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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain and freezing rain to the ridge tops has settled the recent storm snow. Cooling temperatures tonight are expected to consolidate the upper snow pack. There are no deep layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable hard surfaces like wind slabs and sun crusts developed during the recent period with no precipitation. Some areas have a weak layer of surface hoar and/or surface facets that were on top of the hard sliding layers that are now buried. The new storm snow has not bonded well to these old surfaces, but reports suggest that the new snow has not consolidated into a cohesive slab. Forecast snow is expected to continue to develop a storm slab above the weak layers and sliding surfaces.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a lot of variability in the recent storm snow amounts and the amount of wind effect across the region. The Harvey Pass area has seen a lot of wind. Thin stiff wind slabs have formed, and fetch areas have been stripped. The Crossing Creek area has seen less wind and about 20 cms of new snow. It was snowing all day Friday, so we expect the storm snow to continue to accumulate. The storm snow has not been reported to be reacting as a cohesive slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snow fall amounts have been variable across the region. Some areas have about 30 cms that is reacting to light additional loads, and sliding on the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on the 23rd of January. Some other areas only had 10-15 cms with lighter winds, and the new snow has not formed a reactive storm slab. Due to this variability, it is difficult to rate the danger for the entire region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 25cm of new snow overlies a medley of surfaces including hard wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered areas below treeline. Recent winds have shifted snow into soft and hard slabs on lee slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 cm fell with the last 2 systems (more in the S and W and less in other parts of the region) with light to moderate S-SW winds creating soft slabs in the alpine and at treeline below ridgetops. It is expected that the bond between these slabs and the underlying surface will improve, however they will also gain propagation potential with the continuing settlement and forecasted moderate winds. In other words, they could be harder to trigger, but if triggered, they will generate bigger avalanches. The new snow is also sitting on a couple of weak layers; a suncrust on S facing slopes and on a surface hoar layer mostly found below treeline. The bond of the new snow with these type of layers usually takes longer to improve and is harder to predict. It is therefore important to keep monitoring their location and reactivity to ski and snowpack tests. The early January surface hoar layer down 40-60 cm also in the below treeline band is still a concern to professionals. It has been producing a variety of snowpack results but has not been reactive to skier traffic in a while. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">From 15 to 30 cm of snow fell with the last 2 systems with light to moderate S-SW winds in the alpine and with relatively warm temperatures at low elevations.  Storm slabs are found at all elevations. In the alpine, it is expected that the bond between these slabs and the underlying surface will improve, however they are gaining propagation potential with the continuing settlement. In other words, they could become harder to trigger, but if triggered, they will generate bigger avalanches. The new snow is also sitting on a couple of weak layers; a suncrust on S facing slopes and on a surface hoar layer mostly found below treeline. The bond of the new snow with these layer is now weak and it usually takes longer to improve and is harder to predict. It is therefore important to keep monitoring their location and reactivity to ski and snowpack tests. The early January surface hoar layer down 70-90 cm, also in the below treeline band, is becoming less of a concern to professionals but has recently been reactive to skier traffic in the South part of the region (see avalanche summary section).  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 40 cm of snow fell with the last 2 systems with light to moderate S-SW winds in the alpine and with relatively warm temperatures at low elevations.  Storm slabs are found at all elevations. In the alpine, it is expected that the bond between these slabs and the underlying surface will improve, however they could also gain propagation potential with the continuing settlement. In other words, they could become harder to trigger, but if triggered, they will generate bigger avalanches. The new snow is also sitting on a couple of weak layers; a suncrust on S facing slopes and on a surface hoar layer mostly found below treeline. The bond of the new snow with these layer is now weak (look at the avalanche summary section) and it usually takes longer to improve and is harder to predict. It is therefore important to keep monitoring their location and reactivity to ski and snowpack tests. The early January surface hoar layer down 70-90 cm, also in the below treeline band, is becoming less of a concern to professionals. It has been producing a variety of snowpack results (from break to sudden planar) but has not been reactive to skier traffic in a while.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow from the last storm has been redistributed into soft slabs on lee features. More prevalent in the alpine near ridgecrests. Treeline and below has 10-15 HN sitting on top of hard slabs on most aspects. Valley bottom is facetted yet still supportive in most areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is reported to be bonding well to the recent moist storm snow. Rain and freezing rain settled the storm snow. There are no deep layers of concern. Some pockets of soft wind slab may develop overnight near the ridge tops.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The freezing level went up to about 1200 metres on Friday. Warm temperatures settled the recent storm slab at treeline, and rain below 1200 metres soaked the BTL snow pack. Cooling temperatures are expected to further consolidate treeline and below. New snow that began during warmer temperatures is cooling and sluffing as loose dry snow. Soft wind slabs are beginning to build at higher elevations on Northerly aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow accumulations around 25 cm overlie a variety of old surfaces including hard wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered areas below treeline. Recent winds have shifted snow into soft and hard slabs anywhere from 25-40 cm thick on lee slopes. The early January surface hoar layer is buried down 40-80 cm and seems to be gaining strength. Reports indicate that this layer is mainly unreactive, and would require a large trigger to set it off. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A report from the Rossland Range stated that the freezing level went up to about 1700 metres on Friday, and that strong winds scoured most open terrain above 2000 metres. Recent snow fall amounts have been variable across the region. Some areas have about 30 cms that is reacting to light additional loads, and sliding on the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on the 23rd of January. Some other areas only had 10-15 cms with lighter winds, and the new snow has not formed a reactive storm slab. Due to this variability, it is difficult to rate the danger for the entire region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a lot of variability in the recent storm snow amounts and the amount of wind effect across the region. The Harvey Pass area has seen a lot of wind. Thin stiff wind slabs have formed, and fetch areas have been stripped. The Crossing Creek area has seen less wind and about 20 cms of new snow. It was snowing all day Friday, so we expect the storm snow to continue to accumulate. The storm snow has not been reported to be reacting as a cohesive slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">HST 40 to 50 cm over Jan 24 SH/sc. HST settling into soft slab - watch on solar and SH (esp BTL). Pockety WSL N &amp; E aspects. Jan 4 SH down 90 TL &amp; BTL. Rime or Zr CR reported in Monashees.(Eagle Pass, MPS)</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow amounts over the past few days are 30 to 40 cm with as much as 60cm reported. On Friday this snow remained mostly loose and powdery except for pockets of windslab behind ridges and ribs. On Saturday (&amp;Sunday) look for this storm to be settling into more of a slab, and the wind could be building additional pillows of windslab. Below the new snow is a suncrust on steep southerly facing slopes and a surface hoar layer at treeline and lower elevations (but it has a patchy distribution). Early January surface hoar is now around 60 - 80 cm deep and is also patchy but may extend into the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow accumulations over the past few days are generally around 40 to 50 cm. This snow remained quite powdery &amp; uncohesive on Friday but is starting to settle into a soft slab. That suggests the snowpack is gaining strength in most terrain, however it could change the avalanche character from relatively harmless loose sluffs to more dangers slab avalanches. The new snow covers a crust on steep S aspects and a patchy surface hoar layer on shady sheltered slopes at treeline and below. The early January surface hoar layer is down 70-90 cm. In the southern Monashees a freezing rain crust was reported on the surface Friday.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently, the region has seen 30-70 cm of new snow which continues to build over a variety of surfaces. These include old hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar. Moderate to strong winds are shifting snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. Two persistent weaknesses (comprising surface hoar and facets) buried in the upper snowpack recently gave moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the north of the region.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow accumulations over the past few days are generally around 40 to 50 cm. This snow remained quite powdery &amp; uncohesive on Friday but is starting to settle into a soft slab. That suggests the snowpack is gaining strength in most terrain, however it could change the avalanche character from relatively harmless loose sluffs to more dangers slab avalanches. The new snow covers a crust on steep S aspects and a patchy surface hoar layer on shady sheltered slopes at treeline and below. The early January surface hoar layer is down 70-90 cm. In the southern Monashees a freezing rain crust was reported on the surface Friday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 15 cm of snow overlies a variety of surfaces including hard old wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered terrain below treeline. In some areas, winds have transported the new snow and has built winds slabs in the lee of terrain features. A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength, but still exhibits moderate, sudden results in isolated snowpack tests. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable accumulations of new snow continue to build over a variety of old surfaces. These include old hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar. Many windward slopes are scoured and thin. Recent snowpack tests recently gave generally hard to no results near Smithers. An otherwise strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. Triggering of this basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots and/or rocky outcrops. I suggest digging down, or probing the snowpack to get a handle of average snowpack depths, variability and test results. Be cautious on slopes that go thin from thick. The average  snowpack depth is around 100 cm at treeline, but remains quite inconsistent across the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">LIttle change over the past 24hrs.  Light snowfalls continued throughout the day with minimal accumulation.  Winds were generally calm except at higher elevations.  Storm slabs continue to build at ridgelines and in immediate lees but these slabs are not that thick and they do not extend to far downslope.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a lot of variability in the recent storm snow amounts and the amount of wind effect across the region. Crowsnest North area has seen strong winds that have stripped South and West aspects. Sled tracks are only penetrating about 15 cms. The Harvey Pass area has seen a lot of wind. Thin stiff wind slabs have formed, and fetch areas have been stripped. The Crossing Creek area has seen less wind and about 20-30 cms of new snow. The storm snow has not been reported to be reacting as a cohesive slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-40 cms of dry new snow overnight has added to the recent storm slab above the January 23rd weak layer. This weak layer is buried about 60 cms down in this region. New dry snow is running far and fast once a fracture is propagated. There are pockets of wind slab in the alpine and at tree-line, and quite a bit of snow available for transport. Watch for cross or reverse loading when the Northwest winds start to build tomorrow. Forecast warm front and then trailing cold front may cause rapid changes in temperatures and storm slab properties over the next few days. Forecast snow fall amounts are difficult to determine with this type of scenario.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Accumulations adding up to 30 cm of new snow overlie a variety of old surfaces including hard wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered areas below treeline. Recent snowpack test results in the northern part of the region (1900 m) have shown inconsistent moderate breaks down 25 cm on the crust/facet layer from last week. The recent snow seems to be bonding and strengthening to the upper snowpack. Recent winds have shifted snow into soft and hard slabs anywhere from 25-40 cm thick on lee slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early January surface hoar layer is buried down 40-80 cm and seems to be gaining strength. Reports indicate that this layer is mainly unreactive, and would require a larger trigger to set it off. The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 180 cm and the mid-pack is generally settled and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dig down, and see what the snowpack reveals in your neck of the woods. </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">Over the next two days new storm snow will blanket the region. This will continue to bury a variety of surfaces including hard old wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered terrain below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds will likely transport the new snow and build winds slabs in the lee of terrain features, possibly burying old wind slabs. A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength, but still exhibits moderate, sudden results in isolated snowpack tests. The new load from snow and wind will test this layer and its reactivity. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently, the region has seen 30-70 cm of new snow which continues to build over a variety of surfaces. These include old hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar. Moderate to strong winds are shifting snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. Reports generally indicate that the bulk of this storm snow seems to be settling quickly, which is a good. However, with a continued stormy pattern I would wait out the storms and watch how the snowpack adapts to the rapid changes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two persistent weaknesses (comprising of surface hoar and facets) buried in the upper snowpack recently gave moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the north of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is now about 20-30 cms of storm snow above the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on January 23rd. Snow profile tests are showing planar results with moderate forces applied. The storm slab has not been very reactive. Natural avalanches have not been reported. Propagations have been limited to pockets of soft wind slab in most areas. Changing temperatures over the next few days with a warm front and then a trailing cold front, as well as continued incremental snow falls may develop a reactive slab where the surface hoar remains intact. There is quite a bit of variability in the amount of wind effect and snowfall amounts across the region.</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">6-8 cms of dry new snow above the recent rain crust. Rain and freezing rain to the ridge tops has settled the recent storm snow. Cooling temperatures tonight are expected to consolidate the upper snow pack. There are no deep layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New storm snow is building over a variety of old surfaces. These include old wind slabs, scoured thin slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar. The new storm snow may have a poor bond with the old surfaces buried below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 100 cm but remains quite inconsistent across the region. A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. Triggering of this basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall and larger amounts of new storm snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30 to 50 cm of recent storm snow overlies a weak layer comprising of surface hoar in shady locations, facets at higher elevations and a sun crust on solar aspects. The recent new snow sitting above this interface has been slowly consolidating from fresh powder into a more cohesive slab. A mid-pack surface hoar layer buried in early January is down around 90 cm, and is best preserved below approximately 1700 m. A freezing rain crust has been reported near the surface (it may now be buried by light snow) in the Monashees, particularly in areas close to Mabel Lake.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts over the past few days are 30 to 40 cm with as much as 60cm reported. On Friday this snow remained mostly loose and powdery except for pockets of windslab behind ridges and ribs. Over the weekend, this storm snow started to settle into more of a cohesive slab, although little activity was reported through the weekend. Below the new snow is a suncrust on steep southerly facing slopes and a surface hoar layer at treeline and lower elevations (but it has a patchy distribution). Early January surface hoar is now around 60 - 80 cm deep and is also patchy and most likely to be preserved in shady slopes below treeline. Note, however, it may extend into the alpine in places.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 40-50 cm recent new snow has settled into a 20-30 cm soft slab overlying a weak layer comprising of facets at higher elevations, surface hoar on shady slopes, and a sun crust on solar aspects. The recent new snow sitting above this interface has been slowly consolidating from fresh powder into a more cohesive slab. As this process continues, the avalanche character will change from relatively harmless loose sluffs to more dangerous slab avalanches. However, note this upper weak layer has been reported to be patchy and variable in distribution. A mid-pack layer buried in early January surface hoar layer is down 70-90 cm. While this layer is still on the radar of professional observers, with most likely trigger points being on steep rolls below 1600 m, there has only been one small avalanche (size 1 at 1200 m on a north aspect) reported on this layer from the region for approximately 10 days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 40-50 cm recent new snow has settled into a 20-30 cm soft slab overlying a weak layer comprising of facets at higher elevations, surface hoar on shady slopes, and a sun crust on solar aspects. The recent new snow sitting above this interface has been slowly consolidating from fresh powder into a more cohesive slab. As this process continues, the avalanche character will change from relatively harmless loose sluffs to more dangerous slab avalanches. A mid-pack surface hoar layer buried in early January is down 70-90 cm. While this layer is still on the radar of professional observers, with most likely trigger points being on steep rolls at treeline and below, the last avalanche reported on this layer from this region was on 20th January (a size 2 avalanche on steep east-facing gladed terrain). In the southern Monashees a freezing rain crust was reported on the surface Friday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little change again over past 24 hours with only trace amounts of new snow falling in valley bottoms and 1-2 cm at treeline. Light to moderate westerly winds continuing to stiffen windslabs on immediate lees slopes and in gully features.    </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">HST 20 cm building slabs lee SW. Wind should veer to W or NW.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prev Entry (Shannon Jan 27): Variable accumulations of new snow but somewhere around 20 cm is a good estimate for the region. This storm snow continues to build over a variety of old surfaces including old hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts on southerly slopes and surface hoar. Many windward slopes are scoured and thin. Recent snowpack tests recently gave generally hard to no results near Smithers. An otherwise strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. Triggering of this basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots and/or rocky outcrops. I suggest digging down, or probing the snowpack to get a handle of average snowpack depths, variability and test results. The average  snowpack depth is around 100 cm at treeline, but remains quite inconsistent across the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Accumulations around 30cm of snow over the past 7 days overlies a variety of old surfaces including hard wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals (found in sheltered areas below treeline). Recent winds from the SW have shifted snow into soft and hard slabs anywhere from 25-40 cm thick on lee slopes. Watch for the next round of wind coming in from the NW resulting in reverse and cross-loading many slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the pack, not much is new or going on. The early January surface hoar layer is buried down 40-80 cm and seems to be gaining strength. Reports indicate that this layer is mainly unreactive, and would require a large trigger to set it off. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 to 25 cm of snow fell over the past few days with light to moderate SW wind. This snow is settling and gaining strength although lingering wind slabs are possible behind ridges &amp; ribs. This snow buried a variety of surfaces including hard old wind slabs, thin and thick crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered terrain below treeline. Weather forecasts call for shifting winds to the NW or W and strong enough to transport snow - this will create a new series of wind slabs, primarily on easterly and southerly facing slopes and in cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength, but still exhibits moderate, sudden results in isolated snowpack tests. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow overlie a hard crust. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts and winds have been variable across the region. Around 15-35 cm snow overlies old surfaces buried on Jan 23. Preserved surface hoar up to 21 mm in size has been found in the North Elk Valley, buried by about 15 cm of snow. It doesn't appear to be a widespread layer, but could be a localized problem once buried with further snowfall. The most wind-affected areas, including Crowsnest Pass and Harvey Pass, have scoured south and west-facing slopes. Wind slabs may be found on lee slopes. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">HST 40 to 50 cm over Jan 24 SH/sc. HST settling into soft slab - watch on solar and SH (esp BTL). Pockety WSL N &amp; E aspects. Jan 4 SH down 90 TL &amp; BTL. Rime or Zr CR reported in Monashees.(Eagle Pass, MPS)</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts over the past few days are 30 to 40 cm with as much as 60cm reported. Over the weekend, this low density storm snow started to settle into more of a cohesive slab, although little activity was reported through the weekend. Below the new snow is a suncrust on steep southerly facing slopes and a surface hoar layer at treeline and lower elevations (but it has a patchy distribution). Early January surface hoar is now around 60 - 80 cm deep and is reported to be patchy. It is most likely to be preserved on shady slopes below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 40-50 cm recent new snow has settled into a 20-30 cm soft slab overlying a weak layer comprising of facets at higher elevations, surface hoar on shady slopes, and a sun crust on solar aspects. The recent new snow sitting above this interface has been slowly consolidating from fresh powder into a more cohesive slab. As this process continues, the avalanche character will change from relatively harmless loose sluffs to more dangerous slab avalanches. However, note this upper weak layer has been reported to be patchy and variable in distribution. A mid-pack layer buried in early January surface hoar layer is down 70-90 cm. While this layer is still on the radar of professional observers, with most likely trigger points being on steep rolls below 1600 m, there has only been one small avalanche (size 1 at 1200 m on a north aspect) reported on this layer from the region for approximately 10 days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow accumulations over the past few days are generally around 40 to 50 cm. This snow remained quite powdery &amp; uncohesive on Friday but is starting to settle into a soft slab. That suggests the snowpack is gaining strength in most terrain, however it could change the avalanche character from relatively harmless loose sluffs to more dangers slab avalanches. The new snow covers a crust on steep S aspects and a patchy surface hoar layer on shady sheltered slopes at treeline and below. The early January surface hoar layer is down 70-90 cm. In the southern Monashees a freezing rain crust was reported on the surface Friday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 75 cm of accumulated new snow overlies old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, crusts and hard slabs. The new snow is running far and fast once a fracture is propagated. Wind slabs are likely to be found behind ridges and ribs on many slopes. Fans where loose snow is spilling down form above may be triggered as a slab by the weight of a person. Cornice fall is a concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 15-35 cm snow overlies various old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, hard slabs and crusts. The wind has created soft slabs on lee slopes. As incremental snowfalls build up, a cohesive storm slab is developing. Deeper in the pack (about 50-60cm down), a weak interface exhibits mainly hard to no results in snowpack tests, with isolated moderate, sudden results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has 30-70 cm of new snow which continues to build over a variety of surfaces. It's being drifted into big wind slabs by strong NW wind. These include old hard and soft wind slabs, scoured slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar. Moderate to strong winds are shifting snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. Reports generally indicate that the bulk of this storm snow seems to be settling quickly, which is a good. However, with a continued stormy pattern I would wait out the storms and watch how the snowpack adapts  to the rapid changes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two persistent weaknesses (comprising of surface hoar and facets) buried in the upper snowpack recently gave moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the north of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow survey flight today with 4 profiles completed....heavily faceted snowpack in areas below treeline with Nov crust still evident in some locations.  A mix of hard windslab from last weeks winds and thin softslabs from the storm snow later in the week.  The Jan 6 interface still showing up in compression tests in the hard range down 30-40+cm.  Old surface hoar found on this interface at a sheltered location at 2200m near the divide.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow overlie a hard crust. Winds may have shifted snow into small wind slabs behind ridges and ribs. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts and winds have been variable across the region. Around 15-35 cm snow overlies old surfaces buried on Jan 23. Preserved surface hoar up to 21 mm in size has been found in the North Elk Valley, buried by about 15 cm of snow. It doesn't appear to be a widespread layer, but could be a localized problem once buried with further snowfall. The most wind-affected areas, including Crowsnest Pass and Harvey Pass, have scoured south and west-facing slopes. Wind slabs may be found on lee slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 15-35 cm snow overlies various old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, hard slabs and crusts. The wind has created soft slabs on lee slopes. As incremental snowfalls build up, a cohesive storm slab may develop. Deeper in the pack (about 50-60cm down), a weak interface exhibits mainly hard to no results in snowpack tests, with isolated moderate, sudden results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 80 cm of accumulated new snow overlies old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, crusts and hard slabs. The new snow is running far and fast. In some areas it is reacting as a slab, generally where winds have affected the snow. Wind slabs may be found behind ridges and ribs on many slopes. Cornice fall is a concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30 to 50 cm of recent storm snow overlies a weak layer comprising of surface hoar in shady locations, facets at higher elevations and a sun crust on solar aspects. The recent new snow sitting above this interface has been slowly consolidating from fresh powder into a more cohesive slab. A mid-pack surface hoar layer buried in early January is down around 90 cm, and is best preserved below approximately 1700 m. A freezing rain crust has been reported near the surface (it may now be buried by light snow) in the Monashees, particularly in areas close to Mabel Lake.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts over the past few days are 30 to 40 cm with as much as 60cm reported. Over the weekend, this low density storm snow started to settle into more of a cohesive slab, although little activity was reported through the weekend. Below the new snow is a suncrust on steep southerly facing slopes and a surface hoar layer at treeline and lower elevations (but it has a patchy distribution). Early January surface hoar is now around 60 - 80 cm deep and is reported to be patchy. It is most likely to be preserved on shady slopes below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 40-50 cm recent new snow has settled into a 20-30 cm soft slab overlying a weak layer comprising of facets at higher elevations, surface hoar on shady slopes, and a sun crust on solar aspects. The recent new snow sitting above this interface has been slowly consolidating from fresh powder into a more cohesive slab. As this process continues, the avalanche character will change from relatively harmless loose sluffs to more dangerous slab avalanches. However, note this upper weak layer has been reported to be patchy and variable in distribution. A mid-pack layer buried in early January surface hoar layer is down 70-90 cm. While this layer is still on the radar of professional observers, with most likely trigger points being on steep rolls below 1600 m, there has only been one small avalanche (size 1 at 1200 m on a north aspect) reported on this layer from the region for approximately 10 days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow accumulations over the past few days are generally around 40 to 50 cm. This snow remained quite powdery &amp; uncohesive on Friday but is starting to settle into a soft slab. That suggests the snowpack is gaining strength in most terrain, however it could change the avalanche character from relatively harmless loose sluffs to more dangers slab avalanches. The new snow covers a crust on steep S aspects and a patchy surface hoar layer on shady sheltered slopes at treeline and below. The early January surface hoar layer is down 70-90 cm. In the southern Monashees a freezing rain crust was reported on the surface Friday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the past week around 30 cm of new snow fell, and sits on a variety of old surfaces including hard wind slabs, crusts and large surface hoar crystals. Recent winds have drifted snow into wind slabs up to 40 cm thick on lee slopes which have been gaining strength. New soft slabs have developed with recent incremental snowfall and has buried surface hoar that exists approx. 20 cm down. At this point this surface hoar has been reported in the Northern part of the region, and I'm not sure how widespread it is. It's important to dig down in your neck of the woods and see if you can detect buried weak layers that may promote an avalanche problem. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early January surface hoar layer is buried down 40-80 cm and seems to be gaining strength. Reports indicate that this layer is mainly unreactive, and would require a large trigger to set it off. Below this sits a generally well settled mid pack, which may be bridging a basal facet/crust layer in deeper snowpack areas. The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 170 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of snow fell over the past few days with light to moderate winds. This snow seems to be settling and gaining strength although lingering wind slabs are possible behind ridges and ribs. Wind slabs may be found in unsuspecting places due to changing winds from SW-NW. Be cautious of cross-loaded terrain features. The new snow has also buried a variety of surfaces including old wind slabs, crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered terrain below treeline. The most recent buried crust/surface hoar down approx. 10-30 cm are producing moderate-sudden planar and resistant test results, and should remain a layer to watch. Down deeper sits another surface hoar layer (40-80 cm) which seems to be gaining strength.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has received close to a meter of recent storm snow. This new snow has been building storm and wind slabs over a variety of old snow surfaces (old wind slabs, melt-freeze crusts, surface hoar and scoured slopes). Much of the recent snow is being drifted into big wind slabs by strong NW wind.  Reports generally indicate that the bulk of this storm snow seems to be settling quickly, which is a good. However, with a continued stormy pattern I would wait out the storms and watch how the snowpack adapts  to the rapid changes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lingering beneath the new snow sits two persistent weaknesses comprising of surface hoar/ facets and a melt-freeze crust. I suggest you keep these on your radar in regards to reactivity and sensitivity with the additional loading pattern. If reactive, with up to a meter of new snow regionally,  these buried weaknesses may be susceptible to producing large avalanches. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the northern part of the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New storm snow is building over a variety of old surfaces including old wind slabs, scoured thin slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar. The new storm snow may have a poor bond with the old surfaces buried below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 100 cm but remains quite inconsistent across the region. A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. Triggering of this basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall and larger amounts of new storm snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm and windy with very light flurries through the day - minimal accumulations.  Some minor redistribution along ridge tops onto n and E asp.  Midpack in thin snpk area &lt;1m deep steadily Fc ing.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts over the past few days are 30 to 40 cm with as much as 60cm reported. Over the weekend, this low density storm snow started to settle into more of a cohesive slab, although little activity was reported through the weekend. Below the new snow is a suncrust on steep southerly facing slopes and a surface hoar layer at treeline and lower elevations (but it has a patchy distribution). Early January surface hoar is now around 60 - 80 cm deep and is reported to be patchy. It is most likely to be preserved on shady slopes below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some areas in the Northern parts of the region received another 20-25 cms of dry light snow. The variable surfaces that were left behind by the end of the snow drought on January 23rd are now buried by 50-80 cms of incremental storm snow. In some areas the storm snow has settled into a 30 cm layer that may be reactive where it sits above a weak layer of old surface hoar or facets that grew during the drought. There is a lot of loose snow available for transport if the winds develop into strong values.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack consists mainly of wind slab and rain crust layers, which are gradually settling. Forecast light rain may briefly weaken the surface layers. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is about 50-70 cms of recent storm snow above the variable surfaces that were left on January 23rd at the end of the snow drought. Reports are mixed regarding how well the storm snow is adhering to these old surfaces. The surface hoar layer may be found in some locations, more likely below treeline where it was sheltered from the wind. Sun crusts that formed before the 23rd have not been reported to be very reactive, but that may change when the temperatures warm up on the weekend. The wind has started to transport snow into soft wind slabs in the alpine that are reactive to light additional loads.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">NW winds have redistributed 15-40 cm of recent snow into soft or hard slabs on lee slopes in the alpine and at treeline. In areas not affected by the wind, loose snow is sluffing easily in steep terrain. The new snow sits on a variety of old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, hard slabs and crusts. Deeper, about 50-60cm down, a weak interface buried in early January exhibits moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. The snowpack below this is generally well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 40 to 60 cm of recent storm snow overlies a weak layer comprising of surface hoar in shady locations, facets at higher elevations and a sun crust on solar aspects. The recent new snow sitting above this interface has been slowly consolidating from fresh powder into a more cohesive slab. A mid-pack surface hoar layer buried in early January is down around 90 cm, and is best preserved below approximately 1700 m. A freezing rain crust has been reported near the surface (it may now be buried by light snow) in the Monashees, particularly in areas close to Mabel Lake.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 70 cm of snow is slowly settling above old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, crusts and hard slabs. Surface snow has been running far and fast in steep terrain with skier traffic. In some areas it is reacting as a slab, generally where winds have affected the snow. Wind slabs may be found behind ridges and ribs. Cornice fall is possible. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts and winds have been variable across the region. Around 15-35 cm snow overlies old surfaces buried on Jan 23. Preserved surface hoar up to 21 mm in size has been found in the North Elk Valley, buried by about 15 cm of snow. It doesn't appear to be a widespread layer, but could be a localized problem once buried with further snowfall. The most wind-affected areas, including Crowsnest Pass and Harvey Pass, have scoured south and west-facing slopes. Wind slabs may be found on lee slopes. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has received close to a meter of recent storm snow. This new snow has been building storm and wind slabs over a variety of old snow surfaces (old wind slabs, melt-freeze crusts, surface hoar and scoured slopes). Much of the recent snow is being drifted into big wind slabs by strong NW wind.  Reports generally indicate that the bulk of this storm snow seems to be settling quickly, which is a good. However, with a continued stormy pattern I would wait out the storms and watch how the snowpack adapts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lingering beneath the new snow sits two persistent weaknesses comprising of surface hoar/ facets and a melt-freeze crust. I suggest you keep these on your radar in regards to reactivity and sensitivity with the additional loading pattern. If reactive, with up to a meter of new snow regionally,  these buried weaknesses may be susceptible to producing large avalanches. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the northern part of the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New storm snow (30-50 cm) is building over a variety of old surfaces including old wind slabs, scoured thin slopes, blue ice, thin melt-freeze crusts and surface hoar. The new storm snow may have a poor bond with the old surfaces buried below. With little observations from the field its hard to get a good handle on possible persistent weak layers. I stress the importance to dig down and become familiar with the snowpack in your neck of the woods. Look for, and test potential weak layers. Observe their reactivity before dropping into your run or line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 100 cm but remains quite inconsistent across the region. A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. Triggering of this basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall and larger amounts of new storm snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of snow fell over the past few days with light to moderate NW winds. This snow is settling and gaining strength although lingering wind slabs are possible behind ridges and ribs and have proven to be touchy to rider triggers. The new snow has buried a variety of surfaces including old wind slabs, crusts and surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered terrain below treeline. Changing winds from the West should be strong enough to transport snow - this will create a new series of wind slabs, primarily on easterly and southerly facing slopes and in cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most recent buried crust/surface hoar interface is down approx. 10-30 cm, and seems to be slightly touchy in isolated sheltered areas where the surface hoar had a chance to form. Down deeper sits another surface hoar layer (40-80 cm) which seems to be gaining strength with little to no recent reactivity on it. Below this sits a generally well settled mid pack, which may be bridging a basal facet/crust layer in deeper snowpack areas. The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 170 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of snow fell over the past few days with light to moderate winds. This snow seems to be settling and gaining strength although wind slabs are possible behind ridges and ribs and may be touchy to rider triggers. Wind slabs could also be found in unsuspecting places due to changing winds from SW-NW. Be cautious of cross-loaded terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow has buried a variety of surfaces including old wind slabs, crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered terrain below treeline. The most recent buried crust/surface hoar down approx. 10-30 cm are producing moderate-sudden planar and resistant test results, and should remain a layer to watch. Down deeper sits another surface hoar layer (40-80 cm) which seems to be gaining strength.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 25cm low density snow over the Jan 23rd interface.  This new snow is burying the widespread windslabs that developed during the intense winds in mid january.  The midpack is generally well settled and no major shears were observed.  Observations were completed in the Aster Lake region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds have transported snow into wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. These wind slabs are becoming stiffer and tending to propagate fractures further as they continue to develop. Forecast warm temperatures should settle the recent storm slab, and may make it more reactive where it is sitting above the January 23rd weak layer of facets or surface hoar.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 40 to 60 cm of recent storm snow overlies a weak layer comprising of surface hoar in shady locations, facets at higher elevations and a sun crust on solar aspects. The recent new snow sitting above this interface has been slowly consolidating from fresh powder into a more cohesive slab. A mid-pack surface hoar layer buried in early January is down around 90 cm, and is best preserved below approximately 1700 m. A freezing rain crust has been reported near the surface (it may now be buried by light snow) in the Monashees, particularly in areas close to Mabel Lake.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wind slabs continue to develop and stiffen as the Northwest winds continue to load and transport snow. The storm slab is settling and becoming more cohesive due to warming temperatures. The weak layer that is buried down about 50-70 cms continues to be reactive. Increased warming and some solar exposure are expected to continue triggering from light additional loads and may cause some increase in natural releases.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Westerly winds and warm temperatures overnight have continued to develop wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. Wind slab was reported to be stiffening from fist to four finger hardness. The recent storm slab has been settling and becoming more cohesive. Pockets of slab that were mostly between 30-50 cms deep above the January 23rd weak layer have started to release naturally or when light additional loads have been added (like ski-cutting). As we head into a warming period expect the recent storm slab to become more reactive. The forecast warm temperatures at higher elevations on Saturday may help initiate releases on the January 23rd layer. The deeper weak layer from January 4th is reported to be gaining strength, and I don't expect that we will see releases on this layer from one day of solar radiation and warm temperatures. That being said, if cornices start to fall off from the heating on Saturday, that might be enough of a load to trigger the deeper January 4th layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs are most likely found on SE-W aspects, behind terrain features like ridges and ribs, and may be easily triggered under the weight of a person. Warmer temperatures have promoted some settlement and consolidated the recent storm snow into slab-like characteristics. Surface snow may become moist or wet at treeline and below and become unstable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lingering beneath the new snow sits a persistent weaknesses comprising of surface hoar/ facets/ crust. Recent test done on these layers are producing hard results with sudden and resistant planar results.  I suggest you keep these on your radar in regards to reactivity and sensitivity until we get through the warming period.  If reactive, these layers could produce large avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the northern part of the region.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow (30-50 cm) is building over a variety of old surfaces including old wind slabs, scoured thin slopes, crusts and surface hoar. Wind slabs have built on lee slopes and behind terrain features and may be touchy to rider triggers.  Warmer temperatures have promoted some settlement and consolidated the recent snow into slab-like characteristics, and may have a poor bond. In some areas this layer has become reactive at treeline and below treeline elevations, under the weight of a person and remotely. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">With little observations from the field it's hard to get a good handle on how widespread this layer is. I stress the importance to dig down and become familiar with the snowpack in your neck of the woods. Look for, and test potential weak layers. Observe their reactivity before dropping into your run or line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 100 cm but remains quite inconsistent across the region. A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. Triggering of this basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall and larger amounts of new storm snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack consists mainly of wind slab and rain crust layers, which are gradually settling. Forecast warmth and sunshine may weaken the surface layers, especially on steep south-facing slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of snow fell over the past few days with light to moderate winds. This snow seems to be settling and gaining strength although forecast rising alpine temperatures and sunny skies will affect and weaken the upper snowpack. </span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">W</span><span class="s_3FE45715">ind slabs are possible behind ridges and ribs and may be touchy to rider triggers. Wind slabs could also be found in unsuspecting places due to changing winds from NW-SW. Be cautious of cross-loaded terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow has buried a variety of surfaces including old wind slabs, crusts and large surface hoar crystals which can be found in sheltered terrain below treeline. The most recent buried crust/surface hoar down approx. 10-30 cm are producing moderate-sudden planar and resistant test results, and should remain a layer to watch. Down deeper sits another surface hoar layer (40-80 cm) which seems to be gaining strength.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack is showing continued settlement and gaining strength, although forecast rising alpine temperatures and sunny skies will affect and weaken the upper snowpack.  Wind slabs are still found behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow amounts (20-50 cm)  sits on a  variety of old surfaces including wind slabs, crusts and surface hoar crystals that are mainly found in sheltered locations (treeline and below, northerly aspects). This layer has been slightly touchy generally from isolated sheltered areas where the surface hoar had a chance to form. Down deeper sits another surface hoar layer (40-80 cm) which seems to be gaining strength with little to no recent reactivity on it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this sits a generally well settled mid pack, which may be bridging a basal facet/crust layer in deeper snowpack areas. The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 170 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent NW winds have redistributed 15-40 cm of recent snow into soft or hard slabs on lee slopes in the alpine and at treeline. A weak interface buried on Jan 23 seems to be becoming more reactive as the slab above settles and becomes more cohesive. Deeper, about 50-60cm down, a weak interface buried in early January exhibits moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. The snowpack below this is generally well bonded. Forecast warming may increase the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent strong NW to SW winds have redistributed snow into wind slabs at treeline and above. A weak interface buried on Jan 23 (down about 70 cm) varies considerably from place to place and includes surface hoar, facets, crusts and hard slabs. The snow above this interface may be settling into a more reactive slab, especially with warming temperatures. Cornice fall is a growing concern, especially as warm temperatures affect their stability. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent westerly winds have shifted snow into slabs on lee slopes. A weak interface buried on Jan 23 is down about 15-35 cm. The snow above this interface may be settling into a more reactive slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The nature of this interface varies considerably from place to place. Buried large surface hoar was found in the North Elk Valley, but this seems to be a localized problem. In other areas, the interface consists of hard wind-affected surfaces, crusts and facets. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few new cm of snow at higher elevations.  Close to 30-35cm of new snow is now overlying the 0123 windslabs/storm snow interface.  Mid day on friday the chinook started rolling in, winds increased and storm slabs begin to further develop in Alpine areas sure to the strong SW flow.  The snowpack is weak and facetted in lower elevations but above 2000m the midpack gains strength and improves.  140cm on average at TL.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack consists mainly of wind slab and rain crust layers, which are gradually settling. Forecast warmth and sunshine may weaken the surface layers, especially on steep south-facing slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent strong NW to SW winds have redistributed snow into wind slabs at treeline and above. A weak interface buried on Jan 23 (down about 70 cm) varies considerably from place to place and includes surface hoar, facets, crusts and hard slabs. The snow above this interface may be settling into a more reactive slab, especially with warming temperatures. Cornice fall is a growing concern, especially as warm temperatures affect their stability. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent westerly winds have shifted snow into small slabs on lee slopes. Cornices can be found. An interface buried on Jan 23 is down about 20-35 cm. The nature of this interface varies considerably from place to place. In most locations it appears to be well bonded. Buried surface hoar was found in the north Elk Valley, but this is likely to be a localized problem. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled. Solar warming on Saturday may weaken the upper snowpack. This is expected to be short-lived, with cooler temperatures and cloud forecast for Sunday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent NW winds have redistributed 15-40 cm of recent snow into soft or hard slabs on lee slopes in the alpine and at treeline. A weak interface buried on Jan 23 seems to be becoming more reactive as the slab above settles and becomes more cohesive. Deeper, about 50-60cm down, a weak interface buried in early January exhibits moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. The snowpack below this is generally well bonded. Forecast warming may increase the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs can be found behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes (NW-NE).The upper snowpack is showing continued settlement and gaining strength, although above zero alpine temperatures and sunny skies will likely weaken it. Down 20-50 cm sits a persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. Recently, this layer has been touchy in sheltered areas at treeline and below (where the surface hoar had a chance to form). Down deeper sits another surface hoar layer (40-80 cm) which seems to be gaining strength with very little recent reactivity on it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled, which may be bridging a basal facet/crust layer in deeper snowpack areas. The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 180 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs may be found on lee slopes (N-SW) behind ridges and ribs and may be touchy to rider triggers. This recent snow seems to be settling and gaining strength although forecast rising alpine temperatures and sunny skies will affect and weaken the upper pack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Down 10-30 cm sits a persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. Recently, this layer has been touchy in sheltered areas at treeline and below (where the surface hoar had a chance to form). Tests done on this layer have produced moderate-sudden planar and resistant planar results. This layer should remain on your radar through the weekend. Down deeper sits another surface hoar layer (40-80 cm) which seems to be gaining strength with very little reactivity on it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Touchy wind slabs have built on lee slopes (N-SW) and behind terrain features likes ribs and ridges. Up to 50 cm of snow sits on a variety of old surfaces including old wind slabs, scoured thin slopes, crusts and surface hoar. This interface has shown reactivity to rider triggers, especially around treeline and below treeline elevations. Warmer temperatures have promoted some settlement and consolidated the recent snow into slab-like characteristics. With little observations from the field it's hard to get a good handle on how widespread this layer is. I stress the importance to dig down and test weak layers. Become familiar with the snowpack in your neck of the woods. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 100 cm but remains quite inconsistent across the region. A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. Triggering of this basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall and larger amounts of new storm snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds have transported snow into wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. These wind slabs are becoming stiffer and tending to propagate fractures further as they continue to develop. Forecast warm temperatures should settle the recent storm slab, and may make it more reactive where it is sitting above the January 23rd weak layer of facets or surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wind slabs continue to develop and stiffen as the Northwest winds continue to load and transport snow. The storm slab is settling and becoming more cohesive due to warming temperatures. The weak layer that is buried down about 50-70 cms continues to be reactive. Increased warming and some solar exposure are expected to continue triggering from light additional loads and may cause some increase in natural releases. Some areas in the West Monashee have about 20 cms of heavy moist snow above a freezing rain layer that may become reactive to warm temperatures and/or strong solar radiation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow has been reported to be settling into a cohesive slab above the old surfaces that were buried on January 23rd. This storm slab may become reactive due to the forecast warm temperatures and strong solar radiation. Some wind slabs that have developed on Southerly exposed terrain during the recent Northwest winds may also become more reactive and fall off naturally during this forecast warm spell. Cornices that have not been exposed to any warming may not be well anchored due to recent shifting wind directions. The storm slab is about 50 cms deep in most places and is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar and facets at treeline and below, and in some places on an old sun crust in the alpine. Some areas in the West Monashees have a layer of heavier moist snow near the surface that may be sitting on a variable freezing rain crust that is down about 20 cms.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Touchy wind slabs are most likely found on NE-W slopes and behind terrain features like ridges and ribs. Warmer temperatures have promoted settlement and consolidated the recent storm snow into slab-like characteristics. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lingering beneath (down 50-80 cm) sits a persistent weakness comprising of surface hoar, facets, and /or a crust. Recent test done on these layers are producing hard results with sudden and resistant planar results.  Keep these layers on your radar in regards to reactivity and sensitivity until we get through the warming period. Snow may become moist or wet at treeline and below and become unstable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the northern part of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Westerly winds and warm temperatures overnight have continued to develop wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. Wind slab was reported to be stiffening from fist to four finger hardness. The recent storm slab has been settling and becoming more cohesive. Pockets of slab that were mostly between 30-50 cms deep above the January 23rd weak layer have started to release naturally or when light additional loads have been added (like ski-cutting). As we head into a warming period expect the recent storm slab to become more reactive. The forecast warm temperatures at higher elevations on Saturday may help initiate releases on the January 23rd layer. The deeper weak layer from January 4th is reported to be gaining strength, and I don't expect that we will see releases on this layer from one day of solar radiation and warm temperatures. That being said, if cornices start to fall off from the heating on Saturday, that might be enough of a load to trigger the deeper January 4th layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few new cm of snow at higher elevations in the past 48 hours.  Close to 30cm of new snow is now overlying the 0123 windslabs/storm snow interface.  Mid day on friday the chinook started rolling in, winds increased and wind slabs begin to further develop in Alpine areas due to the strong SW flow.  The snowpack is weak and facetted in lower elevations but above 2000m the midpack gains strength and improves.  140cm on average at TL.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent snow seems to be settling and gaining strength although wind slabs may be found on lee slopes (N-SW) behind ridges and ribs and may be touchy to rider triggers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Down 10-30 cm sits a persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. Recently, this layer has been touchy in sheltered areas at treeline and below (where the surface hoar had a chance to form). Tests done on this layer have produced moderate-sudden planar and resistant planar results and should remain on your radar. Down deeper sits another surface hoar layer (40-80 cm) which seems to be gaining strength with very little reactivity on it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs can be found behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes (N-SE).The upper snowpack is showing continued settlement and gaining strength. In specific areas down 20-50 cm sits a weak interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. Earlier this week, the interface was touchy in sheltered areas at treeline and below (where the surface hoar had a chance to form).Recent test results have confirmed hard sudden planar results. There has been no current activity or incidents reported on this layer, but should still be something to keep an eye on in your neck of the woods. Down deeper sits another surface hoar layer (40-80 cm) which seems to be gaining strength with very little recent reactivity on it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled, which may be bridging a basal facet/crust layer in deeper snowpack areas. The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 180 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow has settled into a dense slab that can be triggered by skiers or sledders that is propagating up to size 2.0 avalanches. There has been a lot of wind transport and wind slab formation in the alpine. Professionals are finding the early January surface hoar layer to be well preserved in more locations below 2000 metres than had been suspected.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wind slabs continue to develop and stiffen as the Northwest winds continue to load and transport snow. The storm slab is settling and becoming more cohesive due to warming temperatures. The weak layer that is buried down about 50-70 cms continues to be reactive. Expect new wind slab to develop with the next pulse of moisture. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow has been reported to be settling into a cohesive slab above the old surfaces that were buried on January 23rd. The storm slab is about 50 cms deep in most places and is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar and facets at treeline and below, and in some places on an old sun crust in the alpine. Some areas in the West Monashees have a layer of heavier moist snow near the surface that may be sitting on a variable freezing rain crust that is down about 20 cms.</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">Wind slabs continue to be reactive in the alpine and at treeline. The recent storm snow has consolidated into a cohesive slab at treeline and below, above variable weak layers of surface hoar, facets, and sun crust. Expect wind slabs to continue to be reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Touchy wind slabs have built on lee slopes (N-SW) and behind terrain features likes ribs and ridges. Up to 50 cm buried a variety of old surfaces including old wind slabs, scoured thin slopes, crusts and surface hoar. This interface has shown reactivity to rider triggers, especially around treeline and below treeline elevations. Warmer temperatures have promoted some settlement and consolidated the recent snow into slab-like characteristics. With little observations from the field it's hard to get a good handle on how widespread this layer is. I stress the importance to dig down and test weak layers. Become familiar with the snowpack in your neck of the woods.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 100 cm but remains quite inconsistent across the region. A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. Triggering of this basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall and larger amounts of new storm snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New storm snow will blanket wind slabs (NE-W) that built over the past week. With strong winds from the SW, fresh wind slabs will form on lee slopes and behind terrain features like ribs and ridgelines. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lingering beneath (down 50-80 cm) sits a persistent weakness comprising of surface hoar, facets, and /or a crust. Recent test done on these layers are producing hard results with sudden and resistant planar characteristics. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the northern part of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent NW winds have redistributed 15-40 cm of recent snow into soft or hard slabs on lee slopes in the alpine and at treeline. A weak interface of surface hoar, facets or sun crust buried on Jan 23 continues to be a concern among professionals in the region. Deeper, about 50-60cm down, a weak interface buried in early January has still shown moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests. The snowpack below this is generally well bonded. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent strong NW to SW winds have redistributed snow into wind slabs at treeline and above. A weak interface buried on Jan 23 (down about 70 cm) varies considerably from place to place and includes surface hoar, facets, crusts and hard slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be large and unstable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Westerly winds have shifted variable amounts of recent snow into wind slabs on lee slopes. A weak interface buried on Jan 23 is down about 15-35 cm. The nature of this interface varies considerably from place to place. In most locations it appears to be well bonded. Buried surface hoar was found in the north Elk Valley, but this is likely to be a localized problem. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack consists of mainly wind slab and rain crust layers, which are gradually settling. Saturday's warmth and sunshine followed cooler temperatures on Sunday may create a widespread surface crust. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Winds were continuing to HOWL on Sunday and what little bits of available snow are available were being re-distributed and sublimated!  The little bits of soft snow we did find were quickly turning into hard slabs.  We did find the 0106SH in a quick profile below treeline and it was coming out CTE(SP) in stability tests.  This is still a good reminder pockets of this persistent are still being found below treeline in sheltered areas.  Sun crusts are being encountered on solar aspects up to 2400m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow has settled into a dense slab that can be triggered by skiers or sledders that is propagating up to size 2.0 avalanches. There has been a lot of wind transport and wind slab formation in the alpine. Professionals are finding the early January surface hoar layer to be well preserved in more locations below 2000 metres than had been suspected.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wind slabs continue to develop and stiffen as the Northwest winds continue to load and transport snow. The storm slab is settling and becoming more cohesive due to warming temperatures. The weak layer that is buried down about 50-70 cms continues to be reactive. Expect new wind slab to develop with the next pulse of moisture.</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">Wind slabs continue to develop in the alpine and at treeline. A sun crust has developed on steep Southerly aspects, and a melt-freeze crust has developed at lower elevations due to the recent high freezing levels. The recent storm slab continues to be reactive at treeline and below on steep convex slopes that have buried surface hoar at the January 23rd interface (between 40-60 cms down). The mid-pack is well settled and strong. There are a few locations that continue to find a well preserved surface hoar layer from early January that is buried down about 90 cms. Forecast cooler temperatures should help to strengthen the recent storm slab where it became moist at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs continue to develop in the alpine and at treeline. Forecast strong Northwest winds are expected to further develop these wind slabs. The recent storm slab continues to be reactive down 30-50 cms at treeline and below. Below freezing temperatures overnight have helped to strengthen the moist surface layers that developed during the weekend warm period. Rising freezing levels forecast during the next pulse of moisture may weaken the old storm slab at lower elevations. The mid-pack is well settled and there are no reported deep layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is a combination of wind slab at higher elevations, settled storm snow in more sheltered terrain, and a crust or moist snow on solar aspects. An interface buried on Jan 23 (down about 70 cm) varies considerably from place to place and includes surface hoar, facets, crusts and hard slabs. Although this interface has become less reactive as of late, the consequences of a release would be significant.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be large and unstable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is a combination of wind slab at higher elevations, settled storm snow in more sheltered terrain, and a crust or moist snow on solar aspects.  A variable interface buried on Jan 23 is down about 15-35cm. In most locations it appears to be well bonded; however, buried surface hoar (up to 20mm) has been found in some locations. This will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow overlie widespread moist surfaces that were created by warm temperatures over the weekend. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is a combination of hard and soft wind slabs in exposed areas, settled storm snow in more sheltered terrain, and a crust or moist snow on solar aspects. About 30-40cm below the surface, an interface of surface hoar, facets or sun crust buried on Jan 23 continues to be a concern among professionals in the region. The snowpack below this is generally well bonded. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Isolated, stubborn wind slabs can be found behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes (NW-NE). Sun crusts can be found on South and West facing terrain. The upper snowpack is showing continued settlement and gaining strength. Down 20-50 cm sits a persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. Recently, this layer has been reactive in very isolated, sheltered areas at treeline and below where surface hoar remains preserved. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled with the average snowpack depth at treeline around 180 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs can be found behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes (NW-NE). Sun crusts have formed on South and West facing slopes. The upper snowpack is showing continued settlement and gaining strength. Down 20-50 cm sits a persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. Recently, this layer has been reactive only  in sheltered areas at treeline and below where the surface hoar lingers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 180 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40mm of water equivalency has fallen in the past 24-36hrs. Below 1000m, much of this precip has fallen as rain and we have reports in some areas that the upper 50cm of the snowpack is rain soaked. Above 1000m, the new snow is settling rapidly. Windslabs are forming in lee zones and behind ridges with the consistent SW winds. Cornices are growing rapidly under the current condition.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A thin melt-freeze crust buried on January 17 is widespread at lower elevations. The combo of rainsoaked surface snow and this slick sliding layer may magnify the loose sluffing at lower elevations in the short term.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lingering deeper (down 50-80 cm) sits a persistent weakness comprising of surface hoar and/or facets. Recent tests on this layer are showing both sudden and resistant planar results. We have also seen an extended column test at 30/100 (end) indicating the propensity for propagation if this layer were triggered.  Keep these layers on your radar in regards to distribution and reactivity. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, although basal facets remain a concern in the northern part of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Touchy wind slabs have built on lee slopes and behind terrain features likes ribs and ridges. Up to 50 cm of new snow has buried a variety of old surfaces including old wind slabs, scoured thin slopes, crusts and surface hoar. This interface has shown isolated reactivity to rider triggering, especially around treeline and below treeline elevations. Warmer temperatures have promoted some settlement and consolidated the recent snow into slab-like characteristics. With little observations from the field it's hard to get a good handle on how widespread this layer is, so I would  stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers. A cautious and curious approach is critical.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 100 cm but remains quite inconsistent across the region. A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. Triggering of this basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Light snowfall thru the day but minor accumulations resulting in NO change.  Areas with less than 1 m of snowcover are heavily facetted.  Recent profiles continue to expose occasional pockets of buried SH in scattered areas BTL.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecast strong SW winds and new snow will continue to build wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. The recent storm slab continues to be reactive down 30-50 cms at treeline and below. This slab sits on a variety of old interfaces, however areas that have buried </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">hoar surface&nbsp; </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">seem to be touchy. Continued freezing temperatures overnight have helped to strengthen the moist surface layers that developed during the weekend warm period. Rising freezing levels forecast during the next pulse of moisture may weaken the old storm slab at lower elevations. The mid-pack is well settled and there are no reported deep layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The old storm snow has settled into a dense slab that can be triggered by skiers or sledders and produce avalanches up to size 2.0. There has been a lot of wind transport and wind slab formation in the alpine. Forecast new snow and strong SW winds will build fresh wind slabs and add to the recent storm slab which sits on a spotty and variable weak interface buried  40-80 cm down (in isolated locations). Professionals are finding the early January surface hoar layer to be well preserved in more locations below 2000 metres than had been suspected. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">Use extra caution on open slopes, cutblocks and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wind slabs continue to develop and stiffen on lee slopes (N-SE) and behind terrain features like ridglines and ribs. Switching winds out of the SouthWest will continue to load and transport new snow. The storm slab has been settling and becoming more cohesive due to previous warming temperatures. Forecast snow will add to the recent storm slab and will likely continue to be reactive on the weak interface that is buried down about 50-70 cms. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong. Snowpack depths at treeline are near 220 cm. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs continue to develop in the alpine and at treeline. Forecast storm snow will blanket a sun crust that has developed on steep Southerly aspects, and a melt-freeze crust has developed at lower elevations due to the recent high freezing levels. The recent storm slab continues to be reactive on solar aspects where an old sun crust has been buried and  at treeline and below on steep convex slopes that host preserved buried </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> at the January 23rd interface (between 40-80 cms down). The mid-pack is well settled and strong. There are a few locations that continue to find a well preserved surface hoar layer from early January that is buried down about 90-100 cms and has been less reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is a combination of wind slab at higher elevations, settled storm snow in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. An interface buried on Jan 23 (down about 70 cm) varies considerably from place to place and includes surface hoar, facets, crusts and hard slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be large and potentially unstable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> Currently (February 5th a.m.) isolated, stubborn wind slabs can be found behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes (NW-NE). Sun crusts can be found on South and West facing terrain. The upper snowpack is showing continued settlement and gaining strength. Down 20-50 cm sits a persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. Recently, this layer has been reactive in very isolated, sheltered areas at treeline and below where surface hoar remains preserved. The mid pack is generally well settled with the average snowpack depth at treeline around 180 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the storm arrives and develops, expect new windslabs to build on lee features and storm slabs will become reactive, first on south and west facing terrain where the suncrust is well developed.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Old wind slabs can be found behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes (NW-NE). Sun crusts have formed on South and West facing slopes. The upper snowpack is showing continued settlement and gaining strength. Down 20-50 cm sits a persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. Recently, this layer has been reactive only  in sheltered areas at treeline and below where the surface hoar lingers. The mid pack is generally well settled. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 180 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the storm arrives and intensifies, expect new windslabs on lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is a combination of wind slab at higher elevations, settled storm snow and spotty surface hoar in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. A variable interface buried on Jan 23 is down about 15-35cm. In most locations it appears to be well bonded; however, buried surface hoar (up to 20mm) has been found in some locations. This will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm has past, bringing cooler temperatures and a lull in precipitation. In some areas, as much as 75-100cm of new snow fell. Below 1000m, much of the precipitation fell as rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The tail of the storm brought strong southwest winds, giving intense snow transport and cornice growth. Extensive windslabbing in lee zones and behind ridges in the alpine and treeline will be the result, and large cornice failures are inevitable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevations the snow in moist as deep as 50cm. The cooling temperatures will have created a strong crust on the surface, but the weak, wet snow will take some time to settle and bond. A thin melt-freeze crust buried on Jan. 17 may prolong this issue.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lingering deeper sits a persistent weakness comprising of surface hoar and/or facets. Recent tests on this layer are showing both sudden and resistant planar results. We have also seen an extended column test at 30/100 (end) indicating the propensity for propagation if this layer were triggered. Keep these layers on your radar in regards to distribution and reactivity. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, basal facets remain a concern in the northern part of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs have built on lee slopes and behind terrain features likes ribs and ridges. In some locations up to 50 cm of new snow has buried a variety of old surfaces including old wind slabs, scoured thin slopes, crusts and surface hoar. This interface has shown isolated reactivity to rider triggering, especially around treeline and below treeline elevations. Recent warm temperatures have promoted some settlement and consolidated the recent snow into slab-like characteristics. With little observations from the field it's hard to get a good handle on how widespread this layer is, so I would  stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers. A cautious and curious approach is critical.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The average snowpack depth at treeline is near 100 cm but remains quite inconsistent across the region. A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. Triggering of this basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow overlie hard and soft wind slabs in exposed areas, surface hoar on a variety of aspects and elevations, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 30-40cm below the surface, an interface of surface hoar, facets or sun crust buried on Jan 23 seems to be gaining strength in some areas. Having said that, skier-triggered avalanches are still occurring, and I would continue to be cautious about this weakness as the overlying slab continues to develop over the next few days.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack below this is generally well bonded. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of mixed rain and snow overlie widespread moist surfaces that were created by warm temperatures over the weekend. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable new snow amounts with up to 4cm over the last 48 hours. Isolated wind slab development still occurring, but due to extended periods of windy conditions most windward slopes are bare rock. Hard slabs dominate the alpine with pockets of both hard and soft slabs present at treeline. The Jan 6 surface hoar layer is still being found in sheltered locations at lower elevations. This layer is still producing shears in stability tests, and is something to watch for in steep terrain at treeline and below, especially on N and E aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs continue to develop in the alpine and at treeline. New snow sits on a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">layer that developed at the beginning of February (20-40 cm down) and a sun crust that has developed on steep Southerly aspects. At lower elevations a melt-freeze crust has formed due to the recent high freezing levels. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm slab continues to be reactive on solar aspects where an old sun crust has been buried and at treeline and below on steep convex slopes that host preserved buried surface hoar at the January 23rd interface (between 40-80 cms down). The mid-pack is well settled and strong. There are a few locations that continue to find a well preserved surface hoar layer from early January that is buried down about 90-100 cms and has been less reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecast strong westerly winds and new snow will continue to build wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes and behind ridgelines. The recent storm slab continues to be reactive down 30-50 cms at treeline and below. This slab sits on a variety of old interfaces, however areas that have buried hoar surface seem to be most touchy. Continued freezing temperatures overnight have helped to strengthen the moist surface layers that developed during the weekend warm period. The mid-pack is generally well settled. The average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 130 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wind slabs continue to develop and stiffen on lee slopes (N-SE) and behind terrain features like ridglines and ribs. Switching winds out of the West will continue to load and transport new snow. New storm snow (up to 15 cm) is sitting on surface hoar that formed in early February and is reactive. The older storm slab has been settling and becoming more cohesive due to previous warming temperatures. However, it continues to be reactive to rider triggers over a weakness that is buried down about 50-70 cms.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong. Snowpack depths at treeline are near 220 cm.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The old storm snow has settled into a dense slab that can be triggered by skiers or sledders and produce avalanches up to size 2.0. There has been a lot of wind transport and wind slab formation in the alpine. Forecast new snow and strong SW winds will build fresh wind slabs and add to the recent storm slab which sits on a spotty and variable weak interface buried  40-80 cm down. Professionals are finding the early January surface hoar layer to be well preserved in more locations below 2000 metres than had been suspected. Use extra caution on solar slopes due to a buried crust interface and open slopes, cutblocks and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40cm of new snow has fallen, with consistent southerly winds. New windslabs are forming in lee terrain. Newly buried surfaces include old windslabs, temperature and sun crusts and the new snow is bonding reasonably well at this interface. Down a further 20-50 cm sits a persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. This layer seems to be rounding and bonding under current conditions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled with the average snowpack depth at treeline around 180 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 15-25cm of new snow has fallen in the past 36hrs. Consistent southwesterly winds have redistributed this into fresh windslabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline. Freezing levels have crept up higher than expected yielding moist surface snow up to 1600m in some locations. A new surface crust below treeline will be the outcome of this warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The newly buried surfaces are old wind slabs (behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes) and sun crusts on south and west facing slopes. Down a further 20-50 cm sits a persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. Recently, this layer has been reactive only in sheltered areas at and below treeline where the surface hoar lingers. The mid pack is generally well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm has past, bringing cooler temperatures and a lull in precipitation. The storm snow is settling very quickly. Below 1000m, much of the precipitation fell as rain and the low elevation snowpack remains moist below the recently formed crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The tail of the storm brought strong southwest winds, giving intense snow transport and cornice growth. Extensive windslabbing in lee zones and behind ridges in the alpine and treeline was the result. Large cornice failures are possible. Some areas saw swirling winds resulting in some cross and reverse loading on southeasterly features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the upper snowpack, a thin melt-freeze crust buried on Jan. 17 and a persistent weakness of surface hoar and/or facets remain a concern. I'm thinking the new storm load will accelerate the bonding process and put these layers to bed, but its worth keeping them on your radar in regards to distribution and reactivity for the short term. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong, but basal facets remain a concern in the northern part of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate amounts of mixed rain and snow have fallen in the past day. These accumulations overlie widespread moist surfaces at lower elevations and a crust at treeline. Forecast wind and heavy snowfall will create widespread avalanche instabilities throughout Wednesday and into Thursday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40cm of recent storm snow has fallen in the past 72 hrs. Consistent southwesterly winds have maintained snow transport, and many lee zones show layers of windslab over windslab. The deepest storm interface (from the very beginning of this storm cycle) includes a huge variety of old surfaces from facets to crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar (sheltered treeline and below treeline). There is very limited information with regards to this interface, with the only results suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (likely associated with the preserved surface hoar pockets). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers. A cautious and curious approach is critical.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At low elevations (below 800m) the recent storm snow is still moist below the surface. Wet slabs at low elevations may still be possible in steep convex features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The strong mid-pack overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. Triggering of this basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light accumulations overlie wind slabs at higher elevations, settled storm snow in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. An interface buried on Jan 23 (down about 70 cm) varies considerably from place to place and includes surface hoar, facets, crusts and hard slabs. Recent tests suggest a significant improving trend; however, this interface may still be reactive in isolated terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be large and potentially unstable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow are being redistributed into thin wind slabs by moderate southwest winds, and overlie a gamut of old surfaces which include: old wind slabs in exposed terrain, surface hoar on a variety of aspects and elevations, and a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes.  These surfaces will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 35-50cm below the surface is an interface of surface hoar, facets or sun crust that was buried on Jan 23. Although it seems to be gaining strength in some areas, this weakness is still reactive to skier traffic in unsupported terrain and remains a concern of professionals in the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack below this is generally well bonded. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Very light accumulations overlie wind slab at higher elevations, settled storm snow and spotty surface hoar in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. A variable interface buried on Jan 23 is down about 15-35cm. In most locations it appears to be well bonded; however, buried surface hoar (up to 20mm) has been found in isolated  parts of the North Elk valley. This will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 7cm over the last 24 hours. Isolated wind slab development still occurring, but due to extended periods of windy conditions most windward slopes are bare rock. Hard slabs dominate the alpine with pockets of both hard and soft slabs present at treeline. The Jan 6 surface hoar layer is still being found in sheltered locations at lower elevations. This layer continues to produce shears in stability tests, and is something to watch for in steep terrain at treeline and below, especially on N and E aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes and behind ridgelines. The recent storm slab continues to settle over old interfaces comprising of surface hoar, crusts and facets down 30-50 cm. However, areas that have buried </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">hoar surface</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> seem to be most touchy. Continued freezing temperatures overnight have helped to strengthen the moist surface layers that developed during warm period last weekend. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled. The average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 130 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A further 10-20 of new snow has fallen bringing storm totals to between 50-75cm (deepest amounts in the southern portion of the region). Consistent southerly winds continue, building windslabs in lee terrain. Newly buried surfaces include old windslabs, temperature and sun crusts. The new snow is bonding reasonably well at this interface with the most concern being the crusts on south and west facing terrain. The January 23rd interface (crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals) lingers in isolated locations. This layer seems to be rounding and bonding under current conditions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled with the average snowpack depth at treeline around 180 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dribs and drabs of new snow continues, with occasional heavier pulses. Consistent southwesterly winds have redistributed this into fresh windslabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The newly buried surfaces are old wind slabs (behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes) and sun crusts on south and west facing slopes. In isolated locations, this interface is small surface hoar. Overall the storm snow is settling and bonding well with poorer bonding observed on solar aspects with a well developed crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The January 23rd interface (crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals) lingers. Recently, this layer has been reactive only in sheltered areas at and below treeline where the surface hoar lingers. A partial block RB6 is the only recent test score that we have seen on this interface (Duffey Lake area). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent weather has been relatively benign, with precipitation pulses giving incremental loading (5-10cm at a time). Relatively light winds have accompanied these snowfall pulses with some stronger outflow winds closer to the coast.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Previous strong southwest winds gave intense snow transport and cornice growth. Extensive windslabbing in lee zones and behind ridges in the alpine and treeline was the result. Some areas saw swirling winds resulting in some cross and reverse loading on southeasterly features. These significant windslabs are now lightly buried.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the upper snowpack, a melt-freeze crust buried on Jan. 17 remains a concern. Recent compression tests show both resistent and sudden planar results and an extended column test shows a continued propensity for propagation if the layer was triggered. The Jan. 17th crust is down 60-100cm. It is certainly worth keeping this layers on your radar in regards to distribution and reactivity for the short term. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 25 cm of new snow sits on wind slabs and persistent weak interfaces. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> continue to develop and stiffen on lee slopes (N-SE) and behind terrain features like ridgelines and ribs. The old storm snow has settled into a dense slab that could be triggered by skiers or sledders and produce avalanches up to size 2.0. This slab sits on a spotty and variable weak interface comprising of crusts, surface hoar and facets which are buried  40-80 cm down. Professionals are finding the early January surface hoar layer to be well preserved in more locations below 2000 metres than had been suspected. Use extra caution on open slopes, cutblocks and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> may be preserved.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dribs and drabs of light precipitation continues. Consistent southwesterly winds have maintained snow transport, and many areas show layers of windslab over windslab. Some places have seen swirling winds creating cross and reverse loading on isolated slopes. The deepest storm interface (from the very beginning of this storm cycle) includes a huge variety of old surfaces from facets to crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar (sheltered treeline and below treeline). There is very limited information with regards to this interface, with the only results suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (likely associated with the preserved surface hoar pockets). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers. A cautious and curious approach is critical.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. Triggering of this basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 25 cm of new snow sits on touchy wind slabs and persistent weak interfaces. Wind slabs continue to develop and stiffen on lee slopes (N-SE) and behind terrain features like ridgelines and ribs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow sits on a surface hoar layer that developed at the beginning of February (20-35 cm down) and a sun crust that developed on steep Southerly aspects. Deeper down, the persistent slab continues to settle and become more cohesive over another weak interface (surface hoar, crust, facet) buried 50-70 cm down. This interface will likely be reactive under light loads. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong. Snowpack depths at treeline are near 220 cm.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light to locally moderate amounts of new snow have been redistributed into soft wind slabs by moderate southwest winds. The new snow overlies a gamut of old surfaces which include: old wind slabs at higher elevations, surface hoar at treeline and below, and a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes.  These surfaces will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 35-50cm below the surface is an interface of surface hoar, facets or sun crust that was buried on Jan 23. Although it seems to be gaining strength in some areas, this weakness may still reactive to skier traffic in unsupported terrain and remains a concern of professionals in the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack below this is generally well bonded. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> continue to develop in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes and behind terrain features. Below the surface a couple persistent weak layers exist. Most recently, 20-40 cm of new snow buries a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> layer and a sun crust layer that developed at the beginning of February. Lower down (40-80 cm) sits the January 23rd interface also comprising of surface hoar, and crusts.  These layers continue to be reactive especially on steep solar aspects, treeline and below treeline over steep convex rolls or sheltered slopes where surface hoar would most likely to form. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is well settled and strong. At lower elevations a melt-freeze crust has formed due to the high freezing levels from last weekend.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Generally light accumulations overlie a variety of surfaces which include: wind slab at higher elevations, settled storm snow or spotty surface hoar in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. A variable interface buried on Jan 23 is down about 20-40cm. In most locations it appears to be well bonded; however, buried surface hoar (up to 20mm) has been found in isolated  parts of the North Elk valley. This will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15cm of new snow has been redistributed by moderate winds into soft wind slabs at higher elevations. With the recent snow and wind, new cornice development has also occurred. This new snow overlies a variety of surfaces which include: older wind slabs at higher elevations, settled storm or spotty surface hoar snow in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. An interface of buried surface hoar, facets, crusts and hard slabs was buried on January 23rd and is now about 70cm below the surface. Recent tests suggest a significant improving trend; however, this interface may still be reactive in isolated, unsupported terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be large and potentially unstable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Wednesday afternoon, about 30cm of recent snow overlies widespread moist surfaces while heavy rainfall has continued to saturate the snowpack at lower elevations. Reports indicate that the bond between the new snow and the older moist snow is fairly strong. Despite this, intensifying wind and heavy snowfall are likely to create widespread avalanche instabilities late Wednesday and into Thursday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">up to 12cm of low density snow on top of windslabs of varying thickness and hardness. The hardslab sitting on top of the 130106 layer is obvious and widespread at TL &amp; ALP, down 40. RB4 (WB) down 35, E asp, 2300m, 35degree inc. BTL the snowpack is generally supportive. The 130106 SH layer was alive in very specific areas. Cracking and whoomphing observed in open terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A final pulse of new snow has fallen bringing storm totals to between 30cm (north end of the region) and 90cm (south end of the region). Consistent southerly winds during the storm period has built windslabs in lee terrain. Warm temperatures have consolidated storm slabs on open convex features where the new snow is deepest. Newly buried surfaces include old windslabs, temperature and sun crusts. The new snow is bonding reasonably well at this interface in most locations with the highest concern being the bond to crusts on south and west facing terrain. The January 23rd interface (crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals) lingers in isolated locations. This layer seems to be rounding and bonding under current conditions, but we have reports of a recent size 2.0 releasing on this layer at the north end of the region. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled with the average snowpack depth at treeline around 180 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The dribs and drabs of new snow has ended. Around 30-40cm fell on average, with more (up to 65cm) in the Coquihalla area.  Consistent southwesterly winds during the storm period has redistributed the new snow into fresh windslabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The newly buried surfaces are old wind slabs (behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes) and sun crusts on south and west facing slopes. In isolated locations, this interface is small surface hoar. Down a further 20-50 cm sits a persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. Recently, this layer has been reactive only in sheltered areas at and below treeline where the surface hoar lingers. A partial block RB6 is the only recent test score that we have seen on this interface (Duffey Lake area). There has been one size 2.0 avalanches releasing on this layer as well. The mid pack is generally well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent weather has been relatively benign, with precipitation pulses giving incremental loading (5-10cm at a time). Relatively light winds have accompanied these snowfall pulses with some stronger outflow winds closer to the coast.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Previous strong southwest winds gave intense snow transport and cornice growth. Extensive windslabbing in lee zones and behind ridges in the alpine and treeline was the result. Some areas saw swirling winds resulting in some cross and reverse loading on southeasterly features. These significant windslabs are now lightly buried.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the upper snowpack, a melt-freeze crust buried on Jan. 17 remains a concern. Recent compression tests show both resistent and sudden planar results and an extended column test shows a continued propensity for propagation if the layer was triggered. The Jan. 17th crust is down 60-100cm. It is certainly worth keeping this layer on your radar in regards to distribution and reactivity for the short term. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevations (below 700m), the drizzly rain is saturating and eroding the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dribs and drabs of light precipitation is tapering off. Consistent southwesterly winds have maintained snow transport, and many areas show layers of windslab over windslab. Some places have seen swirling winds creating cross and reverse loading on isolated slopes. The deepest storm interface (from the very beginning of this storm cycle) includes a huge variety of old surfaces from facets to crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar (sheltered treeline and below treeline). There is very limited information with regards to this interface, with the only results suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (likely associated with the preserved surface hoar pockets). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers. A cautious and curious approach is critical.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. Triggering of this basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow (20-40 cm) adds to the</span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D"> persistent slab</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> problem which sits on a surface hoar layer and a sun crust layer that developed at the beginning of February and is reactive. An even thicker slab continues to be reactive especially on solar aspects where an old sun crust has been buried and at treeline and below on steep convex slopes that host well preserved</span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D"> surface hoar </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">at the January 23rd interface (between 40-80 cms down). </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">persist in the alpine and at treeline. The loading pattern may change due to winds switching from the SouthWest to the NorthWest and form pockets of wind slab in unsuspecting places. At lower elevations a melt-freeze crust has formed due to the recent high freezing levels.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is well settled and strong. There are a few locations that continue to find a well preserved surface hoar layer from early January that is buried down about 90-100 cms, however this interface has been less reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes and behind ridgelines. The recent storm slab continues to settle over old interfaces comprising of </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, crusts and facets down 30-50 cm. However, areas that have buried surface hoar seem to be most touchy. Continued freezing temperatures overnight have helped to strengthen the moist surface layers that developed during warm period last weekend.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled. The average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 130 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 35 cm of new snow sits on touchy wind slabs and adds to the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">persistent slab</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> problem. Weak layers buried below comprise of a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> layer and a sun crust that formed on steep Southerly aspects. These were buried at the beginning of February (20-40 cm down). The slab continues to settle and become more cohesive over a deeper weak interface that was buried January 23rd. This includes surface hoar, crust, and facets buried 50-80 cm down. This interface has been reactive under light loads.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> continue to develop and stiffen on lee slopes and behind terrain features like ridgelines and ribs. You may encounter some reverse loading with winds switching from the NW, watch for unsuspecting areas of new wind slab. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong. Snowpack depths at treeline are near 220 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Very heavy snow accumulations from Wednesday and Thursday overlie widespread moist snow below 1000m and a melt-freeze crust at higher elevations. The snowline during this system hovered at about 800m. Moderate southeast winds redistributed the new snow into soft wind slabs on lee terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of new snow sits on wind slabs and recently buried </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, sun crusts and facets that formed at the beginning of February. Old storm snow has settled into a dense slab that could be triggered by skiers or sledders and produce avalanches up to size 2.0. This slab sits on a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">persistent weak</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface deeper (40-80 cm down) in the snowpack, comprising yet again of crusts, surface hoar and facets that were buried January 23rd. Use extra caution on large open slopes, cutblocks and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">continue to develop and stiffen on lee slopes (N-SE) and behind terrain features like ridgelines and ribs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The midpack is generally well settled and strong. Average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 200 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20cm of snow has fallen in the last few days and has been redistributed by moderate winds into soft wind slabs at higher elevations. With the recent snow and wind, new cornice development has also occurred. This recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces which include: older wind slabs at higher elevations, settled storm snow or spotty surface hoar in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An interface of surface hoar, facets, and crusts was buried on January 23rd and is now about 70cm below the surface. Recent tests suggest a strong bond at this interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be large and potentially unstable. They will continue to deserve our respect, especially with forecast warming over the weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dribs and drabs of recent snowfall have been redistributed into softer wind slabs at higher elevations. These accumulations overlie old wind slabs in exposed areas, settled storm snow or spotty surface hoar in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variable interface (surface hoar/facets/sun crust) was buried on Jan 23 and is down about 20-40cm. In most locations it now appears to be well bonded.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well-settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be well developed and loom over heavily used slopes. These cornices deserve our respect, especially with clear skies and warming forecast for the weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light to locally moderate amounts of recently fallen snow have been redistributed into soft wind slabs at higher elevations. The new snow overlies a gamut of old surfaces which include: old wind slabs at higher elevations, fairly widespread surface hoar, and a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. These surfaces will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 35-50cm below the surface is an interface of surface hoar or a sun crust that was buried on Jan 23. Although it seems to be gaining strength in some areas, this weakness remains a concern of professionals in the region and continues to show 'sudden' fracture characteristics in snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack below this is generally well bonded. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little Change over the past 24hrs.  An additional 3cm of snow overnight give us up to 18cm of HST in some treeline and alpine areas.  This snow has settled rapidly under the influence of the warm temps and is bonding poorly to the underlying hard slabs in many areas.  This layer will likely be touchy for another day or before it starts to setlle and bond better. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface consists of soft new snow on shady slopes and a sun crust or moist snow on sun exposed slopes. It is likely that deep wind slabs formed on north through west aspects near ridgetop. 45-80 cm of well settled storm snow fell earlier this week, depending on elevation. This new snow seemed to bond well to the underlying surface and no significant weaknesses were reported within the storm snow. Overall, the snowpack is deep and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20cm of snow has fallen in the last few days and has been redistributed by moderate winds into soft wind slabs at higher elevations. With the recent snow and wind, new cornice development has also occurred. This recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces which include: older wind slabs at higher elevations, settled storm snow or spotty surface hoar in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An interface of buried surface hoar, facets, crusts and hard slabs was buried on January 23rd and is now about 70cm below the surface. Recent tests suggest a significant improving trend; however, this interface may still be reactive in isolated, unsupported terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be large and potentially unstable. They will continue to deserve our respect, especially with forecast warming over the weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent weather has been relatively benign, with precipitation pulses giving incremental loading (5-10cm at a time). Relatively light winds have accompanied these snowfall pulses with some stronger outflow winds closer to the coast. At lower elevations (below 700m), the drizzly rain is saturating and eroding the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Previous strong southwest winds gave intense snow transport and cornice growth. Extensive windslabbing in lee zones and behind ridges in the alpine and treeline was the result. Some areas saw swirling winds resulting in some cross and reverse loading on southeasterly features. These significant windslabs are now lightly buried.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the upper snowpack, various melt-freeze crusts remain a concern. Depending on your location, you may encounter crusts as shallow as 40cm and as deep as 110cm. Recent compression tests show both resistent and sudden planar results and an extended column test showed a continued propensity for propagation if the layer was triggered. It is certainly worth keeping these layers on your radar in regards to distribution and reactivity in the areas that you are riding. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent light precip is tapering off. Southwesterly winds have maintained snow transport, and many areas show layers of windslab over windslab. Some places have seen swirling winds creating cross and reverse loading on isolated slopes. Warm daytime temperatures have moistened the surface snow in many areas up to treeline elevations; south aspects now has an eggshell crust that will break down when the sun pokes out.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deepest storm interface (from the very beginning of this storm cycle) includes a huge variety of old surfaces from facets to crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. There is very limited information about this interface, with the only results suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (preserved surface hoar pockets). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or with heavy triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15 cm of recent snowfall has been redistributed into dense or hard wind slabs at higher elevations from variable winds. These accumulations overlie old wind slabs in exposed areas, settled storm snow or spotty surface hoar in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. A variable interface (surface hoar/facets/sun crust) was buried on Jan 23 and is down about 20-40cm. In most locations it now appears to be well bonded. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be well developed and loom over heavily used slopes. These cornices deserve our respect, especially with clear skies and warming forecast for the weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 15-20 cm of new snow has been redistributed into soft wind slabs at higher elevations. The new snow overlies a gamut of old surfaces which include: old wind slabs at higher elevations, fairly widespread surface hoar, and a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. These surfaces will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 35-50cm below the surface is an interface of surface hoar or a sun crust that was buried on Jan 23. It is hard to find in some areas and seems to be gaining strength where it is found, but this weakness is still on the radar of professionals in the region. The snowpack below this is generally well settled and bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm is over and a high pressure ridge is building in its wake. Storm snow amounts vary widely within the region, with 30cm in the north end of the region and up to 90cm at the south end. Consistent southerly winds during the storm period built windslabs in lee terrain and helped grow cornices.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Newly buried surfaces (the Feb. 3 interface) include old windslabs, temperature and sun crusts. The new snow is bonding reasonably well at this interface in most locations with the highest concern being the bond to crusts on south and west facing terrain. The January 23rd interface (crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals) lingers in isolated locations. This layer seems to be rounding and bonding under current conditions, but we have reports of a recent size 2.0 releasing on this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled with the average snowpack depth at treeline around 180 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The dribs and drabs of new snow has ended. Around 30-40cm fell on average, with more (up to 65cm) in the Coquihalla area. Consistent southwesterly winds during the storm period has redistributed the new snow into fresh windslabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The newly buried surfaces (Feb.3 interface) are old wind slabs (behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes) and sun crusts on south and west facing slopes. In isolated locations, this interface is small surface hoar. Down a further 20-50 cm sits a persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and/or surface hoar crystals. Recently, this layer has been reactive only in sheltered areas at and below treeline where the surface hoar lingers. Tests on this layer have shown vastly different results, from a partial block RB6 to a moderate, sudden extended column test with a positive propensity for propagation. This really highlights the variability of the layer and the need to dig down to find and test the layer before committing to steep terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower&nbsp; snowpack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes and behind ridgelines. The recent storm slab continues to settle over old interfaces comprising of </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, crusts and facets down 30-50 cm. However, areas that have buried surface hoar seem to be most touchy. Continued freezing temperatures overnight have helped to strengthen the moist surface layers that developed during warm period last weekend. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Watch the duration and intensity of the sun in your local riding area; it may weaken the upper snowpack. Cornices have grown and may threaten slopes below. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 130 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 35 cm of new snow sits on touchy wind slabs and adds to the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">persistent slab.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> Weak layers buried below comprise of a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> layer and a sun crust that formed on steep Southerly aspects. These were buried at the beginning of February (20-40 cm down). The slab continues to settle and become more cohesive over a deeper weak interface that was buried January 23rd. This includes surface hoar, crust, and facets buried 50-80 cm down. This interface has been reactive under light loads.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> continue to develop and stiffen on lee slopes and behind terrain features like ridgelines and ribs. You may encounter some reverse loading with winds switching from the NW, watch for unsuspecting areas of new wind slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong. Snowpack depths at treeline are near 220 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface consists of soft new snow on shady slopes and a sun crust or moist snow on sun exposed slopes. 45-80 cm of well settled storm snow fell earlier this week, depending on elevation. This new snow seemed to bond well to the underlying surface and no significant weaknesses were reported within the storm snow. Overall, the snowpack is deep and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20cm of snow has fallen in the last few days and has been redistributed by moderate winds into soft wind slabs at higher elevations. With the recent snow and wind, new cornice development has also occurred. This recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces which include: older wind slabs at higher elevations, settled storm snow or spotty surface hoar in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An interface of buried surface hoar, facets, crusts and hard slabs was buried on January 23rd and is now about 70cm below the surface. Recent tests suggest a significant improving trend; however, this interface may still be reactive in isolated, unsupported terrain. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be large and potentially unstable. They will continue to deserve our respect, especially when it is sunny and warm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15 cm of recent snowfall has been redistributed into dense or hard wind slabs at higher elevations from variable winds. Moist snow or a hard sun crust is likley on steep solar aspects depending on whether or not the sun is shining. The new storm snow overlies old wind slabs in exposed areas, settled storm snow or spotty surface hoar in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. A variable interface (surface hoar/facets/sun crust) was buried on Jan 23 and is down about 20-40cm. In most locations it now appears to be well bonded. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be well developed and loom over heavily used slopes. These cornices deserve our respect, especially with clear skies and warming forecast for the weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface consists of a sun crust, surface hoar, or a dusting of new snow. Below this approximately 15-20 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed into soft wind slabs at higher elevations. The new snow overlies a gamut of old surfaces which include: old wind slabs at higher elevations, fairly widespread surface hoar, and a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. This interface will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 35-50cm below the surface is another interface of surface hoar or a sun crust that was buried on Jan 23. It is hard to find in some areas and seems to be gaining strength where it is found, but this weakness is still on the radar of professionals in the region. The snowpack below this is generally well settled and bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes and behind ridgelines. The recent storm slab continues to settle over old interfaces comprising of surface hoar, crusts and facets down 30-50 cm. However, areas that have buried surface hoar seem to be most touchy. Continued freezing temperatures overnight have helped to strengthen the snowpack at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 130. Watch the duration and intensity of the sun in your local riding area; it may weaken the upper snowpack. Cornices have grown and may threaten slopes below. </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">20-40 cm of new snow is sitting on wind slabs and recently buried weak layers. Old storm snow has settled into a dense slab that sits on a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">persistent weak</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface deeper (40-80 cm down) in the snowpack. Crusts, surface hoar and facets that were buried around January 23rd are acting as those weak interfaces. Use extra caution on large open slopes, cutblocks and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">continue to develop and stiffen on lee slopes and behind terrain features like ridgelines and ribs. There is a lot of new snow out there available for wind transport.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 200 cm. Watch the duration and intensity of the sun in your local riding area, it may weaken the upper snowpack. Cornices have grown and could threaten the slopes below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">a few cm's of new snow at all elevations. Alpine had 20-30 cms of storm snow that is waiting for redistribution by the winds. Shallow areas in alpine rotting out near ground, depth hoar developing. Caution in thin areas. At TL, a variety of windslabs are out there. Generally these are well bonded, but steep convex rolls &amp; thin areas are potential trouble spots. BTL snowpack is heavily facetted and structure less.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most recent storm, which ended Friday morning, brought widely varying snowfall amounts to the region, with 30cm in the north end and up to 90cm in the south. Consistent southerly winds during the storm period built windslabs in lee terrain and helped grow cornices.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently buried surfaces (the Feb. 3 interface) include old windslabs and sun crusts. The new snow is bonding reasonably well at this interface in most locations with the highest concern being the bond to crusts on south and west facing terrain. The January 23rd interface (crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals) lingers in isolated locations. This layer seems to be rounding and bonding under current conditions, but we have reports of a recent size 2.0 releasing on this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled with the average snowpack depth at treeline around 180 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30-40cm new snow fell on average during recent storms, which ended on Friday. The Coquihalla area received a little more (up to 65 cm). Consistent southwesterly winds during the storm period redistributed the new snow into windslabs and grew cornices on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recently buried surfaces (Feb 3rd interface) are old wind slabs (behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes) and sun crusts (on south and west facing slopes). In isolated locations, this interface comprises small surface hoar crystals. Down a further 20-50 cm sits a persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. This layer is now mostly unreactive, with only one  size 2 avalanche reported (on Feb 6th) since the end of January. If it were to be triggered again, the most likely spot would be a steep convex roll on a sheltered north aspect slope around treeline. A recent Rutchblock test gave a score of 6 with a partial block release in the Duffey Lake area. The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent weather has been relatively benign, with precipitation pulses giving incremental loading (5-10cm at a time). Relatively light winds have accompanied these snowfall pulses with some stronger outflow winds closer to the coast. At elevations below 1300 m you might find a crust on the surface from warm temperatures and/or from previous drizzly rain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the upper snowpack, various melt-freeze crusts remain a concern. Depending on your location, you may encounter crusts as shallow as 40cm and as deep as 110cm. Recent compression tests show both resistent and sudden planar results and an extended column test showed a continued propensity for propagation if the layer was triggered. It is certainly worth keeping these layers on your radar in regards to distribution and reactivity in the areas that you are riding. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20-40cm recent new snow sits on a variety of old surfaces, which vary from facets to crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar (sheltered treeline and below treeline). There is very limited information about the nature of the interface, with the only results suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (preserved surface hoar). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist snow on steep S and SW aspects in afternoon. Up to 20cm of recent snow in alpine areas remains low density except in wind prone areas. Previously formed hard slabs are still a concern in steep, convex terrain especially in shallow snowpack areas. At lower altitudes the snowpack continues to loose strength due to facetting.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee slopes and behind ridgelines. The recent storm slab continues to settle over old interfaces comprising of surface hoar, crusts and facets down 30-50 cm. However, areas that have buried surface hoar seem to be most touchy. Continued freezing temperatures overnight have helped to strengthen the snowpack at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 130. Cornices have grown and may threaten slopes below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20cm of snow has fallen in the last few days and has been redistributed by moderate winds into soft </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> at higher elevations. This recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces which include: older wind slabs at higher elevations, settled storm snow or spotty </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An interface of buried surface hoar, facets, crusts and hard slabs was buried on January 23rd and is now about 70cm below the surface. Recent tests suggest a significant improving trend; however, this interface may still be reactive in isolated, unsupported terrain. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be large, and may threaten slopes below, especially if the sun shines through.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15 cm of recent snowfall has been redistributed into dense or hard </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">wind slabs </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">at higher elevations from variable winds. A hard sun crust is likely on steep solar aspects. The new storm snow overlies old wind slabs in exposed areas, settled storm snow or spotty </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. A variable interface (surface hoar/facets/sun crust) was buried on Jan 23 and is down about 20-40cm. In most locations it now appears to be well bonded. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices in the region are reported to be well developed and loom over heavily used slopes. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of new snow is sitting on old wind slabs and recently buried weak layers. Old storm snow has settled into a dense slab that sits on a</span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D"> persistent weak</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface deeper (40-80 cm down) in the snowpack. Buried crusts, </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">and facets are acting as those weak interfaces. Use extra caution on large open slopes, cutblocks and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> continue to develop and stiffen on lee slopes and behind terrain features like ridgelines and ribs. Reverse loading may occur with changing winds. Unsuspecting slopes may catch you by surprise. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 200 cm. Cornices have grown and could threaten the slopes below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 35 cm of new snow sits on old wind slabs and adds to the recent storm slab that overlies </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">and a sun crust layer that developed at the beginning of February. This layer continues to be reactive. Deeper down 50-80 cm sit a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">persistent weak</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface that was buried around January 23rd. This persistent slab has been reactive over the past week, especially from solar aspects and at treeline and below treeline over steeper convex slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> continue to develop and stiffen on lee slopes and behind terrain features like ridgelines and ribs. You may encounter some reverse loading with winds switching from the NW, watch for unsuspecting areas of new wind slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong and the snowpack depths at treeline are near 220 cm. Cornices loom and threaten slopes below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of new snow adds to the recent storm slab which sits on a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> layer and a sun crust layer that developed at the beginning of February. This layer continues to be reactive to rider triggers. Deeper down (between 40-80 cm) sits an old sun crust and well preserved surface hoar that was buried on January 23rd. This</span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D"> persistent slab </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">has been reactive over the past few days, especially from solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests on this layer have shown moderate compression results with sudden planar to resistant planar characteristics. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/wind_slab.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Wind slabs </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">exist in specific locations in the alpine and at treeline. The loading pattern may change due to winds switching from the SW to the NW and form pockets of wind slab in unsuspecting places.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is well settled and strong. Cornices loom and threaten slopes below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Following warm weather over the weekend, the only places you might find dry snow are on north aspect slopes near the top of the peaks. Other slopes became moist and will freeze into a crust of varying thickness as the temperature cools. 45-80 cm of well settled storm snow fell earlier this week, depending on elevation. This new snow has bonded well to the underlying surface and no significant weaknesses were reported within the storm snow. Overall, the snowpack is deep and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most recent storm, which ended Friday morning, brought widely varying snowfall amounts to the region, with 30cm in the north end of the region and up to 90cm at the south end. Consistent southerly winds during the storm period built windslabs in lee terrain and helped grow cornices.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently buried surfaces (the Feb. 3 interface) include old windslabs and sun crusts. Surface hoar might be lurking on shady, sheltered slopes around treeline elevations. The new snow is bonding reasonably well at this interface in most locations with the highest concern being the bond to crusts on south and west facing terrain. The January 23rd interface (crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals) lingers in isolated locations. This layer seems to be rounding and bonding under current conditions, but we have reports of a recent size 2.0 releasing on this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled with the average snowpack depth at treeline around 180 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30-40cm new snow fell on average during recent storms, which ended on Friday. The Coquihalla area received a little more (up to 65 cm). Consistent southwesterly winds during the storm period redistributed the new snow into wind slabs and grew cornices on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recently buried surfaces (Feb 3rd interface) are old wind slabs (behind ridges, ribs and on lee slopes) and sun crusts (on south and west facing slopes). In isolated locations, this interface comprises small surface hoar crystals. Down a further 20-50 cm sits a persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. This layer is now mostly unreactive, with only one  size 2 avalanche reported (on Feb 6th) since the end of January. If it were to be triggered again, the most likely spot would be a steep convex roll on a sheltered north aspect slope around treeline. A recent Rutchblock test gave a score of 6 with a partial block release in the Duffey Lake area. The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent weather has been relatively benign, with generally light snowfall adding 5-10cm at a time. Relatively light winds have accompanied these snowfall pulses with some stronger outflow winds closer to the coast. At elevations below 1300 m you might find a crust close to the surface from recent warm temperatures and/or rain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the upper snowpack, various melt-freeze crusts remain a concern. Depending on your location, you may encounter crusts as shallow as 40cm and as deep as 110cm. Recent compression tests show both resistent and sudden planar results and an extended column test indicated a propensity for propagation if the layer was triggered. It is certainly worth keeping these layers on your radar in regards to distribution and reactivity in the areas that you are riding. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20-40cm recent new snow sits on a variety of old surfaces, which vary from facets to crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar (sheltered treeline and below treeline). There is very limited information about the nature of the interface, with the only results suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (preserved surface hoar). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface consists of a sun crust, surface hoar, or a dusting of new snow. Below this approximately 15-20 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed into soft wind slabs at higher elevations. The new snow overlies a gamut of old surfaces which include old wind slabs at higher elevations, fairly widespread surface hoar, and a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. This interface will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 35-50cm below the surface is another interface of surface hoar or a sun crust that was buried on Jan 23. It is hard to find in some areas and seems to be gaining strength where it is found, but this weakness is still on the radar of professionals in the region. The snowpack below this is generally well settled and bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface hoar and surface facetting in sheltered N aspects below treeline. Between 0 and 20cm of low density overlies a previously formed hard slab. The bond of this recent snow to the hard slab seems good in most areas. Basal facets persist and the snowpack is quite weak at lower elevations. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Fresh wind slabs are likely forming in alpine areas in response to new snow and wind. Buried surfaces of concern from the previous storm (the Feb. 3 interface) comprise mostly sun crusts. The new snow is bonding reasonably well at this interface in most locations with the highest concern being the bond to crusts on south and west facing terrain. The January 23rd interface (crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals) lingers in isolated locations. This layer seems to be rounding and bonding under current conditions. The most recent report of activity on this layer was a size 2.0 avalanche from Feb 6th. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled. Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E6FD2046">Recent warm weather has left crusty surfaces in many areas, except for north facing slopes at higher elevations. Buried surfaces of concern from the previous storm (the Feb. 3 interface) comprise mostly sun crusts, but in</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> isolated locations, this interface comprises small surface hoar crystals. Down approximately 50-70 cm sits another persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. This layer is now mostly unreactive, with only one size 2 avalanche reported (on Feb 6th) since the end of January. If it were to be triggered again, the most likely spot would be a steep convex roll on a sheltered north aspect slope around treeline. A recent Rutchblock test gave a score of 6 with a partial block release in the Duffey Lake area. The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent weather has been relatively benign, with generally light snowfall adding 5-10cm at a time. Relatively light winds have accompanied these snowfall pulses with some stronger outflow winds closer to the coast. At elevations below 1300 m you might find a crust close to the surface from recent warm temperatures and/or rain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the upper snowpack, various melt-freeze crusts remain a concern. Depending on your location, you may encounter crusts as shallow as 40cm and as deep as 110cm. Recent compression tests show both resistent and sudden planar results and an extended column test indicated a propensity for propagation if the layer was triggered. It is certainly worth keeping these layers on your radar in regards to distribution and reactivity in the areas that you are riding. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20-40cm recent new snow sits on a variety of old surfaces, which vary from facets to crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar (sheltered treeline and below treeline). There is very limited information about the nature of the interface, with the only results suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (preserved surface hoar). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow surface consists of a sun crust, surface hoar, or a dusting of new snow. Below this approximately 15-20 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed into soft wind slabs at higher elevations. The new snow overlies a gamut of old surfaces which include old wind slabs at higher elevations, fairly widespread surface hoar, and a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. This interface will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 35-50cm below the surface is another interface of surface hoar or a sun crust that was buried on Jan 23. It is hard to find in some areas and seems to be gaining strength where it is found, but this weakness is still on the radar of professionals in the region. The snowpack below this is generally well settled and bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most slopes probably have a new sun crust near the surface. It might still be possible to find dry snow on higher northerly aspects. Up to 60 cm of storm snow fell late last week, depending on elevation. This new snow has bonded well to the underlying surface (a crust) and no significant weaknesses were reported within the storm snow. Overall, the snowpack is deep and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is well settled. The Jan 23 interface varies with elevation, aspect and exposure to wind - it has not been a problem recently.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface consists of new wind slab in exposed alpine terrain, a sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar and/or facets on shady slopes. Below this 20-40 cm of settled storms snow sits on a surface hoar and sun crust layer that developed at the beginning of February. This layer continues to be reactive to rider triggers. Deeper down (between 40-80 cm) sits an old sun crust and well preserved surface hoar that was buried on January 23rd. This persistent slab has been reactive over the past few days, especially from solar aspects and at treeline and below treeline over steeper convex slopes. During recent snowpack testing this layer has shown  moderate compression results with sudden planar to resistent planar characteristics. This layer is getting stronger over time and less likely to trigger, but if triggered it will still produce a significant avalanche. The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface consists of new wind slab in exposed alpine terrain, a sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar and/or facets on shady slopes. The recent storm slab continues to settle over old interfaces comprising of surface hoar, crusts and facets down 30-50 cm. However, areas that have buried surface hoar seem to be most touchy. Continued freezing temperatures overnight have helped to strengthen the snowpack at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 130. Cornices have grown and may threaten slopes below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface consists of soft wind slab in exposed alpine terrain, sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar or facets on shady slopes. Below this up to 40 cm of settled storm snow sits on old wind slabs and recently buried weak layers. The late January surface hoar, sun crust, and/or facet layer is down around 80 cm deep and remains a concern for triggering. Use extra caution on large open slopes, cutblocks and convex rolls at and below treeline where the buried surface hoar may be preserved.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be large throughout the region. The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 200 cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface consists of new wind slab in exposed alpine terrain, a sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar and/or facets on shady slopes. Below up to 35 cm of settled storms snow sits on a surface hoar and sun crust layer that developed at the beginning of February. This layer continues to be reactive. Deeper down (50-80 cm) sits a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">persistent weak</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface that was buried around January 23rd. This persistent slab has been reactive over the past week, especially from solar aspects and at treeline and below treeline over steeper convex slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong and the snowpack depths at treeline are near 220 cm.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Low density new snow fell in the southeastern regions on Saturday. This overlies a well settled snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Trace amount of snow overnight. 0 to 20cm of relatively low density snow sits on a very hard wind slab. A hard compression test was observed which failed beneath the dense wind slab. Snowpack at lower elevations is weak and facetted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few centimeters of new snow sits on a sun crust, freezing rain crust, or settled storm snow on higher north aspects. The storm snow from last week is well settled and is bonding well to the underlying crust. Overall, the snowpack is deep and strong with no notable weaknesses at this time. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface consists of new wind slab in exposed alpine terrain, a sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar and/or facets on shady slopes. Below this 20-40 cm of settled storms snow sits on a surface hoar and sun crust layer that developed at the beginning of February. This layer continues to be reactive to rider triggers. Deeper down (between 40-80 cm) sits an old sun crust and well preserved surface hoar that was buried on January 23rd. This persistent slab has been reactive and easily triggered over the past few days, especially from solar aspects and at treeline and below treeline over steeper convex slopes. During recent snowpack testing this layer has shown moderate compression results with sudden planar to resistent planar characteristics. This layer is getting stronger over time and less likely to trigger, but if triggered it will still produce a significant avalanche. The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface consists of new wind slab in exposed alpine terrain, a sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar and/or facets on shady slopes - all getting dusted by new snow on Tuesday. The recent storm slab continues to settle over old interfaces comprising of surface hoar, crusts and facets down 30-50 cm (Jan 23 interface). One recent snowpack test from the Dogtooth Range on a west aspect in the alpine gave moderate &quot;pops&quot; results and showed potential for propagation on a this facet/crust layer. Continued freezing temperatures overnight have helped to strengthen the snowpack at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 130. Cornices have grown and may threaten slopes below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface consists of wind slab in exposed lee alpine terrain, sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar or facets on shady slopes. Below this up to 40 cm of settled storm snow sits on old wind slabs and recently buried weak layers. The late January surface hoar, sun crust, and/or facet layer is down around 80 cm deep and remains a concern for triggering. Use extra caution on large open slopes, cutblocks and convex rolls at and below treeline where the buried surface hoar may be preserved.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be large throughout the region. The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 200 cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface consists of new wind slab in exposed lee alpine terrain, a sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar and/or facets on shady slopes. Below up to 35 cm of settled storms snow sits on a surface hoar and sun crust layer that developed at the beginning of February. This layer continues to be reactive in snowpack tests. Deeper down (50-80 cm) sits a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">persistent weak</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface that was buried around January 23rd. This weak layer generally gives hard &quot;pops&quot; results or no results in snowpack tests. It's becoming increasingly difficult to trigger but it still could be possible in steep unsupported terrain. The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong and the snowpack depths at treeline are near 220 cm.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A well settled snowpack in general. Last weeks new snow has bonded well to previous surfaces.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally well settled snowpack. Recent snowfalls hace been bonding well to previous surfaces.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><span class="s_E6FD2046">A generally well settled snowpack with variable conditions in the top 70 cm, elevation and aspect dependent.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively small pockets of fresh wind slab have formed in alpine areas in response to recent new snow and wind. Several crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects. A crust buried around Feb 3rd was the focus of avalanche activity during the last storm, but reports indicate this layer has settled out fairly rapidly. Areas with residual concern for this layer are on steep, unsupported (convex) features on south and west facing terrain, and possibly on slopes threatened by a cornice (if it were to collapse and provide a very large trigger). The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled. Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E6FD2046">Recent warm weather has left crusty surfaces, particularly on solar aspects, which are now buried by a skiff of snow. A slightly deeper buried crust from around Feb 3th lies approximately 20-40 cm below  the surface. This interface was the focus of recent avalanche activity during the last storm. Activity has since tapered off on this layer, however, snowpack tests still give sudden results, indicating that with the right trigger in specific places (most likely steep convex slopes where there is a buried crust) triggering an avalanche on this layer is still possible. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Down approximately 50-70 cm sits another persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. This layer is now mostly unreactive, with only one size 2 avalanche reported (on Feb 6th) since the end of January. If it were to be triggered again, the most likely spot would be a steep convex roll on a sheltered north aspect slope around treeline. A recent Rutchblock test gave a score of 6 with a partial block release in the Duffey Lake area. The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A big dump of snow brought up to 80cm and an average of about 40cm new to the region on Tuesday. Strong winds have blown the new snow into wind slabs in exposed lee areas. The new snow sits on above previous wind slabs on shady slopes in the alpine and at treeline, and a rain/sun crust at lower elevations/solar aspects, respectively. Deeper buried crusts exist within the snowpack, but are reported to have bonded well. I imagine that after the most recent avalanche cycle, these will be difficult or near impossible to trigger, except with very big loads, such as a cornice fall. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent light snow has likely set up new wind slabs in exposed lee areas. Previous buried surfaces lie buried approximately 20-40cm below the surface. These vary from facets to crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar (sheltered treeline and below treeline). There is very limited information about the nature of the interface, with the only results suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (preserved surface hoar). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 12cm of new snow at treeline in the past 24hrs. Storm slab development in alpine and treeline areas with slabs between 20 and 30cm deep. Previously formed hard slabs that are widespread on NW through S aspects are now well hidden under the new snow. Weak and facetted snowpack remains at lower altitudes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is well settled and generally stable. Variable conditions at upper elevations exist; these include windslab and recent storm snow resting on facets or suncrust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Large cornices exist on upper ridgecrests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A generally well settled snowpack with up to 12 cm new snow deposited overnight Tuesday. Wind slab is the predominant stability concern right now. It may be resting on suncrust or surface hoar which was buried on Feb 4.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> The Jan 23 interface appears to be inactive but can still be found&nbsp; 40-60 cm below the surface. It may be worth investigating on an adjacent slope before riding in aggressive terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The South Rockies has a generally well settled and stable snowpack. Recent winds have created wind slabs at upper elevations and a variety of conditions exist in the top 25-50 cm. These include storm snow over surface hoar and wind deposits on suncrust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a new soft slab developing above the recent surfaces that consists of wind slab in exposed alpine terrain, a sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar and/or facets on shady slopes. Below this 20-40 cm of settled storm snow sits on a surface hoar and sun crust layer that developed at the beginning of February. This layer continues to be reactive to rider triggers. Deeper down (between 40-80 cm) sits an old sun crust and well preserved surface hoar that was buried on January 23rd. This persistent slab has been reactive and easily triggered over the past few days, especially from solar aspects and at treeline and below treeline over steeper convex slopes. During recent snowpack testing this layer has shown moderate compression results with sudden planar to resistent planar characteristics. This layer is getting stronger over time and less likely to trigger, but if triggered it will still produce a significant avalanche. The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few centimeters of recent snow sits on a sun crust, freezing rain crust, or settled storm snow on higher north aspects. The storm snow from last week is well settled and is bonding well to the underlying crust. Overall, the snowpack is deep and strong with no notable weaknesses at this time. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a new soft slab that is 20-40 cms thick that is sitting on a new layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 12th. This soft slab is expected to be reactive to light additional loads and may result in avalanches up to size 2.0. Before this new slab developed, there were various surfaces  that consisted of wind slab in exposed lee alpine terrain, sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar or facets on shady slopes. Below this up to 40 cm of settled storm snow sits on old wind slabs and recently buried weak layers. The late January surface hoar, sun crust, and/or facet layer is down around 80 cm deep and remains a concern for triggering. Use extra caution on large open slopes, cutblocks and convex rolls at and below treeline where the buried surface hoar may be preserved.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be large throughout the region. The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 200 cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface consists of new wind slab in exposed alpine terrain, a sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar and/or facets on shady slopes - all getting dusted by new snow on Tuesday. The recent storm slab continues to settle over old interfaces comprising of surface hoar, crusts and facets down 30-50 cm (Jan 23 interface). One recent snowpack test from the Dogtooth Range on a west aspect in the alpine gave moderate &quot;pops&quot; results and showed potential for propagation on a this facet/crust layer. Continued freezing temperatures overnight have helped to strengthen the snowpack at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack is generally well settled and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 130. Cornices have grown and may threaten slopes below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Small pockets of stiff wind slab have formed at higher elevations in response to light amounts of new snow and strong southwest wind. In areas protected from the sun the new snow may overlie surface hoar at treeline elevation. Several crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects; however, reports indicate these interfaces have settled out fairly rapidly. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm weather has left crusty surfaces, particularly on solar aspects, which are now buried by generally light amounts of new snow in the Duffey Lake area and over 20cm on the Coquihalla. These recent accumulations have no doubt been redistributed into wind slabs at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A slightly deeper buried crust from around Feb 3th lies approximately 20-40 cm below  the surface. This interface was the focus of recent avalanche activity during the last storm. Activity has since tapered off on this layer; however, snowpack tests still give sudden results, indicating that with the right trigger in specific places (most likely steep convex slopes where there is a buried crust) triggering an avalanche on this layer may still be possible. Down approximately 50-70 cm sits another persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. This layer is now mostly unreactive, with only one size 2 avalanche reported (on Feb 6th) since the end of January. If it were to be triggered again, the most likely spot would be a steep convex roll on a sheltered north aspect slope around treeline.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent light to locally moderate snowfall has likely set up new wind slabs in exposed lee areas. Previous buried surfaces lie buried approximately 20-40cm below the surface. These vary from facets to crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar (sheltered treeline and below treeline). There is very limited information about the nature of the interface, with the only results suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (preserved surface hoar). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow up to 25 cms has been reported from the North of the region. This new snow is sitting on top of recent surfaces that includes wind slab in exposed lee alpine terrain, a sun crust on solar aspects, and surface hoar and/or facets on shady slopes. Below up to 35 cm of settled storm snow sits on a surface hoar and sun crust layer that developed at the beginning of February. This layer continues to be reactive in snowpack tests. Deeper down (50-80 cm) sits a </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">persistent weak</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> interface that was buried around January 23rd. This weak layer generally gives hard &quot;pops&quot; results or no results in snowpack tests. It's becoming increasingly difficult to trigger but it still could be possible in steep unsupported terrain. The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong and the snowpack depths at treeline are near 220 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A big dump of snow brought up to 80cm and an average of about 40cm new to the region on Tuesday. Strong winds have blown the new snow into wind slabs in exposed lee areas. The new snow sits on above previous wind slabs on shady slopes in the alpine and at treeline, and a rain/sun crust at lower elevations/solar aspects, respectively. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper buried crusts exist within the snowpack, but are reported to have bonded well. I imagine that after the most recent avalanche cycle, these will be difficult or near impossible to trigger, except with very big loads, such as a cornice fall. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">With the current weather pattern, I would also suspect ongoing cornice development and recommend a cautious approach on or below ridgecrests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few centimeters of new snow sits on a sun crust, freezing rain crust, or settled storm snow on higher north aspects. The storm snow from last week is well settled and is bonding well to the underlying crust. Overall, the snowpack is deep and strong with no notable weaknesses at this time. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There are some very large cornices in this region. Windslabs and scoured areas above treeline.&nbsp; A generally well settled snowpack below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A variety of surface layers are aspect and elevation dependent. Windslab exists in many locations. Moist snow on solar aspects during warm daytime periods.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Below this the snowpack is generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-15 cm of recent snowfall overlies the Feb 12 SH layer which has crystals to 30mm in some locations. Wind slab is the predominant stability concern right now. It may be resting on suncrust or surface hoar which was buried on Feb 4.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> The Jan 23 interface appears to be inactive but can still be found  40-60 cm below the surface. It may be worth investigating on an adjacent slope before riding in aggressive terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Tuesday the region saw up to 80cm of new snow and an average of about 40cm. Strong winds have blown the new snow into wind slabs in exposed lee areas. The recent snow sits on above previous wind slabs on shady slopes in the alpine and at treeline, and a rain/sun crust at lower elevations/solar aspects, respectively.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper within the snowpack buried crusts exist, but are reported to have bonded well. I imagine that after the most recent avalanche cycle these will be difficult or near impossible to trigger in most areas, except with very large triggers such as a cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20cm of recently fallen snow has been distributed into deeper pockets of wind slab at treeline and in the alpine. In general, between 20-40cm of storm snow sits over a variety of old surfaces which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar (sheltered treeline and below treeline). There is very limited information about the nature of this interface, with the only reports suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (preserved surface hoar). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a lot of variability in the depth of the new snow slab and the new wind slabs. Areas that received 30-40 cms of new snow have developed thick new wind slabs at higher elevations that may be triggered by light additional loads. The storm slab in these areas has been reported to be reactive to skiers, as it slides easily on a layer of surface hoar that developed just previous to the latest storm. In some areas there is a sun crust that developed during the sunny weather last weekend that is a smooth and fast sliding layer for the new storm slab. Deeper weak layers continue to show planar results in snow profile tests down about 70 cms and also at about 100 cms. These deeper layers are less likely to be triggered by skiers, but cornice falls or other large triggers may step down and result in large avalanches.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Very light amounts of recent snowfall in the Duffey Lake area and over 20cm on the Coquihalla overlie crusts on previously sun-exposed slopes and small surface hoar in sheltered locations. These recent accumulations have been distributed into wind slabs at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A slightly deeper crust buried around Feb 3th lies approximately 20-50 cm below the surface. This interface was the focus of recent avalanche activity during the last storm. Activity has since tapered off on this layer; however, reactivity may still be possible in steep, unsupported terrain. Down approximately 50-70 cm sits another persistent interface comprising of crusts, facets and surface hoar crystals. This layer is now mostly unreactive, with only one size 2 avalanche reported (on Feb 6th) since the end of January. If it were to be triggered again, the most likely spot would be a steep convex roll on a sheltered north aspect slope around treeline.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a lot of variability in the new snow amounts across the region. New storm slabs are between 10-40 cms deep, and new wind slabs are up to 70 cms deep due to strong Northwest winds transporting the available new snow. Tests are showing easy to moderate shears at the storm snow interface. There are a couple of deeper buried surface hoar and crust layers that have been giving hard resistant planar results in snow profile tests. These deeper layers are not expected to be triggered by light additional loads, but may be triggered by storm snow avalanches in motion, or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a lot of variability in the depth of the new snow slab and the new wind slabs. Areas that received 30-40 cms of new snow have developed thick new wind slabs at higher elevations that may be triggered by light additional loads. The storm slab in these areas has been reported to be reactive to skiers, as it slides easily on a layer of surface hoar that developed just previous to the latest storm. In some areas there is a sun crust that developed during the sunny weather last weekend that is a smooth and fast sliding layer for the new storm slab. Deeper weak layers continue to show planar results in snow profile tests down about 70 cms and also at about 100 cms. These deeper layers are less likely to be triggered by skiers, but cornice falls or other large triggers may step down and result in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Small storms have added up to 20cm of new snow at treeline and above. Soft slab formation on-going at treeline and alpine elevations. Open areas at treeline have a stiffer slab than lower altitudes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a lot of variability in the depth of the new snow slab and the new wind slabs. Areas that received 30-40 cms of new snow have developed thick new wind slabs at higher elevations that may be triggered by light additional loads. The storm slab in these areas has been reported to be reactive to skiers, as it slides easily on a layer of surface hoar that developed just previous to the latest storm. In some areas there is a sun crust that developed during the sunny weather last weekend that is a smooth and fast sliding layer for the new storm slab. Deeper weak layers continue to show planar results in snow profile tests down about 70 cms and also at about 100 cms. These deeper layers are less likely to be triggered by skiers, but cornice falls or other large triggers may step down and result in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively small pockets of stiff wind slab have formed at higher elevations in response to recent light snowfall and strong to extreme southwest winds. In shaded areas at treeline and below the new snow may overlie surface hoar which is reported to be reactive in the Meager Group (upper Lillooet). Several crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects; however, reports indicate these interfaces have settled out fairly rapidly in most areas. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storm snow continues to settle under the influence of mild temps.  Strong SW flow continues and as a result, storm slabs up to 30cm thick continue to build in Alpine terrain and in isolated areas at TL. Lower elevation terrain is weak and facetted and overall in Alpine areas, a high amount of variability exists in the current snowpack with some areas only 30-40cm deep and others over 2m. Lots of full depth facetting on Mt Engadine burn on Friday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures on Friday resulted in a moist snow surface, which will likely freeze into a crust as temperatures drop on Saturday. The storm snow from last week is well settled and is bonding well to the underlying crust. Overall, the snowpack is deep and strong with no notable weaknesses at this time. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures have moistened the snow surface in many areas. As temperatures cool, expect it to harden into a crust. Wind slabs are extensive in exposed areas and cornices are reported to be well developed. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 20 cm or so, where it hasn't been blown away by the wind and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures have moistened the snow surface in many areas. As temperatures cool, expect it to harden into a crust. Wind slabs are extensive in exposed areas and cornices are reported to be well developed. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 20 cm or so, where it hasn't been blown away by the wind and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-15 cm of recent snowfall (possibly a little more near Kokanee Glacier Park) overlies a recent layer of surface hoar buried around Feb 12. We have had some reports this layer contains crystals up to 30mm in some locations. This large size of crystal increases the likelihood this layer will present problems as it becomes more deeply buried. Wind slabs are widespread in exposed areas. Two previous buried surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers from Feb 4th and Jan 23 are still being tracked by professionals but have not been reactive recently. They can be found approximately 30 cm and 50 cm below the surface, respectively. These layers may be worth investigating on a safe but representative adjacent slope if you are considering riding in aggressive terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a lot of variability in the new snow amounts across the region. New storm slabs are between 10-40 cms deep, and new wind slabs are up to 70 cms deep due to strong Northwest winds transporting the available new snow. Tests are showing easy to moderate shears at the storm snow interface. There are a couple of deeper buried surface hoar and crust layers that have been giving hard resistant planar results in snow profile tests. These deeper layers are not expected to be triggered by light additional loads, but may be triggered by storm snow avalanches in motion, or cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a lot of variability in the depth of the new snow slab and the new wind slabs. Areas that received 30-40 cms of new snow have developed thick new wind slabs at higher elevations that may be triggered by light additional loads. The storm slab in these areas has been reported to be reactive to skiers, as it slides easily on a layer of surface hoar that developed just previous to the latest storm. In some areas there is a sun crust that developed during the sunny weather last weekend that is a smooth and fast sliding layer for the new storm slab. Deeper weak layers continue to show planar results in snow profile tests down about 70 cms and also at about 100 cms. These deeper layers are less likely to be triggered by skiers, but cornice falls or other large triggers may step down and result in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a lot of variability in the depth of the new snow slab and the new wind slabs. Areas that received 30-40 cms of new snow have developed thick new wind slabs at higher elevations that may be triggered by light additional loads. The storm slab in these areas has been reported to be reactive to skiers, as it slides easily on a layer of surface hoar that developed just previous to the latest storm. In some areas there is a sun crust that developed during the sunny weather last weekend that is a smooth and fast sliding layer for the new storm slab. Deeper weak layers continue to show planar results in snow profile tests down about 70 cms and also at about 100 cms. These deeper layers are less likely to be triggered by skiers, but cornice falls or other large triggers may step down and result in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a lot of variability in the depth of the new snow slab and the new wind slabs. Areas that received 30-40 cms of new snow have developed thick new wind slabs at higher elevations that may be triggered by light additional loads. The storm slab in these areas has been reported to be reactive to skiers, as it slides easily on a layer of surface hoar that developed just previous to the latest storm. In some areas there is a sun crust that developed during the sunny weather last weekend that is a smooth and fast sliding layer for the new storm slab. Deeper weak layers continue to show planar results in snow profile tests down about 70 cms and also at about 100 cms. These deeper layers are less likely to be triggered by skiers, but cornice falls or other large triggers may step down and result in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Friday, variable amounts of new snow (~5-15cm in the south/ ~50cm in the north) were shifted into stiff and significantly deeper wind slabs at higher elevations while rain penetrated snow surfaces at lower elevations. The new snow overlies heavy accumulations from earlier in the week that have most likely gained considerable strength. I would imagine that with the ongoing weather pattern, significant cornice development has also taken place.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Depending on the location, light to moderate amounts of new snow have been shifted into wind slabs and overlie older wind slabs that formed earlier in the week. Below treeline, light rain has saturated the surface. In general, between 30-60cm of storm snow sits over a variety of old surfaces which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar (sheltered treeline and below treeline). There is very limited information about the nature of this interface, with the only results suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (preserved surface hoar). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively small pockets of stiff wind slab which exist at higher elevations are expected to be mostly unreactive. On sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations, you will most likely find a melt-freeze crust. In shaded areas at treeline and below treeline recent snow may overlie surface hoar which is reported to be reactive in the Meager Group (upper Lillooet). Several buried crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects; however, reports indicate these interfaces have settled out fairly rapidly. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Very light amounts of recent snowfall in the Duffey Lake area and over 20cm on the Coquihalla have been distributed into wind slabs at higher elevations. On shaded slopes the recent snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 11th. On solar aspects and at lower elevations a melt freeze crust is likely to exist.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this there are a few buried interfaces which include crusts, facets and surface hoar. My guess is that they are gaining considerable strength; however, it's worth digging down and testing these layers before committing to a steep line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft slab formation continues in the alpine and open areas at treeline due to continued winds and light snowfalls. Slabs up to 70cm thick are present in lee and cross-loaded terrain. Some cornice formation has also occurred. At lower altitudes the snowpack remains weak and facetted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Depending on the location, light to moderate amounts of new snow have been shifted into wind slabs and overlie older wind slabs that formed earlier in the week. Below treeline, light rain has saturated the surface. In general, between 30-60cm of storm snow sits over a variety of old surfaces which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar (sheltered treeline and below treeline). There is very limited information about the nature of this interface, with the only results suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (preserved surface hoar). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively small pockets of stiff wind slab which exist at higher elevations are expected to be mostly unreactive.  In shaded areas at treeline and below the new snow may overlie surface hoar which is reported to be reactive in the Meager Group (upper Lillooet). Several crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects; however, reports indicate these interfaces have settled out fairly rapidly in most areas. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The latest system favored the North where up to 70cm fell as of Friday evening.  Southern accumulations dim in comparison coming in around 10cm.  As a result, I've weighted northern observations a bit heavier in my analysis.  Moderate to Strong winds were initially out of the SW, switching to NW during the later half of the storm creating stiff and deep wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine.  Lower elevation slopes received rain and warm temperatures which left many below treeline slopes saturated. The new snow overlies heavy accumulations from earlier in the week that have most likely gained considerable strength. I would imagine that with the ongoing weather pattern, significant cornice development has also taken place.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 5cm moist snow sits above a well consolidated snowpack containing several buried crusts. Overall, the snowpack is deep and strong with no notable weaknesses at this time. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A skiff of snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. Wind slabs are extensive in exposed areas and cornices are reported to be well developed. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 20 cm or so, and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. This is the layer to watch as we get more snow. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A skiff of snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. Wind slabs are extensive in exposed areas and cornices are reported to be well developed. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 20 cm or so, where it hasn't been blown away by the wind and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</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">5-15 cm of recent snowfall (possibly a little more near Kokanee Glacier Park) overlies a recent layer of surface hoar buried around Feb 12. We have had some reports this layer contains crystals up to 30mm in some locations. This large size of crystal increases the likelihood this layer will present problems as it becomes more deeply buried. Wind slabs are widespread in exposed areas. Two previous buried surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers from Feb 4th and Jan 23 are still being tracked by professionals but have not been reactive recently. They can be found approximately 30 cm and 50 cm below the surface, respectively. These layers may be worth investigating on a safe but representative adjacent slope if you are considering riding in aggressive terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is adding to the recent storm slab that is between 15-30 cms across the region. This new load is expected to create another cycle of wind slab releases in the alpine and treeline, and may cause the recent storm slab to become more reactive where it is sitting on the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on February 12</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">. The recent storm slab has also been reactive on Southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">-11</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">. Loading on the recent storm may cause another cycle of natural activity, or an increased sensitivity to human triggers. There are older weak layers that are now buried down around 70-80 cms and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been unlikely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Very light amounts of recent snowfall in the Duffey Lake area and over 20cm on the Coquihalla have been distributed into wind slabs at higher elevations. On shaded slopes the recent snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 11th. On solar aspects and at lower elevations a melt freeze crust is likely to exist.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this there are a few buried interfaces which include crusts, facets and surface hoar. My guess is that they are gaining considerable strength; however, it's worth digging down and testing these layers before committing to a steep line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is adding to the recent storm slab that is between 15-30 cms across the region. This new load is expected to create another cycle of wind slab releases in the alpine and treeline, and may cause the recent storm slab to become more reactive where it is sitting on the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on February 12</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">. The recent storm slab has also been reactive on Southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">-11</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">. Loading on the recent storm may cause another cycle of natural activity, or an increased sensitivity to human triggers. There are older weak layers that are now buried down around 70-80 cms and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been unlikely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is adding to the recent storm slab that is between 15-30 cms across the region. This new load is expected to create another cycle of wind slab releases in the alpine and treeline, and may cause the recent storm slab to become more reactive where it is sitting on the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on February 12</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">. The recent storm slab has also been reactive on Southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">-11</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">. Loading on the recent storm may cause another cycle of natural activity, or an increased sensitivity to human triggers. There are older weak layers that are now buried down around 70-80 cms and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been unlikely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is adding to the recent storm slab that is between 15-30 cms across the region. This new load is expected to create another cycle of wind slab releases in the alpine and treeline, and may cause the recent storm slab to become more reactive where it is sitting on the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on February 12</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">. The recent storm slab has also been reactive on Southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">-11</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">. Loading on the recent storm may cause another cycle of natural activity, or an increased sensitivity to human triggers. There are older weak layers that are now buried down around 70-80 cms and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been unlikely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The latest storm continued through Friday evening which brought 70cm of relatively warm snow to the Northern half of the region.  Southern storm totals average around 20cm.  The storm was accompanied by moderate winds that were initially out of the SW switching to NW during the later half of the storm.  The winds left a mix of wind damaged snow in both the alpine and treeline elevation bands. Slab properties vary from upside down soft slab to stiff and deep wind slab.  With all the new snow and wind I imagine that there is quite a bit of cornice development in the region too.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Depending on the location, light to moderate amounts of new snow have been shifted into wind slabs and overlie older wind slabs that formed earlier in the week. Below treeline, light rain and warm temps have saturated the surface which has left a crust below around 1000m. In general, between 30-60cm of storm snow sits over a variety of old surfaces which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar (sheltered treeline and below treeline). There is very limited information about the nature of this interface, with the only results suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (preserved surface hoar). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-20cm in the last 24hrs. Low density with little cohesion.  CTM (SP), down 25 on old windslab. E asp. The new snow is hiding a variety of old surfaces. The slabs that sit below the storm snow are variable in thickness and hardness.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively small pockets of wind slab which exist at higher elevations are expected to be mostly unreactive. but may be triggered by skiers in isolated pieces of terrain near ridge crest.  In shaded areas at treeline and below the new snow may overlie surface hoar which is reported to be reactive in the Meager Group (upper Lillooet). Several crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects; however, reports indicate these interfaces have settled out fairly rapidly in most areas. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A light dusting of new snow sits on a well consolidated snowpack containing several buried crusts. Overall, the snowpack is deep and strong with no notable weaknesses at this time. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A skiff of snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. Expect to find wind slabs in exposed areas. Cornices are reported to be well developed. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 25 cm or so, and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. This is the layer to watch as we get more snow. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Eastern areas saw 10-15cm new snow in the last storm, while western area just a trace. This new snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. Wind slabs are extensive in exposed areas and cornices are reported to be well developed. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 20 cm or so, where it hasn't been blown away by the wind and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</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">10-20 cm of recent snowfall (possibly a little more near Kokanee Glacier Park) overlies a recent layer of surface hoar buried around Feb 12. We have had some reports this layer contains crystals up to 30mm in some locations. This large size of crystal increases the likelihood this layer will present problems as it becomes more deeply buried. Expect to see wind slabs in exposed areas. Two previous buried surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers from Feb 4th and Jan 23 are still being tracked by professionals but have not been reactive recently. They can be found approximately 30 cm and 50 cm below the surface, respectively. These layers may be worth investigating on a safe, representative adjacent slope if you are considering riding in aggressive terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The latest storm did not make it into most of the region. The February 12th weak layer of surface hoar is buried down anywhere from 15 cms in the Northeast of the region to 60 cms in the Southwest of the region. The January 23rd layer is buried down about 100 cms and continues to be a concern for professionals. Cornices are reported to be large and weak, and may fall off naturally.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has added to the recent storm slab above the February 12</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> weak surface hoar layer. This layer is now buried down about 20-50 cms depending on where you are in the region. This variable storm slab is also above a sun crust on Southerly aspects. New wind slabs developed at higher elevations due to the new snow and wind during the storm. These soft new wind slabs may be hiding stiffer wind slabs that are a couple of days older. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied to snow profile tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the loads associated with recreationalists, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion, or a cornice fall. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall in the Duffey Lakes area and up on the Coquihala has been redistributed into wind slabs at higher elevations.  On shaded slopes the recent snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 12th. On solar aspects and at lower elevations a melt freeze crust is likely to exist.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this there are a few buried interfaces which include crusts, facets and surface hoar.  These interfaces are gaining strength but it's worth digging down and testing these layers before committing to a steep line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has added to the recent storm slab above the February 12</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> weak surface hoar layer. This layer is now buried down about 30-60 cms depending on where you are in the region. This variable storm slab is also above a sun crust on Southerly aspects. New wind slabs developed at higher elevations due to the new snow and wind during the storm. These soft new wind slabs may be hiding stiffer wind slabs that are a couple of days older. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied to snow profile tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the loads associated with recreationalists, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion, or a cornice fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has added to the recent storm slab above the February 12</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> weak surface hoar layer. This layer is now buried down about 30-60 cms depending on where you are in the region. This variable storm slab is also above a sun crust on Southerly aspects. New wind slabs developed at higher elevations due to the new snow and wind during the storm. These soft new wind slabs may be hiding stiffer wind slabs that are a couple of days older. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied to snow profile tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the loads associated with recreationalists, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion, or a cornice fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable new snow amounts of 4 to 8cm overnight. Moist snow on steep solar aspects. Storm snow totals are near 20 to 25cm. Variable wind affect in alpine features with some snow loading and soft slab development occurring in isolated terrain. Sluffing in steep terrain continues on all aspects at all elevations up to size 2.0.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow continues to settle and gain strength as it bonds with the underlying snowpack.  Winds have been blowing with enough energy to move snow, and with 70 cm of storm snow in the north and 20 cm in the south, there's no shortage of new snow to move around.  As a result, slabs have been developing near ridgecrest and in wind exposed locations at treeeline.  Slab properties likely vary from upside down soft slab to stiff and deep wind slab.  Cornices that now loom over many features may become weak with continued growth and/or daytime warming.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Depending on the location, light to moderate amounts of new snow have been shifted into wind slabs and overlie older wind slabs that formed earlier in the week. Below treeline, light rain and warm temps have saturated the surface which has left a crust below around 1000m. In general, between 30-60cm of storm snow sits over a variety of old surfaces which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar (sheltered treeline and below treeline). There is very limited information about the nature of this interface, with the only results suggesting reactivity in sheltered, shady treeline and below treeline slopes (preserved surface hoar). I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively small pockets of wind slab which exist at higher elevations are expected to be mostly unreactive. but may be triggered by skiers in isolated pieces of terrain near ridge crest.  In shaded areas at treeline and below the new snow may overlie surface hoar which is reported to be reactive in the Meager Group (upper Lillooet). Several crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects; however, reports indicate these interfaces have settled out fairly rapidly in most areas. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has added to the recent storm slab above the February 12th weak surface hoar layer. This layer is now buried down about 20-50 cms depending on where you are in the region. This variable storm slab is also above a sun crust on Southerly aspects. New wind slabs developed at higher elevations due to the new snow and wind during the storm. These soft new wind slabs may be hiding stiffer wind slabs that are a couple of days older. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied to snow profile tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the loads associated with recreationalists, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion, or a cornice fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall in the Duffey Lakes area and up on the Coquihala has been redistributed into wind slabs at higher elevations.  On shaded slopes the recent snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 12th. On solar aspects and at lower elevations a melt freeze crust is likely to exist.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this there are a few buried interfaces which include crusts, facets and surface hoar.  These interfaces are gaining strength but it's worth digging down and testing these layers before committing to a steep line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has added to the recent storm slab above the February 12</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> weak surface hoar layer. This layer is now buried down about 30-60 cms depending on where you are in the region. This variable storm slab is also above a sun crust on Southerly aspects. New wind slabs developed at higher elevations due to the new snow and wind during the storm. These soft new wind slabs may be hiding stiffer wind slabs that are a couple of days older. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied to snow profile tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the loads associated with recreationalists, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion, or a cornice fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has added to the recent storm slab above the February 12th weak surface hoar layer. This layer is now buried down about 30-60 cms depending on where you are in the region. This variable storm slab is also above a sun crust on Southerly aspects. New wind slabs developed at higher elevations due to the new snow and wind during the storm. These soft new wind slabs may be hiding stiffer wind slabs that are a couple of days older. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied to snow profile tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the loads associated with recreationalists, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion, or a cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The latest storm did not make it into most of the region. The February 12th weak layer of surface hoar is buried down anywhere from 15 cms in the Northeast of the region to 60 cms in the Southwest of the region. The January 23rd layer is buried down about 100 cms and continues to be a concern for professionals. Cornices are reported to be large and weak, and may fall off naturally.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10 cm new snow sits on a well consolidated snowpack containing several buried crusts. Overall, the snowpack is deep and strong with no notable weaknesses at this time. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A skiff of snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. Expect to find wind slabs in exposed areas. Cornices are reported to be well developed. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 25 cm or so, and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. This is the layer to watch as we get more snow. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Eastern areas saw  20-25cm new snow in the last storm, while western areas saw just a trace. This new snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. Wind slabs are extensive in exposed areas and cornices are reported to be well developed. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 20 cm or so, where it hasn't been blown away by the wind and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</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">10-20 cm of recent snowfall (possibly a little more near Kokanee Glacier Park) overlies a recent layer of surface hoar buried around Feb 12. We have had some reports this layer contains crystals up to 30mm in some locations. This large size of crystal increases the likelihood this layer will present problems as it becomes more deeply buried. Expect to see wind slabs in exposed areas. Two previous buried surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers from Feb 4th and Jan 23 are still being tracked by professionals but have not been reactive recently. They can be found approximately 30 cm and 50 cm below the surface, respectively. These layers may be worth investigating on a safe, representative adjacent slope if you are considering riding in aggressive terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow is settling and still showing very little wind effect below 2300m. Sun crust buried 7 to 10cm on solar aspects. Buried wind slabs are still found in alpine and treeline areas, but have been unreactive to stability tests. Snowpack at lower elevations is very weak and facetted, with numerous whumpfs experienced today.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most recent storm impacted the region on Friday Feb. 19th with totals in the north averaging around 70 cm, while the south picked up about 20cm.  The storm snow has settled out for the most part, and now wind slabs are the main problem.  Winds were previously out of the NW, W &amp; SW, and there were even moderate localized winds out of the SE on Monday.  As a result, wind exposed slopes in both the treeline and alpine elevation bands feature a wide variety of wind slabs.  These slabs have grown less reactive over the last few days, but I suspect you could still find a skier triggerable slab near ridge crest. Cornices that now loom over many features may become weak with continued growth and/or daytime warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm on Friday the 19th left between 20 - 60 cm in it's wake with the Northern portion of the region receiving the most snow along with a significant amount of wind that created large deep hard slabs.  Most of the precip from the last storm fell as rain below 1200m or so which resulted in a crust below treeline.  The region received another 20 cm or so Monday along with some moderate winds from both the west and possibly even east which created soft slabs that were sensitive to skier triggering on Monday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a variety of old interfaces now down 40 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar.  There is very limited information about the nature of this interface. I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively small pockets of wind slab which exist at higher elevations are expected to be mostly unreactive. but may be triggered by skiers in isolated pieces of terrain near ridge crest. In shaded areas at treeline and below the new snow may overlie surface hoar which is reported to be reactive in the Meager Group (upper Lillooet). Several crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects; however, reports indicate these interfaces have settled out fairly rapidly in most areas. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall in the Duffey Lakes area and up on the Coquihala has been redistributed into wind slabs at higher elevations.? On shaded slopes the recent snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 12th. On solar aspects and at lower elevations a melt freeze crust is likely to exist.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this there are a few buried interfaces which include crusts, facets and surface hoar.? These interfaces are gaining strength but it's worth digging down and testing these layers before committing to a steep line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm low density new snow sits on a well consolidated snowpack containing several buried crusts. Some wind deposits have been reported at treeline on west aspects. Overall, the snowpack is deep and strong with no notable weaknesses at this time. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few cm of light powder snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. Winds have been generally light, but locally gusty winds may have loaded or cross-loaded exposed slopes on a potentially weak interface. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 25 cm or so, and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. This is the layer to watch as we get more snow. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Southeastern parts of the region saw 30-40cm new snow in the last storm, while western areas saw just a trace. This new snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. Wind slabs are extensive in exposed areas and cornices are reported to be well developed. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 20 cm or so, where it hasn't been blown away by the wind and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</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">10-20 cm of recent snow (more like 30 cm in Kokanee Glacier Park) overlies a layer of surface hoar buried around Feb 12. This burial depth is still shallow, and for the most part the snow above is still light. However, there may be isolated slopes where the wind has blown the new snow into wind-stiffened deposits sufficiently deep to create a potentially harmful slide. Additionally, the well-developed crystals associated with this weak layer indicate it is likely to stay with us for a while and present bigger problems as it becomes more deeply buried. Two previous buried surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers 30 and 50 cm below the surface (Feb 4th and Jan 23, respectively) are still being tracked by professionals but have not been reactive recently. These layers may be worth investigating on a safe, representative adjacent slope if you are considering riding in aggressive terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable amounts of low density snow add to the recent storm slab that is between 20-50 cms across the region. These light accumulations may overlie wind slabs which formed a few days ago in the alpine and at treeline. The recent storm slab is expected to remain reactive where it is sitting on the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on February 12th. The recent storm slab has also been reactive on Southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8th-11th. Warming from solar radiation or future loading on the recent storm may cause another cycle of natural activity, or an increased sensitivity to human triggers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are older weak layers that are now buried down around 60-80 cms and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been unlikely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Very light amounts of low density snow add to the recently developed storm slab that is between 15-60 cms across the region. The recent storm slab is expected to remain reactive where it is sitting on the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on February 12th. The recent storm slab has also been reactive on Southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8th-11th. Solar radiation or future loading may cause another cycle of natural activity, or an increased sensitivity to human triggers. There are older weak layers that are now buried down around 70-80 cms, and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been less likely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</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">Variable amounts of new snow continue to add to the recent storm slab which sits above the February 12</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> weak surface hoar layer and a sun crust on solar aspects. This layer is now buried down about 30-70 cms depending on where you are in the region. New wind slabs developed at treeline and above due to the new snow and wind during the storm. These soft new wind slabs (hard slabs in some areas) are reported to be reactive and may be hiding stiffer wind slabs that are a couple of days older. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied to snow profile tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the loads associated with recreationalists, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion, or a cornice fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mostly light amounts of low-density snow are adding to the recently developed storm slab that is between 20-60 cms across the region. These light accumulations may overlie wind slabs which formed a few days ago in the alpine and treeline. The storm slab is expected to remain reactive where it is sitting on the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on February 12th. The recent storm slab has also been reactive on Southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8th-11th. Solar warming or future loading on the recent storm may cause another cycle of natural activity, or an increased sensitivity to human triggers. There are older weak layers that are now buried down around 70-80 cms and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been unlikely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another day with limited winds.  A moderate sheer persists at the storm snow interface down 20-30cm throughout the region and a second sheer persists down 60cm beneath a previous windslab.  There was some moist snow on solar aspects later in the day on Wednesday. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of surface hoar and a sun crust are now buried by a few cm's of new snow. Below this the recent storm snow has settled and gained strength over the past couple days. Pockets of wind slab have formed on a variety of aspects in exposed terrain near ridge crests, and may be susceptible to triggering in steep terrain. Cornices that now loom over many features may become weak with continued growth and/or daytime warming. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The previous storm snow seems to have settled and strengthened over the past couple days. Wind slabs have formed in exposed terrain in lee of ridges, in gullies, and behind terrain features. These wind slabs have not been reactive to skier triggers, even in steep unsupported terrain. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 40 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. There is very limited information about the nature of this interface. I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers before committing to larger and steeper slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable amounts of new snow continue to add to the recent storm slab which sits above the February 12</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> weak surface hoar layer and a sun crust on solar aspects. This layer is now buried down about 30-60 cm deep depending on where you are in the region. New wind slabs developed at treeline and above due to the new snow and wind during the storm. These soft new wind slabs (hard slabs in some areas) are reported to be reactive and may be hiding stiffer wind slabs that are a couple of days older. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion, or a cornice fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mostly light amounts of low-density snow are adding to the recently developed storm slab that is between 20-60 cm across the region. These light accumulations may overlie wind slabs which formed a few days ago in the alpine and treeline. The storm slab is expected to remain reactive where it is sitting on the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on February 12th. The recent storm slab has also been reactive on Southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8th-11th. Future loading on the recent storm may cause another cycle of natural activity, or an increased sensitivity to human triggers. There are older weak layers that are now buried down around 70-80 cm and also at about 110 cm. These layers have been unlikely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable amounts of low density snow add to the recent storm slab that is between 20-50 cms across the region. These light accumulations may overlie wind slabs which formed a few days ago in the alpine and at treeline. The recent storm slab is expected to remain reactive where it is sitting on the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on February 12th. The recent storm slab has also been reactive on Southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8th-11th. Future loading on the recent storm may cause another cycle of natural activity, or an increased sensitivity to human triggers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are older weak layers that are now buried down around 60-80 cms and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been unlikely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dribs and drabs of snowfall in the Duffey Lake area and up on the Coquihalla have been redistributed into wind slabs at higher elevations. On shaded slopes the recent snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 12th. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden planar fracture characteristics at this interface. This interface may be the one to watch with additional loading forecast for Friday. On solar aspects and at lower elevations a melt freeze crust is likely to exist.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this there are a few buried interfaces which include crusts, facets and surface hoar. These interfaces are gaining strength but it's worth digging down and testing these layers before committing to a steep line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Wednesday very light snowfall covered reportedly widespread surface hoar. Relatively small pockets of wind slab which exist at higher elevations are expected to be mostly unreactive. but may be triggered by skiers in isolated pieces of terrain near ridge crest. Several crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects; however, reports indicate these interfaces have settled out fairly rapidly in most areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Very light amounts of low density snow add to the recently developed storm slab that is between 15-60 cms across the region. The recent storm slab is expected to remain reactive where it is sitting on the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on February 12th. The recent storm slab has also been reactive on Southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8th-11th. Future loading may cause another cycle of natural activity, or an increased sensitivity to human triggers. There are older weak layers that are now buried down around 70-80 cms and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been less likely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</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">15-20 cm new snow sits on a well consolidated snowpack containing several buried crusts. Some wind deposits have been reported at treeline on west aspects. Overall, the snowpack is deep and mid and lower snowpack layers are strong and well bonded. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 30 cm light powder snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. Winds have been generally light, but locally gusty winds may have loaded or cross-loaded exposed slopes on a potentially weak interface. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 30 cm or so. This is the layer to watch as we get more snow. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Southeastern parts of the region have seen 30-50cm new snow in the last few days, while western areas have seen more like 10-20 cm. Mostly this snow has been light and overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. There may be localized areas where the wind has blown the new snow into isolated wind slabs in exposed areas. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 35 cm or so, but has not been widely reported from this region. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</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">10-25 cm of recent snow overlies a pair of surface hoar layers buried mid February (Feb 12th and Feb 16th). The burial depth of these layers is still shallow, and for the most part the snow above is still light. However, there may be isolated slopes where the wind has blown the new snow into wind-stiffened deposits sufficiently deep to create a potentially harmful slide. Additionally, the well-developed crystals associated with these interfaces indicate they may stay with us for a while and present bigger problems as they become more deeply buried. Two previous buried surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers approximately 30 and 50 cm below the surface (Feb 4th and Jan 23, respectively) are still being tracked by professionals but have not been reactive recently. These layers may be worth investigating on a safe, representative adjacent slope if you are considering riding in aggressive terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Field teams in the Aster lake area report light snowfalls throughout the day with moderate SW winds.  Storm slabs up to 30cm thick are beginning to build in open alpine terrain with the recent winds.  No reports of cracking or whumnpfing but forecasters were reporting the snowpack starting to feel &quot;Cakey&quot;.  These new slabs are overlying a variety of previous snow surfaces from hard slabs, sastrugi and or gravel.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mostly light amounts of low-density snow are adding to the recently developed storm slab that is between 20-60 cm across the region. These light accumulations may overlie wind slabs which formed a few days ago in the alpine and treeline. The storm slab is expected to become increasingly reactive where it is sitting on the weak surface hoar layer that was buried on February 12th. Snowpack tests are giving consistent easy to moderate &quot;pops&quot; shears on this layer, and showing good potential for propagation. The recent storm slab has also been reactive on Southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8th-11th. Future loading on the recent storm may cause another cycle of natural activity, or an increased sensitivity to human triggers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are several older weak layers that are now buried down around 70-80 cm and at about 110 cm. These layers have been unlikely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs are likely in exposed north through east facing terrain at and above treeline. Variable amounts of new snow continue to add to the recent storm slab which sits above the February 12</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> weak surface hoar layer and a sun crust on solar aspects. This layer is now buried down about 30-60 cm deep depending on where you are in the region. Recent snowpack tests have shown easy to moderate &quot;pops&quot; results in this interface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion (step-down avalanche), or a cornice fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of new snow overlays a crust, old wind slab, or surface hoar depending on aspect and elevation. Pockets of new wind slab are likely in lee or ridges and terrain features and in cross-loaded gullies. Below this the recent storm snow has settled and gained strength over the past couple days. Cornices that now loom over many features may become weak with continued growth and/or daytime warming. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs have formed in exposed lee (N-E aspects) terrain and cross-loaded gullies. The previous storm snow seems to have settled and strengthened over the past couple days. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 40 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. There is very limited information about the nature of this interface. I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers before committing to larger and steeper slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 25 and 55cm of snow is sitting on the reactive surface hoar layer that was buried on February 12th. This interface has also shown reactivity on Southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8th-11th. Buried wind slabs may also exist below ridge crests at higher elevations; but have most likely gained some strength. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are older weak layers that are now buried down around 60-80 cms and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been unlikely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Loading from significant wind and snowfall forecast for Friday will very likely create potent storm slab instabilities as well as increased reactivity on the February 12th interface. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dribs and drabs of recent low density snow add to a slab which overlies reactive layers of surface hoar that were buried on February 12th and February 15th. These layers currently sit between 15 and 60cm below the surface. The slab may also be reactive on southerly aspects where buried sun crusts exist. Loading from new snow and wind on Friday may cause another cycle of natural activity, or an increased sensitivity to human triggers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are older weak layers that are now buried down around 70-80 cms and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been less likely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There have been a few reports of fairly widespread surface hoar that was buried on February 20th. Since then relatively light accumulations have covered the surface hoar with calm winds leaving the weak crystals well preserved. This interface may be the thing to watch as it becomes further buried by heavy accumulations on Friday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several crusts can be found in the snowpack, especially on solar aspects; however, reports indicate these interfaces have settled out fairly rapidly in most areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively light amounts of new snow have been redistributed into wind slabs in exposed areas at treeline and above and may overlie small surface hoar buried on February 20th.. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On shaded slopes up to 25cm of snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 12th. Most reports of this layer are coming from the Duffey Lake area. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden planar fracture characteristics at this interface. On solar aspects and at lower elevations light accumulations overlie a melt freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-40 cm new snow overlies a buried crust. The interface is reported to be touchy. The crust exists on both southern and northern quadrants (there are technical differences in the formation of these layers, but they are behaving in a similar manner). Avalanche activity has been already been observed on this layer and the potential size of avalanches is likely to increase through Friday as the storm progresse. Expect intense wind transport near ridgelines. Instabilities are focussed on the upper layers of the snowpack, down as far as the upper crust. Mid and lower snowpack layers are strong and well bonded. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-25 cm of recent snow overlies a pair of surface hoar layers buried mid February (Feb 12th and Feb 16th). The burial depth of these layers is still shallow, and for the most part the snow above is still light. However, there may be isolated slopes where the wind has blown the new snow into wind-stiffened deposits sufficiently deep to create a potentially harmful slide. Additionally, the well-developed crystals associated with these interfaces indicate they may stay with us for a while and present bigger problems as they become more deeply buried. Two previous buried surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers approximately 30 and 50 cm below the surface (Feb 4th and Jan 23, respectively) are still being tracked by professionals but have not been reactive recently. These layers may be worth investigating on a safe, representative adjacent slope if you are considering riding in aggressive terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 40 cm low density new snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. Winds have been generally light, but locally gusty winds may have loaded or cross-loaded exposed slopes on a potentially weak interface. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 40 cm or so. This is the layer to watch as we get more snow. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Southeastern parts of the region have seen 30-60cm new snow in the last few days, while western areas have seen more like 10-20 cm. Mostly this snow has been light and overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. There may be localized areas where the wind has blown the new snow into isolated wind slabs in exposed areas. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 35 cm or so, but has not been widely reported from this region. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</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"> 5cm new snow overnight in the core areas of the forecast area with strong westerly winds.  Touchy slabs building in Alpine terrain and in steep unsupported area at treeline.  Watch for pockets of unstable snow along ridge crests, along moraines, and in gullied terrain features, especially along lee aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By late Friday morning there was already up to 30 cm of new snow on the ground. This new snow was accompanied by strong west-southwest winds forming weak wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-80 cm and is primed for triggering. Recent snowpack tests have shown easy to moderate &quot;pops&quot; results on this interface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion (step-down avalanche), or a cornice fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By late Friday morning there was already up to 35 cm of new snow on the ground. This new snow was accompanied by strong west-southwest winds forming weak wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-90 cm and is primed for triggering. Snowpack tests are giving consistent easy to moderate &quot;pops&quot; shears on this layer, and showing good potential for propagation. On southerly aspects the sun crust has been reactive to triggers as well. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a couple older weak layers that are now buried down around 90 cm and at about 120 cm. These layers have been unlikely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion (step down avalanche) or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of new snow had fallen by Friday morning, accompanied by strong southwest winds. Deep and dense wind slabs have formed in exposed lee terrain. This new snow fell on a crust, old wind slab, and/or surface hoar depending on aspect and elevation, and may not bond well initially. Cornices that now loom over many features may become weak with continued growth and/or daytime warming. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of new snow has fallen in the past 24 hours. This new snow was accompanied by strong southwest winds forming wind slabs in exposed terrain in lee of ridges, in gullies, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 40 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. There is very limited information about the nature of this interface. I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers before committing to larger and steeper slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the time of writing, 10-30 cm of snow overlies weak interfaces buried in mid-February (mainly surface hoar/ sun crust layers). By Saturday morning, there may be a deeper storm slab above these interfaces, with the potential for wide propagations and surprisingly large avalanches. Where winds have shifted the snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks, the size and likelihood of avalanches will be greatest. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">I feel that the snowpack is approaching a tipping point in this region, and may follow the pattern observed further north last week (numerous skier-triggered avalanches, including a few surprising remote-triggers on the mid-Feb weaknesses). Exactly when and where a cohesive storm slab will develop will vary locally according to the distribution of buried weaknesses and the amount of snowfall and wind.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Older snowpack weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack (Feb 4th and Jan 23 surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers) are still being tracked by professionals but have not been reactive recently. The lower snowpack is generally well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy amounts of new snow and strong winds have created deep and potentially destructive storm slabs. Underneath the new snow, you may find surface hoar that was buried on February 20th.  Field reports suggest that it is reactive in the Garibladi South area. Where it exists, surface hoar will likely prolong the reactivity of the newly developed slab, so it's very possible that the new snow will take some time to stabilize. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to heavy snowfall has been redistributed into potent wind slabs at treeline and above and may overlie small surface hoar buried on February 20th. Where it exists, the surface hoar will surely prolong the reactivity of the new storm slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On shaded slopes up to 45cm of snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 12th. Most reports of this layer are coming from the Duffey Lake area where recent snowpack tests have shown sudden planar fracture characteristics at this interface. On solar aspects and at lower elevations recent accumulations overlie a melt freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rapid loading by snow and wind overstressed the snowpack on Friday, causing failures on a crust buried beneath the new snow. This recent snow will take some time to settle and bond, and ongoing winds are expected to continue to build wind slabs at ridge top. If the sun comes out on Saturday, new snow may shed, causing another burst of natural avalanche activity. The lower snowpack is generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Saturday morning, I expect there might be up to 70 cm accumulated recent snow. Snowfall started light and dry this week, and may be easily shifted onto lee slopes by strong W to NW winds. New storm slabs, cornices and wind slabs are likely. Mostly this snow overlies loose dry surfaces, old wind slabs below ridge crests, and sun crusts on solar aspects. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the upper snowpack, but it has not been widely reported from this region. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to locally heavy snowfall and wind have created potent new storm slabs which are most reactive in wind-exposed terrain. These new accumulations are adding to the 25 to 55cm of snow which overlie the weak surface hoar layer which was buried on February 12th. The additional weight of the new snow and wind affect is expected to add reactivity to this persistent weakness which remains a primary concern for professionals in the region. This interface has also shown reactivity on south aspects where a sun crust also exists. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are older weak layers (surface hoar, crusts on solar aspects, facets) that are now buried down around 60-80 cms and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been unlikely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A touchy loose dry and soft slab avalanche problem began on Thursday and was increased by rapid snow loading on Friday. Winds have created new cornices and wind slabs on downwind terrain features. Initial reports suggest a poor bond to old snow surfaces.  A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the upper snowpack. This layer appears to be isolated in its distribution. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Very light to locally moderate amounts of new snow have fallen and may exist as a wind slab in exposed areas. These new accumulations add to a slab which overlies reactive layers of surface hoar that were buried on February 12th and February 15th. These layers currently sit between 15 and 60cm below the surface. The slab may also be reactive on southerly aspects where buried sun crusts exist. Loading from new snow and wind throughout the weekend may cause another cycle of natural activity, or an increased sensitivity to human triggers in deeper snowpack areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are older weak layers that are now buried down around 70-80 cms and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been less likely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 15 cm of new snow has come in a series of weak storms in the last 48hrs. Strong winds accompanied the snow. There are windslabs building at TL &amp; ALP, on all N to E asp. These new slabs are the latest in a series of slab building events. There are now up to 4 different slabs lurking beneath the surface. These sit on the hardslab that was created weeks ago. This layer is the one we are watching closely. Cornices have been growing lately.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 100 cm of storm snow has fallen over the past few days. The new snow was reported to be dry and low density with no notable weaknesses. Deep and dense wind slabs have likely formed in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gullies. This new snow fell on a crust, old wind slab, and/or surface hoar depending on aspect and elevation. Most areas are reporting that the snow has bonded well to the underlying melt-freeze crust. Cornices that now loom over many features may become weak with continued growth and/or daytime warming. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30 cm of new snow has fallen in the past couple days. This new snow was accompanied by strong southwest winds forming wind slabs in exposed terrain in lee of ridges, in gullies, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 40 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. There is very limited information about the nature of this interface. I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers before committing to larger and steeper slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of new snow has fallen in the past 2 days. Strong west-southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-80 cm and is primed for triggering. Recent snowpack tests have shown easy to moderate &quot;pops&quot; results on this interface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion (step-down avalanche), or a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of storm snow has fallen in the past couple days and has rapidly settled into a slab. The new snow has been affected by moderate or strong west-southwest winds forming wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-90 cm and is primed for triggering. Snowpack tests are giving consistent easy to moderate &quot;pops&quot; shears on this layer, and showing good potential for propagation. On southerly aspects the sun crust has been reactive to triggers as well. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a couple older weak layers that are now buried down around 90 cm and at about 120 cm. These layers are less likely to be triggered by riders, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion (step down avalanche) or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy amounts of new snow and strong winds have created deep and potentially destructive storm slabs. Underneath the new snow, you may find surface hoar that was buried on February 20th. Field reports suggest that it is reactive in the Garibladi South area. Where it exists, surface hoar will likely prolong the reactivity of the newly developed slab, so it's very possible that the new snow will take some time to stabilize. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rapid loading by snow (75cm) and wind overstressed the snowpack on Friday, causing failures on a crust buried beneath the new snow. Rainfall towards the end of the storm, followed by cooling, caused the formation of a rain crust which has gone a long way to help stabilize the recent storm slab. However, there may be areas where the bridging strength of this crust is not adequate to prevent further triggering (especially as you move higher in elevation). Wind slabs may exist near ridge top. The lower snowpack is generally well settled. Expect new storm slabs to develop with the next frontal system by Monday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50cm of new snow and wind have created potent new storm slabs which are likely to be most reactive in wind-exposed terrain. These heavy accumulations add to the 25 to 55cm of snow which overlie the weak surface hoar layer which was buried on February 12th. The additional weight of the new snow and wind affect is expected to add reactivity to this persistent weakness which remains a primary concern for professionals in the region. This interface has also shown reactivity on southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8th-11th. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are older weak layers (surface hoar, crusts on solar aspects, facets) that are now buried down around 60-80 cms and also at about 110 cms. These layers have been unlikely to trigger by skiers, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</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">Moderate to heavy snowfall has been redistributed into potent wind slabs at treeline and above and may overlie small surface hoar buried on February 20th. Where it exists, the surface hoar will likely prolong the reactivity of the new storm slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On shaded slopes up to 50cm of snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 12th. Most reports of this layer are coming from the Duffey Lake area where recent snowpack tests have shown sudden planar fracture characteristics at this interface. On solar aspects and at lower elevations recent accumulations overlie a melt freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light to locally heavy amounts of new snow have fallen. The new snow has been redistributed into deeper wind slabs by locally strong winds, particularly on the west side of the region where accumulations have been highest. These new accumulations are adding load to the weak February 12th and 15th surface hoar layers which now exist up to 80cm below the surface. The slab may also be reactive on southerly aspects where buried sun crusts exist. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried on February 23 is still on the radar of some operators. This layer has been less likely to trigger by skiers, but may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A touchy loose dry and soft slab avalanche problem began on Thursday and was increased by rapid snow loading on Friday. Winds have created fragile new cornices and wind slabs on downwind terrain features. Recent snow overlies various surfaces including loose dry snow, a sun crust and isolated surface hoar on some sheltered north aspects. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of snow which fell on Friday added to recent snowfall above old surfaces including loose dry snow, old wind slabs and sun crusts. This recent snow (up to 50 cm total) has been shifted onto lee slopes by strong SW to NW winds. New storm slabs, cornices and wind slabs are likely. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 55 cm snow now overlies weak interfaces buried in mid-February (mainly surface hoar/ sun crust layers). The storm slab above these interfaces has the potential for wide propagations and surprisingly large avalanches, especially where winds have shifted the snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Older snowpack weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack (Feb 4th and Jan 23 surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers) are still being tracked by professionals. There is the potential for triggering one of these deeper layers with a large trigger like an avalanche in motion, or from a thin-spot trigger point. The lower snowpack is generally well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft slabs are prominent at treeline and are increasing in stiffness, indicating a higher likelihood of human triggering. In the alpine hard slabs are widespread with pockets of soft slab in lee and cross-loaded gully features. Extensive wind transport was occurring at upper altitudes due to strong SW winds. Snowpack tests today at treeline indicate a weakness down 35cm that failed in the easy range. Another shear also appeared down 80cm, but this was in the hard range. Below 2100m the snowpack is very weak and facetted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-80 cm of storm snow has fallen in the past few days and has rapidly settled into a slab in most areas. The new snow has been affected by moderate or strong west-southwest winds forming wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-100 cm. Snowpack tests are generally giving moderate &quot;pops&quot; shears on this layer, and showing good potential for propagation. On southerly aspects the sun crust has been reactive to triggers as well. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a couple older weak layers that are now buried down around 90 cm and at about 120 cm. These layers are less likely to be triggered by riders, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion (step down avalanche) or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60 cm of storm snow has fallen in the past week. This new snow was accompanied by strong southwest winds forming touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in lee of ridges, in gullies, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. There is very limited information about the nature of these layers. I would stress the importance of digging down to find and test weak layers before committing to larger and steeper slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow compared to averages; triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-70 cm of new snow has fallen in the past few days. Strong west-southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-80 cm and is primed for triggering. Recent snowpack tests have shown easy to moderate &quot;pops&quot; results on this interface and has been particularly touchy on south aspects where a sun crust exists. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion (step-down avalanche), or a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow continues to pile up with another 25-40 cm overnight. This brings the total storm snow amounts from the past week to well over 1 m. Mild temperatures have promoted rapid settlement of the storm snow. This new snow fell on a crust, old wind slab, and/or surface hoar depending on aspect and elevation. One recent snowpack test near Shames resulted in a hard &quot;pops&quot; shear on the buried surface hoar, down around 60 cm at the time. Most areas are reporting that the snow has bonded well to the underlying melt-freeze crust. Cornices that now loom over many features may become weak with continued growth and/or daytime warming. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds have created fragile new cornices and wind slabs on lee terrain features at alpine and treeline elevations. About 35 cm recent snow overlies various surfaces including loose dry snow, a sun crust and isolated surface hoar. By Sunday, storm snow weaknesses were reported to be showing improved bonding. Forecast snow and wind may build new storm/wind slabs. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Friday light to locally heavy amounts of snow fell. The new snow was distributed into deeper wind slabs by locally strong winds, particularly on the west side of the region where accumulations have been highest. These new accumulations are adding load to the variably reactive February 12th and 15th surface hoar layers which now exist up to 80cm below the surface. The slab may also be reactive on southerly aspects where buried sun crusts exist. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried on February 23 is still on the radar of some operators. This layer has been less likely to trigger by skiers, but may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of snow which fell on Friday added to recent snowfall above old surfaces including loose dry snow, old wind slabs and sun crusts. This recent snow has been shifted onto lee slopes by strong SW to NW winds. New storm slabs, cornices and wind slabs are likely. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy amounts of recent snow and strong winds have created deep and potentially destructive storm slabs. Underneath the new snow, you may find surface hoar that was buried on February 20th. Field reports suggest that it is reactive in many areas throughout the region, particularly at treeline and sheltered alpine terrain where broad shooting cracks were observed. Where it exists, surface hoar will certainly prolong the reactivity and destructive potential of the newly developed slab. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current weather will likely be forming new cornices. Expect cornices to be large and unstable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate snowfall in the north and locally heavy snowfall on the Coquihalla has been redistributed into wind slabs at treeline and above and may overlie weak surface hoar buried on February 20th. Where it exists, the surface hoar will likely prolong the reactivity of the recently developed storm slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On shaded slopes up to 50cm of snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 12th. Most reports of this layer are coming from the Duffey Lake area where observations include whumfing and easy, sudden planar test results. On solar aspects and at lower elevations recent accumulations overlie a melt freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In much of the region, up to 55 cm recent snow overlies weak interfaces buried in mid-February (mainly surface hoar/ sun crust layers). The storm slab above these interfaces has the potential for wide propagations and surprisingly large avalanches, especially where winds have shifted the snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks. A thin freezing rain/rime crust formed on Friday, which is now buried by about 15 cm snow. Snow forecast overnight Sunday and on Monday will add to these storm slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the Rossland Range, surface hoar which was buried mid-week is 20-30 cm down and exhibits easy, sudden results in snowpack tests. As more snow builds over this layer, it could become touchy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Older snowpack weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack (Feb 4th and Jan 23 surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers) are still being tracked by professionals. There is some potential for triggering one of these deeper layers with a large trigger like an avalanche in motion, or from a thin-spot trigger point. The lower snowpack is generally well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New storm slabs are expected to develop with heavy snow and wind overnight Sunday/Monday. These will overlie two buried crusts. The upper one is thin, and formed towards the end of Friday’s storm. The lower one is a thicker, well-established old surface, which was the failure layer for many large avalanches on Friday. There is the possibility of avalanches failing on either of these crusts, but it’s much more likely on the upper crust. In areas which did not already avalanche on Friday (probably very isolated locations), the accumulated load from Friday’s storm and tonight’s storm will create a very deep slab above the lower crust. The lower snowpack is generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 60cm of recent snow and wind created potent new storm slabs which seem to be most reactive in wind-exposed terrain. These heavy accumulations add to the 30 to 60cm of snow which overlie the weak surface hoar layer which was buried on February 12th. The additional weight of the new snow and wind affect is expected to add reactivity to this persistent weakness which remains a primary concern for professionals in the region. This interface has also shown reactivity on southerly aspects where a sun crust formed during the period from February 8th-11th. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid to lower snowpack are generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">I would expect significant cornice growth with the current weather pattern, and expect them to be weak and potentially destructive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some redistribution of loose snow in all elevation zones with fresh slabs continuing to develop on lee aspects</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A new sun crust has formed on steeper solar aspects. In shady areas there is 40-60 cm of well settled storm snow. Strong southwest winds formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in lee of ridges, in gullies, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. Recent observations indicate that these weaknesses have bonded fairly well now, but I still suggest digging and testing the snowpack to confirm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow in northern and eastern parts of the region. Triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mild temperatures have promoted rapid settlement of the recent storm snow. Strong southwest winds also created deep and weak wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gully features. This new snow fell on a crust, old wind slab, and/or surface hoar depending on aspect and elevation. One recent snowpack test near Shames resulted in a hard &quot;pops&quot; shear on the buried surface hoar, down around 60 cm at the time. Most areas are reporting that the snow has bonded well to the underlying melt-freeze crust. Cornices that now loom over many features may become weak with continued growth and/or daytime warming. The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. The exception seems to be the Bear Pass area where basal facets are still reported. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-90 cm of new snow has fallen in the past few days. Strong west-southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-90 cm and is primed for triggering. Recent snowpack tests have shown easy to moderate &quot;pops&quot; results on this interface and has been particularly touchy on south aspects where a sun crust exists. Widespread whumpfing has also been reported. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion (step-down avalanche), or a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-100 cm of storm snow has fallen in the past week and has rapidly settled into a slab in most areas. The new snow has been affected by moderate or strong west-southwest winds forming wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-100 cm. Snowpack tests are generally giving moderate &quot;pops&quot; shears on this layer, and showing good potential for propagation. On southerly aspects the sun crust has been reactive to triggers as well. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a couple older weak layers that are now buried down around 90 cm and at about 120 cm. These layers are less likely to be triggered by riders, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion (step down avalanche) or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New storm slabs are expected to develop with heavy snow and wind into Monday. These will overlie two buried crusts. The upper one is 1-2 cm thick and formed towards the end of Friday's storm. The lower one is a thicker, well-established old surface, which was the failure layer for many large avalanches on Friday. There is the possibility of avalanches failing on either of these crusts, but it is much more likely on the upper crust. In areas which did not already avalanche on Friday (probably very isolated locations), the accumulated load from the storm on Friday storm and on Sunday will create a very deep slab above the lower crust. The lower snowpack is generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In much of the region, up to 65 cm recent snow overlies weak interfaces buried in mid-February (mainly surface hoar/ sun crust layers). The storm slab above these interfaces has the potential for wide propagations and surprisingly large avalanches, especially where winds have shifted the snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks. A thin freezing rain/rime crust formed on Friday, which is now buried by about 15 cm snow. Snow forecast overnight Sunday and on Monday will add to these storm slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the Rossland Range, surface hoar which was buried mid-week is 20-30 cm down and exhibits easy, sudden results in snowpack tests. As more snow builds over this layer, it could become touchy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Older snowpack weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack (Feb 4th and Jan 23 surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers) are still being tracked by professionals. There is some potential for triggering one of these deeper layers with a large trigger like an avalanche in motion, or from a thin-spot trigger point. The lower snowpack is generally well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds have created fragile new cornices and wind slabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline. About 35 cm recent snow overlies various surfaces including loose dry snow, a sun crust and isolated surface hoar. By Sunday, storm snow weaknesses were reported to be showing improved bonding. Forecast snow and wind may build new storm/wind slabs. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of snow which fell on Friday added to recent snowfall above old surfaces including loose dry snow, old wind slabs and sun crusts. This recent snow has been shifted onto lee slopes by strong SW to NW winds. New storm slabs, cornices and wind slabs are likely. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to locally heavy snowfall on Sunday adds to ongoing potent storm instabilities which seem to be most reactive as a wind slab in exposed terrain or as loose snow in more sheltered areas. A weak surface hoar layer which was buried on February 12th now exists up to a metre below the surface in many places. The touchy and destructive nature of this persistent weakness remains a primary concern for professionals in the region. This interface has also shown reactivity on southerly aspects where a sun crust also exists. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid to lower snowpack are generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">I anticipate significant cornice growth with the current weather pattern, and expect them to be weak and potentially destructive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy amounts of recent snow and strong winds have created deep and destructive storm slabs. Underneath the new snow, you may find surface hoar that was buried on February 20th. Field reports suggest that it is reactive in many areas throughout the region, particularly at treeline and sheltered alpine terrain where broad shooting cracks have been observed. Where it exists, the buried surface hoar will certainly prolong the reactivity and destructive potential of the newly developed slab. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack layers are generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current weather will likely be forming new cornices. Expect cornices to be large and unstable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snow depths vary from around 400 cm in the south to around 180 cm in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light snowfall on the Duffey and heavy snowfall on the Coquihalla has been redistributed into wind slabs at treeline and above. The new snowfall puts weak surface hoar buried on February 20th up to 70cm below the surface. Where it exists, the surface hoar will likely prolong the reactivity of the recently developed storm slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On shaded slopes up to 60cm of snow may overlie surface hoar which was buried on February 12th. Most reports of this layer are coming from the Duffey Lake area where observations include whumfing and easy, sudden planar test results. On solar aspects and at lower elevations recent accumulations overlie a series of melt freeze crusts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack pack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light to locally moderate amounts of new snow have fallen adding to an ongoing storm snow instability, particularly on the west side of the region where accumulations have been highest. The new snow is most likely reactive as a wind slab  in exposed terrain or as loose snow in sheltered areas.  The variably reactive February 12th and 15th surface hoar layers now exist up to 80cm below the surface and seem most prevalent on the west side of the region. This interface may also be reactive on solar aspects where a sun crust exists. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried on February 23 is still on the radar of some operators. This layer has been less likely to trigger by skiers, but may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow from past few days slowly adding up with 10-15cm low density snow in sheltered areas.  Several test profiles done today with consistent results - CTM14-16 (PC) down @15+ cm on top of old windslabs and CTH24 (SP) down 30-35cm on Jan hardslab interface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to locally heavy snowfall on Sunday adds to ongoing potent storm instabilities which seem to be most reactive as a wind slab in exposed terrain or as loose snow in more sheltered areas. A weak surface hoar layer which was buried on February 12th now exists up to a metre below the surface in many places. The highly variable and destructive nature of this persistent weakness remains a primary concern for professionals in the region. This interface has also shown reactivity on southerly aspects where a sun crust also exists. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid to lower snowpack are generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">I anticipate significant cornice growth with the current weather pattern, and expect them to be weak and potentially destructive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A new sun crust has formed on steeper solar aspects that may be buried by light snow. In shady areas there is 40-60 cm of well settled storm snow. Strong southwest winds formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in lee of ridges, in gullies, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. Recent observations indicate that these weaknesses have bonded fairly well now, but I still suggest digging and testing the snowpack to confirm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow in northern and eastern parts of the region. Triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-70 cm of new snow has fallen in the past few days. Strong west-southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-80 cm and is primed for triggering. Recent snowpack tests have shown easy to moderate &quot;pops&quot; results on this interface and has been particularly touchy on south aspects where a sun crust exists. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion (step-down avalanche), or a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-100 cm of storm snow has fallen in the past week and has rapidly settled into a slab in most areas. The new snow has been affected by moderate or strong west-southwest winds forming wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-100 cm. Snowpack tests are generally giving moderate &quot;pops&quot; shears on this layer, and showing good potential for propagation. On southerly aspects the sun crust has been reactive to triggers as well. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a couple older weak layers that are now buried down around 90 cm and at about 120 cm. These layers are less likely to be triggered by riders, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion (step down avalanche) or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Continued new snow  and wind is keeping strom and wind slabs fresh and weak. These overlie two buried crusts. The upper crust is 1-2 cm thick and formed towards the end of last Friday's storm. The lower one is a thicker, well-established old surface, which was the failure layer for many large avalanches on Friday. There is the possibility of avalanches failing on either of these crusts, but it is much more likely on the upper crust, while any avalanches on the lower crust are expected to be significantly bigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar, facets, and/or crust buried early last week are now 60-100cm deep, depending on the area, and remain touchy. Fresh wind slabs, buried wind slabs, and recent storm snow weaknesses in the upper snowpack are highly reactive to human triggers and have the potential to step down to this persistent weakness, or deeper to another persistent weaknesses buried earlier in the month. Cornices are also large and unstable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light to locally moderate amounts of new snow have fallen adding to an ongoing storm snow instability, particularly on the west side of the region where accumulations have been highest. The new snow is most likely reactive as a wind slab  in exposed terrain or as loose snow in sheltered areas.  The variably reactive February 12th and 15th surface hoar layers now exist up to 80cm below the surface and seem most prevalent on the west side of the region. This interface may also be reactive on solar aspects where a sun crust exists. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried on February 23 is still on the radar of some operators. This layer has been less likely to trigger by skiers, but may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds have created fragile new cornices and wind slabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline. About 30 cm recent snow overlies various surfaces including loose dry snow, a sun crust and isolated surface hoar. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of snow which fell on Friday added to recent snowfall above old surfaces including loose dry snow, old wind slabs and sun crusts. This recent snow has been shifted onto lee slopes by strong SW to NW winds. New storm slabs, cornices and wind slabs are likely. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In much of the region, up to 65 cm recent snow overlies weak interfaces buried in mid-February (mainly surface hoar/ sun crust layers). The storm slab above these interfaces has the potential for wide propagations and surprisingly large avalanches, especially where winds have shifted the snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks. A thin freezing rain/rime crust formed on Friday, which is now buried by about 15-30cm snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the Rossland Range, surface hoar which was buried mid-week is 20-30 cm down and exhibits easy, sudden results in snowpack tests. As more snow builds over this layer, it could become touchy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Older snowpack weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack (Feb 4th and Jan 23 surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers) are still being tracked by professionals. There is some potential for triggering one of these deeper layers with a large trigger like an avalanche in motion, or from a thin-spot trigger point. The lower snowpack is generally well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light snowfall on the Duffey and heavy snowfall on the Coquihalla has been redistributed into wind slabs at treeline and above. Surface hoar, facets, and/or crust buried early last week is now around 70cm deep, depending on the area, and remains particularly touchy at treeline. Fresh wind slabs, buried wind slabs, and recent storm snow weaknesses within the top metre are highly reactive to human triggers and have the potential to step down to this persistent weakness, or deeper to another persistent weaknesses buried earlier in the month. Cornices are also large and unstable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is adding to the recent settled storm snow overlying a crust, old wind slab, and/or surface hoar depending on location, aspect and elevation. Last week a snowpack test in the Shames Valley resulted in a sudden planar shear on the buried surface hoar, down around 60 cm at the time. Most areas are reporting that the snow has bonded well to the underlying crust. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong. The exception seems to be shallow snowpack areas where basal facets are are a concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Soft slabs are prominent in lee and cross-loaded features at 2300m and above, and remain sensitive to human triggering in steep and unsupported features. In high alpine areas hard slabs are also prevalent. Buried wind slabs formed in late January are found 20 to 50cm deep in the alpine and high treeline areas and are still possible to trigger especially in shallow snowpack regions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds have created fragile new cornices and wind slabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline. About 30 cm recent new snow overlies various surfaces including loose dry snow, a sun crust and isolated surface hoar. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent new snow has been redistributed by the wind and is possibly reactive as a wind slab in exposed terrain or as loose snow in sheltered areas. The variably reactive February 12th and 15th surface hoar layers now exist up to 80cm below the surface and seem most prevalent on the west side of the region. This interface may also be reactive on solar aspects where a sun crust exists. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried on February 23 is still on the radar of some operators. This layer has been less likely to trigger by skiers, but may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In much of the region, up to 65 cm recent snow overlies weak interfaces buried in mid-February (mainly surface hoar/ sun crust layers). The storm slab above these interfaces has the potential for wide propagations and surprisingly large avalanches, especially where winds have shifted the snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks. A thin freezing rain/rime crust formed on Friday, which is now buried by about 15-30cm snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the Rossland Range, surface hoar which was buried mid-week is 20-30 cm down and exhibits easy, sudden results in snowpack tests. As more snow builds over this layer, it could become touchy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Older snowpack weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack (Feb 4th and Jan 23 surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers) are still being tracked by professionals. There is some potential for triggering one of these deeper layers with a large trigger like an avalanche in motion, or from a thin-spot trigger point. The lower snowpack is generally well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around a metre of storm snow now sits on a highly reactive weak layer of surface hoar layer which was buried on February 12th.The highly variable and destructive nature of this persistent weakness remains a primary concern for professionals in the region. This interface has also shown reactivity on southerly aspects where a sun crust also exists. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid to lower snowpack layers are generally considered strong and well settled, but a significant period of loading and warming may have the potential to re-activate a more deeply buried layer within the snowpack. Recent and ongoing cornice growth with the current weather pattern is significant, and I expect them to be weak and potentially destructive with anticipated warm weather.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow sits above old surfaces including loose dry snow, old wind slabs and sun crusts. This recent snow has been shifted onto lee slopes by strong SW to NW winds. New storm slabs, cornices and wind slabs are likely. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A new sun crust has formed on steeper solar aspects. In shady areas there is 40-60 cm of well settled storm snow. Strong southwest winds formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in lee of ridges, in gullies, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. Recent observations indicate that these weaknesses have bonded fairly well now, but I still suggest digging and testing the snowpack to confirm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow in northern and eastern parts of the region. Triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-70 cm of new snow has fallen in the past few days. Strong west-southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-80 cm and is primed for triggering. Recent snowpack tests have shown easy to moderate &quot;pops&quot; results on this interface and has been particularly touchy on south aspects where a sun crust exists. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider, but they may be triggered by large loads like an avalanche in motion (step-down avalanche), or a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-100 cm of storm snow has fallen in the past week and has rapidly settled into a slab in most areas. The new snow has been affected by moderate or strong west-southwest winds forming wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-100 cm. Snowpack tests are generally giving moderate &quot;pops&quot; shears on this layer, and showing good potential for propagation. On southerly aspects the sun crust has been reactive to triggers as well. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a couple older weak layers that are now buried down around 90 cm and at about 120 cm. These layers are less likely to be triggered by riders, but they may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion (step down avalanche) or cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two crusts are buried in the upper snowpack. The upper one is about 90 cm down and exists on all aspects and at all elevations. Intense rainfall is expected to weaken the upper snowpack and possibly lubricate this crust (or the deeper crust), so that it acts as a sliding layer for large avalanches. The lower snowpack is generally strong and well bonded. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_BB12189E">Incoming snow and wind will add to existing storm slab and wind slab problems, making them deeper and more destructive. A touchy interface of buried s</span><span class="s_3FE45715">urface hoar, facets, and/or a crust, in the upper metre of the snowpack, is a key concern. It appears to be most touchy at treeline and above, but below treeline is not ruled out. It's been triggered on most slope aspects. Remote triggers and wide propagations have already demonstrated the touchiness of this interface. Avalanches triggered in storm snow layers may step down to this weakness, or a deeper interface buried earlier in the month. Cornices are also large and unstable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds created new wind slabs on a variety of slope aspects at treeline and above on Tuesday. Small surface hoar was also buried by 10-25 cm new snow. Further snowfall and wind will add to existing storm slab and wind slab problems. A rise in freezing level (aka rain) could rapidly weaken the snowpack below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Old wind slabs are now buried on slopes lee to previous SW winds. Deeper in the upper snowpack, a crust, hard slab, and/or surface hoar interface exists, depending on aspect and elevation. One recent snowpack test near Shames resulted in a hard &quot;pops&quot; shear on the buried surface hoar, down around 60 cm at the time. Large cornices loom as a threat: they could act as triggers for avalanches on slopes below. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. The exception seems to be the Bear Pass area where basal facets are still reported.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two very touchy weaknesses of surface hoar and/or a crust within the upper metre or so of the snowpack have already been responsible for a number of avalanche incidents. Add an intense storm, with heavy precipitation rates, warming and very strong winds, and we have a good recipe for widespread avalanche activity. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">HN 7cm at TL today. Moderate west winds have redistributed this storm snow making for variable amounts at ALP &amp; TL elevations. The infamous windslab layers sit below this. At TL there are a variety of these slabs sitting on the hardslab, now down 50. In ALP areas, the hardslab is closer to the surface, and still exposed in certain areas. Tests revealed a moderate shear down 25 at TL, however the results were inconsistent from area to area. BTL the snowpack has gained some strength and is now supportive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two crusts are buried in the upper snowpack. The upper one is 30-90 cm down (depending whether the slope recently avalanched or not) and exists on all aspects and at all elevations. Intense rainfall is expected to weaken the upper snowpack and possibly lubricate this crust, so that it acts as a sliding layer for avalanches. The lower snowpack is generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong SE to NE winds have created widespread new wind slabs at treeline and above. A layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust is buried down about 30-60 cm and has become reactive in areas with enough of a slab above. A deeper interface, now buried about 1 m or more deep, still has the potential for step-down triggering. It’s been observed in the Shames backcountry with hard “pops” results in snowpack tests. Large cornices loom as a threat, as they could act as triggers for avalanches on slopes below. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. The exception seems to be the Bear Pass area where basal facets are still reported.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A potentially volatile weakness of surface hoar and/or a crust exists within the upper metre or so of the snowpack. Add an intense storm, with heavy precipitation rates, warming and very strong winds, and we have a good recipe for widespread avalanche activity. The lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two very touchy weaknesses of surface hoar and/or a crust within the upper metre or so of the snowpack have already been responsible for a number of avalanche incidents. Add an intense storm, with heavy precipitation rates, warming and very strong winds, and we have a good recipe for widespread avalanche activity. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light to locally moderate amounts of new snow have fallen adding to an ongoing storm snow instability, particularly on the west side of the region where accumulations have been highest. The new snow is most likely reactive as a wind slab in exposed terrain or as loose snow in sheltered areas. The variably reactive February 12th and 15th surface hoar layers now exist up to 80cm below the surface and seem most prevalent on the west side of the region. This interface may also be reactive on solar aspects where a sun crust exists. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried on February 23 is still on the radar of some operators. This layer has been less likely to trigger by skiers, but may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In much of the region, up to 80 cm recent snow overlies weak interfaces buried in mid-February (mainly surface hoar/ sun crust layers). The storm slab above these interfaces has the potential for wide propagations and surprisingly large avalanches, especially where winds have shifted the snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks. A thin freezing rain/rime crust formed last Friday, which is now buried by about 20-40cm snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the Rossland Range, surface hoar which was buried mid-week is 20-35 cm down and exhibits easy, sudden results in snowpack tests. As more snow builds over this layer, it could become touchy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Older snowpack weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack (Feb 4th and Jan 23 surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers) are still being tracked by professionals. There is some potential for triggering one of these deeper layers with a large trigger like an avalanche in motion, or from a thin-spot trigger point. The lower snowpack is generally well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds have created fragile new cornices and wind slabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline. About 30 cm recent new snow overlies various surfaces including loose dry snow, a sun crust and isolated surface hoar. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In protected areas up to 30cm of the most recent low density new snow sits on the surface. This has been shifted onto lee slopes by strong west and southwest winds. New storm slabs, cornices and wind slabs are likely. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around a metre of storm snow now sits on a highly reactive weak layer of surface hoar layer (and/or a crust) which was buried on February 12th. Strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 layer is primed for triggering and has been reacting readily to both natural and human triggers on all aspects and a wide range of elevations. The effect of a large storm on the snowpack, particularly one accompanied by warm temperatures, wind and possibly rain, will be dramatic. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. In particular, in the Monashees, a rain crust buried at the end of January approximately 130 cm has been responsible for a couple of recent large, surprising avalanches. During the upcoming storm, the presence of deeper weak layer could further increase the potential size of avalanche events.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts are 30-40 cm in the west of the region and more like 10 cm in the east. Strong southwest winds have formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in the lee of ridges, gully side walls, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. Recent observations indicate that these weaknesses have bonded fairly well now, but I still suggest digging and testing the snowpack to confirm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow in northern and eastern parts of the region. Triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-100 cm recent storm snow forms the upper layer of the snowpack. Strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. A persistent weak layer from February 12 (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now buried between 60-120 cm. It is primed for triggering and has been reacting readily to both natural and human triggers on all aspects and a wide range of elevations. The effect of a large storm on the snowpack, particularly one accompanied by warm temperatures, wind and possibly rain, will be dramatic. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider, but they could potentially be triggered during the upcoming storm, further increasing the potential size of avalanche events.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-70 cm of recent storm snow forms the upper layer of the snowpack. Strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-80 cm. It is primed for triggering and has been reacting readily to both natural and human triggers on all aspects and a wide range of elevations. The effect of a large storm on the snowpack, particularly one accompanied by warm temperatures, wind and possibly rain, will be dramatic. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider, but they could potentially be triggered during the upcoming storm, further increasing the potential size of avalanche events.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Intense rainfall (over 70 mm in 24 hours) hit the North Shore mountains on Friday. Many operations were closed due to the inclement weather, so snowpack observations are limited. The rain probably weakened the snowpack. Two crusts are buried in the upper snowpack. The lower snowpack is generally well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two very touchy weaknesses of surface hoar and/or a crust within the upper snowpack have already been responsible for a number of avalanche incidents. Add an intense storm, with heavy precipitation rates, warming and very strong winds, and we have a good recipe for widespread avalanche activity. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Light precip throughout the day has left us with 10 cm's and counting. The new snow has come in warm so it appears to be bonding well below treeline. EXCEPT in areas that are beneath the freezing level. Rain has started at lower elevations and will not help the avalanche hazard. The new snow will be available for transport at upper TL and ALP elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Low density snow had high density snow or rain (depending on elevation) piled on top of it at rapid loading rates on Friday. Initial reports suggest a poor bond below the storm snow, but observations are very limited. A potentially volatile weakness of surface hoar and/or a crust exists within the upper snowpack. Add an intense storm, with heavy precipitation rates, warming and very strong winds, and we have a good recipe for widespread avalanche activity. The lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There’s now about 40-70 cm snow above a layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust. This recent snow has been redistributed by strong to extreme winds from variable directions into widespread wind slabs at treeline and above. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A deeper interface, buried on Feb 20, still may have the potential for step-down triggering. It’s been observed in the Shames backcountry. Large cornices also loom as a threat, as they could act as triggers for avalanches on slopes below. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. The exception seems to be northern regions, where basal facets are still reported.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate amounts of new snow has fallen adding to an ongoing storm snow instability, particularly on the west side of the region where accumulations have been highest. The variably reactive February 12th and 15th surface hoar layers now exist up to 80cm below the surface and seem most prevalent on the west side of the region. This interface may also be reactive on solar aspects where a sun crust exists. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried on February 23 is still on the radar of some operators. This layer has been less likely to trigger by skiers, but may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</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">Around 30 cm of new snow sits on a variety of older snow surfaces. These surfaces include dry snow, a sun crust and surface hoar located in isolated areas. Below 1700 m surface snow on East-South aspects has become moist.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds have created large fragile cornices and wind slabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 280 cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 30cm of storm snow has fallen with generally lower amounts in the North Elk and Crowsnest areas. The new snow has been shifted onto lee slopes by strong west and southwest winds creating wind slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">With additional forecast snow and strong winds, storm slabs, cornices and wind slabs will continue to build.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In much of the region, up to 80 cm recent snow overlies weak interfaces buried in mid-February (mainly surface hoar/ sun crust layers). The storm slab above these interfaces has the potential for wide propagations and surprisingly large avalanches, especially where winds have shifted the snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks. A thin freezing rain/rime crust formed last Friday, which is now buried by about 20-40cm snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the Rossland Range, surface hoar which was buried mid-week is 20-35 cm down and exhibits easy, sudden results in snowpack tests. As more snow builds over this layer, it could become touchy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Older snowpack weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack (Feb 4th and Jan 23 surface hoar/facet/sun crust layers) are still being tracked by professionals. There is some potential for triggering one of these deeper layers with a large trigger like an avalanche in motion, or from a thin-spot trigger point. The lower snowpack is generally well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A heavy dump of moist new snow has added to recent storm totals (now 120-150 cm over a two-week period). The snow surface became wet as snow gradually turned to rain to approximately 1800 m. As temperatures drop, expect to see a crust form at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the storm snow lies a highly reactive weak layer of surface hoar layer (and/or a crust) which was buried on February 12th. Strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 layer is primed for triggering and has been reacting readily to both natural and human triggers on all aspects and a wide range of elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. In particular, in the Monashees, a rain crust buried at the end of January approximately 150 cm has been responsible for a couple of recent large, surprising avalanches. During, or immediately following the current storm, the presence of deeper weak layer could further increase the potential size of avalanche events.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts are 30-40 cm in the west of the region and more like 10 cm in the east. Strong southwest winds have formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in the lee of ridges, gully side walls, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. Recent observations indicate that these weaknesses have bonded fairly well now, but I still suggest digging and testing the snowpack to confirm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow in northern and eastern parts of the region. Triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A heavy dump of moist new snow has increased recent storm totals to around a metre or more. The snow surface became wet as snow gradually turned to rain to approximately 1800 m in the south of the region and 1500 m in the north. As temperatures drop, expect to see a crust form at lower elevations. Strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-80 cm. It is primed for triggering and has been reacting readily to both natural and human triggers on all aspects and a wide range of elevations. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider, but they could potentially be triggered during or immediately after the present storm system, further increasing the potential size of avalanche events.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A heavy dump of moist new snow has added to recent storm totals (now 100-150 cm over a two-week period). The snow surface became wet as snow gradually turned to rain to approximately 1800 m. As temperatures drop, expect to see a crust form at lower elevations. Strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. A persistent weak layer from February 12 (crust, and/or surface hoar) lies buried under the recent storm snow. It is primed for triggering and has been reacting readily to both natural and human triggers on all aspects and a wide range of elevations. The effect of a large storm on the snowpack, particularly one accompanied by warm temperatures, wind and possibly rain, will be dramatic. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider, but they could potentially be triggered during the upcoming storm, further increasing the potential size of avalanche events.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20 to 25cm of heavy, dense snow fell overnight with storm snow totals now near 40cm at treeline. Widespread storm slab development in alpine and treeline areas. Cornices are growing and several cornice collapses were observed today. Moist snow exists below 1900m due to light rain through the day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30 cm of new snow and wind continues to build touchy storm slabs. The slabs sits on a variety of older snow surfaces (surface hoar, sun crust and loose dry snow) and may host a poor bond in specific areas. Generally, most instabilities are within the new storm snow and not on the older, weak interfaces. Below 1700 m surface snow has been saturated with rain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong SW winds have created large fragile cornices and wind slabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 280 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 30cm of storm snow has fallen with generally lower amounts in the North Elk and Crowsnest areas. The new snow has been shifted onto lee slopes by strong west and southwest winds creating wind slabs. With additional forecast snow and strong winds, storm slabs, cornices and wind slabs will continue to build. Below treeline the snow surfaces became moist with rain and warmer temperatures. As freezing levels fall to valley bottom, a crust will develop and may host a poor bond to new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A heavy dump of moist new snow has added to recent storm totals (now 100-150 cm over a two-week period). The snow surface became wet as snow gradually turned to rain to approximately 1900 m. As temperatures drop Saturday night, expect to see a crust form at lower elevations. Strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. A persistent weak layer from February 12 (crust, and/or surface hoar) lies buried under the recent storm snow. It is primed for triggering and has been reacting readily to both natural and human triggers on all aspects at a wide range of elevations. The effect of a large storm on the snowpack, particularly one accompanied by warm temperatures, wind and rain, has been dramatic. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers were previously unreactive to the weight of a rider, but they may come back into play as snow, wind and rain continue through Saturday night.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In much of the region, up to 80 cm recent snow overlies weak interfaces comprising of surface hoar and sun crusts that developed mid-February. The storm slab above these interfaces has the potential for wide propagations and surprisingly large avalanches, especially where winds have shifted the snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks. A thin freezing rain/rime crust formed last Friday, which is now buried by about 20-40cm snow. I'm uncertain of its distribution and reactivity, but am hesitant to disregard it until with get through this stormy period.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the Rossland Range, surface hoar which was buried mid-week is 20-35 cm down and exhibits easy, sudden results in snowpack tests. As more snow builds over this layer, it could become touchy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Older snowpack weaknesses buried deeper in the pack are still being tracked by professionals. There is some potential for triggering one of these deeper layers with a large trigger. The lower snowpack is generally well settled, and average treeline snow depths sit near 250 cm.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of new snow has fallen adding to the ongoing storm snow instability. Strong SW winds have likely built wind slabs on lee slopes and terrain features.  The February 12th and 15th surface hoar layers now exist up to 100 cm below the surface and vary in distribution and reactivity. A buried sun crust may exist on solar aspects, and could also become reactive under the new load.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried on February 23 is still on the radar of some operators. This layer has been less likely to trigger by skiers, but may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 40-70 cm recent storm snow is beginning to settle and stabilize. Recent strong, variable winds left wind slabs at treeline and alpine elevations. Direct sun may weaken the snowpack on sunny aspects over the next few days. A layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust is buried in the upper snowpack, but most operators report a good bond at this interface. Watch out for cornices, as they are fragile and can act as triggers for avalanches on slopes below. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. The exception seems to be northern regions, where basal facets are reported.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Intense rainfall (totals over 100 mm) hit the North Shore mountains on Friday and Saturday. At the end of the storm, temperatures began to drop and rain turned to light snow. By Sunday, it’s expected that a small amount of snow will lie over a frozen (previously rain-soaked) snowpack. This should decrease avalanche danger and increase the risk of going for a slide on icy surfaces. The lower snowpack is generally well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Low density snow had high density snow or rain (depending on elevation) piled on top of it at rapid loading rates during the recent storm. Storm totals are around 1m of snow (over 100 mm of rain below about 1500 m). Storm slabs were very touchy on Friday. Strong southerly winds have shifted snow into wind slabs and hard wind-pressed surfaces in exposed terrain. A weakness of surface hoar and/or a crust exists within the upper snowpack, which has been reactive over the last week, creating very large avalanches. Cooling is expected to help stabilize the snowpack quickly at low elevations, and more slowly at upper elevations. Direct sunshine may trigger some further shedding of storm snow on Sunday/Monday. The lower snowpack is well settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Low density snow had high density snow or rain (snow at alpine elevations around the Duffey; and rain to ridge top around the Coquihalla) piled on top of it at rapid loading rates during the recent storm. Strong southerly winds are likely to have created wind slabs in alpine terrain. Below treeline, rain-soaked snow was very weak during the storm, but should stabilize with cooling temperatures. Surface hoar and/or crust layers in the upper snowpack have been reactive over the last week, creating very touchy conditions. The intense storm and associated avalanche cycle may have gone a long way to ‘clean out’ these weaknesses, but I wouldn’t be too quick to assume anything until we have a lot more information from the field. Direct sunshine may trigger some further shedding of storm snow on Sunday/Monday. The lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts are 30-50 cm in the west of the region and more like 10 cm in the east. Strong southwest winds have formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in the lee of ridges, gully side walls, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. Recent observations indicate that these weaknesses have bonded fairly well now, but I still suggest digging and testing the snowpack to confirm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow in northern and eastern parts of the region. Triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A heavy dump of moist new snow has added to recent storm totals (now 120-150 cm over a two-week period). The snow surface became wet as snow gradually turned to rain to approximately at 1900 m. I expect a crust to develop at lower elevations as temperatures drop Saturday night. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the storm snow lies a highly reactive weak layer of surface hoar (and/or a crust) which was buried on February 12th. Strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 layer is primed for triggering and has been reacting readily to both natural and human triggers on all aspects and a wide range of elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. In particular, in the Monashees, a rain crust buried down 150 cm has been responsible for a couple of recent large, surprising avalanches. Immediately following the current storm, the presence of this deeper weak layer could further increase the potential size of avalanche events.</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">This latest storm is really packing a punch, it's laid down around a meter of snow at this point, much of which is heavy and moist.  The snow surface became wet as snow gradually turned to rain to approximately 1800 m in the south of the region and 1500 m in the north.  I expect a crust to develop at lower elevations as temperatures drop Saturday night.  Strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 persistent weak layer (crust, and/or surface hoar) is now down 60-100 cm. It is primed for triggering and has been reacting readily to both natural and human triggers on all aspects and a wide range of elevations. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider, but they could potentially be triggered during or immediately after the present storm system, further increasing the potential size of avalanche events.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15 to 20cm of snow in the past 24hrs, with storm snow totals now near 50 to 60cm. Extensive storm slab development continues in alpine and treeline areas. Slabs are very sensitive to human triggering and a natural avalanche cycle is occurring.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Caribous picked up an extra 20 - 40 cm Saturday night which brings the recent storm total to 60 - 100cm.  Strong winds out of both the SW and more recently NW have formed wind slabs on lee aspects in the alpine and wind exposed treeline elevations. The freezing level rose to around 1200m mid storm which has resulted in 4 cm of unfrozen schmoo/slush now buried by 25 cm of lighter density snow on many slopes below treeline.  The Feb. 12 SH is now down 100 - 150 cm.  This layer along with a deeper weak layer from late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers have not been reactive to the weight of a rider as of late.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The moisture laden storm has brought the two week total up to 120 - 150cm.  The recent storm was very warm and as a result rain fell as high as 1900m.  I suspect a crust now rests on the surface below 1900m as temperatures have dropped back down below freezing.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the storm snow lies a highly reactive weak layer of surface hoar (and/or a crust) which was buried on February 12th. Strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. The February 12 layer is primed for triggering and has been reacting readily to both natural and human triggers on all aspects and a wide range of elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. In particular, in the Monashees, a rain crust buried down 150 cm has been responsible for a couple of recent large, surprising avalanches. Immediately following the current storm, the presence of this deeper weak layer could further increase the potential size of avalanche events.</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">About 40-70 cm recent storm snow is showing signs of stabilizing. Recent strong, variable winds left wind slabs at treeline and alpine elevations. Direct sun is weakening the snowpack on sunny aspects during the day. A layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust is buried in the upper snowpack, but most operators report a good bond at this interface. Some large cornice falls have been reported over the past few days. Most have not triggered slabs on the slopes below, however one triggered a very large avalanche. The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack have resurfaced as a concern now that spring is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The moisture laden storm has brought the two week total up to 120 - 150cm.  The recent storm was very warm and as a result rain fell as high as 1900m.  I suspect a crust now rests on the surface below 1900m as temperatures have dropped back down below freezing.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. A persistent weak layer from February 12 (crust, and/or surface hoar) lies buried under the recent storm snow. It is primed for triggering and has been reacting readily to both natural and human triggers on all aspects at a wide range of elevations. The effect of a large storm on the snowpack, particularly one accompanied by warm temperatures, wind and rain, was dramatic. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. These deeper layers were previously unreactive to the weight of a rider, but they may come back into play as snow, wind and rain continue through Saturday night.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Intense rainfall (totals over 100 mm) hit the North Shore mountains on Friday and Saturday. Now an icy, refrozen surface exists. Be cautious of sliding on icy surfaces. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of new snow and wind have added to the storm slabs. The slabs sits on a variety of older snow surfaces (surface hoar, sun crust and loose dry snow) and may host a poor bond in specific areas. Generally, most instabilities are within the new storm snow and not on the older, weak interfaces. Below 1700 m the snowpack has been saturated with rain. As the temperatures and freezing levels fall the snowpack should start to tighten up. The recovery has been slow, however I suspect it will only get better and avalanche hazard should start to decrease at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Previous strong SW winds have created large fragile cornices and wind slabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled above 1700 m and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 280 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of storm snow has fallen. Storm slabs have been reactive naturally, especially on slopes lee to the wind. The new snow has been transported onto lee slopes by strong west and southwest winds creating wind slabs. Cornices have grown large on ridgelines and may become weak, especially if the sun shines through. In areas unaffected by the wind, loose dry sluffs are likely.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong NW winds redistributed storm snow onto south and east aspects on Sunday. This reverse loading pattern may have left wind slabs in unexpected locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm delivered well over 100 mm of precipitation, which fell with warming temperatures, dropping rain below about 1500-1900 m, depending on location. Strong southerly winds during the storm created wind slabs on lee terrain. Numerous weaknesses developed within the storm snow. A weakness of surface hoar and/or a crust exists within the upper snowpack (now 1-2 m deep), which has been reactive over the last week, creating very large avalanches. Direct sunshine may trigger some further shedding of storm snow on Monday. The lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In much of the region, up to 80 cm recent snow overlies weak interfaces comprising of </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia/surface_hoar.htm" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">surface hoar</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> and sun crusts that developed mid-February. The storm slab above these interfaces has the potential for wide propagations and surprisingly large avalanches, especially where winds have shifted the snow into slabs in the lee of terrain breaks. A thin freezing rain/rime crust formed last Friday, which is now buried by about 20-40cm snow. I'm uncertain of its distribution and reactivity, but am hesitant to disregard it until with get through this stormy period.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the Rossland Range, surface hoar which was buried mid-week is 20-35 cm down and exhibits easy, sudden results in snowpack tests. As more snow builds over this layer, it could become touchy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled, and average treeline snow depths sit near 250 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm delivered 60-70 mm of precipitation, which fell with warming temperatures, dropping rain below about 1800 m. A subsequent drop in temperature has left a supportive frozen crust up to treeline. Strong south to south-westerly winds during the storm created touchy wind slabs on lee terrain. A weak layer of buried surface hoar and/or a crust was overloaded during the storm, creating a widespread avalanche cycle. The lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate amounts of new snow fell over the past couple days, adding to an ongoing storm snow instability, particularly on the west side of the region where accumulations have been highest. The variably reactive February 12th and 15th surface hoar layers now exist up to 80cm below the surface and seem most prevalent on the west side of the region. This interface may also be reactive on solar aspects where a sun crust exists.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried on February 23 is still on the radar of some operators. This layer has been less likely to trigger by skiers, but may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts are 30-50 cm in the west of the region and more like 10 cm in the east. Strong southwest winds have formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in the lee of ridges, gully side walls, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. Recent observations indicate that these weaknesses have bonded fairly well now, but I still suggest digging and testing the snowpack to confirm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow in northern and eastern parts of the region. Triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A hard 3-5 cm thick rain crust has formed on the snow surface. This crust supports the weight of skiers and hikers and has essentially clamped the snowpack to the slopes. The primary concern at the moment is falling and sliding on the ice in steep terrain. Also, new snow on Tuesday may not bond well to the crust initially and may sluff off in steeper terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 40-70 cm recent storm snow is showing signs of stabilizing. Recent strong, variable winds left wind slabs at treeline and alpine elevations. Direct sun is weakening the snowpack on sunny aspects during the day. A layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust is buried in the upper snowpack, but most operators report a good bond at this interface. Watch out for cornices, as they are large and fragile. Some large cornice falls have been reported over the past few days. Most have not triggered slabs on the slopes below, however at least one triggered a very large avalanche. The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack have resurfaced as a concern now that spring is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm delivered 60-70 mm of precipitation, which fell with warming temperatures, dropping rain below about 1600-1800 m. A subsequent drop in temperature has left a supportive frozen crust below treeline. Strong south to south-westerly winds during the storm created touchy wind slabs on lee terrain. A weak layer of buried surface hoar (February 20th) and/or a crust was overloaded during the storm, creating a widespread avalanche cycle. The lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong NW winds redistributed storm snow onto south and east aspects on Saturday. This reverse loading may have left wind slabs in unexpected locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm delivered well over 100 mm of precipitation, which fell with warming temperatures, dropping rain below about 1500-1900 m, depending on location. Strong southerly winds during the storm created wind slabs on lee terrain. Numerous weaknesses developed within the storm snow. A weakness of surface hoar and/or a crust exists within the upper snowpack (now 1-2 m deep), which has been reactive over the last week, creating very large avalanches. Direct sunshine may trigger some further shedding of storm snow on Monday. The lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In much of the region, up to 80 cm recent snow overlies older interfaces comprising of surface hoar and sun crusts. The storm slab above these interfaces has the potential for wide propagations and surprisingly large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs and new cornice development exist at ridgelines and on lee slopes. These are likely sensitive to human triggers. Cornices may become weak under the influence of the sun, and could trigger slabs on slopes below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong melt-freeze crust exists at 1700 m and below and is generally bridging any deeper instabilities. The average treeline snow depths sit near 250 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the past week 60-80 cm snow fell. This new snow added to an ongoing storm snow instability, particularly on the west side of the region where accumulations have been highest. Buried surface hoar and sun crust layers exist up to 80cm below the surface and seem most prevalent on the west side of the region. Large avalanches initiated on these weak layers during the weekend storm. Large looming cornices exist on ridgelines and may become weak, especially when the sun comes out. Cornice fall could trigger slab avalanches on slopes below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried on January 23 is still on the radar of some operators. This layer has been less likely to trigger by skiers, but may still be sensitive to large loads like avalanches in motion or cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline exists a melt-freeze crust which may be bridging instabilities deeper in the snowpack. If temperatures warm, you'll notice the crust breaking down and the snowpack becoming weaker.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of new snow and wind have added to the storm slabs. The slabs sits on a variety of older snow surfaces (surface hoar, sun crust and loose dry snow) and may host a poor bond in specific areas. Generally, most instabilities are within the new storm snow and not on the older, weak interfaces. Below 1700 m the snowpack has been saturated with rain. As the temperatures and freezing levels fall the snowpack should start to tighten up. The recovery has been slow, however I suspect it will only get better and avalanche hazard should start to decrease.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Previous strong SW winds have created large fragile cornices and wind slabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled above 1700 m and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 280 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of storm snow has fallen. Storm slabs have been reactive naturally, especially on slopes lee to the wind. The new snow has been transported onto lee slopes by strong west and southwest winds creating wind slabs. Cornices have grown large on ridgelines and may become weak, especially if the sun shines through. In areas unaffected by the wind, loose dry sluffs are likely.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline exists a melt -freeze crust which may deteriorate in the afternoon if temperatures get warm enough. I suspect this crust is bridging and instabilities that may sit beneath</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow is expected to settle and bond to the old surface over the next few days. A crust has formed up to about 1800 metres where the recent warm storm had turned to rain. In the alpine there may be a weak layer in the storm snow that was developed during a temperature change in the middle of the storm. Below the storm snow lies a highly reactive weak layer of surface hoar (and/or a crust) which was buried on February 12th. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. In particular, in the Monashees, a rain crust buried down 150 cm has been responsible for a couple of recent large, surprising avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The moisture laden storm has brought the two week total up to 120 - 150cm. The recent storm was very warm and as a result rain fell as high as 1900m. I suspect a crust now rests on the surface below 1900m as temperatures have dropped back down below freezing. Strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into deep wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gully features. A persistent weak layer from February 12 (crust, and/or surface hoar) lies buried under the recent storm snow. It is primed for triggering and has been reacting readily to both natural and human triggers on all aspects at a wide range of elevations. The effect of a large storm on the snowpack, particularly one accompanied by warm temperatures, wind and rain, was dramatic. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10 to 15cm of new snow in the past 24hrs. Storm snow totals range from 50 to 70cm. All elevations are exhibiting some storm slab formation, but this condition is more dominant at higher elevations. Cornices have grown significantly in the past several days. Sluffing is common in steep terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Caribous picked up an extra 20 - 40 cm Saturday night which brings the recent storm total to 60 - 100cm.  Strong winds out of both the SW and more recently NW have formed wind slabs on lee aspects in the alpine and wind exposed treeline elevations. The weak Feb. 12 surface hoar layer is now down 100 - 150 cm.  This layer along with a deeper weak layer from late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts are 30-50 cm in the west of the region and more like 10 cm in the east. Strong southwest winds have formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in the lee of ridges, gully side walls, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. Recent observations indicate that these weaknesses have bonded fairly well now, but I still suggest digging and testing the snowpack to confirm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong mid-pack currently overlies a weak base layer of facets/depth hoar. It is worth noting that the snowpack in general is quite shallow in northern and eastern parts of the region. Triggering the basal weakness may still be possible from thin spots, rocky outcrops or under the weight of larger triggers such as cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Softslabs are forming in open alpine terrain due to light to moderate SW winds.  The colder temps have resulted in some tightening up of the snowpack but winds are building cornices which have been large triggers for underlying slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A dusting of new snow sits on a hard 3-5 cm thick rain crust that formed last weekend.&nbsp; Loose snow sluffing is possible if there is more than 10 cm of fresh snow on this crust by Wednesday morning. The crust supports the weight of skiers and hikers and has essentially clamped the snowpack to the slopes. The primary concern at the moment is falling and sliding on the ice in steep terrain. Overall the snowpack is deep and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface consists of surface hoar, a sun crust, faceted snow, or thin soft wind slabs depending on aspect and elevation. Below this the recent storm snow (70-120 cm) continues to settle and strengthen. Snowpack tests are still giving generally moderate shears at various density changes within the storm snow, but triggering these instabilities has become more difficult. A weakness of surface hoar and/or a crust exists near the base of the storm snow (now 1-2 m deep). This layer was the culprit in most of the large avalanches that occurred last weekend. This layer could still be triggered in shallow rocky areas or by large triggers like a cornice fall. I would suggest avoiding any large slope that did not release during the latest avalanche cycle. Below this weakness the snowpack is strong and well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate ridge top winds have formed new wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. A dusting of new snow sits on 60-100 cm of settling storm snow or a rain crust below 1400 m in the north, and 1700 m in the south. Storm snow weaknesses have been gradually gaining strength over the past couple days. A weak layer of buried surface hoar (February 20th) and/or a crust sits at the base of the storm snow. This layer was the culprit in most of the large avalanches that occurred last weekend. Snowpack tests continue to show moderate &quot;pops or drops&quot; results and good potential for propagation. Triggering this layer is becoming more difficult, but I recommend avoiding any large slopes that did not release during the last cycle, especially when the sun pokes out later this week. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Outflow winds (from the north and east) have create new hard and soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. In sheltered areas the snow surface consists of facets, surface hoar, or a sun crust/ moist snow on south facing slopes. A layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust is buried down 50-90 cm, but most operators report a good bond at this interface. Watch out for cornices, as they are large and fragile. Several large cornice falls have been reported over the past few days. Most have not triggered slabs on the slopes below, however at least one triggered a very large avalanche. The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack have resurfaced as a concern now that spring is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow is expected to settle and bond to the old surface over the next few days. A crust has formed up to about 1800 metres where the recent warm storm had turned to rain. In the alpine there may be a weak layer in the storm snow that was developed during a temperature change in the middle of the storm. Below the storm snow lies a highly reactive weak layer of surface hoar (and/or a crust) which was buried on February 12th. Deeper persistent weak layers from early February and late January continue to show planar failures when moderate to hard forces are applied in snow pack tests. In particular, in the Monashees, a rain crust buried down 150 cm has been responsible for a couple of recent large, surprising avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 80 cm of snow fell over the past week. The new snow added to ongoing storm snow instabilities, particularly on the west side of the region where accumulations have been highest. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried beneath (60-100 cm) exists a surface hoar and a sun crust layer, which continue to be lingering concerns. Large looming cornices exist on ridgelines. Cornice fall could trigger a large slab avalanche on the slope below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline exists a melt-freeze crust with moist snow beneath it. The crust may be bridging instabilities deeper in the snowpack. If temperatures warm at lower elevations, you'll notice the crust breaking down and the snowpack becoming weaker.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of storm snow fell last weekend. Storm slabs exist on all aspects and elevations and are touchy on slopes lee of the wind. Cornices have grown large on ridgelines and may act as a trigger on slopes below. Loose dry avalanches are likely, especially from steeper slopes and terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1900 m a crust has formed and may act as a sliding layer with new snow accumulations. Below the crust the snowpack is moist.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The West of the region is reporting new surface hoar growth from 5-15 mm. The recent storm snow continues to settle and has been covered by a dusting of new snow in areas that received some convective snow showers. Foot penetration has been reported to be about 40 cms in the deeper snowpack areas of the region. The East parts of the region have reported a shallow weak snowpack with areas of basal facets. Strong southwest winds have formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in the lee of ridges, gully side walls, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New sun crusts are reported to be forming on solar exposed aspects as the spring sun starts to pack more of a punch. The recent storm snow is settling, but storm slab releases are still possible. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried around February 12th may be triggered by storm snow avalanches in motion, or by cornice fall and other large triggers. The strong solar radiation may trigger some cornice fall or release moist point releases in steep terrain that may step down to one of the deeper weak layers. I expect that the next couple of days will be a tricky combination of avoiding areas that slid during the warm wet weather, and gaining confidence in the areas that did not slide.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In much of the region, up to 80 cm recent snow overlies older interfaces comprising of surface hoar and sun crusts. The storm slab above these interfaces has the potential for wide propagations and surprisingly large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs and new cornice development exist at ridgelines and on lee slopes. These are likely sensitive to human triggers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong melt-freeze crust exists at 1700 m and below and is generally bridging any deeper instabilities. The average treeline snow depths sit near 250 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of new snow and wind have added to the storm slabs. The slabs sits on a variety of older snow surfaces (surface hoar, sun crust) and may host a poor bond in isolated areas. Generally, most instabilities are within the new storm snow and not on the older, weak interfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1700 m the snowpack has been saturated with rain. With lower freezing levels and cooler temperatures this has resulted in a crust which bridges any deeper instabilities.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Previous strong SW winds have created large fragile cornices and wind slabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 280 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New sun crusts are reported to be forming on solar exposed aspects as the spring sun starts to pack more of a punch. The recent storm snow is settling, but storm slab releases are still possible. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried around February 12th may be triggered by storm snow avalanches in motion, or by cornice fall and other large triggers. The strong solar radiation may trigger some cornice fall or release moist point releases in steep terrain that may step down to one of the deeper weak layers. I expect that the next couple of days will be a tricky combination of avoiding areas that slid during the warm wet weather, and gaining confidence in the areas that did not slide.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm snow has settled out into a soft slab approx 30cm thick in areas near treeline.  Compression test results at 2400m on a 30 degree northeast aspect in the Tent Ridge area today showed moderate results at the interface between the storm snow and an old windslab.  Additional testing produced hard results on a deeper windslab down 60cm.  The shears were Sudden Planar in character.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A light dusting of new snow is sitting above various sun crusts and old storm slabs. The storm slab continues to settle, and is becoming more stubborn to trigger. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 12th is now down about 100-150 cms and continues to be triggered by light additional loads on Southerly aspects where it is sitting on an old sun crust. Larger loads like cornice fall or explosives have been able to trigger this layer on various aspects in the alpine and at treeline. If the we get a period of strong solar radiation, then we may see another cycle of natural activity on Southerly aspects resulting in large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New sun crusts are reported to be forming on solar exposed aspects as the spring sun starts to pack more of a punch. The recent storm snow is settling, but storm slab releases are still possible. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried around February 12th may be triggered by storm snow avalanches in motion, or by cornice fall and other large triggers. The strong solar radiation may trigger some cornice fall or release moist point releases in steep terrain that may step down to one of the deeper weak layers. I expect that the next couple of days will be a tricky combination of avoiding areas that slid during the warm wet weather, and gaining confidence in the areas that did not slide.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New sun crusts are reported to be forming on solar exposed aspects as the spring sun starts to pack more of a punch. The recent storm snow is settling, but storm slab releases are still possible. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried around February 12th may be triggered by storm snow avalanches in motion, or by cornice fall and other large triggers. The strong solar radiation may trigger some cornice fall or release moist point releases in steep terrain that may step down to one of the deeper weak layers. I expect that the next couple of days will be a tricky combination of avoiding areas that slid during the warm wet weather, and gaining confidence in the areas that did not slide.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The West of the region is reporting new surface hoar growth from 5-15 mm. The recent storm snow continues to settle and has been covered by a dusting of new snow in areas that received some convective snow showers. Foot penetration has been reported to be about 40 cms in the deeper snowpack areas of the region. The East parts of the region have reported a shallow weak snowpack with areas of basal facets. Strong southwest winds have formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in the lee of ridges, gully side walls, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A dusting of new snow sits on a hard 3-5 cm thick rain crust that formed last weekend. This crust supports the weight of skiers and hikers and has essentially clamped the snowpack to the slopes. The primary concern at the moment is falling and sliding on the ice in steep terrain. Overall the snowpack is deep and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Outflow winds (from the north and east) have created new hard and soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. In sheltered areas the snow surface consists of facets, surface hoar, or a sun crust/ moist snow on south facing slopes. A layer of surface hoar, facets and/or a crust is buried down 50-90 cm, but most operators report a good bond at this interface. Watch out for cornices, as they are large and fragile. Several large cornice falls have been reported over the past few days. Most have not triggered slabs on the slopes below, however at least one triggered a very large avalanche. The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack have resurfaced as a concern now that spring is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface consists of surface hoar, a sun crust, faceted snow, or thin soft wind slabs depending on aspect and elevation. Below this the recent storm snow (70-120 cm) continues to settle and strengthen. Snowpack tests are still giving generally moderate shears at various density changes within the storm snow, but triggering these instabilities has become more difficult. A weakness of surface hoar and/or a crust exists near the base of the storm snow (now 1-2 m deep). This layer was the culprit in most of the large avalanches that occurred last weekend. This layer could still be triggered in shallow rocky areas or by large triggers like a cornice fall. I would suggest avoiding any large slope that did not release during the latest avalanche cycle. Below this weakness the snowpack is strong and well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate ridge top winds have formed new wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. A dusting of new snow sits on 60-100 cm of settling storm snow or a rain crust below 1400 m in the north and 1700 m in the south. A weak layer of buried surface hoar (February 20th) and/or a crust sits at the base of the storm snow. This layer was the culprit in most of the large avalanches that occurred last weekend. Snowpack tests continue to show moderate &quot;pops or drops&quot; results and good potential for propagation. Triggering this layer is becoming more difficult, but I recommend avoiding any large slopes that did not release during the last cycle, especially when the sun pokes out this week. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 80 cm of snow fell over the past week and continues to settle. Moderate ridgetop winds have built winds slabs on lee slopes and terrain features. Wind slabs and storm slab instabilities remain, particularly on the west side of the region where accumulations have been highest.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried beneath (60-100 cm) exists a surface hoar and a sun crust layer, which continue to be lingering concerns. On solar aspects, the sun crust seems to be more reactive. Large looming cornices exist on ridgelines. Cornice fall could trigger a large slab avalanche on the slope below, especially when the sun comes out on Friday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline exists a melt-freeze crust with moist snow beneath it. The crust may be bridging instabilities deeper in the snowpack. If temperatures warm at lower elevations, you'll notice the crust breaking down and the snowpack becoming weaker.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of storm snow from last weekend has continued to settle and bond to older surfaces. Generally, most instabilities are within the new storm snow and not on the older interfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1700 m the snowpack has been saturated with rain and formed a fairly solid rain crust. Forecast snow may have a poor bond to this crust. Below the rain crust exists moist snow. Be aware that warmer temperatures, and higher freezing levels can break down this crust causing the snowpack to deteriorate.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Previous strong SW winds have created large fragile cornices and wind slabs on lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and the average snowpack depth at treeline elevations is near 280 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of storm snow fell last weekend. Storm slabs exist on all aspects and elevations and are touchy, especially on slopes lee of the wind. Cornices have grown large on ridgelines and may act as a trigger on slopes below. Loose dry avalanches are likely, especially from steeper slopes and terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1900 m a crust has formed and may act as a sliding layer for the new snow. Below the crust the snowpack is moist. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In much of the region, up to 80 cm recent snow overlies older interfaces comprising of surface hoar and sun crusts. The storm slab above these interfaces has the potential for wide propagations and surprisingly large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs and new cornice development exist at ridgelines and on lee slopes. These are likely sensitive to human triggers. Cornices may become weak when the sun comes out on Friday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong melt-freeze crust exists at 1700 m and below and is bridging deeper instabilities. If temperatures warm this crust will likely break down causing the snowpack will weaken. The average treeline snow depths sit near 250 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">8cm of new snow by Thursday morning at treeline with an additional 3-5cm through the day.  Winds generally calm all day with brief sunny periods depending upon location.  The storm slabs are slowly settling and bonding to previous surfaces and the lack of wind is slowing the pace of softslab formation and cornice growth.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A light dusting of new snow is sitting above various sun crusts and old storm slabs. The storm slab continues to settle, and is becoming more stubborn to trigger. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 12th is now down about 100-150 cms and continues to be triggered by light additional loads on Southerly aspects where it is sitting on an old sun crust. Larger loads like cornice fall or explosives have been able to trigger this layer on various aspects in the alpine and at treeline. If the we get a period of strong solar radiation, then we may see another cycle of natural activity on Southerly aspects resulting in large destructive avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light snowfall overlies wind slabs in exposed areas, surface hoar or facets in sheltered locations, or a sun crust on south facing terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the surface, recent accumulations of 70-120cm continue to settle and strengthen. Snowpack tests are still giving generally moderate shears at various density changes within the storm snow, but triggering these instabilities has become more difficult. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weakness of surface hoar and/or a crust exists near the base of the storm snow (now 1-2 m deep in some locations). This layer was the culprit in most of the large avalanches that occurred last weekend. This layer could still be triggered in shallow rocky areas or by large triggers like a cornice fall. I would suggest avoiding any large slope that did not release during the latest avalanche cycle, especially with forecast solar warming. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this interface, the snowpack is strong and well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> Light amounts of recent snow overlie 60-100cm of settling storm snow or a rain crust below 1400m in the north and 1700m in the south. These accumulations may exist as wind slabs in exposed areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of buried surface hoar (February 20th) and/or a crust sits at the base of the storm snow. This layer was the culprit in most of the large avalanches that occurred last weekend. Snowpack tests continue to show sudden planar results and good potential for propagation. Triggering this layer is becoming more difficult, but I recommend avoiding any large slopes that did not release during the last cycle, especially when the sun pokes out this week. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some areas experienced moderate to strong Northwest winds that developed some thin wind slabs in the alpine. The South of the region received variable dry new snow amounts of 5-15 cms. Sun crusts have formed on steep solar aspects, and a new layer of surface hoar has started to develop in shaded areas. The storm slab from last weekend continues to settle and has become more stubborn to trigger. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from February 12th is buried down more than a metre in most places, and may still be triggered by human activity where it is sitting on an old buried sun crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow sits on a hard 3-5 cm thick rain crust that formed last weekend. This crust supports the weight of skiers and hikers and has essentially clamped the snowpack to the slopes. The primary concern at the moment is falling and sliding on the ice in steep terrain. Overall the snowpack is deep and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Outflow winds (from the north and east) have created hard wind slabs in exposed lee terrain, although over the past few days these have likely gained considerable strength. In sheltered areas the snow surface consists of facets or surface hoar. A sun crust or moist snow exists on south facing slopes, depending on the time of day.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Watch out for cornices, as they are large and fragile. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack have resurfaced as a concern now that spring is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar continues to develop during the clear nights, and near surface facets continue to develop. Foot penetration has reduced to about 25 cms as the recent storm slab continues to settle. The west of the region is reporting a very well settled snow pack at all elevations. The East parts of the region have reported a shallow weak snowpack with areas of basal facets. Strong southwest winds have formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in the lee of ridges, gully side walls, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Sun crusts have developed on most solar exposed aspects. Surface hoar and surface facets are growing in most areas, and there is not much wind to disturb the new growth. The recent storm snow is settling, but storm slab releases are still possible. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried around February 12th may be triggered by storm snow avalanches in motion, or by cornice fall and other large triggers. The strong solar radiation may trigger some cornice fall or release moist loose snow in steep terrain that may step down to one of the deeper weak layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 cm of new snow fell recently on the previous 40 cm of storm snow, older windslabs, a suncrust on S facing slopes and on a temperature crust below 1700  m. The new snow is sluffing easily with skier traffic and soft slabs could be triggered in alpine in wind effected areas on lee ridgetop features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried beneath (60-90 cm) exists a surface hoar and a sun crust layer, which continue to be lingering concerns. On solar aspects, the sun crust seems to be more reactive. Large looming cornices exist on ridgelines. Cornice fall could trigger a large slab avalanche on the slope below, especially when the sun comes out on Friday afternoon and Saturday. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The sun and temperatures increasing tomorrow could weaken the snowpack especially on S facing slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 18 cm (30 cm in the Western part of the region) of new snow fell on top of the recent storm snow above 2000 m., on a 1-3 cm thick melt freeze crust below 2000 m. and on a sun crust on S facing slopes.  This new snow is sluffing easily in steep terrain. Soft slabs were also formed on lee terrain from Easterly winds.  In much of the region, up to 80 cm snow overlies fairly well preserved surface hoar and sun crust. This interface is still producing sudden collapse results during snow tests.  A cornice fall or an avalanche in the storm snow could definitely trigger this deeper instability. The sun and warming temperatures tomorrow afternoon and Saturday will most likely weaken the snowpack and cornices especially on S facing slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong melt-freeze crust exists at 1700 m and below and is bridging deeper instabilities.  </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">25-30 cm of new snow fell since yesterday and is overlying a variety of surfaces; surface hoar, sun crust and a rain crust. A total of 50 cm of snow is found on a 4 cm thick rain crust all the way up to 2000 m.  Storm slabs exist on all aspects and elevations and are touchy, especially on slopes lee of the wind. Cornices have grown large on ridgelines and may act as a trigger on slopes below. Below 1900 m a crust has formed and may act as a sliding layer for the new snow. The forecasted sun and freezing level rising will weaken cornices especially in the afternoon tomorrow and Saturday and could also increase the propagation size of the storm slab. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 20 cm of new low density snow has fallen in the last 24hrs which brings the total snow recent storm totals to 70 cm. Greatest accumulations have occurred in the Elk Valley South and Flathead regions while areas such as Elk Valley North and Crowsnest pass may not have seen as much new snow.  South west winds have contributed to cornice growth and soft slabs formation in open areas in the alpine and treeline. All of the recent snow accumulations overlie a rain crust which exists up to about 2000m in elevation in much of the forecast area. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower pack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline surface layers in solar exposed areas are becoming moist with daytime heating and a thin crust has formed.  Steep southerly aspects at higher elevations are also suffering from some solar exposure as well.  Fracture characteristics exhibited in a hasty profile on a 30 degree north facing aspect at treeline showed a 'progressive compression' in a 30cm storm snow layer.  The storm snow layers appear to be bonding well to the old surface layers.  Larger and more fragile cornices are likely to form.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a thin layer of new snow and wind transported new snow above various sun crusts and old storm slabs, that may release naturally or be easily triggered during periods of strong solar radiation on Southerly aspects. The storm slab continues to settle, and is becoming more stubborn to trigger. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 12th is now down about 100-150 cms and continues to be triggered by light additional loads on Southerly aspects where it is sitting on an old sun crust. Larger loads like cornice fall or explosives have been able to trigger this layer on various aspects in the alpine and at treeline. If we get a period of strong solar radiation, then we may see another cycle of natural activity on Southerly aspects resulting in large destructive avalanches.</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">Surface hoar continues to develop during the clear nights, and near surface facets continue to develop. Foot penetration has reduced to about 25 cms as the recent storm slab continues to settle. The west of the region is reporting a very well settled snow pack at all elevations. The East parts of the region have reported a shallow weak snowpack with areas of basal facets. Strong southwest winds have formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in the lee of ridges, gully side walls, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar.</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">Sun crusts have developed on most solar exposed aspects. Surface hoar and surface facets are growing in most areas, and there is not much wind to disturb the new growth. The recent storm snow is settling, but storm slab releases are still possible. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried around February 12th may be triggered by storm snow avalanches in motion, or by cornice fall and other large triggers. The strong solar radiation may trigger some cornice fall or release moist loose snow in steep terrain that may step down to one of the deeper weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent wind slabs are settling, but continue to be a concern for triggering by skiers or riders. A thin layer of new snow may become moist and slide easily on Southerly aspects where it is sitting on a crust. Sun crusts have formed on steep solar aspects, and a new layer of surface hoar has started to develop in shaded areas. The storm slab from last weekend continues to settle and has become more stubborn to trigger. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from February 12th is buried down more than a metre in most places, and may still be triggered by human activity where it is sitting on an old buried sun crust. Some areas are reporting that the February 12th layer is rounding and gaining strength.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of recent snowfall sits on a hard 3-5 cm thick rain crust that formed last weekend. This crust supports the weight of skiers and hikers and has essentially clamped the snowpack to the slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Overall the mid and lower snowpack is deep and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light snowfall overlies wind slabs in exposed areas, surface hoar or facets in sheltered locations, or a sun crust on south facing terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the surface, last week's accumulations of 70-120cm continue to settle and strengthen. A weakness of surface hoar and/or a crust exists near the base of the storm snow (now 1-2 m deep in some locations). This layer was the culprit in most of the large avalanches that occurred last weekend. This layer could still be triggered in shallow rocky areas or by large triggers like a cornice fall. I would suggest avoiding any large slope that did not release during the latest avalanche cycle, especially with forecast solar warming on Saturday. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this interface, the snowpack is strong and well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 30 cm of low density snow has fallen in the last 48hrs. Greatest accumulations have occurred in the Elk Valley South and Flathead regions, while areas such as Elk Valley North and Crowsnest pass may not have seen as much new snow.  Southwest winds have contributed to cornice growth and soft slab formation in open areas in the alpine and treeline. The recent snow accumulations add to the variable amounts of settled storm snow that overlies a widespread melt freeze crust.  This supportive crust exists up to about 2000m in elevation in much of the forecast area. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower pack are strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of recent snowfall sit on 60-100 cm of settling storm snow from last week.  Below 1400m in the north and 1700m in the south the light amounts of new snow overlie a thick rain crust. These recent accumulations may also exist as wind slabs in exposed terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of last week's storm snow is a layer of buried surface hoar (February 20th). This layer was the culprit in most of the large avalanches that occurred last weekend. Snowpack tests continue to show sudden planar results and good potential for propagation. Triggering this layer is becoming more difficult, but I recommend avoiding any large slopes that did not release during the last cycle, especially when the sun pokes out this weekend. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this the snowpack is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds winds from earlier in the week have created hard wind slabs in exposed lee terrain; however, over the past few days these have likely gained considerable strength. In sheltered areas the snow surface consists of facets or surface hoar. A sun crust or moist snow exists on south facing slopes, depending on the time of day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Watch out for cornices, as they are large and fragile. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack may resurface as a concern now that spring warming is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The solar radiation and warmer temperatures forecasted for tomorrow is going to weaken the surface of the snowpack which could trigger avalanches in the recent 30 cm of storm snow. This new snow sits on a variety of surfaces (surface hoar, sun crust, old snow interface above 1800 m. or on a thick rain crust below that elevation) and was very reactive to skier traffic yesterday. Cornices are also very big and have a good chance to weaken and fall tomorrow creating a heavy load on the snowpack also acting as a trigger. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures and solar radiation forecasted for tomorrow will weaken the surface layer possibly triggering the recent storm slab (between 20-30 cm deep). This recent snow is sitting on an older snow interface above 2000 m. and on a melt freeze crust below that elevation. In much of the region, up to 80 cm snow overlies fairly well preserved surface hoar and sun crust. This interface is still producing sudden collapse results during snow tests.  A cornice fall or an avalanche in the storm snow could definitely trigger this deeper instability, especially where the melt freeze crust does not exist above 2000 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The solar radiation and temperatures increasing tomorrow (especially in the Southern part of the region) will weaken the surface of the snowpack especially on S facing slopes. This could possibly trigger the recent wind slabs in the alpine lee areas and below lee ridgetop at treeline. Large looming cornices exist on ridgelines and could also be triggered by the warmth and sun creating a significant load on the slopes below. Buried beneath (60-90 cm) exists a surface hoar and a sun crust layer, which continue to be lingering concerns. A cornice fall could trigger this deeper instability potentially creating large avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A fairly widespread layer of surface hoar, mixed with a dusting of new snow in some areas, is sitting above various sun crusts and old storm slabs. The storm slab continues to settle, and is becoming more stubborn to trigger. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 12th is now down about 100-150 cm and continues to be triggered by light additional loads on Southerly aspects where it is sitting on an old sun crust. Larger loads like cornice fall or explosives have been able to trigger this layer on various aspects in the alpine and at treeline. If the we get a period of strong solar radiation, then we may see another cycle of natural activity on Southerly aspects resulting in large destructive avalanches.</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">Widespread surface hoar growth and near surface faceting continues with clear and cool weather. Foot penetration has reduced to about 25 cm as the recent storm slab continues to settle. The west of the region is reporting a very well settled snow pack at all elevations. The East parts of the region have reported a shallow weak snowpack with areas of basal facets. Strong southwest winds have formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in the lee of ridges, gully side walls, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar.</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">Some areas experienced moderate to strong Northwest winds that developed some thin wind slabs in the alpine. The South of the region received variable dry new snow amounts of 5-15 cm. Sun crusts have formed on steep solar aspects, and a new layer of surface hoar has started to develop in shaded areas. The storm slab from last weekend continues to settle and has become more stubborn to trigger. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from February 12th is buried down more than a metre in most places, and may still be triggered by human activity where it is sitting on an old buried sun crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sun crusts have developed on most solar exposed aspects. Surface hoar and surface facets are growing in most areas, and there is not much wind to disturb the new growth. The recent storm snow is settling, but storm slab releases are still possible. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried around February 12th may be triggered by storm snow avalanches in motion, or by cornice fall and other large triggers. The strong solar radiation may trigger some cornice fall or release moist loose snow in steep terrain that may step down to one of the deeper weak layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dribs and drabs of recently fallen snow sit on a hard 3-5 cm thick rain crust that formed last weekend. This crust supports the weight of skiers and hikers and has essentially clamped the snowpack to the slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Overall snowpack is deep and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface consists of heavily wind-affected snow in exposed areas, facets or surface hoar in sheltered areas and a sun crust at lower elevations or on previously sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Watch out for cornices, as they are large and potentially fragile. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack may resurface as a concern now that spring warming is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dribs and drabs of recent snowfall overlie old wind slabs in exposed areas, and spotty surface hoar or facets in sheltered locations. A sun crust exists on south facing terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the surface, last week's accumulations of 70-120cm are well settled A weakness of surface hoar and/or a crust exists near the base of last week's snow (now 1-2 m deep in some locations). Although this layer has gained significant strength, it could still be triggered in shallow rocky areas or by large triggers like a cornice fall. I would suggest using increased caution on large unsupported slopes that did not release during last week's large avalanche cycle. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this interface, the snowpack is strong and well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dribs and drabs of recent snowfall overlie old wind slabs in exposed areas, and mingle with spotty surface hoar or facets in sheltered locations. A sun crust exists on south facing terrain. Below 1400m in the north and 1700m in the south the light amounts of recent snow overlie a thick rain crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 60-100cm below the surface is a layer of surface hoar which was buried on February 20th. This layer was the culprit in most of the large avalanches that occurred last weekend. Triggering this layer is becoming more difficult, but I would recommend using increased caution on large, unsupported slopes that did not release during the avalanche cycle last weekend. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this the snowpack is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No new snow today. High solar radiation has taken a toll on any solar aspect up to TL elevations. Temperature crusts are widespread on any solar aspect at TL &amp; below. In the ALP, windslabs were more reactive, but are expected to tighten up as the warm temps fade.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent windslabs have formed on lee features with moderate W winds in the alpine and below ridgetops at treeline. Windslabs will continue building tomorrow with similar forecasted winds. These will be susceptible to sledder and skier triggering. The recent snow from this week sits on a variety of surfaces (surface hoar, sun crust, old snow interface above 1800 m. or on a thick rain crust below that elevation). At the surface of the snow, expect to find a new suncrust on SE-S-SW facing slopes at all elevations (especially on steep slopes), a melt-freeze crust all the way up to 1500 m. and possibly some surface hoar on shaded slopes above that elevation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New windslabs are expected to form on lee features of forecasted moderate W winds in the alpine and below ridgetops at treeline. Older windslabs also exist in the alpine which were formed by the N winds yesterday. These will be susceptible to sledder and skier triggering. The deeper surface hoar/sun crust persistent weak layer down 60-90 cm is less reactive to skier traffic but could still be triggered by a large load (like a cornice fall or a windslab avalanche stepping down). This layer remains a concern to professionals. At the surface of the snow, expect to find a suncrust on SE-S-SW facing slopes at all elevations (especially on steep slopes), a melt-freeze crust all the way up to 1600 m. and possibly some surface hoar on shaded slopes above that elevation. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow from earlier in the week has continued to settle at all elevations. There is still loose snow available for transport, and forecast winds on Sunday could form new cornices and windslabs. Snow at lower elevations and sun exposed slopes became moist with Saturday's warm temperatures and clear skies. 20-70cm below the surface is a supportive rain crust that exists up to 1900m. The lack of reports involving this interface suggests an improving bond. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this the mid and lower pack are well settled and strong.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent windslabs have formed on lee features with W and E winds in the alpine and below ridgetops at treeline. Windslabs will continue building tomorrow with forecasted W winds. These will be susceptible to sledder and skier triggering. The recent snow from earlier this week is sitting on an older snow interface above 2000 m. and on a melt freeze crust below that elevation. In much of the region, up to 80 cm snow overlies a surface hoar and sun crust which is becoming less reactive to skier traffic but that is still a concern to professionals. At the surface of the snow, expect to find a new suncrust on SE-S-SW facing slopes at all elevations (especially on steep slopes), a melt-freeze crust all the way up to 2000 m. and possibly some surface hoar on shaded slopes above that elevation. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No significant new snow today, however there were some isolated flurries that left light amounts. Wind transport was the name of the game in the alpine today. Lots of redistribution of the recent storm snow today. Soft slabs can be expected from this wind. TL &amp; BTL had another day of sun to soften and settle the snow. At TL, the upper layer was much more consolidated and cohesive with the layers below. BTL saw lots of sun crust and moist snow. Solar aspects will have challenging skiing.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs are developing above a new surface hoar layer on shaded aspects and a sun crust on solar aspects. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 12th is now down about 100-150 cm and was not triggered by cornice falls over the weekend. Some areas report that the February 12th surface hoar is rounding and getting harder to shear in snow profile tests, but continues to give planar shears when it does fail. Avalanches failing on the February 12th layer have become a low probability/ high consequence situation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some areas experienced moderate to strong Northwest winds that developed some thin wind slabs in the alpine. The South of the region received variable dry new snow amounts of 5-15 cms. Sun crusts have formed on steep solar aspects, and a new layer of surface hoar has started to develop in shaded areas. The storm slab from last weekend continues to settle and has become more stubborn to trigger. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from February 12th is buried down more than a metre in most places, and may still be triggered by human activity where it is sitting on an old buried sun crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large surface hoar has been reported growing in the forecast area.  In some very sheltered areas there is a chance of it being covered by some wind transported snow.  Loose snow continues to be transported by strong down flow and north westerly winds, it is suspected that these are forming wind slabs in lee terrain and spill zones. At treeline 20-70cm below the surface is a supportive rain crust that exists up to 1900m. The lack of reports involving this interface suggests an improving bond.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this the mid and lower pack are well settled and strong.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack that was moist on Saturday, was more supportive on Sunday with cooler temperatures, winds and cloudy skies. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New wind slabs are expected to develop as the next pulse of precipitation moves in with strong winds. New snow is expected to bury the recently developed surface hoar and sun crusts. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried around February 12th may be triggered by storm snow avalanches in motion, or by cornice fall and other large triggers. The strong solar radiation may trigger some cornice fall or release moist loose snow in steep terrain that may step down to one of the deeper weak layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of recent snowfall have gone through a melt-freeze cycle on most slopes. On shady terrain at higher elevations these recent accumulations may be capped by weak surface hoar crystals over a thin crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 10cm below the surface is a hard 20cm thick rain crust. This crust supports the weight of skiers and hikers and has essentially clamped the snowpack to the slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Overall snowpack is deep and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light snow fall is expected to bury the recent surface hoar before the strong winds develop. Foot penetration has reduced to about 25 cm as the recent storm slab continues to settle. The west of the region is reporting a very well settled snow pack at all elevations. The East parts of the region have reported a shallow weak snowpack with areas of basal facets. Strong southwest winds have formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in the lee of ridges, gully side walls, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dribs and drabs of recent snowfall have been shifted by strong southwest winds into touchy new windslabs in exposed areas. In more sheltered terrain, surface hoar and/or surface facets are likely to exist. A sun crust has formed on south facing terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 60 and 110cm below the surface is a layer surface hoar which was buried on February 20th. Although this layer has a history of producing large avalanches, triggering this layer has now become difficult, and would most likely require a very large trigger on a steep, unsupported slope.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this interface, the snowpack is strong and well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A dusting of new snow overlies a variety of old surfaces which include: a crust at lower elevations and on solar aspects, faceted powder on shaded slopes, and surface hoar. The surface hoar, which was reported from the north of the region, has already been reactive in spots where it was buried by thin wind slabs formed by strong southwest winds on Saturday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 50 and 80cm below the surface is a layer surface hoar which was buried on February 20th. Although this layer has a history of producing large avalanches, triggering this layer has now become difficult, and would most likely require a very large trigger on a steep, unsupported slope.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this the snowpack is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent windslabs have formed on lee features with moderate SW-W winds in the alpine and below ridgetops at treeline. I expect more wind slab formation with the forecasted moderate to strong W winds and with snow still available for transport. These will be susceptible to sledder and skier triggering. The recent snow from this week sits on a variety of surfaces (surface hoar, sun crust, old snow interface above 1800 m. or on a thick rain crust below that elevation). At the surface, a suncrust exist on SE-S-SW facing slopes at all elevations, a melt-freeze crust all the way up to 1500 m. and some surface hoar on shaded slopes above that elevation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light to locally moderate amounts of new snow now overlie a variety of old surfaces which include: a crust at lower elevations and on solar aspects; old wind slabs in exposed areas, and fairly widespread large surface hoar. Moderate to locally extreme west/southwest winds will have, no doubt, shifted the new snow into soft and hard wind slabs in exposed terrain. I would expect the new snow to be quite reactive, especially where it overlies the surface hoar which was buried on March 9th. This interface is likely to be one to watch as the overlying slab develops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack may resurface as a concern now that spring warming is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline on lee features of recent SW and W winds. They will still be susceptible to sledder and skier triggering. Outside of wind effected areas, top snowpack is generally gaining strength and starting to bond to the underlying surfaces. The deeper surface hoar/sun crust persistent weak layer down 60-90 cm is less reactive to skier traffic but could still be triggered by a large load (like a cornice fall or a windslab avalanche stepping down). This layer remains a concern to professionals. At the surface, there is a suncrust on SE-S-SW facing slopes at all the way up in the alpine, a melt-freeze crust up to 1600 m. and some surface hoar on shaded slopes above that elevation.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent windslabs have formed on lee features with W and E winds in the alpine and below ridgetops at treeline. These will still be susceptible to sledder and skier triggering. Outside of wind effected areas, I suspect that the top snowpack is generally gaining strength and starting to bond to the underlying surfaces. The 25-30 cm of snow from earlier this week is sitting on an older snow interface above 2000 m. and on a melt freeze crust below that elevation. Up to 80 cm snow overlies a surface hoar and sun crust which is becoming less reactive to skier traffic but that is still a concern to professionals. At the surface, there is a suncrust on SE-S-SW facing slopes all the way up in the alpine, a melt-freeze crust up to 1800 m. and some surface hoar on shaded slopes above that elevation. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In open alpine terrain expect to encounter soft slabs, hard slabs and sastrugi due to widespread wind effects. Sheltered areas that have been shaded offer loose dry snow while solar aspects sport a mix of variable crusts.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of recent snowfall have gone through a melt-freeze cycle on most slopes. On shady terrain at higher elevations these recent accumulations may be capped by weak surface hoar crystals over a thin crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 10cm below the surface is a hard 20cm thick rain crust. This crust supports the weight of skiers and hikers and has essentially clamped the snowpack to the slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Overall snowpack is deep and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dribs and drabs of recent snowfall have been shifted by strong southwest winds into touchy new windslabs in exposed areas. In more sheltered terrain, surface hoar and/or surface facets are likely to exist. A sun crust has formed on south facing terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 60 and 110cm below the surface is a layer surface hoar which was buried on February 20th. Although this layer has a history of producing large avalanches, triggering this layer has now become difficult, and would most likely require a very large trigger on a steep, unsupported slope. Below this interface, the snowpack is strong and well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A dusting of new snow overlies a variety of old surfaces which include: a crust at lower elevations and on solar aspects, faceted powder on shaded slopes, and surface hoar. The surface hoar, which was reported from the north of the region, has already been reported to be reactive where it was buried by wind slabs formed by strong southwest winds on Saturday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 50 and 80cm below the surface is a layer surface hoar which was buried on February 20th. Triggering this layer has become difficult, but heavy snow or rain this week could be enough new load to awaken this layer in specific areas. Below this the snowpack is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light to locally moderate amounts of new snow now overlie a variety of old surfaces which include: a crust at lower elevations and on solar aspects; old wind slabs in exposed areas, and fairly widespread large surface hoar. Moderate to locally extreme west/southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into soft and hard wind slabs in exposed terrain. I would expect the new snow to be quite reactive, especially where it overlies the surface hoar which was buried on March 9th. This interface is likely to be one to watch as the overlying slab develops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack may resurface as a concern now that spring warming is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thin new wind slabs are developing due to West-Northwest winds. These wind slabs may be sitting above recently developed surface hoar and surface facets in area where they were not stripped by the wind. Strong solar radiation may have developed sun crusts on solar aspects up to about 2000 metres. The mid pack is reported to be well settled without any layers of concern. Depth hoar and facets are reported near the ground in areas with a thin snow pack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is a thin layer of new snow and wind transported snow that is covering a widespread layer of surface hoar that developed during the recent clear weather. Sun crusts also developed during the clear weather on solar aspects up to about 2000 metres. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so the distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. There is still concern for the buried weak layer of surface hoar from February 12th that is now down more than a metre in most places. The forecast new load of snow and wind may overload this deeply buried weak layer in areas that did not slide after the last storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a thin layer of new snow and wind transported snow that is covering a widespread layer of surface hoar that developed during the recent clear weather. Sun crusts also developed during the clear weather on solar aspects up to about 1800 metres. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so the distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. There is still concern for the buried weak layer of surface hoar from February 12th that is now down more than a metre in most places. The forecast new load of snow and wind may overload this deeply buried weak layer in areas that did not slide after the last storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs are developing above a new surface hoar layer on shaded aspects and a sun crust on solar aspects. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 12th is now down about 100-150 cm and was not triggered by cornice falls over the weekend. Some areas report that the February 12th surface hoar is rounding and getting harder to shear in snow profile tests, but continues to give planar shears when it does fail. Avalanches failing on the February 12th layer have become a low probability/ high consequence situation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A trace of new snow overlies a variety of surfaces; hard wind slabs lee of N, SW and W winds in alpine and treeline features, a well developed surface hoar in shaded areas above 1700 m., a melt-freeze crust below that elevation and a 3 cm sun crust on solar aspects at all elevations. The forecasted precipitation and warm temperatures will add a good load to the snowpack (fair bit of uncertainty about quantities, but right now looking like 20 mm in water equivalent until Thursday). I suspect that the variety of surfaces described previously will become gradually more reactive as the load add up starting tomorrow. This could also make the 30 cm deep surface hoar layer that has been reactive to skier traffic (see avalanche observation section) even touchier, creating a potential for even larger avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A trace of new snow overlies a variety of surfaces; hard wind slabs lee of N, SW and W winds in alpine and treeline features, a well developed surface hoar in shaded areas above 1700 m., a melt-freeze crust below that elevation and a 3 cm sun crust on solar aspects at all elevations. The forecasted precipitation and warm temperatures will add a good load to the snowpack (fair bit of uncertainty about quantities, but right now looking like 20 mm in water equivalent until Thursday). I suspect that the variety of surfaces described previously will become gradually more reactive as the load add up starting tomorrow. This could also make the 30 cm deep surface hoar layer that has been reactive to skier traffic (see avalanche observation section) even touchier, creating a potential for even larger avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 5 cm of new snow is covering a variety of surfaces; a 2 cm thick suncrust on SE-S-SW facing slopes at all elevation, a melt-freeze crust all the way up to 1600 m. and some well developed surface hoar on shaded slopes above that elevation. The forecasted precipitation and warm temperatures will add a significant load to the snowpack (possibly from 20 to 50 mm in water equivalent until Thursday). I suspect that the variety of surfaces described previously will become gradually more reactive as the load add up starting tomorrow. This could also awake the 60-90 cm deep persistent surface hoar layer that has been less reactive to skier traffic lately creating a potential for very large avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A trace of new snow overlies a variety of surfaces; a 1-3 cm thick suncrust on SE-S-SW facing slopes all the way up in the alpine, a melt-freeze crust up to 1800 m., a well developed surface hoar on shaded slopes above that elevation and some wind slabs in the alpine on Northerly aspects.</span><span class="s_EB2EB4FA"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The forecasted precipitation and warm temperatures will add a significant load to the snowpack (possibly from 30 to 50 mm in water equivalent until Thursday). I suspect that the variety of surfaces described previously will become gradually more reactive as the load add up starting tomorrow. This could also awake the 60-90 cm deep persistent surface hoar layer that has been less reactive to skier traffic lately creating a potential for very large avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sun crusts are present on solar aspects up to at least 2400m. Snowpack remains weak and facetted at lower elevations. At alpine and treeline elevations soft slabs and hard slabs are widespread and are found on all aspects. These slabs vary significantly in their sensitivity to triggers, with one size 2.0 slab triggered by solar radiation on a south aspect yesterday .</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 5-15cm of new snow fell before the onset of heavy rain. This new snow is likely wet and cohesionless as the rain continues to saturate the upper snowpack. Otherwise the snowpack is dense and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25cm of unconsolidated new snow is bonding poorly a variety of old surfaces which include: a crust at lower elevations and on solar aspects; old wind slabs in exposed areas, and fairly widespread large surface hoar. Moderate to locally extreme west/southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into soft and hard wind slabs in exposed terrain. This new snow is currently reactive to human triggers primarily where cohesive wind slabs have formed, but reactivity is expected to become more widespread as the overlying slab develops with continued loading. The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack may resurface as a concern now that spring warming is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warm and wet new storm slab is developing above a new surface hoar layer on shaded aspects and a sun crust on solar aspects. The new storm slab was reported to be very reactive today with avalanches up to size 1.5 triggered from remote locations and propagating long distances. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 12th is now down about 100-150 cm and was not triggered by cornice falls over the weekend. Some areas report that the February 12th surface hoar is rounding and getting harder to shear in snow profile tests, but continues to give planar shears when it does fail. The new load of storm snow may cause another cycle of natural activity on the February 12th weak layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30cm of new snow had already fallen by Tuesday morning and another 20-30cm is expected by the end of the day. This new snow is bonding poorly to the previous snow surface, which includes faceted snow, surface hoar, and/or a crust, but is most concerning where surface hoar is sitting on a crust on previously sun-exposed sheltered treeline slopes. Around a metre below the snow surface is a layer surface hoar buried on February 20th. Although this layer has a history of producing large avalanches, triggering this layer has now become difficult, and would most likely require a very large trigger on a steep, unsupported slope. Below this interface, the snowpack is strong and well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 10-20cm of new snow had already fallen by Tuesday morning and another 10-15cm is expected by the end of the day. This new snow is bonding poorly to the previous snow surface, which includes faceted snow, surface hoar, and/or a crust, but is most concerning where surface hoar is sitting on a crust on previously sun-exposed sheltered treeline slopes. Around a metre below the snow surface is a layer surface hoar buried on February 20th. Although this layer has a history of producing large avalanches, triggering this layer has now become difficult, and would most likely require a very large trigger on a steep, unsupported slope. Below this interface, the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A new storm slab is developing due to strong Southwest winds, new snow, and warming temperatures. The new storm snow has buried a thin layer of new snow and wind transported snow that is covering a widespread layer of surface hoar that developed during the recent clear weather. Sun crusts also developed during the clear weather on solar aspects up to about 2000 metres. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so the distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. There is still concern for the buried weak layer of surface hoar from February 12th that is now down more than a metre in most places. The forecast new load of snow and wind may overload this deeply buried weak layer in areas that did not slide after the last storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm snow is developing a cohesive slab above the thin layer of dry new snow and wind transported snow that is covering a widespread layer of surface hoar that developed during the recent clear weather. Sun crusts also developed during the clear weather on solar aspects up to about 1800 metres. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so the distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. There is still concern for the buried weak layer of surface hoar from February 12th that is now down more than a metre in most places. The forecast new load of snow and wind may overload this deeply buried weak layer in areas that did not slide after the last storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong Southwest winds are re-distributing new snow into wind slabs, and reverse loading areas that were stripped by recent Northwest winds. These wind slabs may be sitting above recently developed surface hoar and surface facets in area where they were not stripped by the wind. Strong solar radiation may have developed sun crusts on solar aspects up to about 2000 metres. The mid pack is reported to be well settled without any layers of concern. Depth hoar and facets are reported near the ground in areas with a thin snow pack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, 5-20 cm of new snow (more in the W part of the region) is covering a variety of surfaces; a 2 cm thick suncrust on SE-S-SW facing slopes at all elevation, a melt-freeze crust all the way up to 1600 m. and some well developed surface hoar on shaded slopes above that elevation. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The forecasted precipitation and warm temperatures will add a good load to the snowpack (could be another 30 mm in water equivalent till tomorrow night). The variety of surfaces described earlier are already showing reactivity to this new load and creating a good failure plane for avalanches to slide on. With freezing levels rising again tomorrow, the new dryer snow layer at the upper below treeline and treeline elevation band (between ~1200 m. and ~1800 m.). could get soaked and create wetslabs and loose wet avalanches. The surface hoar persistent weak layer buried down up to 100 cm is still producing some sudden planar snowpack test results. This layer could be triggered by the heavy load in the coming days. </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">Currently, 5-10 cm of new snow overlies a variety of surfaces; hard wind slabs lee of NW-SW winds in alpine and treeline features, a well developed surface hoar in shaded areas above 1700 m., a melt-freeze crust below that elevation and a 3 cm sun crust on solar aspects at all elevations. The forecasted precipitation and warm temperatures will add a good load to the snowpack (could be another 30 mm in water equivalent till tomorrow night). The variety of surfaces described earlier are already showing reactivity to this new load and creating a good </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche-center.org/Education/glossary/failure-plane.php" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">failure plane</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for avalanches to slide on. With freezing levels rising again tomorrow, the new dryer snow layer at the upper below treeline and treeline elevation band (between ~1500 m. and ~2000 m.). could get soaked and create wetslabs and loose wet avalanches. The surface hoar persistent weak layer buried down up to 100 cm is still producing some sudden planar snowpack test results where it is not covered by a thick melt freeze crust bridging it. This layer could be triggered by the heavy load in the coming days. </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">Currently, 10 cm of new snow overlies a variety of surfaces; hard wind slabs lee of N, SW and W winds in alpine and treeline features, a well developed surface hoar in shaded areas above 1700 m., a melt-freeze crust below that elevation and a 3 cm sun crust on solar aspects at all elevations. The forecasted precipitation and warm temperatures will add a good load to the snowpack (could be another 20 mm in water equivalent till tomorrow night). The variety of surfaces described earlier are already showing reactivity to this new load and creating a good </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche-center.org/Education/glossary/failure-plane.php" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">failure plane</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for avalanches to slide on (see avalanche activity section). With freezing levels rising again tomorrow, the new dryer snow layer at the upper below treeline and treeline elevation band (between ~1500 m. and ~2000 m.). could get soaked and create wetslabs and loose wet avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, 10 cm of new snow overlies a variety of surfaces; hard wind slabs lee of N, SW and W winds in alpine and treeline features, a well developed surface hoar in shaded areas above 1700 m., a melt-freeze crust below that elevation and a 3 cm sun crust on solar aspects at all elevations. The forecasted precipitation and warm temperatures will add a good load to the snowpack (could be another 20 mm in water equivalent till tomorrow night). The variety of surfaces described earlier will most likely be reactive to this new load and create a good </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche-center.org/Education/glossary/failure-plane.php" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">failure plane</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for avalanches to slide on. With freezing levels rising again tomorrow, the new dryer snow layer at the upper below treeline and treeline elevation band (between ~1500 m. and ~2000 m.). could get soaked and create wetslabs and loose wet avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 10cm of new snow at treeline with temperatures rising above zero degrees so rapid settlement and slab formation.  Winds were generally light with occasional periods of strong southerly winds resulting in some redistribution of storm snow along ridgetops. &nbsp;  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm has delivered around 50 cm as of Wednesday afternoon and another 10 - 20 is expected overnight.  This new snow is bonding poorly to the previous snow surface, which includes faceted snow, surface hoar, and/or a crust, but is most concerning where surface hoar is sitting on a crust on previously sun-exposed sheltered treeline slopes. Around a metre below the snow surface is a layer surface hoar buried on February 20th. Although this layer has a history of producing large avalanches, triggering this layer has now become difficult, and would most likely require a very large trigger on a steep, unsupported slope. Below this interface, the snowpack is strong and well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 5-15cm of new snow fell before the onset of heavy rain. This new snow is likely wet and cohesionless as the rain continues to saturate the upper snowpack. Otherwise the snowpack is dense and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another pulse of heavy precipitation is forecast to add to the already moist heavy storm slab that is covering a widespread layer of surface hoar (March 10th layer) that developed during the recent clear weather. Strong Westerly winds during the storm have developed thick wind slabs at higher elevations where the snow was drier and easily transported. Sun crusts also developed during the clear weather on solar aspects up to about 1800 metres. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so the distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. There is still concern for the buried weak layer of surface hoar from February 12th that is now down more than a metre in most places. The forecast new load of snow and wind may overload this deeply buried weak layer in areas that did not slide after the last storm.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another pulse of heavy precipitation is forecast to add to the already moist heavy storm slab that is covering a widespread layer of surface hoar (March 10th layer) that developed during the recent clear weather. Strong Westerly winds during the storm have developed thick wind slabs at higher elevations where the snow was drier and easily transported. Sun crusts also developed during the clear weather on solar aspects up to about 1800 metres. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so the distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. There is still concern for the buried weak layer of surface hoar from February 12th that is now down more than a metre in most places. The forecast new load of snow and wind may overload this deeply buried weak layer in areas that did not slide after the last storm.</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">Some areas report some freezing rain to ridgetops. Strong Southwest winds are re-distributing new snow into wind slabs, and reverse loading areas that were stripped by recent Northwest winds. These wind slabs may be sitting above recently developed surface hoar and surface facets in area where they were not stripped by the wind. Strong solar radiation may have developed sun crusts on solar aspects up to about 2000 metres. The mid pack is reported to be well settled without any layers of concern. Depth hoar and facets are reported near the ground in areas with a thin snow pack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A new storm slab is developing due to strong Southwest winds, new snow, and warming temperatures. The new storm snow has buried a thin layer of new snow and wind transported snow that is covering a widespread layer of surface hoar that developed during the recent clear weather. Sun crusts also developed during the clear weather on solar aspects up to about 2000 metres. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so the distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. There is still concern for the buried weak layer of surface hoar from February 12th that is now down more than a metre in most places. The forecast new load of snow and wind may overload this deeply buried weak layer in areas that did not slide after the last storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm storm has already added a significant load onto the snowpack (around 30 mm of water equivalent in the higher snowfall areas). Another pulse of precipitation will add weight onto the storm slab and the already moist/wet snowpack below the freezing line (around 2000 m.).&nbsp; In the alpine and at treeline, the new snow sits on a hard wind slabs lee of N, SW and W winds in alpine and treeline features, a well developed surface hoar in shaded areas above 1700 m., a melt-freeze crust below that elevation and a 3 cm sun crust on solar aspects at all elevations. At lower elevations, the wet precipitation will keep soaking up the snowpack possibly weakening it especially where there is a good buried sliding surface like a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm storm has already added a significant load onto the snowpack (50 mm in water equivalent!). Another pulse of precipitation will add weight onto the storm slab and the already moist/wet snowpack below the freezing line (around 2000 m.).  In the alpine and at treeline, the new snow sits on a hard wind slabs lee of N, SW and W winds in alpine and treeline features, a well developed surface hoar in shaded areas above 1700 m., a melt-freeze crust below that elevation and a 3 cm sun crust on solar aspects at all elevations. At lower elevations, the wet precipitation will keep soaking up the snowpack weakening it especially where there is a good buried sliding surface like a crust or even smooth ground. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm storm has already added a significant load onto the snowpack (around 30 mm of water equivalent). Another pulse of precipitation will add weight onto the storm slab and the already moist/wet snowpack below the freezing line (around 2000 m.).&nbsp; In the alpine and at treeline, the new snow will sit on hard wind slabs lee of NW-SW winds in alpine and treeline features, a well developed surface hoar in shaded areas above 1700 m., a melt-freeze crust below that elevation and a 3 cm sun crust on solar aspects at all elevations.&nbsp; At lower elevations, the wet precipitation will keep soaking up the snowpack possibly weakening it especially where there is a good buried sliding surface like a crust or a surface hoar layer. The surface hoar layer buried down 100 cm is still a concern and would generate a very large avalanche if triggered. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm storm has already added a significant load onto the snowpack (around 30 mm of water equivalent in the higher snowfall areas). Another pulse of precipitation will add weight onto the storm slab and the already moist/wet snowpack below the freezing line (around 2000 m.).  In the alpine and at treeline, the new snow will sit on a 2 cm thick suncrust on SE-S-SW facing slopes, some buried windslabs and possibly some well developed surface hoar on shaded slopes. At lower elevations, the wet precipitation will keep soaking up the snowpack possibly weakening it especially where there is a good buried sliding surface like a crust or a surface hoar layer. The surface hoar layer buried down 100 cm is still a concern and would generate a very large avalanche if triggered. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The storm has delivered around 30 cm as of Wednesday afternoon and another 10 - 20 is expected overnight.  This new snow is bonding poorly to the previous snow surface, which includes faceted snow, surface hoar, and/or a crust, but is most concerning where surface hoar is sitting on a crust on previously sun-exposed sheltered treeline slopes. Around a metre below the snow surface is a layer surface hoar buried on February 20th. Although this layer has a history of producing large avalanches, triggering this layer has now become difficult, and would most likely require a very large trigger on a steep, unsupported slope. Below this interface, the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 - 40cm of unconsolidated new snow is bonding poorly a variety of old surfaces which include: a crust at lower elevations and on solar aspects; old wind slabs in exposed areas, and fairly widespread large surface hoar. Moderate to locally extreme west/southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into soft and hard wind slabs in exposed terrain. This new snow is currently reactive to human triggers primarily where cohesive wind slabs have formed, but reactivity is expected to become more widespread as the overlying slab develops with continued loading. The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack may resurface as a concern now that spring warming is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The storm has delivered around 40 cm as of Thursday morning and another 5-10mm/5-15cm is expected Thursday afternoon/evening. This new snow is bonding poorly to the previous snow surface, which includes faceted snow, surface hoar, and/or a crust, but is most concerning where surface hoar is sitting on a crust on previously sun-exposed sheltered treeline slopes.  Strong southerly winds in the alpine have created slabs on N - E facing slopes that may be up to a meter in depth.  Around a 100 - 150cm below the snow surface is a layer surface hoar buried on February 20th. Although this layer has a history of producing large avalanches, triggering this layer has now become difficult, and would most likely require a very large trigger on a steep, unsupported slope. Below this interface, the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm has delivered around 50 cm of heavy snow at upper elevations as of Thursday morning and another 15 - 25 are expected this afternoon and evening. Strong southerly winds in the alpine have created slabs on N - E facing slopes that may be up to a meter in depth.  At treeline the storm snow is a messy configuration of dry snow, moist snow, rain soaked snow and even the occasional thin crust.  As this interface cools in the coming days the ski quality may be less than premium. This new snow is bonding poorly to the previous snow surface, which includes faceted snow, surface hoar, and/or a crust, but is most concerning where surface hoar is sitting on a crust on previously sun-exposed sheltered treeline slopes. Around a metre below the snow surface is a layer surface hoar buried on February 20th. Although this layer has a history of producing large avalanches, triggering this layer has now become difficult, and would most likely require a very large trigger on a steep, unsupported slope. Below this interface, the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> The warm storm has left a significant amount of wet precipitation or heavy snow (10-30 cm of heavy snow above 1800m. and rain under).  At higher elevations, snow has been transported by strong SW and W winds creating windslabs that are probably very touchy. Below the freezing line, the snowpack is rain soaked. Another pulse of precipitation is forecasted, adding weight onto the storm slab and the already moist/wet snowpack.  The new snow has not been bonding well to the underlying surfaces creating natural avalanche activity and showing signs of instability like cracking around skis.  Some of the significant underlying surfaces mentioned before include a suncrust on S aspects and a melt-freeze crust on all aspects below 1700 m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A deep and cohesive storm slab continues to develop at higher elevations while rain has saturated the snowpack in areas below treeline. The newly formed storm slab overlies a few older surfaces which include weak surface hoar on shaded aspects, and a sun crust on solar aspects. This interface was reported to be highly reactive in recent days with avalanches triggered from remote locations and propagating long distances. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak layer of surface hoar buried on February 12th is now down about 100-150 cm. Some areas report that this layer is rounding and getting harder to shear in snow profile tests, but continues to give planar shears when it does fail. The new load of storm snow may cause another cycle of natural activity at this interface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm storm has left from 20 to 45 cm of snow above 2000 m..  At higher elevations, snow has been transported by strong SW and W winds creating windslabs that are very touchy. Below the freezing line, the snowpack is rain soaked. Another pulse of precipitation will add weight onto the storm slab and the already moist/wet snowpack.  The new snow has not been bonding well to the underlying surfaces creating lots of recent avalanche activity, easy snowpack test results and reactivity to skier traffic. Some of the significant underlying surfaces mentioned before include a surface hoar layer in shaded-sheltered areas, a suncrust on S aspects and a melt-freeze crust below 1700 m. The surface hoar persistent weak layer buried down 100 cm is also still a concern to professionals and would generate very large avalanches if triggered.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm storm has left a significant amount of wet precipitation under 2000 m. or heavy snow above that elevation (up to 50 mm in water equivalent).  At higher elevations, snow has been transported by strong SW and W winds creating windslabs that are probably very touchy and developing cornices. Below the freezing line, the snowpack is rain soaked. Another pulse of precipitation will add weight onto the storm slab and the already moist/wet snowpack.  The new snow has not been bonding well to the underlying surfaces creating lots of recent avalanche activity and easy snowpack test results. Some of the significant underlying surfaces mentioned before include a suncrust on S aspects and a deteriorating melt-freeze crust below 1500 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warm storm has left from 20 to 40 cm of snow above 2000 m.  At higher elevations, snow has been transported by strong SW and W winds creating wind slabs on lee alpine features and storm slabs that are very touchy. Below the freezing line, the snowpack is rain soaked. Another pulse of precipitation will add weight onto the storm slabs and the already moist/wet snowpack.  The new snow has not been bonding well to the underlying surfaces creating lots of recent avalanche activity, easy snowpack test results and reactivity to skier traffic. Some of the significant underlying surfaces mentioned before include a surface hoar layer in shaded-sheltered areas, a suncrust on S aspects and a melt-freeze crust below 1700 m. The surface hoar persistent weak layer buried down 100 cm is also still a concern to professionals and would generate very large avalanches if triggered.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong Southwest winds, new snow, and warming temperatures are contributing to an ongoing storm slab problem. The new storm snow overlies a widespread layer of surface hoar that developed during the recent clear weather. Sun crusts also developed during the clear weather on solar aspects up to about 2000 metres. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so its distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is still concern for the buried weak layer of surface hoar from February 12th that is now down more than a metre in most places. The forecast new load of snow and wind may overload this deeply buried weak layer in areas that did not slide after the last storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Ongoing wind, heavy precipitation and warm temperatures are contributing to a deep and cohesive storm slab which overlies a widespread layer of surface hoar. At lower elevations, rain continues to penetrate the snowpack. The surface hoar, which developed during the recent clear weather, may have been disturbed by strong winds before it was buried, so the distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. Sun crusts also developed during the clear weather on solar aspects up to about 1800m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is still concern for the buried weak layer of surface hoar from February 12th that is now down more than a metre in most places. The forecast new load of snow and wind may overload this deeply buried weak layer in areas that did not slide after the last storm.</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">At the time of publishing, rain at higher elevations was transitioning to a mix of rain and snow. Forecast freezing levels at treeline are uncertain; however, if snow prevails, new storm slabs will exist at higher elevations with deeper pockets in wind-loaded features. Otherwise the snowpack is dense and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25 - 50cm of unconsolidated new snow is beginning to bond to a tenuous old surface which include: a crust at lower elevations and on solar aspects; old wind slabs in exposed areas, and fairly widespread large surface hoar. Moderate to locally extreme west/southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into soft and hard wind slabs in exposed terrain. This new snow is stubbornly reactive to human triggers primarily where cohesive wind slabs have formed, but reactivity is expected to become more widespread as the overlying slab develops with continued loading. Outflow winds are forecast for Friday which will likely result in some reverse loading in wind exposed terrain. The mid snowpack layers are generally well settled and strong. Facets at the base of the snowpack may resurface as a concern now that spring warming is on the doorstep and full-depth releases are becoming more likely (primarily in the northern part of the region).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong Southwest winds are re-distributing new snow into wind slabs, and reverse loading areas that were stripped by recent Northwest winds. These wind slabs may be sitting above recently developed surface hoar and surface facets in area where they were not stripped by the wind. Strong solar radiation may have developed sun crusts on solar aspects up to about 2000 metres. The mid pack is reported to be well settled without any layers of concern. Depth hoar and facets are reported near the ground in areas with a thin snow pack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Inversion conditions today led to moist snow starting at 2000m. Rain crust on surface below that. Limited visibility today, but storm slabs from the ongoing wind event are certain at TL &amp; ALP elevations. These slabs will remain reactive to human triggering in steep terrain at all elevations until the temperatures cool. The warm nature of the storm will promote slab development and cornice growth. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist isothermal snowpack below 1900m throughout the region.  Top 40cm of snowpack moist up to 2200m.  Above 2200m snowpack is still wintery in most places.  The 0303 temperature crust is present on all solar aspects up to 3000m and now has about 40cm of snow overlying it that seems well bonded.  Skiing is rugged. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30 - 60cm of unconsolidated storm snow rests on the old/new snow interface.  Prior to this last storm, the surface was a mix of crusts, old wind slabs and fairly widespread large surface hoar (which we're calling the March 9th surface hoar).  Professionals in the region are keeping their eyes on this layer and testing produces sudden collapse failures at this interface.  In many places, the storm snow has not yet taken on any slab characteristics, but there are no doubt some locations where the storm snow has been massaged into a more cohesive slab.  As a result the current slab problem is &quot;pockety&quot; in nature.  You'll need to dig down to the old surface and test it to get a feel for what's happening in your particular drainage.  The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 - 40cm of unconsolidated storm snow rests on the old/new snow interface.  Prior to this last storm, the surface was a mix of crusts, old wind slabs and fairly widespread large surface hoar (which we're calling the March 9th surface hoar).  Professionals in the region are keeping their eyes on this layer and testing produces sudden collapse failures at this interface.  In many places, the storm snow has not yet taken on any slab characteristics, but there are no doubt some locations where the storm snow has been massaged into a more cohesive slab.  As a result the current slab problem is &quot;pockety&quot; in nature.  You'll need to dig down to the old surface and test it to get a feel for what's happening in your particular drainage.  The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm has delivered around 60 cm of heavy snow at upper elevations while simultaneously raining as high as 1900m as freezing levels fluctuated during the storm.  The new snow has been settling rapidly and is slowly bonding to the previous snow surface, which includes faceted snow, surface hoar, and/or a crust.  This interface is most concerning where the surface hoar is sitting on a crust on previously sun-exposed sheltered treeline slopes.  Cool temperatures should limit natural avalanche activity but I suspect the snowpack could still use a bit of time to adjust to it's new load.  We also need to gather more information on this interface before we think getting into the bigger terrain.  Below this interface, the snowpack is strong and well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> Continuous very heavy rain has continued to penetrate the snowpack. I would suspect that rain-soaked surfaces will lack cohesion with the potential for loose wet avalanches in steep terrain until a sufficient re-freeze occurs. Otherwise the snowpack is dense and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent warm storm dropped rain to high elevations, making “upside-down” (dense over less dense) upper snowpack layers, which have been sensitive to triggering. Cornices have become fragile with continued warmth. At low elevations, the snowpack became wet and weak. By Friday afternoon, a supportive crust had formed above about 1850 m, but lower elevations remained moist and unsupportive. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent warm storm dropped 10-30 cm of dense snow above about  2000 m and soaked the snowpack with rain below at lower elevations.  At high elevations, snow has been transported by strong SW and W winds, creating wind slabs. Cornices have become fragile with continued warmth. The new snow has not been bonding well to the underlying surfaces, causing natural avalanche activity. Deeper in the snowpack, crusts exist, which can act as sliding surfaces for large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm dropped about 15-40 cm snow at upper elevations, while rain soaked the snowpack below about 2000 m. Moist or wet snow at the surface overlies less dense snow, creating “upside-down” storm snow. Strong NW through SW winds may have redistributed snow into wind slabs and created cornices at alpine elevations. Below the storm snow is a layer of buried surface hoar and/or a crust, which increased the reactivity of storm slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a weak interface buried in mid-February is still on the radar. Although unlikely to be triggered, it remains possible with a very heavy load or from a thin-spot trigger point, particularly at high alpine elevations where the snowpack above this layer is free of supportive crusts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As temperatures cool, wet slab/loose wet avalanche problems should improve, but persistent slab concerns will linger at upper elevations, especially on slopes which didn’t avalanche during the storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The storm has delivered around 60 cm of heavy snow at upper elevations while simultaneously raining as high as 1900m as freezing levels fluctuated during the storm.  Below 1500m the snowpack was reported to be isothermal as of Friday afternoon.  The new snow has been settling rapidly and is slowly bonding to the previous snow surface, which includes faceted snow, surface hoar, and/or a crust. This interface is most concerning where the surface hoar is sitting on a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes.  Cool temperatures should slow natural avalanche activity in the coming days but I suspect the snowpack could still use a bit of time to adjust to it's new load.  We also need to gather more information on this interface before we think getting into the bigger terrain.  The mid-pack is strong and well settled, although the entire snowpack will remain volatile below 1500m until it has a chance to freeze.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong southwest winds, heavy snowfall, and warm temperatures in recent days have formed deep and cohesive storm slabs at treeline and above. Widespread cornice development has also taken place. At lower elevations heavy rain has continued to penetrate the snowpack. The recent storm snow overlies a weak layer of surface hoar or a sun crust that were buried on March 10th. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so its distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some professionals are still expressing concern for the buried layer of surface hoar from February 12th that is now down more than 1.5m in most places. Although unlikely, the new load of snow and wind may overload this deeply buried weak layer in isolated, unsupported terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong southwest winds, heavy snowfall, and warm temperatures in recent days have formed deep and cohesive storm slabs at treeline and above. Widespread cornice development has also taken place. At lower elevations heavy rain has continued to penetrate the snowpack. The recent storm snow overlies a weak layer of surface hoar or a sun crust that were buried on March 10th. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so its distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is still concern for the buried layer of surface hoar from February 12th that is now down more than 1.5m in most places. Although less likely, the new load of snow and wind may overload this deeply buried weak layer in isolated terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm dropped anywhere from 40 cm to 1 m of snow at upper elevations, while rain soaked the snowpack below treeline. The freezing level was between 1700 m and 2400 m during the storm. Strong NW through SW winds have redistributed snow into wind slabs and created cornices at alpine elevations. Below the storm snow is a layer of buried surface hoar and/or a crust, which is increasing the reactivity of storm slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a weak interface buried in mid-February is still on the radar. Although unlikely to be triggered, it remains possible with a very heavy load or from a thin-spot trigger point. A facet/crust layer sits at the base of the snowpack in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As temperatures cool, wet slab/loose wet avalanche problems should improve, but persistent slab concerns at upper elevations will linger, especially on slopes which didn’t avalanche during the storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong southwest winds, heavy snowfall, and warm temperatures in recent days have formed deep and cohesive storm slabs at treeline and above. Widespread cornice development has also taken place. At lower elevations rain has continued to penetrate the snowpack, and below 1400m the snowpack is reported to be isothermal. The recent storm snow overlies a weak layer of surface hoar or a sun crust that were buried on March 10th. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so its distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is still concern for the buried layer of surface hoar from February 12th that is now down more than 1.5m in most places. Although less likely, the new load of snow and wind may overload this deeply buried weak layer in isolated terrain.</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">A cooler day has frozen the moist surface snow below 1900m. Snow underneath the new crust cooling, however temps haven't been cold enough or sustained enough to reach deep into the snowpack. TL elevations still have snow available for transport, and with that windslabs on lee aspects. In general the snowpack has tightened up at TL &amp; BTL elevations. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the last few days very heavy rainfall has penetrated the snowpack. More recently, light snowfall has capped the surface. If the light snowfall has landed on a refrozen crust, I would expect a relatively poor bond. If the rain transitioned to snow gradually, I would expect a better bond, except in wind-loaded terrain where small pockets of wind slab may exist.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Otherwise the snowpack is dense and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm dropped anywhere from 40 cm to 1 m of snow at upper elevations, while rain soaked the snowpack below treeline. The storm snow was very reactive, creating big avalanches. The freezing level was between 1700 m and 2400 m during the storm, and lowered on Saturday, most likely forming a frozen crust in some areas. Strong NW through SW winds have redistributed snow into wind slabs and created cornices at alpine elevations. Below the storm snow is a layer of buried surface hoar and/or a crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a weak interface buried in mid-February is still on the radar. Although unlikely to be triggered, it remains possible with a very heavy load or from a thin-spot trigger point. A facet/crust layer sits at the base of the snowpack in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As temperatures cool, wet slab/loose wet avalanche problems should improve, but persistent slab concerns at upper elevations may linger, especially on slopes which didn’t avalanche during the storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and above, light amounts of new snow overlie deep and cohesive storm slabs that formed with heavy snowfall, strong southwest winds and warm temperatures. Widespread cornice development has also taken place. At lower elevations rain penetrated the snowpack, and below 1400m the snowpack was reported to be isothermal. The recent storm snow overlies a weak layer of surface hoar or a sun crust that were buried on March 10th. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so its distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some professionals are still expressing concern for the layer of surface hoar buried on February 12th. This interface is now well over 1.5m below the surface and triggering has become unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and above, light amounts of new snow overlie deep and cohesive storm slabs that formed with heavy snowfall, strong southwest winds and warm temperatures. Widespread cornice development has also taken place. At lower elevations rain penetrated the snowpack, and below 1400m the snowpack was reported to be isothermal. The recent storm snow overlies a weak layer of surface hoar or a sun crust that were buried on March 10th. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so its distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some professionals are still expressing concern for the layer of surface hoar buried on February 12th. This interface is now well over 1.5m below the surface and triggering has become unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent warm storm dropped 10-30 cm of dense snow above about 2000 m and soaked the snowpack with rain at lower elevations.  At high elevations, snow has been transported by strong SW and W winds, creating wind slabs. Cornices are large and fragile in some areas. The new snow was not bonding well to underlying surfaces during the storm. With cooling temperatures, the snowpack should start to stabilize and form a hard surface crust, which new snow may not bond well to. The midpack is generally well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_84447C69"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and above, light amounts of new snow overlie deep and cohesive storm slabs that formed with heavy snowfall, strong southwest winds and warm temperatures. Widespread cornice development has also taken place. At lower elevations rain penetrated the snowpack, and below 1400m the snowpack was reported to be isothermal. The recent storm snow overlies a weak layer of surface hoar or a sun crust that were buried on March 10th. Some areas had strong winds before the surface hoar was buried, so its distribution may be specific to sheltered and shaded terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some professionals are still expressing concern for the layer of surface hoar buried on February 12th. This interface is now well over 1.5m below the surface and triggering has become unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent warm storm dropped rain to high elevations, making “upside-down” (dense over less dense) upper snowpack layers. Forecast snow and wind will add to these storm slabs. Cornices are large and fragile in some areas. At low elevations, the snowpack became wet and weak. By Friday afternoon, a supportive crust had formed above about 1850 m, but lower elevations remained moist and unsupportive. Temperatures warmed again on Saturday. Until temperatures remain cool for an extended period of time, I’d maintain some degree of suspicion about the strength of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, crust layers have not been active recently, but will stay in the back of our minds as spring progresses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A series of warming events (sun and rain) and subsequent cooling has left a variety of crusts in the upper snowpack. Recent rain soaked the snowpack at low elevations, and moistened surface layers at upper elevations. A layer of surface hoar and/or a crust is buried about 40 cm deep. Wind slabs and cornices exist near ridge tops. Deeper in the snowpack, a weak interface buried in mid-February is still on the radar. Although unlikely to be triggered, it remains possible with a very heavy load or from a thin-spot trigger point, particularly in locations where the snowpack above this layer is free of supportive crusts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Until temperatures remain cool for an extended period of time, I’d maintain some degree of suspicion about the overall strength of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Precipitation totals for the storm that ended Thursday were impressive: up to 130 mm. This fell as rain in the valleys, a mix of rain and snow at elevations up to 1900 m, and as dense snow above that. On Thursday night, things cooled just enough to set up a weak, breakable crust, but Friday's daytime temperatures were enough to melt this out in many areas. The lack of a good freeze-up contributed to avalanche activity continuing into Friday. On Friday night, another skiff of snow fell on top of this interface. This insulating layer will further delay the re-freezing process, despite cooler temperatures. Below the recent storm snow lies one or two weak layers buried approximately 60 cm below the surface. These comprise faceted snow, surface hoar and/or a crust. As a result of all these factors, the snowpack structure is highly variable at this time. It may change dramatically with only a subtle change in elevation, aspect, wind or sun exposure. With further cooling, the upper snowpack should start to bond better. However, with the amount of moisture and the insulating effect of the new snow, expect this to take longer than usual. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The recent storm delivered around 60 cm of heavy snow at upper elevations and a mix of rain and snow below around 1900 m. Below 1500m, the snowpack was reported to be isothermal as of Friday afternoon. On Friday night, 5-15 cm new snow fell. This insulating layer will further delay the re-freezing process, despite cooler temperatures. Below the recent storm snow lies one or two weak layers buried approximately 50 cm below the surface. These comprise faceted snow, surface hoar and/or a crust. As a result of all these factors, the snowpack structure is highly variable at this time. It may change dramatically with only a subtle change in elevation, aspect, wind or sun exposure. With further cooling, the upper snowpack should start to bond better. However, with the amount of moisture and the insulating effect of the new snow, expect this to take longer than usual. The mid-pack is strong and well settled, although the entire snowpack will remain volatile below 1500m until it has a chance to freeze.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-50 cm of recent storm snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and surface hoar. Warmer temperatures and recent winds have now set this new snow into a reactive slab, with wind slabs building in exposed lee areas. The surface hoar (buried March 9th) is reported to be well-developed and fairly widespread, at treeline and alpine elevations. Recent snowpack tests have produced sudden failures with moderate loading force at this interface. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of recent storm snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and surface hoar (buried March 9th). Warmer temperatures and recent winds have now set this new snow into a reactive slab. The March 9th surface hoar layer is reported to be very touchy and appears to exist at all elevations and on a variety of aspects. I suspect cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable with daytime heating. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 35cm HN24 at treeline tapering down to 20cm at valley floors.  This snow was rapidly settling at lower elevations due to the warm temps.  Variable light (gusty to moderate) winds were creating pockets of touchy storm slabs along ridgelines lines at treeline and in open features in Alpine terrain.  There was also reverse loading on-going at higher elevations due to the NW winds.  The 0312 crust was found down 85cm on a south aspect at treeline and the 0303 crust was found down 110cm (</span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.facebook.com/kcpublicsafety" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Photo</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">).  Easy shears can be found in the upper snowpack within the storm snow and moderate to hard sheers persist down 85 on the 0312 crust.  The 0312 crust is supportive at lower elevations which makes travel easy.  Beneath this crust the snow is moist. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to the weekend very heavy rain penetrated the snowpack. More recently, the wet snow has refrozen with cooler temperatures and light amounts of new snow now cap the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Generally, the snowpack is dense and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm snowfall on Sunday landed on a crust above about 2000 m, or moist snow at lower elevations. Ridge top winds have been from SW and NW directions, creating wind slabs on a variety of lee and cross-loaded slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a series of crust layers makes up the upper snowpack. The mid-pack is reported to be generally well-settled. Cornices are large and fragile in some areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm new snow now sits on a weak crust below 1900 m. Below the crust is moist snow, from the previous intense, wet storm. Freeze-up following this storm was slow, due to a slow decline in temperatures and the insulating skiff of snow on the surface. Below the recent new snow lies one or two weak layers buried approximately 60 cm below the surface. These comprise faceted snow, surface hoar and/or a crust. The snowpack structure is quite variable at this time. It may change dramatically with only a subtle change in elevation, aspect, wind or sun exposure. With further cooling, the upper snowpack should start to bond better. However, with the amount of moisture and the insulating effect of the new snow, expect this to take longer than usual. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Heavy snowfall affected the Coquihalla on Saturday Night with around 40 cm new snow by Sunday morning. On the Duffey, more like 10 cm fell and at Allison Pass there was around 8 cm. This new snow sits on a crust along the Duffey at elevations below 1900 m. In the Coquihalla region, this crust was not reported to have formed due to the insulating effect of the new snow. Instead, the new snow here sits on wet snow from the previous storm. For both sub-regions, expect wind slabs and cornices in the alpine. Below the recent storm snow lies one or two weak layers buried about 60 cm below the surface (more like 80cm in the Coquihalla). These comprise faceted snow, surface hoar and/or a crust. The snowpack structure is complicated and highly variable at this time. It may change dramatically with only a subtle change in elevation, aspect, wind or sun exposure. With further cooling, the upper snowpack should start to bond better. However, with the amount of moisture and the insulating effect of the new snow, expect this to take longer than usual. The mid-pack is strong and well settled, although the entire snowpack will remain volatile below 1500m until it has a chance to freeze.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-50 cm of recent storm snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and surface hoar. Warmer temperatures and recent winds have now set this new snow into a reactive slab, with wind slabs building in exposed lee areas. The surface hoar (buried March 9th) is reported to be well-developed and fairly widespread, at treeline and alpine elevations. Recent snowpack tests have produced sudden failures with moderate loading force at this interface. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of recent storm snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and surface hoar (buried March 9th). Warmer temperatures and recent winds have now set this new snow into a reactive slab. The March 9th surface hoar layer is reported to be very touchy and appears to exist at all elevations and on a variety of aspects. I suspect cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable with daytime heating. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally moderate amounts of new snow fell on Saturday night and have have been distributed into deeper windslabs in lee terrain. These new accumulations overlie a deep and cohesive storm slab which formed last week with strong winds, very heavy snowfall and warm temperatures. This deep storm slab produced widespread and destructive avalanches in the region and may take some time to fully stabilize as it overlies weak surface hoar buried on March 10th. At lower elevations heavy rain penetrated the snowpack; however, subsequent cooling has helped strengthen the snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deeper weaknesses in the snowpack have become unlikely to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread cornice development has also taken place, and cornices are reported to be very large and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Intense snowfall occurred on Sunday, which landed on a hard crust. Initial reports suggest that the new snow was bonding very poorly, especially at alpine elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally moderate amounts of new snow fell on Saturday night and have have been distributed into deeper windslabs in lee terrain. These new accumulations overlie a deep and cohesive storm slab which formed last week with strong winds, very heavy snowfall and warm temperatures. This deep storm slab produced widespread and destructive avalanches in the region and may take some time to fully stabilize as it overlies weak surface hoar buried on March 10th. At lower elevations heavy rain penetrated the snowpack; however, subsequent cooling has helped strengthen the snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deeper weaknesses in the snowpack have now become unlikely to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread cornice development has also taken place, and cornices are reported to be very large and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally moderate amounts of new snow fell on Saturday night and have have been distributed into deeper windslabs in lee terrain. These new accumulations overlie a deep and cohesive storm slab which formed last week with strong winds, very heavy snowfall and warm temperatures. This deep storm slab produced widespread and destructive avalanches in the region and may take some time to fully stabilize as it overlies weak surface hoar buried on March 10th. At lower elevations heavy rain penetrated the snowpack; however, subsequent cooling has helped strengthen the snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deeper weaknesses in the snowpack have now become unlikely to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread cornice development has also taken place, and cornices are reported to be very large and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30 cm of dry new snow arrived overnight Saturday/Sunday, which landed on a hard refrozen crust in most places (the exception possibly being very high elevation terrain). Strong NW winds are likely to have shifted this new snow into touchy wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks. In non-wind affected steep terrain, sluffs may be running easily.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, weak interfaces of surface hoar and/or crusts have become much less likely to be triggered now that they are capped by a supportive crust. However, until more information is gathered about the distribution and resilience of the crust, I’d keep these deeper weaknesses in the back of my mind, especially where they might be stressed by a very heavy load or triggered from a place where the crust above is not as strong (e.g. high elevation terrain or thin spots around rocks).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is adding weight above deep and cohesive storm slabs which formed last week. These older storm slabs are slowly gaining strength, but are not yet fully settled. Winds from the south through to north-west have formed wind slabs and cornices in the lee of ridges and ribs. A recent rain-soaking weakened the low elevation snowpack, which is likely to become very strong once refrozen.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Weak interfaces deeper in the snowpack have become unlikely to be triggered. A facet/crust layer sits at the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 10 and 20cm of new snow fell in the past 24hrs depending on location. Storm snow totals are now near 50cm at treeline. Reverse wind loading yesterday and &quot;traditional&quot; wind loading today have formed touchy storm slabs on all aspects at alpine and treeline elevations. Wind transport at ridgetop was intense at times today and some sluffing was observed in steep alpine terrain. Two separate crusts crusts buried between 50 and 100cm in the snowpack are still causing concern for a step-down avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow was shifted into reactive slabs by strong SW-NE winds on Monday. Deep and cohesive storm slabs which formed last week are slowly gaining strength, but are not yet fully settled. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a crust sits about 50-120 cm below the surface. It’s of most concern in the alpine. (At low elevations, it’s likely to be difficult to trigger underneath a supportive crust). This layer will probably linger, with ‘low probability/ high consequence’ type character. A facet/crust layer sits at the base of the snowpack in some places. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm new snow now sits on a weak crust below 1900 m. Below the crust is moist snow, from the previous intense, wet storm. Freeze-up following this storm was slow, due to a slow decline in temperatures and the insulating skiff of snow on the surface. Below the recent new snow lies one or two weak layers buried approximately 60 cm below the surface. These comprise faceted snow, surface hoar and/or a crust. The snowpack structure is quite variable at this time. It may change dramatically with only a subtle change in elevation, aspect, wind or sun exposure. With further cooling, the upper snowpack should start to bond better. However, with the amount of moisture and the insulating effect of the new snow, expect this to take longer than usual. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Heavy snowfall has continued in the Coquihalla region, with recent storm totals over the last four days of 80 cm. During the same period, around 20 cm fell along the Duffey and around 30 cm in Manning Park. This new snow sits on a crust along the Duffey at elevations below 1900 m. In the Coquihalla region, this crust was not reported to have formed due to the insulating effect of the new snow. Instead, the new snow here sits on wet snow from the previous storm. For all areas, expect extensive wind slabs and cornices in the alpine. A deeper weak layer comprising surface hoar and/or a crust is buried around 70 cm on the Duffey/in Manning Park and more like a metre on the Coquihalla. Natural avalanche activity has subsided on this layer. However, I wouldn't discount the possibility of an avalanche stepping down to this layer, especially in steep alpine terrain. Lower snowpack layers are strong and well settled, although the snowpack may still be susceptible to glide activity (involving the whole snowpack) at lower elevations where it rests on steep, smooth surfaces.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20-30 cm of recent storm snow overlies a hard refrozen crust in most places. Strong variable winds have shifted this new snow into touchy wind slabs in the lee of terrain breaks. In non-wind affected steep terrain, sluffs are running easily.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, weak surface hoar/crust interfaces have become much less likely to be triggered now that they are capped by a supportive rain crust. However, I’d remain wary of any spots where the crust above is not as strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm snow overlies a crust, which is supportive to at least 2100 m in most areas. Ridge top winds have been from SW and NW directions, creating pockets of wind slab on a variety of lee and cross-loaded slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a series of crust layers (or isolated surface hoar) makes up the upper snowpack. The mid-pack is reported to be generally well-settled. Cornices are large and fragile in some areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Intense snowfall occurred on Sunday, which landed on a hard refrozen crust from last week’s rain event. Initially, the new snow was failing naturally due to the rapid loading rate. On Monday, the bond to the crust was reported to be reasonably good, while a moderate shear was observed within the upper storm snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, surface hoar was found buried 50 cm deep on an east aspect at 2000 m on Mt Proctor. It was reactive in snowpack tests, but it’s likely to be sitting below a supportive crust in most locations, making triggering unlikely. In areas where the crust is breakable, or the slope is unsupported, there’s still an outside chance of triggering this layer. I’m not sure how widespread it is.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow now cap the surface and have been distributed by northerly winds into small wind slabs which exist in the immediate lee of ridge crests. The new snow has since become moist with warm temperatures and overlies a widespread rain crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Generally, the snowpack is dense and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light to locally heavy amounts of new snow fell over the weekend and have have been distributed by northerly winds into deeper windslabs in lee terrain. These recent accumulations overlie a thick rain crust which is reported to extend up to 2000m. About 1m below the surface is a layer surface hoar or a sun crust buried on March 10th. Avalanche activity has become less likely at this interface; however, isolated natural activity and remote triggering is still occurring in some areas. At lower elevations where last week's heavy rain saturated the snowpack, subsequent cooling has formed crusts and has dramatically strengthened the snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Weaknesses deeper in the snowpack have become unlikely to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread cornice development has also taken place, and cornices are reported to be very large and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally moderate amounts of new snow fell on Saturday night and Sunday and have have been distributed by strong northerly winds into deeper windslabs in lee terrain. Depending on elevation, these recent accumulations may overlie a thick rain crust. Up to 1m below the surface is a layer surface hoar or a sun crust buried on March 10th. Natural avalanche activity has become less likely at this interface; however, human triggering is still possible. At lower elevations where last week's heavy rain saturated the snowpack, subsequent cooling has formed crusts and has dramatically strengthened the snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Weaknesses deeper in the snowpack have become unlikely to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread cornice development has also taken place, and cornices are reported to be very large and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light to locally heavy amounts of new snow fell on Saturday night and Sunday and have have been distributed by northerly winds into deeper windslabs in lee terrain. Depending on elevation, these recent accumulations may overlie a thick rain crust. About 1m below the surface is a layer surface hoar or a sun crust buried on March 10th. Natural avalanche activity has become less likely at this interface; however, human triggering is still possible. At lower elevations where last week's heavy rain saturated the snowpack, subsequent cooling has formed crusts and has dramatically strengthened the snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Weaknesses lower in the snowpack have become unlikely to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread cornice development has also taken place, and cornices are reported to be very large and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of recent storm snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and surface hoar. Warmer temperatures and recent winds have now set this new snow into a reactive slab, with wind slabs building in exposed lee areas. The surface hoar (buried March 9th) is reported to be well-developed and fairly widespread, at treeline and alpine elevations. Recent snowpack tests have produced sudden failures with moderate loading force at this interface. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of recent storm snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and surface hoar (buried March 9th). Warmer temperatures and recent winds have now set this new snow into a reactive slab. The March 9th surface hoar layer is reported to be very touchy and appears to exist at all elevations and on a variety of aspects. I suspect cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable with daytime heating. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">3 to 5cm of new snow overnight. Moist snow on solar asp in the afternoon. Previous storm snow is settling rapidly. Storm slabs exist on all aspects in the alpine and open areas at treeline. Cornices have grown significantly. Several layers of crust exist in the upper snowpack, especially on solar aspects. These remain layers of concern during periods of warming and/or solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts of new snow have been distributed by northerly winds into small wind slabs in the immediate lee of ridge crests. A new sun crust formed on sun exposed slopes overnight. Below this is a very thick and solid rain crust from last week. Generally, the snowpack is dense and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy snowfall has continued in the Coquihalla region, with recent storm totals over the last four days of 80 cm. During the same period, around 20 cm fell along the Duffey and around 30 cm in Manning Park. This new snow sits on a crust along the Duffey at elevations below 1900 m. In the Coquihalla region, this crust was not reported to have formed due to the insulating effect of the new snow. Instead, the new snow here sits on wet snow from the previous storm. For all areas, expect extensive wind slabs and cornices in the alpine. A deeper weak layer comprising surface hoar and/or a crust is buried around 50-70 cm on the Duffey/ Manning Park, and more like a metre on the Coquihalla. Natural avalanche activity has subsided on this layer. However, I wouldn't discount the possibility of an avalanche stepping down to this layer, especially in steep alpine terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm new snow now sits on a weak crust below 1900 m. Below the crust is moist snow, from the previous intense, wet storm. Freeze-up following this storm was slow, due to a slow decline in temperatures and the insulating skiff of snow on the surface. Below the recent new snow lies one or two weak layers buried approximately 60 cm below the surface. These comprise faceted snow, surface hoar and/or a crust. The snowpack structure is quite variable at this time. It may change dramatically with only a subtle change in elevation, aspect, wind or sun exposure. With further cooling, the upper snowpack should start to bond better. However, with the amount of moisture and the insulating effect of the new snow, expect this to take longer than usual. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of recent storm snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and surface hoar. Warmer temperatures and recent strong southwest winds have now set this new snow into a reactive slab, with wind slabs building in exposed lee areas. The surface hoar (buried March 9th) is reported to be well-developed and fairly widespread, at treeline and alpine elevations. Recent snowpack tests have produced sudden failures with moderate loading force at this interface. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecast storm snow is expected to create new slabs. Recent storm snow was shifted into reactive slabs by strong SW-NE winds on Monday. In some areas, the new snow was sluffing fast and far. Deep storm slabs which formed last week are slowly gaining strength. Cornices are large. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a crust sits about 50-120 cm below the surface. It’s of most concern at alpine and treeline elevations and exhibits variable results in snowpack tests. At low elevations, a supportive crust above this layer means it's difficult to trigger. This layer may linger with ‘low probability/ high consequence’ type character. Testing for this interface in your local area should help you gain (or lose) confidence before committing to aggressive terrain. A facet/crust layer sits at the base of the snowpack in some places.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow and wind forecast for Wednesday are expected to add to recent storm slabs, which overlie a hard supportive crust. On solar aspects, the new snow may land on a thin sun crust which formed in some areas over the last couple of days. Strong winds are likely to build touchy slabs on lee slopes. Cornices are large and fragile.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow and wind forecast for Wednesday are expected to create new storm slabs. 40cm of recent storm snow is settling and showing an improved bond to a hard rain crust below. This crust is reported to be strong and effectively isolating weak layers deeper in the snowpack. On steep solar aspects, the new snow may land on a thin sun crust. Strong winds are likely to build touchy slabs on lee slopes. Cornices are large and fragile.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New storm slabs may develop during Wednesday’s forecast storm. Wind-loaded slopes and spill zones (fans where snow accumulates below steep faces) may be particularly touchy. A buried rain crust may provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches. This crust is supportive to at least 2100 m in most areas and is up to 9 cm thick. It’s thought to be strong enough that snowpack weaknesses below it won’t be affected by the load of a person, with the caveat that there may be isolated exceptions (e.g. thin spots near rocks at high elevations). The mid-pack is generally well-settled. Cornices are large and fragile in some areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light to locally heavy amounts of new snow fell over the weekend and have have been distributed by northerly winds into deeper windslabs in lee terrain. These recent accumulations overlie a thick rain crust which is reported to extend up to 2000m. About 1m below the surface is a layer surface hoar or a sun crust buried on March 10th. Natural avalanche activity dropped off in the wake of the last storm but isolated natural activity and remote triggering is still occurring in some areas.  I expect another round of natural activity on this layer as the coming storm adds a significant new load on Wednesday. At lower elevations where last week's heavy rain saturated the snowpack, subsequent cooling has formed crusts and has dramatically strengthened the snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Weaknesses deeper in the snowpack have become unlikely to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread cornice development has also taken place, and cornices are reported to be very large and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally moderate amounts of new snow fell on Saturday night and Sunday and have have been distributed by strong northerly winds into deeper windslabs in lee terrain. Depending on elevation, these recent accumulations may overlie a thick rain crust. Up to 1m below the surface is a layer surface hoar or a sun crust buried on March 10th.  I expect another round of natural activity on this layer as the coming storm adds a significant new load on Wednesday.  At lower elevations where last week's heavy rain saturated the snowpack, subsequent cooling has dramatically strengthened the snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Weaknesses lower in the snowpack have become unlikely to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread cornice development has also taken place, and cornices are reported to be very large and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light to locally heavy amounts of new snow fell on Saturday night and Sunday and have have been distributed by northerly winds into deeper wind slabs in lee terrain. Depending on elevation, these recent accumulations may overlie a thick rain crust.&nbsp; </span><span class="s_3FE45715">About 1m below the surface is a layer surface hoar or a sun crust buried on March 10th. Natural avalanche activity dropped off in the wake of the last storm but isolated natural activity and remote triggering is still occurring in some areas.  I expect another round of natural activity on this layer as the coming storm adds a significant new load on Wednesday. At lower elevations where last week's heavy rain saturated the snowpack, subsequent cooling has formed crusts and has dramatically strengthened the snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread cornice development has also taken place, and cornices are reported to be very large and weak.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Weaknesses deeper in the snowpack have become unlikely to trigger.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of recent storm snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and surface hoar (buried March 9th). Warmer temperatures and recent winds have now set this new snow into a reactive slab. The March 9th surface hoar layer is reported to be very touchy and appears to exist at all elevations and on a variety of aspects. I suspect cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable with daytime heating. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 2cm of new snow fell overnight. The snowpack continues to settle. Moist snow observed on solar aspects in the afternoon up to at least 2200m. Touchy storm slabs are widespread in Alpine and Treeline terrain on all aspects. Numerous crust layers exist in the upper snowpack up to 2300m on all aspects and as high as 3000m on S aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of new snow fell below 1200-1300 m by early Wednesday morning before turing to rain. Near ridgetop 30-40 cm of new snow accumulated, with strong southeast winds, before turning to rain late in the morning. Avalanche conditions should improve quickly as temperatures cool, but watch for a slick crust to form overnight. Crampons may be needed in steep terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Wednesday afternoon the storm had yet to impact the South Rockies, but, I suspect it will still deliver a good shot of snow and wind this evening.  New storm slabs are likely to develop Wednesday night into Thursday. Wind-loaded slopes and spill zones (fans where snow accumulates below steep faces) may be particularly touchy. A buried rain crust may provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches. This crust is supportive to at least 2100 m in most areas and is up to 9 cm thick. It's thought to be strong enough that snowpack weaknesses below it wont be affected by the load of a person, with the caveat that there may be isolated exceptions (e.g. thin spots near rocks at high elevations). The mid-pack is generally well-settled. Cornices are large and fragile in some areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region picked up 10 - 20 cm of new snow out of Wednesdays storm which adds to the 20-40 cm snow that the region has received over the last few days.  This 30 - 60 cm of recent snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and surface hoar (buried March 9th). Warmer temperatures and recent winds have now set this new snow into a reactive slab. The March 9th surface hoar layer is reported to be very touchy and appears to exist at all elevations and on a variety of aspects. I suspect cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable with daytime heating. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The KB snowpack structure is a bit complex right now.  Wednesdays storm snow is accumulating on a thin crust that developed on all aspects with the exception of due north on Tuesday.  A thick supportive crust that professionals have dubbed the March 16th crust can be found down 30 - 50 cm.  A buried persistent weakness from March 10th is down approximately 60 cm. This surface hoar/sun-crust combo continues to fail in a sudden planar fashion when tested. Cornices are large and fragile.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of recent storm snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and surface hoar. Warmer temperatures and recent strong winds have now set this new snow into a reactive slab, with wind slabs building in exposed areas on a variety of aspects. The surface hoar (buried March 9th) is reported to be well-developed and fairly widespread, at treeline and alpine elevations. Recent snowpack tests have produced sudden failures (pops) with moderate loading force at this interface. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Freezing levels climbed to 1700-1800 m with the system on Wednesday, resulting in moist or wet snow below treeline. Recent snowfall amounts vary significantly throughout the region. In the Coquihalla area, 10-15cm of dense new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust or up to 90 cm of previous storm snow. At the base of the old storm snow is another melt-freeze crust buried around a week ago. Further to the north (Duffey Lake) there is 10-15 cm of new snow sitting on a sun crust, wind slab, or settling storm snow. A buried surface hoar layer can be found down 50-70 cm and may be associated with a sun crust on southerly aspects at treeline. For all areas, expect extensive wind slabs and cornices in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An additional 30-50 cm of snow has fallen in the past 48 hours, accompanied by very strong southeast-southwest winds and rising freezing levels. Temperatures are forecast to drop rapidly in the wake of the system. This will probably result in a solid refreeze below treeline. However, the new snow may still remain sensitive to triggering at higher elevations, especially in wind loaded terrain. Below the recent new snow lies one or two weak layers buried approximately 60-80 cm below the surface. These comprise faceted snow, surface hoar and/or a crust. The snowpack structure is quite variable at this time. It may change dramatically with only a subtle change in elevation, aspect, wind or sun exposure. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Wednesday afternoon the storm had yet to impact the Lizard, but, I suspect it will still deliver a good shot of snow and wind this evening.  New storm slabs are likely to develop Wednesday night into Thursday.  This new snow will add to the previous 40 cm that is settling and showing an improved bond to a hard rain crust below. This crust is reported to be strong and effectively isolating weak layers deeper in the snowpack. On steep solar aspects, the new snow may land on a thin sun crust. Strong winds are likely to build touchy slabs on lee slopes. Cornices are large and fragile.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is quite a bit of variability with respect to the amounts of new snow over the last few days. Some upslope areas had 30-40 cms of storm snow, and then another 20-30 cms on Wednesday. The recent storm amounts are between 20-60 cms at higher elevations. Strong winds overnight and early Wednesday morning developed thick pockets of wind slab at higher elevations. Cooling temperatures have promoted bonding to the moist snowpack at lower elevations. New cornice growth is reported to be extensive and weak. Expect natural cornice falls that may trigger weak layers that are buried down a metre or more on slopes below. The new storm load may trigger the March 10th weak surface hoar layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is quite a bit of variability with respect to the amounts of new snow over the last few days. Some upslope areas had 30-40 cms of storm snow, and then another 20-30 cms on Wednesday. The recent storm amounts are between 20-60 cms at higher elevations. Strong winds overnight and early Wednesday morning developed thick pockets of wind slab at higher elevations. Cooling temperatures have promoted bonding to the moist snowpack at lower elevations. New cornice growth is reported to be extensive and weak. Expect natural cornice falls that may trigger weak layers that are buried down a metre or more on slopes below. The new storm load may trigger the March 10th weak surface hoar layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds and new snow have developed new storm slabs on all aspects and at all elevations. Wind transported snow has created thick pockets of wind slab in the lee of alpine winds. New cornice growth may be extensive and weak, causing natural cornice falls. Buried sun crusts on Southerly aspects continue to produce planar fractures in snow profile tests down about 80-100 cms. Large avalanches releasing on the March 10th weak layer are still a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds overnight and moderate winds during the day combined with new snow have created a new storm slab on all aspects. Deep pockets of wind transported snow are developing in the alpine and at treeline. Deep storm slabs which formed last week are slowly gaining strength. Cornices are large. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a crust is buried down about 50-120 cms in the alpine and treeline elevations. This surface hoar layer is producing variable results in snow profile tests, and continues to be a concern for professionals. This layer may linger with ‘low probability/ high consequence’ type character. Testing for this interface in your local area should help you gain (or lose) confidence before committing to aggressive terrain. A facet/crust layer sits at the base of the snowpack in some places.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of convective snow has fallen in the last 24hrs. This new snow is settling quickly with the warm temps. The bond with the older HST is slow to develop. Ski cutting had small, results in steep terrain. This is expected to improve quickly. The variety of crusts remains the major concern. The bond with the newer storm snow and/or storm slabs is suspect and seems to vary. A brief, natural cycle of in the last 48hrs adds to the suspicion.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is quite a bit of variability with respect to the amounts of new snow over the last few days. The recent storm amounts are between 40-80 cms at higher elevations. Strong winds overnight and early Wednesday morning developed thick pockets of wind slab at higher elevations. Cooling temperatures have promoted bonding to the moist snowpack at lower elevations. New cornice growth is reported to be extensive and weak. Expect natural cornice falls that may trigger weak layers that are buried down a metre or more on slopes below. The new storm load may trigger the March 10th weak surface hoar 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_3FE45715">The new storm slab is about 30-50 cms deep, with wind transported pockets that are about 70 cms deep. New cornice growth is reported to be poorly bonded and breaks off easily with light triggers. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a crust is buried down about 70-120 cms in the alpine and treeline elevations. This surface hoar layer is producing variable results in snow profile tests, and continues to be a concern for professionals.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is close to a metre of storm snow that has fallen in the last few days. This storm slab is sitting above variable surfaces that include crusts and moist layers that were deposited during the wet (Pineapple Express) storm last week. Periods of strong winds in the alpine transported the storm snow into thick pockets of wind slab that may take several days to settle and bond to the old surface. Cornice growth has been reported to be extensive and weakly bonded. Natural cornice falls are a concern, especially if we see periods of strong solar radiation. Cornice falls or storm slabs in motion may step down to the weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is quite a bit of variability with respect to the amounts of new snow over the last few days. The recent storm amounts are between 40-80 cms at higher elevations. Strong winds overnight and early Wednesday morning developed thick pockets of wind slab at higher elevations. Cooling temperatures have promoted bonding to the moist snowpack at lower elevations. New cornice growth is reported to be extensive and weak. Expect natural cornice falls that may trigger weak layers that are buried down a metre or more on slopes below. The new storm load may trigger the March 10th weak surface hoar 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_3FE45715">As of Thursday afternoon storm totals hovered right around the 20 cm mark. Storm slabs will likely continue to be an issue on Friday. Wind-loaded slopes and spill zones (fans where snow accumulates below steep faces) may be particularly touchy. A buried rain crust may provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches. This crust is now down 40 - 70 cm and is supportive to at least 2100 m in most areas as it's up to 9 cm thick. It's thought to be strong enough that snowpack weaknesses below it wont be affected by the load of a person, with the caveat that there may be isolated exceptions (e.g. thin spots near rocks at high elevations). The mid-pack is generally well-settled. Cornices are large and fragile in some areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Thursday afternoon storm totals hovered right around the 20 cm mark. Storm slabs will likely continue to be an issue on Friday. Wind-loaded slopes and spill zones (fans where snow accumulates below steep faces) may be particularly touchy. A buried rain crust may provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches. This crust is now down 40 - 70 cm and is supportive to at least 2100 m in most areas as it's up to 9 cm thick. It's thought to be strong enough that snowpack weaknesses below it wont be affected by the load of a person, with the caveat that there may be isolated exceptions (e.g. thin spots near rocks at high elevations). The mid-pack is generally well-settled. Cornices are large and fragile in some areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region picked up 15 - 25 cm of new snow out Wednesdays storm which adds to the 20-40 cm snow that the region has received over the last few days.  This 35 - 65 cm of recent snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and surface hoar (buried March 9th). Warmer temperatures and recent winds have now set this new snow into a reactive slab. The March 9th surface hoar layer is reported to be very touchy and appears to exist at all elevations and aspects.  It seams to be most electric on south through west facing slopes. I suspect cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable on slopes receiving direct sun. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The boundary pulled a respectable 20 - 30 cm of snow from Wednesday's storm.  Much of this snow came to rest on a thin crust that is present on almost all aspects with the exception being due North.  A thick supportive crust can be found down 50 - 80 cm.  A buried surface hoar down 80 - 90 cm continues to fail in a sudden planar fashion when tested. Potentially large fragile cornices loom over many slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snow and SW wind has left behind small wind slabs behind ridges and in gullies at ridge top elevations. At low elevations, a refrozen crust is likely to exist in the mornings, which may soften with sunshine and warming on some slopes during the day. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall was redistributed by very strong SE to SW wind, leaving wind slabs 30 cm to 1 m deep on many lee terrain features. These were initially reactive to the weight of a person but gained some strength by Thursday. Subsequent NW winds may have caused some reverse loading - so keep an eye out for wind slabs on all aspects. A couple of weak layers are buried in the upper metre of the snowpack. These comprise faceted snow, surface hoar and/or a crust, with variable distribution. The current snow structure varies with only a subtle change in elevation, aspect, wind or sun exposure. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts vary significantly throughout the region. In the Coquihalla area, around 25 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong winds over a crust, which is supportive to skis to at least 1700 m. A deeper melt-freeze crust was buried around a week ago by up to 90 cm of snow which is settling out. Further to the north (Duffey Lake), lighter amounts of new snow overlie a sun crust, wind slab, or settling storm snow. A buried surface hoar layer can be found down 50-70 cm and may be associated with a sun crust on southerly aspects at treeline. For all areas, expect extensive wind slabs and cornices in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of recent storm snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and surface hoar. Warmer temperatures and recent strong winds have now set this new snow into a reactive slab, with wind slabs building in exposed areas on a variety of aspects. The surface hoar (buried March 9th) is reported to be well-developed and fairly widespread, mainly at treeline and alpine elevations. Recent snowpack tests have produced sudden failures (pops/drops) with moderate loading force at this interface. Whumfing and remote-triggering of avalanches indicate that this layer remains volatile. A second surface hoar layer, buried on March 18, is also problematic in some areas. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20cm of low density snow has fallen in the last 48hours. This snow is undisturbed from the lack of wind and is available for transport if winds pick up. Below this new snow sits a spotty windslab that is more pronounced at TL &amp; ALP. The slab is more widespread as the altitude goes up. The march 12th crust is down 30-80 at TL &amp; below. No recent failures on this layer, however it is still a concern. Cornice growth has also been ongoing with the recent snow. Of note today was an easy compression test that failed on depth hoar below treeline, down 80cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent new snow overlies surface hoar, crusts and old wind slabs. New wind slabs have formed lee to SW to NW winds. The surface hoar (buried March 9</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">; now down about 40-60 cm) is well-developed and fairly widespread at all elevations. Whumfing and remote-triggering of avalanches indicate that this layer is volatile. Professionals are taking a very cautious approach to terrain selection with this in mind. A second surface hoar layer, buried on March 18, is also problematic in some areas. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region. Recent storm snow has been redistributed by mainly SW winds into wind slabs over various crust layers in the upper snowpack. In some areas, a melt-freeze crust down about 35 cm has a questionable bond with the snow above. Surface hoar, buried down about 50-70 cm, gave hard, sudden (pops) results in recent snowpack tests. Triggering this layer has become less likely, but still remains possible with a heavy load or from a thin-spot trigger point. Cornices are large and unstable in some areas. Warm temperatures may weaken them further.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall was redistributed by very strong SE to SW winds, leaving wind slabs 30 cm to 1 m deep on many lee terrain features. Subsequent NW winds may have caused some reverse loading - so keep an eye out for wind slabs on all aspects. The upper snowpack structure is highly variable. On sunny aspects (and all aspects at low elevations), a sun/melt-freeze crust is now buried about 30 cm deep, while on high elevation shady aspects, 50-100 cm snow overlies an older melt-freeze crust. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snow and SW winds have left behind wind slabs behind ridges and in gullies at ridge top elevations. Storm slabs may possibly exist on steep slopes following squally snow showers on Friday, but observations from the field are limited. At low elevations, forecast sunshine and cold overnight temperatures may cause a melt-freeze crust to develop, which could soften with sunshine and warming on some slopes during the day. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist snow may be found on solar aspects up to about 2200 metres. New melt/freeze crusts are developing due to cold clear nights and strong solar radiation during the day. The recent storm amounts are between 40-80 cms at higher elevations. Strong winds overnight and early Wednesday morning developed thick pockets of wind slab at higher elevations. Cooling temperatures have promoted bonding to the moist snowpack at lower elevations. New cornice growth is reported to be extensive and weak. Expect natural cornice falls that may trigger weak layers that are buried down a metre or more on slopes below. The new storm load may trigger the March 10th weak surface hoar layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moist snow may be found on solar aspects up to about 2000 metres. New melt/freeze crusts are developing due to cold clear nights and periods of strong solar radiation during the day. The new storm slab is about 30-50 cms deep, with wind transported pockets that are about 70 cms deep. New cornice growth is reported to be poorly bonded and breaks off easily with light triggers. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a crust is buried down about 70-120 cms in the alpine and treeline elevations. This surface hoar layer is producing variable results in snow profile tests, and continues to be a concern for professionals.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist snow can be found on solar aspects up to about tree-line. Cold clear nights are expected to develop new melt/freeze crusts in areas that became moist. There is close to a metre of storm snow that has fallen in the last few days. This storm slab is sitting above variable surfaces that include crusts and moist layers that were deposited during the wet (Pineapple Express) storm last week. Periods of strong winds in the alpine transported the storm snow into thick pockets of wind slab that may take several days to settle and bond to the old surface. Cornice growth has been reported to be extensive and weakly bonded. Natural cornice falls are a concern, especially if we see periods of strong solar radiation. Cornice falls or storm slabs in motion may step down to the weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th.</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">Moist snow may be found on solar aspects up to about 2100 metres. New melt/freeze crusts are developing due to cold clear nights and strong solar radiation during the day. There is close to a metre of storm snow that has fallen in the last few days. This storm slab is sitting above variable surfaces that include crusts and moist layers that were deposited during the wet (Pineapple Express) storm last week. Periods of strong winds in the alpine transported the storm snow into thick pockets of wind slab that may take several days to settle and bond to the old surface. Cornice growth has been reported to be extensive and weakly bonded. Natural cornice falls are a concern, especially if we see periods of strong solar radiation. Cornice falls or storm slabs in motion may step down to the weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th.</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">Approximately 40-70 cm recent storm snow sits on top of a buried rain crust that exists up to around 2100 m. In areas near Sparwood, the new snow bonded poorly to this crust, and a few large avalanches were observed that likely released on this layer. In the North Elk Valley, the bond at the crust was reported to be good. Generally, this interface has now become stronger, and is unlikely to release due to the weight of a person alone. However, a large trigger, such as a cornice fall, or an airborne sledder, could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer in steep terrain. Recent wind slabs exist in the immediate lee of ridge lines and terrain features. Cornices are large and fragile. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">35 - 65 cm of recent snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and surface hoar (buried March 9th). Warmer temperatures and recent winds have set this new snow into a reactive slab. The March 9th surface hoar layer is reported to be very touchy. The surface hoar may not exist, or be reactive, in every drainage. Where it does exist, it appears to be present at all elevations, but is likely to pose the biggest threat in the alpine. Recent reports indicate it has been more reactive on south through west aspects, but I wouldn't necessarily trust steep north or east facing slopes at this time either.  I suspect cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or on slopes receiving direct sun. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 20 and 60 cm recent storm snow rests on a thick crust that exists up to ridge top. The bond between the storm snow and the crust appears to be poor above 1800 m. In some places, you may find an additional, thinner crust within the top 60 cm snow. A buried surface hoar layer lies buried approximately 80 cm below the surface and continues to fail in a sudden planar fashion when tested. However, in most places it is likely not a concern due to the thick supportive crust that lies above it. Potentially large fragile cornices loom over many slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 60 cm new snow has fallen in this region since Wednesday, accompanied by some strong southwesterly winds. While the storm appears to have now ended, wind-loaded slopes and spill zones (fans where snow accumulates below steep faces) will remain touchy for a little while longer. A thin crust may exist within the upper 60 cm of the snowpack. A thicker (10 cm) buried rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m, may still be provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches given a sufficiently heavy trigger, such as a cornice release, or a shallower avalanche that steps down to this layer. This crust is now down 60 - 120 cm. Cornices are large and fragile. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack continues to settle. Moist snow on steep solar aspects in the afternoon. Wind slabs remain prominent in Alpine and open Treeline terrain, especially on N and E aspects. These slabs are sensitive to human triggering in steep, convex or un-supported terrain. Cornices are large in some areas and regular failures have been occurring over the past several days. Buried crust layers are a concern on solar aspects when radiation is high and/or temperatures are warm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Natural cornice falls are a concern during daytime warming. Cornices may also be triggered easily by travelling near them. Slopes with corniced entrances, or exposed to cornice falls should be avoided with these conditions. Dry windslabs may be found on Northwest thru Northeast aspects at higher elevations. These wind slabs are reported to be improving their bond to the old surface, but may continue to be triggered by skiers and riders. Loose moist or wet snow may fall naturally out of very steep terrain on sun exposed slopes. Small loose snow avalanches may trigger the recent storm snow slab where it is moist from solar heating and sitting on a planar sliding surface like an old sun or rain crust. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> is down more than a metre in most places, and is reported to require hard forces to result in resistant failures in snow profile tests. The lower snowpack consists of well bonded layers that are well settled and strong.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Natural cornice falls are a concern during daytime warming. Cornices may also be triggered easily by travelling near them. Slopes with corniced entrances, or exposed to cornice falls should be avoided with these conditions. Dry windslabs may be found on Northwest thru Northeast aspects at higher elevations. These wind slabs are reported to be improving their bond to the old surface, but may continue to be triggered by skiers and riders. Loose moist or wet snow may fall naturally out of very steep terrain on sun exposed slopes. Small loose snow avalanches may trigger the recent storm snow slab where it is moist from solar heating and sitting on a planar sliding surface like an old sun or rain crust. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> is down more than a metre in most places, and is reported to require hard forces to result in resistant failures in snow profile tests. Some shallow snowpack areas in the region report a weak facetted base layer that continues to be a concern for human triggering.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Natural cornice falls are a concern during daytime warming. Cornices may also be triggered easily by travelling near them. Slopes with corniced entrances, or exposed to cornice falls should be avoided with these conditions. Dry windslabs may be found on Northwest thru Northeast aspects at higher elevations. These wind slabs are reported to be improving their bond to the old surface, but may continue to be triggered by skiers and riders. Loose moist or wet snow may fall naturally out of very steep terrain on sun exposed slopes. Small loose snow avalanches may trigger the recent storm snow slab where it is moist from solar heating and sitting on a planar sliding surface like an old sun or rain crust. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> is down more than a metre in most places, and is reported to require hard forces to result in resistant failures in snow profile tests. The lower snowpack consists of well bonded layers that are well settled and strong.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Natural cornice falls are a concern during daytime warming. Cornices may also be triggered easily by travelling near them. Slopes with corniced entrances, or exposed to cornice falls should be avoided with these conditions. Dry windslabs may be found on Northwest thru Northeast aspects at higher elevations. These wind slabs are reported to be improving their bond to the old surface, but may continue to be triggered by skiers and riders. Loose moist or wet snow may fall naturally out of very steep terrain on sun exposed slopes. Small loose snow avalanches may trigger the recent storm snow slab where it is moist from solar heating and sitting on a planar sliding surface like an old sun or rain crust. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> is down more than a metre in most places, and is reported to require hard forces to result in resistant failures in snow profile tests. The lower snowpack consists of well bonded layers that are well settled and strong.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm new snow has fallen in this region between Wednesday and Saturday morning, accompanied by some strong southwesterly winds. While the storm appears to have now ended, wind-loaded slopes and spill zones (fans where snow accumulates below steep faces) will remain touchy for a little while longer. A thin crust may exist within the upper 60 cm of the snowpack. A thicker (10 cm) buried rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m, may still be provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches given a sufficiently heavy trigger, such as a cornice release, or a shallower avalanche that steps down to this layer. This crust is now down 60 - 120 cm. Cornices are large and fragile. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 40-70 cm recent storm snow sits on top of a buried rain crust that exists up to around 2100 m. In areas near Sparwood, the new snow initially bonded poorly to this crust, and a few large avalanches were observed that likely released on this layer. In the North Elk Valley, the bond at the crust was reported to be good. Generally, this interface has now become stronger for all parts of the region, and is now considered unlikely to release due to the weight of a person alone. However, a large trigger, such as a cornice fall, or an airborne sledder, could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer in steep terrain. Recent wind slabs exist in the immediate lee of ridge lines and terrain features. Cornices are large and fragile. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">35 - 65 cm of recent snow rests on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and a buried surface hoar layer (March 9th). The March 9th surface hoar layer has been very touchy in many areas and many large avalanches have released on it. While natural avalanche activity on this layer has diminished, snowpack tests showing very easy shears reinforce this layer should not yet be trusted. The distribution of the surface hoar is slightly variable and it may not exist, or be reactive, in every drainage. Where it does exist, it appears to be present at all elevations, but is likely to pose the biggest threat in the alpine. Recent reports indicate it has been more reactive on south through west aspects, but I wouldn't necessarily trust steep north or east facing slopes at this time either. I suspect cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or on slopes receiving direct sun. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 20 and 60 cm recent storm snow rests on a thick crust that exists up to ridge top. The bond between the storm snow and the crust was initially poor above 1800 m, but appears to have gained some strength. In some places, you may find an additional, thinner crust within the top 60 cm snow. A buried surface hoar layer lies buried approximately 80 cm below the surface and continues to fail in a sudden planar fashion when tested. However, in most places it is likely not a concern due to the thick supportive crust that lies above it. Potentially large fragile cornices loom over many slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Squally snow showers left light amounts of dry snow which are reported to be bonding well to the old snow surface. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs, which recently formed on a widespread basis, are becoming harder to trigger. Large cornices are looming over some slopes. On sun-baked slopes, a melt-freeze cycle is in play at the snow surface, leaving a crust behind during overnight cooling, which breaks down by day. The upper snowpack structure is highly variable. On sunny aspects (and all aspects at low elevations), a melt-freeze crust is now buried about 30 cm deep, while on high elevation shady aspects, 50-100 cm snow overlies an older melt-freeze crust. Bonding at both of these crust interfaces appears to be improving, but they are still in the back of professionals’ minds. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region. Recent storm snow has been redistributed by shifting winds into wind slabs over various crust layers in the upper snowpack. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">On sun-baked slopes, a melt-freeze cycle is in play at the snow surface, leaving a crust behind during overnight cooling, which breaks down by day. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar, buried down about 50-70 cm, still shows reactivity in snowpack tests, but in general, triggering this layer has become less likely. It still remains possible with a heavy load or from a thin-spot trigger point. Cornices are large and unstable in some areas. Warm temperatures may weaken them further.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent new snow overlies surface hoar, crusts and old wind slabs. New wind slabs have formed lee to SW to NW winds. The surface hoar (buried March 9</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">; now down about 40-60 cm) has been found at all elevations. Its reactivity (initially electric) is becoming more variable. Remote-triggering of avalanches last week indicated the volatility of this layer. A slow improvement is occurring, but confidence is not soaring amongst professionals, who continue to tread carefully by making conservative terrain choices. Triggering this layer is transitioning into a ‘low probability/ high consequence” phase. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://blogs.avalanche.ca/posts/2013/march/shooting-cracks,-whumphs,-and-remote-triggering.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Forecaster's Blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for tips on how to deal with this type of problem. A second surface hoar layer, buried on March 18, is also problematic in some areas. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out. </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">Crusts are melting and re-forming on S, SW and W aspects with the diurnal temperature swings, getting slightly thicker each day. On N and E aspects between 5 and 20cm of recent snow overlies a variety of buried slabs. These slabs are a concern in steep, unsupported terrain. Snowpack is generally weak in sheltered areas below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Convective snow showers have left variable light amounts of dry snow over the past couple days. This dusting of new snow is reported to be bonding well to the old snow surface. Overall the snowpack is deep and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs, which recently formed on a widespread basis, are becoming harder to trigger. On sun-baked slopes, a melt-freeze cycle is in play at the snow surface, leaving a crust behind during overnight cooling, which breaks down by day. The upper snowpack structure is highly variable. On sunny aspects (and all aspects at low elevations), a melt-freeze crust is now buried about 30 cm deep, while on high elevation shady aspects, 50-100 cm snow overlies an older melt-freeze crust. Bonding at both of these crust interfaces appears to be improving. Large cornices are looming over some slopes. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region. Recent storm snow has been redistributed by mainly SW winds into wind slabs over various crust layers in the upper snowpack. In some areas, a melt-freeze crust down about 35 cm has a questionable bond with the snow above. Surface hoar, buried down about 50-70 cm, gave hard, sudden (pops) results in recent snowpack tests. Triggering this layer has become less likely, but still remains possible with a heavy load or from a thin-spot trigger point. Cornices are large and unstable in some areas. Warm temperatures may weaken them further.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent new snow overlies surface hoar, crusts and old wind slabs. New wind slabs have formed lee to SW to NW winds. The surface hoar (buried March 9</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">; now down about 40-60 cm) has been found at all elevations, but its reactivity is becoming more variable. Whumfing and remote-triggering of avalanches last week indicated the volatility of the layer. A slow improvement is occurring, but confidence is not soaring amongst professionals. Triggering this layer is becoming a low probability but high consequence problem. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://blogs.avalanche.ca/posts/2013/march/shooting-cracks,-whumphs,-and-remote-triggering.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Forecaster's Blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for tips on how to deal with this type of problem. A second surface hoar layer, buried on March 18, is also problematic in some areas. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out. </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">Moist snow can be found on solar aspects up to about tree-line. Cold clear nights are expected to develop new melt/freeze crusts in areas that became moist. There is close to a metre of storm snow that has fallen in the last few days. This storm slab is sitting above variable surfaces that include crusts and moist layers that were deposited during the wet (Pineapple Express) storm last week. Periods of strong winds in the alpine transported the storm snow into thick pockets of wind slab that may take several days to settle and bond to the old surface. Cornice growth has been reported to be extensive and weakly bonded. Natural cornice falls are a concern, especially if we see periods of strong solar radiation. Cornice falls or storm slabs in motion may step down to the weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 40-70 cm of recent settling storm snow sits on top of a buried rain crust approximately down 50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m. In areas near Sparwood, the new snow initially bonded poorly to this crust, and a few large avalanches were observed that likely released on this layer. In the North Elk Valley, the bond at the crust was reported to be fairly good. Generally, this interface has now become stronger for all parts of the region. However, a large trigger such as a cornice fall or a skier or sledder hitting the sweet spot, could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer in steep terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent wind slabs exist in the immediate lee of ridge lines and terrain features. Cornices are large and fragile. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Anywhere from  35 - 65 cm of recent snow sits on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and a buried surface hoar layer (March 9th). The March 9th surface hoar layer has been very touchy in many areas and many large avalanches have released on it.  Recent snowpack tests are showing very easy shears which means this layer should not yet be trusted. The distribution of the surface hoar is variable and it may not exist, or be reactive, in every drainage. Where it does exist, it appears to be present at all elevations, but is likely to pose the biggest threat in the alpine. Recent reports indicate it has been more reactive on south through west aspects, but I wouldn't necessarily trust steep north or east facing slopes at this time either. I suspect cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or on slopes receiving direct sun. Most snow surfaces exist on solar aspects up to 2300 m. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm new snow has fallen in this region between Wednesday and Saturday morning, accompanied by some strong southwesterly winds. Wind-loaded slopes and spill zones (fans where snow accumulates below steep faces) will remain touchy for a little while longer. Cohesive storm slabs are very touchy to human triggers where a thin crust exists down 60 cm.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried deeper around 70-120 cm exists a thicker (10 cm) buried rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m. This may still provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches given a sufficiently heavy trigger, such as a cornice release, or a shallower avalanches that steps down to this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large looming cornices are fragile and will likely become weak under the influence of the sun.  Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moist snow may be found on solar aspects up to about 2000 metres; surface faceting elsewhere. New melt/freeze crusts are developing due to cold clear nights and periods of strong solar radiation during the day. The new storm slab is about 30-50 cms deep, with wind transported pockets that are about 70 cms deep. Downflowing or katabatic winds have created small slabs in gulley and atypical low alpine and treeline elevations. Recent cornice growth is reported to be poorly bonded and breaks off easily with light triggers. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a crust is buried down about 70-120 cms in the alpine and treeline elevations; this layer continues to produce &quot;sudden&quot; results. This surface hoar layer is producing variable results in snow profile tests, and continues to be a concern for professionals.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist snow may be found on solar aspects up to about 2100 metres. New melt/freeze crusts are developing due to cold clear nights and strong solar radiation during the day. There is close to a metre of storm snow that has fallen in the last several days. This storm slab is sitting above variable surfaces that include crusts and moist layers that were deposited during the wet (Pineapple Express) storm last week. Periods of strong winds in the alpine transported the storm snow into thick pockets of wind slab that may take several days to settle and bond to the old surface. Cornice growth has been reported to be extensive , weakly bonded, and failing. Natural cornice falls are a concern, especially if we see periods of strong solar radiation. Cornice falls or storm slabs in motion may step down to the weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 20 and 80 cm of recent storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab overlying a thick crust that exists up to ridge top. The crust appears to have gained some strength in most places, but may still host a poor bond above 1800 m.  In some places, you may find an additional thinner crust within the top 60 cm snow. This has been reactive to skier triggers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A buried surface hoar layer sits approximately 80 cm below the surface and continues to fail in a sudden planar fashion when tested. In some places it may not be a concern due to the thick supportive crust that lies above it. However, it may be more susceptible to a trigger from a variable, thin snowpack area or a large trigger like a cornice fall or a snowmobiler.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large fragile cornices loom over many slopes. These may become weak and fail under the influence of the sunshine. Cornice fall can act as a large trigger on slopes below, and may trigger a deeper instability if it exists. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist snow may be found on solar aspects up to about 2200 metres. New melt/freeze crusts are developing due to cold clear nights and strong solar radiation during the day. The recent storm amounts are between 40-80 cms at higher elevations. Strong winds overnight and early Wednesday morning developed thick pockets of wind slab at higher elevations. Cooling temperatures have promoted bonding to the moist snowpack at lower elevations. New cornice growth is reported to be extensive and weak. Expect natural cornice falls that may trigger weak layers that are buried down a metre or more on slopes below. The new storm load may trigger the March 10th weak surface hoar layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Daily melt-freeze cycles continue, but only on steep S, SW and W aspects. Otherwise little change in the snowpack. Buried wind slabs still exist in Alpine and Treeline terrain. These slabs are a concern in unsupported convex features. A variety of crusts are found depending on aspects and elevation, which should be monitored carefully. Cornices are quite large and are becoming sensitive to triggering in the afternoon due to intense solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On sun-baked and low elevation slopes, a melt-freeze cycle is in play at the snow surface, leaving a crust behind during overnight cooling, which breaks down by day. A recent dusting of new snow is reported to be bonding well to the old snow surface. Overall the snowpack is deep and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs, which recently formed on a widespread basis, have become harder to trigger. On sun-baked and low elevation slopes, a melt-freeze cycle is in play at the snow surface, leaving a crust behind during overnight cooling, which breaks down by day. The upper snowpack structure is highly variable. On sunny aspects (and all aspects at low elevations), a melt-freeze crust is now buried about 30 cm deep, while on high elevation shady aspects, 50-100 cm snow overlies an older melt-freeze crust. Bonding at both of these crust interfaces appears to be improving. Large cornices are looming over some slopes. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent new snow is settling with the influence of warm temperatures. Wind slabs may be found at alpine and treeline elevations. A layer of surface hoar (buried March 9th; now down about 40-60 cm) has been found at all elevations. It’s slowly becoming less touchy, but professionals are keeping a wary eye on it. Triggering this layer is becoming a low probability but high consequence problem. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://blogs.avalanche.ca/posts/2013/march/shooting-cracks,-whumphs,-and-remote-triggering.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_42FC617C">Forecaster's Blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for related discussion. A second surface hoar layer, buried on March 18, is also reported to be gaining strength. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Natural cornice falls are a concern during daytime warming. Cornices may also be triggered easily by travelling near them. Slopes with corniced entrances, or exposed to cornice falls should be avoided with these conditions. Dry windslabs may be found on Northwest thru Northeast aspects at higher elevations. These wind slabs are reported to be improving their bond to the old surface, but may continue to be triggered by skiers and riders. Loose moist or wet snow may fall naturally out of very steep terrain on sun exposed slopes. Small loose snow avalanches may trigger the recent storm snow slab where it is moist from solar heating and sitting on a planar sliding surface like an old sun or rain crust. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> is down more than a metre in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. The lower snowpack consists of well bonded layers that are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region. Recent storm snow has been redistributed by shifting winds into wind slabs over various crust layers in the upper snowpack. On sun-baked and low elevation slopes, a melt-freeze cycle is in play at the snow surface, leaving a crust behind during overnight cooling, which may break down by day. Surface hoar, buried down about 50-90 cm, still shows reactivity in snowpack tests, but in general, triggering this layer has become less likely. It still remains possible with a heavy load or from a thin-spot trigger point. Cornices are large and unstable in some areas. Warm temperatures may weaken them further.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Natural cornice falls are a concern during daytime warming. Cornices may also be triggered easily by travelling near them. Slopes with corniced entrances, or exposed to cornice falls should be avoided with these conditions. Dry windslabs may be found on Northwest thru Northeast aspects at higher elevations. These wind slabs are reported to be improving their bond to the old surface, but may continue to be triggered by skiers and riders. Loose moist or wet snow may fall naturally out of very steep terrain on sun exposed slopes. Small loose snow avalanches may trigger the recent storm snow slab where it is moist from solar heating and sitting on a planar sliding surface like an old sun or rain crust. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> is down more than a metre in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. The lower snowpack consists of well bonded layers that are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Natural cornice falls are a concern during daytime warming. Cornices may also be triggered easily by travelling near them. Slopes with corniced entrances, or exposed to cornice falls should be avoided with these conditions. Dry windslabs may be found on Northwest thru Northeast aspects at higher elevations. These wind slabs are reported to be improving their bond to the old surface, but may continue to be triggered by skiers and riders. Loose moist or wet snow may fall naturally out of very steep terrain on sun exposed slopes. Small loose snow avalanches may trigger the recent storm snow slab where it is moist from solar heating and sitting on a planar sliding surface like an old sun or rain crust. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715"> is down more than a metre in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. The lower snowpack consists of well bonded layers that are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moist snow may be found on solar aspects up to about 2000 metres; surface faceting elsewhere. New melt/freeze crusts are developing due to cold clear nights and periods of strong solar radiation during the day. The new storm slab is about 30-50 cms deep, with wind transported pockets that are about 70 cms deep. Downflowing or katabatic winds have created small slabs in gulley and atypical low alpine and treeline elevations. Recent cornice growth is reported to be poorly bonded and breaks off easily with light triggers. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a crust is buried down about 70-120 cms in the alpine and treeline elevations; this layer continues to produce &quot;sudden&quot; results. This surface hoar layer is producing variable results in snow profile tests, and continues to be a concern for professionals.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds have redistributed storm snow on lee aspects creating stiff wind slabs. 35 - 65 cm of recent snow sits on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and a buried surface hoar layer (March 9th). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The March 9th surface hoar layer has been very touchy in many areas and many large avalanches have released on it.  Recent snowpack tests are showing very easy shears which means this layer should not yet be trusted. The distribution of the surface hoar is variable and it may not exist, or be reactive, in every drainage. Where it does exist, it appears to be present at all elevations, but is likely to pose the biggest threat in the alpine. Recent reports indicate it has been more reactive on south through west aspects, but I wouldn't trust steep north or east facing slopes at this time either.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or on slopes receiving direct sun. Most snow surfaces exist on solar aspects up to 2300 m, forming a melt-freeze crust overnight.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 40-70 cm of recent settling storm snow sits on top of a buried rain crust down 50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m. In areas near Sparwood, the new snow initially bonded poorly to this crust, and a few large avalanches were observed that likely released on this layer. In the North Elk Valley, the bond at the crust was reported to be fairly good. Generally, this interface has now become stronger for all parts of the region. However, a large trigger such as a cornice fall or a skier/sledder hitting the sweet spot, could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent wind slabs exist in the immediate lee of ridge lines and terrain features. Cornices are large and will likely become weak due to strong solar radiation and warming temperatures. Surface snow may become moist or wet up to 2200 m, especially on solar aspects. Melt-freeze conditions may exist. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 and 80 cm of last week's storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab overlying a thick crust that exists up to ridge top. The crust appears to have gained some strength in most places, but may still host a poor bond and has been susceptible to skier and rider triggers.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A buried surface hoar layer sits approximately 80 cm below the surface and continues to fail in a sudden planar fashion when tested. In some places it may not be a concern due to the thick supportive crust that lies above it. However, it may be more reactive to a trigger from a variable, thin snowpack area or a large trigger like a cornice fall or a snowmobiler.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large fragile cornices loom over many slopes. These may become weak and fail under the influence of the sunshine. Cornice fall can act as a large trigger on slopes below, and may trigger a deeper instability if it exists. Surface snow has become moist, and melt-freeze crusts are forming on solar aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm of new snow fell last week. This was accompanied by some strong southwesterly winds  Wind-loaded slopes and on the leeward side of terrain features may still remain touchy to rider triggers. Cohesive storm slabs have been very touchy to human triggers where a thin crust exists down 60 cm.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried deeper around 70-120 cm exists a thicker (10 cm) buried rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m. This may still provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches given a sufficiently heavy trigger, such as a cornice release, or a shallower avalanches that steps down to this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large looming cornices are fragile and will likely become weak under the influence of the sun. Surface snow on solar aspects may become moist during the day, then refreeze at night creating melt-freeze conditions. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sun crusts are present on SE, S, SW and W aspects. These crusts are melting each day and reforming at night. Cold, dry snow remains on northerly, sheltered slopes. Stability tests today show a moderate shear down 15cm and a hard shear down 35cm. These interfaces remain a concern where wind slabs exist in steep and unsupported terrain. Cornices are large in many areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As a local puts it, the snowpack is glued to the planet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures are helping recent storm snow to settle. On sun-baked and low to mid elevation slopes, a melt-freeze cycle is in play at the snow surface. This is causing weak moist snow conditions by day, while a refrozen crust forms by night. Large cornices are looming over some slopes, which may be weakened with warm temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Various melt-freeze crusts are buried in the upper snowpack. In general, the bond at these interfaces is improving. A layer of surface hoar (buried on March 11; now down about 90 cm) is still being observed in some locations, with hard results in snowpack tests. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures are helping recent storm snow to settle. On sun-baked and low to mid elevation slopes, a melt-freeze cycle is in play at the snow surface. This is causing weak moist snow conditions by day, while a refrozen crust forms by night. Large cornices are looming over some slopes, which may be weakened with warm temperatures. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Various crust layers are buried in the upper snowpack. Surface hoar, buried down about 50-70 cm, still shows reactivity in snowpack tests, but in general, triggering this layer has become less likely. It still remains possible with a heavy load or from a thin-spot trigger point. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent new snow is settling with the influence of warm temperatures. Wind slabs may be found at alpine and treeline elevations on many slope aspects due to variable winds. A layer of surface hoar (buried March 9</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">; now down about 40-60 cm) is slowly becoming less touchy, but professionals are keeping a wary eye on it. In some places this interface is a crust/facet layer. Triggering this layer is becoming a low probability but high consequence problem. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://blogs.avalanche.ca/posts/2013/march/shooting-cracks,-whumphs,-and-remote-triggering.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Forecaster's Blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for related discussion. A second surface hoar layer, buried on March 18, is also reported to be gaining strength. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Northern areas of the region have experienced strong winds that have redistributed storm snow on lee aspects creating stiff wind slabs. 35 - 65 cm of recent snow sits on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and a buried surface hoar layer (March 9th).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week, the March 9th surface hoar layer has been touchy in many areas and many large avalanches have released on it. Currently, this layer seems to be less reactive, but is still a concern (low probability-high consequence) . Recent snowpack tests are showing hard, resistent shears. This layer may be healing in some places, but I would remain conservative and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. The distribution of the surface hoar is variable and it may not exist, or be reactive, in every drainage. Where it does exist, it appears to be present at all elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. Most snow surfaces exist on solar aspects up to 2300 m, forming a melt-freeze crust overnight.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large looming cornices are fragile and will likely become weak under the influence of the sun. Surface snow on solar aspects have become moist and weak during the day, then refreeze at night creating melt-freeze conditions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm of new snow fell last week. This was accompanied by some strong southwesterly winds. Wind-loaded slopes on the leeward side of terrain features may still remain touchy to rider triggers, especially where a buried crust sits beneath down 40-60 cm. Deeper down 70-120 cm exists a thicker (10 cm) buried rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m. This may still provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches given a sufficiently heavy trigger, such as a cornice release, or a shallower avalanche that steps down to this layer.</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">Large fragile cornices loom over many slopes. These may become weak and fail due to the influence of the sunshine. Cornice fall can act as a large trigger on slopes below, and may trigger a deeper instability if it exists. Surface snow has become moist up to 2000 m, and melt-freeze crusts are forming on solar aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab overlying an old crust ( down 50-60 cm) that exists up to ridge top. The crust appears to have gained some strength in most places, but may still host a poor bond and has been susceptible to skier and rider triggers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A buried surface hoar layer sits approximately 80 cm below the surface and continues to fail in a sudden planar fashion when tested. In some places it may not be a concern due to the thick supportive crust that lies above it. However, it may be more reactive to a trigger from a variable, thin snowpack area or a large trigger like a cornice fall or a snowmobiler.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and will likely become weak due to strong solar radiation and warming temperatures. Surface snow may become moist or wet up to 2200 m, especially on solar aspects. Melt-freeze conditions exist. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 40-70 cm of settling storm snow sits on top of a buried rain crust down 50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m. In areas near Sparwood, the new snow initially bonded poorly to this crust, and a few large avalanches were observed that likely released on this layer. In the North Elk Valley, the bond at the crust was reported to be fairly good. Generally, this interface has now become stronger for all parts of the region. However, a large trigger such as a cornice fall or a skier/sledder hitting the sweet spot, could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent wind slabs exist in the immediate lee of ridge lines and terrain features. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth has been prevalent on shady slopes and at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Wind slabs are reported to be strengthening, but may continue to be sensitive to human-triggers. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is down more than a metre in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. However, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth has been prevalent on shady slopes and at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Wind slabs are reported to be strengthening, but may continue to be sensitive to human-triggers. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is down more than a metre in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. However, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers in thin snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth has been prevalent on shady slopes and at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Wind and storm slabs are reported to be strengthening, but may continue to be sensitive to human-triggers. The weak layer of buried surface hoar sitting on a crust down around 70-120cm, and has been producing varialbe but sudden results in snowpack tests. This deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls. Old deep persistent weaknesses, including basal depth hoar, are a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth has been prevalent on shady slopes and at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Wind slabs are reported to be strengthening, but may continue to be sensitive to human-triggers. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is down more than a metre in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. However, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack continues to settle. Sun crusts are present on solar aspects. These crusts are breakable in the morning and are melting each afternoon with intense solar radiation and warm temperatures. Cornices are large in many areas and are suffering from intense solar radiation. Wind slabs are still a concern in steep, convex and unsupported terrain, especially on northerly aspects at higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and will likely become weak due to strong solar radiation and warming temperatures. Recent wind slabs exist in the immediate lee of ridge lines and terrain features. The surface snow has become moist or wet up to 2200 m, especially on solar aspects. Melt-freeze conditions exist. Surface hoar and surface facetting is forming on sheltered, northerly aspects, especially at higher elevations.&nbsp; </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 40-70 cm of settling storm snow sits on top of a buried rain crust down 50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m. The bond of this snow to the crust has shown variability though the region. It is important to dig down and test weak layers before dropping into your line. A large trigger such as a cornice fall or a skier/sledder hitting the sweet spot, could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer.</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">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. Most snow surfaces exist on solar aspects up to 2300 m, forming a melt-freeze crust overnight.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Northern areas of the region have experienced strong winds that have redistributed storm snow on lee aspects creating stiff wind slabs. 35 - 65 cm of recent snow sits on a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, previous wind slabs and a buried surface hoar layer (March 9th). Last week, the March 9th surface hoar layer has been touchy in many areas and many large avalanches have released on it. Currently, this layer seems to be less reactive, but is still a concern (low probability-high consequence) . Recent snowpack tests are showing hard, resistent shears. This layer may be healing in some places, but I would remain conservative and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. The distribution of the surface hoar is variable and it may not exist, or be reactive, in every drainage. Where it does exist, it appears to be present at all 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">Large fragile cornices loom over many slopes. These may become weak and fail due to the influence of the sunshine. Cornice fall can act as a large trigger on slopes below, and may trigger a deeper instability if it exists. Surface snow has become moist up to 2000 m, and melt-freeze crusts are forming on solar aspects. On Northerly aspects surface hoar and surface facetting is occurring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm snow has settled  into a cohesive slab overlying an old crust (down 50-60 cm) which exists up to ridge top. The crust appears to have gained some strength in most places, but test results are still showing sudden planar fracture characteristics and may be easily triggered in certain areas by riders/skiers, cornices or smaller avalanches. Deeper down, another buried surface hoar layer sits approximately 80 cm. In some places it may not be a concern due to the thick supportive crust that lies above it. However, it may be more reactive to a trigger from a variable, thin snowpack area or a large trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth has been prevalent on shady slopes and at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Cornice fall has been responsible for triggering some persistent weak layers below and initiating some very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs are reported to be strengthening, but may continue to be sensitive to human-triggers. The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is down more than a metre in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. However, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large looming cornices are fragile and will likely become weak under the influence of the sun. Surface snow on solar aspects have become moist and weak during the day, then refreeze at night creating melt-freeze conditions. Northerly aspects are showing surface facetting and new surface hoar formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Pockets of wind slab may exist on the lee side of terrain features and may be touchy to rider triggers, especially where a buried crust sits beneath down 40-60 cm. Deeper down 70-120 cm exists a thicker (10 cm) buried rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m. This may still provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches given a sufficiently heavy trigger, such as a cornice release, or a shallower avalanche that steps down to this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth has been prevalent on shady slopes and at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Wind and storm slabs are reported to be strengthening, but may continue to be sensitive to human-triggers. The weak layer of buried surface hoar sitting on a crust down around 70-120cm, and has been producing variable but sudden results in snowpack tests. This deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls. Old deep persistent weaknesses, including basal depth hoar, are a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent new snow is settling with the influence of warm temperatures. Solar aspects now sport a melt freeze crust. Wind slabs may be found at alpine and treeline elevations on many slope aspects due to variable winds. A layer of surface hoar (buried March 9</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th</span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">; now down about 40-60 cm) is slowly becoming less touchy, but professionals are keeping a wary eye on it. In some places this interface is a crust/facet layer. Triggering this layer is becoming a low probability but high consequence problem. Check out the?</span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://blogs.avalanche.ca/posts/2013/march/shooting-cracks,-whumphs,-and-remote-triggering.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Forecaster's Blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">?for related discussion. A second surface hoar layer, buried on March 18, is also reported to be gaining strength. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Consistent afternoon warming has amalgamated the upper snowpack into a strong, cohesive unit.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze crusts up to 2000m on all aspects and well into the alpine on south and west facing terrain. These crusts break down with daytime warming and the surface snow can lose cohesion as a result. The odd lingering windslab remains reactive on high, north facing slopes. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Various melt-freeze crusts are buried in the upper snowpack. In general, the bond at these interfaces is good. A layer of surface hoar (buried on March 11; now down about 90 cm) is still being observed in some locations, with hard results in snowpack tests. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze crusts up to 2000m on all aspects and well into the alpine on south and west facing terrain. These crusts break down with daytime warming and the surface snow can lose cohesion as a result. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Various melt-freeze crusts are buried in the upper snowpack. In general, the bond at these interfaces is good. A layer of surface hoar (buried on March 11; now down about 60 cm) is still being observed in some locations, with moderate to hard results in snowpack tests. Triggering this layer has become less likely, but possible with a large trigger or from a thin snowpack zone. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought the daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects and at lower elevations (below 1800m). Surface hoar is growing on high shaded terrain and the cold temperatures have broken down the windslabs in lee features in the alpine. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers in thin snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought the daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects and at lower elevations (below 1700m). Surface hoar is growing on high shaded terrain. Katabatic winds (downflow) have built isolated windslabs on north facing alpine features. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers in thin snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Crusts are becoming thicker each day on solar aspects as the melt-freeze cycles continue. The snowpack is settling rapidly at lower elevations. Cornices are large and sagging. Isolated pockets of wind slab remain at higher elevations on northerly aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large looming cornices are fragile and will likely become weak under the influence of the sun. Surface snow on solar aspects have become moist and wet during the day, and then refreeze at night creating melt-freeze conditions. The snowpack is starting to show isothermal conditions below 1400 m. Northerly aspects are showing surface facetting and large surface hoar formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Pockets of wind slab may exist on the lee side of terrain features and may be touchy to rider triggers, especially where a buried crust sits beneath down 40-60 cm. Deeper down 70-120 cm exists a thicker (10 cm) buried rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m. This may still provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches given a sufficiently heavy trigger, such as a cornice release, or a shallower avalanche that steps down to this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and will likely become weak due to strong solar radiation and warming temperatures. The surface snow has become moist or wet up to 2200 m, especially on solar aspects. Melt-freeze conditions exist. Wind slabs exist in the immediate lee of ridge lines and terrain features. Surface hoar and surface facetting is forming on sheltered, northerly aspects, especially at higher elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 40-70 cm of settling storm snow sits on top of a buried rain crust down 50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m. The bond of this snow to the crust has shown variability though the region. It is important to dig down and test weak layers before dropping into your line. A large trigger such as a cornice fall or a skier/sledder hitting the sweet spot, could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Consistent afternoon warming and overnight freezing has amalgamated the upper snowpack into a strong, cohesive unit. In areas where temperatures do not dip below freezing overnight, the surface snow will remain destabilized.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze crusts up to 2000m on all aspects and well into the alpine on south and west facing terrain. These crusts break down with daytime warming and the surface snow can lose cohesion as a result. The odd lingering windslab remains reactive on high, north facing slopes, but these have largely broken down due to near surface facetting from cool overnight temperatures. Cornices are huge! </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Various melt-freeze crusts are buried in the upper snowpack. In general, the bond at these interfaces is good. A layer of surface hoar (buried on March 11; now down about 90 cm) is still being observed in some locations, with hard results in snowpack tests. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze crusts up to 2000m on all aspects and well into the alpine on south and west facing terrain. These crusts break down with daytime warming and the surface snow can lose cohesion as a result. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Various melt-freeze crusts are buried in the upper snowpack. In general, the bond at these interfaces is good. A layer of surface hoar (buried on March 11; now down about 60 cm) is still being observed in some locations, with moderate to hard results in snowpack tests. Triggering this layer has become less likely, but possible with a large trigger or from a thin snowpack zone. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</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">Large cornices loom over many slopes. Cornice fall can act as a large trigger on slopes below, and may trigger a deeper instability if it exists. The upper 10 cm of surface snow has become moist up to 2300 m, and melt-freeze crusts exists on solar aspects. On Northerly aspects surface hoar (up to 12 mm) and surface facetting is occurring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A cohesive slab overlies an old crust (down 50-60 cm) which exists up to ridge top. The crust appears to have gained some strength in most places, and some test results are showing resistant planar fracture characteristics. This layer may be harder to trigger, but should remain on your radar. It may be triggered by larger loads or skiers or riders hitting the sweet spot from a thinner snowpack area. With the weekend warm-up, wet slab avalanches may initiate naturally on this crust. Deeper down, another buried surface hoar layer sits approximately 80 cm. In some places it may not be a concern due to the thick supportive crust that lies above it. Because snowpack variability exists, it is important to dig down and test weak layers before diving into your line. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought Spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations (below 1800m). Surface hoar is growing on high shaded terrain and the cold temperatures have broken down the windslabs in lee features in the alpine. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers in thin snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought Spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects well into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations (below 1700m). Surface hoar is growing on high shaded terrain. Katabatic winds (downflow) have built isolated windslabs on north facing alpine features. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers in thin snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth (up to 20 mm) has been prevalent on shady slopes and at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Wind and storm slabs are reported to be strengthening, but may continue to be sensitive to human-triggers. The weak layer of buried surface hoar sitting on a crust down around 70-120cm, and has been producing variable but sudden results in snowpack tests. This deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls. Old deep persistent weaknesses, including basal depth hoar, are a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth ( up to 20 mm) has been prevalent on shady slopes and at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Cornice fall has been responsible for triggering some persistent weak layers below and initiating some very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is down more than a metre in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. However, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern and may be triggered by larger loads or hitting the sweet spot in thin, variable snowpack areas. Wind slabs are reported to be strengthening, but may continue to be sensitive to human-triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface hoar is growing on shaded slopes. Solar aspects and lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle. Wind slabs may be found at alpine and treeline elevations on many aspects due to variable winds. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9</span><sup><span class="s_3FE45715">th </span></sup><span class="s_3FE45715">which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger, while in other areas the layer is well preserved and primed for human triggering with the potential for very large avalanches. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://blogs.avalanche.ca/posts/2013/march/shooting-cracks,-whumphs,-and-remote-triggering.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Forecaster's Blog</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for related discussion. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Many parts of the region have experienced strong winds that redistributed surface snow on lee aspects creating stiff wind slabs. At lower elevations and on sun-exposed slopes, snow surfaces are well into a melt-freeze cycle.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. Currently, this layer seems to be less reactive, but may still be a concern in some areas (low probability-high consequence). Recent snowpack tests are showing hard, resistent shears. This layer may be healing in some places, but I would remain conservative and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. The distribution of the surface hoar is variable and it may not exist, or be reactive, in every drainage. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with further warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. Most snow surfaces exist on solar aspects up to 2300 m, forming a melt-freeze crust overnight.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong solar radiation effects present on east to west facing slopes.  In lower elevation terrain snowpack is becoming isothermal during peak heating periods but strong overnight freezes allow for good recovery - definitely spring like conditions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface hoar is growing on shaded slopes. Solar aspects and lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle. Wind slabs may be found at alpine and treeline elevations on many aspects due to variable winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger, while in other areas the layer is well preserved and primed for human triggering with the potential for very large avalanches. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://blogs.avalanche.ca/forecaster" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Forecaster's Blog</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> for related discussion.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface hoar is growing on shaded slopes. Solar aspects and lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. Reports suggest this layer is less reactive, but may still be a concern in some areas. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it may not exist in every drainage. I would still remain conservative and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with forecast warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations (below 1800m). Surface hoar is growing on high shaded terrain and the cold temperatures have broken down the windslabs in lee features in the alpine. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers in thin snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought Spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects well into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations (below 1700m). Surface hoar is growing on high shaded terrain. Well-settled isolated windslabs exist on north facing alpine features. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers in thin snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth (up to 20 mm) has been prevalent on shady slopes and at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">melt-freeze cycles</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Cornice fall has been responsible for triggering some persistent weak layers below and initiating some very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is down more than a metre in most places, and is giving variable results in snow profile tests. However, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern and may be triggered by larger loads or hitting the sweet spot in thin, variable snowpack areas. Wind slabs are reported to be strengthening, but may continue to be sensitive to human-triggers.</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">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth (up to 20 mm) has been prevalent on shady slopes and at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">melt-freeze cycles</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be very large and weakly bonded. Cornice fall is ongoing. Wind and storm slabs are to be strengthening, but may continue to be sensitive to human-triggers. The weak layer of buried surface hoar sitting on a crust down around 70-120cm, and has been producing variable but sudden results in snowpack tests. This deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls. Old deep persistent weaknesses, including basal depth hoar, are a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large looming cornices are fragile and will likely become weak under the influence of the sun. Surface snow on solar aspects have become moist and wet during the day, then refreeze at night creating </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">melt-freeze conditions</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. The snowpack is starting to show isothermal conditions below 1400 m. Surface facetting and large surface hoar formation is occurring on Northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Pockets of wind slab may exist on the lee side of terrain features and may be touchy to rider triggers, especially where a buried crust sits down 40-60 cm and can be found up to 2100 m. At this point the upper snowpack seems to have a good bond to this crust. However, it could provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches given a sufficiently heavy trigger, such as a cornice release, or a shallower avalanche that steps down to this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and will likely become weak due to strong solar radiation and warming temperatures. The surface snow has become moist or wet up to 2200 m, especially on solar aspects. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Melt-freeze conditions</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> exist. Wind slabs exist in the immediate lee of ridge lines and terrain features. Surface hoar and surface facetting is forming on sheltered, northerly aspects, especially at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to70 cm of settling snow sits on top of a buried rain crust down 50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m. The bond of this snow to the crust has shown variability though the region. It is important to dig down and test weak layers before dropping into your line. A large trigger such as a cornice fall or a skier/sledder hitting the sweet spot, could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze crusts up to 2000m on all aspects and to ridgecrest in the alpine on south and west facing terrain. These crusts break down with daytime warming and the surface snow can lose cohesion as a result. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on South aspects at lower elevations. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Various melt-freeze crusts are buried in the upper snowpack. In general, the bond at these interfaces is good. A layer of surface hoar (buried on March 11; now down about 60 cm) is still being observed in some locations. Triggering this layer has become less likely, but possible with a large trigger or from a thin snowpack zone. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</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">Large cornices loom over many slopes. Cornice fall can act as a large trigger on slopes below, and may trigger a deeper instability if it exists. The upper 10-30cm of surface snow has become moist up to 2300 m, and melt-freeze crusts exists on solar aspects. On Northerly aspects surface hoar growth (up to 12 mm) and surface facetting is occurring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A cohesive slab overlies an old crust (down 50-60 cm) which exists up to ridge top. The crust appears to have gained some strength in most places, and some test results are showing resistant planar fracture characteristics. This layer may be harder to trigger, but should remain on your radar. It may be triggered by larger loads or skiers or riders hitting the sweet spot from a thinner snowpack area. With the weekend warm-up, wet slab avalanches may initiate naturally on this crust. Deeper down, another buried surface hoar layer sits approximately 80 cm. In some places it may not be a concern due to the thick supportive crust that lies above it. Because snowpack variability exists, it is important to dig down and test weak layers before diving into your line. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze crusts up to 2200m on all aspects and to ridgecrest on south and west facing terrain. These crusts break down with daytime warming and the surface snow can lose cohesion as a result. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm at treeline on south aspects have been reported. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Consistent afternoon warming and overnight freezing has amalgamated the upper snowpack into a strong, cohesive unit. In areas where temperatures do not dip below freezing overnight, the surface snow will remain destabilized.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Crusts are present on solar aspects and are becoming progressively thicker with each passing sunny day. these crusts break down at various intervals through the day, depending on aspect and elevation. Only true North aspects are escaping the crusts, and dry snow can still be found on these features. Cornices remain a concern as they continue to sag and be heavily affected by solar radiation. Stability tests today on a North aspect continue to indicate shears down 20 and 30cm involving buried crusts from earlier in March. These test results were giving &quot;hard&quot; scores today.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface snow has become moist or wet up to 2200 m, especially on solar aspects. Spring-like, melt-freeze conditions exist. Surface hoar and surface facetting is forming on sheltered, northerly aspects, especially at higher elevations. Cornices are large and weak during daytime warming. Pockets of wind slab may still exist in the immediate lee of ridge lines and terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A buried rain crust can be found down 50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m. The bond of this snow to the crust has shown variability though the region. It is important to dig down and test weak layers before dropping into your line. A large trigger such as a cornice fall or a skier/sledder hitting the sweet spot, could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Consistent afternoon warming and overnight freezing has amalgamated the upper snowpack into a strong, cohesive unit. In areas where temperatures do not dip below freezing overnight, the surface snow will remain wet and the snowpack will destabilize. Be aware of</span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D"> glide cracks</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, reports indicate they are opening up.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface hoar is growing on shaded slopes. Solar aspects and lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle with sun-exposed slopes becoming very weak with daytime warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger, while in other areas the layer is well preserved and primed for human triggering with the potential for very large avalanches. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://blogs.avalanche.ca/forecaster" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Forecaster's Blog</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> for related discussion.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations (below 1800m). On high shaded terrain surface hoar is growing, and warm temperatures have promoted settlement within the upper snowpack. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is now difficult to trigger. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness has the potential for very large avalanches particularly with very heavy triggers such as cornice falls or ice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects well into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations (below 1700m). On high shaded terrain surface hoar is growing, and warm temperatures have promoted settlement within the upper snowpack. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is now difficult to trigger. Although triggering is now unlikely, this deep persistent weakness has the potential for very large avalanches particularly with very heavy triggers such as cornice fall or ice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large looming cornices become weak and fragile in the afternoon. Surface snow is moist and wet up to 2100 m during the day, with no refreeze below 1500 m. Northerly aspects are showing surface facetting and large surface hoar formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Pockets of wind slab may exist on the lee side of terrain features and may be possible to trigger. Deeper down 70-120 cm exists a thicker (10 cm) buried rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m. The likelihood of triggering this layer is very low, however, a sufficiently heavy trigger such as a cornice release, or a shallower avalanche may step down to this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions below 2000m on all aspects, and to ridgecrest on south and west facing terrain. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on south aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions below 2000m on all aspects and to ridgecrest on south and west facing terrain.  Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on South aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of surface hoar (buried on March 11; now down about 60 cm) is still being observed in some locations. Triggering this layer has become unlikely, and would most likely require a large trigger or from a thin snowpack zone. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface hoar is growing on shaded slopes. Solar aspects and lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle with sun-exposed slopes becoming very weak with daytime warming. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. Reports suggest this layer is less reactive, but may still be a concern in some areas. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it may not exist in every drainage. I would still remain conservative and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with forecast warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth ( up to 20 mm) has been prevalent on shady slopes and at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">melt-freeze </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">cycles. Cornices are large and weak. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried March 10th is down more than a metre in most places. This layer seems to be bonding in most places and is a low probability - high consequence problem. If triggered, it would probably require a very large load (cornice fall) or hitting the sweet spot in thin, variable snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth (up to 20 mm) has been prevalent on most aspects and elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">melt-freeze </span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">cycles.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and weak. Pockets of wind slab can be found on lee slopes and possible to trigger under your skies or sled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of buried surface hoar sitting on a crust down around 70-120cm, and has been producing variable results in snowpack tests. This persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls. Old deep persistent weaknesses, including basal depth hoar, are a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large cornices loom over many slopes. The upper 10 cm of surface snow has become moist up to 2300 m, and</span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.fsavalanche.org/Encyclopedia.aspx" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D"> melt-freeze conditions</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> exist. Surface facetting and surface hoar (up to 12 mm) are prevalent on Northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A cohesive slab overlies an old crust (down 50-60 cm) which exists up to ridge top. The crust appears to have gained some strength in most places, and some test results are showing resistant planar fracture characteristics. Snowpack variability exists, it is important to dig down and test weak layers before diving into your line. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little change in the snowpack except that it continues to settle with the warm temperatures. Crusts continue to melt and re-freeze with the daily temperature swings on all solar aspects. True North aspects are the only place to find dry snow. Cornices remain large and susceptible to failure with intense radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions on all aspects below 2000m and to ridgecrest on south and west facing terrain. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on south aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Consistent afternoon warming has amalgamated the upper snowpack into a strong, cohesive unit. Most recently, temperatures have not dropped below freezing overnight and the surface snow has remained destabilized. On steep, south facing slopes, the top 100cm of the snowpack is saturated with water, making for very unpleasant travel.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We are in a classic spring melt freeze cycle. The surface snow becomes moist  up to 2200m on all aspect and to ridgecrest on south and west facing slopes. Large cornices are becoming weak due to strong solar radiation and warming temperatures. Surface hoar growth and surface facetting is happening at night on high sheltered, northerly aspects. Isolated wind slabs exist in the immediate lee of ridge crests and terrain features</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A buried rain crust can be found down 50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m. The bonds at the crust has shown variability though the region. It is important to dig down and test weak layers before dropping into your line. A large trigger such as a cornice fall or a skier/sledder hitting the sweet spot could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions on all aspects below 2000m and to mountaintop on south facing terrain. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on South aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of surface hoar (buried on March 11; now down about 60 cm) is still being observed in some locations. Triggering this layer has become unlikely, and would most likely require a large trigger or from a thin snowpack zone. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</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">Large cornices loom over many slopes. The upper 10 cm of surface snow has become moist up to 2300 m, and melt-freeze conditions exist. Surface facetting and surface hoar (up to 12 mm) are prevalent on Northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface snow overlies an old crust (down 50-60 cm) which exists up to ridge top. The bonds with the crust have gained strength in most places, and some test results are showing resistant planar fracture characteristics. Snowpack variability exists; it is important to dig down and test weak layers before diving into your line. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth ( up to 20 mm) has been prevalent on shady slopes at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Cornices are large and weak.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried March 10th is down 100cm in most places. This layer seems to be bonding in most places and is a low probability - high consequence problem. Triggering may be possible with a very large load (cornice fall) or hitting the sweet spot in thin, variable snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth (up to 20 mm) has been prevalent on high, shady aspects, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations (below 2000m) has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and weak. Pockets of wind slab can be found on lee slopes and are possible to trigger under your skis or sled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of buried surface hoar sitting on a crust down around 70-120cm, and has been producing variable results in snowpack tests. This persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls. Old deep persistent weaknesses, including basal depth hoar, are a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We are in the throes of a classic spring high pressure system. Large looming cornices become weak and fragile in the afternoon heat. The surface snow goes moist up to 2100 m on all aspects and up to ridgecrest on south and west facing slopes during the day, with no refreeze below 1500 m. Northerly aspects are showing surface facetting and large surface hoar formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Isolated pockets of wind slab may exist on the lee side of terrain features. Buried 70-120 cm there exists a thick (10 cm) rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m. The likelihood of triggering this layer is very low but remains possible with a sufficiently heavy trigger such as a cornice release, or in a step down situation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface faceting continues on steep shaded slopes. Solar aspects in the alpine and all lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle with sun-exposed slopes becoming very weak with daytime warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results with the potential for large avalanches. Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://blogs.avalanche.ca/forecaster" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Forecaster's Blog</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> for related discussion.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface faceting continues on steep shaded alpine slopes. Solar aspects at all elevations and all lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle with sun-exposed slopes becoming very weak with daytime warming. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. Reports suggest this layer is less reactive, but may still be a concern in some areas. I would still remain conservative and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with forecast warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations (below 1800m). On high shaded terrain surface hoar is growing, and warm temperatures have promoted settlement within the upper snowpack. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below this the snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Clear, warm days have brought spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects well into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations. On high shaded terrain surface hoar is growing in some areas and surface faceting continues. In general, warm temperatures have promoted significant settlement within the upper snowpack. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is now very difficult to trigger. Although triggering is now unlikely, this deep persistent weakness has the potential for very large avalanches particularly with very heavy triggers such as cornice falls or ice fall. Daytime warming may also trigger wet slabs on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent.</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">Little change in the snowpack lately, except that it continues to settle. Crusts are melting and re-freezing each day on solar aspects, and are becoming steadily thicker with each passing cycle. Cornices continue to be a concern and are visibly sagging from the long period of intense solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth ( up to 20 mm) has been prevalent on shady slopes at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Cornices are large and weak.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried March 10th is down 100cm in most places. This layer seems to be bonding in most places and is a low probability - high consequence problem. Triggering may be possible with a very large load (cornice fall) or hitting the sweet spot in thin, variable snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations (below 1800m). On high shaded terrain surface hoar is growing, and warm temperatures have promoted settlement within the upper snowpack. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Clear, warm days have brought spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects well into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations. On high shaded terrain surface hoar is growing in some areas and surface faceting continues. In general, warm temperatures have promoted significant settlement within the upper snowpack. Cornices are are very large!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is now very difficult to trigger. Although triggering is now unlikely, this deep persistent weakness has the potential for very large avalanches particularly with very heavy triggers such as cornice falls or ice fall. Daytime warming may also trigger wet slabs on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent.</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">Consistent afternoon warming has amalgamated the upper snowpack into a strong, cohesive unit. Most recently, temperatures have not dropped below freezing overnight and the surface snow has remained destabilized. On steep, south facing slopes, the top 100cm of the snowpack is saturated with water, making for very unpleasant travel.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We are in the throes of a classic spring high pressure system. Large looming cornices become weak and fragile in the afternoon heat. The surface snow goes moist up to 2100 m on all aspects and up to ridgecrest on south and west facing slopes during the day, with no refreeze below 1500 m. Northerly aspects are showing surface facetting and large surface hoar formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried 70-120 cm exists a thick (10 cm) rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m. The likelihood of triggering this layer is very low but remains possible with a sufficiently heavy trigger such as a cornice release, or in a step down situation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We are in a classic spring melt-freeze cycle. The surface snow becomes moist  up to 2200m on all aspect and to ridgecrest on south and west facing slopes. Large cornices looming cornices threaten many slopes below. Surface hoar growth and surface facetting is happening at night on high sheltered, northerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A buried rain crust can be found down 50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m. The bonds at the crust has shown variability though the region. It is important to dig down and test weak layers before dropping into your line. A large trigger such as a cornice fall or a skier/sledder hitting the sweet spot, could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions on all aspects below 2000m and to mountain top on south and west facing terrain. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on south aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions on all aspects below 2000m and to mountaintop on south facing terrain. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on South aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of surface hoar or facets may exist up to 50cm below the surface, particularly in the north of the region. Triggering this layer has become unlikely, and would most likely require a large trigger or from a thin snowpack zone. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface faceting continues on steep shaded alpine slopes. Solar aspects at all elevations and all lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle with sun-exposed slopes becoming very weak with daytime warming. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it does not exist in every drainage. I would still remain conservative and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with forecast warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large cornices loom over many slopes. The upper 10 cm of surface snow has become moist and wet up to 2300 m, and melt-freeze conditions exist. Surface facetting and surface hoar (up to 12 mm) are prevalent on Northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface snow overlies an old crust (down 50-60 cm) which exists up to ridge top. The bonds with the crust have gained strength in most places, and most test results are showing resistant planar fracture characteristics. Snowpack variability exists; it is important to dig down and test weak layers before diving into your line. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface faceting continues on steep shaded slopes. Solar aspects in the alpine and all lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle with sun-exposed slopes becoming very weak with daytime warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little change recently in the snowpack. Crusts are widespread on East, South and West aspects and melting during the day at varying intervals based on aspect and elevation. True North aspects hold dry snow, but only at higher elevations. Cornices are large and sagging.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions on all aspects below 2000m and to mountain top on south and west facing terrain. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on south aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions on all aspects below 2000m and to mountaintop on south facing terrain. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on South aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas. Cornices are huge!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of surface hoar (buried on March 11; now down about 60 cm) is still being observed in some locations. Triggering this layer has become unlikely, and would most likely require a large trigger or from a thin snowpack zone. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface faceting continues on steep shaded slopes. Solar aspects in the alpine and all lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle with sun-exposed slopes becoming very weak with daytime warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface faceting continues on steep shaded alpine slopes. Solar aspects at all elevations and all lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle with sun-exposed slopes becoming very weak with daytime warming. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it does not exist in every drainage. I would still remain cautious and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with continued mild temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Consistent afternoon warming has amalgamated the upper snowpack into a strong, cohesive unit. Most recently, temperatures have not dropped below freezing overnight and the surface snow has remained destabilized. On steep, south facing slopes, the top 100cm of the snowpack is saturated with water, making for very unpleasant travel.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth (up to 20 mm) has been prevalent on high, shady aspects, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations (below 2000m) has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and weak. Pockets of wind slab can be found on lee slopes and are possible to trigger under your skis or sled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of buried surface hoar sitting on a crust down around 70-120cm, and has been producing variable results in snowpack tests. This persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls. Old deep persistent weaknesses, including basal depth hoar, are a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth ( up to 20 mm) has been prevalent on shady slopes at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Cornices are large and weak.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried March 10th is down 100cm in most places. This layer seems to be bonding in most places and is a low probability - high consequence problem. Triggering may be possible with a very large load (cornice fall) or hitting the sweet spot in thin, variable snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We have been experiencing a classic spring melt-freeze cycle. The surface snow has become moist up to 2200m on all aspects and to ridgecrest on sun-exposed slopes. Below 1500m there has been very little nightly re-freeze. Surface hoar growth and surface facetting is happening at night on high sheltered, northerly aspects. Buried 70-120 cm exists a thick (10 cm) rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m. The likelihood of triggering this layer is very low but remains possible, particularly with a very large cornice fall or daytime warming on solar aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large cornices also exist and have become weak due to strong solar radiation and warming temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations (below 1800m). On high shaded terrain surface hoar is growing, and warm temperatures have promoted settlement within the upper snowpack. Cornices are quite large.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below this the snowpack is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Clear, warm days have brought spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects well into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations. On high shaded terrain surface hoar is growing in some areas and surface faceting continues. In general, warm temperatures have promoted significant settlement within the upper snowpack. Cornices are are very large!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is now very difficult to trigger. Although triggering is now unlikely, this deep persistent weakness has the potential for very large avalanches particularly with very heavy triggers such as cornice falls or ice fall. Daytime warming may also trigger wet slabs on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent.</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">Large cornices loom over many slopes. The upper 10 cm of surface snow has become moist up to 2300 m, and melt-freeze conditions exist. Surface facetting and surface hoar (up to 12 mm) are prevalent on steep northerly aspects at upper elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface snow overlies an old crust (down 50-60 cm) which exists up to ridge top. The bonds with the crust have gained strength in most places, and some test results are showing resistant planar fracture characteristics. Having said that, the overlying slab could become reactive with daytime warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We are in a classic spring melt-freeze cycle. The surface snow becomes moist up to 2200m on all aspect and to ridgecrest on sun-exposed slopes. Large cornices are becoming weak due to strong solar radiation and warming temperatures. Surface hoar growth and surface facetting is happening at night on high sheltered, northerly aspects. Isolated wind slabs exist in the immediate lee of ridge crests and terrain features</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A buried rain crust can be found down 50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m. Although unlikely, a large trigger such as a cornice fall or warming on a solar aspect could cause this layer to fail.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 3cm of new snow at treeline over previous surfaces, most of which are crusts. the only exception to this is higher elevation true North aspects. Although the overnight recovery was limited, crusts were breaking down only at lower elevations due to a lack of solar radiation today.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface faceting continues on steep shaded alpine slopes. Solar aspects at all elevations and all lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle with sun-exposed slopes becoming very weak with daytime warming. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it does not exist in every drainage. I would still remain cautious and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with continued mild temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow has settled with the influence of warm temperatures and surface faceting continues on steep shaded slopes. Solar aspects in the alpine and all lower elevation terrain are now well into a daily melt-freeze cycle with sun-exposed slopes becoming very weak with daytime warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region. Cornices are large and untrustworthy, especially when the sun is out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions on all aspects below 2000m and to mountaintop on south facing terrain. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on South aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas. Cornices are huge and potentially weak. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of surface hoar (buried on March 11; now down about 60 cm) is still being observed in some locations. Triggering this layer has become unlikely, and would most likely require a large trigger or from a thin snowpack zone. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures have created melt freeze conditions on all aspects below 2000m and to mountain top on south and west facing terrain. Isothermal conditions as deep as 100cm have been reported on south aspects at lower elevations. On high north-facing slopes surfaces are well settled and surface hoar development continues in some areas. Cornices are huge and potentially unstable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth (up to 20 mm) has been prevalent on high, shady aspects, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations (below 2000m) has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Cornices are large and weak. A layer of buried surface hoar sitting on a crust down around 70-120cm, and has been producing variable results in snowpack tests. This persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls. Old deep persistent weaknesses, including basal depth hoar, are a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations (below 1800m). On high shaded terrain surface hoar is growing, and warm temperatures have promoted settlement within the upper snowpack. Cornices are very large!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent. Below this the snowpack is well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Clear, warm days have brought spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects well into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations. On high shaded terrain surface hoar is growing in some areas and surface faceting continues. In general, warm temperatures have promoted significant settlement within the upper snowpack. Cornices are are very large!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is now very difficult to trigger. Although triggering is now unlikely, this deep persistent weakness has the potential for very large avalanches particularly with very heavy triggers such as cornice falls or ice fall. Daytime warming may also trigger wet slabs on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent.</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">Surface faceting and surface hoar growth ( up to 20 mm) has been prevalent on shady slopes at upper elevations, while the surface snow on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations has been subject to daily melt-freeze cycles. Cornices are large and weak.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried March 10th is down 100cm in most places. This layer seems to be bonding in most places and is a low probability - high consequence problem. Triggering may be possible with a very large load (cornice fall) or hitting the sweet spot in thin, variable snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cloud and warm temperatures are preventing an overnight freeze. The surface snow has become moist up to 2200m on all aspects and up to ridgecrest on sun exposed slopes.&nbsp; Buried up to 50 cm exists a thick (10 cm) rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m. Snow below treeline and on southerly aspects in treeline and alpine is generally isothermal.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The classic melt freeze cycle has come to an end with cloud and warm temps preventing a good refreeze. The surface snow is moist up to 2200m on all aspects and to ridgecrest on previously sun-exposed slopes. Large cornices likely remain weak due to warm temperatures. Surface hoar growth and surface facetting happened last week on northerly aspects and snow is still dry there. New snow may not bond well to old surfaces on that aspect.   A buried rain crust can be found down 25-50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m.  A large trigger such as a cornice fall or warming on a solar aspect could cause this layer to fail.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is isothermal on south facing aspects in the alpine/treeline and on all aspects below treeline.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent  period of plus temperatures has promoted overall snowpack settlement with moist, noncohesive surface layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The top meter of the snowpack is moist up to 1800m. The North aspect remains dry above 2150m.&nbsp; A rain crust which formed on March 16 is 20 cm below the surface at Kootenay Pass.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No new snow over the past 24hrs.  Winds were generally light but occasional gusts into the moderate range.  Crusts can be found pretty much everywhere except pure north aspects in Alpine terrain.  Crusts break down QUICKLY when the sun comes out.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow may not initially bond well to the previous snow surface, which potentially includes a melt-freeze crust, moist or wet snow, or pockets of surface hoar. Also, expect pockets of wind slab to form in exposed lee terrain in the alpine as winds pick up on Thursday night. The upper snowpack at lower elevations has become isothermal from recent warm temperatures. Adding rain to this on Friday could trigger loose wet sluffs or wet slabs in steep terrain. Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of surface hoar (buried on March 11; now down about 60 cm) is still being observed in some locations. Triggering this layer has become unlikely, and would most likely require a large trigger or from a thin snowpack zone. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures and forecast heavy rain will saturate the snowpack at all elevations in the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The classic melt freeze cycle has come to an end with cloud and warm temps preventing a good refreeze in most of the forecast region. Along with the solar aspects, previously dry north facing zones in the alpine are also now moist.  A buried rain crust can be found down 25-50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m.   Larger triggers such as a loose wet slide, or cornice fall may cause this layer to fail.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow is isothermal on south facing aspects in the alpine/treeline and on all aspects below treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow may not initially bond well to the previous snow surface, which potentially includes a melt-freeze crust, moist or wet snow, or pockets of surface hoar. Also, expect pockets of wind slab to form in exposed lee terrain in the alpine as winds pick up on Thursday night. The upper snowpack at lower elevations has become isothermal from recent warm temperatures. Adding rain to this on Friday could trigger loose wet sluffs or wet slabs in steep terrain. Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The upper snowpack is now moist on all aspects as high as 2300m in elevation with reports of isothermal conditions as high as 2000m. The surface on north aspects is now moist due to warm overnight temperatures the past two nights.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures and cloud cover have prevented overnight re-freezing of the snowpack.  Along with the solar aspects, previously dry north facing zones in the alpine are also now moist.   Buried up to 50 cm exists a thick (10 cm) rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m.  This layer may be triggered by loads such as cornices and loose wet avalanches. Large cornices likely remain weak due to warm temperatures. Snow below treeline and on southerly aspects at treeline and in the alpine is generally isothermal.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light new snow will bury a variety or old snow surfaces including a melt-freeze crust, moist snow, sugary facets, and wind affected snow. Pockets of wind slab could develop in exposed lee terrain over the next several days. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region. Cornices are large and untrustworthy. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light new snow will bury a variety or old snow surfaces including a melt-freeze crust, moist snow, sugary facets, and wind affected snow. Pockets of wind slab could develop in exposed lee terrain over the next several days. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it does not exist in every drainage. I would still remain cautious and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with continued mild temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations 10-15cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At lower elevations (below 2000m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist.  New snow combined with wind will have made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent. Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations 10-15cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At lower elevations (below 2000m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist.  New snow combined with wind will has made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent. Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At upper elevations 10-15cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At lower elevations (below 1700m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist.  New snow combined with wind will have made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent. Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations 10-15cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. New snow combined with wind will have made large cornices even bigger. At lower elevations (below 2000m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is now very difficult to trigger. Although triggering is now unlikely, this deep persistent weakness has the potential for very large avalanches particularly with very heavy triggers such as cornice falls or ice fall. Daytime warming may also trigger wet slabs on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent.</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">Limited obs - overnight lows at treeline dropping just below zero so only thin weak crusts forming which deteriorate by late AM.  Several centimeters of new snow in areas close to the divide settling out rapidly through the day with rising temperatures. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm of new snow sits on a variety of old snow surfaces including a melt-freeze crust, moist snow, sugary facets, and wind affected snow. Pockets of wind slab could develop in exposed lee terrain over the next several days. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region. Cornices are large and untrustworthy. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm of new snow sits on a variety of old snow surfaces including a melt-freeze crust, moist snow, sugary facets, and wind affected snow. Pockets of wind slab could develop in exposed lee terrain over the next several days. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it does not exist in every drainage. I would still remain cautious and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with continued mild temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of moist or wet new snow sits on the previous snow surface, which included a melt-freeze crust, moist or wet snow, or pockets of surface hoar. Recent snowfall amounts vary considerably with elevation due to fluctuating freezing levels. Dense new wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain at and above treeline. The upper snowpack at lower elevations has become isothermal from recent warm temperatures and rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures or during periods of sun. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow may not initially bond well to the previous snow surface, which potentially includes a melt-freeze crust, moist or wet snow, or pockets of surface hoar. Also, expect pockets of wind slab to form in exposed lee terrain in the alpine as winds pick up on Thursday night. The upper snowpack at lower elevations has become isothermal from recent warm temperatures. Adding rain to this on Friday could trigger loose wet sluffs or wet slabs in steep terrain. Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer of surface hoar (buried on March 11; now down about 60 cm) is still being observed in some locations. Triggering this layer has become unlikely, and would most likely require a large trigger or from a thin snowpack zone. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded.</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">At upper elevations 15-30cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At lower elevations (below 2000m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist down 50-100cm. New snow combined with wind will has made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent. Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations 20-30cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist/wet snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. New snow combined with wind will have made large cornices even bigger. At lower elevations (below 2000m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist down 50-70cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is now very difficult to trigger. Although triggering is now unlikely, this deep persistent weakness has the potential for very large avalanches particularly with very heavy triggers such as cornice falls or ice fall. Daytime warming may also trigger wet slabs on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent.</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">At upper elevations 20-30cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At lower elevations (below 2000m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist down 50-100cm. New snow combined with wind will have made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At upper elevations 15-25cm of new snow is covering a crust or wet snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At lower elevations (below 1700m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist.  New snow combined with wind will have made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent. Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Continued rain on wet snow has saturated the snowpack up to the ridgetops. The rain is forecast to turn to snow over the next few days as the temperatures cool. Gusty winds may develop some wind slabs at ridgetops. Wet snow at lower elevations may release naturally from steep terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures and cloud cover have prevented overnight re-freezing of the snowpack.  Along with the solar aspects, previously dry north facing zones in the alpine are also now moist.  Buried up to 50 cm exists a thick (10 cm) rain crust from March 16th, which formed up to 2100 m.  This layer may be triggered by loads such as cornices and loose wet avalanches. Large cornices likely remain weak due to warm temperatures. Snow below treeline and on southerly aspects at treeline is generally isothermal.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow is expected to bond well to the old moist or wet surfaces. Some new wind slabs may develop at higher elevations. Surface crusts may have developed before new snow started to fall, providing a sliding layer for the new snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The classic melt freeze cycle has come to an end with cloud and warm temps preventing a good refreeze in most of the forecast region. Along with the solar aspects, previously dry north facing zones in the alpine are also now moist. A buried rain crust can be found down 25-50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m.  Larger triggers such as a loose wet slide, or cornice fall may cause this layer to fail. Snow may be isothermal on south facing aspects in the alpine/treeline and on all aspects below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 15cm of recent snow at higher elevations has formed soft slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain. Crusts remain widespread and vary considerably in thickness depending on aspect and elevation. Poor to little overnight recovery at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow in the high alpine overlies a saturated upper snowpack from previous heavy rains.  The snowpack in the Lizard Range is generally isothermal now on all but the highest north facing features.  Further buckling and failure of glide cracks has been observed in the region on steep unsupported slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The cooling trend means that snow has fallen in the high alpine in the forecast region.  Gusty southwest winds may have left windslabs in the lee of ridge features.  In the alpine, the new snow overlies moist/rain soaked snow on all aspects.  The March 16th crust may still exist on more northerly aspects and large triggers such as a wet slide or cornice drop may cause this layer to fail.  In the treeline and below treeline zones, snow is generally isothermal on all aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts vary depending on location and elevation. Some alpine areas (above 1800-1900 m) could have accumulations of over 30 cm. New dense wind slabs are likely in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine. Most of the recent precipitation has fallen as rain at and below treeline. The upper snowpack at lower elevations has become isothermal from recent warm temperatures. Loose wet sluffs remain a concern below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts vary considerably with elevation due to fluctuating freezing levels. Some alpine areas may have accumulations over 50 cm. Dense new wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain at and above treeline. Most of the recent precipitation fell as rain below 1700-1800 m. The upper snowpack at lower elevations has become isothermal from recent warm temperatures and rain. Loose wet avalanches remain a concern below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures or during periods of sun.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Continued rain on wet snow has saturated the snowpack up to the ridgetops. The rain is forecast to turn to snow over the next few days as the temperatures cool. Gusty winds may develop some wind slabs at ridgetops. Wet snow at lower elevations may release naturally from steep terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-20 cms of moist snow has fallen at higher elevations. New snow is expected to bond well to the old moist or wet surfaces. Some new wind slabs may develop at higher elevations. Surface crusts may have developed before new snow started to fall, providing a sliding layer for the new snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15 cm of new snow sits on a variety of old snow surfaces including a melt-freeze crust, moist snow, sugary facets, and wind affected snow. Pockets of wind slab could develop in exposed lee terrain over the next several days. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region. Cornices are large and untrustworthy. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15 cm of new snow sits on a variety of old snow surfaces including a melt-freeze crust, moist snow, sugary facets, and wind affected snow. Pockets of wind slab could develop in exposed lee terrain over the next several days. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it does not exist in every drainage. I would still remain cautious and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with continued mild temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At upper elevations 15-25cm of new snow is covering a crust or wet snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At lower elevations (below 1700m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist. New snow combined with wind will have made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent. Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations 20-30cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist wet snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. New snow combined with wind will have made large cornices even bigger. At lower elevations (below 2000m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist down 50-70cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is now very difficult to trigger. Although triggering is now unlikely, this deep persistent weakness has the potential for very large avalanches particularly with very heavy triggers such as cornice falls or ice fall. Daytime warming may also trigger wet slabs on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent.</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">At upper elevations 15-30cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At lower elevations (below 2000m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist down 50-100cm. New snow combined with wind will has made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent. Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations 20-30cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At lower elevations (below 2000m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist down 50-100cm. New snow combined with wind will have made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">9cm of new snow and up to 25cm of recent storm snow on high altitude N aspects with light rain at lower elevations. Storm slabs between 20 and 40cm thick are present in lee and cross-loaded terrain at treeline and above. Otherwise crusts are dominant on all but high elevation N aspects. Cornices remain large and sagging.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cms of moist snow is sitting on top of a rain soaked surface. Gusty winds may develop some wind slabs at ridgetops. Wet snow at lower elevations may release naturally from steep terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow in the high alpine overlies a saturated upper snowpack from previous heavy rains.  The snowpack in the Lizard Range is generally isothermal now on all but the highest north facing features.  Further buckling and failure of glide cracks has been observed in the region on steep unsupported slopes.</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">20-30 cms of moist new snow is sitting on a moist or rain soaked surface. Some stiff wind slabs may be found at higher elevations. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The classic melt freeze cycle has come to an end with cloud and warm temps preventing a good refreeze in most of the forecast region. Along with the solar aspects, previously dry north facing zones in the alpine are also now moist.? A buried rain crust can be found down 25-50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m.?? Larger triggers such as a loose wet slide, or cornice fall may cause this layer to fail.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow may be isothermal on south facing aspects in the alpine/treeline and on all aspects below treeline.?</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">It's still winter up above 1700 or so. At upper elevations 15-25cm of new snow is covering a crust or wet snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At lower elevations (below 1700m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist. New snow combined with wind have made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent. Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">It's still winter up above 2000m.  At the upper elevations 15-30cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At lower elevations (below 2000m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist down 50-100cm. New snow combined with wind will has made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent. Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">It's still winter up above 2000m.  At the upper elevations 15-30cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At lower elevations (below 2000m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist down 50-100cm. New snow combined with wind will has made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent. Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts vary considerably with elevation due to fluctuating freezing levels. Some lee alpine areas may have accumulations over 50 cm. Dense new wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain at and above treeline. Most of the recent precipitation fell as rain or wet snow below 1700-1800 m. The upper snowpack at lower elevations has become isothermal from recent warm temperatures and rain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures or during periods of sun.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts vary depending on location and elevation. Some alpine areas (above 1800-1900 m) could have accumulations of over 40 cm from the past couple days. New dense wind slabs are likely in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine. Most of the recent precipitation has fallen as rain below treeline. Rain had turned to snow down to 1000 m on Sunday morning leaving 10-20 cm of moist snow bonding well to wet grains below. Below the dusting of new snow the upper snowpack at lower elevations has become isothermal from recent warm temperatures and rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-20 cm of new snow sits on a recently buried melt-freeze crust at most elevations. Ski testing on Saturday showed a poor bond between the new snow and the crust. Pockets of wind slab have developed in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gullies. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region. Cornices are large and untrustworthy. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-25 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust at most elevations. Reports suggest the new snow is not bonding well to the underlying crust. Pockets of wind slab have develoedp in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gullies. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it does not exist in every drainage. I would still remain cautious and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with continued mild temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations 15-40cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At many lower elevations (below 2000m) warm temperatures have created a snowpack that is almost entirely isothermal. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow combined with wind will has made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent. Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">1cm of new snow overnight at treeline. Crusts remained intact today due to cool temperatures and thin overcast conditions. Isolated soft slabs are present in lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine and open areas at treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts vary significantly within the region from north to south. In the Duffy Lake area and north expect to find 20-25 cm of fresh snow, while Coquihalla and Allison Pass areas have seen 50 cm or more. Moderate or strong south or westerly winds left variable snow distribution in exposed areas near ridgetop with dense wind slabs forming in lee and cross-loaded features. The new snow is sitting on moist snow or a melt-freeze crust depending on elevation. Weaknesses exist within the storm snow and the bond between the new snow and crust is questionable. Expect a new surface crust to form on solar aspects and lower elevations as temperatures drop overnight. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts vary considerably with elevation due to fluctuating freezing levels. Some lee alpine areas may have accumulations over 50 cm. The new snow is sitting on a crust or moist snow depending on elevation. Dense new wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain at and above treeline. Most of the recent precipitation fell as rain or wet snow below 1700-1800 m. The upper snowpack at lower elevations has become isothermal from recent warm temperatures and rain. Cool overnight temperatures will likely form a new surface crust at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures or during periods of sun.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-20 cm of new snow sits on a recently buried melt-freeze crust at most elevations. Ski testing on Saturday showed a poor bond between the new snow and the crust. Warm temperatures and solar radiation on Sunday resulted in moist snow on all aspects at and below treeline. Expect a surface crust to form as temperatures dip overnight. Pockets of wind slab have developed in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gullies. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region. Cornices are large and untrustworthy. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-25 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust at most elevations. Warm temperature and solar radiation resulted in moist snow on solar aspects and lower elevations. A new surface crust may form Monday night before the next system arrives on Tuesday. Pockets of wind slab have developed in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gullies. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it does not exist in every drainage. I would still remain cautious and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with continued mild temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow (up to 40 cm) is sitting on a variable interface, consisting of a crust or moist snow; or a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets, which is mainly found on high-elevation W through NE aspects. In some locations the surface hoar/facet interface is touchy, with skier triggering likely. Winds have shifted storm snow into reactive slabs lee to south-easterly to south-westerly winds. Below treeline, the snow is in a spring melt-freeze regime, melting by day and freezing by night. Cornices are very large and loom as potential triggers for avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some new moist snow has fallen over the past few days. The new snow is sitting on a moist or wet snowpack that was rained on up to the ridgetops late last week. Some pockets of drier wind transported snow may be found at the ridgetops.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow (up to 50 cm in the far south) is sitting on a variable interface, consisting of a crust or moist snow; or a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets, which is mainly found on high-elevation northerly aspects. In some locations the surface hoar/facet interface is touchy, with skier triggering likely. Winds have shifted storm snow into reactive slabs lee to south-easterly to south-westerly winds. Below treeline, the snow is in a spring melt-freeze regime, melting by day and freezing by night. Cornices are very large and loom as potential triggers for avalanches.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist new storm snow is reported to be bonding well to the old moist or wet surfaces. A minor overnight freezing is reported to have not penetrated very deep into the snowpack, resulting in wet snow just below the surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 cms of new snow has fallen at 1800 metres elevation. Moderate East-Southeast winds have transported snow into wind slabs at alpine elevations, and scoured down to a hard crust on Easterly aspects. The snowpack continues to be moist below the crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Overnight freezing has consolidated previously loose wet snow at treeline and above. Some new wind slabs may have developed during periods of strong Easterly winds combined with new snow. The surface crust is expected to break down during the day and then re-freeze tonight. Moist or wet snow below treeline is not expected to have much of a recovery, and may continue to be isothermal and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">It's still winter up above 1700 or so. At upper elevations 20-45cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist snow. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">At the same interface you may find a touchy layer of surface hoar on shaded alpine slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At lower elevations (below 1700m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist. New snow combined with wind have made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well settled.</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">At upper elevations 30-50cm of recently fallen snow is covering a crust or moist snow buried on April 4th. At the same interface you may find a touchy layer of surface hoar on shaded alpine slopes. Where it exists the surface hoar has been responsible for whumfing, shooting cracks, and remote triggers; and continues to produce sudden test results. I would dig down and test for this layer before committing to any steep or exposed lines.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevations rain has made the snow surface wet or moist down 50-100cm. The recent snow combined with wind will has made large cornices even bigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little change from yesterday. Isolated soft slabs exist in lee and cross-loaded terrain in ALP and TL areas. Crusts dominate all aspects except true North. Solar intensity is melting surface snow on all solar aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts vary significantly within the region from north to south. In the Duffy Lake area and north expect to find 20-25 cm of fresh snow, while Coquihalla and Allison Pass areas have seen 50 cm or more. Moderate or strong south or westerly winds left variable snow distribution in exposed areas near ridgetop with dense wind slabs forming in lee and cross-loaded features. The new snow is sitting on moist snow or a melt-freeze crust depending on elevation. Weaknesses exist within the storm snow and the bond between the new snow and crust is questionable. A frontal system passes over the region Tuesday evening which should bring snow above 1500m.  Rain falling below treeline is unlikely to have much affect. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are very large and looming over many ridgelines.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts vary considerably with elevation due to fluctuating freezing levels. Some lee alpine areas may have accumulations over 50 cm. The new snow is sitting on a crust or moist snow depending on elevation. Dense new wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain at and above treeline. Most of the recent precipitation fell as rain or wet snow below 1700-1800 m. The upper snowpack at lower elevations has become isothermal from recent warm temperatures and rain.  A frontal system passes over the region Tuesday evening which should bring snow above 1500m.  Rain falling below treeline is unlikely to have much affect. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures or during periods of sun.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm recent storm snow is sitting on a variable interface, consisting of a crust, moist snow, surface hoar or facets. The surface hoar or facet interface is mainly found on high-elevation northerly aspects. It has recently been very touchy, with remote skier-triggering occurring. Forecast precipitation will add to this storm slab problem and create new wind slabs at high elevations, and weaken the snowpack with rain at low elevations. Large cornices are likely to increase in size and become more prone to failure during Wednesday’s storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-70 cm recent storm snow is sitting on a variable interface, consisting of a crust, moist snow, surface hoar or facets. The surface hoar or facet interface is mainly found on high-elevation northerly aspects. It has been very touchy, with remote skier-triggering occurring. Forecast precipitation will add to this storm slab problem and create new wind slabs at high elevations, and weaken the snowpack with rain at low elevations. Large cornices are likely to increase in size and become more prone to failure during Wednesday’s storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations 30-50cm of recently fallen snow is covering a crust or moist snow buried on April 4th. At the same interface you may find a touchy layer of surface hoar on shaded alpine slopes. Where it exists the surface hoar has been responsible for whumfing, shooting cracks, and remote triggers; and continues to produce sudden test results. I would dig down and test for this layer before committing to any steep or exposed lines.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevations rain has made the snow surface wet or moist down 50-100cm. The recent snow combined with wind will has made large cornices even bigger.</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">Some new moist snow has fallen over the past few days. The new snow is sitting on a moist or wet snowpack that was rained on up to the ridgetops late last week. Some pockets of drier wind transported snow may be found at the ridgetops.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At upper elevations 20-45cm of recent snow is covering a crust or moist snow. At the same interface you may find a touchy layer of facets or surface hoar on shaded high alpine slopes. Where they exist, these weak crystals have been responsible for large remote triggers. The variable and reactive nature of this layer suggests that it may continue to catch people by surprise. I'd dig down and test for this weakness before committing to any exposed alpine terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At lower elevations (below 1700m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist. Recent snowfall combined with wind have made large cornices even bigger.</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">New snow in the high alpine overlies a saturated upper snowpack from previous heavy rains. The snowpack in the Lizard Range is generally isothermal now on all but the highest north facing features. An overnight refreeze may have created an strong crust on the surface at upper treeline and above. Further buckling and failure of glide cracks has been observed in the region on steep unsupported slopes.</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">Overnight freezing has consolidated previously loose wet snow at treeline and above. Some new wind slabs may have developed during periods of strong easterly winds combined with new snow. The surface crust is expected to break down during the day and then re-freeze tonight. Moist or wet snow below treeline is not expected to have much of a recovery and may continue to be isothermal and weak.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-40cm of new snow has fallen at 1800m elevation and above. Recent moderate winds have created wind slabs in alpine leeward slopes and scoured the new snow down to a hard crust on windward aspects. The snowpack continues to be moist below the crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">As of Tuesday afternoon approx 10 cm had fallen and winds were clocked at over 100km/hr out of the W.  These winds are likely wreaking havoc on the 15-20 cm of new snow that recently buried a melt-freeze crust at most elevations.  I expect wind slabs and wind damaged snow will be widespread. Ski testing on Saturday showed a poor bond between the new snow and the crust. Warm temperatures and solar radiation on Sunday resulted in moist snow on all aspects at and below treeline. I expect any new snow from Tuesdays storm to fall on a crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 50-75cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region. Cornices are large and untrustworthy. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-25 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust at most elevations. Warm temperature and solar radiation resulted in moist snow on solar aspects and lower elevations. A new surface crust may form before the next system arrives on Tuesday night. Pockets of wind slab have developed in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gullies. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it does not exist in every drainage. I would still remain cautious and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with continued mild temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm slabs up to 40cm thick are found in lee and cross-loaded features in alpine and open areas at treeline. Crusts are found on all aspects at all elevations, except for true North aspects. These crusts are of widely varying thickness and strength, but generally provide very fast travel conditions while frozen.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The region picked up 20 - 40 cm out of Tuesday's storm with winds that were extreme at times.  New storm and wind slabs sit on the April 4th Crust.  The freezing level has remained high, many locations below 1000m  have not seen an overnight recovery for the last few nights. Ski testing on Saturday showed a poor bond between the new snow and the crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 60-100cm below the surface is layer of surface hoar buried on March 9th which is variably reactive. In some areas it is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Having said that, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region. Cornices are large and untrustworthy. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-30 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust at most elevations. Warm temperature and a freezing level around 1000m during Tuesday night's storm combined with solar radiation resulted in moist snow on solar aspects at lower elevations. Pockets of wind slab have developed in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gullies. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 - 60 cm of snow overlies a crust, old wind slabs or surface hoar layer buried on March 9th. The distribution of the surface hoar is also highly variable and it does not exist in every drainage. I would still remain cautious and continue to dig and test before diving into my line. Deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may resurface as a concern with continued mild temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices have become well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Additional storm snow has added to an existing storm slab problem above about 2000 m. Winds from the SW through to NW are likely to have created new wind slabs and added to cornices. A buried surface hoar interface is now buried within the upper metre or so of the snowpack, mainly on high-elevation northerly aspects. It may be slowly gaining some strength, but these slopes should still be treated with suspicion. At lower elevations, rain-soaked snow may be weak when wet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Overnight freezing has consolidated previously loose wet snow at treeline and above. Recent moderate winds may have developed windslabs at upper elevations. Surface crusts are expected to break down during the day and then re-freeze overnight. Moist or wet snow below treeline is not expected to have much of a recovery and may continue to be isothermal and weak.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-60cm of new snow has fallen at 1700m elevation and above in last 4 days. This new snow sits on a crust at upper elevations. The snowpack continues to be moist below this crust. Recent moderate to strong winds have created wind slabs in alpine leeward slopes. At lower elevations the snowpack is wet and isothermic. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy precipitation in the form of rain and some snow new moist snow has fallen over the past few days. The new snow is sitting on a moist or wet snowpack at the most upper elevations. Some pockets of drier wind transported snow may be found at the ridgetops.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Additional storm snow has added to an existing storm slab problem above about 2000 m. Winds from the SW through to NW are likely to have created new wind slabs and added to cornices. A buried surface hoar interface is now buried within the upper metre or so of the snowpack, mainly on high-elevation northerly aspects. It may be slowly gaining some strength, but these slopes should still be treated with suspicion. At lower elevations, rain-soaked snow may be weak when wet.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Our stream of snowpack and avalanche observations is diminishing as operators are starting to shut up shop for the season. If you’re out and about, please let us know what you are seeing: </span><a href="mailto:forecaster@avalanche.ca" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">forecaster@avalanche.ca</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> Thanks!</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow in the high alpine overlies a saturated upper snowpack from previous heavy rains. The snowpack is generally isothermal now on all but the highest north facing features. An overnight refreeze may have created an strong crust on the surface at upper treeline and above. Further buckling and failure of glide cracks has been observed in the region on steep unsupported slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate amounts of snow fell on Wednesday. In the south of the region, heavy accumulations (~40cm) were observed. At lower elevations rain continued to saturate the snowpack. The storm was accompanied by moderate to strong south/southwest winds which left variable snow distribution in exposed terrain with dense wind slabs forming in lee and cross-loaded features. Up to 85cm below the surface you will likely find moist snow or a melt-freeze crust (depending on elevation) from last week's sunny weather. At the same interface, you may find spotty surface hoar on high north facing terrain. Large natural activity and remote triggers from earlier in the week suggest the surface hoar may continue to be reactive, especially with the weight of the new snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to locally heavy amounts of snow fell on Wednesday. At lower elevations rain continued to saturate the snowpack. The storm was accompanied by moderate to strong south/southwest winds which left variable snow distribution in exposed areas near ridgetop with dense wind slabs forming in lee and cross-loaded features. Up to 75cm below the surface you will likely find moist snow or a melt-freeze crust (depending on elevation) from last week's sunny weather. Spotty surface hoar on high north facing terrain may also exist at the same interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At upper elevations moderate to heavy amounts of new snow have been shifted into deeper windslabs by steady southwest winds. About 50-80cm below the surface you are likely to find a temperature/sun crust from last week's clear weather. </span><span class="s_3FE45715"> At the same interface you may find a touchy layer of surface hoar on shaded alpine slopes above ~2300m. Where it exists the surface hoar has been responsible for whumfing, shooting cracks, and ongoing remote triggers. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The variable and reactive nature of this layer suggests that it may continue to catch people by surprise.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1600m recent rain has continued to saturate the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent snow and wind has made large cornices bigger and more likely to fail.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At upper elevations moderate to locally heavy amounts of new snow have been shifted into deeper windslabs by steady southwest winds. About 40-75cm below the surface you are likely to find a temperature/sun crust from last week's clear weather. At the same interface you may find a touchy layer of facets or surface hoar on shaded alpine slopes above ~2400m. Where they exist these weak crystals have been responsible for large remote triggers. The variable and reactive nature of this layer suggests that it may continue to catch people by surprise. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At lower elevations (below 1600m) rain has continued to saturate the snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snowfall and wind have made large cornices bigger and more likely to fail.</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">Moderately heavy snowfall began early Thursday AM and kept up most of the day.  At least 10cm of storm snow at treeline by 1500 hours Thursday PM.  Daytime highs crept close to zero degrees so rapid formation of soft slabs anticipated.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The region picked up 20 - 40 cm out of Tuesday's storm with winds that were extreme at times.  The resulting storm and wind slabs are bonding poorly to an underlying crust.  Buried surface hoar may be found 60-100cm down. In some areas this persistent weakness is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong; however, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region. Cornices are large and untrustworthy. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-35cm of recent snow is generally bonding well to the previous snow surface, which includes a crust, facets and/or surface hoar. Strong westerly winds created widespread hard and soft wind slabs in exposed areas, which are reactive to human triggers on steep wind-loaded rolls. Below treeline, the surface snow is undergoing daily melt-freeze cycles with the upper metre of snow becoming wet and cohesionless by mid-afternoon. Concerns remain for a patchy persistent weakness buried a month ago, and deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may become a concern with continued mild temperatures. Cornices are well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy precipitation in the form of rain has fallen over the past few days. This has further saturated an already moist or wet snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-60cm of new snow has fallen at 1800m elevation and above in last 4 days. This new snow sits on a crust at upper elevations. The snowpack continues to be moist or wet below this crust. Recent moderate to strong winds have created wind slabs in alpine leeward slopes. At lower elevations the snowpack is wet and isothermic. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-40 cm recent storm snow and moderate to strong winds have created new storm slabs and wind slabs at alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar interface is now buried within the upper metre or so of the snowpack, mainly on high-elevation northerly aspects. It may be slowly gaining some strength, but these slopes should still be treated with suspicion. On other slopes, recent storm snow overlies a crust, with a variable bond. At low elevations, rain-soaked snow will become strong once refrozen.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-40 cm recent storm snow and moderate to strong winds have created new storm slabs and wind slabs at alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar interface is now buried within the upper metre or so of the snowpack, mainly on high-elevation northerly aspects. It may be slowly gaining some strength, but these slopes should still be treated with suspicion. On other slopes, recent storm snow overlies a crust, with a variable bond. At lower elevations, rain-soaked snow will become strong once refrozen.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15cm of new snow in the alpine overlies a supportive crust. An overnight refreeze may have created a crust on the surface at lower elevations. Further buckling and failure of glide cracks has been observed in the region on steep unsupported slopes.</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">Overnight freezing has consolidated previously loose wet snow at treeline and above. Recent moderate winds may have developed windslabs at upper elevations. Surface crusts are expected to break down during the day and then re-freeze overnight. Moist or wet snow below treeline is not expected to have much of a recovery and may continue to be isothermal and weak.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate amounts of snow fell on Wednesday. In the south of the region, heavy accumulations (~40cm) were observed. At lower elevations rain continued to saturate the snowpack. The storm was accompanied by moderate to strong south/southwest winds which left variable snow distribution in exposed terrain with dense wind slabs forming in lee and cross-loaded features. Up to 85cm below the surface you will likely find a melt-freeze crust from last week's sunny weather. At the same interface, you may find spotty surface hoar on high north facing terrain. Large natural activity and remote triggers from earlier in the week suggest the surface hoar may continue to be reactive, especially with the weight of the new snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to locally heavy amounts of snow fell on Wednesday. At lower elevations rain continued to saturate the snowpack. The storm was accompanied by moderate to strong south/southwest winds which left variable snow distribution in exposed areas near ridgetop with dense wind slabs forming in lee and cross-loaded features. Up to 75cm below the surface you will likely find a melt-freeze crust from last week's sunny weather. At the same interface, you may also find spotty surface hoar on some high, north facing slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At upper elevations moderate to locally heavy amounts of new snow have been shifted into deeper windslabs by steady southwest winds. About 40-75cm below the surface you are likely to find a temperature/sun crust from last week's clear weather. At the same interface you may find a touchy layer of facets or surface hoar on shaded alpine slopes above ~2400m. Where they exist these weak crystals have been responsible for large remote triggers. The variable and reactive nature of this layer suggests that it may continue to catch people by surprise. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At lower elevations (below 1600m) rain has continued to saturate the snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snowfall combined with wind have made large cornices bigger and more likely to fail.</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">At upper elevations generally heavy amounts of new snow have been shifted into deeper windslabs by steady southwest winds. About 50-90cm below the surface you are likely to find a temperature/sun crust from last week's clear weather. </span><span class="s_3FE45715"> At the same interface you may find a touchy layer of surface hoar on shaded alpine slopes above ~2300m. Where it exists the surface hoar has been responsible for whumfing, shooting cracks, and remote triggers. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The variable and reactive nature of this layer suggests that it may continue to catch people by surprise. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below about 1600m recent rain has continued to saturate the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent snow and wind has made large cornices bigger and more likely to fail.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate SW winds all day Friday resulted in redistribution of yesterdays storm snow onto lee slopes and gullies.  Cool temps kept the snow at and above treeline dry and susceptible to winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-20cm of new snow in the alpine overlies a supportive crust. An overnight refreeze may have created a crust on the surface at lower elevations. Expect this crust to break down quickly as temperatures rise during the day. Moderate to strong winds may have created windslabs in the lee of terrain features in the alpine and at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Overnight freezing has consolidated previously loose wet snow at treeline and above. Recent moderate winds may have developed windslabs at upper elevations. Surface crusts are expected to break down during the day and then re-freeze overnight. Moist or wet snow below treeline is not expected to have much of a recovery and may continue to be isothermal and weak.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-60cm of moist new snow has fallen at 1800m elevation and above in last 5 days. This new snow sits on a crust at upper elevations. The snowpack continues to be moist or wet below this crust. Recent moderate to strong winds may have created wind slabs in alpine leeward slopes. Cooler temperatures may have may have frozen the wet and isothermic snow surface into a crust at lower elevations. Expect these crusts to break down quickly as temperatures rise during the day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy rains on Wednesday and Thursday saturated the surface snow. Recent cooler temperatures have frozen the surface snow into a crust. At upper elevations this crust will be covered by some new snow. Moderate to strong west and southwest winds may have formed windslabs in the lee of terrain features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall on Friday night is expected to create new storm/wind slabs, especially near ridge top. This will add to existing storm slab and wind slab problems at alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar interface is buried within the upper metre of the snowpack, mainly on high-elevation northerly aspects. It is still producing moderate, sudden results in snowpack tests, and these slopes should be treated with suspicion. On other slopes, recent storm snow overlies a crust, with a variable bond. At low elevations, previously rain-soaked snow is likely to now be refrozen and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10cm of storm snow has fallen recently. This overlies up to 50cm of previous storm snow from last Wednesday. At low elevations rain continues to saturate the snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The previous storm was accompanied by moderate to strong south/southwest winds which left variable snow distribution in exposed terrain with dense wind slabs forming in lee and cross-loaded features. Up to 85cm below the surface you will likely find a melt-freeze crust from previous sunny weather. At the same interface, you may find spotty surface hoar on high north facing terrain. Large natural activity and remote triggers from earlier in the week suggest the surface hoar may continue to be reactive, especially with the weight of the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are very large and could pop off with continued mild temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15cm of new snow has fallen recently. This overlies 20-40 cm of heavily winded snow from Tuesday's storm. The previous storm and wind slabs are bonding poorly to an underlying crust. Buried surface hoar may be found 60-100cm down. In some areas this persistent weakness is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong; however, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region. Cornices are large and untrustworthy.</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">15-35cm of recent snow is generally bonding well to the previous snow surface, which includes a crust, facets and/or surface hoar. Strong westerly winds created widespread hard and soft wind slabs in exposed areas, which are reactive to human triggers on steep wind-loaded rolls. Below treeline, the surface snow is undergoing daily melt-freeze cycles with the upper metre of snow becoming wet and losing cohesion by mid-afternoon. Concerns remain for a patchy persistent weakness buried a month ago, and deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may become a concern with continued mild temperatures. Cornices are well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At upper elevations generally heavy amounts of recent snow have been shifted into deeper windslabs by steady southwest winds. About 50-90cm below the surface you are likely to find a temperature/sun crust created during early April's sunny weather. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">At the same interface you may find a layer of surface hoar on shaded alpine slopes above ~2300m. This layer may be gaining strength in some areas; however, remotely triggered avalanches have occurred as recently as Thursday. Avalanches failing at this interface are generally expected to be large and potentially destructive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below about 1600m recent rain has continued to saturate the snowpack and surfaces are now either wet or refrozen, depending on the temperature.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent snow and wind has made large cornices bigger and more likely to fail.</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 10cm of new snow has fallen at higher elevations. This overlies Wednesday's moderate to locally heavy amounts. At lower elevations rain continues to saturate the snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The previous storm was accompanied by moderate to strong south/southwest winds which left variable snow distribution in exposed areas near ridgetop, with dense wind slabs forming in lee and cross-loaded features. Up to 75cm below the surface you will likely find a melt-freeze crust from last week's sunny weather. At the same interface, you may also find spotty surface hoar on some high, north facing slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are huge! </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall on Friday night is expected to create new storm/wind slabs, especially near ridge top. This will add to existing storm slab and wind slab problems at alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar interface is buried within the upper metre or so of the snowpack, mainly on high-elevation northerly aspects. It may be slowly gaining some strength, but these slopes should still be treated with suspicion. On other slopes, recent storm snow overlies a crust, with a variable bond. At low elevations, previously rain-soaked snow is likely to now be refrozen and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At upper elevations moderate amounts of recent snow have been shifted into deeper windslabs by steady southwest winds. About 40-75cm below the surface you are likely to find a temperature/sun crust from early April's clear weather. At the same interface you may find a layer of spotty surface hoar on shaded alpine slopes above ~2400m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At lower elevations (below 1600m) rain has saturated the snowpack, and surfaces are either moist or refrozen (temperature depending).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snowfall combined with wind have made large cornices bigger and more likely to fail.</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 10 and 40cm of storm snow now lies on a variety of previous surfaces. This storm snow is settling rapidly and is sluffing in steep terrain at higher elevations. Storm slabs exist on N and E aspects at treeline and above, and slabs are also developing on South aspects due to increasing Northerly winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15cm of new snow has fallen recently. This has settled rapidly into small reactive soft slabs due to strong greenhouse effect. The interface with this new snow is predominantly crusts (sun, wind and/or meltfreeze crusts) and where the crusts are smooth the bond is poor. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last Wednesday's storm deposited about 50cm of snow and was accompanied by moderate to strong south/southwest winds. Dense windslabs are now buried, but may still be reactive to large triggers in lee and cross-loaded alpine features. Up to 85cm below the surface you will likely find a melt-freeze crust from previous sunny weather. At the same interface, you may find spotty surface hoar on high north facing terrain. Large natural activity and remote triggers from earlier in the week suggest the surface hoar may continue to be reactive, especially with the weight of the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are huge and have fresh tabs from the recent storm snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-25cm of new snow has fallen at higher elevations accompanied by light to locally moderate south/southwest winds creating new windslabs in lee locations at treeline and in the alpine. The interface of the new snow is predominantly crusts (sun, wind, meltfreeze) and the bonds are poor in some locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The previous storm (Wednesday) was accompanied by moderate to strong south/southwest winds which left variable snow distribution in exposed areas near ridgetop with dense wind slabs forming in lee and cross-loaded features. These slabs are now buried, but may still be reactive to heavy triggers or in specific locations. Up to 75cm below the surface you will likely find a melt-freeze crust from previous sunny weather. At the same interface, spotty surface hoar is still being reported in some high, north facing slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are huge and have grown new tabs under the current conditions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10-20cm of new snow has fallen recently. Warm afternoon temperatures has settled this storm snow and moistened the surface on all but the highest and most sheltered terrain. This most recent storm snow overlies 20-40 cm of heavily winded snow from Tuesday's storm. The previous storm and wind slabs are bonding poorly to an underlying crust. Buried surface hoar may be found 60-100cm down. In some areas this persistent weakness is stubborn and requires a significant trigger. In other areas the layer is still well preserved showing sudden planar or sudden collapse test results, and remains a primary concern among some professional operators. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and strong; however, basal facets may resurface as a concern with spring warming, particularly in the north of the region. Cornices are large and untrustworthy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-35cm of recent snow is generally bonding well to the previous snow surface, which includes a crust, facets and/or surface hoar. Warm afternoon temperatures have moistened the surface snow on all but the highest and most sheltered slopes. Previous strong westerly winds created widespread hard and soft wind slabs in exposed areas, which have been reactive to human triggers on steep wind-loaded rolls. These slabs are now lightly buried. Below treeline, the surface snow is undergoing daily melt-freeze cycles with the upper meter becoming wet and losing cohesion by mid-afternoon. Concerns remain for a patchy persistent weakness buried a month ago, and deeper in the snowpack, basal facets may become a concern with continued mild temperatures. Cornices are well-developed and could easily become unstable during periods of warm weather or direct solar radiation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 25cm of new snow has fallen in the past 24 hours above 1400m. Recent moderate to strong winds may have created wind slabs in alpine leeward slopes. Cooler temperatures may have may have frozen the wet and isothermic snow surface into a crust at lower elevations. Expect these crusts to break down quickly as temperatures rise during the day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 30cm of snow sits on a crust or wet snow. Moderate to strong west and southwest winds may have formed windslabs in the lee of terrain features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to locally heavy snowfall on Friday night has created touchy new storm/wind slabs, especially near ridge top. This will add to existing storm slab and wind slab problems at alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar interface is buried within the upper metre or so of the snowpack, mainly on high-elevation northerly aspects. It may be slowly gaining some strength, but these slopes should still be treated with suspicion. On other slopes, recent storm snow overlies a crust, with a variable bond. At low elevations, moderate accumulations overlie previously rain-soaked snow which is now refrozen and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent wind and snow has added to the size and fragility of large cornices.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">35-50cm of new snow in the alpine overlies a supportive crust. An overnight refreeze may have created a crust on the surface at lower elevations. Expect this crust to break down quickly as temperatures rise during the day. </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">20-30cm of new snow sits on a variety of surfaces. Overnight freezing has consolidated previously loose wet snow at treeline and below. Recent moderate winds may have developed windslabs at upper elevations.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable snowfall on Friday night has created new storm/wind slabs, especially near ridge top. This has added to existing storm slab and wind slab problems at alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar interface is buried within the upper metre of the snowpack, mainly on high-elevation northerly aspects. It is still producing moderate, sudden results in snowpack tests, and these slopes should be treated with suspicion. On other slopes, recent storm snow overlies a crust, with a variable bond. At low elevations, previously rain-soaked snow is likely to now be refrozen and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At upper elevations moderate to locally heavy amounts of new snow have been shifted into touchy wind slabs by steady, variable winds. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar interface is buried within the upper metre or so of the snowpack, mainly on high-elevation northerly aspects. It may be slowly gaining some strength, but these slopes should still be treated with suspicion. On other slopes, recent storm snow overlies a crust, with a variable bond. At low elevations, moderate accumulations overlie previously rain-soaked snow which is now refrozen and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent snow and wind has made large cornices bigger and more likely to fail.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>