets sandwiched between the two crusts in the icefields area. The crusts are deteriorating in this area.  Windslabs near ridgetops continue as the main concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A new storm slab is forming; 40cm of storm snow fell in the last 3 days. Moderate-strong S'ly winds will have formed windslabs and fat pockets on lee slopes. This overlies the Nov28 layer which will be most reactive where surface hoar was buried; sheltered areas at treeline. The Nov 6 crust is facetting and may become reactive with increasing load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-40 cm of accumulated storm snow over the last 5 days in addition to moderate SW winds have created soft slabs in many lee alpine locations. These slabs are reactive to skier triggering. The November 6 raincrust is down 80 cm and remains a concern.</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_91E506DB"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard test results were found in the alpine underneath a windslab and both above and below the midpack crust in the Bald hills area near Maligne lake. Treeline has experienced some moderate wind transport although previous windslabs have bonded well.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A 60cm storm slab is becoming increasingly cohesive. This overlies the Nov28 layer which will be most reactive where it overlies a suncrust on S slopes or where surface hoar was buried; sheltered areas at treeline. Moderate-strong S'ly winds have formed soft slabs and loaded lee slopes. The Nov 6 crust may become reactive with increasing load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_91E506DB"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate Southwest winds this afternoon are redistributing recent storm snow to lee aspects. This may provide the load to cause natural avalanches on the midpack facet layers around the November 01 crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A 70cm storm slab from a layer buried Nov. 28 is becoming increasingly cohesive due to moderate to strong winds. The Nov 6 crust may become reactive with increasing load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little to no snow below 1500m. At 1800m there is approx 60 cm which does not allow travel off of summer trails. A rain crust buried Nov 30 persists to 1950m. At 2000m we have found over 150cm in sheltered areas with crusts found only at the bottom.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the past 8 days we've received up to 66 cm (Sunshine region), less East of the divide.&nbsp; We've been hammered by very strong SSW winds leaving widespread soft and hard surface slabs in it's wake, particularly on the E. side of the divide. The Nov crust in the bottom third of the snowpack remains concern, especially after the recent load of snow.</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_91E506DB"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Twenty cms of new snow overnight. Moderate Southwest winds at ridgetop this afternoon are redistributing recent storm snow to lee aspects. This may provide the load to cause natural avalanches on the midpack facet layers around the November 01 crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A 60cm storm slab is becoming increasingly cohesive.Nov28 layer which will be most reactive where it overlies a crust on S slopes or where surface hoar was buried; sheltered areas at treeline. The Nov 6 crust may become reactive with increasing load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong SW winds from Tues/Wed. produced wind slabs in exposed alp. and treeline locations. Sunshine backcountry has received approx. 60cm since Dec.1 with lesser amounts in the Lake Louise area. The Nov.6 crust is approximately 20cm above the ground up to approx. 2600m.  Forecasters on Ferris Glacier (Crowfoot Peak) found 130-180cm on the ice.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_91E506DB"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light to moderate variable winds at ridgetop are redistributing recent storm snow onto a variety of lee aspects. Watch for pockets of specific terrain features that may have developed into a slab condition.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A 60cm storm slab is becoming increasingly cohesive due to recent strong winds. Nov28 layer which will be most reactive where it overlies a crust on S slopes or where surface hoar was buried in sheltered areas at treeline. The Nov 6 crust may become reactive with increasing load or may be triggered by another avalanche, creating a larger avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little to no snow below 1500m. At 1800m there is approx 80 cm with several buried crusts. This does not allow easy travel off of summer trails.  At 2000m there is over 150 cm with crusts found only at the bottom of the snowpack. There is a high degree of variability in snowpack depth due to recent strong W and SW winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some wind slabs in open areas at and above treeline. Lower snowpack is well settled with some shears that are producing moderate resistant planar results. Major concerns are stubborn to touchy windslabs on north and east aspects with avalanche potential to size 2 and deep persistent slabs stubborn, isolated to size three failing on November crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_91E506DB"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light and variable winds have had little influence on recent storm snow. The skiing is good but snow depths on lee features is now well above minimum thresholds values and several large slides have been observed in the past week. These avalanches have occurred on serious terrain but serve as a reminder to consider consequences before jumping in. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A 60cm storm slab is gaining strength.  Buried WSL exists in some areas. Nov28 layer which will be most reactive where it overlies a crust on steep SW-W slopes in the alpine or where surface hoar was buried. The Nov 6 crust may become reactive with increasing load in areas where it is breaking down with mixed forms and facets present around crusts.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally a well settled snowpack with some resistant planar shears related to the recent storm snow in the upper 40 cm. The Nov. Rain crust is approximately 30- 40 cm off the ground and is showing variable results. Good coverage and strength for early December.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_91E506DB"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light and variable winds continue to have little influence on recent 10-20cm storm snow.  Snowpit at Parkers Slabs was 190cm thick, a well settled midpack, and no basal facets. Surface snow remains available for wind transport. That wind may arrive starting Sunday during the day causing the danger rating to increase as a result on Sunday or Monday.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cooler temperatures over the last 3 days have deposited a layer of light powder. Nov28 layer down 70 cm will be most reactive where it overlies a crust on steep S-SW slopes in the alpine or where surface hoar was buried; sheltered areas at treeline. The Nov 6 crust down ~150 cm is breaking down with mixed forms and facets present around Crs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is surprisingly well settled for early December. Expect to find approx 15cm of low density snow sitting on top of of a well settled mid-pack, all of which is sitting on top of the Nov 6 crust 20-40cm above the ground. Snowpack tests today showed irregular results in the hard range on the Nov 6 crust in our Bow Summit study plot.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_91E506DB"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate gusting strong swirling alpine winds are transporting the available 20cm or more of surface snow. Expect variable loading patterns with local terrain influences. Saturday's snow pit above Parkers Slabs was 190cm thick on a well settled mid pack. Whatever was on the surface is likely getting redeposited. Still overall variable snow depths.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Settling HST over a well settled mid pack at treeline. Nov 6 Cr is down 130 to 170cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs of varying thickness have been developing on NE through SE aspects due to the moderate to strong wind. These wind slabs sit over top of a well settled mid pack and the Nov 6 rain crust. The Nov 6th crusts lies approximately 30cm from the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_91E506DB"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A wind event on Sunday brought moderate to strong NW winds. These winds moved a significant amount of snow and created a stiff surface slab condition. Expect variable wind loading patterns as directions vary with local terrain influences. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Lower density snow in the upper 30 to 45cm. This overlies a well settled mid pack. The Nov 6 Cr is down approx. 150cm. Mixed forms sz 1.0 were observed above the crust. Profile below Asulkan Hut, 1990m, W asp, 43deg, HS 185cm CTM (PC) down 25cm on df 2.0, DTH (B) down 150cm on mx 1.5 (nov 6 cr)</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5cm snow overnight sits on wind slabs formed from strong NW winds Sunday.  Below this a well settled snowpack with no significant shears was found today near Summit Lake.  Snowpack depth at 2000m averages 150cm but there is significant variability in depth due to previously wind transported snow. Snowpack depth tapers off significantly below 1900m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs of varying thickness have been developing due to moderate / strong winds. With the moderate temperatures, these wind slabs are settling over top of a well settled mid pack and the Nov 6 rain crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate to strong winds have continued, shifting from the NW to the SW.  Wind slab can be found on most lee slopes extending from the Alpine well into tree line elevations.  Expect variable wind loading patterns as directions vary with local terrain influences.  Cornices are well developed. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20cm of new moderate density snow over yesterdays very light upper 30cm. This sits on 60cm of settling snow from the past week. The Nov 6 Cr varies in depth from 140 to 200cm. Profile yesterday on Mt Fidelity, 1900m, 35deg, N asp, HS 220cm, CTE (SC) down 16 on PP 3.0, CTE (RP) and RB4 (WB) down 27 on PP 2-3, CTM-H (SP) down 68 on DF 1.0. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable surface wind slabs have been found in immediate lee ridge features, as well as open terrain above 2800m. In sheltered locations, very good skiing can be found from 2500m to as low as 1750m. Lower than that and things get a bit thin. A well-settled mid-pack sits atop the Nov 6 rain crust. The crust was observed to be breaking down in Yoho.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slab can be found on most lee slopes extending from the Alpine well into tree line elevations.  Expect variable wind loading patterns as directions vary with local terrain influences.  Cornices are well developed. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storm snow has developed into a wind slab in the alpine, and rests on a well settled mid-pack.  The Nov. 28 crust-surface hoar layer, and the Nov. 6 crust can both be found in profiles, but are not very reactive in tests. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable surface wind slabs have been found in immediate lee ridge features, as well as open terrain above 2800m. In sheltered locations, very good skiing can be found from 2500m to as low as 1750m. Lower than that and things get a bit thin . A well-settled mid-pack sits atop the Nov 6 rain crust, which is starting to break down in some locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is great variation in depth and location of the wind slabs that continues to build and harden from continued moderate to strong SW winds.  Theses slabs have bonded well.  In windswept areas in the alpine and at tree line, the November rain crust has been exposed along with dirt and rocks.  Cornices are well developed. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storm snow has developed into a wind slab in the alpine, and rests on a well settled mid-pack.  The Nov. 28 and Nov. 16 crust-surface hoar layers, and the Nov. 6 crust can all be found in profiles, but are not very reactive in tests.  There is substantial variation in snow depth depending on elevation and aspect.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thin and spotty surface slabs forming with moderate SW winds now cover the widespread slabs developed with the strong west winds over the last week. Four crusts are found in the shallow snowpack below 1900m (1m-)  however above this, the snowpack seems quite uniform and depth increases quickly (150cm+) with only a moist basal melt freeze layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable surface wind slabs have been found in immediate lee ridge features, as well as open terrain above 2800m. In sheltered locations, very good skiing can be found from 2500m to as low as 1750m. Lower than that and things get a bit thin . A well-settled mid-pack sits atop the Nov 6 rain crust, which is starting to break down in some locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is great variation in depth and location of the wind slabs. They continue to build and harden from gusting moderate to strong SW winds. These slabs appear to have bonded well.  In windswept areas in the alpine and at tree line, the November rain crust has been exposed along with dirt and rocks.  Cornices are well developed. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storm snow has fallen on a buried wind slab in the alpine, which rests on a well settled mid-pack.? The Nov. 28 and Nov. 16 crust-surface hoar layers, and the Nov. 6 crust can all be found in profiles, but are not very reactive in tests.? There is substantial variation in snow depth depending on elevation and aspect.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temps facetting the snowpack, especially in thinner areas. In thicker snowpack areas there is generally a well settled midpack with the Nov. 6 crust lying 20-30cm above the ground up to 2700m. This has been observed to be breaking down as time goes on, facetting in thinner snowpack areas. Thin windslabs from previous NW winds in exposed areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is great variation in depth and location of the wind slabs. They continue to build and harden from gusting moderate to strong SW winds.?These slabs appear to have bonded well.? In windswept areas in the alpine and at tree line, the November rain crust has been exposed along with dirt and rocks.? Cornices are well developed. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack tests were conducted yesterday on N and SW aspects in the alpine. ~50cm of loose storm snow overlies a well settled snowpack. Tests found that the interface beneath the storm snow failed in with &quot;easy to moderate&quot; force but was resistant to move (RP). A surface hoar layer down 80cm and a crust down 1.5m would be hard to trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Mod-Strong winds over the last 24 hrs have produced some thin fragile hard slabs on immediate lee terrain at and above treeline. Elsewhere the snowpack is weakening with facetting predominating, but there is still good midpack support. The Nov. Crust is giving inconsistent results as it is faceting.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is great variation in depth and location of the wind slabs. These slabs appear to have bonded well to the old snow surface, with no new avalanches observed in the last week. Cornices are well developed. The raincrust laminate down in the lower 1/3 of snowpack is deteriorating into a facetted layer and did not respond to field tests.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the alpine and at treeline 40-50cm of loose storm snow overlies a well settled snowpack. Tests show that the interface beneath the storm snow may be triggerable by a skier but is resistant to move (RP). The Nov28 surface hoar down 80cm is hard to find and where it exists is breaking down. The early Nov crust down 1.5m would be hard to trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">5 to 10 cm new snow.  At and above treeline, Moderate West winds creating 20-30 cm soft slabs that sit on more widespread hardslabs. S and W slopes are predominantly scoured with crossloaded features. Below 1900m the snowpack is dominated by 4 crust layers. Above 2000m only the basal Nov 6 crust exists as a moist layer of melt freeze crystals.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A couple cm's of fluff overlies a well settled snowpack. In the ALP, old windslabs exist and are visible as 'rippled' snow on the surface. These may be reactive to human triggering. The Nov. 6th crust is facetting out, and is now more of a facet layer than a crust in many places. This layer is giving hard to no results in compression tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> There is a variety of hard slabs and soft slabs on exposed ridge features and cross loaded gullies in the alpine and tree line.  A breakable 10cm wind slab does not propagate and is bonding well to the old snow surface. Below tree line, there is 10cm + of fresh snow over a supportive mid pack above 1900 meters in sheltered glades. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and above, thin soft windslabs have formed on wind exposed features. Elsewhere, 40cm of loose storm snow overlies a well settled snowpack. The Nov28 surface hoar down 80cm and is found in some locations.  The early Nov crust is widespread and down 1.5m. Tests on these layers indicate they would be hard to trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few cm's of new snow overlies a slowly facetting snowpack. In the alpine, old windslabs exist and are visible as 'rippled' snow on the surface. These may be reactive to human triggering. The Nov. 6th crust is facetting out, and is now more of a facet layer than a crust in many places. This layer is giving hard to no results in compression tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack in the alpine and treeline is supportive, but new snow is needed soon to maintain this strength. Other snow observations in the alpine around the Columbia icefields  indicates hard slabs and soft slabs of various thickness, but no propagation apparent with skier traffic.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and above, soft windslabs have formed due to 50k winds at ridgelines. Elsewhere, 40cm of loose storm snow overlies a well settled snowpack. The Nov28 surface hoar down 80cm and is found in some locations.? The early Nov crust is widespread and down 1.5m. Tests on these layers indicate they would be hard to trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-15 cms of new snow overlies a well settled midpack. At ridgetop elevations, moderate S/SW winds are forming thin soft slabs in the immediate lee on N through E. The Nov. 6th crust is facetting out, and is now more of a facet layer than a crust in many places. This layer is giving hard to no results in compression tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Windslabs in the alpine are the primary avalanche concern. These are more likely to be encountered in the Columbia Icefields area where the strongest winds have been observed. In the Marmot Pass area on December 18th, surface slabs  failed with a moderate shear near treeline elevations. The mid snowpack remains supportive for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and above, soft windslabs have formed due to 30-50k winds at ridgelines. Elsewhere, 40cm of loose storm snow overlies a well settled snowpack. The Nov28 surface hoar is down about 80cm but only in some locations. The early Nov crust is widespread and down about 1.5m. Tests on these layers indicate they would be hard to trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-20 cms of new snow overlies a well settled midpack. At ridgetop elevations, moderate to strong S/SW winds are forming 15-30 cm soft slabs in the immediate lee on N through E aspects. The Nov. 6th crust is facetting out, and is now more of a facet layer than a crust in many places. This layer is giving hard to no results in compression tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Windslabs in the alpine are the primary avalanche concern. These are more likely to be encountered in the Columbia Icefields area where the strongest winds have been observed. In the Marmot Pass area on December 18th, surface slabs  failed with a moderate shear near treeline elevations. The mid snowpack remains supportive for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and above, soft windslabs have formed due to 30-50k winds at ridgelines. Elsewhere, 40cm of loose storm snow overlies a well settled snowpack. The Nov28 surface hoar is down about 80cm but only in some locations. The early Nov crust is widespread and down about 1.5m. Tests on these layers indicate they would be hard to trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Windslabs at ridge crests and in the alpine with recent SW winds.  25-30cm of storm snow bonding well to previous surfaces.  The Nov 29/Dec 3 crust down 60 to 70cm is producing broken shears in facets below the crust.  This crust disappears above 2000m.  Snowpack depth at treeline is 170cm but varies widely due to previous strong winds</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New wind slabs 20-50cm thick (4finger-1finger stiffness) on wind exposed treeline and alpine lee slopes formed by SW winds in last 48 hours. Mainly sitting on a thin layer of facets but isolated in nature. Well settled midpack in thicker snowpack areas, Nov 6 crust facetting in thinner areas.  Low density powder below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 10 cm of new snow in the Icefields area has buried recently formed wind slab on NE aspects, tree line and above. The mid snowpack remains supportive however it is quickly loosing strength in shallow snowpacks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow in the last 24hrs has been denser, creating slightly &quot;upside down&quot; conditions. Periods of strong SW winds yesterday formed soft windslabs in immediate lees. The Nov28 surface hoar is down about 80cm where it exists. The early Nov crust is widespread and down about 1.5m. Tests on these layers indicate they would be hard to trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A field trip to Yoho  found soft wind slabs (4 finger) near ridge crests 20cm thick.  These were buried by 10cm of low density powder. Reports of stiffer wind slabs in wind exposed terrain. Low density powder in sheltered features. Thicker snowpack areas have mainly well settled midpack. The Nov.6 crust is mainly now a facet layer in thinner areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thursday's 10 cm of new snow in the Icefields area has buried previous wind slabs on NE aspects, tree line and above. The mid-pack remains supportive however it is quickly loosing strength in shallow locations. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">SW winds overnight on Thursday formed thin windslabs on lee features above treeline. Recent storm snow has settled to ~40cm sitting on well settled snow. The Nov28 surface hoar is down about 80cm where it exists, and the early Nov crust is widespread and down about 1.5m. Tests on these layers indicate they would be hard to trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10 to 20cm of low density snow has fallen over the forecast region. Little wind accompanied the storm. This new snow has improved ski quality but has buried wind slabs that were formed by strong wind in the last few days. Use caution in areas that have seen previous wind affect.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20cm of snow Thursday's to Sunday in the Icefields area has buried previous wind slabs, tree line and above. The mid-pack remains generally supportive however it appears to be loosing strength particularly in shallow locations. An amazingly good snow pack for the Rockies in December. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Very soft slabs exist on lee and crossloaded  features at treeline and above. 10cm of new snow overnight sits on 35cm of settled storm snow over well settled snow. The Nov28 surface hoar is down about 80cm where it exists, and the early Nov crust is widespread and down about 1.5m. Tests on these layers indicate they would be hard to trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At tree line 80cm of snow has fallen in the past 3 days with cool temperatures and light W winds.  This snow is bonding well but is a significant load on any weaknesses in the snowpack.  Buried wind slabs, and several early season crusts (mainly below 2000m) are under all this new snow and should still be considered as potential sliding layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thursday's 10 cm and another 8cm on Sunday has buried previous wind slabs at tree line and above. The mid-pack remains supportive however expect it to be loosing strength in shallow locations as facetting process continues. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Low density snow in upper 15cm. Well settled mid-pack. The November 6 crust is down around 130cm. A profile on Mt Abbott, 2085m, NE aspect,  gave a moderate test  results down 22cm and a hard result down 52cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approx 80 cm of recent storm snow at tree line which is bonding well to previous surfaces and producing Mod to Hard resistant shears.  Light wind effect near ridge crests forming isolated soft slabs.  No other major concerns in the snowpack although several crusts exist low down in the snowpack and are faceting out in thin areas.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A storm on December 23 dropped between 15 to 30 cm of low density snow over the forecast region. Generally very little wind effect in storm snow, but some soft slabs have developed near ridge tops. The Nov. rain crust is breaking down but still identifiable in the bottom third of the pack. This layer is producing hard to no shears.</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">Thursday's 10 cm and another 8cm on Saturday has buried previous wind slabs at tree line and above. The mid-pack remains supportive however expect it to be loosing strength in shallow locations as the facetting process continues. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is generally strong and well settled, except for isolated pockets of wind slab in the alpine and treeline.&nbsp; While these weaknesses are stubborn to release in tests, a large trigger such as a cornice drop has the potential to trigger these slabs.&nbsp; Weaknesses deeper in the snowpack are largely dormant right now.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A storm on December 23 dropped between 15 to 30 cm of low density snow over the forecast region. There is wind effect in the storm snow at upper elevations and isolated wind slabs have developed near ridge tops. The November rain crust is breaking down but still identifiable in the bottom third of the pack. This layer is producing hard to no shears</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">Facetting has weakened the snowpack in shallow areas.  The snowpack remains strong where the depth is greater than 1 m.  A variable soft slab on open slopes tree line that and up is degrading ski quality.  Thicker hard slab immediately below ridge lines in the alpine on NW aspects has been buried by recent snowfalls.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> The snowpack remains strong.  Some wind slab has been noted on wind exposed slopes, but this problem is fairly isolated. Surface hoar and surface faceting has been observed from 2000 meters to the valley floor, and is best developed between1700-1800 meters.  Some sluffing of surface snow has also been noted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A storm on December 23 dropped between 15 to 30 cm of low density snow over the forecast region. There is wind effect in the storm snow at upper elevations and isolated wind slabs have developed near ridge tops. The November rain crust is breaking down but still identifiable in the bottom third of the pack. This layer is producing hard to no shears</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">Moderate to strong SW winds continue to build slab conditions on open tree line slopes and along ridge lines in the alpine.  The mid-pack is facetting but remains strong where it is deeper than a meter.  In shallow areas, facetting has weakened it significantly.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light snow flurries have covered a thin layer of surface hoar, which is best developed between 1700 - 1900 meters.  Isolated pockets of wind slab may also have been covered. These persist on wind exposed slopes, and lee slopes near ridge crests.  The mid-pack remains strong.  Sluffing of surface snow can be expected in steep terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs and cross loading at tree line and in the alpine is beginning to develop with increasing W winds and lots of recent snow available for wind transport.  In thick snowpack areas there are no other major concerns.  In thin snow pack areas new snow or wind slabs may be hiding a weak facetted base.  Caution should be used in these locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Profile at 2140m in Kootenay found HS 140-150 with no compression results. 30cm low density on settled midpack in that area. The basal Nov.6 crust W of divide less visible and is bonded very well.  On thin areas E of the divide the crust is facetting and weakening. Windslabs 20-40cm thick to 1 finger stiffness found on lees of ridges in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate to strong SW winds have created slab conditions on open tree line slopes and along ridge lines in the alpine.  The mid-pack is facetting but remains strong where it is deeper than a meter.  In shallow areas, facetting has weakened it significantly.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light new snow covers a layer of surface hoar down 10 - 15 cm.  Surface hoar was observed between 1400 - 1900 meters, largest in areas sheltered from the wind. Isolated pockets of wind slab may also have been covered. These persist on wind exposed slopes, and lee slopes near ridge crests. The mid-pack remains strong and well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs in alpine ridgetop features  stubborn to unreactive 20-40cm thick from field reports and local ski hill operations..  W of divide well settled snowpack in deeper locations with basal Nov6 crust well bonded.  Front ranges E of divide mainly facetted snowpack, with the Nov6 basal crust being mainly facetted.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Yesterday's moderate to strong SW winds built slab conditions on open tree line slopes and along ridge lines in the alpine. Winds have tapered off as a stable airmass moves in. The mid-pack is facetting in shallower areas,  but remains strong around treeline.&nbsp; Northwest winds may redistribute some snow onto Southeast aspects near ridge tops.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Low density snow in upper 20cm of snowpack. The Dec 25 surface hoar layer, more prominent between 1500m-2000m, is down 15cm. Well settled mid-pack. The November 6 crust is down between 130-160cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-40cm thick wind slabs exist in high alpine features and are stubborn to unreactive from field reports.  W of the divide, a well settled snowpack exists in deeper locations with the basal Nov 6 crust well bonded.  In the front ranges E of the divide, a mainly facetted snowpack exists with the Nov 6 basal crust being mainly facetted.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack is faceting and losing strength in shallow areas. Midpack is still generally supportive above treeline, with wind slabs in lee features at upper elevations. New surface hoar is being observed on the surface and is quite widespread below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> A profile yesterday on Mt Macdonald West Shoulder, 2185m, 38 degree slope, West aspect showed a height of snow of 200cm. Low density snow in top 20cm. The November 6 crust is down 160cm. Moderate to hard, sudden planar, test result down 42cm on decomposing forms. The Dec 25 surface hoar layer is down 15cm, more prominent between 1500m-2000m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-40cm thick wind slabs exist in high alpine features and are stubborn to unreactive from field reports. W of the divide, a well settled snowpack exists in deeper locations with the basal Nov 6 crust well bonded. In the front ranges E of the divide, a facetted snowpack exists with the Nov 6 basal crust being mainly facetted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack is faceting and losing strength in shallow areas. Midpack is still generally supportive above treeline, with wind slabs in lee features at upper elevations. New surface hoar is being observed on the surface and is quite widespread. Moderate Northerly winds at ridgetop elevation may be causing some reverse loading in exposed terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New surface hoar is growing. 15cm of light snow buried a small surface hoar layer on Dec 25. This layer formed on unconsolidated snow between 1500-2000m. Tests on a W aspect at 2180m found planar results down 40cm on top of well settled snow. The Nov. crust is down 160cm and has yet to produce avalanches. Snowpack depths are below average.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><span class="s_1681A555"> 2cm of HN sits above a thin suncrust on S aspects. 5cm to 10cm of recent HST now hides thin windslabs found in open lee areas treeline and above produced by moderate SW winds. S and W slopes are predominantly scoured with crossloaded features.  Up to 350cm in loaded areas at treeline with 200cm being the average.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard slabs under ridge tops in isolated areas warrant careful consideration. As alpine temperatures increase over the next 48 hours, the possibility of triggering these may also increase.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack is faceting and losing strength in shallow areas. Midpack is still generally supportive above treeline, with wind slabs in lee features at upper elevations. New surface hoar is being observed on the surface and is quite widespread below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow is facetting with cold temps. Recent tests indicate that the interface down ~30cm between the new and old settled snow will fail with moderate force but is resistant to move. The Nov. crust down 160cm collapses with a hard force in snowpack tests but has yet to produce avalanches. Snowpack depths are below average.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard wind slabs exist in exposed alpine features but haven't been reactive to skier traffic. Suface hoar is growing in sheltered treeline locations. W of the divide, a well settled snowpack exists with the basal Nov 6 crust well bonded. In the front ranges E of the divide, a facetted snowpack exists with the Nov 6 basal crust being mainly facetted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack is faceting and losing strength in shallow areas. Midpack is still generally supportive above treeline, with wind slabs in lee features at upper elevations. Surface hoar is developing with the cool overnight temperatures and light valley bottom winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow is facetting with cold temps. Recent tests indicate that the interface down ~30cm between the new and old settled snow will fail with moderate force but is resistant to move. The Nov. crust is down 160cm collapses with a hard force in snowpack tests but has yet to produce avalanches. Snowpack depths are below average.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard wind slabs exist in exposed alpine features but haven't been reactive to skier traffic. Suface hoar is growing in sheltered treeline locations. W of the divide, a well settled snowpack exists with the basal Nov 6 crust well bonded. In the front ranges E of the divide, a facetted snowpack exists with the Nov 6 basal crust being mainly facetted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is faceting and losing strength especially in shallow areas.  At tree line and above, the mid-pack is generally supportive where snow pack is greater than a meter.  Wind slabs are present in lee features at upper elevations. Surface hoar is developing with the cool overnight temperatures and light valley bottom winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow is facetting with cold temps. Recent tests indicate that the interface down ~30cm between the new and old settled snow will fail with moderate force but is resistant to move. The Nov. crust is down 160cm collapses with a hard force in snowpack tests but has yet to produce avalanches. Snowpack depths are below average.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some surface hoar growth over the last two days at all elevations.  Light sun crust on steep S aspects.  Moderate W winds creating hard and soft wind slabs in open areas at tree line and in the alpine.  Below this the snowpack is generally well settled with no major shears.  Still some concerns for weak basal facets in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard wind slabs exist in exposed alpine features but haven't been reactive to skier traffic. Surface hoar is growing in sheltered treeline locations. W of the divide, a well settled snowpack exists with the basal Nov 6 crust well bonded. In the front ranges E of the divide, a facetted snowpack exists with the Nov 6 basal crust being mainly faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is faceting and losing strength especially in shallow areas.  At tree line and above, the mid-pack is generally supportive where the snow depth is greater than a meter.  Wind slabs are present in lee features at upper elevations. Surface hoar is developing with the cool overnight temperatures and light valley bottom winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong solar rad has produced breakable sfc Cr mainly on steep solar aspects above 1700m.  Some easterly slopes are also effected. Yesterday we observed SH on the sfc up to 2150 m, the largest at the top of the VF ~1600 m (sz 10-20mm).  Cold temps and below ave HS have produced more faceting in the snowpack then normal, especially in the top 30 cm.  </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">Field trips in Kootenay and Hwy93 N. found surface hoar to 1cm up to treeline as well as surface facetting.  Some hard wind slabs in alpine areas are mainly unreactive.  Mid pack maintaining strength in deeper snow pack areas, but thin areas are mainly faceted, including the basal Nov 6 crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is faceting and losing strength especially in shallow areas.  At tree line and above, the mid-pack is generally supportive where the snow depth is greater than a meter.  Wind slabs are present in lee features at upper elevations. Surface hoar is developing with the cool overnight temperatures and light valley bottom winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong solar rad has produced breakable sfc Cr mainly on steep solar aspects above 1700m. Some easterly slopes are also effected. On Thursday we observed SH on the sfc up to 2150 m, the largest at the top of the VF ~1600 m (sz 10-20mm). Cold temps and below ave HS have produced more faceting in the snowpack then normal, especially in the top 30 cm.</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">Between 5 and 20cm of very low density snow fell last night and into today. The was virtually no wind affect at tree line today in the Little Yoho and Highway 93 South areas. There were limited observations in the alpine, however, it suspected that winds have started to create soft slabs, and avalanche activity should be expected.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">7mm surface hoar formed over New-years. It is now buried by 5cm of new snow. We call this the 'Jan 6th layer' which will need to be assessed as snowload increases. The mid-pack remains supportive where the snow depth is more than a meter otherwise facetting continues where shallow. Wind slabs are present in lee features at treeline and above.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20cm of new snow over a facetted old snow interface. The Dec 25 and January 4 surface hoar layers are down around 30cm and 20cm respectively where present, mostly from 1500 to 2000m. The mid-pack is still well settled except in shallower areas where it has become weak and facetted. The Nov 6 crust is down 130cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-30 cm of new snow overlies the Jan. 6th interface which is either a facet, surface hoar, or hard slab layer. Moderate S/SW winds have created soft slabs in exposed alpine and treeline areas. Field reports say these new slabs range from touchy to stubborn to trigger. The lower snowpack is facetted E of the divide and well settled to the W.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temperatures and the lack of snow over the past&nbsp; month has eroded the core strength of the snowpack. Watch for windslab conditions in the alpine and the most recent feature of the snowpack which is a surface hoar crystal layer. This is starting to be buried and once covered by 30cm of snow will present an avalanche problem. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30cm of new snow over a facetted interface. This storm snow sits on a sun crust on steep south and west aspects. The Dec 25 surface hoar layer is down 40cm and the Jan 4 surface hoar layer is down around 25cm. These layers are more prominent between 1500 and 2000m. Well settled mid pack. Nov 6 crust is down 130 - 150cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the Sunshine Area approximately 15cm of snow fell last night. This has refreshed the ski quality, however, it has added more load to the Jan 6th layer. Although we have not reached a critical threshold as of today, it is important to remember that the incoming storm track will add significant load and this layer will &quot;wake up&quot;, likely Weds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread surface hoar (2-7mm) has been buried by up to 10 cm of new snow.  The snowpack is faceted and is losing strength in shallow areas. The mid-pack is supportive where the snow depth is greater than a meter. Wind slabs are present in lee features at tree line and above. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">60 cm of storm snow overlies a variety of surfaces ranging from sun crust on south and west aspects to surface hoar on north and east. The surface hoar buried is largest between 1500-2000m. The mid-pack is well settled and the Nov 6 crust is down 150 to 180cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">Jan 5 suncrust/surface hoar layer is now down 15-30cm. SH up to 15mm was found on sheltered N locations. Strong SW winds building new slabs with lots of storm snow available for transport. S and W slopes predominantly scoured with crossloaded features. Buried windslabs lingering in open areas treeline and above produced by moderate SW winds Dec 28.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-50 cm new snow in past 24 hrs at treeline and up to 80 cm in past 72 hours. Mod SW winds  producing storm slabs that are sitting on a weak facet layer. Widespread natural cycle in storm snow observed today</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 30 cm of storm snow fell on Wednesday.  Below tree line, this new unconsolidated snow is sitting on a thin facetted snowpack.  In sheltered tree line areas the storm snow is sitting on a supportive mid-pack.  In wind exposed tree line and alpine areas, a 30-50 cm deep soft wind slab has formed on the previously faceted surface.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 70 cm of storm snow overlies a weak layer of buried surface hoar and facets.  This layer is best developed between 1500 and 2000 meters, but exists at all elevations.  The mid-pack is well settled and the Nov 6 crust can still be found about 30cm above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Up to 80 cm recent storm snow and mod SW winds created storm slabs that are sitting on a weak layer of facetted crystals and in some areas surface hoar. In deep snow pack areas the mid pack remains strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </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">Up to 30 cm of low density storm snow fell on Wednesday.  Below tree line, it sits on a thin facetted snowpack. In sheltered tree line areas this new snow is sitting on a supportive mid-pack.  In wind exposed tree line and alpine areas, a 30-50 cm deep soft wind slab has formed on a variety of aspects and buried a surface hoar layer from Jan 6.   </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 70 cm of storm snow overlies a weak layer of buried surface hoar and facets. This layer is best developed between 1500 and 2000 meters, but exists at all elevations.  This layer is also best developed on the eastern side of the park, where surface hoar grew larger than in the west.  This variability will make hazard evaluation tricky.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">50 cm low density storm snow above 1500m with little wind effect or slab formation. The Jan 5 interface is now down 70-90cm with a 30-40 cm soft slab immediately above it. This interface produced Moderate to Hard test results on Surface Hoar in sheltered N and E locations. Suncrust exists at this interface on steep S aspects. 290 cm at treeline</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 50 cm of settled storm snow and mod SW winds created storm slabs that are sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar and faceted crystals. On steeper S aspects, sun crusts were buried. The winds died down at the end of the storm, so wind slabs formed during the storm may be hidden by innocent-looking powder. The mid-pack in most areas is strong.</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">Up to 30 cm of low density storm snow fell on Wednesday. Winds have yet to move it around. Low elevations it sits on a facetted thin snowpack. In tree line its on thicker supportive mid-pack. In wind exposed tree line and alpine areas, some very soft slab have formed on a variety of aspects.  A buried a surface hoar layer from Jan 6 is lurking. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">70cm of storm snow overlies a weak layer of buried surface hoar. The surface hoar sits on a crust which is best developed on steep S/SW slopes.  The surface hoar layer was the largest in sheltered areas between 1500 and 1700m. This layer is more prominent on the eastern side of the park.  This variability will make hazard evaluation tricky.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 50cm of recent storm snow sits atop a variety of old surfaces: surface hoar and facets at and below tree-line, and wind or sun crusts in the alpine. Storm slabs were also buried during the storm. Where the wind has redistributed the new snow, whumphing and cracking was observed today, suggesting human-triggering is still possible. </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">Up to 30 cm of low density storm snow fell on Wednesday but nothing since then. Winds are forming it into slabs alpine and exposed treeline locations. Low elevations the snow remains thin and facetted. Tree line and above its thicker and supportive. A buried a surface hoar layer from Jan 6 is lurking but has yet to become an issue. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">70cm of storm snow overlies a weak layer of buried surface hoar. The surface hoar sits on a crust which is best developed on steep S/SW slopes. The surface hoar grew largest in sheltered areas (1500 to 1700m). This layer is more prominent on the eastern side of the park. This layer will be most reactive on the specific terrain described above.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Recent whunpfing and cracking indicates that the January 6 interface is still a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Winds have formed thin slabs out of Wednesday's 30cm storm snow at alpine and exposed treeline locations. The snowpack remains thin and facetted at lower elevations. Above tree line its thicker and supportive. A buried a surface hoar-surface facet layer 30cm down from Jan 6 is lurking but remains stubborn.      </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">70cm of storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab which overlies the Jan.4 persistent layer. The distribution of this layer is variable, but tests indicate it is skier triggerable. It consists of surface hoar which is largest in sheltered areas between 1500 and 1700m, and a crust with facets or surface hoar which on steep S'ly slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow pack test today reveals 20cm of settled storm snow sitting on top of the Jan 6th interface at the Sunshine Village study plot. Below this, a predominantly faceted snowpack exists. The height of snow was 135cm and no significant shears were noted during compression tests. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Snowpack remains thin and facetted at lower elevations.&nbsp; Last week's storm snow has buried a surface hoar layer (Jan6) down approx 30cm.  New windslabs at upper elevations that were previously stubborn to trigger may quickly become touchier as they undergo a rapid temperature change and increased loading with strong winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A 30-60cm slab overlies the Jan.4 persistent layer. The distribution of this layer is variable but tests and a Sa yesterday indicate it is triggerable. Our main concern is on steep S'ly slopes where facets or surface hoar overlie a crust. In sheltered areas on all aspects between 1500 and 1700m it consists of surface hoar. New windslabs have formed</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 to 50cm of snow sit over the Jan 6th interface. Today, in Kootenay, the Jan 6 interface was well preserved surface hoar between 3 to 5mm in size. Snowpack tests provided easy shears. The slab characteristics were 'sudden planar', or rather, the column popped out like a cash register drawer. No other significant shears were noted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Snowpack remains thin and facetted at lower elevations, but is supportive above treeline. Last week's storm snow has buried a surface hoar layer (Jan6) down approx 30cm.&nbsp; Windslabs forming on Southerly alpine aspects and significant snow transport by intense winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft and hard wind slabs overlie the January 4 sun crust-surface hoar layer.  This layer is down 40-60cm.  The sensitivity of this layer is quite variable, however skiers have been triggering avalanches on this layer in specific terrain features.  Steep solar aspects are most reactive.  The mid-pack remains strong.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to 5cm HN with Strong NW winds creating windslabs near exposed ridge crests. 30-40cm low denisty snow is sitting on a 20-40 cm slab over the Jan 5 interface. Moderate Sudden Planar test results can be found on preserved surface hoar at this interface in isolated, sheltered locations. There is a high degree of variability with this layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 to 50cm of snow sit over the Jan 6th interface.  In several locations in Kootenay and some areas near Sunshine, the Jan 6 interface is a well preserved surface hoar (3 to 5mm in size). Tests show easy sudden planar shears. It's worth digging down to it in a few locations to check if it's present. Alpine features have been blasted by recent wind.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Snowpack remains thin and facetted at lower elevations, but is supportive above tree line. Last week's storm snow has buried a surface hoar layer (Jan6) down approx 30cm.  Windslabs have formed on Southwesterly alpine aspects and previous significant snow transport by intense winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures in the alpine (inversion) combined with moderate to strong SW winds are continuing to create hard and soft slabs, especially in the alpine.  These slabs overlie the January 4 interface, down 40-60cm.  Steep solar aspects are most reactive due to facets on a crust.  Significant loading should also be expected on NE aspects.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 to 50cm of snow sit over the Jan 6th interface.  In several locations in Kootenay and some areas near Sunshine, the Jan 6 interface is a well preserved surface hoar (3 to 5mm in size). Tests show easy sudden planar shears. It's worth digging down to it in a few locations to check if it's present. Alpine features have been blasted by recent wind.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Snowpack remains thin and facetted at lower elevations, but is supportive above tree line. Last week's storm snow has buried a surface hoar layer (Jan6) down approx 30cm.  A variety of wind slabs are building on lee alpine, tree line and on open slopes below tree line from moderate to strong southwesterly winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures in the alpine (inversion) combined with moderate to strong SW winds are continuing to create hard and soft slabs, especially in the alpine.  These slabs overlie the January 4 interface, down 40-60cm.? Steep solar aspects are most reactive due to facets on a crust.  Significant loading should also be expected on NE aspects.? </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thin sun crust on steep S aspects. Wind slabs forming near ridge crests and in open areas at tree line and above from Moderate to Strong NW winds.  Below this is a well settled snowpack.  No significant shears found in test profiles over the past several days.  Still some concerns for facets in thin areas and cross loaded gully features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30cm of snow sits over the Jan 6th interface (surface hoar in kootenay it's worth to dig down to check on the interface in a few places). Few avalanches have occurred on this interface, it may need more load. There is a strong midpack West of the divide.&nbsp;  East side has been wind hammered leaving wind crust/slab over weaker snow layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Extreme NW winds have stripped alpine and tree line fetch zones.  Hard to soft wind slabs are present on all lee slopes, predominately tree line and above.  In thin areas, these slabs are sitting on weak basal facets.  Below tree line, the old storm snow is moist and will consolidate with cooling temperatures, over a rotten base of facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures in the alpine (inversion) combined with moderate to strong SW winds has created hard and soft slabs, especially in the alpine.? These slabs overlie the January 4 interface, down 40-60cm, and can be most reactive on steep solar aspects due to facets that formed on a crust.? Significant loading can also be expected on NE aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-20+ cm variable windslabs from strong W/NW winds over last 3 days. 25-35cm over Jan 6 interface of facets and/or surface hoar (preserved W of divide treeline and below). Helen Ridge profile at treeline found mod. compression results on a 15cm surface windslab, with no results below on a mainly facetted snowpack. Thin sun crust on steep S slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Extreme NW winds have stripped alpine and tree line fetch zones. Hard wind slabs are present on treeline and above lee slopes. Buried surface hoar is found at some locations 10-40cm down depending on windloading patterns. Weak basal facets dominate thin areas. Below tree line, the old storm snow is moist over rotten facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sustained moderate to strong southerly winds have created pockets of touchy windslab on lee slopes and widespread windeffect at treeline and above. A layer down 30-50cm has been most reactive on steep solar aspects where it is composed of facets/surface hoar on a crust. Below this the snowpack is well settled and generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The strong winds from the last few days have created wind slabs in lee areas in the alpine. In some areas these wind slabs will be very hard. Otherwise the storm snow from last week has settled to approximately 25cm and sits on top of the Jan 6 interface, a combination of surface hoar and facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Extreme NW winds stripped alpine to tree line fetch zones. Hard slabs are present on all lee slopes tree line and above. Surface hoar is found 10-40cm down depending on wind-loading patterns. Weak basal facets dominates thin snowpack areas. Below tree line, the old storm snow is over a rotten facet base. Colder temperatures helping stability. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sustained moderate to strong southerly winds have created pockets of touchy windslab on lee slopes and windeffect on exposed slopes at treeline and above. A layer down 30-50cm has been most reactive on steep solar aspects where it is composed of facets/surface hoar on a crust. Below this the snowpack is well settled and generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Touchy windslabs that are reactive to human triggering exist in the alpine. Warm day time temperatures may cause these slabs to become more reactive. Extra caution on sunny slopes in the afternoon is warranted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last week's extreme NW winds stripped fetch zones. Hard slabs are present on all lee slopes tree line and above. Surface hoar is found 10-40cm down depending on wind-loading patterns. Weak basal facets dominates thin areas. Below tree line, the old storm snow is over a rotten facet base. Colder overnight temperatures helping stability. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Upper 25cm is settled snow, with variable wind affect above tree line. The mid pack is well settled. A profile in the Hermit area, 2270m, SE aspect, 28deg, showed a 187cm snowpack with moderate to hard test results, resistant planar down 18, 24 and 48cm. The January 4th surface layer was down 48cm and the November 6 crust was down 140cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Extensive wind effect and wind slabs at tree line and above.  Sun crust on steep solar aspects.  Temperature crust below 1400m.  Below this is a well settled snow pack with no significant shears.  Average snow pack depth at tree line is 220cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent strong winds have created widespread wind effect in the alpine. Windward slopes are scoured and hard and soft slabs that are reactive to skier triggering exist elsewhere. In shallow snowpack areas the mid-pack has facetted out and become weaker. Below 2200 m surface hoar exists in some locations and produces moderate results with Comp. Test.</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">Most slopes at treeline and alpine areas are seriously wind effected, with hard slabs in some areas, and scouring to rocks in others. These hard slabs overly a sporadically found weakness down 10-40 cm (Jan 4 surface hoar and facets). The lower snowpack is facetted and of variable strength, but overall stronger than expected for this time of year.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Settled upper snow pack with 5 cm of ski penetration. Sun crust on steep solar aspects. Snow pack is well settled. Profile on Avalanche Crest, 2450m, W asp, 42deg, 194cm snow depth, produced moderate to hard resistant planar results down 18, 27 and 47cm. The Jan 4 layer was down 47cm. On Bonney Glacier 2350m, 356cm depth, Jan 4 layer is down 92cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent strong winds have created widespread wind effect in the alpine. Windward slopes are scoured and hard and soft slabs that are possible to trigger exist elsewhere. In shallow snowpack areas the mid-pack has facetted out and become weaker. Below 2200 m surface hoar exists in some locations and produces moderate results with comp. tests.</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">No significant changes to the snowpack in the last 24-hours. Widespread wind effect in most exposed areas at and above treeline has created hard slabs which overlie a weakness of facets or surface hoar down 10-40 cm (depending on location). Tests indicate a shear on this layer, but triggering is unlikely due to the stiffness of the slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow overnight has covered a variety of surfaces including, small surface hoar and sun crust on steep south through west slopes. Widespread wind effect is present in open areas at treeline and in the alpine, though stubborn to rider triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Jan 4th SH/CR down 45-65 cm reacting in stab tests (moderate to hard range) yesterday at TL, SE asp.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Lake Ohara region today, 15-20cm in last 24 hrs with mod-strong ridge winds creating soft wind slabs in exposed features.  2450m ~170cm on Opabin glacier.  Most new along and W of divide.  Variable hard slabs from previous strong winds now mainly buried.  In thinner snowpack areas and below treeline midpack facetted and weake.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5 cm of snow overnight has softened up the surface of the snowpack below treeline, however all areas above treeline and in the alpine have been wind blasted. Hard slabs are widespread, and provide a strong bridge over any underlying weakness. Below treeline, the snowpack is facetted throughout but no slab overlies this weakness.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20 to 30 cm of new snow has covered a variety of surfaces including, small surface hoar and sun crust on steep south through west slopes. This also covers widespread wind effect in open areas at treeline and in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Jan 4th SH/CR down 65-95 cm reacting in stab tests (moderate to hard range) in isolated location most recently at TL, SE asp.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15 cm of new snow overnight forming wind slabs in open areas at tree line and above with continued moderate to strong SW winds.  The new snow appears to be bonding well to the Jan 23 interface which is made up of either sun crust, facets or wind slabs depending on the aspect and elevation.  No other significant shears found in the snow pack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 30cm in last 48 hrs along and W of the divide, with lesser amounts to the E.  Soft wind slabs are sitting on previous hard wind slabs in the alpine.  Mainly facetted midpack in thin snowpack areas.  Jan 6 surface hoar can be found in various locations down approx.30 cm producing mod. compression results in the sunshine study plot today.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Most areas above treeline and in the alpine have been wind blasted. Hard slabs are widespread, and provide a strong bridge over any underlying weakness. Below treeline, the snowpack is facetted throughout but no slab overlies this weakness.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 to 45 cm of new snow has covered a variety of surfaces including, small surface hoar and sun crust on steep south through west slopes. This also covers widespread wind effect in open areas at treeline and in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate southerly winds have loaded northerly aspects during the storm.  Below treeline the new snow is unconsolidated.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 30cm this week along and W of the divide, with lesser amounts to the E. Soft wind slabs are sitting on previous hard wind slabs in the alpine. Mainly facetted midpack in thin snowpack areas. Jan 6 surface hoar can be found in various locations down approx.30 cm. This layer may wake up with Monday's storm if we get more than 25cm of snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Most areas above treeline and in the alpine have been wind blasted. Hard slabs are widespread, and provide a strong bridge over any underlying weakness. Some solar affect has occurred in the high alpine on  Westerly slopes. Below treeline, the snowpack is facetted throughout but no slab overlies this weakness.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 to 45 cm of new snow remain unconsolidated below treeline.  Moderate southerly winds loaded northerly aspects during the storm. This snow covered a variety of surfaces including, small surface hoar and sun crust on steep S through W aspects.  Yesterday this interface was not failing in stability tests at treeline in the Hermit basin, SE aspect.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New wind slabs are sitting on top of older hard wind slabs in alpine lee areas. The middle of the snow pack is quite faceted. The Jan 6th surface hoar can still be found in isolated areas down approximately 30cm. This layer has potential to become active when it receives a considerable amount of load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the alpine and down to treeline, the widespread hard slabs provide a strong bridge over any underlying weakness. Some solar affect has occurred in the high alpine on Westerly slopes. Below treeline, the snowpack is facetted throughout but no slab overlies this weakness.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30cm of settling low density snow in the upper snowpack. Jan 23 layer is down 50 to 60cm over a well settled mid pack.  Below 1800m surface hoar is buried at the Jan 23 interface. The Nov 6 crust is down around 200cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In alpine there is 20-25 cm of recent storm snow sitting on previous hard wind slabs and wind pressed snow. Some soft slab development has occurred in lee terrain near ridge tops. In shallow snow pack areas the mid-pack is facetting and loosing strength.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light scattered precipitation (1-3cm) throughout Jasper in the past 24 hours.  No significant change to snowpack structure:  windslabs in exposed lee features, faceted midpack at lower elevations, and poor travel with difficult trail-breaking below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10 cm of low density new snow.  Jan 23 layer is down 55cm. This layer is a sun crust on steep south and west aspects and surface hoar to 9mm below 1800m. The Nov 6 crust is down 200cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Now 30-40 cm over 130123 interface. On steep South aspects the 0125 suncrust is now buried 25cm and sits 15cm above the 0123 interface which is found as a 1cm thick suncrust with 10 to 20 cm faceted crystals below. On other aspects the 0123 interface is old settled windslab or faceted crystals. Windslabs forming on exposed ridges above treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In alpine there is 20-25 cm of recent storm snow sitting on previous hard wind slabs and wind pressed snow. Some soft slab development in lee terrain near ridge tops. In shallow snow pack areas the mid-pack is facetting and losing strength.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light snow flurries producing 3 - 5 cm accumulations throughout Jasper in the past 24 hours.  No significant change to snowpack structure:  windslabs in exposed lee features, faceted midpack at lower elevations, and poor travel with difficult trail-breaking below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 45cm of low density new snow.&nbsp; Jan 23 layer is down 65cm. This layer is a sun crust on steep south and west aspects and rests on surface hoar to 9mm below 1800m. The Nov 6 crust is down 200cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In alpine there is 20-25 cm of recent storm snow sitting on previous hard wind slabs and wind pressed snow. Some soft slab development in lee terrain near ridge tops. In shallow snow pack areas the mid-pack is facetting and losing strength. In the south west (Kootenay) there is a buried surface hoar layer down 55 cm that is a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light scattered precipitation (1-3cm) throughout Jasper in the past 24 hours.  No significant change to snowpack structure:  windslabs in exposed lee features, faceted midpack at lower elevations, and poor travel with difficult trail-breaking below treeline. Persistent hard slab buried beneath recent storm snow is widespread above treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 55cm of low density new snow. Jan 23 layer is down 65cm. This layer is a sun crust on steep south and west aspects and surface hoar to 9mm below 1800m. The Nov 6 crust is down 200cm. Watch for power sluffing in steep terrain and soft slabs running to valley bottom.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Two main layers in the upper pack are Jan 23 and Jan 4 surface hoar/ facets or suncrust down 25 &amp; 55. Major problem is wind slabs in all open areas easily triggerable in steep terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs in exposed lee features, faceted mid-pack at lower elevations, and poor travel with difficult trail-breaking below treeline. Persistent hard slab and sastrugi widespread above treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 70cm of low density new snow and strong winds in the last 24hrs. Winds slabs have formed. Overnight 11cm with 14.3mm at Fidelity. The Nov 6 crust is down 200cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Two main layers in the upper pack are Jan 23 and Jan 4 surface hoar/ facets or suncrust down 25 &amp; 55. Watch for wind slabs in all open areas. These may be easily triggered in steep terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs in exposed lee features, faceted mid-pack at lower elevations, and poor travel with difficult trail-breaking below treeline. Persistent hard slab and sastrugi widespread above treeline.  Thin wind slab is forming  in immediate lee features with continuing moderate to strong NW winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 55 cm of settled storm snow has accumulated since Jan 26 near the west boundary of the park. The amounts are less moving east through the park.  Heavy warmer, wind effected snow lies over colder, lower density snow.  Recent strong S winds have loaded northerly lee features at treeline and in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Continued small amounts of recent snow. Depth over 130123 interface of facets, settled windslabs, and suncrust varies from 20 to 70 cm. Warm temps and wind encouraging slab formation and cornice growth. Soft windslabs now 20 to 30 cm thick along exposed ridge crests, with many loaded gullies and alpine fans in North, East and South East aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Two main layers in the upper pack are Jan 23 and Jan 6 surface hoar/ facets or suncrust down 25 &amp; 55. Watch for wind slabs in all open areas. These may be easily triggered from thin snowpack areas in steep terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard wind slabs exist in exposed lee features yet appear to be bridging well. Mid-pack is faceted at lower elevations making for poor travel and difficult trail-breaking. Persistent hard slab and sastrugi widespread above treeline. Thin wind slabs are forming in immediate lee features with continuing moderate to strong SW to NW winds. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate southerly winds for the last five days during this storm period have loaded northerly lee features at treeline and the alpine. Up to 55 cm of settled storm snow has accumulated since Jan 26 near the west boundary of the park. Half that amount accumulated east of the summit. Heavy warmer, wind effected snow lies over lower density snow.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Fresh wind slabs of variable thickness sit on top of a faceted snowpack. Expect a weaker and more faceted snowpack in areas with  &lt; 1m of snow. The Jan 6th surface hoar/crust interface is still prevalent in some isolated areas. Today in Kootenay it was found 35cm down. It did not react to skier traffic.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Expect hard wind slabs in exposed alpine/treeline lee features being the dominate feature. Lower elevations is faceted and generally unsupportive. Thin wind slabs are forming on previous surfaces, such as smooth windslabs or suncrust, with steady moderate to strong Westerly winds transporting the little snow that is available. More snow may arrive.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Dense settling recent storm snow in top 40cm. A profile at 2210m, SW aspect, 34 degrees showed 240cm of snow. The Jan 4 crust was down 145cm and the Nov 6 crust was decomposing and 28cm from the ground. One test result in the hard range down 38cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little change from yesterday. However, strong winds and light precip has increased soft wind slab development. In general, expected a faceted snowpack, especially in areas with &lt; 100cm of snow. Also, the Jan 6 interface is still present in isolated locations. It is buried approximately 40cm down and is generally unreactive to human traffic.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A trace to 10cm locally at Big Bend covers the previous hard wind slab in exposed alpine and treeline features. Lower elevations are generally faceted and poor travel. Thin wind slabs will continue to form in immediate lee features with moderate to strong Westerly wind transport especially with this new snow and a little bit more expected.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of new snow overlies a sun crust on solar aspects. Profile at 2175m, E aspect, 37deg., Mcgill Shoulder area showed 265cm of snow. Settled snow in top 40cm, well settled mid pack. The Nov 6 crust was down 230cm. Moderate to hard broken and resistant planar results down 20 and 30cm and a Reutschblock 4 (whole block) down 30cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Moderate to strong west winds creating soft and hard slabs in open areas.  These wind slabs appear to be bonding well to the previous surfaces.  Sun crust on South aspects.  In shallow snowpack areas the hard slabs over the basal facets are still a concern in steep and/or confined terrain.  No other significant shears found in the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Any small amounts of new snow that fell in the last 48hrs was hard to find in both the Parker Ridge area and the Maligne valley. Recent strong winds have obliterated most loose snow on most aspects above treeline and left a widespread persistent hard slab on the surface, covering 50-70cm of facets.  Below treeline the midpack is weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10 to 20cm over the Feb 3 sun crust on steep solar aspect. Temperature crust down ~20cm below 1400m. Profile on Mt Fidelity, 2080m, SE aspect, 33deg. 227cm snow depth. Easy to moderate resistant planar test results down 12 and 20 and moderate to hard sudden planar results down 45 and 57cm. Wind effect in upper snowpack tree line and above.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In general, expect a faceted snowpack, especially in areas with &lt; 100cm of snow (ie east of the Divide). The high alpine has seen strong winds, with variable soft to hard slabs present throughout. The Jan 6 interface is still present in isolated locations. It is buried approx. 40cm down and is generally unreactive to human traffic.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Any small amounts of new snow that fell in the last 48hrs were hard to find in both the Parker Ridge area and the Maligne valley. Recent srong winds have obliterated most loose snow on most aspects above treeline and left a widespread persistent hard slab on the surface, covering 50-70cm of facets.  Below treeline the midpack is weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Glacier Park has received 30 cm of snow at treeline over the past two days.  This overlies a sun crust (formed on Feb. 3rd) on solar aspects, and firm old snow elsewhere.  Moderate to strong winds have redistributed this storm snow into soft and hard slabs in the alpine and treeline.  Below this, the Feb. 23rd surface hoar is less reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A light dusting of low density new snow lies overtop of wind slab (in alpine lee terrain) or previously facetted surfaces. East of the divide the mid-pack at treeline and below is well facetted and barely supportive to skiers. The early Jan. surface hoar can still be found down ~40 cm in some locations, but is proving unreactive to skier triggering</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard windslab is bridging the weak basal facets on most lee aspects above treeline.  The treeline mid-pack continues to weaken as the faceting process continues and below treeline the snowpack is thin and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft and hard slabs have formed in the alpine and treeline, mostly on lee aspects (N and E), from wind transported storm snow.  On solar aspects, these slabs overly a sun crust (formed on Feb. 3rd) and overlies firm old snow elsewhere.  The mid-pack is generally strong, but has become weaker in shallow areas and around trees and rocks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm of new snow with light winds in the last 48hrs. Moist surface snow on steep South aspects today. The new snow sits over the previous sun crust and wind slabs and appears to be bonding well in most locations.  Some new wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and in the alpine. Below is a well settled snowpack with no significant weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another light dusting of low density new snow overtop of wind slab (in alpine lee terrain) or previously facetted surfaces. East of the divide the mid-pack at treeline and below is well facetted but supportive to skiers. The early January surface hoar can still be found down 35-45 cm in some locations, but is proving unreactive to skier triggering.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard windslab is bridging the weak basal facets on most lee aspects above treeline.  The treeline mid-pack continues to weaken as the faceting process continues and below treeline the snowpack is thin and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft slabs have formed in the alpine and treeline from wind transported storm snow.  On solar aspects, these slabs sit on a sun crust (formed on Feb. 3rd). The mid-pack is generally strong, but has become weaker in shallow areas and around trees and rocks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some light new snow over the old windslab and facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard windslab is bridging the weak basal facets above treeline.  Below treeline the mid-pack is weak and shallow. Scattered flurries over the past 48 hours have left a dusting of new snow in the Icefield area and up to 10cm in the Maligne area.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 40cm of recent snow is settling. It overlies a sun crust on steep solar aspects. Another layer down ~80cm consists large stellar's and a sun crust on steep solar aspects. The distribution of these layers is spotty, and test results indicate that they are stubborn to trigger but may propagate. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Windslabs may exist just below ridgelines.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> A dusting of new snow has buried previous windslabs. Solar effect on very steep southerly aspects. Weak facetted snowpack in areas where snow depth is less than 1 metre.  Jan 06 surface hoar facet layer down 30-50 still producing hard planar shears.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is a widespread hard persistent slab bridging the weak basal facets above treeline.  Light flurries over the past 3 days have left 5 - 10cm of new snow in some areas. This snow is forming new slabs sitting on the persistent slab and may be reactive to light triggers. This interface warrants field testing. Below treeline the mid-pack is weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40cm of recent snow is settling and overlies a sun crust on steep solar aspects. Another layer down 80cm consists of stellar's and a sun crust on steep solar aspects. These layers have been reactive to ski cutting on steep unsupported features in Rogers Pass, and in the surrounding region failed causing several human triggered size 2 avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Forecasted light snowfall and strong westerly and north-westerly winds on Tuesday will create touchy windslabs in lee alpine terrain. Jan 06 surface hoar facet layer down 30-50 still producing hard planar shears. Where shallow the mid-pack is weak and facetted. In deeper snow country west of the divide the mid-pack remains strong.</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">Hard windslab is bridging the weak basal facets above treeline.  Field tests in the alpine on a SE windloaded terrain feature produced easy results on a buried surface hoar layer directly below the hardslab. This confirms that there are several weak layers below that the avalanche can slide on.  Below treeline, the mid-pack is weak. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A new sun crust will have formed on steep solar aspects yesterday. In the upper snowpack, layers down 40 (crust) and 80 (crust on solar and large stellars/ pockets of surface hoar elsewhere) have been reactive to ski cutting on steep unsupported features in Rogers Pass, and in the surrounding region caused several human triggered size 2 avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The 10-20cm of snow we received on Feb 9 is sitting on surface hoar, suncrust and old windslabs. Solar radiation resulted in moist snow on direct S asp today. Strong NW winds are building windslabs on E asp in the immediate lee of ridgecrests. Surface hoar was found on all aspects today which will be something to look out for down the road.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> If forecasted strong westerly winds on Tuesday night arrive, fresh windslabs will be created in alpine lee terrain. Where shallow the mid-pack is weak and facetted. In deeper snow country west of the divide the mid-pack remains strong. Pit at 2200 m in Kootenay Park showed Jan 6 surface hoar down 55 cm and is non reactive with compression tests.</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">Hard windslab is bridging the weak basal facets above treeline.  Field tests on Monday in the alpine on a SE windloaded terrain feature produced easy results on a buried surface hoar layer directly below the hardslab. This confirms that there are several weak layers below that the avalanche can slide on.  Below treeline, the mid-pack is weak. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Newly buried sun crust on solar aspects and surface hoar under 5cm of new snow. 10-30 cm of ski penetration over a well settled mid pack. Profiles on east aspect of Bruins Ridge showed moderate resistant planar results down 23cm. On the west aspect, hard broken test results down 27 and 37cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong westerly winds in the last 12 hours have formed fresh windslabs in alpine lee terrain. We received 10-15cm up the Icefields Parkway, but closer to 25-30cm west of the Divide in Little Yoho Valley. Where shallow the mid-pack is weak and facetted. West of the divide the mid-pack remains strong due to a deeper snowpack.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard windslab is bridging the weak basal facets above treeline.  Today's field trip produced a single large whumpf  in a flat area which shows the potential of triggering a slab from shallow snowpack areas. Last night's frontal passage was underwhelming and brought only sporadic snowfalls of 3 to 12cm. Below treeline, the mid-pack is weak. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A new layer of surface hoar was buried yesterday by 20 cm of new snow.  On sunny aspects, this surface hoar layer rests on top of a crust.  It is most notable between 1700-1900 m.  Below this, the mid-pack is strong, with hard failures in stability tests down 40cm.  Surface sluffing and wind slabs can be expected in steep and wind affected areas.</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">Strong to extreme winds in the region have sculpted windslabs in the high alpine. A field team in the Little Yoho Valley reported easy shear tests on the storm slab interface. A different field team in Kootenay reported 10-15cm of storm snow with small cornice growth and soft slabs at ridge-top. Both teams observed a weak snowpack where shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard windslab is bridging the weak basal facets above treeline.  Limited whumpfing has been observed at treeline in the Parker Ridge area.  Very little new snow in the past few days.  Moderate SW winds continues to build pockets of thin windslab on lee aspects at treeline and above. The snowpack is weak and faceted below treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow from two days ago has been transported by strong winds to create a soft slab in the alpine and treeline.  This storm slab, which is 20-40 cm thick, overlies a layer of surface hoar, formed on Feb. 12.  It is best preserved and most reactive, between 17-1900 m.  It is very touchy on solar aspects where the surface hoar sits on a sun crust</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A trace of new snow overnight.  Sun crust forming on steep solar aspects.  Wind effect in open areas at tree line and above.  Wind slabs forming near ridge crests with moderate NW winds.  Otherwise a well settled snowpack with few weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Lots of new snow being moved around by north westerly winds. Ripe new cornices. Thin fresh wind slabs. Facetted mid pack in shallow areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard wind slab is bridging the weak basal facets above treeline.  Limited whumpfing has been observed at treeline in the Parker Ridge area.  Very little new snow in the past few days.  Moderate SW winds continues to build pockets of thin windslab on lee aspects at treeline and above. The snowpack is weak and faceted below treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow from earlier this week has been transported by strong winds to create a soft slab in the alpine and treeline. This slab, which is 20-40 cm thick, overlies a layer of surface hoar, formed on Feb. 12. It is best preserved and most reactive, between 17-1900 m. It is very touchy on solar aspects where the surface hoar sits on a sun crust</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Winds have switched to southwesterly today creating a more usual loading pattern. Perhaps 10cm of new snow may fall overnight. New and old wind slabs persist on all open slopes at and above treeline. Cornices are building. Lower elevation slopes with less than 1m etre depth are weak and facetted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft windslab are developing on Easterly alpine and treeline slopes with continuing snow and moderate West winds.  These new slabs are sitting on hard slab and sastrugi.  The now buried hard slab is bridging weak basal facets.  10 cm+ new snow is sitting on sun crusts and facets below treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft slabs are most cohesive above treeline; a result of southerly winds. A widespread surface hoar layer down 25-40cm is most reactive where it is largest; between 1700-1900m; or on steep solar aspects where it formed over a sun crust. A series of surface hoar and crust layers up to 1m below this layer continue to fail in snowpack tests. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately10 cm of new snow fell with very little wind. This was not enough to really increase the avalanche danger. There are still some lingering windslabs and some ripe cornices to be aware of. Shallow snowpack areas are weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20 cm of storm snow are developing soft windslab on SE alpine and treeline slopes from moderate NW winds.  These new slabs are sitting on previous hard slab and sastrugi.&nbsp; They appear to be bonding well.  The now buried hard slab is bridging weak basal facets.  15 cm of storm snow is sitting on sun crusts and facets below treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 20cm snow, mild temps, and S'ly winds are forming a soft slab over a widespread surface hoar layer down 35-55cm. It is most reactive where it is largest; between 1700-1900m; or on steep solar aspects where it sits on a crust. Tests indicate it is likely to be triggered by light loads (easy planar/collapses and RB2 whole block).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Convective flurries deposited up to 20cm of low density storm snow in the lake Louise area last night. In the alpine, this new snow overlies hard wind slabs, created from the strong to extreme wind events over the last week. Other areas to watch are </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Saturday's 20cm of snow has settled down to 10-15cm. It is developing into a surface windslab on SE slopes with NW winds. As the winds shift Southerly, slabs will build on NE-NW aspects over the next few days. These new slabs are sitting on previous hard slab and sastrugi surfaces which bridges the weak basal facets near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A very soft slab exists over a thin crust down ~30cm and a widespread surface hoar layer down ~50cm. The surface hoar is most reactive where it is largest; between 1700-1900m; or on steep solar aspects where it sits on a crust. Tests indicate it is likely to be triggered by light loads (easy to moderate, planar/collapses and RB2 whole block).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_A8FEC758">20cm on Feb 16 interface comprised of suncrust steep solar aspects, rain crust to 1900m and windslab in open areas. New windslabs forming in exposed terrain TL and above with SW winds. New suncrusts forming today with strong solar input steep East and South slopes. Profiles today BTL showed weakening of the mid and lower snowpack with faceting. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 20cm of low density snow sit overtop a variety of different wind slabs. In shallow locations, the snow pack is losing strength to the faceting process drastically. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Saturday's 20cm of snow has settled down to 10cm and developed into a thin windslab depending on alpine and treeline wind patterns. Many spots have been stripped down to previous sustrugi and windslab surfaces with windpressed pockets in between. Its looking like it was prior to the storm. Below treeline weak facets dominate.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard and Soft slabs overly a weak layer of surface hoar, now buried 50-60cm.  This surface hoar is best preserved and reactive between 17-1900m, and is most reactive on solar aspects where it rests on a buried sun crust.  RB scores of 2 (whole block), and wide avalanche propagations confirm that this layer is becoming touchier as it matures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm snow is starting to settle. On average the storm snow has settled to about 10cm. This storm snow sits on top of wind slabs, both soft and hard, in alpine lee areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable windslabs exist in the alpine and exposed treeline locations. Overall they are bonding well to the previous surfaces. Many spots have been stripped of Saturday's storm snow revealing previous sastrugi and windslab surfaces with windpressed pockets in between. Its looking like it was a week ago. Weak facets dominate low elevations.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard and Soft slabs overly a weak layer of surface hoar, now buried 50-60cm.? This surface hoar is best preserved and reactive between 17-1900m, and is most reactive on solar aspects where it rests on a buried sun crust.? RB scores of 2 (whole block), and wide avalanche propagations confirm that this layer is becoming more reactive as it matures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thin snowpack areas at all elevations are  weak and facetted, as well as most below treeline areas up to around 1900 meters.  Previous storm snow has settled to approximately 10cm.  This snow sit on top of wind slabs, both soft and hard, in alpine lee areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable windslabs exist in the alpine and treeline locations. They are bonding well to the previous surfaces. Many spots have been stripped of Saturday's storm snow revealing previous sustrugi and windslab surfaces with windpressed pockets in between. Weak facets dominate low elevations. Solid midpack bridges basal facets treeline and alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard and Soft slabs overly a weak layer of surface hoar, buried 50-60cm. This surface hoar is wide spread, and is best preserved and reactive between 17-1900m, and is most reactive on solar aspects where it rests on a buried sun crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Winds picked up last night and were strong SW throughout the day. Up to 10 cm of new snow at ridgetop in the last 48hrs. This is building windslab on N and E lee slopes. The storm snow from the weekend has settled and seems to be bonding well but with sun crust and old wind slabs underneath this, the bond may not be good on all aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">2-9cm reported over last 24 hours in alpine regions. Some thin wind slab formation in immediate ridge top lees  This snow sits on top of previous wind slabs, both soft and hard, in alpine areas. Thin snowpack areas at all elevations are very weak and faceted, as well as most below treeline areas up to around 1900 meters.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable windslabs exist in the alpine and treeline locations. They are bonding well. Expect a short lived storm snow instablity to form with the current system. Weak facets dominate low elevations. Solid midpack bridges basal facets treeline and alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of low density snow overnight overlies hard and soft slabs.  Hard slabs can be found in isolated lee features in the alpine deposited from southerly winds. Soft slab overlies a surface hoar layer down 30-50cm. This layer has been gaining strength but could still be reactive, especially between 17-1900m and where it sits on a sun crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 20cm reported over last 24 hours in the alpine immediately along the Divide. Some thin ridgetop soft wind slab formation in immediate ridge top lees. This snow sits on top of wind slabs, both soft and hard, in alpine areas. Thin snowpack areas at all elevations are very weak and faceted, as are most below treeline areas up to 1900 meters.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable windslabs exist at ridgetop and exposed alpine and treeline locations. A solid midpack bridges weak basal depth hoar. Un-supportive facets dominate lower elevations. Surface conditions range from dust on crust, to sustrugi, to hard slab, with the odd pocket of sheltered soft snow offering a few turns, ending with wallowing below treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 cm of storm snow has fallen in 2 days.  Storm slabs are present on lee features at treeline and in alpine from moderate southerly winds.  Below treeline the new snow is unconsolidated.  A surface hoar layer, buried on Feb 12, is down 50-70cm. This layer has been most reactive between 17-1900m and where it sits on a sun crust.  </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">Fresh wind slabs overlie a variety of other hard and soft wind slabs from the last week or so. In a study plot today, snowpack tests produced no results and showed a relatively well bonded mid-snowpack. Also observed in the plot were remnants of the Jan 6th surface hoar and a decomposing Nov crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable windslabs exist at ridgetop and exposed alpine/ treeline locations. Where the snow is deeper, a solid midpack bridges the weaker layers below. Surface conditions range from wind scoured rocky patches, to sustrugi, to hard slab, with the rare pocket of sheltered soft snow offering a few turns. Un-supportive facets dominate lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Top 30cm low density snow. Localized Feb 15 drizzle crust down 20-30cm. Feb 12 surface hoar(SH)/crust layer is down 40-50cm. Fracture line profile on size 2.0 avalanche, Mt Fidelity, showed the Feb 12 bed surface layer as SH size 3-7 on a 3cm crust. Moderate sudden planar compression test results and a Rutschblock 3 whole block on that layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">W of the divide, 15-25 cm has fallen over the last 3 days and been blown into fresh windslabs at treeline and alpine elevations. This sits on a well settled snowpack. Jan. 6th SH is visible in pits in some areas but is decomposing and unreactive. E of the divide, 5-10 cm has formed thinner windslabs which sit on top of a mostly facetted snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable windslabs exist at ridgetop and exposed alpine/ treeline locations. Where the snow is deeper, a solid midpack bridges the weaker layers below. Surface conditions range from wind scoured rocky patches, to sustrugi, to hard slab, with the rare pocket of sheltered soft snow offering a few turns. Un-supportive facets dominate lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">50cm of new snow in the past 4 days. Slab over Feb 12 surface hoar/crust layer 40-55cm thick, fist to 1 finger snow. Well settled mid pack with no significant layers below Feb 12 surface hoar.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-20cm of snow has fallen in the last several days with moderate to strong W winds.  This has created new wind slabs near ridge crests at tree line and above which could be skier triggered in steep and/or convex terrain.  No persistent weak layers have been observed in the snowpack.  Be cautious of thinner areas where the snowpack may be weaker.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">West of the divide the mid-pack is generally well settled. The early January surface hoar exists down ~50 cm in some areas but is decomposing and unreactive to slope tests and compression tests. East of the divide the mid-pack is mostly faceted. Throughout the region some fresh wind slabs up to 25 cm thick exist in lee alpine features.</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">Variable windslabs exist at ridgetop and exposed alpine/ treeline locations. Where the snow is deeper, a solid midpack bridges the weaker layers below. Surface conditions range from wind scoured rocky patches, to sustrugi, to hard slab, with the rare pocket of sheltered soft snow offering a few turns. Un-supportive facets dominate lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Top 30 cm settling storm snow. Feb 12 surface hoar and crust layers down 40-55 cm, fist to 1 finger snow over top. Mid pack is well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">West of the divide the mid-pack is generally well settled. The early January surface hoar exists down ~50 cm in some areas but is decomposing and unreactive to slope tests and compression tests. East of the divide the mid-pack is faceted. Throughout the region some fresh wind slabs up to 25 cm thick exist in the immediate lee of alpine features.</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">Windslabs are found at ridgetop and exposed alpine/ treeline locations. Where the snow is deeper, a solid midpack bridges the weaker layers below. Surface conditions range from wind scoured rocky patches, to sustrugi, to hard slab, with the rare pocket of sheltered soft snow offering a few turns. Un-supportive facets dominate lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Top 30 cm of settling storm snow with a soft breakable crust on top where it is exposed to the sun. Feb 12 surface hoar and crust layers down 40-55 cm. Mid pack is well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Throughout the region there are some fresh wind slabs up to 25 cm thick in immediate lee resting over more stubborn hard slabs. West of the divide the mid-pack is generally well settled and the East side the mid-pack is faceted. The early January surface hoar is down ~50 cm in some areas but is unreactive to slope and field tests.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Windslabs are found at ridgetop and exposed alpine/ treeline locations. Where the snow is deeper, a solid midpack bridges the weaker layers below. Surface conditions range from wind scoured rocky patches, to sustrugi, to hard slab, with the rare pocket of sheltered soft snow offering a few turns. Un-supportive facets dominate lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Top 40 cm settling storm snow with a soft breakable crust on top where it is exposed to the sun. Feb 12 surface hoar and crust layers down 50-60cm, fist to 1 finger snow over top. Mid pack is well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 30cm of new snow has fallen over the last three days in the Cameron Lake area and is bonding well to previous surfaces. Sun crust forming today on South aspects.  Wind slabs are present near ridge crests and in open areas at tree line and above and are also bonding well.  Freezing levels today up to 1600m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some rain below 1800m Fri afternoon, and 10-20cm snow over last 24 hrs. building soft slabs in alpine areas. Rapid settlement due to warmer temps. New snow sits over previous wind slabs to 25cm thick with stubborn hard slabs below. W of the divide the mid-pack is generally well settled. E of divide the mid-pack is faceted and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 10 - 30cm of warm heavy snow has fallen across the region with heavier deposits South of the icefields. Strong Southwest winds will redistribute this snow onto lee aspects making another slab over the previous snow surface. These heavier slabs may provide sufficient load for a slide to step down into deeper weak layers.</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">Nearly 30cm of heavy, and moist at lower elevations, snow has fallen in the last 12 hours. This has rapidly loaded the Feb 12 surface hoar and crust layers which are now down 80 to 90cm. This layer is most prevalent at and below treeline. In the alpine, southerly winds are transporting snow rapidly loading slopes and forming new windslabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist surface snow below 1900m on all aspects and up to 2100m on solar aspects. Wind slabs present near ridge crests and open areas above tree line. In deep snow areas there are no other persistent weak layers. In thin snow areas facets are present in the snow pack which could be activated by the warm wet weather we are experiencing.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 50 cm of storm snow has created a new snow slab which is failing easily on the old snow surfaces in the alpine. At treeline and below, rising freezing levels and rain have created a moist to wet slab condition. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 50cm of storm snow has fallen in the last 36 hours with more to come overnight. Yesterday, strong Southwest winds redistributed this snow onto lee aspects making another slab over the previous snow surface. These heavier slabs may provide sufficient load for a slide to step down into deeper weak layers.</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">35cm of heavy snow in the last 24hrs and a total of 60cm in 48hrs is settling with warm temps. This has rapidly loaded the Feb 12 surface hoar/crust layer down ~1m. This layer is most prevalent at and below treeline. In the alpine, S'ly winds are transporting snow rapidly loading slopes and forming new windslabs. It rained up to 1300m yesterday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">60 cm of storm snow with both westerly and northerly winds has created a weak unstable storm slab instability on all aspects at and above treeline. Below treeline, the moist snow, facets and wet slab problem will disappear with cold temps.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Saturday strong Southwest winds redistributed up to 50cm of storm snow onto lee aspects making another slab over the previous hard slab surfaces.  On Sunday night, another 34cm of snow came in with no winds and now sits on these slabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">60cm of heavy, moist snow fell in 48hrs and rapidly loaded the Feb 12 surface hoar/crust layer down ~1m. The surface snow is wet to 1400m and moist to at least 1900m. In the alpine, S'ly winds are transporting snow, rapidly loading slopes and forming new windslabs. Cooling temps will help to start strengthening the snowpack, but it will take time. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 60 cm of storm snow since Friday is settling and bonding to previous surfaces. Cool temperatures have tightened the upper pack and has promoted bonding within the storm snow and on the storm snow interface, however we still expect to see some touchy storm slabs, and lingering wind slabs in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A significant amount of snow arrived with warm temperatures and relatively light winds Friday-Saturday. This snow created a storm snow instability on all aspects and elevations yet mild temperatures helped keep things relatively in place. The new snow sits on previous windslab surfaces at treeline and above.&nbsp; Faceted weak snow at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20cm of dry snow has refreshed the surface, and cool temps are tightening the snowpack. 60cm of heavy, moist snow from the weekend appears to be bonding. The Feb 12 surface hoar/crust layer, down ~1m, has been reactive to large loads (see below). In the alpine, S'ly winds are transporting snow rapidly loading slopes and forming new windslabs. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to 60 cm Storm snow above 2100m with minimal wind effect mainly in areas exposed to North winds. March 3 rain crust is as high as 2100m with 25cm over a weak crust at 1700m and 20cm over a very weak crust and an isothermal (rain soaked) snowpack below 1500m. Crusts gaining strength with cooling trend. A very thin suncrust formed on South slopes. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 60 cm of storm snow since Friday has settled to 30-40 cm. Cool temperatures have tightened the upper pack and promoted bonding within the storm snow and on the storm snow interface, however we still expect to see storm slabs that are reactive to skier triggering in steeper alpine terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A significant amount of snow arrived last weekend with warm temperatures and light winds creating a soft slab and storm snow instability on all aspects and elevations. The snow sits on previous windslab surfaces at treeline and above and on a faceted snowpack at lower elevations. Winds have yet to slab up the new snow. Monitor for that condition.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">60+ cm of storm snow overlies a variety of old surfaces.  Although the storm snow is settling, it is still failing as a cohesive slab, especially on solar aspects where it sits on a sun crust.  The Feb 12 PWL is down over one meter, and remains a concern.  This layer can still be triggered by heavy loads, or as a step-down from storm snow releases.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 60 cm of storm snow since Friday has settled to 30-40 cm. Cool temp's have solidified the upper snowpack and the bond to the storm snow interface. The storm slabs remain touchy to trigger in the alpine, especially in thin, faceted areas. A team in Yoho observed a 50cm slab on facets that failed very easily in tests in the moraines.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm snow appears to be bonding well to previous surfaces, and has been subjected to minimal wind affect. At lower elevations, this storm snow is sitting on a weak and faceted midpack.  There is a lot of snow that is plastered to steep rocky terrain that will most likely sluff once the sun hits it in the afternoon.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weeks' storm snow has settled out rapidly over the past two days.  Below treeline, a rain crust and substantial tree bombs have created treacherous travel in some places.  In the alpine, soft slabs overly the Feb. 12  PWL, now down over a meter and continues to be a concern, especially on solar aspects.  Wide propagations are still possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow from last weekend continues to strengthen as a unit, with no obvious shears within it. It also seems to be bonding reasonably well to the underlying snow surfaces. However, in areas of thinner snowpacks (east of the Divide) and on steeper, southern aspects, the storm slab remains touchy and human triggering to size 3 is possible. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm snow appears to be bonding well to previous surfaces, and has been subjected to minimal wind affect. At lower elevations, this storm snow is sitting on a weak and faceted midpack. There is a lot of snow that is plastered to steep rocky terrain that will most likely sluff once the sun hits it in the afternoon. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weeks' storm snow has settled out rapidly over the past two days. Below treeline, a rain crust and substantial tree bombs have created treacherous travel in some places. In the alpine, soft slabs overly the Feb 12th PWL, now down over a meter which has been reactive to skiers, especially on solar aspects. Wide propagations are still possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_A8FEC758">20-35cm of HST sluffing in steep terrain. Sun crust down 20-35 cm on steep E and S aspects. March 3 rain crust present up to 2000m now buried 65cm at Treeline and producing Mod to Hard resistant shears in some locations.</span></p><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_A8FEC758"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow from last weekend continues to strengthen as a unit, with no obvious shears within it. It also seems to be bonding reasonably well to the underlying snow surfaces. However, in areas of thinner snowpack (east of the Divide) and on steeper, southern aspects, the storm slab remains touchy and human triggering to size 3 is possible. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm snow appears to be bonding well to previous surfaces.  Soft slabs are developing below alpine lee ridge lines with gusty moderate SW winds . At lower elevations, this snow is sitting on a weak and faceted midpack. Snow that is plastered to steep rocky terrain will most likely sluff once exposed to the sun for prolonged periods.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weeks storm snow has settled out rapidly over the past four days. Below treeline, a rain crust and substantial tree bombs have created treacherous travel in some places. In the alpine, soft slabs overly the Feb 12th PWL, now down over a meter which has been reactive to skiers, especially on solar aspects. Wide propagations are still possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow from last weekend seems to be bonding reasonably well to the underlying snow surfaces. However, in areas of thinner snowpack (east of the Divide) and on steeper, southern aspects, the storm slab remains touchy. Human triggering to size 3 is possible, if you hit the weak spot. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs are developing below alpine lee ridge lines with gusty moderate West winds.  In sheltered areas, the recent storm snow has settled and bonded well.   Expect a suncrust on southerly treeline aspects and  widespread suncrust over the recent storm snow at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A new crust formed yesterday on solar aspects below 1600m. 10cm of light snow overlies a rain crust to 1800m and settled snow and windslabs above. The settled storm slab is gaining strength. The Feb 12th PWL, now down over a meter, is of most concern on solar aspects where is overlies a crust, and on slopes where it has not yet avalanched. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface hoar forming overnight.  Moist snow on all solar aspects with freezing levels up to 1900m. Light wind transport at ridge crests in the alpine.  The recent storm snow appears to be bonding well to the March 3 rain crust and other surfaces.  This March 3 crust is present up to 2000m and is buried 10 to 45cm depending on aspect and elevation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 30cm of settled storm from last week is bonding to the old surface. This storm snow bond will be weakest on South aspects. Yesterday a skier triggered a size 1.5 avalanche on this storm interface on a South aspect. Additionally, a 2cm sun crust has formed on solar aspects, making the skiing challenging.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs are developing below alpine lee ridge lines with steady moderate to strong Westerly winds.  In sheltered areas, the recent storm snow has settled and bonded well.  Expect a suncrust on southerly alpine and treeline aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A breakable surface crust exists on solar aspects. 10cm of snow overlies a rain crust to 1800m and settled snow and windslabs above. Last weeks storm slab and the Feb12 surface hoar layer are gaining strength. The Feb12 is over a meter deep and is of most concern on solar aspects where it overlies a crust or on slopes that have not yet avalanched. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Approximately 30cm of settled storm from last week is bonding to the old surface. Localized winds have created spotty wind slabs in the alpine. East of the divide the mid-pack is supportive, but weak. West of the divide the mid-pack is well settled and much stronger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Fresh snow is forecast over the next 72 hours. At upper elevations this will quickly become slab like as the forecasted strong SW winds transport it onto East and Northeast slopes. At lower elevations warming temperatures will result in moist snow conditions particularly on southerly facing slopes.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20cm low density snow over settled snow above 1700m . Mar 3 rain crust down 10 to 20cm below 1700m. Feb 12 surface hoar down 100 to 130cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of new snow overlies sun crust on solar aspects, and thin wind slabs in isolated areas near ridge crests.  Surface snow sluffs easily in steep terrain up to size 1.  In thinner snow pack areas facets are present in the lower snowpack and may be a concern with rapid loading or warm temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A field trip to Kootenay found a well settled 2m snowpack at 2000m with the only compression results in the top 15cm of loose storm snow.  10cm supportive rain crust to 1800m in that area.  This is a stark contrast to thinner snow pack areas which have storm slabs and wind slabs 30-40cm thick sitting over a mainly facetted snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New windslabs are forming above treeline with the large amount of snow available for transport and gusty winds.  Solar aspects have a suncrust and are being covered by the snow that is presently falling. These slabs and crusts will be subject to significant load over the next 72hours which will increase their likelihood of triggering.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E6FD2046">10-15cm lower density snow over a well settled mid pack above 1700m. Below 1700m the Mar 3 rain crust, 3-4cm thick, is down 10cm. The Feb 12 surface hoar is down 100 to 130cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A warm, windy night brought 15-20cm of dense snow. This has created very touchy storm slabs in the alpine and at tree-line. Below tree-line, there was rain to 1900m, creating unstable surface conditions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft slabs are forming in the Alpine under the influence of moderate to strong Westerly winds.  30cm of new snow has fallen in the past 24 hours in the Columbia Icefields area. At Treeline soft slabs exist in isolated terrain near ridges. On solar slopes, at Treeline and below this  snow is sitting over a crust which is up to 5cm thick. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E6FD2046">30cm of new snow overnight on top of 15cm of recent storm snow has been very wind affected and has begun to form slab conditions. Below 1700m the Mar 3 rain crust, 3-4cm thick, is down 40cm. The Feb 12 surface hoar is down 120 to 150cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 50cm of storm snow has fallen in the last 2 days, with higher amounts observed west of the Divide and up Hwy 93N. Storm slabs have formed on the surface and are bonded poorly to the older surfaces. Below tree-line, the rain has saturated the surface layers and created very unstable conditions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft to hard slabs are forming in the alpine under the influence of moderate to strong Westerly winds.  In the Columbia Icefields area 70cm of new snow has fallen in the past 48 hours, 40cm of which fell in the past 24hrs. At treeline soft slabs exist in the most wind exposed terrain. Lesser amounts of snow fell near Jasper townsite. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E6FD2046">35cm of heavy, high density new snow now sits on top of the low density previous storm snow. The recent high winds have formed this snow into wind and storm slabs at treeline and in the alpine. Below 1700m the Mar 3 rain crust, 3-4cm thick, is down 40cm and now is being weakened by freeze lines that climbed to 2100m yesterday, and should rtn today.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A trace of new snow overnight above 2200m. Moderate to strong West winds forming soft slab on high North aspects. Moist surface snow to ridge top on S aspects and to 2200m on N aspects today.  20-40cm of rain soaked surface snow at tree line and below. A few glide cracks opening up near tree line with the warm temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-60cm of storm snow has fallen in the last 2 days, with higher amounts observed west of the Divide and up Hwy 93N. Storm slabs have formed on the surface and are bonded poorly to the older surfaces. Below tree-line, the rain saturated surface layers should start to stabilize with the decreasing temp's tomorrow afternoon.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft to hard slabs are forming in the alpine under the influence of moderate to strong Westerly winds. In the Columbia Icefields area over 80cm of snow has fallen Since Wednesday. At treeline, soft slabs exist in the most wind exposed terrain. Lesser amounts of snow fell near Jasper townsite. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E6FD2046">55cm of heavy, high density new snow now sits on top of the low density previous storm snow at treeline. The recent high winds have formed this snow into wind and storm slabs at treeline and in the alpine. Below 1700m there was a combination of rain and snow which did not refreeze overnight.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-60cm of recent storm snow is settling out as the temperatures start to cool down.  Moist snow below 1700m.  East of the divide there is a mainly faceted snowpack beneath the recent snow.  Thicker snowpack areas are found mainly West of the divide and have a well settled snowpack beneath the recent storm slabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft slabs have formed immediate below alpine ridgelines from previous moderate to strong West winds. 80+cm of snow has fallen since Wednesday. At treeline, soft slabs are sitting on a thin suncrust that is buried 80 cm deep in wind exposed south facing terrain.  Below treeline, 20-30 cm of unconsolidated snow is present over a base of weak facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E6FD2046">Dense snow was rapidly deposited on a reactive layer down 55-65cm, which consists of a variety of surfaces including small surface hoar and crust. The storm snow is wet below 1650m and moist to 2000m. At treeline and above, sustained winds have further loaded slopes and formed windslabs. A surface hoar layer down 1.2m continues to be monitored. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10-35cm of storm snow fell with the passing of the arctic air bringing the total this week to near 60 in most alpine areas. Large cornices and storm slabs exist at treeline and above with touchy slabs. Below treeline, the rain line was at nearly 2000 metres, and the snow is still wet below a weak crust that will freeze with cold temps.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft slabs have formed on exposed treeline locations and above from Saturday nights strong North winds. Expect reverse loading patterns. 90+cm of snow has fallen since Wednesday and this was our first real wind. At treeline, soft slabs rest on a thin suncrust buried 80 cm deep in exposed south facing terrain.  Snow below treeline is unconsolidated. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E6FD2046">Dense snow was rapidly deposited on a reactive layer down 55-65cm, which consists of a variety of surfaces including small surface hoar and crust. The storm snow is wet below 1650m and moist to 2000m. At treeline and above, sustained winds have further loaded slopes and formed windslabs. A surface hoar layer down 1.2m continues to be monitored. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10 cm of new and some more strong winds has added again to the storm slab condition. Winds from both the west and north east have loaded most open slopes at and above treeline. In shallower areas east of the divide, the snow rests on a very weak base of facets. South aspects have a crust. Triggering is likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface soft slabs are forming mainly at exposed treeline locations and above yet are spotty. Saturday's strong North winds reverse loaded many slopes and now moderate Westerlies continue to move the snow. 90cm of snow fell since Wednesday. At treeline, soft slabs rest on a suncrust 80 cm deep in south facing terrain. Midpack is otherwise strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30cm of low density snow over the Mar 16th crust of varying thickness depending on elevation below 2000m. Moist snow below the crust. This overlies a well settled mid pack. The Feb 12 SH is down around 100-150cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">Up to 55cm of snow over the last 48 hours is sitting on the Mar 16 melt freeze crust. The crust is present at all aspects and elevations, 7 cm or more thick, and very supportive. This new snow seems to be bonding and settling well with no major shears evident in tests on Monday. Windslabs have already been building on lee N &amp; W slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft slabs continue to form at exposed treeline locations and above from today's moderate West winds. Previous North winds reverse loaded many slopes and gullies. 90cm of snow fell since March 13. Snow transport is occurring. At treeline, soft slabs rest on a suncrust 80 cm deep in south facing terrain. Below treeline is generally supportive. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Intense but intermittent flurries yesterday with locally very strong winds has added more load to the snowpack.  Up to 35 cm of snow is beginning to slab up, especially in the alpine.  Below 2000 meters, this storm snow sits on a sun crust formed on March 16.  The mid-pack remains well settled.  The Feb 12 PWL can still be found, but is stubborn.</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 past week, 60-80 cm of snow has fallen in the region with strong West winds.  The storm snow is starting to bond to underlying layers West of the divide, but still may be of concern steeper features where the interface is a suncrust.  East the divide, storm snow is a cohesive slab resting on a weak faceted snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">90cm of snow has fallen since March 13.&nbsp; Soft slabs continue to form in the alpine and at treeline on wind exposed slopes from gusty moderate S to SW winds. Previous North winds have reverse loaded gully features.&nbsp; At treeline, soft slabs rest on a suncrust 80 cm deep in south facing terrain. The snowpack is generally supportive below treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow slabs exist in the alpine, but are sporadic.  Reports from north aspects (Dome Glacier) indicate the upper snow is well bonded; however avalanches to size 2.5 were observed yesterday from solar aspects in the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/links/goto_e.asp?destination=http://avalancheinfo.net/Parks/Glacier/Images/20130319%20Grizzly%20Pk%20Na%20S%20asp.jpeg" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Connaught </span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">drainage.  Where storm slabs rest on a buried suncrust-surface hoar combo (March 11), wide propagations can be expected.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">W of Divide: Tak study plot (Yoho) today @1800m.Well settled 230cm snowpack. 30cm moist layer (rain event last week) buried under 30cm low density snow. Up to 40cm snow in last 48 hrs  at TL. (E-Mod shears).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> E of Divide:harder wind slabs over a variety of surfaces from sun crust, facets, and depth hoar. Sensitive to human triggering in thin areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Slabs continue to form in the alpine and at treeline on wind exposed slopes from gusty moderate S to SW winds. Previous North winds reverse loaded gully features last week. 90cm has fallen since March 13. At treeline in south facing terrain, the snow rests on a suncrust 80 cm deep. The snowpack is generally supportive below treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An intense frontal system passed through last night with strong winds.  We suspect significant loading occurred in start zones overnight, but the bond of storm snow is not yet known.  North aspects will be most loaded, but solar aspects may be more reactive due to a buried suncrust-surface hoar combo , where wide propagations can be expected.</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">20cm new snow overlies the March 21 rain crust that can be felt as high as 1900m and a sun crust that goes to ridge top on S aspects. This HN tapers with elevation covering moist snow and a weak crust below 1600m. There is 40 to 60 cm over the March 15 rain crust that is present to 2400m. Thin wind slabs forming at ridge crests N to SE aspects</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">W of Divide: Generally well settled snowpack in deeper areas. Previous storm slabs buried by 20-40cm at TL and above.  Some whumpfing today at ridgetop in thinner areas on facets above Vermillion crossing.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> E of Divide:harder wind slabs over a variety of surfaces from sun crust, facets, and depth hoar. Sensitive to human triggering in thin areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The surface storm and wind slab have melded with the snowpack making a persistent slab in alpine and treeline locations on a variety of aspects. 90cm has fallen since March 13 and was moved around by variable winds since then. At treeline in south facing terrain, the snow rests on a suncrust 80 cm deep. The snowpack is generally supportive. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30cm of storm snow is dry down to 1400m, with sun crust on solar aspects.  Strong southerly winds deposited this snow on lee aspects at treeline and the alpine. The storm snow is reactive to rider triggering in steep and unsupported terrain, especially at treeline. The March 11 surface hoar-suncrust weak layer is down about a meter.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </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">There is a great variation between the east and west in the forecast district. East of the divide, the lower snowpack is weak facets and collapsing of this layer is causing remote triggering of avalanches with wide propagations. On southerly aspects these avalanches are failing on a crust while on NE aspects cornice triggers are triggering storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A variable thick slab exists in alpine and treeline locations on a variety of aspects. It is over a strong midpack except in shallow locations where you could trigger basal facets or depth hoar weakness at the ground. At treeline in south facing terrain, their is a suncrust 80 cm deep. Strong diurnal temperature fluctuations have helped stability.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25cm of storm snow is dry down to 1400m, with sun crust on solar aspects.  Strong southerly winds deposited this snow on lee aspects at treeline and the alpine. The storm snow may be reactive to rider triggering in steep and unsupported terrain, especially at treeline. The March 11 surface hoar-suncrust weak layer is down about a meter.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </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">Some wind slab and cornice issues in the westerly areas. Deep slab persistent weak layer concerns in the eastern shallow snowpack areas. In areas of 170cm or deeper snowpack the snow seems mainly stable, with a few isolated exceptions at and above treeline on lee slopes. East of the divide where the snowpack was less than 150cm, beware.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A variable thick slab exists in alpine and treeline locations on a variety of aspects. It is over a strong midpack except in shallow locations where you could trigger basal facets or depth hoar weakness at the ground. At treeline in south facing terrain, their is a suncrust 80 cm deep. Strong diurnal temperature fluctuations have helped stability.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cool temps and clouds have reduced solar effects; a sun crust has formed only on steep, solar aspects. Elsewhere, 25cm of dry snow exists above 1400m. Tests on two surface hoar/crust layers in the top 1.5m indicate that they may be triggered by large loads (like cornices) in some areas (most likely on solar aspects). The snowpack below is strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is mostly stable except for isolated wind slabs and solar effects on southerly aspects with daytime heating. Cornices are still a concern and cornice falls have triggered some deep slabs in the last week. Weaker shallow snowpack areas should still be treated with caution.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A variable thick slab exists in alpine and treeline locations on a variety of aspects. It is over a strong midpack except in shallow locations where you could trigger basal facets or depth hoar weakness at the ground. Steeper South facing terrain has a suncrust 80cm down. Strong diurnal temperature fluctuations have helped stability.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On steep, solar aspects the surface becomes moist and loose with warming, freezing into a crust overnight. 25cm of dry snow exists above 1400m elsewhere. Tests on surface hoar/crust layers in the top 1.5m indicate that they may be triggered by large loads (like cornices) in some areas (most likely on solar aspects). The snowpack below is strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sun crust forming on SE to SW aspects. E and W aspects still providing excellent skiing today!  Light wind effect in open areas at tree line and above and some small wind slabs present near ridge crests. 15 to 40cm of recent storm snow bonding well to the crust below.</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 snowpack is mostly stable except for isolated wind slabs and solar effects on southerly aspects with daytime heating. Cornices are still a concern and cornice falls have triggered some deep slabs in the last week. Weaker shallow snowpack areas should still be treated with caution, especially as they warm up in the afternoon sun.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A variable thick slab exists in alpine and treeline locations on a variety of aspects. It is over a strong midpack except in shallow locations where you could trigger basal facets near the ground.  A suncrust with varying thickness and strength exists at all elevations on steep South facing aspects. Below treeline, the crust breaks down by  midday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Solar aspects have a series of buried sun crusts, some of which have surface hoar on top, creating potential for wide avalanche propagation with the right trigger.  These aspects also tend to be windward (SW) so the snowpack is thinner there, and may be more easily triggered by skiers.    Strong daytime warming will weaken the snow. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Kootenay Park today, S through W slopes developing variable melt freeze crusts, thickest on steep W aspects. 20cm powder snow on N aspects over temperature crust up to 1800m. Well settled snowpack at 2300m. Moist snow on solar aspects by 11AM. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">E of divide settled wind slabs over basal facets. Supportive travel with variable sun crust up to 2700m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A variable thick slab exists in alpine and treeline locations on a variety of aspects. It is over a strong midpack except in shallow locations where you could trigger basal facets near the ground.  A suncrust with varying thickness and strength exists at all elevations on steep South facing aspects. Below treeline, the crust breaks down by  midday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The generally well settled snowpack is being affected by strong solar radiation.  North aspects are remaining cool, but sunny aspects and all lower elevations are warming up substantially during the day.  Thin snowpack areas will be most susceptible, specifically on S and W aspects.  Several PWLs (mostly buried sun crusts with SH) are still active. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">W of divide. S through W slopes developing variable melt freeze crusts, thickest on steep W aspects.  Powder snow on N aspects. Generally well settled snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">E of divide settled wind slabs over basal facets. Supportive travel with variable sun crust up to 2700m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A 15 to 20 cm melt freeze crust on solar aspects below treeline appears to be maintaining its strength until late in the afternoon.  Isothermal conditions are beginning on shallow south facing slopes at treeline.  The alpine snowpack is relatively stable where it is thicker especially on polar aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The generally well settled snowpack is being affected by strong solar radiation.  North aspects are remaining cool, but sunny aspects and all lower elevations are warming up substantially during the day.  Thin snowpack areas will be most susceptible, specifically on S and W aspects.  Several PWLs (mostly buried sun crusts with SH) are still active. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">W of divide. S through W slopes developing variable melt freeze crusts, thickest on steep W aspects.  Powder snow on N aspects. Generally well settled snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">E of divide settled wind slabs over basal facets. Supportive travel with variable sun crust up to 2700m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A 5 to 10 cm melt freeze crust on solar aspects below treeline appears to be maintaining its strength until mid afternoon. Isothermal conditions exist on shallow south facing slopes up to treeline. North facing treeline and the alpine snowpack are relatively stable with a well settled mid-pack bridging basal facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong solar radiation and rising freezing levels have deteriorated ski quality on all but sheltered N aspects. Moist surface snow and crusts are found at all elevations, with growing surface hoar.  Avalanches have been triggered from thin snowpack areas weakened by warm temps. Several PWL's (mostly buried sun crusts with SH) are still active. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A trace of new snow fell above 1900m last night. This will overly Sun Crust on steep East through West aspects and Temperature or Rain Crusts as high as 2200m on all aspects. Winds have created thin windslabs over these crusts in open areas Treeline and above. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Spring conditions prevail. but it is not quite corn yet on the upper elevation southerly aspects. A 2cm crust is holding everything together while frozen. Northerly aspects are well settled with  some wind slabs. Lower elevations are going through the classic melt freeze daily cycle. Cornices are large and have been observed falling off every day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A 5 to 10 cm melt freeze crust on solar aspects below treeline appears to be maintaining its strength until mid afternoon. Isothermal conditions exist on shallow south facing slopes up to treeline. North facing treeline and the alpine snowpack are relatively stable with a well settled mid-pack bridging basal facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong solar radiation and rising freezing levels have deteriorated ski quality on all but sheltered N aspects. Moist surface snow and crusts are found at all elevations, with growing surface hoar.  Avalanches have been triggered from thin snowpack areas weakened by warm temps.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another hot day with less overnight recovery resulted in a rash of late afternoon wet avalanches today. Cascade waterfall failed on the ground in a wet slab that ran to the bottom of the falls. The snowpack is stable when the crusts are intact, but have regard for what is happening on the slopes far above you.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A 5 to 10 cm melt freeze crust on solar aspects below treeline appears to be maintaining its strength until mid afternoon. By this time isothermal conditions can be expected up to treeline on solar facing slopes. The snowpack at treeline and above on Northerly facing slopes has a well settled mid-pack providing bridging strength above basal facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong solar and warm temps over the past week has resulted in moist surface snow and crusts on all but sheltered N aspects above 1900m. Shallow ridgetops in the alpine are becoming isothermal. On shaded aspects large surface hoar is growing, right to mountain top. A surface hoar/crust layer in the upper meter is becoming isolated and stubborn.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another hard freeze overnight made for excellent travel. True corn is forming on low to mid elevation solar aspects with a thinner crust in the high alpine. Due north slopes have a mixture of wind effect and thin facetted snow with low penetration. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong solar and warm temps over the past week has resulted in moist surface snow and crusts on all but sheltered N aspects above 1900m. Shallow ridgetops in the alpine are becoming isothermal. On shaded aspects large surface hoar is growing, right to mountain top. A surface hoar/crust layer in the upper meter is becoming isolated and stubborn.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Spring time conditions. Overnight crusts on solar aspects are breaking down by early afternoon. North aspects are dry above 2200 m. The forecasted new snow will be sitting on a hard crust on most aspects and may be easily triggered by skiers or with afternoon warming.</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">Below Treeline  a 15cm melt-freeze crust sits above wet and unconsolidated snow and provides stability. This condition demission with elevation and on slopes which are not South facing. By mid afternoon, or earlier on very hot days, this crust has melted and the avalanche danger is elevated considerably. The base of the snowpack is weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Multiple crusts and moist snow in the upper one meter of the snow pack on south, east and west aspects. On due north aspects there may still be dry snow to be found at tree line and above.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Five to 10 cm storm of snow along the divide sits over a sun crusts on most aspects except true north. Weak freezes and the insulating aspect of the new snow bring minimal recovery of crusts overnight. Crusts at tree-line and below are breaking down by mid-day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below Treeline a supportive 15cm melt freeze crust provides temporary stability above a wet and unconsolidated snowpack. The crust thins with elevation and on slopes which are not South facing. By mid afternoon, or earlier on very hot days, this crust will melt and the avalanche danger will&nbsp; increase considerably. The base of the snowpack is weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Multiple crusts and moist snow in the upper one meter of the snow pack on south, east and west aspects has not refrozen overnight due to 2000m freezeline. On due north aspects there may still be dry snow to be found at tree line and above.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">A surface crust exists on all aspects and at all elevations. The strength of this crust varies with location as it freezes with cooling and weakens with heating. In thin snowpack areas weak layers persist that were created by earlier faceting of mid and basal snow. Weak moist snow may fail as point releases or as slabs over crusts or weak layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Five to 10 cm storm of snow along the divide sits over a sun crusts on most aspects except true north. Weak freezes and insulating aspect of new snow bring minimal recovery of crusts overnight. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below Treeline a supportive 15cm melt freeze crust provides temporary stability above a wet and unconsolidated snowpack. The crust thins with elevation and on slopes which are not South facing. By mid afternoon, or earlier on very hot days, this crust will melt and the avalanche danger will elevate considerably. The base of the snowpack is weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist snow in the snowpack has crusted over with just below freezing temperatures for a short period overnight. On due north aspects there may still be dry snow to be found at tree line and above, but yesterday a party skiing below treeline on a North aspect reported isothermal conditions and dangerous deep sluffing in steep terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-15 cm of new, dense snow sits over sun crusts on most aspects except true north. Rain showers, overcast skies, and the insulating aspect of the new snow brought no overnight recovery below 2000m Friday.  We can expect the same on Saturday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below Treeline a supportive 15cm melt freeze crust provides temporary stability above a wet and unconsolidated snowpack. The crust thins with elevation and on slopes which are not South facing. By mid afternoon, or earlier on very hot days, this crust will melt and the avalanche danger will elevate considerably. The base of the snowpack is weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist snow and rain overnight with snow sticking to the trees at about 1600m elevation this morning. Heavy wet new snow over an isothermal snowpack has been reported from a treeline observatory, and avalanche activity can be expected today.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-20cm of new, dense snow in the alpine over the last 48 hours sits over crusts on most aspects except true N. Rain below treeline. Bow summit plot at 2000m today saw mainly isothermal snowpack with little freeze. Hard compression results down 60cm on facets. In that area E of the divide there are still depth hoar and facet layers near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A melt freeze crust below treeline provides stability above a generally wet unconsolidated snowpack. By mid to early afternoon, daytime heat has the potential to break the crust down increasing the danger. Heating also promotes cornice failures which could initiate a large slide. Above treeline the snowpack is supportive but less so where shallow. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures and moist snow/rain overnight did not allow for a good freeze.  An isothermal snowpack has been reported in some locations at treeline.  These conditions result in a loose, unconsolidated snowpack.  Precipitation that did fall as snow over the last few days will be heavy and wet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 20cm of moist snow sits over top of a crust that was formed last week. Many places below 2000m expect to find an isothermal snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Melt freeze crust below treeline provides stability above a wet and unconsolidated snowpack. Watch for daytime heating breaking the crust down and increasing the danger. Alpine cornices are large and looming. The snowpack is supportive above treeline with a light dusting of snow over a temperature crust particularly on South aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cooler temperatures overnight will have frozen the surface snow. The surface condition will change rapidly today as freezing levels rise. An isothermal snowpack has been reported in some locations at treeline. These conditions result in a loose, unconsolidated snowpack. Precipitation that did fall as snow over the last few days will be heavy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temperatures have tightened the snowpack, creating a supportive crust at lower elevations. In the alpine and at treeline, convective storms have dropped 10 - 30 cm of new snow which sits on top of suncrusts on solar aspects and old facetted snow on polar aspects. In some areas, windslabs may exist, although the winds have been mostly light.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last week's 15cm of storm snow has likely led to some new windslab formation in exposed areas at upper elevations. Spring conditions mean low hazard in AM with frozen snowpack and potentially high hazard with daytime heating. Small loose wet slides are a good indicator that it is time to be heading for apres-ski.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10 to15 cm of snow over crusts and moist snow in the alpine and treeline. Supportive melt-freeze crust over moist snow below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temperatures have tightened the snowpack, creating a supportive crust at lower elevations. In the alpine and at treeline, convective storms have dropped 10 - 30 cm of new snow which sits on top of suncrusts on solar aspects and old facetted snow on polar aspects. In some areas, windslabs may exist, although the winds have been mostly light.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain will weaken the melt freeze crust below treeline producing a wet and unconsolidated snowpack.&nbsp; Windslabs will build on the smooth temperature crusts at and above treeline on north to east aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable snow conditions in upper snowpack elevation dependant. 10-15cm firm crust on the surface below treeline over moist snow. Top 10cm is wind affected at treeline and alpine elevations. Profile at 2090m, SE aspect, 36 degrees showed easy, sudden planar test results down 9cm on surface hoar and moderate results down 25cm below a 15cm crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the ALP and TL, recent storms have previously deposited 10-30 cm of snow which sits on top of suncrusts on solar aspects and facetted snow on polar aspects. Windslabs exist in immediate lee features in the alpine, and are developing with the current strong SW winds. The addition of up to 10-20cm of snow tonight will create touchy storm slabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Despite rain and above freezing temperatures, the melt freeze crust remained intact at treeline.  This crust provides stability above a wet and unconsolidated snowpack. Stiff windslabs have formed on a smooth temperature crust below ridgelines on north to north east facing slopes treeline and in the alpine.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable Conditions.  In the alpine, SSL and HSL from last weeks storm and wind event overly crusts on solar aspects and facets or surface hoar on north aspects.  The SH (from April 4)  is best preserved above 2400m, and is reactive to skier triggering.  Below treeline, the snowpack has become isothermal, frozen in the mornings, mush by afternoon.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We received 10-15cm overnight, accompanied by moderate to strong SW winds. This will have developed into soft slabs in the alpine. Expect the slabs to be touchy for the next day or two. These slabs overlay 10-30cm of previous storm snow, which rest on suncrusts on solar aspects and facetted snow on polar aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Melt freeze crust below 2000m on all aspects, new windslab (10cm thick) found on lee aspets at exposed ridgecrests above treeline.  10cm of new snow in past 24 hours, rapidly settling and moist below 2200m.  Sun crust on solar aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">35 cm of storm snow overnight with moderate to strong South winds have created a storm slab in the alpine and treeline.  These slabs overly crusts on solar aspects and facets or surface hoar on north aspects.  The SH is best preserved above 2400m.  Below treeline, the snowpack has become isothermal, frozen in the mornings, mush by afternoon.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There was 10-15 cm overnight. There is some wind effect in the alpine that has created isolated soft slabs in immediate lee terrain. These slabs overlay 10-30 cm of previous storm snow, which rests on suncrusts on solar aspects and facetted snow on polar aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Windslabs on lee aspects (NE) of exposed ridgecrests above treeline are covered by 5-10cm of new snow. New snow is sitting on previous temperature crusts below 2100m and on sun crust on solar aspects. Cornices are big and heavy, and several natural cornice falls have been observed in the past few days. Melt freeze crust carries well in AM.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 60 cm of storm snow that fell two days ago, with moderate South winds have created a storm slab in the alpine and treeline. These slabs overly a crusts on most aspects.  Surface hoar has been observed at this interface above 2400 m on north aspects. Below treeline, the snowpack has become isothermal, frozen in the mornings, mush by afternoon.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There has been up to 30 cm of storm snow over the last few days. There is some wind effect in the alpine that has created isolated soft slabs in immediate lee terrain. These slabs overlay 10-30 cm of previous storm snow, which rests on suncrusts on solar aspects and facetted snow on polar aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Windslabs on lee aspects of exposed ridgecrests above treeline are covered by 5-10cm of new snow. Below 2100m the new snow sits on temperature and sun crusts. Cornices are big. Several natural cornice falls have been observed over the past 72hrs. Melt freeze crust carries well in AM and maintains into the PM.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of new snow overlies 30cm from the previous storm. April 10 crust is 12cm thick and down 40-50cm. Profile on a north aspect, 1905m, 38 degrees, showed easy to moderate test results down 9 and 15 in the recent storm snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Several recent storms have deposited significant amounts over the well established crusts from the warming event at the start of the month. Most of these snowfall events have been followed by periods of sunshine that have re-established crusts on solar aspects. Below 1600m rain and warm temperatures have kept the snowpack warm and crusts are weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We have received between 10 and 40cm of storm snow over the last four days. The amount is variable by location. Generally speaking the storm snow is bonding well, however, expect to find thin wind slabs in the alpine. These wind slabs typically overlie another 10-30cm of old storm snow that sits on top facets and sun crusts, depending on aspect.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Windslabs exist on the lee aspects of exposed ridgecrests above treeline with a dusting of snow overtop. Buried temperature crusts exist below 2100m and sun crusts on steep solar aspects at various elevations. Cornices are big and looming. Gusting 105km/hr N winds last night reverse loaded pockets with the limited snow available. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of new snow over 30 to 50cm of recent settling storm snow. April 10 crust is down 40 - 60cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Between 10 and 40 cm of storm snow has fallen in the alpine over the last five days. The storm snow is bonding well to crusts on solar aspects and to faceted snow on northerly aspects. Thin wind slabs can be expected in the high alpine on a variety of aspects. Temperatures stayed cool all day on Monday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Windslabs exist on lee aspects of exposed ridgecrests above treeline with a dusting of snow overtop. Buried temperature crusts exist below 2100m and sun crusts on steep solar aspects at various elevations. Cornices are big and heavy. Some reverse loading of exposed terrain due to moderate North winds in the past few days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-50cm of settled storm snow remains dry on north aspects above 1750m. The April 3rd crust is down ~60cm and seems to be bonding in most locations. In isolated areas; protected slopes above 2400m; pockets of surface hoar is buried down ~60cm. Northerly winds have been reverse loading slopes for the past 36 hrs. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few cm's of new snow in the alpine. On alpine lee features the snowpack consists of wind slabs over a weak mid-pack with a very weak base of facets. The Oct 27 crust on N-NE aspects in the alpine is breaking down, but is still a sliding layer near ground. On average at treeline there is 70 cm of snow, barely blanketing the rocks and stumps.</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">3-4cm of new snow over variable sized hard wind slab in lee features at all elevations. Snowpack ranges from 5-100cm. 4cm Rain crust observed today at 2100ms at ground to 40cm above ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20cm of new snow is over the November 28 surface hoar layer which had widespread distribution. This surface hoar layer is sitting on sun crust on steep south aspects or facets elsewhere. The November 12 surface hoar layer is down 50 to 110 cm from tree line to the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few cm's of new snow in the alpine. On alpine lee features the snowpack consists of wind slabs over a weak mid-pack with a very weak base of facets. The Oct 27 crust on N-NE aspects in the alpine is breaking down, but is still a sliding layer near ground. On average at treeline there is 70-80 cm of snow, barely blanketing the rocks and stumps.</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">30-40 cm of recent storm snow sits over the November 28 surface hoar/crust layer which had widespread distribution. The November 12 surface hoar layer present at higher elevations is down 60-120cm</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15 cm of Storm Snow has fallen over last 48 hrs. Strong Northerly winds caused some reverse loading and fresh wind slabs with the arrival of the Arctic front. Steep gullies and large open start zones at and above treeline should be treated as suspect until this storm snow settles. Cold temperatures should promote a stabilizing trend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-40 cm of storm snow is over the November 28 surface hoar/crust interface. The November 28 surface hoar layer is down 60-110cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15 cm fell with moderate- strong North winds as the Arctic air moved in 2 days ago. Some reverse loading of slopes may have created some new windslabs in the alpine. There is 65-85 cm at our treeline study plots and some mid-pack support for skiing. Field tests still show failures on the Oct 27 crust where it exists or on the basal facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-40 cm of storm snow is over the November 28 surface hoar/crust interface. The November 12 surface hoar layer is down 60-110cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little Prairie has 67cm snow . Summit Lake = 100 cm total. Instabilities within the 25 to 35 cm of storm slab and at the old snow faceted interface indicate skiers could trigger avalanches in steep unanchored terrain at higher elevation areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Very cold temperatures mean not much active is happening in the snowpack. The surface and basal layers will continue to facet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable wind slab on lee features at all elevations. Snowpack ranges from 5-100cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface facetting is softening windslabs and new surface hoar growth is occurring. The November 28 surface hoar/crust interface is down 30-40 and the November 12 surface hoar layer is down 60-110cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Continuing cold temperatures means not much active is happening in the snowpack. The surface and basal layers will continue to facet. Snowpack depths at tree line are around 60-70cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface facetting and new surface hoar growth is occurring. Windslabs are widespread above treeline. The November 28 surface hoar/crust interface is down 30-40 and the November 12 surface hoar layer is down 60-110cm. These layers are of most concern where the overlying snow has formed a cohesive slab. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little Prairie 63cm. Summit Lake = 100-120 cm . Cold temps have prevented slab development in the storm snow. Windslabs built during storm are present on reverse locations (northeast aspects) and could possibly be skier triggered. The facet/melt freeze interface from Dec 1 has also not settled out yet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable wind slab on lee features at all elevations. Extremely cold conditions creating surface facetting and surface hoar at all elevations. Variable snowpack depths. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface facetting and new surface hoar growth is occurring. Windslabs are widespread above treeline. The November 28 surface hoar/crust interface is down 30-40 and the November 12 surface hoar layer is down 60-110cm. These layers are of most concern where the overlying snow has formed a cohesive slab. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is generally weak, facetted and shallow with little recent changes due to the cold temperatures. 60-70cm of snow exists at tree line.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable windslabs on lee features at all elevations. Cold temperatures creating surface facets as a potential future sliding surface. Snow depth is quite variable across the terrain. Deeper areas exist where windloading has occurred. Winds recently gusting to 70km/hr NW further buffing the snow surface. Basal rain crust exists sporadically.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is generally weak, facetted and shallow with little recent changes due to the cold temperatures. 50-70cm of snow exists at tree line which is just barely supportive on skis in most areas. Think light and don't turn too hard!</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable wind slab on lee features at all elevations. Recent cold conditions facetting the surface. Variable snowpack depths with pockets up to 1m deep. October raincrust sporadically distributed. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5cm of new snow sits over 20-30cm of facetted and unconsolidated snow. The November 28 surface hoar layer is down 20 to 30cm and is on a crust on steep south aspects. Overall the entire snowpack is faceting with the November 12 interface down 50-100cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong westerly flow stripping windward and creating slabs on the lee. SSL at 1850 to 2150 meters BTL. Expect stiffer slabs in alpine areas that could be triggered. Tests on an E asp at 2140m on Forum Ridge showed failure down 35cm (CTH22) and deeper in the pack another weak layer down 80cm (CTH29) though it is bridged with 20cm pencil layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is 50-70 cm of snow at tree line which is generally weak and facetted, however in some areas the mid-pack is supportive enough to allow some tentative turns. Some fresh wind slabs exist in lee alpine terrain which may be reactive to skier triggering. The October crust is 10-20 cm from ground and producing mod-hard results with comp. test.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable wind slab on lee features at treeline and alpine elevations. Variable snowpack depths with pockets up to 1m deep. October rain crust is sporadically distributed but forecasters are still investigating this condition. Recent North winds are loading South aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25cm of low density storm snow sits over the December 8 surface hoar layer at lower elevations and over variable wind slabs up high. The November 28 surface hoar layer is down around 35-40cm over a facetted mid and lower snowpack. The November 12 surface hoar layer is down 60-110cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is 50-70 cm of snow at tree line which is generally weak, and facetted, however in some areas the mid-pack is supportive enough to allow some tentative turns. Some fresh wind slabs exist in lee alpine terrain which may be reactive to skier triggering. The October crust is 10-20 cm from ground and producing mod-hard results with comp. test.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable wind slab on lee features at treeline and alpine elevations. Variable snowpack depths, particularly in the alpine, with pockets up to 1m deep. October's rain crust is sporadically distributed but forecasters are still investigating this condition. Recent North winds are loading South aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25cm of low density storm snow sits over the December 8 surface hoar layer at lower elevations and over variable wind slabs up high. The November 28 surface hoar layer is down around 35-40cm over a facetted mid and lower snowpack. The November 12 surface hoar layer is down 60-110cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is 50-70 cm of snow at tree line which is generally weak, and facetted, but there is some mid-pack support. Some fresh wind and storm slabs exist in lee alpine terrain which may be reactive to skier triggering. The October crust is 10-20 cm from ground and producing mod-hard results with comp. test.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable wind slab on lee features at treeline and alpine elevations. Variable snowpack depths, particularly in the alpine, with pockets up to 1m deep. October's rain crust is sporadically distributed but forecasters are still investigating this condition. Last weeks North winds have loaded slab snow onto South aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25-30cm of storm snow sits over the December 8 surface hoar layer at lower elevations and over variable wind slabs up high. The storm snow is mainly low density with some soft slab developing in the alpine. The November 28 surface hoar layer is down around 35-40cm over a facetted mid-lower snowpack. The Nov 12 surface hoar layer is down 60-110cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 10 cm new over the past 24 hrs with moderate westerlies have created some touchy thin new wind slabs at treeline and above. The base remains weak with depth hoar and isolated crust near the ground. Drib and drab storm snow combined with wind will be enough to create some natural avalanche activity on steep lee features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable wind slab on lee features at treeline and alpine elevations. Variable snowpack depths, particularly in the alpine, with pockets up to 1m deep. October's rain crust is sporadically distributed but forecasters are still investigating this condition. Last weeks North winds have loaded slab snow onto South aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">35-45cm of storm snow sits over the December 8 surface hoar layer at lower elevations and over variable wind slabs up high. The storm snow is mainly low density with some soft slab developing as temps warm. The November 28 surface hoar layer is down around 50-65cm over a facetted mid-lower snowpack. The Nov 12 surface hoar layer is down 70-120cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-20cm of recent storm snow sits on the early December facets. Strong W winds are creating wind slabs on lee aspects at tree line and in the alpine. The mid pack is mainly facets but still dense enough to support the weight of a skier in many areas. In alpine areas the October melt freeze crust is present near the base of the snow pack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable wind slab on lee features at treeline and alpine elevations. Alpine regions will be scoured by strong winds in the Icefields. Gusting winds will be moving any available snow that is left. Expect to see additional wind slab development.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">45-55cm of storm snow sits over the December 8 surface hoar layer at lower elevations and over variable wind slabs up high. The storm snow is mainly low density with some soft slab developing as temps warm. The November 28 surface hoar layer is down around 60-75cm over a facetted mid-lower snowpack. The Nov 12 surface hoar layer is down 80-110cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little Prairie: 63cm snow. Summit Lake: 120 cm. Strong winds since 1208 have scoured Western slopes and created windslabs. The facet and melt freeze crust interface below these slabs is likely gaining strength however triggering these slabs will remain a possibility as temperatures continue to rise. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25cm of storm snow is present near the divide. Moderate to strong W winds and mild temperatures have formed wind slabs in open areas at tree line and above. The mid pack is facetted but still dense enough to support the weight of a skier in many areas. The October melt freeze crust or a mix of depth hoar and facets is present at the base. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable wind slab on lee features at treeline and alpine. Alpine is a mosaic of scoured ground and wind-loaded gully features on lee aspects. Strong gusting winds are constantly changing directions. Expect windslab development in unusual locations. Oct 27 Raincrust exists near bottom of snowpack with Facets above and below. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-50cm of storm snow sits over the December 8 surface hoar layer at lower elevations and over variable wind slabs up high. The storm snow is rapidly settling into a slab with warm temperatures and moderate to strong winds. The November 28 surface hoar is down around 60-80cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Areas on the west side of the Continental Divide have received up to 20 cm of snow in the last 36 hours, for a total of approximately 40 cm over the past four days. Strong to extreme winds at treeline and above have created windslabs in most open areas. Total snowpack depths range from 60-100 cm, with the lower half comprised of weak facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The alpine is a mosaic of scoured ground and windslabs on the lee side of terrain features. Gullies on lee aspects will be heavily wind oaded. Strong gusting winds are constantly changing directions. Expect windslab development in unusual locations. The October 27 raincrust is still lurking with facets developing above and below it.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Nearly 70cm of snow has fallen in the last week, with 35cm over the past 2 days. Winds have increased overnight, rapidly loading lee slopes and forming windslabs in the alpine. There are several reactive layers in and below the storm snow. The Nov 28 persistent weak layer is down 70 and gives sudden planar results in snowpack tests. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds continued to stiffen upper snowpack creating slab like conditions. A layer of less dense snow in the proximity of the Nov 15 thin temperature crust is buried by about half a meter of denser snow. It may not trigger easily. Watch loaded gullies, cross loaded terrain and other lee areas at all aspects. Still shallow at lower elevation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 25 cm storm snow with strong south-westerlies over the last two days has created touchy wind slabs in all open areas above treeline. Windward slopes are scoured. bare. The mid pack remains strong enough to support most places where the snowpack is deeper than 60cm. The base is weak DH. Isolated SH at treeline beneath storm snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong, turbulent winds continue to add to the variable snow distribution at treeline and above. Wind slabs are developing in lee terrain features. These windslabs sit above the October 27 raincrust with weak basal facets at the bottom of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">55 to 60cm of storm snow sits over a variety of surfaces from December 8th like surface hoar lower down, facets and variable wind slabs at higher elevations. The mid and lower snow packs are faceted but have not been observed to have the typical weakness associated with this. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10-20 cm of new snow today brings the storm snow total to 40-60 cm. Moderate to strong winds have created touchy windslabs in the alpine and at treeline.  Basal facets, depth hoar and the october rain crust are prominent at the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong, turbulent winds continue to add to the variable snow distribution at treeline and above. Wind slabs are developing in lee terrain features. These windslabs sit above the October 27 raincrust with weak basal facets at the bottom of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">80cm of storm snow sits over a variety of surfaces from December 8th like surface hoar lower down, facets and variable wind slabs at higher elevations. Strong winds have formed windslabs and wind loaded pockets above treeline. Below this are 2 persistant weak layers and the snowpack is facetted. As the load increases these layers may wake up. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Faceting and windslabs still dominate the Rockies' snowpack. The deep persistent weak layers are still reactive with additional wind-loading. Triggering overlying slabs is likely and will result in large, destructive avalanches as seen in avalanche control work today. </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">Wind transport has been evident at alpine ridge crests. Any windslab development on lee terrain features will be over-lie extremely weak basal layers. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 80cm of settled snow sits over a variety of surfaces like surface hoar at lower elevations, facets and variable wind slabs at higher elevations. This interface is reactive in snowpack tests. Strong winds have formed wind slabs and wind loaded pockets at treeline and above. Below this are 2 persistent weak layers and the snowpack is facetted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some moderate wind transport is adding to the slabs at treeline and above. This will increase the propagation potential across the start zone features. The weak base with depth hoar and the October melt freeze crust will mean any avalanche will involve the entire snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Turbulent winds continue to add to the variable snow distribution at treeline and above. Wind slabs are developing in lee terrain features. These windslabs sit above the sporadically distributed October 27 raincrust with weak facets at the bottom of the snowpack. Colder temperatures are tightening the snowpack but at same time promoting faceting. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 80cm of settled snow sits over surface hoar at lower elevations, facets and variable wind slabs at higher elevations. This interface is reactive, popping cleanly in snowpack tests. Strong winds have formed wind slabs and wind loaded pockets at treeline and above. Below this are 2 persistent weak layers sandwiched between facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5 of very light new snow fell Wednesday to bring Little Prairie to 65cm. Summit Lake = 100 cm total. Instabilities within the 25 to 35 cm of storm slab and at the old snow faceted interface indicate skiers could trigger avalanches in steep unanchored terrain at higher elevation areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20 cm of loose, dry snow sits on top of a generally weak snowpack. The total snowpack depths range from 60-100 cm at treeline, with the deeper snow located on the western side of the forecast region. In the Lake Louise to Bow Summit region, the lower half of the snowpack is weak depth hoar and avalanches are likely in steep, open slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable snow distribution at treeline and above. Wind slabs are continuing to develop in lee terrain features. Wind slab and a mainly facetted snowpack overlies October 27 rain crust which is distributed sporadically through the forecast area. Basal facets and depth hoar to ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 80cm of snow has settled over surface hoar at lower elevations, mixed forms and variable wind slabs at higher elevations. This interface failing sudden planar in snowpack tests. Strong winds have formed wind slabs and wind loaded pockets at treeline and above. At the base of the snowpack 2 persistent weak layers are surrounded by mixed forms.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30cm of recent snow now sits on top of a generally weak snowpack. Some new wind slabs are present near ridge crests in alpine areas.  The lower half of the snowpack is comprised of weak facets and depth hoar. Total snowpack depths range from 60-100 cm, with the deeper snow located on the western side of the forecast region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable snow distribution at treeline and above. Wind slabs continue to develop in lee terrain features. Wind slab and a mainly facetted snowpack overlies October 27 rain crust which is distributed sporadically through the forecast area. Basal facets and depth hoar exist just off the ground.  Below treeline remains unsupportive. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15 of low density HST from the last two days sits on the surface. Below that up to 80cm of snow has settled over surface hoar at lower elevations, mixed forms and variable wind slabs at higher elevations. This interface is failing sudden planar in snowpack tests. At the base of the snowpack 2 persistent weak layers are surrounded by mixed forms.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20 cm of facetted snow sits on a generally weak snowpack. All areas of the park have &lt;100cm of total snowpack, comprised almost entirely of facets and depth hoar near the base. Today, field teams in Kootenay Park found well preserved surface hoar down 40 cm from the top which produced moderate to hard shears. The snowpack should not be trusted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable snow distribution at treeline and above. Wind slabs continue to develop in lee terrain features. Wind slab buried by recent light snow overlies a facetted snowpack and the basal October 27 rain crust. The crust is distributed unevenly in the forecast area. Facets and depth hoar are just off the ground. This weak base will persist longterm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25cm of recent storm snow. Mid-pack is comprised of settling storm snow and more facetted crystals lower down. The December 8 facet/surface hoar interface is down around 65-80cm, and the November 28 layer is now buried down around 90-105cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10cm of new snow in the W tapers to nothing in the E.  A variety of surface weaknesses including widespread windslabs in the ALP and surface hoar at TL and BTL sit on a generally weak snowpack. The real concern is the facet/depth hoar/crust combo at the base of the snowpack which been triggered by light loads recently and can't be trusted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable snow distribution at treeline and above. Wind slabs continue to develop in lee terrain features. Wind slab buried by recent light snow overlies a facetted snowpack and the basal October 27 rain crust. The crust is distributed unevenly in the forecast area. Facets and depth hoar are just off the ground. This weak base will persist longterm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow now totalling 40cm since December 20. December 8 facet/surface hoar down 70-80cm and November 28 surface hoar layer down 90-100.Facetted lower snowpack slowly gaining strength.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10 to 15 cm of snow from the last 72 hours with near freezing temperatures, and significant W winds, have led to the formation of thin and soft storm slabs above the previous wind scoured and hardened surfaces. The sugary Faceted Crystals associated with the November Crusts are buried 50 to 70 cm presenting a weak layer that remains of interest. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10cm of new snow in the W tapers to nothing in the E. A variety of surface weaknesses including widespread windslabs in the ALP and isolated surface hoar at TL &amp; BTL sit on a generally weak snowpack. The real concern is the facet/depth hoar/crust combo at the base of the snowpack which been triggered by light loads recently and can't be trusted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable snow distribution at treeline and above. Wind slabs continue to develop in lee terrain features. Wind slab buried by recent light snow overlies a facetted snowpack and multiple early season crusts. The crusts are distributed unevenly in the forecast area. Facets and depth hoar are just off the ground. This weak base will persist longterm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 80cm of settled snow overlies the Dec 8 PWL, which is surface hoar at lower elevations and facets and variable wind slabs at higher elevations. This layer is becoming less reactive in tests. The lower snowpack is facetted, with 2 PWL's in the lower 50cm, that are slowly gaining strength. SW winds have formed windslabs above treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 10cm new snow has fallen west of the divide. Otherwise, the winds have been howling from the west and all windward slopes are stripped bare. Lee and cross loaded gullies have a mix of hard and soft wind slabs over a weak shallow base.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No significant precipitation over the last week (1mm in past 72 hours / 5mm past 7 days). Snowpack is generally shallow, weak, with a variably distributed deep persistent slab overlying weak basal layers of depth hoar, crusts, and/or facets. A steady southwest flow has created pockets of windslab in exposed areas at treeline and above.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30cm of settled snow sits on a weak layer of large snowflakes which are reactive in tests. The Dec 8 PWL, which is surface hoar at lower elevations and facets and variable wind slabs at higher elevations, is down ~80cm. This layer is becoming less reactive in tests. The Nov 28 surface hoar, down ~1m, is still reactive in some locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15cm of recent snow has fallen west of the divide.  This sits on a supportive but weak mid-pack over weak basal facets.  On the East side of the divide strong West winds have stripped all windward slopes. Lee and cross loaded gullies have a mix of hard and soft wind slabs over a weak shallow base.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No significant precipitation over the last week (1mm in past 72 hours / 5mm past 7 days). Snowpack is generally shallow, weak, with a variably distributed deep persistent slab overlying weak basal layers of depth hoar, crusts, and/or facets. A steady southwest flow has created pockets of windslab in exposed areas at treeline and above.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">~45cm storm slab sits on a weak layer of large snowflakes which are reactive in tests. The Dec 8 PWL, which is surface hoar at lower elevations and facets and variable wind slabs at higher elevations, is down ~80cm. This layer is becoming less reactive in tests. The Nov 28 surface hoar, down ~1m, is still reactive where it exists.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Extreme SW winds over the last 24 hrs and warm temps have created hard slabs with the remainder of the snow from earlier this week. Gullies and wind loaded features have a series of windslabs with all wind exposed slopes scoured. The Faceted Crystals associated with the Nov Crusts are buried 50 to 70 cm, a weak layer that remains of interest.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-20 cm of soft surface snow has formed thin windslabs in some areas, and sits on top of a shallow and weak snowpack. West of the Continental Divide the snowpack is stronger, but failures near the ground are still likely. This condition will persist until the passage of time and deeper snow can work to strengthen the lower half of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10cm last night in the Icefields area is not enough to change the snowpack. It remains generally shallow, weak, with a variably distributed deep persistent slab overlying weak basal layers of depth hoar, crusts, and/or facets. Windslabs have formed in exposed treeline and above areas. Below treeline remains unsupportive. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">~60cm storm slab sits on a weak layer of large snowflakes which are reactive in tests. The Dec 8 PWL, which is surface hoar at lower elevations and facets and variable wind slabs at higher elevations, is down ~80cm. The Nov 28 surface hoar, down ~1m. Both layers are showing variable reactivity in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At Bow Summit, 13 cm of recent storm snow is being blown into soft slabs at higher elevations where the wind is effecting the snow. The total snowpack depth is 73 cm and comprised mostly of facets and depth hoar. This is a structurally weak snowpack that needs time and more snow in order to gain strength.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The light precipitation amounts this weekend was not enough to alter the snowpack. It remains shallow with a variably distributed deep persistent slab overlying weak basal layers of depth hoar, crusts, and facets. Windslabs of various thicknesses continue to form in lee locations at treeline and above areas. Below treeline remains unsupportive. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">70cm of recent storm snow sits over a settling mid pack. Storm snow amounts are less east of the Rogers Pass summit. The December 8 surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-85cm and the November 28 surface hoar layer is down around a meter which is still well preserved in certain areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline the snowpack is roughly 1 metre deep. The midpack is supportive on skis but is comprised mostly of weak facets. East of the divide there is 10-20 cm of recent storm snow and west of the divide there is up to 35 cm of fresh snow. Continued mod to strong winds have created hard and soft slabs in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light precipitation over the last few days was not enough to alter the snowpack. It remains shallow and unsupportive. Wind slabs of various thicknesses continue to form in lee locations and there is a variably distributed deep persistent slab overlying weak basal layers of depth hoar, crusts, and facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">70 cm of settling storm snow,. The December 8 surface hoar/facet layer is down ~85cm and the November 28 surface hoar layer is down ~110cm still well preserved in certain areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">W. of the divide there is 40-70 cm of fresh snow over the past 5 days and 10-20 cm on the East. Continued west winds have added to the slab condition in the alpine and at treeline.  The treeline snowpack depth is roughly 1 metre deep. The midpack is supportive on skis but is consists mostly of weak facets with a persistent weak layer at the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slab conditions exist on lee features at all elevations.&nbsp; The snowpack is characteristic of early season conditions, with a weak structure and highly variable distribution. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25cm of new storm snow. Upper meter is settling. Mid to lower snow pack is rounding out and becoming more well settled. The Dec. 8 surface hoar/facet layer, now down 90cm, has been mostly unreactive in snowpack tests. The Nov. 28 surface hoar layer however, down ~125cm, still well preserved in certain areas is giving hard sudden planar results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A layer of faceted, weak crystals is found in most locations at about 30 to 40cm off the ground. Human triggering of this deeper instability may be possible in shallower snowpack  areas. Wind slabs are a concern in open areas at tree line and above. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">W. of the divide there is 40-70 cm of fresh snow over the past 6 days and 10-20 cm on the East. Continued west winds have added to the slab condition in the alpine and at treeline. The treeline snowpack depth is roughly 1 metre deep. The midpack is supportive on skis but is consists mostly of weak facets with a persistent weak layer at the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> The snowpack is characteristic of early season conditions, with a weak structure and highly variable distribution.&nbsp;  The Icefields area snowpack consists of several supportive windslabs over basal facets. Test results confirm that if a windslab layer releases in the upper snowpack, it could collapse the basal facets and slide full depth to ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">35cm of new storm snow. Upper meter is settling. Mid to lower snow pack is rounding out and becoming more settled. The Dec. 8 surface hoar/facet layer, down 90cm, is mostly unreactive in snowpack tests. The Nov. 28 surface hoar layer, down ~125cm, is still well preserved in certain areas and is giving hard sudden planar results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weeks storm snow has settled to 35-40 cm W of the divide and 10-20 cm on the East. Continued west winds have added to the slab condition in the alpine and at treeline. The treeline snowpack depth is roughly 1 metre deep. The midpack is supportive on skis but is consists mostly of weak facets with a persistent weak layer at the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow overlies existing wind slabs in the top 40cms. Strong supportive mid pack at TL and above over a very weak faceted base at ground. Below tree line the snow pack has very little support or slab development except in isolated open areas where wind slabs may exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">35cm of recent snow is settling. Mid to lower snow pack is rounding out and becoming more settled. The Dec. 8 surface hoar/facet layer, down ~90cm, is mostly unreactive in snowpack tests around Rogers Pass. The Nov. 28 surface hoar layer, down ~125cm, is still well preserved in certain areas and is giving hard sudden planar results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally a thin and weak snowpack averaging 1m near treeline. West winds have strongly influenced coverage: scouring windward areas leaving windslabs near ridgelines and in gully features. Thin suncrusts have formed on South aspects as high as 2200m. Weak faceted snow that can be found 30 to 40 cm above the ground remains a concern in thin areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30cm fell(tapering off to the W) in the last 24 hours, with little wind effect overall. 100cm at treeline on average. This new snow overlies previous wind slabs which sit over the basal depth hoar/ crust. Mod compression results found today at treeline on Hwy 93.N, collapsing in the depth hoar. More supportive midpack W of the divide. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 30cm of new storm snow now overlies existing wind slabs. Strong supportive mid pack at TL and above lies on a very weak faceted basal layer. Below tree line the snow pack has very little support except in isolated open areas where wind slabs may exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We received 40-50cm of storm snow in the last 24hrs in the alpine. Accompanying this were mild temp's and strong winds from the W, creating very touchy storm slabs. Although this fell on a generally settled snowpack, the Dec 8 and Nov 28 surface hoar/facet layers remain a concern. Avalanches could step-down to these layers with the new loading.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30cm of recent storm snow with new wind slabs forming near ridge crests and in the alpine. This new snow overlies previous wind slabs which sit over the basal depth hoar/crust. Moderate compression test results found at tree line with sudden collapses on the depth hoar. A supportive mid pack is found near the divide and to the W. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 30cm of new storm snow overlies existing wind slabs which in places has a very weak faceted basal layer. Below tree line the snow pack has very little support except in isolated open areas where wind slabs may exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We received 50 to 60 cm of storm snow in the last 48hrs at treeline. This storm had mild temp's and mod/strong winds from the W, creating very touchy storm slabs. Although this fell on a well-settled snowpack, the Nov 28 surface hoar/facet layers remain a concern. Avalanches could step-down to these layers with the new loading.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The 20 cm of storm snow from Thursday and Friday has tipped the balance and overloaded the weak, facetted snowpack. Windslabs have formed at higher elevations, and much snow remains available for wind transport in the days ahead. Although cold temperatures normally strengthen the snowpack, don't trust that theory now; the deep weakness prevails.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 30cm of low density storm snow is settling and overlies existing wind slabs which in places has a very weak faceted basal layer. Below tree line the snow pack has very little support except in isolated open areas where wind slabs may exist. New windslabs have formed at upper elevations but lots of snow is still available for transport. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 50 cm of storm snow is settling. The interface between this snow and the old surface is producing moderate results in stability tests at treeline. This storm had mild temp's and mod/strong winds from the W, creating storm slabs. Although this fell on a well-settled snowpack, the Nov 28 weak layer could still be triggered by a large mass.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Total snowpack depths across the region range from 100-140 cm, and are comprised of soft surface snow above a weak and facetted snowpack. In many areas at treeline and above, recent winds have created thin windslabs. Foot penetration is to ground in most places, again demonstrating the weakness of the snowpack. This situation will not change soon.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 30cm of low density storm snow overlies existing wind slabs which in places has a very weak faceted basal layer. Below tree line the snow pack has very little support except in isolated open areas where wind slabs may exist. New windslabs have formed at upper elevations but lots of snow is still available for transport. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Upper meter in snowpack continues to settle from recent storms. 30-40cm ski penetration. Mid pack is well-settled and the November 28 SH layer is buried down around 140cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Total snowpack depths across the region range from 100-140 cm, and are comprised of soft surface snow above a weak and facetted snowpack. In many areas at treeline and above, recent winds have created thin windslabs. Foot penetration is to ground in most places, again demonstrating the weakness of the snowpack. This situation will not change soon.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weekends storm snow overlies existing wind slabs which in many places has a very weak faceted basal layer. Below tree line the snow pack has very little support except in isolated open areas where wind slabs may exist. Our field team experienced extensive whumphing whilst out ski touring today. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Settlement of recent storm snow continues in upper snowpack. Thin sun crust was observed on steep south aspects. Mid pack is well settled. Lower snowpack still has more facetted crystals but is showing signs of strength more typical for this region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> 40 cm fell with the Storm Friday. Strong West winds blew Sunday and Moderate West winds continued to build fresh wind slabs Monday. Thin spotty slabs can be found behind exposed features well below treeline and more significant slabs exist at higher elevations. 30 to 40 cm off of the ground a weak layer of sugary faceted crystals remains a concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some light wind transport and a trace of new snow today with the first in a series of storms in a strong westerly flow. Last weeks storm snow is settling, but the weak base of depth hoar and/or crust is still the major concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weekend's storm snow overlies older wind slabs. In the alpine this newer snow has itself be blown into storm slabs which shear with easy to moderate force. The base of the snowpack is weak and unstable at all elevations. Near treeline the midpack is supportive and untracked powder can be found in wind sheltered locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface hoar that formed over the last few days has now been buried by 2-3cm of snow overnight. Settlement of recent storm snow continues in upper snowpack. Thin sun crust was observed on steep south aspects. Mid pack is well settled. Lower snowpack still has more facetted crystals but is showing signs of strength more typical for this region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The winds have been relatively light for the last 24 hrs, and the forecasted push of Pacific moisture has yet to arrive, so the snowpack has not changed much. Windslabs over weak mid pack over very weak base of depth hoar and/or crust is the basic set up. The base is just waiting for some more load before another avalanche cycle begins.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weekend's storm snow overlies older wind slabs. In the alpine this newer snow has itself be blown into storm slabs which shear with easy to moderate force. The base of the snowpack is weak and unstable at all elevations. Near treeline the midpack is supportive and untracked powder can be found in wind sheltered locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10cm of low density snow now overlies various snow surfaces (surface hoar up to 1900m, thin sun crust on steep S aspects). Last week's storm slab continues to bond, with only resistant planar results in tests. Mid pack is well settled. Lower snowpack still has more facetted crystals but is showing signs of strength more typical for this region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5cm new snow and gusty SW winds up high today.  East of the divide a weak mid pack sits over an even weaker basal facet layer with moderate sudden collapse results in the basal facets. West of the divide the snowpack is deeper and more supportive but the weak basal facets remain the main concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Additional mass added to the already weak snowpack will likely result in heightened avalanche danger this weekend.&nbsp; In the alpine storm and winds slabs are found and test with easy to moderate shears.&nbsp; Near treeline the midpack is supportive and untracked powder can be found in wind sheltered locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A new storm slab is building over top of various potentially weak snow surfaces. Up to 40cm overlies surface hoar, graupel and/or thin sun crusts on steep solar aspects. Last week's storm slab continues to bond, with only resistant planar results in tests. The lower snowpack is facetted but is showing signs of strength more typical for this region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Another 10-15cm overnight on top of the 40cm from Friday. Strong West winds continue to build wind slabs in open areas. labs can be found behind exposed features well below treeline and more significant slabs exist at higher elevations. 30 to 40 cm off of the ground a weak layer of sugary faceted crystals remains a concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-40 of storm snow has fallen across the forecast region over the last 36-hours, combined with a warming trend and strong to extreme winds from the SW. Widespread windslabs exist in all open areas, overlying a weak and facetted snowpack&nbsp; Expect leeward areas to have upwards of 100cm of drifted windslabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">&gt;35cm of storm snow has fallen since Friday.  Moderate SW winds have created deep soft slab conditions in the alpine and open TL slopes.  In many locations, these new slabs are sitting on weak basal facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">High density new snow is rapidly loading previous lower density layers resulting in a touchy surface slab. At valley bottom, a fast shear layer down 35cm is resulting in avalanches, even below treeline. At treeline this layer is expected to be 50cm deep. The Nov 28th surface hoar may be reactivated by the rapid loading or step down avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">45cm of storm snow has fallen over the last few days, combined with very strong winds. Deep storm slabs have formed from new snow and wind loading; in excess of 100 cm in leeward areas. These slab are overloading a weak, facetted snowpack. WIth another 15 cm expected by mid-day Monday, this critical situation will persist for a few more days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">35 to 50cm of storm snow has been redistributed by moderate SW winds creating wind slab over a strong mid-pack in lee features on top of a weak basal facets layer at the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over 75 cm of high density storm snow at treeline overlies previous lower density layers resulting in a touchy surface slab. Moderate to strong winds are aiding in slab development in exposed terrain treeline and above. The Nov 28th surface hoar layer, down over 2 m, may be reactivated by the rapid loading or step down avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 80 cm of storm snow has fallen over the last few days, combined with very strong winds. Deep storm slabs have formed from new snow and wind loading; in excess of 120 cm in leeward areas. These slabs are overloading a weak, facetted snowpack. The precipitation has ended, but strong gusty West winds are expected to continue for the next 2 days. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 70cm of storm snow has been redistributed by moderate to strong SW winds creating wind slab over a strong mid-pack in lee features on top of a weak basal facets layer at the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30cm of new storm snow that is moist below 1400m. It is sitting over snow with much lighter densities pronouncing the storm snow instabilities. The November 28 surface hoar layer is spotty but still well preserved in certain locations. The mid pack is well settled and the lower snow pack is continually gaining strength.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25cm of snow over the weekend and into Monday with a strong westerly flow have created storm slab and wind slabs. Triggering is possible in steep unsupported terrain. Deeper instabilities that we have been tracking previously are showing signs of been less of an issue in most areas with improved bridging above. Watch suspect shallower areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Basal weaknesses have been overloaded with accumulations of new snow (90cm+) and massive wind-loading. This new snow load has started a major avalanche cycle that has only started to taper off as of today. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 70cm of storm snow has been redistributed by moderate to strong SW winds creating wind slab over a strong mid-pack in lee features on top of a weak basal facets layer at the ground. Warmer temperatures are contributing to settlement in the snowpack. Light flurries may add additional weight to the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Upper 60cm, 35cm of heavy storm snow sits over low density snow. Rain or melt freeze curst on the surface below 1400m. The January 8 surface hoar layer is down around 60-75cm. The mid pack is well settled with the November 28 surface hoar layer down around 2m where present. The basal layer is more facetted snow showing signs of strengthening. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">25cm of snow over the weekend and into Monday with a strong westerly flow have created storm slab and wind slabs. Triggering is possible in steep unsupported terrain. Deeper instabilities that we have been tracking previously are showing signs of been less of an issue in most areas with improved bridging above. Watch suspect shallower areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds have created widespread windslabs on lee aspects (N-SE) and stripped all the snow off windward aspects. The new snow and wind loading has overloaded the basal weakness and is responsible for the widespread natural avalanche cycle we have been seeing. Although natural activity is tapering, conditions remain prime for human triggering</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warmer temperatures at TL and below are promoting settlement in the snowpack. Recent new snow has been redistributed by strong SW winds creating wind slab in open areas at all elevations.&nbsp; This sits over a supportive mid-pack at higher elevations. There is a weaker overall snowpack BLT and at all elevations this is on top of weak basal facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over 1m of snow fell in the last week, burying a surface hoar/graupel layer. Strong winds during the storm formed slabs in exposed areas at all elevations. Rain below 1300m formed a crust. The mid pack is well settled with the Nov28 surface hoar layer down around 2m where present. The facetted base is showing signs of strengthening. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds have created widespread windslabs on lee aspects (N-SE) and stripped all the snow off windward aspects. The new snow and wind loading has overloaded the basal weakness and is responsible for the widespread natural avalanche cycle we have been seeing.  Conditions remain prime for human triggering</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warmer temperatures at TL and below are promoting settlement in the snowpack. Recent new snow has been redistributed by strong SW winds creating wind slab in open areas at all elevations. This sits over a supportive mid-pack at higher elevations. Extensive scouring and cross loading in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over a meter of new snow from the last week is settling. It sits on a surface hoar/graupel layer. Strong SW winds have formed slabs in exposed areas at all elevations. Rain below 1300m formed a crust. The mid pack is well settled with the Nov28 surface hoar layer down around 2m where present. The facetted base is showing signs of strengthening. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds have created widespread windslabs on lee aspects (N-SE) and stripped all the snow off windward aspects in the alpine and near treeline. It will be take a while for these basal weaknesses to strengthen. Conditions remain prime for human triggering.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures are promoting settlement in the snowpack. A supportive mid-pack can be found in sheltered locations.  Last weekend's storm has been stripped by extreme Northerly winds.  Wind slabs are present on lee slopes and in cross-loaded gullies. Weak basal facets are present on slopes where they haven't either slid or been blown away.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over a meter of new snow from the last week is settling. It sits on a surface hoar/graupel layer. Strong SW winds have formed slabs in exposed areas at all elevations. Rain below 1300m formed a crust. The mid pack is well settled with the Nov28 surface hoar layer down around 2m where present. The facetted base is showing signs of strengthening. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Thursdays warmth and sun has created a crust on any steep south facing. Recent strong and turbulent West winds have created wind slabs in the lee of exposed features but even downslope from ridgetops, at all elevations. 30 to 40 cm above the ground weak, facetted snow remains a concern on steep or unsupported planar slopes especially in thin areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Windward features are mainly scoured to rock from last weeks storm. Widespread windslabs in lee and cross loaded features at treeline and above. Easy, sudden collapse compression results were found at treeline on Hwy 93 N today (E side of the highway), collapsing in the basal depth hoar. Some moist snow below treeline on solar aspects in the PM.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures are promoting settlement. BTL is a little more supportive but it remains the weakest of our elevation bands as not much bridges the basal facets. TL and above, wind slabs are present. Stability tests range from very easy to moderate sudden collapse on the basal facets.&nbsp; &nbsp;  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over 1m of new snow from the last week is settling. It sits on a surface hoar/graupel layer. Strong SW winds have formed slabs in exposed terrain at all elevations. Expect to find a solar crust on steep SW/W aspects and a supportive rain crust below 1300m. The mid pack is well settled with the Nov28 surface hoar layer down around 2m where present. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread wind slabs in lee and cross loaded features at tree line and above. Most windward features are scoured to ground from last weeks wind. Easy, sudden collapse compression test results in the basal depth hoar found at tree line on Hwy 93 N (E side of the highway). Some moist snow on steep solar aspects in the afternoon.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline snowpack is 85cm of low density snow with a 20cm stiffer midpack over weak basal facets. It remains the weakest of our elevation bands as not much bridges the basal facets. Whumphs still occurring. Above TL, snowpack ranges from 10cm to 130cm where a thicker midpack bridges the basal facets. Variable thickness windslabs present. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over 1m of new snow from the last week is settling. It sits on a surface hoar/graupel layer. Strong SW winds have formed slabs in exposed terrain at all elevations. Expect to find a solar crust on steep SW/W aspects and a supportive rain crust below 1300m. The mid pack is well settled with the Nov28 surface hoar layer down around 2m where present. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is slowly starting to heal. Observations today on the west side of the Divide (Yoho Park) showed a strong, 150 cm snowpack at treeline with no shears. Eastern areas continue to have a shallow, weak and unpredictable snowpack, but the peak of instability from last week's cycle is past. The snow is very wind effected in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack below treeline is 85cm deep, low density snow with a 20-40cm stiffer midpack over weak basal facets. It remains the weakest of our elevation bands as not much bridges the basal facets. Above TL, snowpack ranges from 10 to 130cm where a thicker midpack bridges the basal facets. Variable wind slabs present with the previous aggressive winds. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Upper 20cm of snow is wind affected at tree line and alpine elevations on all aspects over a well settled mid-pack. The Nov. surface hoar is spotty and down 180cm.The basal layers are more facetted and generally weaker than the rest of the snowpack. Expect to see a sun crust on steep south aspects as well as a rain crust on the surface below 1300m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Warm temperatures and sun have created variable crusts on SE through SW slopes. West winds have stripped snow from any exposed features and created hard windslabs behind. 30 to 40 cm above the ground weak, facetted snow remains a concern on steep or unsupported planar slopes and in the many thin areas found with this highly variable snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface hoar growing. Midpack pencil with no significant shears. Sudden collapse at base in old DH and on top of Crust in the very hard range. Potential for human triggering in thin areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Shallow and weak snowpack sits on 10-20cm of basal facets. Midpack hard slabs provide bridging above treeline and into the alpine. Extensive scouring at upper elevations. Surface hoar growth observed in the last few days up to size 5mm below treeline and up to size 3mm above treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Upper 20cm is wind affected at tree line and alpine elevations on all aspects over a well settled mid pack. The Nov. surface hoar has spotty distribution and down 180cm. The basal layers are more facetted and generally weaker than the rest of the snowpack. Expect a sun crust on steep south aspects as well as a rain crust below 1300m</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface hoar growing. Midpack pencil with no significant shears. Sudden collapse at base in old DH and on top of Crust in the very hard range. Potential for human triggering in thin areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Shallow and weak snowpack sits on 10-20cm of basal facets. Midpack hard slabs provide bridging above treeline and into the alpine. Extensive scouring at upper elevations. Surface hoar growth observed in the last few days up to size 5mm below treeline and up to size 3mm above treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A light dusting overnight freshened up the firm windslabs in the alpine and tree-line elevations. The mid-pack is well settled. The Nov surface hoar, down 180cm, has spotty distribution. The basal layers are more facetted and generally weaker than the rest of the snowpack. Expect a sun crust on steep south aspects and a rain crust below 1300m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The midpack is slowly strengthening. Sudden collapse compression results still found, failing at the base in old DH and on top of the crust in the hard range. Some moist snow in the afternoons on steep, solar aspects forming thin sun crusts overnight. Wapta Icefields snow cover reported as highly variable, ranging from 20cm-2m over the ice.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Shallow and weak snowpack sits on 10-20cm of basal facets. Midpack hard slabs provide bridging above treeline and into the alpine. Extensive scouring at upper elevations. Surface hoar growth observed in the last few days up to size 5mm below treeline and up to size 3mm above treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Yesterday's dusting hides a sun crust on steep south and west aspects, and a hard windslab in almost all alpine and tree-line areas. The mid-pack is well settled. The Nov surface hoar, down 180cm, has spotty distribution. The basal layers are generally facetted and weaker than the rest of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Vermillion study plot (W of divide in a deeper snowpack area) near treeline showed no results in compression tests. HS 140cm. Inversion starting at treeline causing moist snow on solar aspects above the fog line. Surface hoar to 12mm growing in sheltered areas. In thin snowpack areas, biggest concern is triggering basal depth hoar/crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Shallow and weak snowpack sits on 10-20cm of basal facets. Midpack hard slabs provide bridging above treeline and into the alpine. Extensive scouring at upper elevations. Surface hoar growth observed in the last few days up to size 5mm below treeline and up to size 3mm above treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">~5cm has buried, and will help preserve, a new surface hoar layer (&quot;Jan 22&quot;). This layer will be one to watch as it gets buried deeper. It sits on a sun crust on steep solar aspects and windslabs above treeline. The mid-pack is well settled. The Nov surface hoar, down 180cm, has spotty distribution. The base is weaker than the rest of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">10cm of snow arrived Wed with no wind . Under this is sun crusts on SE-SW slopes, wind effected surfaces in any open area, or faceted snow or surface hoar on sheltered areas. 30 to 40 cm above the ground weak, facetted snow remains a concern on steep or unsupported planar slopes and in the thin areas found with this highly variable snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A shallow and weak snowpack sits on 10-20cm of basal facets.&nbsp; Previous wind slabs provide bridging strength to the snowpack above treeline and into the alpine. Extensive scouring in the high alpine. Clear skies and light winds have developed surface hoar at all elevations leading to another weak layer in the future.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5 to 10cm of light snow sits on a myriad of surfaces. Below 2000m it buried a surface hoar layer. It sits over a sun crust on steep south aspects and wind slabs from tree line to the alpine. The mid-pack is well settled and the basal layers are showing a weaker structure.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few cm of new snow overnight over the Jan 25th surface hoar and sun crust layer which sits on a supportive mid pack. In thicker snowpack areas the basal facets are gaining strength and no significant shears have been found. In thinner snowpack areas the basal facets are still quite weak and producing moderate sudden collapse results in tests. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The clear skies and light winds that we've enjoyed have also helped to develop surface hoar at all elevations. An overall shallow snowpack sits on 10-20cm of basal facets. Previous wind slabs provide bridging strength to the snowpack above treeline and into the alpine. Extensive scouring in the high alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New sun crust on south and west aspects. On north and east slopes 5 to 10cm of light snow sits on a myriad of surfaces. Below 2000m it buried a surface hoar layer and from tree line to the alpine it sits over a hard wind slab. The mid-pack is well settled with no significant shears in the upper 1m, the basal layers are showing a weaker structure.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The Jan 25 surface hoar layer is buried under 5 cm of snow in many areas. While not a problem now, this protected layer of surface hoar will become a weak layer in the future. Strong solar radiation has formed suncrust on south &amp; west facing slopes. The facets at the base of the snowpack remain weak, but the  overall snowpack is gaining strength.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The clear skies and light winds have created surface hoar from sz 1-4mm at all elevations. An overall shallow snowpack sits on 10-20cm of basal facets. Previous wind slabs provide bridging strength to the snowpack above treeline and into the alpine. Extensive scouring in the high alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sun crust on steep south and west aspects. Surface hoar growing right to ridgetop elsewhere. On north and east slopes 5 to 10cm of light snow sits on a myriad of surfaces. Below 2000m it buried a surface hoar layer and from tree line to the alpine it sits over a hard wind slab. The mid-pack is well settled and strong, with weaker the basal layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cooler temperatures the past few nights have helped to strengthen the snowpack. Test results on Monday on NW and SE aspects did not show any significant concerns. Shallow snowpack areas still will have weak basal facet issues. The 6 - 10 cm of new snow that fell on Sunday morning helped to freshen up the previously wind or sun affected surfaces. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The Jan 25th surface hoar layer is buried under 5 cm of snow in the Bow Summit area, but remains on the surface in most of the forecast region. This will become a weak layer to watch in the future. Strong solar radiation has formed a suncrust on S &amp; W facing slopes. The basal facets remain weak, but the overall snowpack is gaining strength.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The glorious clear skies and light winds have created surface hoar from size 1-4mm at all elevations. An overall shallow snowpack sits on 10-20cm of basal facets. Previous wind slabs are providing bridging strength over deep weaknesses in the snowpack above treeline and into the alpine. Extensive scouring in the high alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sun crust on steep south and west aspects. Surface hoar growing right to ridgetop elsewhere. On north and east slopes 5 to 10cm of light snow sits on a myriad of surfaces. Below 2000m it buried a surface hoar layer and from tree line to the alpine it sits over a hard wind slab. The mid-pack is well settled and strong, with weaker the basal layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The Jan 25th surface hoar layer is buried under 5 cm of snow in the Bow Summit area, but remains on the surface in most of the forecast region. This will become a weak layer to watch in the future. Strong solar radiation has formed a suncrust on S &amp; W facing slopes. The basal facets remain weak, but the overall snowpack is gaining strength.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 4 cm low density new snow has buried previously formed surface hoar. An overall highly variable snowpack sits on 10-30cm of basal facets. Previous wind slabs are well bonded in the upper snowpack and providing bridging strength over deep weaknesses above tree line and the alpine. Extensive scouring in the high alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A light dusting now covers sun crust on steep south and west aspects, and slightly softer snow on N and E slopes. Prior to this snow, widespread surface hoar was growing right to ridgetop. The mid-pack is well settled and strong, with weaker basal layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last nights 5-15cm of snow has buried the Jan 30th surface hoar / sun crust layer. This new snow came in with very little wind, so any new storm slabs are expected to be thin and soft and low consequence, however this will become a weak layer to watch in the future. The basal facets remain weak, but the overall snowpack is gaining strength.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Previous wind slabs are providing bridging strength over a weak basal facet layer at treeline and alpine elevations. Extensive scouring of the snowpack has occurred in the high alpine. Last nights snow is giving dust on crust conditions and soft slabs in sheltered locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5cm of snow has buried various surfaces, with moderate winds moving it around. On steep solar aspects it will bond poorly to a suncrust, and elsewhere it will help preserve surface hoar and surface facets. In the alpine it hides hard windslabs and challenging skiing. The mid-pack is well settled and strong, with weaker basal layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Jan 22 hard surfaces in many areas were buried by 10cm . This snow rotted (facetted) for a few days or melted into the strong crusts on S aspects. Jan 27 strong winds created thin slabs in open areas TL and above. Wed brought 10 to 15cm of new snow. November snow 30 cm above the ground remains weak. Snowpack distribution is highly variable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-15cm of snow has buried the Jan 30th surface hoar / sun crust layer. This new snow came in with very little wind, but there have been some soft storm slabs building in the immediate lees of S through SE ridgetops.  The basal facets remain weak, but the overall snowpack is gaining strength. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Previous wind slabs are providing bridging strength over a weak basal facet layer at treeline and alpine elevations. Extensive scouring of the snowpack has occurred in the high alpine. Reasonable ski conditions can be found in sheltered features at treeline and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5cm of snow has buried various surfaces, with moderate winds moving it around. On steep solar aspects it will bond poorly to a suncrust, and elsewhere it will help preserve surface hoar and surface facets. In the alpine it hides hard windslabs and challenging skiing. The mid-pack is well settled and strong, with weaker basal layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-15cm of snow over the Jan 30th surface hoar/sun crust layer. Surface hoar most prominent at treeline and below. In Yoho today, thin wind slabs (15cm) over 5cm sun crust on steep S aspects reactive to skier triggering. The basal facets remain weak, but the overall snowpack is gaining strength. Glacial coverage very thin for this time of year.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Super hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer at tree line and above. Recent settlement below tree line has greatly improved travel. Reasonable ski conditions can be found in sheltered features at tree line and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5cm of snow has buried various surfaces, with moderate winds moving it around. On steep solar aspects it will bond poorly to a suncrust, and elsewhere it will help preserve surface hoar and surface facets. In the alpine it hides hard windslabs and challenging skiing. The mid-pack is well settled and strong, with weaker basal layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack has gained strength over the past few weeks, and the facetted base layer has gone dormant for now (it will wake up again!). Snowpack tests are now producing hard results 20 cm above the ground. The current clear spell has left 10 cm of loose snow sitting on top of a bombproof windslab above treeline, and a thick crust on S &amp; W aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Super hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer at tree line and above. Recent settlement below tree line has greatly improved travel. Reasonable ski conditions can be found in sheltered features at tree line and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5cm of snow has buried various surfaces, with moderate winds moving it around. On steep solar aspects it will bond poorly to a suncrust, and elsewhere it will help preserve surface hoar and surface facets. In the alpine it hides hard windslabs and challenging skiing. The mid-pack is well settled and strong, with weaker basal layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm of recent snow sits on the January 30th surface hoar below treeline. In the alpine this recent snow is over a firm wind slab or a thick sun crust on S &amp; W aspects. The snowpack has gained strength over the past few weeks, and snowpack tests are now producing hard results 20 cm above the ground in the facetted base layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface facetting due to extremely cold temps. Hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer at tree line and above. Recent settlement below tree line has greatly improved travel. Reasonable ski conditions can be found in sheltered features at tree line and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10cm of soft snow overlies hard snow surfaces of sun crust on steep solar aspects and wind slab at higher elevations. This new snow has seen some wind affect and has bonded poorly to the layers beneath. A new surface hoar layer is down 5cm at lower elevations. The mid pack is well settled but cold weather has begun facetting the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15cm of new snow in the past week. Minimal wind effects observed. Cool temperatures have helped strengthen the snowpack.  Test results below treeline Monday showed sluffing potential in steep open areas. Most deeper snowpack areas bridge the  lingering basal weakness.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm of recent snow sits on the January 30th surface hoar below treeline. In the alpine this recent snow is over a firm wind slab or a thick sun crust on S &amp; W aspects. The snowpack has gained strength over the past few weeks, and snowpack tests are now producing hard results 20 cm above the ground in the facetted base layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface facetting due to extremely cold temps. Hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer at tree line and above. Recent settlement below tree line has greatly improved travel. Reasonable ski conditions can be found in sheltered features at tree line and below.</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">5-10cm of soft snow overlies hard snow surfaces of sun crust on steep solar aspects and wind slab at higher elevations. This new snow has seen some wind affect and has bonded poorly to the layers beneath. A new surface hoar layer is down 5cm at lower elevations. The mid pack is well settled but cold weather has begun faceting the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm of recent snow sits on the January 30th surface hoar below treeline. In the alpine this recent snow is over a firm wind slab or a thick sun crust on S &amp; W aspects. The snowpack has gained strength over the past few weeks, and snowpack tests are now producing hard results 20 cm above the ground in the facetted base layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface facetting due to extremely cold temps. Hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer at tree line and above. Recent settlement below tree line has greatly improved travel. Reasonable ski conditions can be found in sheltered features at tree line and below.</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">5-10cm of soft snow overlies hard snow surfaces of sun crust on steep solar aspects and wind slab at higher elevations. This new snow has seen some wind affect and has bonded poorly to the layers beneath. A new surface hoar layer is down 5cm at lower elevations. The mid pack is well settled. Cold weather has begun faceting the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm of recent snow sits on the January 30th surface hoar below treeline. In the alpine this recent snow is over a firm wind slab or a thick sun crust on S &amp; W aspects. The basal facet layer is dormant for now in the current weather pattern.  It will become active again once we get more snow and wind.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface facetting due to extremely cold temps. Hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer at tree line and above. Recent settlement below tree line has greatly improved travel. Reasonable ski conditions can be found in sheltered features at tree line and below.</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">5-10cm of soft snow overlies hard snow surfaces of sun crust on steep solar aspects and wind slab at higher elevations. This new snow has seen some wind affect and is slow to bond to the underlying layers due to cold temps. A new surface hoar layer is down 5cm at lower elevations. The mid pack is well settled. Cold weather is faceting the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 20 cm of cold faceted snow is bonding poorly to a variety of surfaces: suncrust (S, SE) and previous wind effect open areas. Faceting also continues in the bottom 40 cm of the snowpack where depth hoar has now replaced old crusts. The slab of pencil snow above this provides all of the strength to our snow pack but this is extremely variable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm of facetted snow sits on the spotty January 30th surface hoar. In the alpine this snow is over a firm wind slab or facetted sun crust on S &amp; W aspects. In Yoho today, N aspects have powder with minor wind effect from down flowing winds. Compression tests ranging from hard to no result on the basal depth hoar/crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface facetting continues with the cold temps. A Hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer at tree line and above. Below treeline where the snowpack exceeds 70cm, it has a supportive mid-pack.&nbsp; Reasonable ski conditions can be found in sheltered features at tree line and below.&nbsp; </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">5-10cm of soft snow overlies hard snow surfaces of sun crust on steep solar aspects and wind slab at higher elevations. This snow has seen some wind affect and is slow to bond to the underlying layers due to cold temps. A new surface hoar layer is down 5cm at lower elevations. The mid pack is well settled. Cold weather is faceting the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm of facetted snow sits on the spotty January 30th surface hoar. This is the layer to watch next week.  In the alpine this snow sits over a firm wind slab or facetted sun crust on S &amp; W aspects. Minor wind effect on shady alpine features. Deeper snowpack areas have good mid pack strength over the weaker basal depth hoar/crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface facetting continues with the cold temps. A Hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer at tree line and above. Below treeline where the snowpack exceeds 70cm, it has a supportive mid-pack. Reasonable ski conditions can be found in sheltered features at tree line and below. </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">5-10cm of soft snow overlies hard snow surfaces of sun crust on steep solar aspects and wind slab at higher elevations. This snow has seen some wind affect and is slow to bond to the underlying layers due to cold temps. A new surface hoar layer is down 5cm at lower elevations. The mid pack is well settled. Cold weather is faceting the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm of facetted snow with variable wind effect sits on the spotty January 30th surface hoar. This will be the layer to watch as we get more snow. In the alpine, this snow sits on either firm windslabs or suncrusts. The basal facet/ depth hoar problem persists but is well bridged in deeper snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface facetting and surface hoar continues to form with the cold temps. A Hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer at tree line and above. Below treeline where the snowpack exceeds 70cm, it has a supportive mid-pack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A variety of surfaces exists including hard slab, loose, cold facets, and breakable crust. Wind slabs are present in exposed terrain on many aspects due to reverse loading winds over the last 2 days. 2 buried surface hoar layers are present in the upper 15 cm of snow, waiting to be loaded by the incoming storm. The mid pack is well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-15 cm of facetted surface snow sits over the January 30th surface hoar layers. This facet/surface hoar combination will be one to watch as we begin to get more snow. Variable wind effect in the alpine with sun crust on steep solar aspects. The basal facet/depth hoar problem persists but is well bridged in deeper snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warmer temperatures are slowing down the surface facetting and surface hoar process. A Hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer at tree line and above. Below treeline where the snowpack exceeds 70cm, it has a supportive mid-pack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A variety of surfaces exists including hard slab, loose, cold facets, and breakable crust. Wind slabs are present in exposed terrain on many aspects due to reverse loading winds over the last 2 days. 2 buried surface hoar layers are present in the upper 15 cm of snow, waiting to be loaded by the incoming storm. The mid pack is well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20 to 30 cm of weak, faceted snow is bonding poorly to a variety of surfaces: suncrust SW to SE and previous wind effect open areas. Faceting also continues in the bottom 40 cm of the snowpack where depth hoar has now replaced old crusts, the slab of hard snow above this provides all of the strength to our snow pack but this is extremely variable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-15 cm of new snow overlies a series of weak layers (surface hoar, facets and suncrust) formed from the past three weeks of cold, dry weather. As of today, this new snow had been blown into thin, soft slabs in specific areas above treeline. With additional snow forecast over the next few days, expect the soft slabs to increase in depth and size.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the Icefields, winds are whipping up what little snow is available. A thin windskin has capped a 2cm layer of small surface hoar and surface facets. Watch this layer for concerns later. A relatively hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over weak basal facets at tree line and above. Below treeline it is supportive mid-pack where 70cm HS. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">35cm of low density snow sits over a variety snow surfaces including surface hoar, facets and a melt freeze crusts on solar aspects. Two other surface hoar layers are buried within 20cm of the upper one. The mid-pack is well settled comprised of more facetted snow crystals for the cold spell. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15cm of new snow arriving with moderate West winds and warm temperatures has quickly formed slabs over 20 to 30 cm of weak, faceted snow which is bonding poorly to a firm layer beneath. With this change, the Basal Facets remain a concern in shallow areas where the overlying slab of hard snow providing all of the strength to our snow pack is thin</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A touchy 15-30 cm soft wind/storm slab is not bonding well to underlying surfaces (surface hoar, facets, and suncrust) formed from the past three weeks of cold, dry weather. With additional snow forecast over the next few days, expect the soft slabs to increase in depth and size.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A storm brought 10-15cm. It overlies a potential sliding layer 20cm down of surface facets/surface hoar. Variable wind directions are developing slabs on all aspects but pay particular attention to NE aspects where loading patterns could triple the slab thickness. A hard mid-pack is bridging weak basal facets at tree line and above. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-25cm of higher density snow sits over 35-40cm of very low density snow. This has created a slightly upside-down snowpack that is very touchy, considering it all sits on a &quot;surface hoar/crust/facet&quot; sandwich that is easily failing in snowpack tests. The mid-pack is well-settled with a fair amount of faceting from the recent cold snap.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Treeline storm snow amounts are 50cm in Kootenay and Yoho,35cm in the Sunshine area, and 20cm in the Louise/Hwy 93N areas. Winds,warm temps causing slab development in exposed areas,which overlies a complex layer of facets, surface hoar and sun crust on solar aspects. Below this a generally well settled midpack overlying the basal depth hoar layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the Icefields, winds are whipping up what little snow is available. Recent snowfall overlies a layer of small surface hoar and surface facets. A relatively hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over weak basal facets at tree line and above. Below treeline it is supportive mid-pack where 70cm HS. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25-35cm of higher density snow sits over 25-30cm of very low density snow. This has created a slightly upside-down snowpack that is very touchy, considering it all sits on a &quot;surface hoar/crust/facet&quot; sandwich that is easily failing in snowpack tests. The mid-pack is well-settled with a fair amount of faceting from the recent cold snap.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 50 cm of snow since Monday arrived with gusty West winds and mild temperatures forming slabs above 20 cm of weak faceted crystals. Crusts exist beneath this combination on SE- Sw slopes which seem very touchy. Rapid loading is forecast to continue and threatens to wake up the weak snow that lingers at the base of the snowpack in shallow areas</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Treeline storm snow amounts are 75 cm in Kootenay &amp; Yoho, 60 cm in the Sunshine area, &amp; 25 cm in the Louise/Hwy 93N areas. Winds,warm temps causing slab development in exposed areas,which overlies a complex layer of facets, surface hoar and sun crust on solar aspects. Below this a generally well settled midpack overlying the basal depth hoar layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snowfall overlies a layer of small surface hoar and surface facets. A relatively hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over weak basal facets at tree line and above. Below tree line has a supportive mid-pack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've received 70-90cm of storm snow in the last 3 days. It has steadily warmed up during the storm, creating a very touchy upside-down storm slab. This slab sits on a &quot;surface hoar/crust/facet&quot; sandwich that is easily failing in snowpack tests. The mid to lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow from late last week is starting to settle and currently amounts to approximately 60cm. Winds, warm temps causing slab development in exposed areas, which overlies a complex layer of facets, surface hoar and sun crust on solar aspects. Below this a generally well settled midpack overlying the basal depth hoar layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snowfall overlies a layer of small surface hoar and surface facets. A relatively hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over weak basal facets at tree line and above. Below tree line has a supportive (albeit shallow) mid-pack. Recent wind loading has produced touchy new slabs on Easterly terrain at treeline and above.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over 100 cm of new snow has fallen in the park during the last week. This snow overlies a weak old snow surface that was buried on Feb 10th. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 70cm now buries a significant weak layer found on all aspects and elevations. Gusty West winds and mild temperatures have contributed to widespread slab formation especially in open areas. More loading and wind will increase the serious nature of these surface storm slabs. Weak snow at the base of the snowpack also remains a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The biggest change to the snowpack is wind. Mod to strong wind through out the forecast region has been perpetuating the development of wind slabs, now up to 40cm deep. Additionally, below the recent storm snow expect to find a well settled snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snowfall overlies a layer of small surface hoar and surface facets. A relatively hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over weak basal facets at tree line and above. Below tree line has a supportive (albeit shallow) mid-pack. Recent wind loading has produced touchy new slabs on Easterly terrain at treeline and above.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A 100 cm storm slab has formed this past week.  This snow overlies a weak old snow surface that was buried on Feb 10th.  This weak interface is being loaded by new snow and wind, causing natural avalanches and easily triggered by skiers. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 70cm now buries a significant weak layer found on all aspects and elevations. Gusty West winds and mild temperatures have contributed to widespread slab formation especially in open areas. More loading and wind will increase the serious nature of these surface storm slabs. Weak snow at the base of the snowpack also remains a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm snow is settling and bonding to itself, however there is still a weak bond at the storm snow interface down 30-50 cm. South west winds in the past 48 hours have started to create touchy wind slabs in lee alpine terrain. These wind slabs are reactive to skier triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </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">Recent snowfall is settling rapidly and overlies a supportive mid-pack. This interface is characterized by crust and facets and new slabs are touchy in specific terrain, particularly steep, lee aspects below ridge crests. Intense wind scouring in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20cm of new snow sits over 1m of settling recent storm snow from the past week. The Feb 10 facet/surface hoar layer and 2 late January surface hoar layers lie beneath this 1.2m slab. This interface has been the cause of numerous natural avalanches over the past week.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 80 cm now buries a significant weak layer found on all aspects and elevations. Gusty West winds and mild temperatures have contributed to widespread slab formation especially in open areas. More loading and wind will increase the serious nature of these surface storm slabs. Weak snow at the base of the snowpack also remains a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 -70 cm of storm snow is settling and being blown into a cohesive slab which is overlying the weak Feb. 10th interface. This interface is a mix of sun crust, facets and surface hoar and will likely persist for a while. Additionally, SW winds have created wind slabs in lee alpine terrain which trigger easily and step down to the Feb. 10th layer.</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">Recent snowfall overlies a surface hoar, surface facet and crust combo, found predominantly at tree line and sub alpine elevations  A relatively hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer. Below tree line has a supportive (albeit shallow) mid-pack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">100 to 140cm of recent storm snow, deeper amounts west side of the summit, is settling over the Feb 10 facet/surface hoar/crust interface which depends on aspect and elevation. 10cm below is the Jan 28 surface hoar layer. The Jan 22 surface hoar layer is evident 5cm deeper. Test results were easy to moderate and sudden planar on the Jan 28 layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 -70 cm of recent storm snow is settling and overrides the Feb 10th interface. A poor bond persists at this interface and many avalanches have been observed on this layer over the past week. Recent SW winds have created wind slabs in lee alpine terrain. These wind slabs are easily triggered and often step down to the Feb 10th interface.</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">10cm overnight adds to the previous storm's 20cm snow overlying a surface hoar, surface facet and crust combo roughly 30cm down (Feb 10 layer), found predominantly at tree line and sub alpine elevations A hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer. Below tree line has a supportive yet shallow mid-pack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">100-140cm of recent storm snow, deeper amounts west side of the summit, is settling over the Feb 10 facet/surface hoar/crust interface. The Jan 28  and Jan 22 surface hoar layers are 5-10cm below this interface. Test results yesterday above Hermit Hut had sudden planar results on the Feb 10 interface, including one large &quot;whumph&quot; at the test site.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 -70 cm of recent storm snow is settling and overrides the Feb 10th interface. A poor bond persists at this interface and many avalanches have been observed on this layer over the past week. Recent SW winds have created wind slabs in lee alpine terrain. These wind slabs are easily triggered and often step down to the Feb 10th interface.</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"> Light snow flurries overnight did not add much load to the snowpack. There is about 30cm overtop of the Feb 10 interface which has surface facets and surface hoar from the previous cold weather. This seems to be most prevalent from treeline into the lower alpine</span><span class="s_2823317B"> </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">elevations.</span><span class="s_2823317B"> </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Below tree line there is a supportive yet shallow mid-pack over facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">100-140cm of recent storm snow, deeper amounts west side of the summit, is settling over the Feb 10 facet/surface hoar/crust interface. The Jan 28 and Jan 22 surface hoar layers are 5-10cm below this interface. Test results on the Feb 10 interface are consistently sudden planar or sudden collapse in character, making this a spooky layer to watch.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 100 cm now buries a significant weak layer found on all aspects and at all elevations. Gusty West winds and mild temperatures have contributed to widespread slab formation especially in open areas. More loading and wind will increase the serious nature of these persistent slabs. Weak snow at the base of the snowpack also remains a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-70cm of recent storm snow is settling and overrides the Feb10th interface. A poor bond persists at this interface and many avalanches have been observed on this layer over the past week. Recent SW winds have created wind slabs in lee alpine terrain. These wind slabs are easily triggered and often step down to the Feb 10th interface.</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"> There is about 30cm overtop a facet and decomposing surface hoar layer from the previous cold weather. This seems to be most prevalent from treeline into the lower alpine</span><span class="s_2823317B"> </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">elevations.</span><span class="s_2823317B"> </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Below tree line there is a supportive yet shallow mid-pack over facets. Alpine has a variety of layers in top 1m but generally all well bridged. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">1-1.4m of storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab over the Feb 10 facet/surface hoar/crust interface. Snowpack tests give spooky results and indicate that the Feb 10 PWL is triggerable with a propensity to propagate. In addition, layers in the top 60cm of the storm slab are reactive and if triggered will likely step down to the Feb 10.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-70cm of recent storm snow is settling and overrides the Feb10th interface. Field tests today show an easy to moderate shear persists on the storm snow interface. Recent SW winds have created wind slabs in lee alpine terrain. These wind slabs are easily triggered and often step down to the Feb 10th interface.</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"> Approximately 30cm of windslab or softslab, depending on aspect and elevation, is overtop a combo facet-decomposing surface hoar layer. This is most prevalent treeline into the lower alpine</span><span class="s_2823317B"> </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">elevations.</span><span class="s_2823317B"> </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below tree line there is a supportive yet shallow mid-pack over facets-depth hoar. Alpine is a variety of layers but generally all well bridged. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">1-1.4m of storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab over the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/22 facet/surface hoar/crust interface</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Snowpack tests suggests this weak layer is difficult to trigger, but if failed has </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=629391187110874" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">high propagation propensity</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. In addition, layers in the top 60cm of the storm slab are reactive and if triggered will likely step down to the Jan 28/22.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-70cm of recent storm snow is sitting over the Feb10th layer of facets, sun crust and surface hoar. Field tests show an easy to moderate persistent shear at this interface. Recent SW winds have also created wind slabs in alpine terrain. These wind slabs are easily triggered and can step down to the Feb 10th interface.</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">Approximately 30cm of windslab or softslab, depending on aspect and elevation, is overtop a combo facet-decomposing surface hoar layer. This is most prevalent treeline into the lower alpine</span><span class="s_2823317B"> </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">elevations.</span><span class="s_2823317B"> </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below tree line there is a supportive yet shallow mid-pack over facets-depth hoar. Alpine is a variety of layers but generally all well bridged. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">1-1.4m of storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab over the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/22 facet/surface hoar/crust interface</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Snowpack tests suggests this weak layer is difficult to trigger, but if failed has </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=629391187110874" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">high propagation propensity</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. In addition, layers in the top 60cm of the storm slab are reactive and if triggered will likely step down to the Jan 28/22.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25-60cm of recent storm snow is sitting over the Feb10th layer of facets, sun crust and surface hoar. Field tests continue to show an easy to moderate sudden collapse at this interface. Some isolated wind slabs are present in the alpine. If triggered these wind slabs could step down to the Feb 10th interface.</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">Approximately 30cm of windslab or softslab, depending on aspect and elevation, is overtop a combo facet-decomposing surface hoar layer. This is most prevalent treeline into the lower alpine</span><span class="s_2823317B"> </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">elevations.</span><span class="s_2823317B"> </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below tree line there is a supportive yet shallow mid-pack over facets-depth hoar. Alpine is a variety of layers but generally all well bridged. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">1-1.5m of storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab over the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/22 facet/surface hoar/crust interface</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Snowpack tests suggests this weak layer is difficult to trigger, but if failed has </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=629391187110874" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">high propagation propensity</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. In addition, layers in the top 60cm of the storm slab are reactive and if triggered will likely step down to the Jan 28/22.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The 60cm of snow over the Continental Divide that fell in the past week is slowly settling. Avalanche activity has tapered off since the weekend but with cold temperatures facet concerns buried now under 80 to 100cm of persistent slab and loose dry snow triggering is possible. No stability tests to report</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-40cm of snow sit on top of Feb10th layer of facets, sun crust and surface hoar. Field tests continue to show an easy to moderate sudden collapse at this interface. Some isolated wind slabs are present in the alpine. If triggered these wind slabs could step down to the Feb 10th interface.</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">Anywhere from 30cm to 45cm depending on loading aspect over a combo facet-decomposing surface hoar layer. This is most prevalent at tree line and into the lower elevations.</span><span class="s_2823317B"> </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below tree line there is a supportive yet shallow mid-pack over facets-depth hoar. Alpine is a variety of layers but generally all well bridged. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">1-1.5m of storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab over the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/22 facet/surface hoar/crust interface</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Snowpack tests suggests this weak layer is difficult to trigger, but if failed has </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=629391187110874" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">high propagation propensity</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Below this the snowpack is well settled. Expect a sun crust on south and west aspects from yesterdays sunshine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> 30-40cm of settled storm snow sits on top of the Feb10th layer of facets,surface hoar, and on solar aspects a sun crust. Compression tests over the last 2 days in many areas range from easy to hard, sudden collapse at this interface. Slopes with a buried suncrust appear to be the most touchy. Some isolated wind slabs are present in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is well settled with a very supportive mid-pack above 1,900m. Within this elevation range a concerning weakness can be found consisting on surface hoar and or facetted grains. This may be found 30-70cm down. Currently a failure is hard to trigger. Solar facing slops below 1,900m are melting and a suncrust is forming. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">1-1.5m of storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab over the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/22 facet/surface hoar/crust interface</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Snowpack tests suggests this weak layer is difficult to trigger, but if failed has </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=629391187110874" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">high propagation propensity</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Below this the snowpack is well settled. A surface sun crust has been found on steeper south and west aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is well settled with a very supportive mid-pack above 1,900m. Within this elevation range a concerning weakness can be found consisting of decomposing surface hoar and or facetted grains. This may be found 30-70cm down. Currently a failure is hard to trigger. Solar facing slopes below 1,900m will have a sun crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">1-1.4m of storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab over the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/22 facet/surface hoar/crust interface</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Tests suggest this weak layer is difficult to trigger and gaining strength, but if failed has </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=629391187110874" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">high propagation propensity</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Below this the snowpack is well settled. A surface sun crust has been found on steeper south and west aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thin sun crusts on SE to SSW slopes are becoming buried by light snowfall. Minimal wind effect observed at treeline, however there appears to be wind slab development in the Alpine. 80-130cm over the problematic late January facet crystals has rapidly settled into a hard slab. The potential for remote triggering and significant propagation remains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Sun crust on solar aspects with some wind affect in the alpine. 25-40cm of settled storm snow now sits on top of the Feb10th layer which is comprised of facets, surface hoar, and on solar aspects a sun crust. Recent </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=632149140168412&amp;set=vb.145133538869977&amp;type=2&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">tests</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> range from easy to hard with a sudden collapse at this interface. Slopes with a buried sun crust appear to be the most touchy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is well settled with a supportive mid-pack above 1,900m. Above this elevation a concerning weakness can be found consisting of decomposing surface hoar and or facetted grains. This may be found 30-70cm down. Moderate winds have stiffened the surface snow in open areas above tree line. Solar aspects below 1,900m will have a sun crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=pb.145133538869977.-2207520000.1393600218.&amp;type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/Feb 10 PWL</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank" /><span class="s_AA239A9B">down 1-1.4m under a cohesive slab, is becoming more difficult to trigger but has </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=629391187110874" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">high propagation propensity</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Avy techs in the Bonney area yesterday had a whumph on this layer off the moraines and hard sudden planar results testing it at 2130m on a NE aspect. A surface sun crust has been found on steep solar aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sun crust on solar aspects with extensive wind effect at all elevations. 25-40cm of snow sits on top of the Feb10th layer comprised of facets, surface hoar, and on solar aspects a sun crust. Recent </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=632149140168412&amp;set=vb.145133538869977&amp;type=2&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">tests</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> range from easy to hard with a sudden collapse at this interface. A fairly well settled midpack overlies the dormant basal depth hoar, facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is well settled with a supportive mid-pack above 1,900m. Above this elevation a concerning weakness can be found consisting of decomposing surface hoar and or facetted grains. This may be found 30-70cm down. Moderate winds have stiffened the surface snow in open areas above tree line. Solar aspects below 1,900m will have a sun crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=pb.145133538869977.-2207520000.1393600218.&amp;type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/Feb 10 PWL</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank" /><span class="s_AA239A9B">down 1-1.4m under a cohesive slab, is becoming more difficult to trigger but has </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=629391187110874" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">high propagation propensity</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. Recently avy techs in the Bonney area had a whumph on this layer off the moraines and hard sudden planar results testing it at 2130m on a NE aspect. A surface sun crust has been found on steep solar aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few cm's of new snow over the previous sun crust and wind slabs. 25-45cm of snow sits on top of the Feb10th layer comprised of facets, surface hoar, and on solar aspects a sun crust. Test results are generally in the moderate to hard range but still show that propagations are likely in many areas. No shears found in the basal layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We have a supportive mid-pack above 1,900m. A concerning weakness can be found consisting of decomposing surface hoar and or facetted grains. This may be 30-70cm down and the forecasted new snow could overload this layer and increase the hazard over the day Monday. Moderate winds have stiffened the surface snow in open areas above tree line.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light snow today will bury a varied of surfaces, including sun crust, surface facets, small surface hoar and wind deposits. The </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=pb.145133538869977.-2207520000.1393600218.&amp;type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/Feb 10 PWL</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank" /><span class="s_AA239A9B">down 1-1.4m under a cohesive slab, is becoming more difficult to trigger but has </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=629391187110874" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">high propagation propensity</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of new snow today with moderate SW winds. 30-45cm of snow sits on the Feb10th layer comprised of facets, surface hoar, and on solar aspects a sun crust. Test results are generally in the moderate to hard range but still show that propagations are possible in many areas. Some whumphs on this layer today. No shears found in the basal layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Supportive mid-pack above 1900m. A persistent weak layer (Feb10 interface) can be found down 30-70cm and consists of decomposing surface hoar and or facetted grains. This appears to be bonding well and is mainly a concern on solar aspects (South and West). Recent moderate winds have created new windslabs in open areas above tree line.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20cm of low density snow has buried a sun crust on south and west aspects and buried surface hoar will most likely be found in sheltered areas below tree line. In the alpine and treeline strong north and east winds from the last few days created wind slabs which also just got buried . The </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=pb.145133538869977.-2207520000.1393600218.&amp;type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/Feb 10 PWL</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank" /><span class="s_AA239A9B">is down 1-1.4m under a cohesive slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">West winds began to redistribute the recent low density storm snow today. This snow buried a thin crust on solar aspects and isolated windslabs found at treeline and above. Between 70 and 150cm now buries the weak February Facet Layer. Large avalanches will result if this layer is triggered given the demonstrated ability of this slab to propagate..</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20 cm of snow over the past 2 days.  New wind &amp; storm slabs, generally 30 cm thick, are reactive to skier triggering.  50-80 cm of snow sits on the Feb10th layer (facets, surface hoar, and on solar aspects a sun crust). Tests show moderate hard results with potential to propagate. Some whumphs on this layer today. No shears in the basal layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Supportive mid-pack above 1900m. A persistent weak layer (Feb10 interface) can be found down 30-70cm and consists of decomposing surface hoar and or facetted grains but appears to be bonding well. 10-20cm of low density new storm snow available for transport. New windslabs forming in exposed areas above treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30cm of low density snow has buried a sun crust on south and west aspects and buried surface hoar will most likely be found in sheltered areas below tree line. In the alpine and tree-line, strong N and E winds from the weekend created wind slabs which were also buried. The </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=pb.145133538869977.-2207520000.1393600218.&amp;type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/Feb 10 PWL</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank" /><span class="s_AA239A9B">is down 1-1.4m under a cohesive slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sunshine, Kootenay and Yoho areas have received thirty to 40 cm of storm snow since March 2.  Lesser amounts around Lake Louise and Bow Summit. Forty to 80 cm of settled snow on the Feb 10 interface is producing moderate sudden planar results. Fresh windslabs up to 40 cm deep in alpine are reactive to skier control.</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">Mid pack remains supportive. About 20 cms of HST overlies old surface. No slab in storm snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At low elevations a buried sun crust is present on south through sw aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25-35cm of heavy snow over light snow has created a touchy soft slab. This has buried a suncrust on S and W aspects, and likely surface hoar in sheltered below tree-line areas. In the alpine and tree-line, strong N and E winds from the weekend created wind slabs which were also buried. The </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=pb.145133538869977.-2207520000.1393600218.&amp;type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/Feb 10 PWL</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank" /><span class="s_AA239A9B">is down 1-1.4m under a cohesive slab.</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">Sunshine, Kootenay and Yoho areas have received up to 60cm of storm snow since March 2. Lesser amounts of 25-30cm around Lake Louise and Bow Summit. 40-100cm on the Feb 10 interface of facets,surface hoar,suncrust is producing moderate to hard, sudden planar results. Fresh wind slabs up to 40-60 cm deep in the alpine are reactive to skier control.</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">The new snow has come in cold and with very little wind.  Field tests at tree line today showed an easy failure of the mid pack over basal facets and depth hoar but nothing related to the storm snow.  With the forecast rising temperatures, new snow and increased wind we anticipate the avalanche danger to rise at all elevations over the weekend. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-50cm of heavy snow over light snow has created a touchy soft slab. This lies on top of suncrusts on solar aspects, and windslab on N and E aspects. The new slab is failing with easy to moderate results within the new snow, as well as at the old interface. The </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=pb.145133538869977.-2207520000.1393600218.&amp;type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/Feb 10 PWL</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank" /><span class="s_AA239A9B">is down 1.2-1.5m under a cohesive slab.</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">Rain to 1800m yesterday with cold air moving in from valley bottom. 35-55cm now sits on a buried crust on solar aspects and isolated windslabs found at treeline and above. Between 70 and 150cm now buries the weak February facet layer. Large avalanches will result if this layer is triggered given the demonstrated ability of this slab to propagate.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sunshine, Kootenay and Yoho areas have received up to 75 cm of storm snow since March 2. Lesser amounts of 30-40 cm around Lake Louise and Bow Summit. 40-100cm over the reactive Feb 10 interface of facets,surface hoar,suncrust . Fresh wind slabs up to 40-60 cm deep in the alpine are reactive to skier control.</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">35cm of low density storm snow with as much as 20cm more forecast through the weekend. The new snow has buried previously reported wind slabs and in some areas has overloaded it and we are seeing increased natural activity, particularly in the alpine. Further load will only weaken the snowpack at all elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 60cm of heavy snow over light snow has created a touchy soft slab. This lies on top of suncrusts on solar aspects, and windslab on N and E aspects. The new slab is failing with easy to moderate results within the new snow, as well as at the old interface. The </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=pb.145133538869977.-2207520000.1393600218.&amp;type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/Feb 10 PWL</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank" /><span class="s_AA239A9B">is down 1.2-1.5m under a cohesive slab.</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">Sunshine, Kootenay and Yoho areas have received 70+ cm of storm snow since March 2. Lesser amounts of 30-40 cm around Lake Louise and Bow Summit. Warm, dense snow is currently overloading the Feb 10th interface of facets, surface hoar, and suncrust causing avalanches with wide propagations. </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">35cm of storm snow settling rapidly and beginning to slab up with the warmer temperatures and wind; which was packing a punch in the Ice fields area Saturday. From the top down, snowpack has an upside down feeling to it right now, with the warm heavier snow on top and the cooler below. Lots of snowballing and loose slides seen below tree line.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 60cm of heavy snow over light snow has created a touchy soft slab. This lies on top of suncrusts on solar aspects, and windslab on N and E aspects. The new slab is failing with easy to moderate results within the new snow, as well as at the old interface. The </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=pb.145133538869977.-2207520000.1393600218.&amp;type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/Feb 10 PWL</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank" /><span class="s_AA239A9B">is down 1.2-1.5m under a cohesive slab.</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"> Warm conditions persist and maintain moist snow below 1800m. Suncrusts have formed on solar aspects. Storms slabs up to 50 cm thick have formed with W winds and warm temps. 70 to 170cm now buries the weak February facet layer and large avalanches have resulted when this layer is triggered demonstrating the ability of these slabs to propagate.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">85-100cm of storm snow has fallen in the Sunshine, Kootenay and Yoho areas, with 40-60cm around Lake Louise and Bow Summit since Mar 2nd. This storm snow has overloaded the Feb 10th layer of facets, surface hoar and sun crust, causing avalanches with wide propagations. Moderate SW winds have also created wind slabs in open areas above tree line. </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">40cm of storm snow has settled into a 25cm soft slab which has not produced too much natural activity in the lower elevations. From the top down, the snowpack has an upside down feeling to it right now, with the warm heavier snow on top and the cooler below. Rain soaked snow below 1500ms.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30cm/30mm of precip have fallen in the last 24 hrs with mild temperatures. This builds the storm slab to around 80 cm, sitting over lighter, cooler snow. This lies on top of suncrusts and windslab. The new slab is failing with easy to moderate results within the new snow, as well as at the old interface. The </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=pb.145133538869977.-2207520000.1393600218.&amp;type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Jan 28/Feb 10 PWL</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=629390690444257&amp;set=a.603105193072807.1073741843.145133538869977&amp;type=1&amp;theater" target="_blank" /><span class="s_AA239A9B">is down 1.5-2m.</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">85-100cm of storm snow has fallen in the Sunshine, Kootenay and Yoho areas, with 40-60cm around Lake Louise and Bow Summit since Mar 2nd. This storm snow has overloaded the Feb 10th layer of facets, surface hoar and sun crust, and in thinner snowpack areas, the deeper basal facet layer, causing large, destructive avalanches with wide propagations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm snow has settled into a soft slab condition, especially in the alpine where  the wind has gusted into the moderate to strong  range over the past 36 hours. Below tree line, warm temperatures have created moist surface conditions especially on solar aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Expect a surface crust and moist snow below it below 2000m. The recent storm snow over the March 2nd crust is around 1m. The Feb. 10 interface is down around 2m. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">85-100cm of storm snow has fallen in the Sunshine, Kootenay and Yoho areas, with 40-60cm around Lake Louise and Bow Summit since Mar 2nd. This storm snow has overloaded the Feb 10th layer of facets, surface hoar and sun crust, and in thinner snowpack areas, the deeper basal facet layer, causing large, destructive avalanches with wide propagations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm snow has settled into a soft slab condition, especially in the alpine where the wind gusts have been in the moderate to strong range. Below tree line, warm temperatures have created moist surface conditions especially on solar aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain crust below 1700m on the surface. Above tree line the snow is wind affected. Generally heavy over light conditions until the snow settles. March 2nd crust is down around 1m. The Feb. 10 surface hoar/crust interface is down around 1.5 to 2m. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Persistent instabilities still very much a concern despite cooler overnight temps. Snowpack temps on solar aspects at 1650m showed most of the pack just below freezing as a result of the significant warming this past weekend. The weak facet layer is 70 to 170cm deep depending on aspect. Test results on it showed very easy triggering is possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">85-100cm of storm snow has fallen in the Sunshine, Kootenay and Yoho areas, with 40-60cm around Lake Louise and Bow Summit since Mar 2nd. This storm snow has overloaded the Feb 10th layer of facets, surface hoar and sun crust, and in thinner snowpack areas, the deeper basal facet layer, causing large, destructive avalanches with wide propagations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Gusty winds at all elevations and mild temperatures have lead to a touchy slab condition at tree line and in the alpine. The surface condition is now a stiff wind slab on exposed slopes. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain crust below 1700m on the surface. Above tree line the snow is generally wind affected, but pockets of undisturbed powder do exist in the alpine. The heavy over light snow has settled out, hence, travel has eased. March 2nd crust is down around 1m. The Feb10 surface hoar/crust interface is down 1.5-2m. The mid to lower snowpack is well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong west winds have created widespread wind effect in the ALP and at TL. 10-15 cm of new snow (north) and 2-5 (south) lies on top of a 3-5 cm thick sun crust on solar aspects and dry snow on polar aspects. Below 1500m a rain crust exists. The Feb. 10th layer is down 50-110 and is reactive with large whumphs and sudden collapse results today</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Very strong winds and mild temperatures have lead to touchy slab conditions at tree line and in the alpine. The surface condition is now a stiff wind slab or old scoured snowpack on exposed slopes. Large cornices exist along ridge lines. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Good skiing can still be found in sheltered locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A 5-10cm dusting overnight sits on a rain crust below 1700m and generally wind-affected surfaces above tree-line. Travel has become easier with the settling of last week's storm snow. The March 2 crust is down 1m, while the Feb 10 interface is down 1.5-2m. Below this, the mid to lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">West winds have created widespread wind effect in the ALP and at TL.  Below 1500m a rain crust exists. The Feb.10th layer is down 50-110 and is reactive with large whumphs and sudden collapse results in thin snowpack areas, and hard results observed in thick snowpack areas.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Very strong winds and mild temperatures earlier in the week have led to touchy slab conditions, particularly at tree line. Good skiing can still be found in sheltered locations but care should be taken in selecting your line.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weeks storm snow has settled over the March 2 crust down ~1m. Instabilities within the slab, and the crust, are becoming unreactive. The Feb 10 interface is down 1.5-2m and continues to react in </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=637161176333875&amp;set=vb.145133538869977&amp;type=2&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">snowpack tests.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> It has been most reactive recently on solar slopes, see below. Below this, the mid to lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Suncrusts have formed on solar aspects. These are buried by 10cm of snow that fell today above 1700m, below that was wet snow/rain. Moist snow is still present under the crusts to 1900m from rain on 0310. Feb facet layer down 70-170cm and large avalanches have resulted when this layer is triggered because of the propagation potential of this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong west winds have created widespread wind effect in the ALP and at TL. Below 1500m a rain crust exists. The Feb.10th layer is down 50-110 and is still showing easy to moderate test results in thinner snowpack areas, and harder results in deeper snowpack areas. Areas with buried sun crust are especially touchy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Touchy slab conditions exist at tree-line and sub-alpine elevations. Large cornices continue to grow along ridge lines. The alpine is generally scoured old snow or hard wind slabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The Lake Louise area received 35cm + of storm snow overnight, less in the Sunshine area (17cm). The new snow now puts the Feb.10th layer is down 80-140cm and is still showing easy to moderate test results in thinner snowpack areas, and harder results in deeper snowpack areas. Areas with buried sun crust are especially touchy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The Columbia Icefields received 35cm of low density snow overnight. Prior to that the alpine was found to be scoured old snow or hard windslabs. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30cm of heavy snow on top of 20cm of lower density snow overlie the Mar 13 crust on solar aspects and below 1600m. Rain below 1100m has saturated the upper snowpack. The Mar 2 crust is down around 1m and the Feb 10 layer is down 1.5m-2m. the mid and lower snowpack is very well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15cm of new snow overnight which seems to be bonding well with the previous surfaces. The Feb.10th facet layer is down 80-120cm and is still showing easy to moderate test results in thinner snowpack areas, and harder results in deeper snowpack areas. Areas with buried sun crust are especially touchy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The Columbia Icefields received 35cm of low density snow over the weekend. Prior to that the alpine was found to be scoured old snow or hard windslabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15cm of low density snow overnight sits over settling storm snow. The Mar 13 crust is down ~50cm on solar aspects and below 1600m. The Mar 2 crust is down around 1m-1.25m and the Feb 10 surface hoar/crust layer is down 1.5m-2m. The mid and lower snowpack is very well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sundays rain left moist snow and crust that are now 30-40 under the surface. Below 1900 there is a complex of crusts and moist snow 40-45cm thick. Above 1900m the crusts are more discrete, with dry snow in between. The Feb facet layer is still persistent, down 70-180cm and could still be reactive in places that have not already gone.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15cm of new snow overnight which seems to be bonding well with the previous surfaces. The Feb.10th facet layer is down 80-120cm and is still showing easy to moderate test results in thinner snowpack areas, and harder results in deeper snowpack areas. Areas with buried sun crust are especially touchy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The Columbia Icefields received 35cm of low density snow over the weekend. Prior to that the alpine was found to be scoured old snow or hard windslabs. Lots of snow available for transport, and some moderate ridge top transport observed today.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">80 to 90cm of recent storm snow overlies the Mar 13 and 14 crusts that are within 10cm of each other on solar aspects. The 13th being a lot thicker. Snowpack tests yesterday on this layer produced a Rutschblock 3 whole block . Below this the Mar 2 crust is down 110-130cm and below that the Feb 10 layer is down around 2 to 2.25m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">35cm in the Sunshine area,50cm in the Lake Louise region since March 15th which seems to be bonding well with the previous surfaces. The Feb.10th facet layer is down 80-120cm and is still showing easy to moderate test results in thinner snowpack areas, and harder results in deeper snowpack areas. Areas with buried sun crust are especially touchy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30cm settled storm snow over a variety of surfaces.  Drought layer (Feb 10) down 50-80cm. Lots of snow available for transport, and some moderate ridge top transport observed today.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">80 to 90cm of recent storm snow overlies the Mar 13 and 14 crusts that are within 10cm of each other on solar aspects. The 13th being a lot thicker. Snowpack tests Monday on this layer produced a Rutschblock 3 whole block . Below this the Mar 2 crust is down 110-130cm and below that the Feb 10 layer is down around 2 to 2.25m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-50 cm of storm snow throughout the region since March 15th which is starting to settle and bond to previous surfaces. There is some wind slabs in specific lee terrain in the alpine. The Feb.10th facet layer is down 80-120cm and is still showing easy to moderate test results in thinner snowpack areas, and harder results in deeper snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5 to 15 cm of new snow fell on top of the 30 cm of settled storm snow we received last weekend. This snow has buried various surfaces including windslab. The Feb. 10th drought layer is now almost a meter deep in the snowpack.  Basal facets are still lurking at the base of this snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm snow is settling, with various layers within it that are resistant when they fail with moderate force. Both the Mar 13 (down ~50cm) and the Mar 2 (down ~1m) crust/surface hoar layers are becoming patchy but reactive in snowpack tests where they exist. The Feb 10-Jan22 layers are down 1.5-2m and continue to show step down potential. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10 cm new snow in the past 24 hrs. The 0314 interface is down 25 to 40 cm and is a crust below 1900m. The 0318 suncrust is 20 cm deep on solar aspects. Storm slabs have formed over these interfaces with mild temperatures and strong West winds. The 0310 rain crust is down 70 cm at Treeline and can be found as high as 2300m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">5-10 new overnight, a thin sun crust on steep solar aspects. In the Lake Louise region, field tests on south aspects, the Mar 2nd suncrust/facet layer, down 40 cm, and the Feb 10 crust/facet, down 80 cm, produced moderate to hard sudden failures with the potential to propagate, Fewer results on North aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40 cm of settled storm snow with little wind effect except in wind prone areas. This snow has buried various surfaces including windslab. The Feb. 10th drought layer is now almost a meter deep in the snowpack. Basal facets are still lurking at the base of this snowpack. Field teams in the Cavell area had widespread whumpfing on a moraine feature. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15cm of new low density snow sits over 60cm of settling snow. Both the Mar 13 (down ~50cm) and the Mar 2 (down ~1m) crust/surface hoar layers are becoming patchy but reactive in snowpack tests where they exist. The Feb 10-Jan22 layers are down 1.5-2m and continue to show step down potential. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">30-50cm of recent storm snow is bonding well to old surfaces. In the Lake Louise region, the Mar 2nd suncrust/facet layer can be found down 40-60 cm on S aspects, and the Feb 10 crust/facet layer is down 80-100cm on all aspects. Both are producing moderate to hard sudden failures with the potential to propagate. Fewer results on North aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The ~40 cm of snow received last week has settled with little wind effect in most areas.  Previous surfaces including sun crusts on solar aspects and wind slab  below ridgelines and cross-loaded gulley features  are buried and are hard to discern.  The Feb10th drought layer is 100 cm deep and is the greatest concern for triggering.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The upper snowpack is 70cm of settling snow. The Mar 13 (down ~50-70cm) and the Mar 2 (down ~1m) crust/surface hoar layers are reactive in snowpack tests where they exist. The Feb 10-Jan22 layers are down 1.5-2m and continue to show the potential for big avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">30-50cm of recent storm snow is bonding well to old surfaces. In the Lake Louise region, the Mar 13 sun-crust/facet layer can be found down 40-60 cm on S aspects, and the Feb 10 crust/facet layer is down 80-100cm on all aspects. The Feb 10 layer produced no results in Yoho today. Fewer results on North aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The ~40 cm of snow received last week has settled with little wind effect in most areas. Previous surfaces including sun crusts on solar aspects and wind slab below ridgelines and cross-loaded gulley features are buried and are hard to discern. The Feb10th drought layer is 50-100 cm deep and is the greatest concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Pockets of soft slab just below ridge crests on lee features. The recent upper HST is settling and bonding well. The March 13 down 45-65 and the March 2 CR/SH layer down 1m have recently been reactive in snowpack tests. The February 10 layer down 1.5-2m still shows test results for the potential of large avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60cm of storm snow with little wind effect is bonding well. A surface sun crust was formed today on solar aspects. E of the divide, the Mar 13 sun-crust/facet layer is down 30-60 cm on S aspects, and the Feb 10 crust/facet layer is down 60-100cm and still whumphing in thin areas. W of the divide, the Feb 10 is deeper (80-150cm) and less reactive</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The ~40 cm of snow received last week has settled with little wind effect in most areas. This has blanketed previous surfaces including sun crusts on solar aspects, wind slab below ridge lines and cross-loaded gulley features are buried. The Feb10th drought layer is 50-100 cm deep and is the greatest concern for skier/climber triggering.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The upper snowpack will vary depending on aspect. North and east will have settling snow, south and west will have the Mar 22 crust down 10cm. The Mar 13 crust down 45-65 and the March 2 CR/SH layer down 1m. Tests show hard sudden result on the Mar 2 layer, propagation tests still show large potential for propagation. The Feb10 layer is down ~2m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Continued small amounts of precip with little to no wind have added to the storm slabs over the 0314 interface now 40 to 60 cm deep. Crusts have formed on solar slopes. The 0314 interface is a rain crust that extends to around 2000m. Another rain crust below it is thinner but extends to 2300m and will likely limit activity from the Feb Facet layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">30-60cm of storm snow with little wind effect is bonding well. E of the divide, the Mar 13 sun-crust/facet layer is down 30-60 cm on S aspects, and the Feb 10 crust/facet layer is down 60-100cm and still whumphing in thin areas. W of the divide, the Feb 10 is deeper (80-150cm) and less reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The ~40 cm of snow received last week has settled with minor wind effect in most areas. This has blanketed previous surfaces including sun crusts on solar aspects, wind slab below ridge lines and cross-loaded gulley features. The Feb10th drought layer is 50-100 cm deep and is the greatest concern for skier/climber triggering.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Aspect dependant, north and east will have settling snow, south and west will have a surface crust and the Mar 22 crust down 10cm. The Mar 13 crust down 45-65 and the Mar 2 CR/SH layer down 1m. Tests show hard sudden result on the Mar 2 layer, propagation tests still show large potential for propagation. The Feb10 layer is down ~2m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">20-40 cm of light, dry storm snow has fallen across the forecast area since Wed night. This new snow sluffs easily and runs far on the underlying surface and has been blown into small, but very touchy windslabs in alpine areas. Deeper in the snowpack the Feb 10 layer remains a real concern in shallow snowpack areas such as the Kootenay burns.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Total storm snow over the Mar 15 interface is approx. 40 cm but quite variable. Open areas in the southern forecast area are showing more surface wind effect. The Mar 15 interface is weak; facets over variable surfaces depending on aspect and exposure but very little slab development in the storm snow. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We had 20cm overnight. This buried settled snow on E and N aspects, and a sun crust on S and W aspects. Within the upper metre, several crusts are present, including the March 2 crust (down ~1m) which reacts with hard sudden results in tests. There is still large potential for propagation! The Feb10 layer is down ~2m, shallower in thin areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over 40 cm of snow has fallen in the Sunshine, Bow Summit and Lake Louise areas since Wednesday. This snow has fallen with no wind, and there is no slab formed in the surface snow - just 40 cm of fluff. This will change within hours when the wind starts to blow or the sun comes out, so watch for this critical change to begin on Friday afternoon.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Total storm snow over the Mar 15 interface is approx. 40 cm but quite variable. Open areas in the southern forecast area are showing more surface wind effect. The Mar 15 interface is weak made up of facets over variable surfaces depending on aspect and exposure.&nbsp; Little slab development has been observed to date.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Yesterday's 20cm of new snow bonded poorly and became reactive with warm temps (see below), especially on solar aspects where it buried a sun crust. There are several crusts in the top meter which react with hard sudden results in tests. The Feb10 layer is down ~2m, shallower in thin areas, and continues to be a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10 to 20 cm of new snow now buries  a solar crust from Tuesday. This crust extends everywhere except for steep shaded North slopes. At 2000m the March Rain Crusts can be found down 70 to 100cm and these crusts extend to at least 2300m. The Feb facets are generally buried deeply and are now below these crusts except in thin high elevation areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Up to 47 cm (sunshine &amp; yoho) over past 3 days, generally bonding well and has had little wind effect so far. In shallow or weaker snowpack areas, the basal facets and Feb 10 layers are still reactive. In deeper uniform North aspects, these problems are less of a concern. South aspects, there are a few buried suncrusts that may pose a problem.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Total storm snow over the Mar 15 interface is approx. 40 cm but quite variable. Open areas in the southern forecast area are showing more surface wind effect. The Mar 15 interface is weak made up of facets over variable surfaces depending on aspect and exposure. Little slab development has been observed to date.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On shaded and northerly aspects dry snow exists above 1500m. Soft wind loaded pockets may be forming with moderate SW winds. On solar aspects breakable sun crusts exist, and overlie a series of crusts in the top meter which react with hard planar results in tests. The Feb10 layer is down ~2m, shallower in thin areas, and continues to be a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Up to 47cm HST, generally bonding well with more wind effect today in alpine areas. In shallow, weaker snowpack areas, the basal facets and Feb10 layers are still reactive in field tests. In deeper, uniform areas these problems are less of a concern. On S aspects there are a few buried suncrusts. Moist snow below 1600m today in Yoho on all aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Total storm snow over the Mar 15 interface is approx. 45 cm but quite variable. Open areas in the southern forecast area are showing more surface wind effect. The Mar 15 interface is weak made up of facets over variable surfaces depending on aspect and exposure. Little slab development has been observed to date.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On shaded and northerly aspects dry snow exists above 1500m. Soft wind loaded pockets may have formed with moderate SW winds. On solar aspects breakable sun crusts exist, and overlie a series of crusts in the top meter which react with hard planar results in tests. The Feb10 layer is down ~2m, shallower in thin areas, and continues to be a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_79B9C72D">The storm snow has settled to approx 35cm as of this afternoon and shears are in the moderate range. Intense solar radiation is cooking south aspects and creating crusts. In shallow, weaker snowpack areas, the basal facets and Feb10 layers are still reactive in field tests. In deeper, uniform areas these problems are less of a concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable distribution of recent storm snow, with the deepest amounts in the 45cm range in the Columbia Icefields area. Minimal wind affect other than exposed areas at upper elevation. Feb10 interface is down 60-90cm and has been dormant recently. Lots of snow available for transport.</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">Storm snow layers have been slow to bond and remain skier triggerable. An additional 18cm of snow overnight now adds more load to these layers. Southerly wind will have created deep slabs below ridge crests on N through E aspects. Solar aspects have sun crusts buried at various depths. Feb 10 layer is down on average 2m and remains a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The tipping point in the stability of the snowpack has been reached. The past week's 60 cm of storm snow has settled into a slab which is reacting to natural and skier triggers with failures occurring deep in the snowpack.  This situation is expected to continue through Tuesday, with extra care advised in all avalanche terrain.</span><span class="s_79B9C72D" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable distribution of recent storm snow, with the deepest amounts in the 45cm range in the Columbia Icefields area. Minimal wind affect other than exposed areas at upper elevation. Feb10 interface is down 60-90cm and has been dormant recently. Lots of snow available for transport.</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">Upper snowpack on solar aspects is moist to tree line and will have crusts at various depths, the Mar 22 down ~ 50cm, the Mar 13 crust down 75cm, the Mar 2 down 1-1.5m. On north aspects the upper snowpack consists of settling storm snow. The Feb 10 surface hoar crust layer is down 2m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface Crusts below 1500m and to ridgelines on solar aspects. 25 to 40 cm now over the 0325 interface that behaves as a soft slab. The 0314 crust is found to ridgelines on S aspects and the 0310 rain crust goes to about treeline on shaded aspects. The Feb facet layer is generally very deep or under a crust in all but thin, high elevation areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The tipping point in the stability of the snowpack has been reached. The past week's 60 cm of storm snow has settled into a slab which is reacting to natural and skier triggers with failures occurring deep in the snowpack. This situation is expected to continue through Wednesday, with extra care advised in all avalanche terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">45cm of storm snow continues to settle and has minimal wind affect in most places. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Temperature crust on solar aspects, the Mar 22 down ~ 30-50cm, the Mar 13 crust down 75cm, the Mar 2 down 1-1.5m. On north aspects the upper snowpack consists of settling storm snow to about 1600m below which there will be a crust. The Feb 10 surface hoar crust layer is down 2m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Huge and important differences exist across the region now. Western areas such as Emerald and Field have a deep and stable snowpack. Contrast this with the Lake Louise and Sunshine areas, where the weaker snowpack is showing signs that the ground level layer of weak facets is waking up again - slowly. This layer has been dormant since February.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Temperature crust on solar aspects, the Mar 22 down ~ 30-50cm, the Mar 13 crust down 75cm, the Mar 2 down 1-1.5m. On north aspects the upper snowpack consists of settling storm snow to about 1600m below which there will be a crust. The Feb 10 surface hoar crust layer is down 2m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Western areas such as Emerald and Field have a deep and stable snowpack. Contrast this with the Lake Louise and Sunshine areas, where a weaker snowpack is showing signs that the ground level layer of facets is waking up again - slowly. This layer has been dormant since February. A crust exists on all but N aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">45cm of storm snow continues to settle and has received minimal wind affect. A temperature crust can be found on most lower elevation slopes and a sun crust on southerly facing slopes into the alpine. At elevation and if buried by blown snow this will present some avalanche danger. At lower elevation, when intact, is provides stability &amp; support.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Temperature crust on solar aspects, the Mar 22 down ~ 30-50cm, the Mar 13 crust down 75cm, the Mar 2 down 1-1.5m. On north aspects the upper snowpack consists of settling storm snow to about 1600m below which there will be a crust. The Feb 10 surface hoar crust layer is down 2m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface crusts on East through West aspects have formed with the daily heating pattern. A shear persists down about 30 cm on shaded aspects on the 0325 interface. March crusts down 70 to 100cm on all but North aspects above treeline could be a problem with strong sustained warming or rain. Feb facets still a concern in high elevation thin areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New wind slabs 15-25 cm thick in the immediate lees. Western areas such as Emerald and Field have a deep and stable snowpack. Contrast this with the Lake Louise, Hwy 93 N, &amp; Sunshine areas, where a there is a weaker snowpack with sudden collapse very easy compression results on the basal depth hoar. A crust exists on all but N aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Mod SW winds forming windslab along alpine ridge tops. A temperature crust can be found on most lower elevation slopes and a sun crust on southerly facing slopes into the alpine. At elevation and if buried by blown snow this will present some avalanche danger. At lower elevation, when intact, is provides stability &amp; support.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow a there is a temperature crust on solar aspects, the Mar 22 Cr is down 30-50cm.On north aspects the upper snowpack consists of settling storm snow down to about 1600m below which there is a crust. Where the wind has been at the new snow near ridge lines and in the Alpine, soft slabs have have been observed.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New wind slabs 15-25 cm thick in the immediate lees. Western areas such as Emerald and Field have a deep and stable snowpack. Contrast this with the Lake Louise, Hwy 93 N, &amp; Sunshine areas, where there is a weaker snowpack with sudden collapse very easy compression results on the basal depth hoar. A crust exists on all but N aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">SW winds forming windslab along alpine ridge tops. A temperature crust is found on lower elevation slopes and a sun crust on southerly facing slopes into the alpine. A slab developing over the crust may result in an avalanche condition. Weak basal facets requires a large trigger, or a tickle in just the right spot, and would be a large avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20cm of recent storm snow sits over the April 2 crust on solar aspects. The Mar 22 Cr is down ~50cm, the Mar 2 is down ~1.0m, the Feb 10 is down ~1.75m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface crusts on East through West aspects have formed with the daily heating pattern and rain below 1700m. Down 30 to 40cm on shaded aspects a shear persists on the 0325 interface.&nbsp; The strong March crusts are found down 70 to 100cm on all but North aspects above treeline and overlie&nbsp; the Feb facets that remain weak at about 1m above the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New wind slabs 15-25 cm thick in the immediate lees. Western areas such as Emerald and Field have a deep and stable snowpack. Contrast this with the Lake Louise, Hwy 93 N, &amp; Sunshine areas, where there is a weaker snowpack with sudden collapse very easy compression results on the basal depth hoar. A crust exists on all but N aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">SW winds forming windslab along alpine ridge tops. A temperature crust is found on lower elevation slopes and southerly slopes into the alpine. Windslab developing on this slippery surface should be assessed. Weak basal facets appears to be bridged, requires a large trigger, or a tickle in just the right spot, and would be a large avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30cm of recent storm snow sits over the April 2 surface hoar/crust layer. No crust was observed on due north aspects. The Mar 22 Cr is down 50-60cm, the Mar 2 is down 1.0-1.25m, the Feb 10 is down ~1.75m. The mid and lower snowpack are very well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist snow to 2000m on all aspects and to ridge top on solar aspects. Thin wind slabs in open areas. Western areas such as Emerald and Field have a deep and stable snowpack. The Lake Louise, Hwy 93 N, &amp; Sunshine areas have a weaker snowpack and we are still getting easy to moderate sudden collapse results on the basal depth hoar in some areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">SW winds forming windslab along alpine ridge tops. A temperature crust is found on lower elevation slopes and southerly slopes into the alpine. Windslab developing on this slippery surface should be assessed. Weak basal facets appears to be bridged, requires a large trigger, or a tickle in just the right spot, and would be a large avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">35cm of recent storm snow sits over the April 2 surface hoar/crust layer at tree line and above. This snow is moist except on due north aspects where dry snow may still be found up high. The Mar 22 Cr is down 50-60cm, the Mar 2 is down 1.0-1.25m, the Feb 10 is down ~1.75m. The mid and lower snowpack are very well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface crusts on East through West aspects have formed with the daily heating pattern and rain below 1700m. Down 30 to 40cm on shaded aspects a shear persists on the 0325 interface. The strong March crusts are found down 70 to 100cm on all but North aspects above treeline and overlie the Feb facets that remain weak at about 1m above the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist snow to 2000m on all aspects and to ridge top on solar aspects. Thin wind slabs in open areas. Western areas such as Emerald and Field have a deep and stable snowpack. The Lake Louise, Hwy 93 N, &amp; Sunshine areas have a weaker snowpack and we are still getting easy to moderate sudden collapse results on the basal depth hoar in some areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and below warming temperatures and rain has increasing the temperature of the snowpack. Moist snow in the upper pack can be anticipated. Surface crusts will form when temps drop. Solar facing slopes close to treeline may have buried crusts with slab snow above. Deeply buried weaknesses near ground. Windslabs in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A poor overnight freeze has left the surface snow moist at tree-line and alpine elevations, although some dry snow may be found on due north aspects above 2400m. Several crust layers in the upper 1-1.5m are potential sliding layers if the warmth percolates deeper into the snowpack. The mid and lower snowpack are very well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist snow to 2000m on all aspects and to ridge top on solar aspects. Wind slabs forming in open areas. Western areas such as Emerald and Field have a deep and stable snowpack. The Lake Louise, Hwy 93 N, &amp; Sunshine areas have a weaker snowpack and we are still getting easy to moderate sudden collapse results on the basal depth hoar in some areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and below warming temperatures and rain has increased the temperature of the snowpack. Moist snow in the upper pack can be anticipated. Surface crusts will form when temps drop. Solar facing slopes close to treeline may have buried crusts with slab snow above. Deeply buried weaknesses near ground. Windslabs in the alpine &amp; treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An overnight freeze has left the surface snow crusty at tree-line and alpine elevations, although some dry snow may be found on due north aspects above 2400m extreme winds have blown this into possible slabs. The mid and lower snowpack are very well settled but no refreeze at Rogers Pass plot means low elevation is still loose and wet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cooler temperatures and wind should keep the surface of the snowpack cool on Friday, although low elevation south facing terrain will heating up. This time of year we are mainly concerned with shallow snowpack areas (&lt;200cm), where avalanches may fail on deep facetted layers. Areas with snowpack depths &gt;250 cm are generally strong and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline (TL) and below warming temperatures are destabilizing the snowpack. Moist snow in the upper pack can be anticipated. Surface crusts will form overnight when temps drop. Solar facing slopes close to TL may have buried crusts with slab snow above. Deeply buried weaknesses near ground are a concern as are windslabs at and above TL.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A good freeze has left the surface snow crusty at lower elevations, although some dry snow may be found on due north aspects above 2400m. Extreme winds may have blown this into slabs in exposed lee areas. The mid to lower snowpack is very well settled. If the sun pops through, expect a rapid deterioration of low elevation surface crusts.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong solar heating has created moist snow on all but North aspects above treeline and solar inputs have allowed for only superficial freezing in the last few days at low elevations. Moderate to strong West winds continue to transport modest amounts of snow and have created thin and spotty slabs on E and N aspects TL and ALP. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deep instabilities may still be triggered in specific areas. Watch for thinner areas that may trigger depths over one metre. While rotten basal layers are not universal, they can still be found on different aspects. A change in wind direction to a more northerly flow may create small windslabs in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline (TL) and below, warming temperatures have destabilized the snowpack with moist snow in the upper pack. Surface crusts will form overnight when temps drop. Solar facing slopes close to TL may have buried crusts with slab snow above. Deeply buried weaknesses near ground are a concern as are windslabs at and above TL.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A poor freeze has left the surface snow moist and mushy at lower elevations, although some dry snow may be found on due north aspects above 2000m. Extreme winds may have blown this into slabs in exposed lee areas. The mid to lower snowpack is very well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-12cm of new snow over a supportive crust on all aspects and elevations today. Some moist snow at lower elevations. Snow pack becoming isothermal below 1700m later in the day. Small wind slabs present near ridge crests in the alpine from strong NW winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A crust extends from below treeline (TL) to sunny TL aspects. The crust will maintain its strength until it is exposed to prolonged sun and warm temperatures. Wet to moist snow is present below the crust depending on elevation and aspect. Windslabs look thick and ripe on all lee alpine and TL slopes. Cornices are large and looming. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Spring time conditions exists with a surface crust on all but due north aspects above 2000m. Lower temps last night resulted in a good freeze, with valley bottom crusts will break down quickly today. On solar aspects crusts in the upper 50cm are failing in the moderate range in stability tests. The mid to lower snowpack is very well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-12cm of new snow over a supportive crust on all aspects and elevations today. Some moist snow at lower elevations. Snow pack becoming isothermal below 1700m later in the day. Small wind slabs present near ridge crests in the alpine from NW winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A crust extends from below treeline (TL) to sunny TL aspects. The crust will maintain its strength until it is exposed to prolonged sun and warm temperatures. Wet to moist snow is present below the crust depending on elevation and aspect. Windslabs look thick on all lee alpine and TL slopes. Cornices are large and looming. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A variety of crusts exist on solar aspects and lower elev N asp in the top meter. Cold temps overnight resulted in a good freeze of the surface crusts, these will weaken quickly today with the forecast warming and direct solar. In the alpine on N aspects, powder can be found. Deeper in the snowpack there exists weak layers that remain a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A supportive melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects to 2300m, and higher on south and west aspects. The snowpack is well settled with no surface instabilities as long as the temperature remains cool. Cornices are a concern on most days this year, particularly from noon onward as they get baked by the sun. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A crust extends from below treeline (TL) to sunny TL aspects. The crust will maintain its strength until it is exposed to prolonged sun and warm temperatures. Wet to moist snow is present below the crust depending on elevation and aspect. Windslabs look thick on all lee alpine and TL slopes. Cornices are large and looming. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Spring melt freeze conditions are causing the surface to be very solid in the morning on areas that were exposed to strong solar and warming. The crusts yesterday seemed to be breaking down later in the afternoon. A variety of crusts exist in the top meter of the snowpack. Deeper in the snowpack there exists persistent layers that remain a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong heating has built crusts on all aspects to 2300m and to ridgelines on solar aspects. Isolated windslabs exist in open features treeline and above. The upper and mid snowpack is now quite strong however the deeply buried February Facets and early season Basal Facets remain weak. Cornices appear to be large and fragile&nbsp; and deserve respect.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is well settled with no surface instabilities. A supportive melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects to 1900m and higher on south and west aspects. Dry snow exists on N/NE aspects above this. The deep persistent weak layers are dormant, but may awaken if it warms up. Cornices are large this time of year and tend to fall off on warm days</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A crust extends to treeline (TL) on all aspect and on sunny slopes to near 2300 m. The crust will maintain its strength until it is exposed to prolonged </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParksMountainSafety/posts/648433435206649?stream_ref=10" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">sun </span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">and warm temperatures. Wet to moist snow is present below the crust depending on elevation and aspect. Windslabs are found at and above TL slopes near ridges into the alpine. Cornices are large </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Temperatures did not reach the freezing mark in the alpine until 1-2am, likely preventing a solid freeze of the surface. With light rain on the way, expect the crust to break down earlier in day. The snowpack on solar aspects is warming to near isothermal levels, but it stills awaits a dramatic warming to lose its structural integrity.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storm snow has settled into a soft slab and has significant wind affect in open terrain at treeline and above. The lower half of the snowpack is a complex and poorly structured &amp; comprised of the facets (Nov 24th) at the interface of the recent storm snow and a series of thin crusts (Nov 6th) and depth hoar at or slightly above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The weekends storm snow is 115cm and that tapers off south of Parkers Ridge. The main weakness is a sandwich of crusts and facets at the mid to lower snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Additional snow loading continues to occur on Easterly aspects from the NW winds in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain crust to ~1500m. Above, settling storm snow over the Nov 21 surface hoar/crust/facet layer, aspect and elevation dependant, down ~100cm. The Nov 9 facet/crust layer is down 110-130cm to the ground at ~2000m. Snowpack tests show triggering these layers to be in the moderate range with large propagation to be very likely. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storm snow has settled into a soft slab and has significant wind affect in open terrain at treeline and above. The lower half of the snowpack is a complex and poorly structured &amp; comprised of the facets (Nov 24th) at the interface of the recent storm snow and a series of thin crusts (Nov 6th) and depth hoar at or slightly above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temps have tightened up the wet slab for now but are also weakening the snowpack over time. When temps rise, layers are expected to wake up again. Snowpack tests on two touchy weak layers buried down ~100 and ~130cm continue to indicate the may be triggered by skiers and produce very large avalanches. A hard rain crust exists below ~1600m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">55cm of storm snow overlie a crust (Nov 6), which is only 15cm above the ground. For the most part the snowpack lacks cohesion and forecasters were breaking through on skis to the ground. Consistent whumphing as forecasters skied below Mt. Field today.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storm snow has settled into a soft slab and has significant wind affect in open terrain at treeline and above. The lower half of the snowpack is complex and poorly structured &amp; comprised of the facets (Nov 24th) at the interface of the recent storm snow and a series of thin crusts (Nov 6th) and depth hoar at or slightly above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Significant settlement in past few days. The main weakness is a sandwich of crusts and facets at the mid to lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temps have tightened up the wet slab for now but are also weakening the snowpack over time. Snowpack tests on two touchy weak layers (a variety of surface hoar, crusts and facets) buried down ~100 and ~130cm continue to indicate the may be triggered by skiers and produce very large avalanches. A hard rain crust exists below ~1600m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">55cm of storm snow overlie a crust (Nov 6), which is only 15cm above the ground. For the most part the snowpack lacks cohesion and forecasters were breaking through on skis to the ground. Consistent whumphing below treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storm snow has settled into a soft slab and has significant wind affect in open terrain at treeline and above. The lower half of the snowpack is complex and poorly structured &amp; comprised of the facets (Nov 24th) at the interface of the recent storm snow and a series of thin crusts (Nov 6th) and depth hoar at or slightly above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weekends massive snowfall continues to settle prompting widespread whumphing in open treeline areas.  Team had moderate test results (CTM11) on a facet layer above a crust near the base of the pack on an E facing 25 deg slope at 2000m (TL) in the Parkers Area.  Alpine snowpack has more strength with hard results on a similar aspect at 2200m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Ongoing cold weather is weakening the upper snowpack with faceting.  Recent stability tests suggest that two persistent weak layers (a variety of surface hoar, crusts and facets) buried down ~100 and ~130cm, are becoming less reactive. The failure character of these layers is still sudden planer.  A breakable crust exists below ~1600m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At Treeline from the ground: 5cm of mid-Nov facets sit on 30cm of crusts formed early in November. Rain at the start of the storm on Nov 26 created a 7cm crust over the facets before cooler temps Nov 27 and 28 dropped up to 1m of snow. Wind effect can be found in open areas at treeline however this looks to be much more advanced in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow from last week's storm is a soft slab in sheltered locations and wind scoured and hard wind slab in open terrain at tree line and above. The lower half of the snowpack is complex and poorly structured, comprised of the facets (Nov 24th) at the interface of the recent storm snow and a series of thin crusts (Nov 6th) and depth hoar.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Settled storm slab in open treeline areas and windslab on exposed alpine slopes. These slabs are sitting on a couple of crust in the lower third of the snowpack. Failures are occurring in facets above these crusts with moderate test results at treeline and hard results in the alpine.  Whumphing is common at treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Sun crust on steep solar and widespread surface hoar was observed yesterday up to 2000m. Light snow will bury this surface hoar today, forming a new weak layer. November 21 and 9 persistent weak layers are buried down ~100 and ~130cm, and are less reactive. The failure character of these layers is still sudden planer. Breakable crust below ~1600m. </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">Warmer temperatures today are promoting settlement of the upper snowpack and creating more of a slab over the basal facets especially in wind affected areas. The lower half of the snowpack is poorly structured, with facets (Nov 24th) below the recent storm snow, thin crusts (Nov 6th) below this, and then depth hoar near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Settled storm snow at lower elevations and windslab in the alpine. The main concern is the interface between the settled storm snow and several crusts near the bottom of the snowpack. This interface is producing sudden collapse results in test profiles and widespread whumphing at treeline and has been associated with recent natural avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> 5-10cm of light snow has buried the latest surface hoar layer. On steep solar aspects this layer formed a sun crust. The Nov 21 and Nov 9 persistent weak layers are buried down ~100 and ~130cm and are less reactive. The failure character of these layers is still sudden planer in snowpack tests. Breakable crust below ~1600m. </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">Warmer temperatures today are promoting settlement of the upper snowpack and creating more of a slab over the basal facets especially in wind affected areas. The lower half of the snowpack is poorly structured, with facets (Nov 24th) below the recent storm snow, thin crusts (Nov 6th) below this, and then depth hoar near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warmer daytime temperatures this weekend are promoting settlement of the upper snowpack and creating more of a slab over the basal facets especially in wind affected areas. The lower half of the snowpack is poorly structured, with facets (Nov 24th) below the recent storm snow, thin crusts (Nov 6th) below this, and then depth hoar near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temps are reaching into the alpine and are promoting settlement of last week's storm snow.  Isolated windslab can be found in exposed areas in the alpine. The main concern is the interface between the settled storm snow and several crusts near the bottom of the snowpack. This interface is producing widespread whumphing at treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> 15-20cm of recent storm snow is over the Dec 5 surface hoar/facet layer and sun crust on steep solar aspects. This new snow sits over a breakable crust below 1600m. The Nov 21 and Nov 9 persistent weak layers are buried down ~100 and ~130cm. Snowpack tests indicate triggering the Nov 21 layer as less likely but fracture character is sudden planar. </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">Warmer daytime temperatures this weekend are promoting settlement of the upper snowpack and creating more of a slab over the basal facets especially in wind affected areas. The lower half of the snowpack is poorly structured, with facets (Nov 24th) below the recent storm snow, thin crusts (Nov 6th) below this, and then depth hoar near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temps are reaching into the alpine and are promoting settlement of last week's storm snow. Isolated windslab can be found in exposed areas in the alpine. The main concern is the interface between the settled storm snow and several crusts near the bottom of the snowpack. This interface is producing widespread whumphing at treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> 15-20cm of recent storm snow is over the Dec 5 surface hoar/facet layer and sun crust on steep solar aspects. This new snow sits over a breakable crust below 1600m. The Nov 21 and Nov 9 persistent weak layers are buried down ~100 and ~130cm. Snowpack tests indicate triggering the Nov 21 layer as less likely but fracture character is sudden planar. </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">Suncrusts forming steep South slopes. Wind effect found in open areas treeline and above. Mid-Nov facets sit on 30cm of crusts formed early in November at treeline and above. Below 2200m, rain at the start of the storm on Nov 26 created a crust over the facets or melted them. The slab above these layers grows with elevation from 30 to 100 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warmer daytime temperatures are promoting settlement of the upper snowpack and creating more of a slab over the basal facets/ rain crust especially in wind affected areas. The lower half of the snowpack is poorly structured, with facets (Nov 24th) below the recent storm snow, thin crusts (Nov 6th) below this, and then depth hoar near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Midpack is gaining strength with recent mild temperatures. Bonding with the November crusts near the bottom of the snowpack appears to be improving. New windslabs are forming in specific lee and cross loaded terrain with recent steady SW winds. Whumphing is less dramatic and more localized than the previous week.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> 5cm of snow over night adding to the15-20cm of recent storm snow is over the Dec 5 surface hoar/facet layer and sun crust on steep solar aspects. The storm snow resides over a breakable crust below 1600m. The Nov 21 and Nov 9 persistent weak layers are now buried down ~105 and ~140cm.  It is already above freezing at tree line.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warmer daytime temperatures are promoting settlement of the upper snowpack and creating more of a slab over the basal facets/ rain crust especially in wind affected areas. The lower half of the snowpack is poorly structured, with facets (Nov 24th) below the recent storm snow, thin crusts (Nov 6th) below this, and then depth hoar near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Although these warm daytime temperatures are promoting overall snowpack settlement, the lower half of the snowpack remains poorly structured, with a weak based comprised entirely of facets and depth hoar. This problem is most pronounced in rocky, windswept terrain at treeline and higher where human triggering of full depth avalanches is possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Touchy wind slabs are forming in lee and cross loaded terrain features in the alpine and treeline. Mid-pack is gaining strength with recent mild temperatures. Bonding with the November crusts near the bottom of the snowpack appears to be improving. Whumphing at treeline elevations is less dramatic and more localized than the previous week.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A ~25cm storm slab, which will be thicker in windloaded areas, will bond poorly where it overlies surface hoar or sun crust. Below 1600m it will bond poorly to a rain crust. Rain, occurring to at least 1900m is adding more load. The Nov persistent weak layers, down ~105 and ~140cm, still have the potential to create large avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Although these warm daytime temperatures are promoting overall snowpack settlement, the lower half of the snowpack remains poorly structured, with a weak based comprised entirely of facets and depth hoar. This problem is most pronounced in rocky, windswept terrain at treeline and higher where human triggering of full depth avalanches is possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong southwest winds have stripped  windward aspects and created fresh wind slabs in lee terrain at treeline and above locations. Mild temperatures have promoted settlement in upper pack, but lower basal layers remain weak and facetted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Very touchy conditions exist at treeline and sub alpine elevations. The recent snow fall is making the facet crust layers near the base of the snowpack very susceptible to human triggering. Our field team in the Parker Ridge area today experienced extensive whumphing and cracking in the snowpack.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">More rain than snow fell yesterday at 1900m; 8mm of rain fell at Rogers Pass. A ~25cm storm slab, thicker in windloaded areas, will bond poorly where it overlies surface hoar or sun crust. Below 1600m it will bond poorly to a rain crust. The Nov persistent weak layers, down ~105 and ~140cm, have the potential to create large avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A thin rain crust up to 2300m and an isothermal snowpack to about 1900m. Little Prairie plot: 20cm rain affected base with 20cm of moist snow above. At 2200m 25cm of early Nov crusts at base, 5cm of mid Nov facets under a 5-10cm crust formed by rain that began Nov 26. Above this sits a well settled slab  up to 130cm deep in loaded areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong southwest winds have stripped windward aspects and created fresh wind slabs in lee terrain at treeline and above locations. Mild temperatures have promoted settlement in upper pack, but lower basal layers remain weak and facetted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong SW winds have stripped windward aspects and created wind slabs in lee terrain in the alpine. Mild temperatures have promoted settlement in upper pack, but lower basal rain crust/facets at treeline and in the alpine remain weak. Warm temps and rain below treeline have promoted rapid settlement and a decrease in snow depths.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Overnight storm produced variable snowfall amounts through the forecast area. Up to 40cms at Marmot Basin tampering to 12cm at Hilda/Parkers. Touchy conditions still exist in isolated areas at treeline and sub alpine elevations in cross-loaded and lee features. The facet crust layers near the base of the snowpack susceptible to human triggering. </span></p>