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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_7D940460">Up to 30cm of new snow now covers the mid-December surface hoar. This surface hoar can be found on all aspects in protected areas. Moderate winds out of the S/SW have recently formed fresh wind slabs on lee features. A few different crusts can be found in the upper meter of the snowpack as high as 2400m. At tree-line elevation the December 8th crust is thick and supportive, and may be capping deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">2 to 4cm of new snow overnight brings storm snow totals up to near 20cm at Treeline. The recent snow is low density except above 2300m where storm slabs have built over the last 2 days. Cornices are beginning to grow. The Dec 4th persistent weak layer is still found below 2100m, but seems dormant at the moment.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm overnight in the south of the region and closer to 15 in the north. Variable winds across the region, with reports of strong southwest forming soft slabs in the south, and some social media accounts of unconsolidated snow and light winds in the north around Steep Creek. I suspect storm slabs and weak new cornices developed at higher elevations across the region. There is now 20-40 cm above the surface hoar layer that was reported to be buried on December 17th (151217 SH). There may be a thin sun crust on southerly aspects in the Coquihalla beneath the recent storm snow. Incremental loading like this, with consistent cool temperatures can make it difficult to forecast when the storm slab will become cohesive and possibly reactive above any weak layers or combination of smooth sliding surface and weak layer. There is not a lot of load yet if you look at the mm of water equivalent; only about 25 mm for the 40-50 cm that has fallen, but it is still developing with each new snow fall. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 30 cm of new snow on Sunday morning, continues to add to the developing storm slabs. Cool temperatures down to around 400 metres has resulted in dry snow at all but the lower BTL elevations. Strong winds overnight in the alpine created deep pockets of wind transported snow that were reported to be easy to trigger. There may be a slight change in the hardness of the snow down about 60-80 cm due to temperature changes of individual snowfalls. This may be the most likely depth for shears in snowpack tests. The December 8th crust is down about 120 cm and has been reported to be well bonded. The storm snow is the biggest problem at this time. It may be difficult to forecast when the incremental storm amounts combine to create enough loading over a weakness to result in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A trace of new snow overnight has not changed the conditions. Shallow early season conditions continue with 80-100 cm at treeline in the south and west of the region, and closer to 60 cm in the east. Stiff wind slabs have been reported above treeline in the lee of variable and changing winds. The winds were out of the northeast in areas under the influence of arctic air, and out of the south or southeast when the snow moved across from the coast. The surface hoar reported last week is variable in its distribution and may be hard to find. Weak basal layers may exist in shallow snowpacks that have experienced continuous cold 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_1681A555">50-80 cm snow from Saturday night/Sunday formed storm slabs which bonded very poorly, with widespread failure on a storm interface about 50 cm down. I expect wind slabs have formed at ridge top as well. Below the recent storm snow, the lower snowpack is reported to be well settled. With continuing cold temperatures and ongoing loading, storm snow instabilities may not heal as quickly as North Shore locals are used to. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There was another 15 cm at Shames and 35 cm a little further west in the 24 hours ending at 3:00 PM Sunday. The north of the region around the east end of the Bear Pass had over 50 cm in the same time period. New snow continues to build the load above buried weak layers. There is 25-35 cm above the December 17th (151217 SH) surface hoar, and 35-50 cm above the December 14th (151214 SH). At this time, the new snow continues to come in cold and dry and may not have the load needed to settle into a cohesive slab above these weak layers. The early December layer buried on the 1st or 2nd (151201 SH) is now down a metre or so depending on your area. This layers distribution is variable. In some areas, this layer may be sensitive to human triggering and wide propagations while in other areas it is non-existent or has gained significant strength. Most of this information is coming from the Shames area or from commercial operations near Terrace. Conditions may be different close to Kitimat, where it looks like recent snowfall amounts may be a bit higher and temperatures a bit warmer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Up to 35 cm of new snow now covers the mid-December surface hoar. This surface hoar can be found on all aspects in protected areas. It is variably reactive, showing propagation likelihood around Kootenay Pass. It may become quite touchy as soon as a slab develops above it. Moderate winds out of the S/SW have recently formed fresh wind slabs on lee features. A few different crusts can be found in the upper meter of the snowpack as high as 2400m. At treeline elevation the early December crust, down 30-70 cm, is thick and supportive, and may be capping deeper weaknesses. Check out the latest conditions video at: </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://bit.ly/1S2DbYb" target="_blank"><span class="s_69909980">http://bit.ly/1S2DbYb</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Recently formed wind slabs can be found at treeline and in the alpine. Between 40 and 80cm below the surface you'll likely find a layer of weak buried surface hoar which is most prominent between 1400m and 1800m although it may extend higher in the mountains south of Invermere. Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface is becoming unlikely, although a release at this interface could be destructive in nature. Below this, the snowpack is thought to be mainly well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The series of recent storms has left us with 40 to 60 cm of new snow sitting on the December 8th rain crust. For the most part, the new snow has bonded well to this rain crust. It is thought that this rain crust is &quot;capping&quot; the more deeply buried weak layers in the snowpack meaning that for the most part, the weight of riders isn't penetrating below this crust. A weak layer formed in the first few days of December consisting of crust, surface hoar, and/or facets can be found down 80-120 cm. Around 20-30 cm below this interface is a rain crust from mid-Nov with a thick layer of facets below it. While these two weak layers are thought to be &quot;capped&quot; in most locations, these layers may still be reactive to heavy triggers such as cornices, a rider hitting a big drop into a slope below, or a smaller avalanche in motion.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The series of recent storms has left us with around 40-60 cm new snow sitting on a firm rain crust. For the most part, the new snow has bonded well to this rain crust, although potentially unstable wind slabs could exist where wind-pressed snow rests directly on a slippery crust below. A previous weak layer from early December consisting of crust, surface hoar, and/or facets and is typically down 70-90 cm. Around 20-30 cm below this interface is a rain crust from mid-Nov with a thick layer of facets below it. Both the early-Dec and mid-Nov layers have become dormant and are likely being capped at treeline and below by the more recent rain crust layer. However, these layers may still be reactive to heavy triggers such as cornices or smaller avalanches stepping down.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">On Sunday there was up to 15cm of fresh snow bringing the 48 hour total to about 35cm in the deeper snowpack parts of the region. Strong to extreme southerly winds have likely redistributed much of this snow into much deeper wind slabs in exposed lee features in the alpine and at treeline. In more sheltered terrain, I would expect deep powder and really good riding. </span><span class="s_3428770D">Between 80 and 120cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar. This layer is most widespread and reactive at lower elevations (between 1400m and 1800m.) Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface has become unlikely in most areas. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">On Sunday morning there was up to 30cm of fresh snow bringing the 48 hour total to about 50cm in the deeper snowpack parts of the region. Strong southwest winds have redistributed much of this snow into much deeper wind slabs in exposed lee features in the alpine and at treeline. Between 80 and 150cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread and reactive at lower elevations (between 1100m and 1800m.) Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface has become unlikely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">On Sunday morning there was up to 25cm of fresh snow bringing the 48 hour total to about 35cm in the deeper snowpack parts of the region. Strong to extreme southerly winds have likely redistributed much of this snow into much deeper wind slabs in exposed lee features in the alpine and at treeline. In more sheltered terrain, I would expect deep powder and really good riding. Between 80 and 150cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar. This layer is most widespread and reactive at lower elevations (between 1400m and 1800m.) Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface has become unlikely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Highly variable new snow amounts in the past 24hrs ranging from 0 to 10cm. Recent storm snow totals now sit between 15 and 25cm and this snow remains low density except at upper elevations. Wind slabs are present in Alpine and upper Treeline elevations. These slabs are found in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge-top and only extend into Treeline in wind prone areas. Ski cutting produces isolated cracking in these wind slabs. The Dec 4th persistent weak layer is found primarily below 2100m in the forecast region and currently appears dormant due to the lack of slab properties above this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Throughout last weekend there was up to 20cm of new snow. Strong southerly winds have redistributed much of this snow into deeper wind slabs in exposed lee features in the alpine and at treeline. Between 40 and 80cm below the surface you'll likely find a layer of weak buried surface hoar which is most prominent between 1400m and 1800m although it may extend higher in the mountains south of Invermere. Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface is becoming unlikely, although a release at this interface could be destructive in nature. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_69982360">The recent storm brought 20 cm of new snow to Shames, with slightly more further west. The north of the region around the east end of the Bear Pass received up to 40cm. Soft storm slabs are developing, especially in wind loaded features, and cornices are forming at ridge-top. The new snow continues to add load to several buried weak layers. There is now 25-40 cm above the December 17th surface hoar, and 35-55 cm above the December 14th surface hoar. The December 1st surface hoar is now down a meter or so depending on your area. The distribution of this layer is variable. In some areas, it may still be sensitive to human triggering and capable of wide propagations. In other areas it is non-existent or has gained significant strength. Conditions may be different close to Kitimat, where it looks like recent snowfall amounts may be a bit higher and temperatures a bit warmer</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Throughout the weekend there was up to about 70cm of new snow in the Monashees and slightly less in the Selkirks. Strong to extreme southerly winds have redistributed much of this snow into deeper wind slabs in exposed lee features in the alpine and at treeline. In more sheltered terrain, I would expect deep powder and really good riding. Between 80 and 150cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar. This layer is most widespread and reactive at lower elevations (between 1400m and 1800m.) Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface has become unlikely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_71516F31">The series of recent storms has left us with around 50-80 cm new snow. Strong to extreme SW winds on Sunday created wind slabs at all elevations, which may now be buried by Sunday night's bonus snowfall. Recent storm snow overlies a hard rain crust. A weak layer from early December consisting of crust, surface hoar, and/or facets and is typically down around a metre. Around 20-30 cm below this interface is a rain crust from mid-Nov with a thick layer of facets below it. Both the early-Dec and mid-Nov layers are probably being capped at treeline and below by the more recent rain crust layer. However, these layers may still be reactive to heavy triggers such as cornices or smaller avalanches stepping down.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_71516F31"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_69982360">We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snow pack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. Stiff wind slabs have been reported above tree-line in lee features resulting from variable recent winds. These winds have been mainly out of the northeast in areas under the influence of cold arctic air, and out of the south or southeast when the snowstorms have moved inland from the coast. A layer of surface hoar may exist just below the surface in isolated sheltered areas and may be hard to find. A weak basal layer may exist in areas with a shallow snowpack.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to about 60cm of new snow fell over the weekend in the deeper snowpack parts of the region. Strong southwest winds redistributed much of this snow into much deeper wind slabs in exposed lee features in the alpine and at treeline. On sheltered lower elevation slopes I expect deep powder and really good riding.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Between 80 and 150cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread and reactive at lower elevations (between 1100m and 1800m.) Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface has become less likely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">50-80 cm snow from Saturday night/Sunday formed storm slabs which bonded very poorly, with widespread failure on a storm interface about 50 cm down. At ridge top, wind slabs have developed lee to the SW. Below the recent storm/ wind slabs, the lower snowpack is reported to be well settled. With continuing cold temperatures and ongoing loading, storm snow instabilities may not heal as quickly as usual. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Throughout the weekend there was up to about 60cm of new snow in the Monashees and slightly less in the Selkirks. Strong to extreme southerly winds have redistributed much of this snow into deeper wind slabs in exposed lee features in the alpine and at treeline. In more sheltered terrain, I would expect deep powder and really good riding. Between 80 and 150cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar. This layer is most widespread and reactive at lower elevations (between 1400m and 1800m.) Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface has become unlikely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_69982360">Between 40 and 70 cm of new snow fell in the weekend's storms. Cool temperatures resulted in dry snow at all but the lower below tree-line elevations. The new snow is now settling and gaining strength although some mid storm instabilities are still showing up in snow pit tests. Wind slabs can be found in lee features on north to northeast aspects at tree-line and in the alpine. The December 8th crust is down about 120 cm and is reported to be well bonded to the snow above it. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Up to 50 cm of low density snow now covers various surfaces, including the reactive mid-December surface hoar. This surface hoar can be found on all aspects in protected areas, but does not seem to be widespread across the region. In many areas, the new snow sits on top of a thin rain crust. No matter what the new snow overlies, it is bonding poorly in most steep terrain. Moderate SW winds recently formed fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and in the alpine. At treeline elevation the early December crust, down around 50-100 cm, is thick and supportive, and may be capping deeper weaknesses. It may also be providing a good sliding surface for the odd larger avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_71516F31">The series of recent storms has left us with around 40-80 cm new snow. Strong to extreme SW winds on Sunday created wind slabs at all elevations, which may now be buried by Sunday night’s bonus snowfall. Recent storm snow overlies a hard rain crust. A weak layer from early December consisting of crust, surface hoar, and/or facets and is typically down around a metre. Around 20-30 cm below this interface is a rain crust from mid-Nov with a thick layer of facets below it. Both the early-Dec and mid-Nov layers are probably being capped at treeline and below by the more recent rain crust layer. However, these layers may still be reactive to heavy triggers such as cornices or smaller avalanches stepping down.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_69982360">Between 30 and 50 cm of new cool, dry snow fell in the storm over the weekend, although this is probably closer to 15cm in the north of the region. This snow is now settling into a soft slab.  Moderate southwest winds have formed fresh winds slabs on north through north facing terrain as well as weak new cornices at higher elevations across the region. There is now 20-40 cm above the surface hoar layer that was reported to be buried on December 17th.  There may also be a thin sun crust on south aspects in the Coquihalla beneath the recent storm snow. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">29 cm's of storm snow has been loaded into lee start zones over a mostly settled snowpack. Areas of wind slab have formed over low density new snow, especially near ridge lines. Wind loading is uneven throughout the alpine, ranging from a scoured to 50 cm soft slabs in sheltered areas. A rain crust buried on December 8th is 50-100 cm's below the surface and seems to be unreactive for now. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We are seeing more wind transport from last week in the northern portion of the forecast region. As expected, the alpine windslabs are more prevalent in the northern regions and have a slightly higher likelihood of human triggering. These windslabs are buried beneath the new snow, down as much as 20cm in some areas. The slabs are generally well bonded to the layers underneath. At treeline, there is still no significant windloading of the upper layers. The Dec 4th is present, but still not reactive. The recent cold has already started to facet the surface snow, which is also helping to keep the hazard low. Below treeline, it is still a well settled snowpack with no significant layers of concern yet. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow depths are:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">mud lake 80</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">highwood 75</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Burstall pass 106</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">Sustained snowfall over the last several days has apparently made for awesome riding conditions. Cool temperatures have slowed the settlement of this new snow although light but variable winds have formed pockets of fresh wind slab on east through north-west aspects at tree-line and in the alpine. The recent storms have been incrementally adding load to a couple of week couple of buried persistent weak layers that we're tracking. There is now 25-40 cm above the December 17th surface hoar, and 35-55 cm above the December 14th surface hoar. Snow pit tests on Monday produced sudden failures on both of these layers. The December 1st surface hoar is now down a meter or so depending on your area. The distribution of this layer is variable. In some areas, it may still be sensitive to human triggering and capable of wide propagations, in other areas it is non-existent or has gained significant strength. Conditions may be different close to Kitimat, where it looks like recent snowfall amounts may be a bit higher and temperatures a bit warmer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Up to 50 cm of low density snow now covers various surfaces, including the reactive mid-December surface hoar. This surface hoar can be found on all aspects in protected areas, but does not seem to be widespread across the region. In many areas, the new snow sits on top of a thin rain crust. No matter what the new snow overlies, it has been bonding poorly in most steep terrain. Moderate SW winds recently formed fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and in the alpine. At treeline elevation the early December crust, down around 50-100 cm, is thick and supportive, and may be capping deeper weaknesses. It may also be providing a good sliding surface for the odd larger avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">A skiff of new snow may be covering thin stiff wind slabs in alpine and above tree-line features on a variety of aspects lee to the variable recent winds. These winds have been mainly out of the northeast in areas under the influence of cold arctic air, and out of the south or southeast when the snowstorms have moved inland from the coast. Below this we're still dealing with a thin, early-season snow pack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A layer of surface hoar has been reported to be just below the surface in isolated sheltered areas although it may be hard to find. A weak basal layer probably exists in areas with a shallow snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Recent storm snow has formed soft slabs. These overlie previous wind slabs (on slopes lee to the SW); and surface hoar in specific areas below treeline.</span><span class="s_71516F31"> </span><span class="s_1681A555">Cornices exist on many ridge crests. A hard rain crust is now down around 40-80 cm. This strong, thick crust seems to be effectively isolating the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_71516F31">The series of recent storms has left us with around 50-80 cm new snow. Strong to extreme SW winds in specific areas in the south of the region on Sunday created wind slabs at all elevations. These may now be buried by subsequent snowfall, making them hard to spot. Cornices exist on many ridge crests. Recent storm snow overlies a hard rain crust. This strong, thick crust seems to be effectively isolating the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3428770D">Between 30 and 50 cm of new snow fell in the storm over the weekend, although this is probably closer to 15cm in the north of the region. This snow is now settling rapidly into a soft slab. Variable winds have stripped snow from exposed south facing terrain and formed fresh winds slabs at treeline and above. The new snow may be sitting on a sun-crust on steep solar aspects in the Coquihalla. At lower elevations you may be able to find a layer of surface hoar layer that was reported to be buried on December 17th. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Throughout last weekend there was up to 20cm of new snow. Strong southerly winds have redistributed much of this snow into soft wind slabs in exposed lee features in the alpine and at treeline. Between 40 and 80cm below the surface you'll likely find a layer of weak buried surface hoar which is most prominent between 1400m and 1800m although it may extend higher in the mountains south of Invermere. Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface is becoming unlikely, although a release at this interface could be destructive in nature. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">10-40cm of low-density snow overlies soft wind slabs which formed last weekend. The few observations we've had suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. I'd still remain cautious in upper elevation lee terrain where buried wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggering. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread and reactive at lower elevations (between 1100m and 1800m.) Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface has become less likely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3428770D">Between 40 and 70 cm of new snow fell in the weekend's storms. The new snow is now settling and gaining strength and may be forming variable soft slabs. Wind slabs can be found in immediate lee features on north to northeast aspects at tree-line and in the alpine. The December 8th crust is down about 120 cm and is reported to be well bonded to the snow above it. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Snow forecast for Tuesday night/ Wednesday may develop a new storm slab, or add to the existing problem. 50-80 cm snow from Saturday night/Sunday formed storm slabs which bonded very poorly, with widespread failure on a storm interface about 50 cm down. These may have healed somewhat by now, but we have received no observations from the field. At ridge top, wind slabs developed lee to the SW. Below the recent storm/ wind slabs, the lower snowpack is reported to be well settled. With continuing cold temperatures and ongoing loading, storm snow instabilities may not heal as quickly as usual. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">20-40cm of low-density snow overlies soft wind slabs which formed last weekend. The few observations we've had suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. I'd still remain cautious in upper elevation lee terrain where buried wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggering. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread and reactive at lower elevations (between 1100m and 1800m.) Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface has become less likely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">10-40cm of low-density snow overlies soft wind slabs which formed last weekend. The few observations we've had suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. I'd still remain cautious in upper elevation lee terrain where buried wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggering. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread and reactive at lower elevations (between 1100m and 1800m.) Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface has become less likely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow layers that fell over the weekend have since continued to settle and gain strength. There was some wind affect in exposed terrain at the beginning of the week, with light accumulations of snowfall having fallen since then. At tree line elevations the unconsolidated layers of snow in sheltered terrain have since become more cohesive forming a soft slab. Cornices have grown and they are pulling back onto the flats as they break. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow layers that fell over the weekend have since continued to settle and gain strength. There was some wind affect in exposed terrain at the beginning of the week, with light accumulations of snowfall having fallen since then. At tree line elevations the unconsolidated layers of snow in sheltered terrain have since become more cohesive forming a soft slab. Cornices have grown and they are pulling back onto the flats as they break. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No new snow or wind to speak of. In fact, tracks from yesterday were still fresh and clear in the alpine. The alpine snowpack is showing no sign of any significant windslab. Occasionally one can be felt buried underneath the top 30cm, but these are often small and isolated to ridgecrests. Treeline is a similar condition. Loose dry snow in almost all areas. One thing that was noticed today was a buried windslab where the down flow (cold air settling), wind prone areas. Probing will reveal this layer. Below treeline there's been no change. Some surface hoar developed yesterday in valley bottom areas. Snow depths are: Burstall Pass 106cm, Mud Lake 80cm</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3428770D">Between 40 and 70 cm of new snow fell in the weekend's storms. The new snow is now settling and gaining strength and may be forming variable soft slabs. Wind slabs can be found in immediate lee features on north to northeast aspects at tree-line and in the alpine. The December 8th crust is down about 120 cm and is reported to be well bonded to the snow above it. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Throughout last weekend there was up to 20cm of new snow. Strong southwesterly winds have redistributed much of this snow into wind slabs in exposed lee features in the alpine and at treeline. With the current cold weather, I'd suspect continued faceting in the snowpack. Areas most affected would include windward or cross-loaded rocky areas at higher elevations. Between 40 and 80cm below the surface you'll likely find a layer of weak buried surface hoar which is most prominent between 1400m and 1800m although it may extend to higher elevations in some parts of the region. Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface is becoming unlikely, although a release at this interface could be destructive in nature. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3428770D">Between 30 to 50 cm of recent storm snow continues to settle into a soft slab. Variable winds have stripped snow from exposed south facing terrain and formed fresh winds slabs at tree-line and above. The new snow may be sitting on a sun-crust on steep solar aspects in the Coquihalla. At lower elevations you may be able to find a layer of surface hoar layer that was reported to be buried on December 17th although some reports indicate that this layer is starting to bread down. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">A skiff of new snow may be covering thin stiff wind slabs in alpine and above tree-line features on a variety of aspects lee to the variable recent winds. These winds have been mainly out of the northeast in areas under the influence of cold arctic air, and out of the south or southeast when the snowstorms have moved inland from the coast. Below this we're still dealing with a thin, early-season snow pack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A layer of surface hoar has been reported to be just below the surface in isolated sheltered areas although it may be hard to find. A weak basal layer probably exists in areas with a shallow snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">In the alpine 10-50cm of low-density snow overlies generally stubborn wind slabs which formed last weekend. The reports we've received suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. I'd still remain cautious in upper elevation lee terrain where buried wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggering. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread at lower elevations (between 1400m and 1800m.) Field reports indicate that triggering this layer has become unlikely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">Sustained snowfall over the last several days has apparently made for awesome riding conditions. Cool temperatures have slowed the settlement of this new snow although light, variable winds have formed pockets of fresh wind slab on east through north-west aspects at tree-line and in the alpine. The recent storms have been incrementally adding load to a couple of week couple of buried persistent weak layers that we're tracking. There is now 25-40 cm above the December 17th surface hoar, and 35-55 cm above the December 14th surface hoar. Snow pit tests on Monday produced sudden failures on both of these layers. The December 1st surface hoar is now down a meter or so depending on your area. The distribution of this layer is variable. In some areas, it may still be sensitive to human triggering and capable of wide propagations, in other areas it is non-existent or has gained significant strength. Conditions may be different close to Kitimat, where it looks like recent snowfall amounts may be a bit higher and temperatures a bit warmer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">At higher elevations, 10-50cm of low-density snow overlies generally stubborn wind slabs which formed last weekend. The reports we've received suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. I'd still remain cautious in upper elevation lee terrain where these buried wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggering. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread at lower elevations (between 1400m and 1800m.) Field reports indicate triggering this layer has become unlikely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">20-40cm of low-density snow overlies soft wind slabs which formed last weekend. The few observations we've had suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. I'd still remain cautious in upper elevation lee terrain where buried wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggering. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread at lower elevations (between 1100m and 1700m.) Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface has become less likely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow forecast for Wednesday evening may develop a new storm slab, or add to the existing problem. 50-80 cm snow from Saturday night/Sunday formed storm slabs which bonded very poorly, with widespread failure on a storm interface about 50 cm down. These may have healed somewhat by now, but we have received no observations from the field. At ridge top, wind slabs developed lee to the SW. Below the recent storm/ wind slabs, the lower snowpack is reported to be well settled. With continuing cold temperatures and ongoing loading, storm snow instabilities may not heal as quickly as usual. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow has formed soft slabs. These overlie previous wind slabs (on slopes lee to the SW); and surface hoar in specific areas below treeline. Cornices exist on many ridge crests. A hard rain crust is now down around 40-80 cm. This strong, thick crust seems to be effectively isolating the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The series of recent storms has left us with around 50-80 cm new snow. Strong to extreme SW winds in specific areas in the south of the region on Sunday created wind slabs at all elevations. These may now be buried by subsequent snowfall, making them hard to spot. Cornices exist on many ridge crests. Recent storm snow overlies a hard rain crust. This strong, thick crust seems to be effectively isolating the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 55 cm of low density snow now covers various surfaces, including the reactive mid-December surface hoar. This surface hoar can be found on all aspects in protected areas, but does not seem to be widespread across the region. In many areas, the new snow sits on top of a thin rain crust. No matter what the new snow overlies, it has been bonding poorly in most steep terrain. Moderate SW winds recently formed fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and in the alpine. At treeline elevation the early December crust, down around 50-100 cm, is thick and supportive, and may be capping deeper weaknesses. It may also be providing a good sliding surface for the odd larger avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We received 13cm of cold smoke light last night that was observed to remain loose and unconsolidated to at least the 2185m elevation this morning. The storm snow layers from last weekend have since continued to settle and gain strength throughout the week. There was some wind affect in exposed terrain at the beginning of the week, with light accumulations of snowfall having fallen between now and then. Expect to see lots of new soft cornice noses that might be quite touchy. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Not alot is changing out there now.  There are isolated windslabs in alpine terrain just confined to ridgetop and crossloaded features.  Colder temperatures are promoting facetting in the upper snowpack so we are starting to see some weak facetted snow in shallow areas.  When more snow does fall, this may be a problem.  The Dec 3rd layer is down 40-60cm but has not produced any noteable test results of late.  For this time of year, its great coverage and a pretty good snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At higher elevations, 30-50cm of low-density snow typically overlies old stubborn wind slabs which formed last weekend. The reports we have received suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread at lower elevations (between 1400m and 1800m.) Field reports indicate triggering this layer has become unlikely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine, 30-50cm of low-density snow typically overlies old stubborn wind slabs which formed last weekend. The reports we have received suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread at lower elevations (between 1400m and 1800m.) Field reports indicate that triggering this layer has become unlikely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40cm of low-density snow overlies soft wind slabs which formed last weekend. The few observations we have received suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread at lower elevations (between 1100m and 1700m.) Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface has become less likely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3428770D">Up to 15cm of new snow fell on Thursday bring the week's storm snow amounts up to 45cm. Variable winds have stripped snow from exposed south facing terrain and formed fresh winds slabs at tree-line and above. The new snow may be sitting on a sun-crust on steep solar aspects in the Coquihalla. At lower elevations you may be able to find a layer of surface hoar layer that was reported to be buried on December 17th although some reports indicate that this layer is starting to bread down. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">Thursdays storm brought between 5 and 20cm of new low density snow to the region accompanied by light winds. This brings the total snow fall accumulations in the last 5 days up to 85cm. Temperatures have remained cool which will slow the settlement of the new snow. Fresh or buried old wind slabs can be found in immediate lee features on north to northeast aspects at tree-line and in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">Cool temperatures have been encouraging faceting in the upper snowpack, breaking down any storm slab that previously existed. Winds have been light and variable for the last week although reports from the field indicate there is lingering wind effect in the alpine or at tree-line. 25-40 cm of low density snow sitting above the December 17th surface hoar, and 35-55 cm above the December 14th surface hoar. Snow pit tests earlier in the weak produced sudden failures on both of these layers, however, it sounds like the overlying slab properties have subsequently changed. The December 1st surface hoar is now down a meter or so however, distribution and sensitivity of this layer is variable. In some areas, it may still be sensitive to human triggering and capable of wide propagations, in other areas it is non-existent or has gained significant strength. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Throughout last weekend there was up to 20cm of new snow. Strong southwesterly winds have redistributed much of this snow into wind slabs in exposed lee features in the alpine and at treeline. With the current cold weather, I'd suspect continued faceting in the snowpack. Areas most affected would include windward or cross-loaded rocky areas at higher elevations. Between 40 and 80cm below the surface you'll likely find a layer of weak buried surface hoar which is most prominent between 1400m and 1800m although it may extend to higher elevations in some parts of the region. Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface is becoming unlikely, although a release at this interface could be destructive in nature. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">A skiff of new snow may be covering thin stiff wind slabs in alpine and above tree-line features on a variety of aspects lee to the variable recent winds. These winds have been mainly out of the northeast in areas under the influence of cold arctic air, and out of the south or southeast when the snowstorms have moved inland from the coast. Below this we're still dealing with a thin, early-season snow pack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A layer of surface hoar has been reported to be just below the surface in isolated sheltered areas although it may be hard to find. A weak basal layer probably exists in areas with a shallow snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures and consistent snowfall have created a real winter snowpack on the North Shore Mountains. We're getting some great MIN posts! Sounds like folks experienced a lot of shooting cracks and settlements Wednesday. These were occurring in the upper 15 to 20cm of new snow and I suspect this is an issue that will heal itself quickly, if it's not already a non issue. Wind slabs near ridge crest that were formed earlier this week have likely settled out by now too.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50cm of recent storm snow is settling into a very soft slab in wind sheltered areas and a soft wind/storm slab at and above treeline.&nbsp; These fresh slabs overlie old wind slabs formed by previously strong SW winds that also formed cornices on many ridge crests.&nbsp; A surface hoar interface buried in mid-December can be found down around 60cm in some locations below treeline.&nbsp; Below this a strong, thick rain crust is down around 75 to 120cm and it seems to capping any deeper weaknesses in the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The series of recent storms has left us with around 50-80 cm new snow. Strong to extreme SW winds in specific areas in the south of the region on Sunday created wind slabs at all elevations. These may now be buried by subsequent snowfall, making them hard to spot. Cornices exist on many ridge crests. Recent storm snow overlies a hard rain crust. This strong, thick crust seems to be effectively isolating the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30 to 60cm of storm snow is slowly settling into a very soft slab that rests on the mid-December weak layer. This layer is just a crust in most places, but in Kootenay Pass there is a surface hoar interface on or just above this crust that is most prevalent between 1800 and 2000m. At treeline the early December crust is down around 50 to 100cm, and it's thick and supportive nature is likely capping any deeper weaknesses in most places. However, recent observations from the Nelson area indicate that there are facets on this crust, so it's an interface to watch as we move into the New Year. The lower snowpack is thought to be well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Yesterday's snow has remained loose and unconsolidated. The storm snow layers from last week are continuing to settle and to gain strength. Expect to see lots of new soft cornice noses that might be quite touchy. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3428770D">Between 45 and 75 cm of new snow has fallen over the last week with lots of low density snow still to be found in sheltered areas. In exposed locations variable south-easterly through westerly winds have formed wind slabs in lee features at ridgeline and on cross loaded slopes. Older, but still reactive wind slabs may be hidden under the more recent snow. In the Coquihalla, the storm snow is sitting on a sun-crust on steep solar aspects. At lower elevations, you may be able to find either isolated pockets of surface hoar or a crust with facets that was reported to be buried on December 17</span><sup><span class="s_3428770D">th</span></sup><span class="s_3428770D">. Reports from the field indicate that this layer is now starting to break down.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">The last week has seen up to 85cm of new snow accompanied by mainly light but variable winds. Temperatures have remained cool which has slow the settlement of the most recent storm snow and plenty of low density pow can still be found in sheltered areas. Fresh or recently buried old wind slabs can be found in the immediate lee of ridges and cross loaded features on north to northeast aspects both at tree line and in the treeline. In glaciated terrain, katabatic winds have also been loading mid-slope features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine, 30-50cm of low-density snow typically overlies old stubborn wind slabs which formed last weekend. The reports we have received suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. New wind slabs are expected to form this weekend as winds increase with the approaching storm. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread at lower elevations (between 1400m and 1800m.) Field reports indicate that triggering this layer has become unlikely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">The new snow will fall on a variety of weak surfaces including facets and surface hoar. Deeper in the snow pack 25-40 cm of low density snow was sitting above the December 17th surface hoar as of Friday, with 35-55 cm above the December 14th surface hoar . The December 1st surface hoar was down a meter or so, however, the distribution and sensitivity of this layer is variable. In some areas, it may still be sensitive to triggering and capable of wide propagations, in other areas it is non-existent or has gained significant strength. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At higher elevations, 30-50cm of low-density snow typically overlies old stubborn wind slabs which formed last weekend. The reports we have received suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. New wind slabs are expected to form this weekend as winds increase with the approaching storm.&nbsp; Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread at lower elevations (between 1400m and 1800m.) Field reports indicate triggering this layer has become unlikely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">I suspect that the recent cold temperatures have faceted out the upper snowpack. As of Friday ski pen at treeline was reported to be about 20-30 cm and. This means there is lots of low density surface snow available to blow around when the winds pick up. We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snow pack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Throughout last weekend there was up to 20cm of new snow. Strong southwesterly winds had redistributed much of this snow into wind slabs in exposed lee features in the alpine and at treeline. With the current cold weather, I'd suspect continued faceting in the snowpack. Areas most affected would include windward or cross-loaded rocky areas at higher elevations. New wind slabs are expected to form this weekend as winds increase with the approaching storm. Between 40 and 80cm below the surface you'll likely find a layer of weak buried surface hoar which is most prominent between 1400m and 1800m although it may extend to higher elevations in some parts of the region. A weak sun crust with small facets and/or surface hoar also exists at higher elevations. Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface is becoming unlikely, although a release at this interface could be destructive in nature. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40cm of low-density snow overlies soft wind slabs which formed last weekend. The few observations we have received suggest a good bond within the storm layers in the upper snowpack. New wind slabs are expected to form this weekend as winds increase with the approaching storm. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar which was buried in early December. This layer is most widespread at lower elevations (between 1100m and 1700m.) Snow pit tests suggest that human triggering of this interface has become less likely. That said, if it does fail the overlying slab is stiff enough to propagate over a wide distance. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures and consistent snowfall have created a real winter snowpack on the North Shore Mountains. The average depth of snow is around 2m at this point.&nbsp; While there is a rain crust down around 75cm, all the recent human and natural avalanche activity has been failing on storm snow instabilities that are not expected to last very long.&nbsp; We're getting a ton of great MIN posts from this region which is SUPER helpful!</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">35 to 70cm of storm snow is slowly settling into a very soft slab that rests on the mid-December weak layer. This layer is just a crust in most places, but in Kootenay Pass there is a surface hoar interface on or just above this crust that is most prevalent between 1800 and 2000m. At treeline the early December crust is down around 70 to 110cm, and it's thick and supportive nature is likely capping any deeper weaknesses in most places. However, recent observations from the Nelson area indicate that there are facets on this crust, so it's an interface to watch as we move into the New Year. The lower snowpack is thought to be well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 80cm of storm snow has fallen in the last week. This snow is settling into a very soft slab in wind sheltered areas and a soft wind/storm slab at and above treeline. These fresh slabs overlie old wind slabs formed by previously strong SW winds that also formed cornices on many ridge crests. A surface hoar interface buried in mid-December can be found down around 70cm in some locations below treeline. Below this a strong, thick rain crust is down around 85 to 130cm and it seems to be capping any deeper weaknesses in the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The series of recent storms has left us with around 50 to 80cm of new snow. Previously strong to extreme SW winds created wind slabs at all elevations. These have now been buried by subsequent snowfall, making them hard to spot. Cornices exist on many ridge crests. Storm snow from the last week overlies a hard rain crust. This strong, thick crust seems to be effectively isolating the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm snow has remained loose and unconsolidated in sheltered areas. The storm snow layers from last week are continuing to settle and to gain strength. Expect to see lots of new soft cornice noses that might be quite touchy. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Very little change out there right now.  Winds increased into the moderate range above 3000m and have created pockets of windslabs at higher elevations.  The only other noteable change out there right now is that the snowpack is continuing to facet out with the cold temperatures.  Thinner snowpack areas are becomming unsupportive so its something to be aware of...</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50cm of low-density snow typically overlies a well-settled mid and lower snowpack. New wind slabs are expected to form this weekend as winds increase with the storm system. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer which was buried in early December. Between 1400m and 1800m, this layer consists primarily of large surface hoar. At higher elevations, this layer consists of a sun crust, facets, and/or small surface hoar. Field reports indicate that human-triggering of this layer has become unlikely but heavy triggers such as a cornice falling or smaller avalanche may still have the potential to step-down. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50cm of low-density snow typically overlies a well-settled mid and lower snowpack. New wind slabs are expected to form this weekend as winds increase with the storm system. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer which was buried in early December. Between 1400m and 1800m, this layer consists primarily of large surface hoar. At higher elevations, this layer consists of a sun crust, facets, and/or small surface hoar. Field reports indicate that human-triggering of this layer has become unlikely but heavy triggers such as a cornice falling or smaller avalanche may still have the potential to step-down. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40cm of low-density snow typically overlies a well-settled mid and lower snowpack. New wind slabs are expected to form this weekend as winds increase with the storm system. Between 80 and 130cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer which was buried in early December. Between 1100m and 1700m, this layer consists primarily of large surface hoar. At higher elevations, this layer consists of a sun crust, facets, and/or small surface hoar. Field reports indicate that human-triggering of this layer has become unlikely but heavy triggers such as a cornice falling or smaller avalanche may still have the potential to step-down. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30cm of low-density snow typically overlies a well-settled mid and lower snowpack. Surface hoar growth and near-surface faceting are both being reported on the snow surface. New wind slabs are expected to form this weekend as winds increase with the storm system. Between 40 and 100cm below the surface you'll likely find a weak layer which was buried in early December. Between 1400m and 1800m, this layer consists primarily of large surface hoar. At higher elevations, this layer consists of a sun crust, facets, and/or small surface hoar. This layer is still reactive in some snowpack tests and has produced a few human-triggered avalanches in the last week. The layer is creating a low probability, high consequence type of problem, especially in the north of the region. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">By Sunday afternoon the region can expect to see up to 20cm of new snow. Forecast strong southwest winds will have redistributed much of that snow into new wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">In the upper 70cm of the snowpack you may find a layer of weak surface hoar which was the culprit with a recent avalanche on an east aspect at treeline in the Fitzsimmons Range. Although not much is known about its distribution, this layer may be something to watch as the overlying slab gets deeper and gains cohesion through storm loading and wind pressing.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">The mid and lower snowpack are generally considered to be strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures and consistent snowfall have created a real winter snowpack on the North Shore Mountains with an average snowpack depth of of 200cm at upper elevations. While there is a rain crust down around 75cm below the surface, the recent human and natural avalanche activity has been failing on storm snow instabilities. These kinds of instabilities are generally short lived, especially on the North Shore, but the cold temperatures are allowing them to persist longer than usual. The Mountain Information Network posts have been super helpful to us, please keep them coming!</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">By Sunday morning I expect up to 45cm of new snow. Strong to extreme southwest winds are forecast to redistribute much of this snow into deeper, more destructive deposits in higher elevation lee terrain. The new snow overlies a very touchy layer of sugary faceted snow and well-developed surface hoar which is reported to exist on all aspects and elevations. Due to the persistent nature of these underlying crystals, I expect this newly formed storm slab to remain reactive for the foreseeable future. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Adding to the mix of weaknesses in the upper snowpack are a few other surface hoar layers that developed throughout December which you may now find buried in the top 100cm. The weight of the new snow may cause these layers to &quot;wake up&quot; resulting in larger, more destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lizard range snowpack has been spooky, and to be honest, I'm not totally sure why. Part of the reason is that we're flying blind with regard to the wind direction and speed, all the anemometers in the region are rimed up and not reporting. Here's what I know: Up to 90cm of storm snow has fallen in the last week. It's been cold and this snow remains quite low density. Below treeline it sounds like it's still unconsolidated, but at and above treeline winds from the north and now south/southwest have added a touch of cohesion and the slab is sensitive to both human triggering and natural failure. Strong SW winds from a week ago formed cornices that began failing on Boxing Day. The mid-December surface hoar can be found down around 75cm on north facing features below treeline. Below this a strong, thick rain crust is down around 85 to 130cm and it seems to be capping any deeper weaknesses in the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We're not getting much info from the South Rockies (SoRo) right now, so the following is based almost entirely on observations from the neighboring Lizard Range where the snowpack has been spooky, and to be honest, I'm not totally sure why. Part of the reason is that we're flying blind with regard to the wind direction and speed, all the anemometers in the region are rimed up and not reporting. Here's what I know: Up to 50cm of storm snow has fallen in the last week. It's been cold and this snow remains quite low density. Below treeline it sounds like it's still unconsolidated, but at and above treeline winds from the north and now south/southwest have added a touch of cohesion and the slab remains sensitive to both human triggering and natural failure. Strong SW winds from a week ago formed cornices that began failing on Boxing day (in the Lizard Range). The mid-December surface hoar may be present down around 50cm on north facing features below treeline. Below this a strong, thick rain crust is down around 85 to 130cm and it seems to be capping any deeper weaknesses in the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">Light amounts (5-15cm) of new snow have fallen with higher amounts expected in the west of the region. Strong southwest winds have likely shifted the new snow into fresh and reactive wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snow pack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas and I suspect that the recent cold temperatures have continued to create weak faceted crystals in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures are beginning to facet the snow surface which may be problematic down the line. In the last week the region received 35 to 70cm of storm snow is that slowly settling into a very soft slab. In some places this slab rests on the mid-December weak layer. This layer is just a crust in most locations, but in Kootenay Pass there is a surface hoar interface on or just above this crust that is most prevalent between 1800 and 2000m. At treeline the early December crust is down around 70 to 110cm, and it's thick and supportive nature is likely capping any deeper weaknesses in most places. However, recent observations from the Nelson area indicate that there are facets on this crust, so it's an interface to watch as we move into the New Year. The lower snowpack is thought to be well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3428770D">By Sunday afternoon, I expect about 10cm of new snow to have fallen. In exposed, high elevation terrain, strong southwest winds will have shifted these new accumulations into fresh and potentially reactive wind slabs in lee terrain. At lower elevations, you may be able to find either isolated pockets of surface hoar or a crust with facets that was reported to be buried on December 17</span><sup><span class="s_3428770D">th</span></sup><span class="s_3428770D">. Reports from the field indicate that this layer is now starting to break down and gain strength.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of low density snow fell overnight. The snowfall was accompanied by cool temperatures and moderate SE winds. Soft slabs have formed on lee slopes and they are moving easily with a ski cut. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The winds have finally come back to K-Country. 5-10cm hard slabs have formed in exposed alpine features overnight. The snowpack from TL and below is losing its strength and structure due to faceting from cold temps. Below 1900 meters, the snowpack is rotten to the ground and exhibiting more normal characteristics. Above 1900 meters the snowpack is supportive but the upper snowpack is also losing strength.&nbsp; Cornices continue to develop.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">20-30 cm of low-density snow typically overlies a well-settled mid and lower snowpack. Surface hoar and near-surface facets may be mingled with a few cm dry new snow. Wind slabs may be found on slopes lee to the SW. Between 40 and 100 cm below the surface you'll probably find a weak layer which was buried in early December. Between 1400 m and 1800 m, this layer consists primarily of large surface hoar. At higher elevations, this layer consists of a sun crust, facets, and/or small surface hoar. This layer is still reactive in some snowpack tests and has produced at least one human-triggered avalanche in the last week. The layer is creating a low probability, high consequence type of problem, especially in the north of the region. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In general, dry new snow overlies a strong snowpack.</span><span class="s_71516F31"> </span><span class="s_1681A555">You may encounter wind slabs near ridge tops which are sensitive to the weight of a person. As winds shift from south-westerly to northerly, be alert to the possibility of wind slabs on all aspects. Down about 70-100 cm in some areas, a thin crust/facet layer is generally giving hard, resistant results in snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 130-150 cm down) is spotty in distribution, but where it does exist, still gives hard, sudden results, meaning it is unlikely to be triggered, but could produce a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">You may encounter wind slabs near ridge tops which are sensitive to the weight of a person. As winds shift from south-westerly to northerly, be alert to the possibility of wind slabs on all aspects. Older wind slabs may be hidden under recent new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In sheltered areas, 10-30 cm light dry snow has buried large surface hoar crystals. I'm unsure how widespread this surface hoar is across the region. Down about 70-100 cm is a thin crust/facet layer which is generally giving hard, resistant results in snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 130-150 cm down) is spotty in distribution, but where it does exist, still gives hard, sudden results, meaning it is unlikely to be triggered, but could produce a very large avalanche. At the base of the snowpack, on high north aspects, basal facets overlie glacial ice.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">You may encounter soft wind slabs near ridge tops, which could be sensitive to the weight of a person. As winds shift from southerly to northerly, be alert to the possibility of finding wind slabs on all aspects. Older wind slabs may be hidden under recent new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In sheltered areas, 10 -15 cm light dry snow has buried large surface hoar crystals. I'm unsure how widespread the surface hoar is across the region. 20-30 cm settled, dried-out powder lies below this. The mid- and lower snowpack are reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about a metre down) is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps with a very heavy trigger. At the base of the snowpack, on high north aspects, basal facets overlie glacial ice.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Over the weekend about 5 cm of low-density snow fell. In exposed, high elevation terrain, moderate winds may have shifted these accumulations into soft wind slabs in the immediate lee of ridge crests. At lower elevations, you may be able to find either isolated pockets of surface hoar or a crust with facets that was reported to be buried on December 17th. Reports from the field indicate that this layer is now starting to break down and gain strength.</span><span class="s_3428770D" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">Over the weekend the region received 15-20cm of new low-density snow. At higher elevations, generally moderate southeasterly winds have redistributed much of that snow into soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">In the upper 70cm of the snowpack you may find a layer of weak surface hoar which was the culprit with a recent avalanche on an east aspect at treeline in the Fitzsimmons Range. Although not much is known about its distribution, this layer may be something to watch as the overlying slab gets deeper and gains cohesion through&nbsp; settlement, storm loading and wind pressing.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3428770D">The mid and lower snowpack are generally considered to be strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Between 25cm and 40cm of new snow fell on Friday night and Saturday. Winds associated with the storm were highly variable. In areas (or at elevations) where the wind was strong, there may be a cohesive and reactive storm slab. In areas where the winds were light, you're more likely to find loose powder. The new snow overlies a touchy layer of sugary faceted snow and well-developed surface hoar which is reported to exist on all aspects and elevations. Due to the persistent nature of these underlying crystals, newly formed storm slabs may remain reactive for the foreseeable future. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Adding to the mix of weaknesses in the upper snowpack are a few other surface hoar layers that developed throughout December and late November which you may now find buried in the top 100cm. The weight of the new snow (or a surface avalanche in motion) may cause these layers to &quot;wake up&quot; resulting in larger, more destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Light amounts (10-15cm) of new snow have fallen with slightly higher amounts expected in the far west of the region. Variable winds have likely shifted the new snow into fresh and reactive wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures and consistent snowfall have created a real winter snowpack on the North Shore Mountains with an average snowpack depth of of 200cm at upper elevations. While there is a rain crust down around 100cm below the surface, the recent human and natural avalanche activity has been failing on storm snow instabilities. These kinds of instabilities are generally short lived, especially on the North Shore, but the cold temperatures are allowing them to persist longer than usual. The Mountain Information Network posts have been super helpful to us, please keep them coming!</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Kootenays picked up 5 to 10cm of cold snow Saturday night. This snow fell on a variety of old surfaces including small grain facets, surface hoar up to 14mm in size and a sun crust on steep south and southwest facing features. In the last week the region received 40 to 60cm of storm snow that remains largely unconsolidated. Below this snow you will find the mid-December crust. It has not been problematic anywhere yet, but in Kootenay Pass there is a spotty surface hoar layer on or just above this crust. This interface is down around 60cm and the surface hoar is most prevalent on north facing features&nbsp; between 1800 and 2000m. At treeline the early December crust is down around 70 to 120cm. This thick and supportive crust is likely capping any deeper weaknesses in most places. There have been reports of facets on this crust in the Nelson area, so we'll want to keep our eye on it as we move into the New Year. The lower snowpack is thought to be well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Lizard Range snowpack has been spooky, and to be honest, I'm not totally sure why. Part of the reason is that we're flying blind with regard to the wind direction and speed, all the anemometers in the region are rimed up and not reporting. Here's what I know: Up to 70cm of storm snow has fallen in the last week. It's been cold and this snow remains quite low density. Below treeline it sounds like it's still unconsolidated, but at and above treeline winds from the north and now south/southwest have added a touch of cohesion and the slab is sensitive to both human triggering and natural failure. Strong SW winds from a week ago formed cornices that somewhat randomly began failing on Boxing Day. The mid-December surface hoar can be found down around 75cm on north facing features below treeline. Below this a strong, thick rain crust is down around 85 to 130cm and it seems to be capping any deeper weaknesses in the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50cm of storm snow has fallen in the last week. It's been cold and this snow is still quite low density below treeline where it remains unconsolidated. At and above treeline winds from the north and now south/southwest have added a touch of cohesion which has formed fresh wind slabs up to 40cm in depth. These wind slabs rest on a layer of loose faceted snow that is up to 20cm thick. Strong SW winds over a week ago formed cornices that began failing on Boxing day (in the Lizard Range). The mid-December surface hoar may be present down around 50cm on north facing features below treeline. There may be a crust near the bottom of the snowpack from early December below 2100m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> 5-10cm of wind affected soft slab sits over 5-10cm of softer snow above a settled upper snowpack in the alpine. At treeline and in sheltered alpine areas the snow remains dry and loose. There has been surface hoar growth overnight up to 5mm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Trace to 3cm of new snow overnight has done little to change the character of the snowpack. Wind slabs are found in lee and cross-loaded terrain in the Alpine and Treeline elevation bands. These slabs were observed to be cracking with skier traffic yesterday and several naturally triggered avalanches have occurred over the past 48hrs. The persistent weak layer from Dec 4th is buried between 30 and 60cm at Treeline and below, but has not been reactive for some time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There was another 10-15 cm of light dry snow in the 24 hours leading into Monday morning. That brings the recent storm snow total to about 70 cm. It's been cold and this snow remains quite low density. Below treeline it sounds like it's still unconsolidated, but at and above treeline winds from the north and now south/southwest have added a touch of cohesion and the slab is sensitive to both human triggering and natural failure. Strong SW winds from a week ago formed cornices that began failing off naturally on Boxing Day. The mid-December surface hoar can be found down around 75cm on north facing features below treeline. Below this, a strong and thick rain crust is down around 85 to 130cm and it seems to be capping any deeper weaknesses in the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">30-50 cm recent dry snow overlies a generally strong snowpack. Some operators report surface hoar buried down about 10-15 cm. You may encounter wind slabs which are sensitive to the weight of a person near ridge tops. Recent storm snow is sluffing readily in steep terrain. One operator near Kamloops is reporting a hard slab sitting on a layer of surface hoar buried down 30-50 cm. This appears to be an outlier, but I would take extra time to investigate the snowpack if you are in the far west of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 80-150 cm down) is spotty in distribution, but where it does exist, still gives hard, sudden results, meaning it is unlikely to be triggered, but could produce a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Since Saturday, about 10-20cm of low-density snow has fallen. In exposed, high elevation terrain, moderate winds may have shifted these accumulations into soft wind slabs in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Recent field reports suggest deeper snowpack weaknesses have now gained considerable strength, and the mid and lower snowpack are considered to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">You may encounter wind slabs which are sensitive to the weight of a person near ridges and ribs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In sheltered areas, 10-30 cm light dry snow has buried large surface hoar crystals. I'm unsure how widespread this surface hoar is across the region. Down about 70-100 cm you may find a thin crust/facet layer which is generally giving hard, resistant results in snowpack tests. Recent storm snow is sluffing readily. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 80-150 cm down) is spotty in distribution, but where it does exist, still gives hard, sudden results, meaning it is unlikely to be triggered, but could produce a very large avalanche. At the base of the snowpack, on high north aspects, basal facets overlie glacial ice.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50cm of storm snow has fallen in the last week. It's been cold and this snow is still quite low density below treeline where it remains unconsolidated. At and above treeline winds from the north and now south/southwest have added a touch of cohesion which has formed fresh wind slabs up to 40cm in depth. These wind slabs rest on a layer of loose faceted snow that is up to 20cm thick. Strong SW winds over a week ago formed cornices that began failing on Boxing day (in the Lizard Range). The mid-December surface hoar may be present down around 50cm on north facing features below treeline. There may be a crust near the bottom of the snowpack from early December below 2100m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Since Saturday, the region received 15-20cm of new low-density snow. At higher elevations, generally moderate southeasterly winds have redistributed much of that snow into soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">In the upper 70cm of the snowpack you may find a layer of weak surface hoar which was the culprit with a recent avalanche on an east aspect at treeline in the Fitzsimmons Range. Reports indicate this layer is spotty in its distribution, but may be something to watch as the overlying slab gets deeper and gains cohesion through settlement, storm loading and wind pressing.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The mid and lower snowpack are generally considered to be strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Wind slabs may be found on any recently wind-affected terrain, especially at alpine and treeline elevations. Whumpfing was observed on Cariboo Mountain yesterday. A couple of storm snow interfaces were also reactive to tests in the upper snowpack. See the great MIN post (blue dot on the map) for more detail. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In some sheltered areas, 10-20 cm light dry snow has buried large surface hoar crystals. 20-30 cm settled, dried-out powder lies below this. The mid- and lower snowpack are reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about a metre down) is now hard to find and unlikely to be triggered, except with a very heavy trigger. At the base of the snowpack, on high north aspects, basal facets overlie glacial ice.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several recent pulses of dry cold snow have developed storm slabs on all aspects at all elevations. Shears in the upper snowpack have been reported on changes within the storm snow and have not stepped down to any deeper layers. Cold and dry storm snow may take several days to gradually form a better bond. This is unusual for the North Shore where warmer conditions usually settle weak layers quickly.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">20-30 cm of low-density snow typically overlies a well-settled mid and lower snowpack. Surface hoar and near-surface facets may be mingled with a few cm dry new snow. Wind slabs may be found in the lee of ridges and ribs. Between 40 and 100 cm below the surface you'll probably find a weak layer which was buried in early December. At and below treeline, this layer mainly consists of large surface hoar. At higher elevations, this layer consists of a sun crust, facets, and/or small surface hoar. This layer is still reactive in some snowpack tests and has produced at least one human-triggered avalanche in the last week. The layer is creating a low probability, high consequence type of problem, especially in the north of the region. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Last weekend, between 25cm and 40cm of new snow fell. Winds associated with the storm were highly variable. In areas (or at elevations) where the wind was strong, there may be a cohesive and reactive storm slab. In areas where the winds were light, you're more likely to find loose powder. The new snow overlies a touchy layer of sugary faceted snow and well-developed surface hoar which is reported to exist on all aspects and elevations. Due to the persistent nature of these underlying crystals, newly formed storm slabs may remain reactive for the foreseeable future. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Adding to the mix of weaknesses in the upper snowpack are a few other surface hoar layers that developed throughout December which you may now find buried in the top 100cm. The weight of the new snow (or a surface avalanche in motion) may cause these layers to &quot;wake up&quot; resulting in larger, more destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The southern Monashees around Big White have reported recent storm slabs up to 40 cms that are easy to trigger. Another 5-10 cm of new snow fell on Sunday in the Kootenays, making the weekend total about 10-20 cm of dry cold snow. This snow fell on a variety of old surfaces including small grain facets, surface hoar up to 14mm in size and a sun crust on steep south and southwest facing features. In the last week the region received 40 to 60cm of storm snow that remains largely unconsolidated. Below this snow you will find the mid-December crust. It has not been problematic anywhere yet, but in Kootenay Pass there is a spotty surface hoar layer on or just above this crust. This interface is down around 60cm and the surface hoar is most prevalent on north facing features between 1800 and 2000m. At treeline the early December crust is down around 70 to 120cm. This thick and supportive crust is likely capping any deeper weaknesses in most places. There have been reports of facets on this crust in the Nelson area, so we'll want to keep our eye on it as we move into the New Year. The lower snowpack is thought to be well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Light amounts (10-15cm) of snow fell over the weekend with slightly higher amounts expected in the far west of the region. Variable winds have likely shifted the new snow into fresh and reactive wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> 5-10cm of wind affected soft slab sits over 5-10cm of softer snow above a settled upper snowpack in the alpine. At treeline and in sheltered alpine areas the snow remains dry and loose. There has been surface hoar growth overnight up to 5mm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface facetting due to cold temps and clear skies. Several snowpits through the region toady show a fairly consistent snowpack story, characterized by low density surfaces, generally solid midpacks and deteriorating basal layers (with some basal facets and depth hoar developing). The existence of the Dec 4th persistent weak layer is variable, and no compression test results were found in any of the snowpits today. In the Alpine thin wind slabs are fairly dominant, particularly in lee and cross-loaded features. Some recent naturally triggered avalanche activity has occurred with these wind slabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several recent pulses of dry cold snow have developed storm slabs on all aspects at all elevations. Shears in the upper snowpack have been reported on changes within the storm snow and have not stepped down to any deeper layers. Cold and dry storm snow may take several days to gradually form a better bond. This is unusual for the North Shore where warmer conditions usually settle weak layers quickly.</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 southern Monashees around Big White have reported recent storm slabs up to 40 cms that are easy to trigger. Another 5-10 cm of new snow fell on Sunday in the Kootenays, making the weekend total about 10-20 cm of dry cold snow. This snow fell on a variety of old surfaces including small grain facets, surface hoar up to 14mm in size and a sun crust on steep south and southwest facing features. In the last week the region received 40 to 60cm of storm snow that remains largely unconsolidated. Below this snow you will find the mid-December crust. It has not been problematic anywhere yet, but in Kootenay Pass there is a spotty surface hoar layer on or just above this crust. This interface is down around 60cm and the surface hoar is most prevalent on north facing features between 1800 and 2000m. At treeline the early December crust is down around 70 to 120cm. This thick and supportive crust is likely capping any deeper weaknesses in most places. There have been reports of facets on this crust in the Nelson area, so we'll want to keep our eye on it as we move into the New Year. The lower snowpack is thought to be well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">20-30 cm of low-density snow typically overlies a well-settled mid and lower snowpack. Surface hoar and near-surface facets may be mingled within the upper few cm. Storm slab properties may change and become more cohesive as the alpine gets some sun and warmer temperatures. Wind slabs, found in the lee of ridges and ribs, are still reactive in some spots and healing in others.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">A weak layer which was buried in early December is down about 40-100 cm. At and below treeline, it mainly consists of large surface hoar. At higher elevations, it consists of a sun crust, facets, and/or small surface hoar. This layer is still reactive in some snowpack tests and has produced at least one human-triggered avalanche in the last week. The persistent slab is a low probability, high consequence problem. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3D0464D1">30-50 cm recent dry snow overlies a generally strong snowpack. Some operators report surface hoar buried down about 10-15 cm. You may encounter wind slabs which are sensitive to the weight of a person near ridge tops. Recent storm snow may sluff in steep terrain, especially with a touch of sun. One operator near Kamloops is reporting a hard slab sitting on a layer of surface hoar buried down 30-50 cm. This appears to be an outlier, but I would take extra time to investigate the snowpack if you are in the far west of the region. The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 80-150 cm down) is spotty in distribution, but where it does exist, still gives hard, sudden results, meaning it is unlikely to be triggered, but could produce a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow total to about 70-80 cm. Continued cold temperatures have left the storm snow mostly unsettled. The exception is where the wind has transported this light snow into wind slabs. The surface of the storm snow has been facetting and remains available for transport. Recent new cornice growth may continue to be fragile and fall off naturally with sun or wind exposure, or be easily triggered from travel nearby. The mid-December surface hoar can be found down around 75cm on north facing features below treeline. Below this, a strong and thick rain crust is down around 85 to 130cm and it seems to be capping any deeper weaknesses in the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_A8FEC758">About 10-20cm of low-density snow fell between last Saturday and Monday. In exposed, high elevation terrain, moderate winds may have shifted these accumulations into soft wind slabs in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Due to continued cool temperatures, these wind slabs may take longer than usual to settle and gain strength. Recent field reports suggest deeper snowpack weaknesses have now gained considerable strength, and the mid and lower snowpack are considered to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3D0464D1">40-70 cm recent dry snow overlies a generally strong snowpack. You may encounter wind slabs which are sensitive to the weight of a person near ridge tops and ribs. Recent storm snow may sluff and pick up mass in steep terrain, especially with a touch of sun. Some operators report surface hoar buried down about 10-15 cm. The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 80-150 cm down) is spotty in distribution, but where it does exist, still gives hard, sudden results, meaning it is unlikely to be triggered, but could produce a very large avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Last weekend, between 25cm and 40cm of new snow fell. Wind speed and direction during, and since, the storm have been highly variable. In areas where the wind was strong, there may be a cohesive and reactive storm slab. In areas where the winds were light, you're more likely to find loose powder. The recent storm snow overlies a touchy layer of loose facets and well-developed surface hoar which is reported to exist on most aspects and elevations. Due to the persistent nature of these underlying crystals, newly formed storm slabs may remain reactive for some time. Solar radiation has also come into play, and depending on the time of day, steep solar aspects may be moist or refrozen.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Professionals in the region are still keeping an eye on a few other surface hoar layers that developed throughout December which are now buried in the top 100cm. Although these layers may be gaining some strength, they are worth investigating, especially in steep, unsupported terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Hard and soft wind slabs may be found on any recently wind-affected terrain, especially at alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">40-70 cm recent dry snowfall overlies a mid- and lower snowpack which are reportedly well settled. There may be some storm snow interfaces to watch in specific areas. Storm slab properties may also change as the alpine gets some sun and temperatures rise. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The early December weak layer (about a metre down) is now hard to find and unlikely to be triggered, except with a very heavy trigger. At the base of the snowpack, on high north aspects, basal facets overlie glacial ice.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Light amounts (10-15cm) of snow fell last weekend. Variable winds have likely shifted the new snow into wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. Although these wind slabs have likely gained strength, I'd remain cautious on steep, unsupported slopes in the immediate lee of ridge crests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">On the weekend, the region received 15-20cm of new low-density snow. At higher elevations, generally moderate southeasterly winds have redistributed much of that snow into soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Solar radiation has also come into play, and depending on the time of day, steep solar aspects may be moist or refrozen.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">In the upper 70cm of the snowpack you may find a layer of weak surface hoar which was the culprit with a recent avalanche on an east aspect at treeline in the Fitzsimmons Range. Reports indicate this layer is spotty in its distribution, but may be something to watch as the overlying slab gets deeper and gains cohesion through settlement, warming and wind pressing.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The mid and lower snowpack are generally considered to be strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Our field team was in the Smith Basin and Mirror Lakes area on Monday. They reported 110-150 cm of snow on the ground at 2250 metres. There was 40 cm of loose dry snow above 10 cm of cold facets that produced variable moderate to hard shears in snowpack tests. The storm snow is unconsolidated and the field team remarked that even the small larch trees still had new snow on them; evidence of very little in the way of wind. They did not get direct alpine observations, but suspect that there may be more wind effect at higher elevations. These observations are consistent with reports from near Castle Mountain with storm snow above facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> 5-10cm of wind affected soft slab sits over 5-10cm of softer snow above a settled upper snowpack in the alpine. At treeline and in sheltered alpine areas the snow remains dry and loose. There is widespread surface hoar to 15mm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The cold has taken its toll on the snowpack. The good travel we've enjoyed this winter is quickly fading. Below treeline the snow pack is mostly faceted and near bottomless. At treeline it still carries a skier well with ski pens of 10-15cm's, however the mid pack is noticeably weaker. The alpine has also felt the cold. The surface snow is facetted and the old buried windslabs are more noticeable, down 20-30cm. The skiing is still great, but it seems we've passed the prime time. Snow depths are: Burstall Pass 100cms &amp; Mud Lake 77cms</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several recent pulses of dry cold snow have developed storm slabs on all aspects at all elevations. Shears in the upper snowpack have been reported on changes within the storm snow and have not stepped down to any deeper layers. Cold and dry storm snow may take several days to gradually form a better bond. This is unusual for the North Shore where warmer conditions usually settle weak layers quickly.</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 southern Monashees around Big White have reported recent storm slabs up to 40cm in depth that are easy to trigger. Another 5-10 cm of new snow fell on Sunday in the Kootenays, making the weekend total about 10-20 cm of dry cold snow. This snow fell on a variety of old surfaces including small grain facets, surface hoar up to 14mm in size and a sun crust on steep south and southwest facing features. In the last week the region received 40 to 60cm of storm snow that remains largely unconsolidated. Below this snow you will find the mid-December crust. It has not been problematic anywhere yet, but in Kootenay Pass there is a spotty surface hoar layer on or just above this crust. This interface is down around 60cm and the surface hoar is most prevalent on north facing features between 1800 and 2000m. At treeline the early December crust is down around 70 to 120cm. This thick and supportive crust is likely capping any deeper weaknesses in most places. There have been reports of facets on this crust in the Nelson area, so we'll want to keep our eye on it as we move into the New Year. The lower snowpack is thought to be well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">20-40cm of low density snow overlies a generally strong snowpack. Some operators report surface hoar buried down about 10-15 cm. You may encounter wind slabs which are sensitive to the weight of a person near ridge tops. Recent storm snow may sluff in steep terrain, especially with a touch of sun. One operator near Kamloops is reporting a hard slab sitting on a layer of surface hoar buried down 30-50 cm. This appears to be an outlier, but I would take extra time to investigate the snowpack if you are in the far west of the region. The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 80-150 cm down) is spotty in distribution, but where it does exist still gives hard, sudden results, meaning it is unlikely to be triggered, but could produce a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">20-40 cm of low density snow overlies a generally strong snowpack. You may encounter wind slabs which are sensitive to the weight of a person near ridge tops and ribs. Recent storm snow may sluff and pick up mass in steep terrain, especially with a touch of sun. Some operators report surface hoar buried down about 10-15 cm. The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 80-150 cm down) is spotty in distribution, but where it does exist still gives hard, sudden results, meaning it is unlikely to be triggered but could produce a very large avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow total is between 70 and 80 cm. Continued cold temperatures have left the storm snow mostly unsettled. The exception is where the wind has transported this light snow into wind slabs. The surface of the storm snow has been facetting and remains available for transport. Recent new cornice growth may continue to be fragile and fall off naturally with sun or wind exposure, or be easily triggered from travel nearby. The mid-December surface hoar can be found down around 75cm on north facing features below treeline. Below this, a strong and thick rain crust is down around 85 to 130cm and it seems to be capping any deeper weaknesses in the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Our field team was in the Smith Basin and Mear Lakes area on Monday. They reported 110-150 cm of snow on the ground at 2250 metres. There was 40 cm of loose dry snow above 10 cm of cold facets that produced variable moderate to hard shears in snowpack tests. The storm snow is unconsolidated and the field team remarked that even the small larch trees still had new snow on them; evidence of very little in the way of wind. They did not get direct alpine observations, but suspect that there may be more wind effect at higher elevations. These observations are consistent with reports from near Castle Mountain with storm snow above facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Hard and soft wind slabs may be found on any recently wind-affected terrain, especially at alpine and treeline elevations. 40-70 cm recent dry snowfall overlies a mid- and lower snowpack which are reportedly well settled. There may be some storm snow interfaces to watch in specific areas. Storm slab properties may also change as the alpine gets some sun and temperatures rise. The early December weak layer (about a metre down) is now hard to find and unlikely to be triggered, except with a very heavy trigger. At the base of the snowpack, on high north aspects, basal facets overlie glacial ice.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of low-density snow typically overlies a well-settled mid and lower snowpack. Surface hoar and near-surface facets may be mingled within the upper few cm. Storm slab properties may change and become more cohesive as the alpine gets some sun and warmer temperatures. Wind slabs, found in the lee of ridges and ribs, are still reactive in some spots and healing in others.&nbsp; A weak layer which was buried in early December is down about 40-100 cm. At and below treeline, it mainly consists of large surface hoar. At higher elevations, it consists of a sun crust, facets, and/or small surface hoar. This layer is still reactive in some snowpack tests and has produced at least one human-triggered avalanche in the last week. The persistent slab is a low probability, high consequence problem. Below this layer, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_A8FEC758">About 10-20cm of low-density snow fell between last Saturday and Monday. In exposed, high elevation terrain, moderate winds may have shifted these accumulations into soft wind slabs in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Due to continued cool temperatures, these wind slabs may have taken more time than usual to settle and gain strength. Solar radiation has also come into play, and depending on the time of day, steep solar aspects may be moist or refrozen. Recent field reports suggest deeper snowpack weaknesses have now gained considerable strength, and the mid and lower snowpack are considered to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Last weekend, the region received 15-20cm of low-density snow. At higher elevations, generally moderate winds have redistributed these accumulations into soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Due to continued cool temperatures, these wind slabs have likely required more time than usual to settle and gain strength. Solar radiation has also come into play, and depending on the time of day, steep solar aspects may be moist or refrozen.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">In the upper 70cm of the snowpack you may find a layer of weak surface hoar which was buried in mid-December. Reports indicate this layer is spotty in its distribution, but may be something to watch as the overlying slab gets deeper and gains cohesion through settlement, warming and wind pressing.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The mid and lower snowpack are generally considered to be strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Between 25 and 40cm of recent storm snow overlies a widespread mix of faceted snow and surface hoar. The nature of the snow surface appears to be quite variable. In areas where recent winds were strong, these recent accumulations may exist as a deep, cohesive and reactive slab. In areas where the winds were light, you're more likely to find loose powder. Solar radiation has also come into play, and depending on the time of day, steep solar aspects may be moist or refrozen.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Professionals in the region are still keeping an eye on a few other surface hoar layers that developed throughout December which are now buried in the top 100cm. Although these layers may be gaining some strength, they are worth investigating, especially in steep, unsupported terrain at treeline and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Light amounts (10-15cm) of snow fell last weekend. Variable winds have likely shifted the new snow into wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. Although these wind slabs have likely gained strength, I'd remain cautious on steep, unsupported slopes in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Solar radiation has also come into play, and depending on the time of day, steep solar aspects may be moist or refrozen.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A rapid temperature change will affect the surface layers of the snowpack today. One of these is a widespread layer surface hoar that has grown to as large as 15mm. In exposed alpine areas there are 5-10cm thick wind affected soft slabs that are sitting over 5-10cm's of lower density snow. In sheltered alpine areas the snow remains dry and loose and the snowpack is generally well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last night's extended cold has removed most of the below treeline snowpack structure. In most places the ski penetration is 20-30cms with the occasional plunge to ground. On top of that, we have another layer of surface hoar growing up to 2500m. Old uptracks are still very supportive, but once off the beaten track, expect difficult trail breaking and much trickier skiing than what we've experienced so far this season. At treeline, the midpack is hanging in there and is more supportive. In many area, probing revealed a weak layer forming near the ground. The depth hoar is on its way! Once in the alpine, there is extensive wind affect in most areas. Sheltered areas still have good skiing on facets, while exposed areas have new windslabs mixed with weak facetted snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last weekend, the region received 15-20cm of low-density snow. At higher elevations, generally moderate winds have redistributed these accumulations into soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Due to continued cool temperatures, these wind slabs have likely required more time than usual to settle and gain strength. Solar radiation has also come into play, and depending on the time of day, steep solar aspects may be moist or refrozen. In the upper 70cm of the snowpack you may find a layer of weak surface hoar which was buried in mid-December. Reports indicate this layer is spotty in its distribution, but may be something to watch as the overlying slab gets deeper and gains cohesion through settlement, warming and wind pressing. The mid and lower snowpack are generally considered to be strong and well-settled.</span><span class="s_A8FEC758" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 10-20cm of low-density snow fell between last Saturday and Monday. In exposed, high elevation terrain, moderate winds may have shifted these accumulations into soft wind slabs in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Due to continued cool temperatures, these wind slabs may have taken more time than usual to settle and gain strength. Solar radiation has also come into play, and depending on the time of day, steep solar aspects may be moist or refrozen. Recent field reports suggest deeper snowpack weaknesses have now gained considerable strength, and the mid and lower snowpack are considered to be generally strong and well-settled.</span><span class="s_A8FEC758" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts (10-15cm) of snow fell last weekend. Variable winds have likely shifted the new snow into wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. Although these wind slabs have likely gained strength, I'd remain cautious on steep, unsupported slopes in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Solar radiation has also come into play, and depending on the time of day, steep solar aspects may be moist or refrozen.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Shedin creek snow pillow is at historical minimum snow depth, and Tsai creek snow pillow is setting new historical minimum snow depth. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span><span class="s_A8FEC758" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Solar radiation has started to affect the surface snow on southerly aspects, resulting in loose moist or wet releases and the beginnings of melt-freeze crusts overnight. The recent 25-40 cm of storm snow continues to facet due to the cold temperatures, and new surface hoar has been reported on all aspects and at all elevations. The forecast temperature inversion looks like it will be strongest on Friday, and our uncertainty revolves around how much warmth upper elevations will receive. It is also unclear  how storm slabs, especially those sitting on buried surface hoar layers (in the top 100 cm) will react to the warming. I suspect that outflow winds are transporting unconsolidated snow, and areas that are having or have received wind may continue to have wind slab problems. The winds have been variable across the region; Shames has reported very little wind and slightly west of there the wind effect has been widespread. The north of the region has been cold with temperatures around -20 in the valleys and alpine temperatures around -8 at 2000 metres. Watch for weak basal facets in colder and shallower snowpack areas.</span><span class="s_A8FEC758" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3D0464D1">20-40 cm of settling low density snow overlies a generally strong snowpack. You may encounter wind slabs which are sensitive to the weight of a person near ridge tops. Recent storm snow may sluff in steep terrain, especially with a touch of sun. The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 80-150 cm down) is spotty in distribution, but where it does exist still gives hard, sudden results, meaning it is unlikely to be triggered, but could produce a very large avalanche.</span><span class="s_17AE1194" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Conditions are variable across the Purcells. In the south (west of Kimberley), a prominent layer of large buried surface hoar is reactive to human triggers. In this part of the region, it is buried down 40 cm with a cohesive slab above it. Further north, it is 60-120 cm down and has been sporadically reactive to skiers on NW facing alpine slopes near Golden. At alpine elevations, this interface exists as a surface hoar/ facet layer sitting on a crust. The lower snowpack is generally considered to be well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">New and old wind slabs may be found in the lee of ridges and ribs on a variety of slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Hard and soft wind slabs may be found on any recently wind-affected terrain, especially at alpine and treeline elevations. 40-70 cm recent dry snowfall overlies a mid- and lower snowpack which are reportedly well settled. There may be some storm snow interfaces to watch in specific areas. Storm slab properties may also change as the alpine gets some sun and temperatures rise. The early December weak layer (about a metre down) is now hard to find and unlikely to be triggered, except with a very heavy trigger. At the base of the snowpack, on high north aspects, basal facets overlie glacial ice.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3D0464D1">20-40 cm of settling low density snow overlies a generally strong snowpack. You may encounter wind slabs which are sensitive to the weight of a person near ridge tops. Recent storm snow may sluff in steep terrain, especially with a touch of sun. The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 80-150 cm down) is spotty in distribution, but where it does exist still gives hard, sudden results, meaning it is unlikely to be triggered, but could produce a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several recent pulses of dry cold snow have developed storm slabs on all aspects at all elevations. Shears in the upper snowpack have been reported on changes within the storm snow and have not stepped down to any deeper layers. As temperatures begin to rise, the formerly cold and dry storm snow is expected to settle and bond to the rest of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The southern Monashees around Big White have reported recent storm slabs up to 40cm in depth that are easy to trigger. Another 5-10 cm of new snow fell on Sunday in the Kootenays, making the weekend total about 10-20 cm of dry cold snow. This snow fell on a variety of old surfaces including small grain facets, surface hoar up to 14mm in size and a sun crust on steep south and southwest facing features. In the last week the region received 40 to 60cm of storm snow that remains largely unconsolidated. Below this snow you will find the mid-December crust. It has not been problematic anywhere yet, but in Kootenay Pass there is a spotty surface hoar layer on or just above this crust. This interface is down around 60cm and the surface hoar is most prevalent on north facing features between 1800 and 2000m. At treeline the early December crust is down around 70 to 120cm. This thick and supportive crust is likely capping any deeper weaknesses in most places. There have been reports of facets on this crust in the Nelson area, so we'll want to keep our eye on it as we move into the New Year. The lower snowpack is thought to be well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As our field team travels around the region they are seeing very little wind effect. There is around 110 - 150 cm of snow on the ground at 2250 metres. The upper snowpack consists of about 40 cm of loose dry snow above 10 cm of cold facets that have been producing variable moderate to hard shears in snowpack tests. The storm snow is unconsolidated and earlier in the week the field team remarked that even the small larch trees still had new snow on them; continued evidence of very little in the way of wind. There may be more wind effect at higher elevations. These observations are consistent with reports from near Castle Mountain with storm snow above facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the last seven days the Lizard Range has received 40 to 50 cm of new snow. Ongoing cold temperatures have allowed this storm snow to remain dry and unsettled. Cold temperatures have also promoted faceting of the surface snow. In wind exposed terrain you may find thin wind slabs that should be confined to features immediately lee of ridge crest. It is important to note that fresh fragile cornices loom over many features. Previously active weak layers in the upper snowpack seem to have gone dormant for the time being, but the mid-December surface hoar should still be on your radar. This interface is down around 75 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain below treeline. Just below this a strong and thick rain crust is down around 85 to 130 cm which seems to be capping any deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The colder temps are facetting out the entire snowpack at the lower elevations while at the higher elevations the temperatures have been at or slightly above freezing. As a result, two different things are going on in the snowpack. At the lower elevations, we are seeing it weaken and loose strength making travel challenging in some areas (thinner areas especially). In the Alpine some steeper solar alpine slopes may soon have a thin temperature crust on the surface of the snow as a result of the warmer temperatures. The other thing we are seeing in alpine areas is the wind has created pockets of stiffer windslabs that are reacting to skier traffic. Gullies, cross-loaded features and ridgelines on all aspects are where we are seeing these slabs. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3D0464D1">20-40 cm of settling low density snow overlies a generally strong snowpack. You may encounter wind slabs which are sensitive to the weight of a person near ridge tops. Recent storm snow may sluff in steep terrain, especially with a touch of sun. The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 80-150 cm down) is spotty in distribution, but where it does exist still gives hard, sudden results, meaning it is unlikely to be triggered, but could produce a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs, both hard and soft, may be found on any recently wind-affected terrain, especially at alpine and treeline elevations. 40-70 cm recent dry snowfall overlies a mid- and lower snowpack which is reported to be well settled. There may be some storm snow interfaces to watch in specific areas. Storm slab properties may change as the alpine gets sun and the temperatures rise. The early December weak layer (about a metre down) is now hard to find and unlikely to be triggered, except with a very heavy trigger. At the base of the snowpack, on high north aspects, basal facets may overlie glacial ice.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3D0464D1">20-40 cm of settling low density snow overlies a generally strong snowpack. You may encounter wind slabs which are sensitive to the weight of a person near ridge tops. Recent storm snow may sluff in steep terrain, especially with a touch of sun. The lower snowpack is reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about 80-150 cm down) is spotty in distribution, but where it does exist still gives hard, sudden results, meaning it is unlikely to be triggered, but could produce a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Conditions are variable across the Purcells.&nbsp; In the south (west of Kimberley), a prominent layer of large buried surface hoar is reactive to human triggers. In this part of the region, it is buried down 40 cm with a cohesive slab above it. Further north, it is 60-120 cm down and has been sporadically reactive to skiers on NW facing alpine slopes near Golden. At alpine elevations, this interface exists as a surface hoar/ facet layer sitting on a crust. The lower snowpack is generally considered to be well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">New and old wind slabs may be found in the lee of ridges and ribs on a variety of slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A new layer of surface hoar and near surface facetting has developed, and we will need to track it's distribution before the next snow arrives. The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose moist or wet avalanches in steep terrain, and new melt-freeze crusts may have formed overnight when the temperatures dropped below freezing. Some wind transported snow continues to form thin wind slabs on various aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose moist or wet avalanches in steep terrain, and new melt-freeze crusts may have formed overnight when the temperatures dropped below freezing.  Some wind transported snow continues to form thin wind slabs on various aspects.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amounts (10-15cm) of snow fell last weekend. Variable winds have likely shifted the new snow into wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. Although these wind slabs have likely gained strength, I'd remain cautious on steep, unsupported slopes in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Solar radiation has also come into play, and depending on the time of day, steep solar aspects may be moist or refrozen. We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Shedin creek snow pillow is at historical minimum snow depth, and Tsai creek snow pillow is setting a new historical minimum snow depth. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Solar radiation has started to affect the surface snow on southerly aspects, resulting in loose moist or wet releases and the beginnings of melt-freeze crusts overnight. The recent 25-40cm of storm snow continues to facet due to the cold temperatures, and new surface hoar has been reported on all aspects and at all elevations. The forecast temperature inversion looks like it will be strongest on Friday, and our uncertainty revolves around how much warmth upper elevations will receive. It is also unclear how storm slabs, especially those sitting on buried surface hoar layers (in the top 100 cm) will react to the warming. I suspect that outflow winds are transporting unconsolidated snow, and areas that are having or have received wind may continue to have wind slab problems. The winds have been variable across the region; Shames has reported very little wind and slightly west of there the wind effect has been widespread. The north of the region has been cold with temperatures around -20 in the valleys and alpine temperatures around -8 at 2000 metres. Watch for weak basal facets in colder and shallower snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above freezing temperatures Thursday and Friday have likely allowed the storm snow to settle and bond to the existing snowpack. During the storm, shears in the upper snowpack were reported but nothing stepped down to the deeper layers that are now expected to be inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures are helping all the recent storm snow to settle and bond to the existing snowpack. Previous to the warming, storm slabs up to 40cm in depth were touchy in the southern Monashees around Big White. Across the region, 5 to 25 cm of rapidly settling snow rests on a variety of weak layers including small grain facets, surface hoar up to 14 mm in size and a sun crust on steep south and southwest facing features. Underneath this you'll find 40 to 60 cm of old storm snow that should be settling too. Under this old storm snow the mid-December crust can be found. This interface was never problematic, but in Kootenay Pass there is a spotty surface hoar layer on or just above this crust that is most prevalent on north facing features between 1800 and 2000 m. At treeline the early December crust is down around 70 to 130 cm. This thick and supportive crust is likely capping any deeper weaknesses in most places. There have been reports of facets on this crust in the Nelson area, so we'll want to keep our eye on it as we move into early 2016. The lower snowpack is thought to be well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mild temperatures are starting to allow the surface snow to settle a bit, at least at upper elevations. In the last seven days the Lizard Range has received 20 to 30 cm of new snow. It's been cold right up to New Years day, but on the first day of the year the alpine temperature made it to 0 C. Previously cold temperatures promoted faceting of the surface snow. In wind exposed terrain you may find thin wind slabs that should be confined to features immediately lee of ridge crest. It is important to note that fresh fragile cornices loom over many features. Previously active weak layers in the upper snowpack seem to have gone dormant for the time being, but the mid-December surface hoar should still be on your radar. This interface is down 45 to 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain below treeline. Just below this a strong and thick rain crust is down around 85 to 130 cm which seems to be capping any deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As our field team travels around the region they are seeing very little wind effect. There is around 110 - 150 cm of snow on the ground at 2250 metres. The upper snowpack consists of about 40 cm of loose dry snow above 10 cm of cold facets that have been producing variable moderate to hard shears in snowpack tests. The storm snow is unconsolidated and earlier in the week the field team remarked that even the small larch trees still had new snow on them; continued evidence of very little in the way of wind. There may be more wind effect at higher elevations. These observations are consistent with reports from near Castle Mountain with storm snow above facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">MIld alpine temperatures have been affecting the surface layers of the snowpack, especially those that are exposed to the sun. A widespread layer of surface hoar has been observed up 15mm in size. In exposed alpine areas there are 5-10cm thick wind affected soft slabs that are sitting over 5-10cm's of lower density snow. In sheltered alpine areas the snow remains dry and loose and the snowpack is generally well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface hoar growth in sheltered areas below treeline up to 20mm in size. The snowpack continues to facet due to persistent cold temperatures. Steep solar aspects have a thin sun crust that is melting later in the day as radiation and temperatures increase. Wind slabs are found in Alpine areas on all aspects, and some natural and human triggered avalanches have occurred in the past several days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A new layer of surface hoar and near surface facetting has developed, and we will need to track it's distribution before the next snow arrives. The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to become moist or wet, and a melt-freeze crust has likely formed with cooling. Some wind transported snow continues to form thin wind slabs on various aspects.</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_3FE45715">A new layer of surface hoar and near surface facetting has developed, and we will need to track it's distribution before the next snow arrives. The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to become moist or wet, and a melt-freeze crust has likely formed with cooling. Some wind transported snow continues to form thin wind slabs on various aspects.</span></p><p class="p_3F50020"><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_3FE45715">Snowpack surfaces are highly variable. Temperature inversions and solar radiation have come into play, and depending on the time of day, sun-exposed slopes at higher elevations may be either moist or refrozen. On shaded slopes, 25-40 cm of storm snow from Boxing Day continues to facet, and new surface hoar has been reported at all elevations. In areas where recent winds have been light, shaded slopes will likely provide unconsolidated powder. In areas where winds have been stronger, reactive wind slabs may exist, especially in areas where the the slab overlies surface hoar buried by the boxing day storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Professionals in the region are still keeping an eye on a few other surface hoar layers that developed throughout December which are now buried in the top 100cm. Although these layers may be gaining strength, they are worth keeping an eye on, especially on steep unsupported slopes at treeline and below. In colder and shallower snowpack areas watch for weak basal facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the most recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose moist or wet avalanches in steep terrain, and melt-freeze crusts may have formed overnight when the temperatures dropped below freezing. Previous wind transported snow exists as thin wind slabs on various aspects. Surface hoar will be forming in cool sheltered locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the most recent storm snow. Steep southerly aspects have released loose moist or wet avalanches in alpine terrain, and new melt-freeze crusts will be forming overnight as the temperatures drop below freezing. Wind transported snow that formed soft wind slabs should now be bonding with the warm temperatures on many aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose moist or wet avalanches in steep terrain. Melt-freeze crusts may have formed overnight when the temperatures dropped below freezing. Some wind transported snow continues to form thin wind slabs on various aspects. Surface hoar has been reported forming in sheltered locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Conditions are quite variable throughout the region. In the southern Purcells, (west of Kimberley), a prominent layer of large buried surface hoar has shown to be reactive to human triggers. In this part of the region, it's buried down 40 cm with a cohesive slab above it. Further north, this surface hoar layer is 60-120 cm down and has been sporadically reactive to skiers, most recently on North West facing alpine slopes near Golden. At alpine elevations, this interface exists as a surface hoar/facet layer sitting on a crust. The lower snowpack is generally considered to be well settled.&nbsp; Solar aspects may now have sun crust from the recent warm temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">New and old wind slabs may be found in the lee of ridges and ribs on a variety of slopes, and surface hoar will be forming in protected cool areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Although recently formed wind slabs have likely gained strength, I'd remain cautious on steep, unsupported slopes in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Solar radiation has also come into play, and depending on the time of day, steep solar aspects may be moist or refrozen. We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Shedin creek snow pillow is at historical minimum snow depth, and Tsai creek snow pillow is setting a new historical minimum snow depth. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above freezing temperatures Thursday, Friday and Saturday should be settling the old storm snow and allowing it to bond to the existing snowpack. During the storm, shears in the upper snowpack were reported but nothing stepped down to the deeper layers that are now expected to be inactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mild alpine temperatures should help the recent storm snow to settle and bond to the existing snowpack. The upper snowpack consists of around 40 cm of old settled storm snow that rests on 10 cm of cold facets. This interface has been producing moderate to hard shears in recent snowpack tests. In wind exposed terrain you're likely to find pencil hard wind slabs sitting on the facets, but out of the wind the old storm snow remains largely unconsolidated. Our field team was out traveling around the region last week and they found surprisingly little wind effected snow. It sounds like the story is a little different around Castle Mountain where upper elevation terrain has seen quite a bit of recent wind out of the west and now north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mild temperatures are starting to allow the surface snow to settle a bit, at least at upper elevations. In the last seven days the Lizard Range has received 20 to 30 cm of new snow. It's been cold right up to New Years day, but on the first day of the year the alpine temperature made it to 0 C. Previously cold temperatures promoted faceting of the surface snow. In wind exposed terrain you may find thin wind slabs that should be confined to features immediately lee of ridge crest. It is important to note that fresh fragile cornices loom over many features. Previously active weak layers in the upper snowpack seem to have gone dormant for the time being, but the mid-December surface hoar should still be on your radar. This interface is down 45 to 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain below treeline. Just below this a strong and thick rain crust is down around 85 to 130 cm which seems to be capping any deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures are helping all the recent storm snow to settle and bond to the existing snowpack. Previous to the warming, storm slabs up to 40cm in depth were touchy in the southern Monashees around Big White. Across the region, 5 to 25 cm of rapidly settling snow rests on a variety of weak layers including small grain facets, surface hoar up to 14 mm in size and a sun crust on steep south and southwest facing features. Underneath this you'll find 40 to 60 cm of old storm snow that should be settling too. Under this old storm snow the mid-December crust can be found. This interface was never problematic, but in Kootenay Pass there is a spotty surface hoar layer on or just above this crust that is most prevalent on north facing features between 1800 and 2000 m. At treeline the early December crust is down around 70 to 130 cm. This thick and supportive crust is likely capping any deeper weaknesses in most places. There have been reports of facets on this crust in the Nelson area, so we'll want to keep our eye on it as we move into early 2016. The lower snowpack is thought to be well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> MInor wind drifts, areas of surface hoar, and loose granular decomposing snow can be found in most sheltered areas. There are also pockets of stiff wind affected slab in some exposed areas. A melt freeze crust has formed in steep solar exposed terrain, especially rocky SE facing areas. There is an old rain crust buried about one meter below the surface, and although it has not been observed to be active for a while now we are not ready to ignore it yet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below 2000 meters the snowpack continues to facet out noticeably and surface hoar exists on top of the facets.  The snowpack continues to lose strength especially in shallow areas.  Above 2400 meters there is more extensive wind effect which has deteriorated the ski quality in the alpine with thin hard slab. The warm air layer over the weekend combined with the direct solar impact has yielded a sun crust on solar aspects reportedly between 2700 meters down to lower treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above freezing temperatures Thursday through Saturday has likely causing the melting of the snow surface and should have settled out any old weaknesses in the upper snowpack. The upcoming snowfall will likely be sitting on top of a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. Old wind slabs may still be lingering on northerly aspects around ridge crests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations have promoted settlement in the snowpack, and have helped to strengthen many near-surface instabilities. More recent cooling has formed a melt-freeze crust on steep solar aspects. Continued strong and variable winds have created a fairly widespread wind effect in exposed alpine terrain, and lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to the weight of a rider on isolated slopes. In more sheltered terrain a new layer of well-developed surface hoar has also developed. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758"> </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 last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose dry and moist avalanches in steep terrain. Melt-freeze crusts may be encountered on solar aspects. Wind transported snow continues to form thin slabs on variety of aspects. Surface hoar has been reported forming in sheltered locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the most recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose moist or wet avalanches in steep terrain. Melt-freeze crusts may be encountered on many intermediate elevations, especially those exposed to warm air and strong solar radiation. Winds continue to form slabs on a variety of alpine and tree line aspects. Surface hoar and surface facetting has been reported in sheltered locations. The snowpack is generally considered stable, but pockets of steep terrain have been sluffing up to size 2 on solar aspects, and in some steep northern exposures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the most recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose moist or wet avalanches in steep terrain. Melt-freeze crusts may be encountered on many intermediate aspects, especially those exposed to warm air and strong solar radiation. Winds continue to form slabs on a variety of alpine and tree line aspects. Surface hoar and surface facetting has been reported in sheltered locations. The snowpack is generally considered stable, but pockets of steep terrain have been sluffing up to size 2 on solar aspects, and also in some steep northern exposures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last few days of clear skies, sun, and warm air at higher elevations have promoted settlement in the snowpack and have helped to strengthen many near-surface instabilities. More recent cooling has formed a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects. Recent moderate southeast winds have created wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine while faceted snow and very large surface hoar are being reported on the snow surface in sheltered areas. About 50 cm below the surface, the mid-December interface can be found which consists of surface hoar and/or a sun crust. About 20 cm below that, the early December rain crust can also be found. Both these layers are thought to be bonding well and are no longer reacting to snowpack tests except in isolated locations. The snowpack below these layers is generally strong and well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Conditions are quite variable throughout the region. In the southern Purcells, (west of Kimberley), a prominent layer of buried surface hoar has shown to be reactive to human triggers. In this part of the region, it's buried down 40 cm with a cohesive slab above it. Further north, this surface hoar layer is 60-120 cm down and has been sporadically reactive to skiers, most recently on north-west facing alpine slopes near Golden. At alpine elevations, this interface exists as a surface hoar/facet layer sitting on a crust. The lower snowpack is generally considered to be well settled. Solar aspects may now have sun crust from the recent warm temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">New and old wind slabs may be found in the lee of ridges and ribs on a variety of slopes, and surface hoar is forming in protected cool areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack surfaces are highly variable. Temperature inversions and solar radiation have recently come into play and a melt-freeze crust can be found on steep, solar aspects at treeline and above. On shaded slopes, 25-40 cm of storm snow from Boxing Day continues to facet, and new surface hoar has been reported at all elevations. In areas where recent winds have been light, shaded slopes will likely provide unconsolidated powder. In areas where winds have been stronger, reactive wind slabs may exist, especially in areas where the the slab overlies surface hoar buried by the boxing day storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Professionals in the region are still keeping an eye on a few other surface hoar layers that developed throughout December which are now buried in the top 100cm. Although these layers may be gaining strength, they are worth keeping an eye on, especially on steep unsupported slopes at treeline and below. In colder and shallower snowpack areas watch for weak basal facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Although recently formed wind slabs have likely gained strength, I'd remain cautious on steep, unsupported slopes in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Thanks to recent solar radiation and warmer alpine temperatures, you'll likely find a melt-freeze crust on steep, sun-exposed slopes at higher elevations.  We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Shedin creek snow pillow is at historical minimum snow depth, and Tsai creek snow pillow is setting a new historical minimum snow depth. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent mild temperatures have helped the surface snow to settle a bit, at least at upper elevations. In the last seven days the Lizard Range has received 20 to 30 cm of new snow. It's been cold right up to New Years day, but on the first day of the year the alpine temperature made it to 0 C. Previously cold temperatures promoted faceting of the surface snow. In wind exposed terrain you may find thin wind slabs that should be confined to features immediately lee of ridge crest. It is important to note that fresh fragile cornices loom over many features. Previously active weak layers in the upper snowpack seem to have gone dormant for the time being, but the mid-December surface hoar should still be on your radar. This interface is down 45 to 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain below treeline. Just below this a strong and thick rain crust is down around 85 to 130 cm which seems to be capping any deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations have promoted settlement in the snowpack, and have helped to strengthen many near-surface instabilities. More recent cooling has formed a melt-freeze crust on steep solar aspects. Continued strong and variable winds have created a fairly widespread wind effect in exposed alpine terrain, and lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to the weight of a rider on isolated slopes. In more sheltered terrain a new layer of well-developed surface hoar has also formed. 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">Recent mild temperatures have helped the surface snow to settle a bit, at least at upper elevations. The upper snowpack consists of around 40 cm of old settled storm snow that rests on 10 cm of cold facets. This interface has been producing moderate to hard shears in recent snowpack tests. In wind exposed terrain you're likely to find pencil hard wind slabs sitting on the facets, but out of the wind the old storm snow remains largely unconsolidated. Our field team was out traveling around the region last week and they found surprisingly little wind effected snow. It sounds like the story is a little different around Castle Mountain where upper elevation terrain has seen quite a bit of recent wind out of the west and now north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is well settled. You may find pockets of windslab in exposed alpine areas, and surface hoar blankets the terrain at treeline and below treeline elevations. Some steep south aspects in the alpine have a melt freeze crust that could become a sliding layer in the future. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Very little change in the snowpack for apart from cooler overnight temperatures causing continued re-faceting at the surface which may assist in breaking down some the wind slabs up in the alpine.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Conditions are quite variable throughout the region. In the southern Purcells, (west of Kimberley), a prominent layer of buried surface hoar has shown to be reactive to human triggers. In this part of the region, it's buried down 40 cm with a cohesive slab above it. Further north, this surface hoar layer is 60-120 cm down and has been sporadically reactive to skiers, most recently on north-west facing alpine slopes near Golden. At alpine elevations, this interface exists as a surface hoar/facet layer sitting on a crust. The lower snowpack is generally considered to be well settled. Solar aspects may now have sun crust from the recent warm temperatures. New and old wind slabs may be found in the lee of ridges and ribs on a variety of slopes, and surface hoar is forming in protected cool areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">By Tuesday, up to 5cm of new snow will overlie a medley of old surfaces which include a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, stubborn wind slabs in exposed higher elevation terrain, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas. Winds are expected to redistribute these new accumulations into soft wind slabs in high-elevation lee terrain. 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">The clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the most recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose moist or wet avalanches in steep terrain. Melt-freeze crusts may be encountered on many intermediate aspects, especially those exposed to warm air and strong solar radiation. Winds continue to form slabs on a variety of alpine and tree line aspects. Surface hoar and surface facetting has been reported in sheltered locations. The snowpack is generally considered stable, but pockets of steep terrain have been sluffing up to size 2 on solar aspects, and also in some steep northern exposures.</span><span class="s_1681A555" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">On Tuesday, light amounts of new snow will overlie a medley of old surfaces which include a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, stubborn wind slabs in exposed higher elevation terrain, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas. Winds are expected to redistribute these new accumulations into soft wind slabs in high-elevation lee terrain. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">Warm alpine temperatures and clear skies have left behind a mix of surfaces. Strong solar radiation combined with warm air in the alpine created melt-freeze crusts. Surface hoar developed on shaded aspects and at lower elevations where cold air was trapped by the inversion. Shifting winds and loose facetted snow available for transport developed new wind slabs on several aspects. Loose snow and thin wind slabs have been the greatest concern, with a well settled mid pack. Forecast light new snow may bury surface hoar and develop a new weak layer near the surface that we will need to track.</span><span class="s_1681A555" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Although recently formed wind slabs have likely gained strength, I'd remain cautious on steep, unsupported slopes in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Thanks to recent solar radiation and warmer alpine temperatures, you'll likely find a melt-freeze crust on steep, sun-exposed slopes at higher elevations. We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Shedin creek snow pillow is at historical minimum snow depth, and Tsai creek snow pillow is setting a new historical minimum snow depth. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose dry and moist avalanches in steep terrain. Melt-freeze crusts may be encountered on solar aspects. Wind transported snow continues to form thin slabs on variety of aspects. Surface hoar has been reported forming in sheltered locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Above freezing temperatures over the weekend have likely causing the melting of the snow surface and should have settled out any old weaknesses in the upper snowpack. The upcoming snowfall will likely be sitting on top of a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. Old wind slabs may still be lingering on northerly aspects around ridge crests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The recent temperature inversion has helped the upper snow pack to settle a bit, at least at upper elevations. In sheltered areas around 40 cm of decomposing storm snow rests on 10 cm of facets. This interface has been producing moderate to hard shears in recent snowpack tests. In wind exposed terrain you're likely to find pencil hard wind slabs sitting on the facets. Our field team was out traveling around the region last week and they found surprisingly little wind effected snow. It sounds like the story is a little different around Castle Mountain where upper elevation terrain has seen quite a bit of recent wind out of the west and now north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">A skiff of snow now covers a layer of surface hoar in sheltered and shaded features. Over the weekend the alpine temperature was as warm as 0 C. These mild temperatures have helped the upper snowpack to settle a bit, at least at higher elevations. In wind exposed terrain you may find thin wind slabs that should be confined to features immediately lee of ridge crest. It is important to note that fresh, fragile cornices are looming over these slopes. Previously active weak layers in the upper snowpack seem to have gone dormant for the time being, but the mid-December surface hoar should still be on your radar. This interface is down 45 to 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain below treeline. Just below this a strong and thick rain crust can be found down around 85 to 130 cm and seems to be capping any deeper snowpack weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack surfaces are highly variable. Temperature inversions and solar radiation have recently come into play and a melt-freeze crust can be found on steep, solar aspects in the alpine. On most other slopes, 25-40 cm of snow from the Boxing Day storm continues to settle and facet, and new surface hoar has been reported although its distribution is likely variable due to strong outflow winds. In areas where recent winds have been light, shaded slopes will likely provide settled powder. In areas where winds have been stronger, reactive wind slabs may exist, especially in areas where the the slab overlies surface hoar buried by the Boxing Day storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Professionals in the region are still keeping an eye on a few other surface hoar layers that developed throughout December which are now buried in the top 100cm. Although these layers may be gaining strength, they are worth keeping an eye on, especially on steep unsupported slopes at treeline and below. In colder and shallower snowpack areas watch for weak basal facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to 15cm of new snow fell through the day on Monday covering a widespread layer of surface hoar.  This weak layer overlies a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects, old wind slabs in exposed higher elevation terrain and loose facets in sheltered areas .  About 50 cm below the surface, the mid-December interface can be found which consists of surface hoar and/or a sun crust.  The early December rain crust can be found about 20 cm below that, up to an elevation of 1400m. Both of these layers are thought to be gaining strength and are no longer reacting to snowpack tests except in isolated locations. The snowpack below these layers is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The 4cm of snow that has fallen during the past 24hrs has covered a variety of old surface features ranging from a blanket of surface at and below the tree line, to sun crust on southerly aspects, to old settled storm snow layers. The underlying snowpack is generally well settled. The buried sun crust and surface hoar may become a future failure plane. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Very little change in the snowpack over the last few days. Cool temperatures at lower elevations have led to a fair amount of facetting. Some surface hoar growth has occurred in sheltered areas below 2000m. Sun crusts of various thicknesses are found on steep solar aspects. Alpine areas continue to exhibit widespread wind slab conditions. These wind slabs did produce a few very small slab avalanches over the weekend that were triggered by skiers/riders in steep, unsupported and or shallow snowpack terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thin new windslabs have developed over a mix of old surfaces left behind after the recent inversion and clear alpine skies. These old surfaces include surface hoar, near surface facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Some areas of the western Cariboos around Wells Grey are reporting variable snow depths with treeline height of snow around 150 cm. Shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-25 cm of new snow is now sitting on the mix of surface hoar, near surface facets, and sun crust that was left behind after the recent clear and warm weather. Easterly winds have transported the new snow and some of the loose snow available into wind slabs at higher elevations. The new snow is reported to be loose and unconsolidated except where the wind slabs exist. Forecast warming with continued light snow may settle the storm snow into a cohesive slab. 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">Snowpack surfaces are highly variable. Temperature inversions and solar radiation have recently come into play and a melt-freeze crust can be found on steep, solar aspects in the alpine. On most other slopes, 25-40 cm of snow from the Boxing Day storm continues to settle and facet, and new surface hoar has been reported although its distribution is likely variable due to strong outflow winds. In areas where recent winds have been light, shaded slopes will likely provide settled powder. In areas where winds have been stronger, reactive wind slabs may exist, especially in areas where the the slab overlies surface hoar buried by the Boxing Day storm. Professionals in the region are still keeping an eye on a few other surface hoar layers that developed throughout December which are now buried in the top 100cm. Although these layers may be gaining strength, they are worth keeping an eye on, especially on steep unsupported slopes at treeline and below. In colder and shallower snowpack areas watch for weak basal facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">Light new snow combined with easterly winds have buried the mix of surfaces left behind after the recent warm alpine temperatures and clear skies. Strong solar radiation combined with warm air in the alpine created melt-freeze crusts. Surface hoar developed on shaded aspects and at lower elevations where cold air was trapped by the inversion. Shifting winds and loose facetted snow available for transport developed new wind slabs on several aspects. Loose snow and thin wind slabs have been the greatest concern, with a well settled mid pack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow falls have buried large surface hoar on all aspects at and below treeline and on shaded aspects in the alpine. Easterly winds associated with the new snow may have disturbed surface hoar in the alpine. New snow on southerly aspects may be sitting on a sun crust and/or surface hoar, providing an easy sliding layer. The new snow should be mostly unconsolidated except where it has been re-distributed by the wind. Fresh wind slabs may be sitting on 10-20 cm of facetted snow on all but steep solar exposed aspects. In the southern Purcells, (west of Kimberley), a prominent layer of buried surface hoar has shown to be reactive to human triggers. In this part of the region, it's buried down 40 cm with a cohesive slab above it. Shallow snowpack areas and moraine features may have weak facetted snow near the ground that will require time and some warming to strengthen.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Although recently formed wind slabs have likely gained strength, I'd remain cautious on steep, unsupported slopes in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Thanks to recent solar radiation and warmer alpine temperatures, you'll likely find a melt-freeze crust on steep, sun-exposed slopes at higher elevations. We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Shedin creek snow pillow is at historical minimum snow depth, and Tsai creek snow pillow is setting a new historical minimum snow depth. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span><span class="s_A8FEC758" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15cm of new snow overlies a medley of old surfaces which includes a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, stubborn wind slabs in exposed higher elevation terrain, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas. Moderate southerly winds are redistributing these new accumulations into soft wind slabs in high-elevation lee terrain. 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_3FE45715">5-10 cm of new snow overlies a medley of old surfaces which includes a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, stubborn wind slabs in exposed higher elevation terrain, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas. Moderate southerly winds hare redistributed these new accumulations into soft wind slabs in high-elevation lee terrain. 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_A8FEC758">A skiff of new snow now covers a widespread layer of surface hoar. This surface hoar sits on a sun crust on aspects exposed to the sun and facets in sheltered and shaded features. Recent mild temperatures have caused the upper snowpack to settle. In wind exposed terrain you may find thin wind slabs that should be confined to features immediately lee of ridge crest. It is important to note that fresh, fragile cornices are looming over these slopes. Previously active weak layers in the upper snowpack seem to be dormant for the time being, but the mid-December surface hoar should still be on your radar. This interface is down between 45 and 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain below treeline. Just below this a strong and thick rain crust can be found down around 85 to 130 cm that seems to be capping any deeper snowpack weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">A skiff of new snow now covers a widespread layer of surface hoar. This surface hoar sits on a crust on aspects exposed to the sun and facets in sheltered and shaded features. Recent mild temperatures have caused the upper snowpack to settle. In sheltered areas around 40 cm of snow now rests on 10 cm of facets. This interface has been producing moderate to hard shears in recent snowpack tests. The field team was out traveling around the region last week and they found surprisingly little wind effected snow with the exception of thin stiff wind slabs sitting above facets in the immediate lee of features in the Alpine. It sounds like the story is a little different around Castle Mountain where upper elevation terrain has seen quite a bit of recent wind out of the west and now north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to 15cm of new snow fell above 800m on Tuesday with moderate south easterly winds loading lee features at treeline.  Above freezing temperatures over the weekend should have settled out any older weaknesses in the upper snowpack.  A new melt freeze crust can be found on South facing slopes buried just below the surface. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Recent snowfall amounts have been highly variable across the region. Up to 15cm of new snow fell around Rossland while Nelson and Kootenay Pass received less than 5cm. Warm temperatures and moderate southerly winds on Tuesday encouraged the formation of soft slabs in wind loaded features especially in the Southwest of the region. The new snow is covering a widespread layer of surface hoar. This weak layer overlies a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects, old wind slabs in exposed higher elevation terrain and loose facets in sheltered areas. About 50 cm below the surface, the mid-December interface can be found which consists of surface hoar and/or a sun crust. The early December rain crust can be found about 20 cm below that, up to an elevation of 1400m. Both of these layers are thought to be gaining strength and are no longer reacting to snowpack tests except in isolated locations. The snowpack below these layers is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The 12cm of new snow that fell during the past 36hrs is covering a variety of old surface features ranging from surface hoar at and below the tree line, to sun crust on south facing alpine terrain, to a layer of faceted crystals over settled old storm snow. The storm slab was observed to be quite touchy by yesterday afternoon in some locations . The underlying snowpack is generally well settled except for in shallow rocky terrain where it remains weak and faceted. Moderate south-easterly winds accompanying the snowfall combined with the effects of some warm air aloft yesterday to stiffen up the storm snow layers. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind affect in alpine areas is becomming more widespread by the day.  Expect to encounter a temperature crust on steep solar aspects above 2000m up to 2600m.  Below 2000m there is a widespread layer of surface hoar that may be of concern when the next snowfalls arrive.  This snowpack areas are weak and facetted with ski penetrations to ground.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow falls have buried large surface hoar on all aspects at and below treeline and on shaded aspects in the alpine. Easterly winds associated with the new snow may have disturbed surface hoar in the alpine. New snow on southerly aspects may be sitting on a sun crust and/or surface hoar, providing an easy sliding layer. The new snow should be mostly unconsolidated except where it has been re-distributed by the wind. Fresh wind slabs may be sitting on 10-20 cm of facetted snow on all but steep solar exposed aspects. In the southern Purcells, (west of Kimberley), a prominent layer of buried surface hoar has shown to be reactive to human triggers. In this part of the region, it's buried down 40 cm with a cohesive slab above it. Shallow snowpack areas and moraine features may have weak facetted snow near the ground that will require time and some warming to strengthen.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-25 cm of new snow is now sitting on the mix of surface hoar, near surface facets, and sun crust that was left behind after the recent clear and warm weather. Easterly winds have transported the new snow and some of the loose snow available into wind slabs at higher elevations. The new snow is reported to be loose and unconsolidated except where the wind slabs exist. Forecast warming with continued light snow may settle the storm snow into a cohesive slab. 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">5-10 cm of storm snow in the past few days has been transported into thin windslabs. These thin new windslabs have developed over a mix of old surfaces left behind after the recent inversion and clear alpine skies. These old surfaces include surface hoar, near surface facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Some areas of the western Cariboos around Wells Grey are reporting variable snow depths with treeline height of snow around 150 cm. Shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">Light new snow combined with easterly winds have buried the mix of surfaces left behind after the recent warm alpine temperatures and clear skies. Strong solar radiation combined with warm air in the alpine created melt-freeze crusts. Surface hoar developed on shaded aspects and at lower elevations where cold air was trapped by the inversion. Shifting winds and loose facetted snow available for transport developed new wind slabs on several aspects. Loose snow and thin wind slabs have been the greatest concern, with a well settled mid pack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Although recently formed wind slabs have likely gained strength, I'd remain cautious on steep, unsupported slopes in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Thanks to recent solar radiation and warmer alpine temperatures, you'll likely find a melt-freeze crust on steep, sun-exposed slopes at higher elevations. We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Shedin creek snow pillow is at historical minimum snow depth, and Tsai creek snow pillow is setting a new historical minimum snow depth. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack surfaces are highly variable. Temperature inversions and solar radiation have recently come into play and a melt-freeze crust can be found on steep, solar aspects in the alpine. On most other slopes, 25-40 cm of snow from the Boxing Day storm continues to settle and facet, and new surface hoar has been reported although its distribution is likely variable due to strong outflow winds. In areas where recent winds have been light, shaded slopes will likely provide settled powder. In areas where winds have been stronger, reactive wind slabs may exist, especially in areas where the the slab overlies surface hoar buried by the Boxing Day storm. Professionals in the region are still keeping an eye on a few other surface hoar layers that developed throughout December which are now buried in the top 100cm. Although these layers may be gaining strength, they are worth keeping an eye on, especially on steep unsupported slopes at treeline and below. In colder and shallower snowpack areas watch for weak basal facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The Avalanche Canada field team have finding widespread wind effect with thin but stiff laminated wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine.  These slabs have been failing under moderate loads in recent snow pit tests and show propagation propensity.  This suggests the potential for human triggering resulting in surprisingly large avalanches considering the thickness of the slab.   At lower elevations a skiff of snow may be covering a layer or recently buried surface hoar. The early December crust can be found down around 60cm.</span><span class="s_1681A555" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Storm snow with generally 5 to 10 cm, with maybe 15cm in the odd location in the past couple of days. The fresh snow covers old surfaces including: melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, wind drifted snow in exposed higher elevation terrain, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. Winds were strong enough on Tuesday that soft wind slabs are possible at high-elevation in terrain lee to southerly winds. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">10cm of new snow fell at upper elevations in the North Shore on Tuesday with moderate southeasterly winds forming fresh, small wind slabs in lee features at treeline. This new snow sits above a melt freeze crust on South facing slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to10cm of new snow now covers a widespread layer of surface hoar. This surface hoar sits on a sun crust on due south aspects and facets in sheltered and shaded features. In wind exposed terrain you may find thin but stiff wind slabs that should be confined to the immediate lee of ridge crest. Snow sifting off steep headwalls has also been loading the slopes below. The mid-December surface hoar layer should still be on your radar as we're still receiving reports of isolated signs of instability on this layer from around Fernie. This interface is now down between 45 and 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain at and below treeline. Below this a strong and thick rain crust seems to be capping any deeper snowpack weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Recent snowfall amounts have been highly variable across the region. Up to 30cm of new snow has fallen around Rossland while Nelson has received about 15cm with less than 10cm for Kootenay Pass. Warm temperatures and moderate southerly winds on Tuesday have encouraged the formation of soft slabs in wind loaded features especially in the Southwest of the region. The new snow is covering a widespread layer of surface hoar. These weak crystals sit above a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects, old wind slabs in exposed higher elevation terrain and loose facets in sheltered areas. Between 40 and 60 cm below the surface, the mid-December interface can be found which consists of surface hoar or a sun crust. The early December rain crust can be found about 20 cm below that, up to an elevation of 1400m. Both of these layers are thought to be gaining strength and are no longer reacting to snowpack tests except in isolated locations. The snowpack below these layers is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">As much as 20 cm of snow over the last couple of days covers a medley of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, smooth old snow on higher elevation lee slopes, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Southerly or easterly winds have created soft wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in alpine areas. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A series of weak systems brought 12cm of new snowfall to our region on Monday and Tuesday. The storm snow layers are covering a variety of old surface features ranging from surface hoar at and below the tree line, to sun crust on south facing alpine terrain, to a layer of faceted crystals over settled old storm snow. The storm slab was observed to be quite touchy yesterday morning in any wind-loaded alpine terrain, mainly to the immediate lee of ridge-lines. The underlying snowpack is generally well settled except for in shallow rocky terrain where it remains weak and faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">10cm of new snow fell at upper elevations in the North Shore earlier in the week with moderate southeasterly winds forming fresh, small wind slabs in lee features at treeline. This new snow sits above a melt freeze crust on South facing slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The Avalanche Canada field team has been finding variable conditions across the region. In the east of the region the snow surface is widely wind affected with thin but stiff wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. In areas that have seen less wind (a good indicator would snow still hanging on the trees) these wind slabs may be softer, deeper and sitting on a layer of surface hoar about 45cm down. In either case snow pit tests in wind loaded features show these slabs are failing under moderate loads and can propagate over wide distances. At lower elevations a skiff of new snow may be covering a layer of recently buried surface hoar. The early December crust can be found down around 60cm and is thought to be capping any deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to 10cm of new snow now covers a widespread layer of surface hoar. This surface hoar sits on a sun crust on due south aspects and facets in sheltered and shaded features. In wind exposed terrain you may find thin wind slabs that should be confined to the immediate lee of ridge crest. Snow sifting off steep headwalls has also been loading the slopes below. The mid-December surface hoar layer should remain on your radar for a little while longer as we are still receiving reports of isolated signs of instability on this interface from around Fernie. This layer is now down between 45 and 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain at and below treeline. Below this a strong and thick rain crust seems to be capping any deeper snowpack weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-25 cm of new snow is now sitting on the mix of surface hoar, near surface facets, and sun crust that was left behind after the recent clear and warm weather. Easterly winds have transported the new snow and some of the loose snow available into wind slabs at higher elevations. The new snow is reported to be loose and unconsolidated except where the wind slabs exist. 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">Light new snow falls have buried large surface hoar on all aspects at and below treeline and on shaded aspects in the alpine. Easterly winds associated with the new snow may have disturbed surface hoar in the alpine. New snow on southerly aspects may be sitting on a sun crust and/or surface hoar, providing an easy sliding layer. The new snow should be mostly unconsolidated except where it has been re-distributed by the wind. Fresh wind slabs may be sitting on 10-20 cm of facetted snow on all but steep solar exposed aspects. In the southern Purcells, (west of Kimberley), a prominent layer of buried surface hoar has shown to be reactive to human triggers. In this part of the region, it's buried down 40 cm with a cohesive slab above it. Shallow snowpack areas and moraine features may have weak facetted snow near the ground that will require time and some warming to strengthen.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10 cm of storm snow in the past few days has been transported into thin windslabs. These thin new windslabs have developed over a mix of old surfaces left behind after the recent inversion and clear alpine skies. These old surfaces include surface hoar, near surface facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Some areas of the western Cariboos around Wells Grey are reporting variable snow depths with treeline height of snow around 150 cm. Shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">Light new snow combined with easterly winds have buried the mix of surfaces left behind after the recent warm alpine temperatures and clear skies. Strong solar radiation combined with warm air in the alpine created melt-freeze crusts. Surface hoar developed on shaded aspects and at lower elevations where cold air was trapped by the inversion. Shifting winds and loose facetted snow available for transport developed new wind slabs on several aspects. Loose snow and thin wind slabs have been the greatest concern, with a well settled mid pack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some light snow overnight and today has left us with 7-10cm of new snow. This new snow will be resting on a variety of surfaces, including surface hoar, windslab, facets and a crust on solar aspects.. At the moment there isn't enough snow to present a serious avalanche problem, however loose dry avalanches may become a minor problem on south aspects. So far there has been very little wind to redistribute the new snow. The faceting that was prevalent last week has subsided with the snowpack actually gaining some strength back thanks to the warm temperatures. Below treeline the snowpack is still weak in some areas, but generally supportive. Snowdepths: Burstall Pass 105 &amp; Mud Lake 83.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to 30cm of new snow has fallen in the last week. Warm temperatures and southerly winds encouraged the formation of soft slabs at, and bellow treeline, and in wind loaded features. The new snow is resting on a widespread layer of surface hoar. These weak crystals sit above a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects, old wind slabs in exposed higher elevation terrain and loose facets in sheltered areas. Recent snowpack test from upper elevations south of Nelson produced only resistant failures on this layer. Other reports indicate that the interface is reactive to ski cutting at least at treeline and bellow. Between 40 and 60 cm below the surface, the mid-December interface can be found which consists of surface hoar or a sun crust. The early December rain crust can be found about 20 cm below that, up to an elevation of 1400m. Both of these layers are thought to be gaining strength. The snowpack below these layers is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack surfaces are highly variable. A melt-freeze crust can be found at or near the surface on steep, solar aspects in the alpine. On most other slopes, 25-40 cm of snow from the Boxing Day storm continues to settle and facet, and new surface hoar has been reported although its distribution is likely variable due to strong outflow winds. In areas where recent winds have been light, shaded slopes will likely provide settled powder. In areas where winds have been stronger, reactive wind slabs may exist, especially in areas where the the slab overlies surface hoar buried by the Boxing Day storm. Professionals in the region are still tracking a few other surface hoar layers that developed throughout December which are now buried in the top 100cm. These layers have likely gained significant strength, and represent a low probability / higher consequence scenario at treeline and below treeline elevations. In colder and shallower snowpack areas watch for weak basal facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs are likely to exist at higher elevations, although due to limited observations not much is known about their reactivity. I'd remain cautious on steep, unsupported slopes in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Thanks to recent solar radiation and warmer alpine temperatures, you'll likely find a melt-freeze crust at or near the surface on steep, sun-exposed slopes at higher elevations. We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Shedin creek snow pillow is at historical minimum snow depth, and Tsai creek snow pillow is setting a new historical minimum snow depth. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">As much as 20 cm of snow from the last couple of days covers a medley of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, smooth old snow on higher elevation lee slopes, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Southerly or easterly winds have created soft wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in alpine areas. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">In the past couple of days there was generally 5-10cm of new snow with maybe 15cm in the odd location. The fresh snow covers old surfaces including: melt-freeze crusts on solar aspects in the alpine, wind drifted snow in exposed higher elevation terrain, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. Winds were strong enough on Tuesday that soft wind slabs are possible at high-elevation in terrain lee to southerly winds. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A series of weak systems brought 12cm of new snowfall to our region on Monday and Tuesday. The storm snow layers are covering a variety of old surface features that include surface hoar at and below the tree line, sun crust east and south facing slopes in the alpine and tree line, and a layer of faceted crystals over settled old storm snow. The storm slab was observed to be quite touchy in any wind loaded areas on Wednesday morning but it is becoming more stubborn as the storm snow layers continue to settle and gain strength. The underlying snowpack is generally well settled except for in shallow rocky terrain where it remains weak and faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">10cm of new snow fell at upper elevations in the North Shore earlier in the week. Freezing levels rose to 1600m on Thursday which likely formed a new crust on all but the highest of North Shore peaks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">After settlement, we were left with 8cm of new snow at most of our weather stations this morning. Some areas saw as little as 3cm. This snow has not seen any significant wind at any elevation. The only exception is near high alpine ridges where the local winds are amplified due to the terrain. Because of this, there may be localized storm slabs in immediate lee areas in the alpine. E &amp; SE aspects are the aspects susceptible to this problem. Other than that, the storm snow has gained enough strength to keep the loose dry avalanches off the radar, atleast as long as the winds remain calm. Little change at treeline and below treeline. Windslabs are still in crossloaded terrain in the alpine. They are just barely buried under the new snow. Below treeline travel is still reasonable despite the cold temps last night. There is some surface faceting going on and we can expect that to become more pronounced as the cold nights persist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near surface facetting continues, and has resulted in loose dry snow mixed with new snow that is available for transport into wind slabs. These thin windslabs have developed over a mix of old surfaces left behind after the recent inversion and clear alpine skies. These old surfaces include surface hoar, near surface facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Some areas of the western Cariboos around Wells Grey are reporting variable snow depths with treeline height of snow around 150 cm. Shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">Light new snow combined with easterly winds have buried the mix of surfaces left behind after the recent warm alpine temperatures and clear skies. Strong solar radiation combined with warm air in the alpine created melt-freeze crusts. Surface hoar developed on shaded aspects and at lower elevations where cold air was trapped by the inversion. Shifting winds and loose facetted snow available for transport developed new wind slabs on several aspects. Loose snow and thin wind slabs have been the greatest concern, with a well settled mid pack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Between 20 and 40 cm of new snow has fallen in the last week. Warm temperatures and southerly winds have encouraged the formation of isolated pockets of soft slab at and bellow treeline as well as in wind loaded alpine features. The new snow is resting on a widespread layer of surface hoar. These weak crystals sit above a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects or facets in shaded areas. Between 40 and 60 cm below the surface, the mid-December interface can be found. This also consists of surface hoar, facets, and/or a crust. Recent snowpack tests from around Kootenay Pass suggest that it could still be capable of producing human triggered avalanches. The early December rain crust can be found about 20 cm below that, up to an elevation of 1400m. This layer is thought to be gaining strength. The snowpack below is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thin new wind slabs have developed at higher elevations over the past few days. Some areas reported fragile new cornice growth that was not well bonded to the old surface. There is now 10-25 cm of new snow sitting on the mix of surface hoar, near surface facets, and sun crust that was left behind after the recent clear and warm weather. The new snow is reported to be loose and unconsolidated except where the wind slabs exist. 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_A8FEC758">The Avalanche Canada field team has been finding variable conditions across the region this week.  Up to 10cm of new snow has fallen burying a layer of surface hoar in sheltered features.  In the east of the region the snow surface is now widely wind affected with thin but stiff wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. In areas that have seen less wind (a good indicator would snow still hanging on the trees) these wind slabs may be softer and deeper and the surface hoar may be buried as deep as 45cm down. In either case snow pit tests in wind loaded features show these slabs are failing under moderate loads and can propagate over wide distances.  The early December crust can be found down around 60cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow falls have buried large surface hoar on all aspects at and below treeline and on shaded aspects in the alpine. Easterly winds associated with the new snow may have disturbed surface hoar in the alpine. New snow on southerly aspects may be sitting on a sun crust and/or surface hoar, providing an easy sliding layer. The new snow should be mostly unconsolidated except where it has been re-distributed by the wind. Fresh wind slabs may be sitting on 10-20 cm of facetted snow on all but steep solar exposed aspects. In the southern Purcells, (west of Kimberley), a prominent layer of buried surface hoar has shown to be reactive to human triggers. In this part of the region, it's buried down 40 cm with a cohesive slab above it. Shallow snowpack areas and moraine features may have weak facetted snow near the ground that will require time and some warming to strengthen.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Between 10 and 25cm of new storm snow now covers a variety of weak old surface structures. A sun crust can be found on on due south aspects with facets in shaded features. Surface hoar may be sitting above either of these interfaces in sheltered locations. In wind loaded features thick wind slabs are developing. Snow sifting off steep headwalls has also been loading the slopes below. The mid-December surface hoar layer should remain on your radar for a little while longer. We are still receiving reports of signs of instability on this interface from around Fernie. This layer is now down between 45 and 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain at and below treeline. Below this layer a strong and thick rain crust seems to be capping any deeper snowpack weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is highly variable. 25-40 cm of dry faceted snow can be found on most sheltered slopes, with a layer of new surface hoar above on slopes not affected by wind and sun. A melt-freeze crust can be found at or near the surface on steep, solar aspects in the alpine. Expect a variety of wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain. Wind slabs may be reactive to the weight of a rider, especially in areas where a slab overlies surface hoar buried by the Boxing Day storm. Professionals in the region are still tracking a few other surface hoar layers that developed throughout December which are now buried in the top 100cm. These layers have likely gained significant strength, and represent a low probability / higher consequence scenario at treeline and below treeline elevations. In colder and shallower snowpack areas watch for weak basal facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of dry snow sits on a variety of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, smooth old snow on higher elevation lee slopes, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. This dry surface snow could be capped by a sun crust on steep solar aspects or a fresh layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes. Variable winds have created soft wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in alpine areas. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15 cm of dry snow sits on a variety of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, smooth old snow on higher elevation lee slopes, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. This dry surface snow could be capped by a sun crust on some steep solar aspects, or a fresh layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes. Variable winds have created soft wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in alpine areas. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs are likely at higher elevations, although due to limited observations not much is known about their reactivity. I'd remain cautious on steep, unsupported slopes in the immediate lee of ridge crests. A melt-freeze crust may be found at or near the surface on steep, sun-exposed slopes at higher elevations. Much of the Northwest Inland region is dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack. Some weather stations are showing historical minimum snow depths for this time of year. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A series of weak systems brought 12cm of new snowfall to our region on Monday and Tuesday. The storm snow layers are covering a variety of old surfaces that include surface hoar at and below the tree line, sun crust east and south facing slopes in the alpine and tree line, and a layer of faceted crystals over settled old storm snow. The storm slab was observed to be quite touchy in any wind loaded areas on Wednesday morning but it is becoming more stubborn as the storm snow layers continue to settle and gain strength. The underlying snowpack is generally well settled except for in shallow rocky terrain where it remains weak and faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temperatures persist and continue to facet out the snowpack at all elevations and aspects. The new snow (10-12cm) from the 7th and 8th of January is sluffing easily over the January 7th facets/crust/surface layer on most aspects. Some down flow or catabatic wind effect was observed by a forecaster which produced some thin 6-10cm 1F windslab in the alpine. The midpack and base of the snowpack has rotted out completely in the lower elevations and areas where the snowpack is thin and/or wind affected terrain features such as rocks and moraines in the higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10cm of new snow fell at upper elevations in the North Shore earlier in the week. More recently, sun crusts have formed on solar aspects and surface hoar is being reported in sheltered areas.&nbsp; The snowpack is generally well settled and there are currently no weak layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of recent storm snow now covers the early January interface which consists of a sun crust on south aspects, faceted surfaces in shady areas, and/or surface hoar in sheltered areas. In wind exposed terrain, stiffer wind slabs are developing in leeward features around ridge crests. Snow sifting off steep headwalls have also been loading the slopes below. The mid-December surface hoar layer should remain on your radar for a little while longer. We are still receiving reports of signs of instability on this interface from around Fernie. This layer is now down between 45 and 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain at and below treeline. Below this layer a thick, well-bonded rain crust seems to be capping any deeper snowpack weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15 cm of dry snow sits on a variety of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, smooth old snow on higher elevation lee slopes, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. This dry surface snow could be capped by a sun crust on some steep solar aspects, or a fresh layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes. Variable winds have created soft wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in alpine areas. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 5-10 cm of new snow now covers the previous variable surface of facetted powder, wind affected snow, sun crust, and/or surface hoar. New soft wind slabs may develop in immediate lee features, and the new snow may hide older stiff or hard slabs formed by recent outflow winds. Wind slabs may be reactive to the weight of a rider, especially in areas where a slab overlies surface hoar buried by the Boxing Day storm. Professionals in the region are still tracking a few other surface hoar layers that developed throughout December which are now buried in the top 100cm. These layers have likely gained significant strength, and represent a low probability / higher consequence scenario at and below treeline elevations. In colder and shallower snowpack areas watch for weak basal facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15 cm of dry snow sits on a variety of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, smooth old snow on higher elevation lee slopes, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. This dry surface snow could be capped by a sun crust on some steep solar aspects, or a fresh layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes. Variable winds have created soft wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in alpine areas. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thin new wind slabs have developed at higher elevations over the past few days. There is now 15-30 cm of snow sitting on the mix of surface hoar, near surface facets, and sun crust that was left behind after the recent clear and warm weather. The new snow is reported to be generally loose and unconsolidated except where wind slabs or storm slabs exist. 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_71516F31">5-40 cm recent snow has buried large surface hoar on all aspects at and below treeline and on shaded aspects in the alpine. On south aspects, new snow may be sitting on a sun crust and/or surface hoar, providing an easy sliding layer. The recent snow is mostly unconsolidated and sluffs easily, except where it has been re-distributed by the wind. Fresh wind slabs may be sitting on 10-20 cm of facetted snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_71516F31">In the mid and southern Purcells, two prominent layers of surface hoar are reactive in snowpack tests. These are buried down 25-50 cm and may have a cohesive slab above. Shallow snowpack areas and moraine features may have weak facetted snow near the ground that will require time and some warming to strengthen.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of dry snow sits on a variety of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, smooth old snow on higher elevation lee slopes, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. This dry surface snow is capped by a sun crust on steep solar aspects or a fresh layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes. Variable winds have created soft wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in alpine areas. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Isolated wind slabs may be lurking behind ridges and ribs. These overlie old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Cold and dry weather is drying out the upper snowpack (through faceting). In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong, with weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable. Shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thin new wind slabs have developed at high elevations over the past few days. There is 10-20 cm of snow sitting on the mix of surface hoar, near surface facets, and sun crust that was left behind after the recent clear and warm weather. The new snow is reported to be generally loose and unconsolidated except where wind slabs or storm slabs exist. 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">20-40 cm of new snow has fallen in the last week. Warm temperatures and southerly winds have encouraged the formation of isolated pockets of soft slab at and below treeline. Thicker wind slabs are expected to be lingering in leeward features in the alpine. The new snow is resting on a widespread layer of surface hoar. These weak crystals sit above a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects or facets in shaded areas. Between 40 and 60 cm below the surface, the mid-December interface can be found. This layer consists of surface hoar, facets, and/or a melt-freeze crust. Recent snowpack tests from around Kootenay Pass area suggest that it could still be capable of producing human triggered avalanches. The early December rain crust can be found about 20 cm below that, up to an elevation of 1400m. This layer is thought to be gaining strength. The snowpack below this layer is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Avalanche Canada field team has been finding variable conditions across the region this week. Up to 10cm of new snow has fallen burying a layer of surface hoar in sheltered features. In the east of the region the snow surface is now widely wind affected with thin but stiff wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. In areas that have seen less wind (a good indicator would be snow still hanging on the trees), these wind slabs may be softer and deeper. In either case, snow pit tests in wind loaded features show these slabs are failing under moderate loads and can propagate over wide distances. The early December crust can be found down around 60cm.  It is not currently expected to pose an avalanche problem but could wake-up in the future with substantial warming or heavy snow loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow layers are covering a variety of old surfaces that include surface hoar at and below the tree line, sun crust on east and south facing slopes in the alpine and tree line, and a layer of faceted crystals over settled old storm snow. Surface hoar has been growing during the past few overnight periods. The underlying snowpack is generally well settled, but remains weak and faceted in shallow rocky terrain. . </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs are found in Alpine areas on all aspects due to persistent winds from variable directions. These slabs range between 5 and 25cm thick and are more concerning for human-triggering in shallow snowpack areas. Wind transport continues to move small amounts of snow around, which leaves a potential for some sluffing in steep terrain. Buried sun crusts are found on steep solar aspects, but so far this has not been an avalanche concern, but it is a ski quality concern. The Dec 4th layer is still found in the snowpack down 30 to 50cm, but this layer remains dormant at the moment. Shallow snowpack regions and lower elevations have seen significant faceting over the past 2 weeks leading to a progressively weaker snowpack in these areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Isolated wind slabs may be lurking behind ridges and ribs. Wind slabs or loose dry snow overlie old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Cold and dry weather is drying out the upper snowpack (through faceting). In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong, with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable. Shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thin wind slabs may be lurking at high elevations. There is 10-20 cm of recent snow sitting on a mix of surface hoar, near surface facets, and sun crusts. The surface snow is reported to be generally loose and unconsolidated except in isolated locations where wind slabs or storm slabs exist. 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_AA239A9B">Thin wind slabs may be lurking at high elevations. There is 20-30 cm of recent snow sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts. The surface snow is reported to be generally loose and unconsolidated, except in isolated locations where wind slabs or storm slabs exist. 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_1681A555">Conditions are variable across the Purcells. Isolated wind slabs may be lurking behind ridges and ribs. Wind slabs or loose dry snow overlie old surfaces including surface hoar, near surface facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Cold and dry weather is drying out the upper snowpack (through faceting). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In parts of the Purcells, two prominent layers of surface hoar are reactive in snowpack tests. These are buried down 25-60 cm and may have a cohesive slab above. Shallow snowpack areas and moraine features may also have weak facetted snow near the ground that will require time and some warming to strengthen.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of dry snow sits on a variety of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, smooth old snow on higher elevation lee slopes, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. This dry surface snow is capped by a sun crust on steep solar aspects or a fresh layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes. Variable winds have created thin soft wind slabs in immediate lee and cross-loaded terrain in alpine areas. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of recent storm snow now covers the early January interface which consists of a sun crust on south aspects, faceted surfaces in shady areas, and/or surface hoar in sheltered areas. In wind exposed terrain, stiffer wind slabs are developing in leeward features around ridge crests. Snow sifting off steep headwalls has also been loading the slopes below. The mid-December surface hoar layer should remain on your radar for a little while longer. We are still receiving reports of signs of instability on this interface from around Fernie. This layer is now down between 45 and 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain at and below treeline. Below this layer a thick, well-bonded rain crust seems to be capping any deeper snowpack weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Avalanche Canada field team has been finding variable conditions across the region this week. Up to 10cm of recent snow has fallen burying a layer of surface hoar in sheltered features. In the east of the region the snow surface is now widely wind affected with thin but stiff wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. In areas that have seen less wind (a good indicator would be snow still hanging on the trees), these wind slabs may be softer and deeper. In either case, snow pit tests in wind loaded features show these slabs are failing under moderate loads and can propagate over wide distances. The early December crust can be found down around 60cm. It is not currently expected to pose an avalanche problem but could wake-up in the future with substantial warming or heavy snow loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of dry snow sits on a variety of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, smooth old snow on higher elevation lee slopes, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. This dry surface snow is capped by a sun crust on steep solar aspects, or a fresh layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes at all elevations. Variable winds have created soft wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in alpine areas. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10cm of settled storm snow exists at higher elevations on the North Shore Mountains. Sun crusts have also formed on solar aspects while surface hoar is being reported in sheltered areas. The snowpack is generally well settled and there are currently no weak layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack is very complex. The top 100 cm consists of at least 3 distinct buried surface hoar layers, weak faceted snow, and possibly thin sun crusts on some solar aspects. Recent winds have also wreaked havoc in wind exposed terrain producing hard or stiff slabs and fresh soft slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain, and scouring windward slopes at ridgetops. We could see decent new loading from snow and wind this week. This could tip the scales and result in widespread avalanche activity if a slab forms. If we do see more than 20 cm in the next couple days I would tread lightly until we get a good feel for how the snowpack is reacting. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A dusting of new snow now covers another fairly widespread surface hoar layer. Below this 5-15 cm of dry faceted snow sits on a variety of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, wind affected snow in exposed terrain, and surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Variable winds have created wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in alpine areas and scoured windward slopes. Overall, the snowpack is quite shallow and weak throughout the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of recent storm snow has fallen in the last week. Warm temperatures and southerly winds have encouraged the formation of isolated pockets of soft slab at and below treeline. Thicker wind slabs are expected to be lingering in leeward features in the alpine. The new snow is resting on a widespread layer of surface hoar. These weak crystals sit above a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects or facets in shaded areas. Between 40 and 60 cm below the surface, the mid-December interface can be found. This layer consists of surface hoar, facets, and/or a melt-freeze crust. Recent snowpack tests from around Kootenay Pass area suggest that it could still be capable of producing human triggered avalanches. The early December rain crust can be found about 20 cm below that, up to an elevation of 1400m. This layer is thought to be gaining strength. The snowpack below this layer is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow layers are covering a variety of old surfaces that include surface hoar at and below the tree line, sun crust on east and south facing slopes in the alpine and tree line, and a layer of faceted crystals over settled old storm snow. Surface hoar has been growing during the past few overnight periods. The underlying snowpack is generally well settled, but remains faceted in shallow rocky terrain. . </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another day of clear skies with a big variation in temperatures. The cold temperatures are weakening the snow pack more every day. The below treeline snowpack is still supportive, but we are seeing depth hoar near the ground. Shallow areas are particularly weak and bottomless. Treeline has kept a lot of its support while walking on skis, but shallow areas are weak and behave more like the traditional Rockies snowpack. The windslabs have begun to lose strength and in many places have facetted out. The alpine is generally wind affected with windslabs in immediate lee areas. The deeper layers have facetted and are getting weaker.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are generally loose and unconsolidated, except in isolated locations where wind slabs or storm slabs exist. Up to 30 cm of recent settling snow is sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. 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">On Tuesday, heavy snowfall and strong winds are expected to form deep, dense and potentially destructive storm slabs near ridgetop. Below treeline, heavy rain will saturate the upper snowpack. Below the new snow, the snowpack is generally well settled and there are no layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New surface hoar growth and continued faceting persists up to ridgetop. Isolated wind slabs may be lurking behind ridges and ribs. Wind slabs or loose dry snow overlie old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Cold and dry weather is drying out the upper snowpack (through faceting). In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong, with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable. Shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Avalanche Canada field team has been finding variable conditions across the region. East of Crownest Pass the snow surface is now widely wind affected. Extensive scouring has been reported in some areas and and stiff wind slabs exist in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. In areas that have seen less wind, recently formed wind slabs are likely softer, deeper and may overlie weak surface hoar crystals which formed at the start of January. In either case, snow pit tests in wind loaded features show recently developed slabs are failing under moderate loads and can propagate over wide distances. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early December crust can be found down around 60-90cm. It is not currently expected to pose an avalanche problem but could wake-up in the future with substantial warming or heavy snow loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of snow fell last week. In some areas this snow exists as low-density powder, while in other places warm temperatures and wind have encouraged the formation of a cohesive slab. The recent snowfall is resting on a widespread layer of surface hoar which overlies a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects or facets in shaded areas. This critical layer, which was buried at the beginning of January, is one to watch as the overlying slabs get deeper with forecast wind and snowfall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60-80 cm below the surface, you might find a rain crust from mid-December which co-exists with facets in some areas. Recent snowpack tests suggest that it could still be capable of producing human triggered avalanches. The snowpack below this layer is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are generally loose and unconsolidated except in isolated locations where wind slabs or new storm slabs exist. Surfaces above the inversion clouds (1900 m +) are riddled with new surface hoar growth up to 20 mm in size. Below this, up to 30 cm of recent settling snow is sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. 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">New surface hoar growth exists primarily on shady aspects at treeline and above. The upper snowpack is generally loose and unconsolidated with 15-30 cm of snow sitting above a variety of old surfaces including surface hoar, facets and crusts. In isolated locations wind or storm slabs may exist. In parts of the Purcells, two prominent layers of buried surface hoar continue to be reactive in snowpack tests. These are buried down 25-60 cm and may be reactive where a cohesive slab sits above. Shallow snowpack areas and moraine features may also have weak faceted snow near the ground that will require time and some warming to strengthen.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of recent storm snow now covers the early January interface which consists of a sun crust on south aspects, and surface hoar and facets in shaded areas. In wind exposed terrain, reactive wind slabs now exist and are reported to be especially reactive where they overlie weak surface hoar crystals. The mid-December surface hoar layer should remain on your radar for a little while longer. We are still receiving reports of signs of instability on this interface from around Fernie. This layer is now down between 45 and 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain at and below treeline. Below this layer a thick, well-bonded rain crust seems to be capping any deeper snowpack weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The forecast snowfall will fall on a sun crust on steep solar aspects, or a fresh layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes at all elevations or soft old wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in alpine areas. Around 20 cm below this is a second buried weak layer again consisting of a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine or well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Deeper still, the mid and lower snowpack is generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The forecast snowfall will fall on a sun crust on steep solar aspects, or a layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes at all elevations. 10 to 15 cm below this is a second buried weak layer again consisting of a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine or well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Deeper still, the mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas that may be more faceted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The forecast snow will fall on a complex upper snow pack. The top 100 cm consists of at least 3 distinct buried surface hoar layers, weak faceted snow, and possibly thin sun crusts on some solar aspects. Recent winds have also wreaked havoc in wind exposed terrain producing hard or stiff slabs and fresh soft slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain, and scouring windward slopes at ridgetop.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to 5cm new snow now covers a fairly widespread surface hoar layer. Below this 5-15 cm of dry faceted snow sits on a variety of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, and surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Overall, the snowpack is still quite shallow and weak throughout the region.</span><span class="s_1681A555" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow layers are covering a variety of old surfaces that include surface hoar down 15-20cm at and below the tree line, sun crust on east and south facing slopes in the alpine and tree line, and a layer of faceted crystals and surface hoar over settled old storm snow. The underlying snowpack is generally well settled, but remains weak and faceted in shallow rocky terrain. . </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Minor wind effect observed in the alpine. Northerly winds have stripped snow off of north aspects and re-distributed on southerly aspects. The upper 3rd of the snowpack is completely facetted out at all aspects and elevations apart from areas of wind slabs in the immediate lee of ridgetop.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Tuesday and early Wednesday, heavy snowfall and strong winds have the potential to form deep and dense storm slabs at the highest elevations if the new snowfall is dry. Below treeline and possibly higher, heavy rain will saturate the upper snowpack. Once the freezing levels drop after the storm, a widespread rain crust is expected to form on the surface. Below the new snow, the snowpack is generally well settled and there are no major layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snowfall will sit on top of 20-40 cm of snow that fell last week. In some areas this old snow exists as low-density powder, while in other places warm temperatures and wind have encouraged the formation of a cohesive slab. This old storm slab is resting on a widespread layer of surface hoar which overlies a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects or facets in shaded areas. This critical layer, which was buried at the beginning of January, is one to watch as the overlying slabs get deeper over the next couple days. About 60-80 cm below the surface, you might find a rain crust from mid-December which co-exists with facets in some areas. Recent snowpack tests suggest that it could still be capable of producing human triggered avalanches. The snowpack below this layer is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Avalanche Canada field team has been finding variable conditions across the region which will now be buried by the new snowfall.  East of Crownest Pass the snow surface has been widely wind affected. Extensive scouring has been reported in some areas and and stiff wind slabs exist in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. In areas that have seen less extreme wind, recently formed wind slabs are likely softer, deeper, and may overlie surface hoar, facets, and/or a sun crust which formed at the start of January.  In either case, snow pit tests in wind loaded features show recently developed slabs are failing under moderate loads and can propagate over wide distances. The early December crust can be found down around 60-90cm. It is not currently expected to pose an avalanche problem but could wake-up in the future with substantial warming or heavy snow loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snowfall will sit over 10-20 cm of old storm snow that sits over the early January interface which consists of a sun crust on south aspects, and surface hoar and facets in shaded areas. In wind exposed terrain, reactive wind slabs continue to build with the storm winds. The mid-December surface hoar layer should remain on your radar for a little while longer. We are still receiving reports of signs of instability on this interface from around Fernie. This layer is now down between 45 and 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain at and below treeline. Below this layer a thick, well-bonded rain crust seems to be capping any deeper snowpack weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">As of publishing up to 15cm of new snow is sitting above a sun crust on steep solar aspects, or a fresh layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes at all elevations. Around 20 cm below this is a second buried weak layer again consisting of a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine or well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Deeper still, the mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas that may be more faceted. Cornices are forming at ridgeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to 10cm&nbsp; of new snow overlies a crust on steep solar aspects, or a layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes at all elevations. Moderate to strong southwest through south east winds have been loading lee features. 10 to 15 cm below this is a second buried weak layer again consisting of a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine or well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Deeper still, the mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas that may be more faceted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to 15 cm of new snow now covers a widespread layer of surface hoar. Bellow this the upper 100cm consists of at least 3 other distinct buried weak layers of surface hoar, faceted snow, and possible thin sun crusts on some solar aspects. These deeper weak interfaces continue to produce variable results in snow pack tests. Although they appear to be gaining strength they're worth keeping on your radar a little longer. Recent strong southerly winds have formed fresh soft slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">A dusting of new snow now covers a fairly widespread surface hoar layer. Below this 5-15 cm of dry faceted snow may sit on a variety of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, wind affected snow in exposed terrain, and surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Overall, the snowpack is still quite shallow and weak throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10 cm of recent low density snow overlies a variety of weak surfaces including surface hoar and facets. Storm and wind slabs are expected to build with forecast snow on Wednesday. The upper snowpack is generally loose and unconsolidated due to the current lack of slab properties, however there is now up to 30 cm sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. In parts of the Purcells, two prominent layers of buried surface hoar continue to be reactive with hard sudden collapse results in snowpack tests down 30-60 cm. 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">New snow 5-15 cm recently fell over the region, soft storm slabs now overlie a variety of touchy weak layers. Storm and wind slabs will likely continue to build with forecast snow on Wednesday. There is now up to 45 cm sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. 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">New snow 5-15 cm fell over the region building new soft storm slabs. Storm and wind slabs are expected to build with forecast snow on Wednesday. Snow surfaces are generally loose and unconsolidated, except in isolated locations where wind slabs or storm slabs exist. This totals up to 45 cm sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. 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">Up to 5 cm of new snow overlies recent surface hoar and near surface facets. New building storm slabs and isolated wind slabs overlie old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Below this, the upper pack is mostly drying out (through faceting). In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong, with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Yesterdays storm snow developed into a stiffer slab with wind and temperature affect in lee/cross loaded alpine and treeline areas and now has another 17cm of new snow above it. These storm snow layers are covering a variety of old surfaces that include surface hoar at and below the tree line, sun crust on east and south facing slopes in the alpine and tree line, and a layer of faceted crystals over settled old storm snow. Cornices have grown and are fragile. The underlying snowpack is generally well settled, but remains weak and faceted in shallow rocky terrain. . </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warmer air has done little to help with the facetted, weak snowpack we now suffer from. Below treeline the snowpack has some structure left near the bottom, but the surface is still very weak. Ski penetration averages 20-30cm in open terrain with a total snow depth of 70-90cm's. Treeline is a similar story, except with a deeper snowpack. The alpine has seen some wind(from the NW) transport over the last couple of days, so isolated windslabs may be present near immediate lees. Burstall Pass has 105cm &amp; Mud lake has 80cm on the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Tuesday and early Wednesday, heavy rain saturated the upper snowpack, causing surface snow to become loose and cohesionless. Cooler temperatures are now starting to solidify the surface snow. Below this the snowpack is well settled with no weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Wednesday morning 15-20cm of new snow is loading 20-40cm of previous storm snow that is bonding poorly to surface hoar sitting on sun crust on south aspects or facets in shaded areas. Wind and warm temperatures have promoted slab development in many areas, however in some sheltered areas there may still be insufficient storm snow settlement and cohesion for storm slab conditions. About 60-80 cm below the surface, you might find a rain crust from mid-December which co-exists with facets in some areas. Recent snowpack tests suggest that it could still be capable of producing human triggered avalanches. The snowpack below this layer is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Wednesday morning 20cm of new snow is loading 10-20cm of previous storm snow that is bonding poorly to the old snow surface buried early January. At this interface, expect to find buried sun crust on south aspects, and surface hoar and facets in shaded areas. The mid-December buried surface hoar persistent weakness should remain on your radar for a little while longer. We are still receiving reports of signs of instability on this interface around Fernie. This layer is likely down between 45 and 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain at and below treeline. Below this layer a thick, well-bonded rain crust seems to be capping any deeper snowpack weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Wednesday morning, 5-10 cm of fresh snow adds to the previous storm snow that is bonding poorly to the old snow surface buried early January. East of Crownest Pass this old snow surface was widely wind affected. Extensive scouring has been reported in some areas and and stiff wind slabs exist in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. In areas that have seen less extreme wind, recently formed wind slabs are likely softer, deeper, and may overlie surface hoar, facets, and/or a sun crust which formed at the start of January. In either case, snow pit tests in wind loaded features show recently developed slabs are failing under moderate loads and can propagate over wide distances. The early December crust can be found down around 60-90cm. It is not currently expected to pose an avalanche problem but could wake-up in the future with substantial warming or heavy snow loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to 15cm of new snow overlies a crust on steep solar aspects, or a layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes at all elevations. Moderate to strong southwest through south east winds have been loading lee features. 10 to 15 cm below this is a second buried weak layer again consisting of a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine or well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Deeper still, the mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas that may be more faceted. Bellow 1400m rain may have saturated the upper snowpack. Moderate southerly winds have formed soft slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 5-15 cm of new snow was recorded by Wednesday morning. The recent storm snow total is now 10-25 cm. that is sitting on recent surface hoar and near surface facets. Some operations reported a thin freezing drizzle crust on the snow surface before the Wednesday morning snow arrived. New building storm slabs and isolated wind slabs overlie old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Below this, the upper pack is mostly drying out (through faceting). In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong, with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 5-10 cm of new snow was recorded on Wednesday morning. Recent storm snow totals are now 10-30 cm. Storm slabs may be sitting on weak layers of facetted snow or surface hoar. Old snow surfaces were generally loose and unconsolidated before the storm, except in isolated locations where wind slabs or storm slabs existed. This brings the total up to about 50 cm sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. 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">Another 10-15 cm of new snow has combined with recent snow to make storm snow totals of 20-40 cm. Some areas have reported a thin freezing drizzle crust on the surface before the Wednesday morning snow arrived. Storm slabs now overlie a variety of touchy weak layers. Storm and wind slabs will likely continue to build with forecast snow overnight. There is about 50 cm above the surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried early in January. 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">Another 5 cm of new snow overnight makes the recent storm snow total about 10-15 cm above a variety of weak surfaces including surface hoar and facets. The upper snowpack is generally loose and unconsolidated due to the current lack of slab properties, however there is now 30-40 cm sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. Some operations continue to track buried surface hoar from early December. While test results on deeply buried surface hoar continue to show planar results when hard forces are applied, there have not been any avalanches reported failing on this layer. I have removed the persistent weak layer problem from the front page, and we will continue to monitor reports from operators in this region. 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_A8FEC758">Up to 40cm of new snow is sitting a widespread layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes at all elevations or a sun crust on steep solar. Between 10 and 20 cm below this is a second buried weak layer again consisting of a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine or well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Deeper still, the mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas that may be more faceted. Bellow 1400m rain may have saturated the upper snowpack. Moderate southerly winds have formed soft slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Between 5 and 30cm of new snow now covers a widespread layer of surface hoar. Warm temperatures are encouraging this new snow to settle into a slab while moderate southerly winds have loaded lee features. Below this the upper 100cm consists of at least 3 other distinct buried weak layers of surface hoar, faceted snow, and possible thin sun crusts on some solar aspects. These deeper weak interfaces continue to produce variable results in snow pack tests. Although they appear to be gaining strength they're worth keeping on your radar a little longer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">5-10cm of new snow overlies a crust on steep solar aspects, or a layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes at all elevations. Moderate to strong southwest through south east winds have been loading lee features. 10 to 15 cm below this is a second buried weak layer again consisting of a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine or well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Deeper still, the mid and lower snowpack is generally faceted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent new snow has settled into a variable storm slab due to wind and temperature affect in lee/cross loaded alpine and treeline areas. This storm slab is covering a variety of old surfaces that include surface hoar, a layer of loose low density snow, and a sun crust on east and south facing slopes. Cornices have grown and are fragile. The underlying snowpack is generally well settled, but remains weak and faceted in shallow rocky terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Weaknesses exist within the 25-40cm of recent storm snow, which is also bonding poorly to bonding poorly to the old snow surface buried early January. At this interface, expect to find buried sun crust on south aspects, and surface hoar and facets in shaded areas. The mid-December buried surface hoar persistent weakness should remain on your radar for a little while longer. We are still receiving reports of signs of instability on this interface around Fernie. This layer is likely down between 45 and 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain at and below treeline. Below this layer a thick, well-bonded rain crust seems to be capping any deeper snowpack weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 5-10 cm of fresh snow adds to the previous storm snow that is bonding poorly to the old snow surface buried early January. However, east of the divide there has been much less recent snow and much more wind. Extensive scouring has been reported in some areas and and stiff wind slabs exist in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. In areas that have seen less extreme wind, recently formed wind slabs are likely softer, deeper, and may overlie surface hoar, facets, and/or a sun crust which formed at the start of January. The early December crust can be found down around 60-90cm. It is not currently expected to pose an avalanche problem but could wake-up in the future with substantial warming or heavy snow loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Weaknesses exist within the 30-40cm of recent storm snow (or possibly up to 50cm in some areas), which is also bonding poorly to buried surface hoar sitting on sun crust on south aspects or facets in shaded areas. Wind and warm temperatures have promoted slab development in many areas, however in some sheltered areas there may still be insufficient storm snow settlement and cohesion for storm slab conditions. About 70-90 cm below the surface, you might find a rain crust from mid-December which co-exists with facets in some areas. Recent snowpack tests suggest that it could still be capable of producing human triggered avalanches. The snowpack below this layer is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A fresh dusting of snow sits on a rain crust from earlier in the week.  Below this the snowpack is well settled with no weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Between 20 and 50 cm of new snow continues to settle into a soft slab sitting above a widespread layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or sun crust on steep south aspects. 10-20 cm below this is a second buried weak layer of surface hoar and/or a crust. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. At lower treeline elevations recent rains have saturated the upper snowpack. At higher elevations moderate southerly winds have formed loaded lee features at treeline and in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Recent snowfalls have been highly variable across the region. Northwest of Pemberton up to 40cm of snow fell. Further inland the storm only brought between 15 and 25cm to the Duffy and Coquihalla. This snow is now settling into a soft slab that overlies a crust on steep solar aspects, or a layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes at all elevations. Moderate to strong southwest through southeast winds have been loading lee features at treeline and in the alpine. 10 to 15 cm deeper is a second buried weak layer again consisting of a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine or well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas that may be more faceted. At lower elevations below treeline recent rain may have saturated the upper snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Today saw some flurries move through the area that left up to 5cm in places. There was some wind with this snow, but transport was limited to the alpine. The below treeline snowpack hasn't gained any strength at all and has seen no change in terms of avalanche hazard. A full profile at treeline had encouraging results today. The snow depth was 120cm and where sheltered, had no failures or trouble layers. Ski penetration was 20cm and very supportive in all areas. In windy areas the it was a similar story, but the layers were all windslabs that have been laminated together into a cohesive snowpack. In the alpine, we had an unexpected surface hoar problem show up. On a few exposed ridges, we found very touchy slabs &amp; cornices on unsupported rolls. The sliding surface was a layer of preserved surface hoar up to 8mm in size and in one case the slab was 50cm thick. This condition is not widespread and the features we found it on were not threatening terrain from an avalanche perspective. Very surprising for such a windy place.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">We're dealing with a complex snow pack with multiple buried weak layers in the top meter. Between 15 and 35cm of new snow now is settling into a soft slab that sits above a widespread layer of surface hoar. Moderate southerly winds have loaded lee features. Snowpack tests have been producing easy failures on this layer, especially in places where the surface hoar is sitting on firm, previously wind affected snow. Below this you can find up to 3 other distinct buried weak layers of surface hoar, faceted snow, or thin sun crusts. These deeper weak interfaces continue to produce variable results in snowpack tests. Although they appear to be gaining strength they're worth keeping on your radar; especially in the thinner snowpack areas in the east of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow total is now 10-30 cm. that is sitting on buried surface hoar and near surface facets. Some operations reported a thin freezing drizzle crust on the snow surface before the Wednesday morning snow arrived. Storm slabs and isolated wind slabs overlie old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Below this, the upper pack is mostly drying out (through faceting). In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong, with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 5-10 cm of new snow was recorded on Thursday morning. Recent storm snow totals are now 20-40 cm. Storm slabs may be sitting on weak layers of facetted snow or surface hoar. Old snow surfaces were generally loose and unconsolidated before the storm, except in isolated locations where wind slabs or storm slabs existed. This brings the total up to about 50 cm sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. 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">Another 10-15 cm of new snow has combined with recent snow to make storm snow totals of 30-50 cm. The storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab that may allow for long fracture propagations. Wind transported snow at higher elevations may be easy to trigger, and could release storm slabs while they are in motion. Some areas have reported a thin freezing drizzle crust on the surface before the Wednesday morning snow arrived. There is about 50 cm above the surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried early in January. Buried surface hoar layers may be reacting to the increased load and developing slab properties below treeline in large openings like cut blocks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light and dry new snow has been transported into stiff wind slabs that are 10-20 cm deep in the alpine and at treeline.&nbsp; The upper snowpack is generally loose and unconsolidated in sheltered areas, however there is now 30-40 cm sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. Some operations continue to track buried surface hoar from early December. While test results on deeply buried surface hoar continue to show planar results when hard forces are applied, there have not been any avalanches reported failing on this layer. I have removed the persistent weak layer problem from the front page, and we will continue to monitor reports from operators in this region. 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_AA239A9B">The recent new snow has settled into a variable storm slab in lee and cross loaded alpine and treeline areas. This storm slab is covering a variety of old surfaces that include surface hoar, loose low density snow, and areas of sun crust. Cornices noses are fresh and fragile. The underlying snowpack is generally well settled, but remains weak and faceted in shallow rocky terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Today was another day of little overall change. Below treeline has 70-80 cm's of facets that offer little support to a person's weight. Treeline is better with a midpack that still has some structure and support to it. Deeper snow pack areas have a stronger midpack. The alpine has had some light flurries blow through, but not a significant source of load. The winds today were slightly less powerful than yesterday and as such, have kept the windslab problem flat lined.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A fresh dusting of snow sits on a rain crust from earlier in the week. Below this the snowpack is well settled with no weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Weaknesses exist within the 30-40cm of recent storm snow (or possibly up to 50cm in some areas), which is also bonding poorly to buried surface hoar sitting on sun crust on south aspects or facets in shaded areas. Wind and warm temperatures have promoted slab development in many areas, however in some sheltered areas there may still be insufficient storm snow settlement and cohesion for storm slab conditions. About 70-90 cm below the surface, you might find a rain crust from mid-December which co-exists with facets in some areas. Recent snowpack tests suggest that it could still be capable of producing human triggered avalanches. The snowpack below this layer is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow will add to the storm slabs which formed earlier in the week. The previous snowfall was highly variable across the region. Northwest of Pemberton up to 40cm of snow fell. Further inland the storm only brought between 15 and 25cm to the Duffy and Coquihalla. This snow is now settling into a soft slab that overlies a crust on steep solar aspects, or a layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes at all elevations. Moderate to strong southwest through southeast winds have been loading lee features at treeline and in the alpine. 10-15 cm deeper is a second buried weak layer again consisting of a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine or well-developed surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas that may be more faceted. At lower elevations below treeline recent rain may have saturated the upper snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snowfall will add to the 20-40cm of storm snow from earlier in the week. This storm slab is sitting above a widespread layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or sun crust on steep south aspects. 10-20 cm below this is a second buried weak layer of surface hoar and/or a crust. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. At lower treeline elevations recent rains have saturated the upper snowpack. At higher elevations moderate southerly winds have recently loaded lee features at treeline and in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light and dry new snow has been transported into stiff wind slabs that are 10-20 cm deep in the alpine and at treeline. The upper snowpack is generally loose and unconsolidated in sheltered areas sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. Some operations continue to track buried surface hoar from early December. While test results on deeply buried surface hoar continue to show planar results when hard forces are applied, there have not been any avalanches reported failing on this layer. I have removed the persistent weak layer problem from the front page, and we will continue to monitor reports from operators in this region. 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">The region has a mix of wind slabs and developing storm slabs. In higher snowpack areas in the northwest of the region, the storm slab has become reactive to human triggers. In most areas the wind slabs are thin and stiff, however we have had some reports of surprisingly deep wind slabs earlier this week. Buried surface hoar is layered through the thin snowpack, and cool temperatures as well as limited loading have preserved these weak layers. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. We have not heard of any full depth releases on weak basal layers yet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow total is now 10-30 cm. that is sitting on buried surface hoar and near surface facets. Some operations reported a thin freezing drizzle crust on the snow surface before the Wednesday morning snow arrived. Storm slabs and isolated wind slabs overlie old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Below this, the upper pack is mostly drying out (through faceting). In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong, with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We're dealing with a complex snow pack with multiple buried weak layers in the top meter. Between 15 and 35cm of new snow now is settling into a soft slab that sits above a widespread layer of surface hoar. Snowpack tests have resulted in a mix of easy and moderate results with sudden planar character. Wind effect is variable across the region. A few km north of Terrace we have a report of wind pressed powder in the alpine, while east a little ways the alpine was described as hard wind slab. Areas with more wind are expected to have less buried surface hoar problems.  Below this you can find up to 3 other distinct buried weak layers of surface hoar, faceted snow, or thin sun crusts. These deeper weak interfaces continue to produce variable results in snowpack tests. Forecast strong outflow winds may develop new windslabs on westerly aspects, before the new storm moves in and possibly reverse loads onto north thru east aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Weaknesses exist within the 25-40cm of recent storm snow, which is also bonding poorly to the old snow surface buried early January. At this interface, expect to find buried sun crust on south aspects, and surface hoar and facets in shaded areas. The mid-December buried surface hoar persistent weakness should remain on your radar for a little while longer. We are still receiving reports of signs of instability on this interface around Fernie. This layer is likely down between 45 and 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain at and below treeline. Below this layer a thick, well-bonded rain crust seems to be capping any deeper snowpack weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A 30-40 cm storm slab overlays a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. In recent days, the snow above this layer has settled into a cohesive slab and has become increasingly reactive to human triggers. Expect this slab to be thicker on lee features in the alpine. 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_A8FEC758">A 30-40 cm storm slab overlays a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. In recent days, the snow above this layer has settled into a cohesive slab and has become increasingly reactive to human triggers. Expect this slab to be thicker on lee features in the alpine. 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">15-30cm of old storm snow is bonding poorly to the old snow surface buried early January. However, east of the divide there has been much less recent snow and much more wind. Extensive scouring has been reported in some areas and and stiff wind slabs exist in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. In areas that have seen less extreme wind, recently formed wind slabs are likely softer, deeper, and may overlie surface hoar, facets, and/or a sun crust which formed at the start of January. The early December crust can be found down around 60-90cm. It is not currently expected to pose an avalanche problem but could wake-up in the future with substantial warming or heavy snow loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The gradual accumulation of new snow will build small slabs into lee start zones. While none of the forecast snowfall amounts appear significant on their own, the total amount of storm snow may begin to add enough of a load to the buried weak layers to build a significant hazard by mid week. There are two surface hoar layers buried in the upper 1/2 meter of the snowpack, with some loose mid pack facet layers and areas of temperature affected crust. Snowpack tests are producing variable results ranging from easy and fast shears to &quot;no result&quot;. We expect there to be more size two avalanches releasing on the buried surface hoar this week.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little to no change in the snowpack other than a paltry 5 centimeters of new snow on the 14th of January.  The snowpack areas that have 70-80 centimeters or more supports well enough and below threshold depth, the snowpack has little to offer in the way of structure or support.&nbsp; The entire upper third of the snowpack is facetted in the alpine and treeline and below it is rotten right to the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current storm system is resulting in a mixture of wet snow and rain at ridgetop elevations and rain below treeline. This rain is reported to have wiped out any previous surface weaknesses that may have existed. Below the surface, the snowpack is generally well settled and no significant weaknesses are being reported. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We're dealing with a complex snowpack with multiple buried weak layers in the top meter. The new storm snow will be adding to 15-35cm of recent snow which is now settling into a soft slab that sits above a widespread layer of surface hoar. Wind effect is variable across the region. A few km north of Terrace we have a report of wind pressed powder in the alpine, while east a little ways the alpine was described as hard wind slab. Areas with more wind are expected to have less buried surface hoar problems. Below this you can find up to 3 other distinct buried weak layers of surface hoar, faceted snow, or thin sun crusts. These deeper weak interfaces continue to produce variable results in snowpack tests. Forecast strong to extreme winds from the southwest with new snowfall are excepted to quickly develop new wind slabs on north and east aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30cm of old storm snow is bonding poorly to the old snow surface buried early January. However, east of the divide there has been much less recent snow and much more wind. Extensive scouring has been reported in some areas and and stiff wind slabs exist in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. In areas that have seen less extreme wind, recently formed wind slabs are likely softer, deeper, and may overlie surface hoar, facets, and/or a sun crust which formed at the start of January. The early December crust can be found down around 60-90cm. It is not currently expected to pose an avalanche problem but could wake-up in the future with substantial warming or heavy snow loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow total is now 25-40cm. Winds have shifted recent accumulations into reactive wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Below the recent storm snow you'll find a mix of weak surfaces which formed in early January. These include widespread surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. I would anticipate reactivity on these weak layers in areas where the overlying slab has gained cohesion through wind pressing, warming, and/or settlement. The mid-December buried surface hoar should remain on your radar for a little while longer. We are still receiving reports of signs of instability on this interface around Fernie. This layer is likely down between 45 and 80 cm and is most prevalent in north facing terrain at and below treeline. Below this layer a thick, well-bonded rain crust seems to be capping any deeper snowpack weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has a mix of wind slabs and developing storm slabs. In higher snowpack areas in the northwest of the region, the storm slab has become reactive to human triggers. In most other areas the wind slabs are thin and stiff. Buried surface hoar is layered through the thin snowpack, and cool temperatures as well as limited loading have preserved these weak layers. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. We have not heard of any full depth releases on weak basal layers yet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light and dry new snow has been transported into stiff wind slabs that are 10-20 cm deep in the alpine and at treeline.  The upper snowpack is generally loose and unconsolidated in sheltered areas sitting on a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried January 4th. Some operations continue to track deeper buried surface hoar from early December. While test results on deeply buried surface hoar continue to show planar results when hard forces are applied, there have not been any avalanches reported failing on this layer. I have removed the persistent weak layer problem from the front page, and we will continue to monitor reports from operators in this region. 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">30-50cm of accumulating storm snow is now sitting above a widespread layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or sun crust on steep south aspects. 10-20 cm below this is a second buried weak layer of surface hoar and/or a crust. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. At lower treeline elevations recent rains have saturated the upper snowpack. At higher elevations moderate to strong southwest winds have recently loaded lee features at treeline and in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A 40-60 cm storm slab overlays a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. In recent days, the snow above this layer has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggers, especially below 1800 m. Expect this slab to be thicker on lee features in the alpine. 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">The recent storm snow total is now 15-40 cm. In exposed terrain, winds may have shifted these accumulations into deeper wind slabs. Below the new snow you'll find a mix of weak surfaces which formed in early January. These include widespread surface hoar, facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. I would anticipate reactivity on these weak layers in areas where the overlying slab has gained cohesion through wind pressing, warming, and/or settlement. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A 40-60 cm storm slab overlays a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. In recent days, the snow above this layer has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggers. Expect this slab to be thicker on lee features in the alpine. 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">The new storm snow is burying the recently formed mid-January surface hoar layer. Down 20-40cm are the early-January interfaces which are separated by around 15cm of snow and both consist of a sun crust on steep solar aspects and a layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes. Moderate to strong southeast through southwest winds have been loading lee features at treeline and in the alpine. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas that may be more faceted. At lower elevations below treeline recent rain may have saturated the upper snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A 40-60 cm storm slab overlays a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. In recent days, the snow above this layer has settled into a cohesive slab and is ripe for human triggers. Expect this slab to be thicker on lee features in the alpine. 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_AA239A9B">Strong winds and relatively mild temperatures are forming touchy thin windslabs along ridge lines. There are two layers of surface hoar buried in the upper 50cm of the snowpack. These layers were both still active in snow-profiles that were dug on Friday. The continued accumulation of new snow with each successive frontal system will add stress to these buried surface hoar layers. Increased load will keep these weak layers active while also increasing the potential size of avalanches releasing on them.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30cm of recent storm snow has buried the newest layer of surface hoar (Jan 15) which is reported to extend into the alpine. As you move inland, cumulative storm snow amounts from the first half of January taper off substantially. There are two other weak layers in the upper snowpack which are still reactive. The Jan 11 surface hoar layer is down 40-70cm and the early-January surface hoar layer is down 50-80cm. We are seeing the likelihood of triggering these layers to be going down but the resulting size and destructive potential of avalanches on these layers is increasing. Below these layers, the mid and lower snowpack is generally strong. At lower treeline elevations, warm temperatures and rain/wet snow have saturated the upper snowpack. Moist surface snow has recently been reported as high as 1950m. At higher elevations, moderate to strong southwest winds continue to load lee features at treeline and in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">K-Country region received up to 10cm of snowfall in the past 24 hours at treeline bringing our storm snow total up to about 25 cm in the alpine. Beneath this storm snow is the January 7th facets. This is a layer that has developed as a result of the long period of cold clear weather over mid December up until recently. The winds were pretty light today but picked up a bit today in the afternoon so there exists the potential for some wind slabs at immediately lee of ridge top and cross wind prone slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current storm system is resulting in a wet heavy snowfall at higher elevations and rain below treeline. The mixture of rain and wet snow is reported to have wiped out any previous surface weaknesses that may have existed. Below the surface, the snowpack is generally well settled and no significant weaknesses are being reported. If the freezing levels fall low enough on Monday, dry snow could be possible at ridgetop elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm snow is burying the recently formed mid-January surface hoar layer. Down 20-40cm are the two early-January interfaces which are separated by around 15cm of snow and both consist of a sun crust on steep solar aspects and a layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes. Moderate to strong southeast through southwest winds have been loading lee features at treeline and in the alpine. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas that may be more faceted. At lower elevations below treeline recent rain may have saturated the upper snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 15cm of new storm snow has now buried a layer of surface hoar from mid-January. Down 30-60cm is the early-January surface hoar layer which seems to still be the layer of most concern. This layer is reported to be a concern for remote triggering which means the propagation potential is relatively high. Two other weak layers from December are in the upper meter of the snowpack.  These layers are generally considered dormant but are still reacting to snowpack tests and have the potential to wake-up to heavy loading, rapid warming, or avalanches stepping-down. Recent strong to extreme southeast winds have loaded leeward features on west through north aspect slopes. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has a mix of wind slabs and developing storm slabs. In higher snowpack areas in the northwest of the region, the storm slab has become reactive to human triggers. In most other areas the wind slabs are thin and stiff. Buried surface hoar is layered through the thin snowpack, and cool temperatures as well as limited loading have preserved these weak layers. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. We have not heard of any full depth releases on weak basal layers yet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of new snow with moderate winds have created fresh wind slabs sitting on top of recent snow surfaces on lee features in the alpine. A 40-60 cm persistent slab overlays a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. This slab is ripe for human triggers.&nbsp; 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">Strong southwest winds have shifted light to locally moderate accumulations into stiff and reactive wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. 30-70 cm below the surface you'll find a mix of weak surfaces which formed in early January. These include widespread surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. This layer seems variably reactive and is producing test results that range from sudden planar to no result. In areas where the overlying slab is deep and cohesive, this layer now has the capacity to surprise with nasty consequences. Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. Cornices are reported to be large and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30cm of old storm snow is bonding poorly to the old snow surface buried early January. However, east of the divide there has been much less recent snow and much more wind. Extensive scouring has been reported in some areas and and stiff wind slabs exist in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. In areas that have seen less wind, recently formed wind slabs are likely softer, deeper, and may overlie surface hoar, facets, and/or a sun crust which formed at the start of January. The early December crust can be found down around 60-90cm. It is not currently expected to pose an avalanche problem but could wake-up in the future with substantial warming or heavy snow loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of recent storm snow overlies a weak mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried on January 4th. This storm snow is generally loose and unconsolidated in sheltered areas; however, strong winds are reported to have shifted these accumulations into reactive wind slabs at higher elevations. On the far western slopes of the region, considerably more snow may overlie the January 4th layer, and a more destructive and widespread slab may exist. For an idea of what may be happening there, I'd suggest also reading the bulletin for the neighbouring South Columbia region. Some operations continue to track deeper buried surface hoar from early December. While test results on deeply buried surface hoar continue to show planar results when hard forces are applied, there have not been any avalanches reported failing on this layer. I have removed the persistent weak layer problem from the front page, and we will continue to monitor reports from operators in this region. 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">5- 10 cm of new snow with moderate winds have created fresh wind slabs sitting on top of recent snow surfaces on lee features in the alpine. A 30-50 cm persistent slab overlays a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. This slab is ripe for human triggers and is especially touchy below 1800 m. 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">10-15 cm of new snow has been added to a 40-60 cm persistent slab which overlays a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. This slab is ripe for human triggers and is especially touchy below 1800 m. Expect fresh wind slabs sitting on top of old snow surfaces on lee features in the alpine. 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">20-60 cm of recent storm snow overlies a mix of weak surfaces which formed in early January. These include widespread surface hoar, facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. In the Valemount area, reports suggest the snow which overlies this layer is generally loose, unconsolidated and therefore less likely to react as a slab. In deeper snowpack areas to the south and west I would anticipate increased reactivity at this touchy interface, especially in areas where the overlying slab is deep and has gained cohesion through wind pressing, warming, and/or settlement. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Slabs have continued to build with the moderate to strong winds and light amounts of snowfall.  Two layers of surface hoar are buried in the upper snowpack. In our area we not yet seen a lot of avalanche activity on these layers, but that could change with the added snow load.  The lower snowpack is well settled, but remains weak and facetted in shallow rocky terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline we are seeing about 5cm of new snow. This is sitting on top of the weaker faceted grains that were left exposed during the clear spell a couple of weeks ago. The travel is reasonable if using previously tracked trails. In unbroken areas, expect to wallow in the facets. Especially if the terrain is lightly treed. There is 70-80cm of snow below treeline. As elevation is gained, the snowpack has kept its supportive midpack. At the moment the trail breaking is reasonable with ski penetrations of almost 20cm. The surface layers are heavily facetted with steep areas making for slow travel. New snow amounts at treeline average 10-15cm.  The alpine snowpack can be best described as facetted and weak near the surface and well bonded and settled to the ground  . There is a well defined interface down 40 where the deeper, facetted snow joins the latest series of windslabs, however at the moment the layer seems well bonded. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 50cm of accumulating storm snow is bonding poorly to a widespread layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or sun crust. 10-20 cm below this is a second buried weak layer of surface hoar and/or a crust. Recent snowpack tests produced clean and sudden fractures on both these weaknesses with only moderate force. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. At lower treeline elevations recent rains have saturated the upper snowpack. At higher elevations moderate to strong southwest winds have recently loaded lee features at treeline and in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-25cm of fresh storm snow has buried the recently formed mid-January surface hoar layer. Below that are the two early-January interfaces down 30-50cm which are separated by around 15cm of snow and both consist of a sun crust on steep solar aspects and a layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes. Moderate to strong southeast through southwest winds have been loading lee features at treeline and in the alpine. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas that may be more faceted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts have been variable across the region, but generally 30-45cm since mid January when the most recent surface hoar was buried. Below that is another surface hoar layer down 50-65cm. Both are showing a high propensity for propagation with remote triggering and whumpfing, as well as sudden shears with snowpack tests in the easy to moderate range. Deeper persistent weaknesses buried in December have the potential to wake-up to heavy loading, rapid warming, or avalanches stepping-down. Recent strong to extreme southeast winds have loaded leeward features on west through north aspect slopes. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has a mix of wind slabs and developing storm slabs. In higher snowpack areas in the northwest of the region, the storm slab has become reactive to human triggers. In most other areas the wind slabs are thin and stiff. Buried surface hoar is layered through the thin snowpack, and cool temperatures as well as limited loading have preserved these weak layers. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. We have not heard of any full depth releases on weak basal layers yet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A 40-80 cm persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. This slab is ripe for human triggers and is especially touchy below treeline. Recently formed wind slabs also exist on lee features at alpine and treeline elevations. 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">10-15 cm of recent snow with moderate winds have created fresh wind slabs sitting on top of recent snow surfaces on lee features in the alpine. A 30-50 cm persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. This slab is ripe for human triggers and is especially touchy below about 2000 m. 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">15-25 cm of recent storm snow overlies a weak mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried on January 4th. This storm snow is generally loose and unconsolidated in sheltered areas; however, strong winds are reported to have shifted these accumulations into reactive wind slabs at higher elevations. On the far western slopes of the region, considerably more snow may overlie the January 4th layer, and a more destructive and widespread slab may exist. For an idea of what may be happening there, I'd suggest also reading the bulletin for the neighbouring South Columbia region. Some operations continue to track deeper buried surface hoar from early December. While test results on deeply buried surface hoar continue to show planar results when hard forces are applied, there have not been any avalanches reported failing on this layer. I have removed the persistent weak layer problem from the front page, and we will continue to monitor reports from operators in this region. 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">Over the weekend, wet heavy snow fell at higher elevations while rain fell below treeline. Stubborn storm slabs likely exist near ridgetop while subsequent cold temperatures have likely formed a hard crust at lower elevations. The mixture of rain and wet snow is reported to have wiped out any previous surface weaknesses that may have existed. Below the surface, the snowpack is generally well settled and no significant weaknesses are being reported. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of new snow and moderate southerly winds have likely created fresh wind slabs in high elevation lee terrain. 35-60 cm below the surface you'll find a weak layer of well-developed surface hoar and a hard crust on steep solar aspects. Ongoing Mountain Information Network reports of whumpfing and shooting cracks show this layer is still sensitive to light loads. I would anticipate increased reactivity at this interface in areas where the overlying slab is deep and has gained cohesion through wind pressing, warming, and/or settlement. 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_1681A555">20-50 cm of recent storm snow has now formed a reactive slab over a volatile layer of buried surface hoar. The buried surface hoar may be most prevalent at and below treeline. The slab is likely to be especially reactive where it has gained cohesion through wind pressing, warming, and/or settlement. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 10 and 20 cm of new snow fell by Monday morning. Moderate southwest winds shifted these accumulations into new wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. The new snow overlies stiff wind slabs which formed during the weekend. 30-70 cm below the surface you'll find a mix of weak surfaces which formed in early January. These include widespread surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. This layer seems variably reactive and is producing test results that range from sudden planar to no result. In areas where the overlying slab is deep and cohesive, this layer now has the capacity to surprise with nasty consequences. Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. Cornices are reported to be large and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Very light amounts of new snow fell on Sunday night and winds may have redistributed these accumulations into new wind slabs in high elevation lee terrain. The new snow overlies scoured surfaces and hard wind slabs east of Crowsnest Pass. In areas further west, recent storm snow overlies a mix of weak crystals which may lie up to 45 cm below the surface. These crystals which formed at the beginning of January consist of a hard crust on steep solar aspects, surface hoar and facets. Reactivity on this layer is more likely in areas where the overlying slab has gained cohesion through wind pressing, warming or settlement.</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">Slabs have continued to build with the moderate to strong winds and steady snowfall. Two layers of surface hoar are buried in the upper snowpack. In our area we have not yet seen a lot of avalanche activity on these layers, but that could change with the added snow load.The lower snowpack is well settled, but remains weak and facetted in shallow rocky terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The biggest change was some localized wind effect in the Commonwealth and Burstall Pass areas from a few days ago. I suspect there is some wind slabs right at ridge top alpine features in the immediate lee of the wind and also on crosswind effected slopes and gulleys. The other topic of discussion is the thick layer of facets from the long drought from mid December up until recently.  These windslabs if triggered have the potential to run and then entrain the facets further down the slope. This is a pretty significant layer of facets up to 20-30cm thick and in shallow snowpack areas (ie wind affected areas in the alpine &amp; shallow area TL and below) the entire snowpack could be facetted. Terrain at TL and above where the snowpack is deeper than 70-80cm will have some structure and thus be supportive and more reliable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts have been variable across the region, but generally 40-60cm have accumulated since January 9 when the most recent surface hoar was buried. Below that is another surface hoar layer down 60-80cm. Both are showing a high propensity for propagation with remote triggering and whumpfing, as well as sudden shears with snowpack tests in the easy to moderate range. Deeper persistent weaknesses buried in December have the potential to wake-up to heavy loading, rapid warming, or avalanches stepping-down. Recent strong to extreme southeast winds have loaded leeward features on west through north aspect slopes. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has a mix of wind slabs and developing storm slabs. In higher snowpack areas in the northwest of the region, the storm slab has become reactive to human triggers. In most other areas the wind slabs are thin and stiff. Buried surface hoar is layered through the thin snowpack, and cool temperatures as well as limited loading have preserved these weak layers. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. We have not heard of any full depth releases on weak basal layers yet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">20-50 cm of recent storm snow has formed a reactive slab over a volatile layer of buried surface hoar in some places. The buried surface hoar may be most prevalent at and below treeline. The slab is likely to be especially reactive where it has gained cohesion through wind pressing, warming, and/or settlement. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_71516F31">A 30-60 cm persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. This slab is ripe for human triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. Recently formed wind slabs also exist on lee features at alpine and treeline elevations. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_71516F31"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A 40-80 cm persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. This slab is ripe for human triggers and is especially touchy below treeline. Recently formed wind slabs also exist on lee features at alpine and treeline elevations. 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">In recent days, wet heavy snow fell at higher elevations while rain fell below treeline. Stubborn storm slabs likely exist near ridgetop. At lower elevations where rain has fallen, surfaces are probably a mix of hard crusts and moist snow. The mixture of rain and wet snow is reported to have wiped out any previous surface weaknesses that may have existed. Below the surface, the snowpack is generally well settled and no significant weaknesses are being reported. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Conditions are variable across the Purcells. Isolated wind slabs are lurking behind ridges and ribs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_71516F31">15-40 cm of recent storm snow overlies a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried in early January. In many parts of the Purcells, there is not yet a cohesive slab above this interface, apart from in wind-affected areas. In the far west of the region, there may be a deeper and more consolidated slab over the touchy early January interface. Operators are still keeping an eye on a more deeply buried layer of surface hoar from December, which is now considered dormant or unreactive. In general, the mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15cm of new snow is expected on Tuesday night. If ridgetop winds are in the moderate to strong range, new wind slabs can be expected in upper elevation lee terrain. 40-60 cm below the surface you'll find a weak layer of surface hoar and a hard crust on steep solar aspects. This layer seems variably reactive. Some test results suggest an improving bond at this interface while remote triggering and Mountain Information Network reports of whumpfing show this layer is still sensitive to light loads in some areas. I would be increasingly cautious in areas where the overlying slab is deep and has gained cohesion through wind pressing, warming, and/or settlement. 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">Approximately 60-100cm of storm snow has accumulated in the last two weeks and is bonding poorly to a widespread layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or sun crust from early January. Recent snowpack tests produced clean and sudden fractures on both these weaknesses with only moderate force. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. At lower treeline elevations recent rains have saturated the upper snowpack. At higher elevations moderate to strong southwest winds have recently loaded lee features at treeline and in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15cm of new snow may fall on Tuesday night. If ridgetop winds are moderate or greater, I would expect fresh and reactive wind slabs to form in high elevation lee terrain. East of Crowsnest Pass any new snow will overlie mainly scoured surfaces or hard stubborn wind slabs from last week. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled in these areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In areas to the west of the divide you're more likely to find a mix of persistent weak crystals which may lie up to 30cm below the surface. These crystals, which formed at the beginning of January, seem most reactive in open areas below treeline and consist of surface hoar, facets and a hard crust on steep solar aspects. Additional snow load will add to the size and reactivity of this developing persistent slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 25cm of new snow may fall by Wednesday morning. If ridgetop winds are moderate or greater new wind slabs can be expected in upper elevation lee terrain. The new snow will overlie a number of storm and wind slabs that formed during the weekend. 35-70 cm below the surface you'll find a mix of weak crystals which formed in early January. These include primarily sun crusts on steep southerly aspects and surface hoar. This layer seems variably reactive and is producing test results that range from sudden planar to no result. In areas where the overlying slab is deep and cohesive, this layer now has the capacity to surprise with nasty consequences. Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. Cornices are reported to be large and very weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-25cm of fresh storm snow has buried the recently formed mid-January surface hoar layer. Below that are the two early-January interfaces down 40-60cm which are separated by around 5-10cm of snow and both consist of a sun crust on steep solar aspects and a layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes. Strong southeast through southwest winds have been loading lee features at treeline and in the alpine. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas that may be more faceted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 60-80 cm of storm snow overlies a widespread layer of surface hoar and facets over on old stiff interface from early January. Recent test profiles have produced easy to moderate sudden planar shears within the storm snow layers and on the buried surface hoar layer. The underlying snowpack is generally well consolidated, but remains weak and faceted in more shallow and rocky terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-7cm of new snow fell across the region today with generally light winds.  This new snow is very low density and easily moveable by recent winds which have been generally light out of the SW but occasional periods of moderate winds have created some new windslabs at higher elevations.  The Jan 6th interface is now down 25-30cm throughout the region and as the load increases on this layer, the human triggerability of this layer will also increase.  Ridgelines, and gullied terrain in the Alpine will be areas to be cautious.  Any slab that initiates in the Alpine terrain will likely entrain the loose facets as it travels down slope and run quite far so use caution and dont underestimate the runout potential.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 60-100cm of storm snow has accumulated in the last two weeks and is bonding poorly to a widespread layer of surface hoar, facets, and/or sun crust from early January. Recent snowpack tests produced clean and sudden fractures on both these weaknesses with only moderate force. Expect this layer to become very active with intense loading this week! The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. At lower treeline elevations recent rains have saturated the upper snowpack. At higher elevations moderate to strong southwest winds have recently loaded lee features at treeline and in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-40cm of fresh storm snow has buried the recently formed mid-January surface hoar layer. Below that are the two early-January interfaces down 50-80cm which are separated by around 5-10cm of snow and both consist of a sun crust on steep solar aspects and a layer of surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes. Strong southeast through southwest winds have been loading lee features at treeline and in the alpine. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallow snowpack areas that may be more faceted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Conditions are variable across the Purcells. Isolated wind slabs are lurking behind ridges and ribs in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">15-40 cm of recent storm snow overlies a mix of surface hoar, facets, and sun crusts that were buried in early January. In many parts of the Purcells, there is not yet a cohesive slab above this interface, apart from in wind-affected areas. In the far west of the region, there may be a deeper and more consolidated slab over the touchy early January interface. Operators are still keeping an eye on a more deeply buried layer of surface hoar from December, which is now considered dormant or unreactive. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has a mix of wind slabs and developing storm slabs. In higher snowpack areas in the northwest of the region, the storm slab has become reactive to human triggers. In most other areas the wind slabs are thin and stiff. Buried surface hoar is layered through the thin snowpack. Cool temperatures and limited loading have preserved these weak layers. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. We have not heard of any full depth releases on weak basal layers yet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow amounts have been variable across the region, but generally 40-60cm have accumulated since January 9th when the most recent surface hoar was buried. Below that is another surface hoar layer down 60-80cm. Remote triggering, whumpfing, and sudden &quot;pops&quot; shears are all indications that both these layers could propagate well if triggered. Deeper persistent weaknesses buried in December have the potential to wake-up to heavy loading, rapid warming, or avalanches stepping-down. Recent strong southeast winds have loaded leeward features on west through north aspect slopes, and scoured leeward slopes. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">A 40-80 cm persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. This slab is ripe for human triggers and is especially touchy below treeline. Recently formed wind slabs also exist on lee features at alpine and treeline elevations. Incoming snow, with warming and strong winds, will increase the size and likelihood of the persistent slab problem, as well as adding new storm slab problems. 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">By Thursday morning dense storm slabs are expected to have formed near ridge top while rain will have fallen at lower elevations. Freezing levels are expected to skyrocket throughout the day to about 1900m and heavy rain will have saturated the snowpack at all elevations leaving surface loose, wet and unconsolidated.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">20-50 cm of recent storm snow has formed a reactive slab over a volatile layer of buried surface hoar in many places. The buried surface hoar may be most prevalent at and below treeline. At higher elevations, this interface may exist as a crust/facet combo, which is also highly reactive. Incoming snow, with warming and strong winds, will increase the size and likelihood of the persistent slab problem, as well as adding new storm slab problems. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 24cm of new snow fell on Tuesday night. Forecast extreme southwest winds are expected to redistribute this loose surface snow into reactive wind slabs at all elevations The new snow overlies a number of touchy storm and wind slabs that formed during the weekend. 40-80 cm below the surface you'll find a mix of weak crystals which formed in early January. These include primarily sun crusts on steep southerly aspects and surface hoar. This layer seems variably reactive and is producing test results that range from sudden planar to no result. In areas where the overlying slab is deep and cohesive, this layer now has the capacity to surprise with nasty consequences. Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. Cornices are reported to be large and very weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">A 30-60 cm persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. This slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and has been especially touchy at and below treeline. Recently formed wind slabs also exist on lee features at alpine and treeline elevations. Incoming snow, with warming and strong winds, will increase the size and likelihood of the persistent slab problem, as well as adding new storm slab problems. 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">Up to 17cm of new snow fell on Tuesday night. Extreme southwest winds forecast for Thursday will redistribute much of this loose surface snow into fresh and reactive wind slabs at all elevations. East of Crowsnest Pass any new snow will overlie mainly scoured surfaces or hard stubborn wind slabs from last week. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled in these areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In areas to the west of the divide you're more likely to find a mix of persistent weak crystals which may lie up to 30cm below the surface. These crystals, which formed at the beginning of January, seem most reactive in open areas below treeline and consist of surface hoar, facets and a hard crust on steep solar aspects. Additional snow load will add to the size and reactivity of this developing persistent slab. About 50cm below the surface you may also find a surface hoar layer which formed in December. Although no avalanches have been reported on this layer, it continues to produce sudden results in snowpack tests and may come to life with a large trigger or additional storm loading.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15cm of new snow is expected on Thursday. Strong ridgetop winds are expected to form new wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine. 45-65 cm below the surface you'll find a weak layer of surface hoar and a hard crust on steep solar aspects. This layer, which formed at the beginning of January, seems variably reactive. Some test results suggest an improving bond at this interface while remote triggering and Mountain Information Network reports of whumpfing show this layer is still sensitive to light loads in some areas. I would be increasingly cautious in areas where the overlying slab is deep and has gained cohesion through wind pressing, warming, and/or settlement. 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_AA239A9B">Another 11cm of new snow fell overnight. Approximately 70-90 cm of storm snow now overlies a widespread layer of surface hoar and facets over on old stiff interface from early January. Recent test profiles have produced easy to moderate sudden planar shears within the storm snow layers and on the buried surface hoar layer. The underlying snowpack is generally well consolidated, but remains weak and faceted in more shallow and rocky terrain. Continued heavy snowfall along with rising freezing levels will rapidly overload the underlying loose cold snow and buried surface hoar layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 25cm of snow is now overlying the Jan 6th Facet/Surface hoar interface.  Cracking was apparent in open wind affected terrain while travelling in treeline features today indicating that this layer is within the range of human triggerring.  Where the snow is more wind affected triggerring will be easier.  There was no cracking observed below treeline.  Strong winds and warm temps are rapidly building new persistent slabs on this interface.  Skiers will need to pay attention as the transition into open wind affected areas.  Another 10cm of snow is expected to fall overnight under the influence of strong temps so its unlikely stability it likely to improve before the weekend. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An additional 5-10 cm of snow with moderate or strong southeast winds may be enough to form fresh, reactive wind slabs in lee features. In some places this could also activate buried surface hoar in the upper snowpack, generally found between 30 and 60 cm deep. Stay tuned to signs of instability like recent avalanches, whumpfing, and shooting cracks. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. We have not heard of any full depth releases on weak basal layers yet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday's weather affected the Northern part of the region more with some areas receiving up to 20 cm of new snow. Southern sections saw less snow (around 5 cm), but moderate-strong S-SE winds and milder temperatures were common throughout the region. This puts the January 9th surface hoar/facet layer down 50-70 cm in most places. Approximately 10 cm below this weakness you might find the Dec. 26/31 surface hoar layer. Reports of remote triggering, whumpfing, and sudden &quot;pops&quot; shears are all indications that both these layers could propagate well if triggered. Deeper persistent weaknesses buried in December have the potential to wake-up to heavy loading, rapid warming, or avalanches stepping-down. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack may look quite different after Thursday's storm. Expect dense new wind and storm slabs, and fresh cornice growth at upper elevations. Heavy loading from snow (and potentially rain) may have flushed-out the mid- and early-January surface hoar/facet layers that were buried 60-100 cm deep. However, don't rule these layers out right away. It may still be possible to trigger shallow slopes that did not release naturally. Rain has probably saturated the upper snowpack on lower elevation slopes (below 1500-1800 m).The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack may look quite different after Thursday's storm. Expect dense new wind and storm slabs, and fresh cornice growth at upper elevations. Heavy loading from snow (and potentially rain) may have flushed-out the mid- and early-January surface hoar/facet layers that were initially buried 30-40 cm deep. However, don't rule these layers out right away. It may still be possible to trigger shallow slopes that did not release naturally. Rain has probably saturated the upper snowpack on lower elevation slopes (below 1500-1800 m), especially in the south of the region. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 24cm of new snow fell on Tuesday night. On Thursday, moderate to strong southwest winds redistributed much of this loose surface snow into stiff and reactive wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine. These wind slabs overlie a touchy storm slab from last weekend that has been slow to settle and gain strength due to well-preserved buried stellar crystals. 50-100 cm below the surface you'll find a mix of weak crystals which formed in early January. These include primarily sun crusts on steep southerly aspects and surface hoar. This layer seems to be gaining strength in the Lizard Range. That said, observations have been limited throughout the region. I'd dig and test for this (and other) weak layers before committing to any steeper slopes. Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. Cornices are reported to be large and very weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">New snow, rising temperatures and strong winds are likely to create storm slabs in many places and wind slabs on features lee to the south. This will also add load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. This 30-60 cm persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. The persistent slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. 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_DDF6C5E8">Conditions are variable across the Purcells. New wind slabs are developing at treeline and alpine elevations. In some areas, these overlie a surface hoar or crust interface and may be extra touchy. The persistent weak layer from early January is around 20-40 cm down and has not yet reached tipping point in many parts of the region. With warming, snow and wind forecast on Friday, a consolidated persistent slab could form. Operators are also still keeping an eye on a more deeply buried layer of surface hoar from December, which is now considered dormant or unreactive. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span><span class="s_1681A555" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Continued moderate snowfall and strong ridgetop winds are expected to form new storm slabs at all elevations on Friday. 50-85 cm below the surface you'll find a weak layer of surface hoar and a hard crust on steep solar aspects. This layer, which formed at the beginning of January, seems variably reactive. Some test results suggest an improving bond at this interface while remote triggering and reports of whumpfing show this layer is still very sensitive to light loads in many areas. I would be increasingly wary of this potentially destructive layer at treeline and below where it has been reactive on all aspects. Up to 120cm below the surface, a melt freeze crust from December is still producing sudden results in snowpack tests. No recent avalanches have been reported at this interface; however, it is worth keeping an eye on with forecast warming and continued storm loading. Below this, the snowpack is generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">New snow and strong winds are likely to create storm slabs and wind slabs on features lee to the south. This will also add load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. This 30-60 cm persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. This slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. Recently formed (now buried) wind slabs also exist on lee features at alpine and treeline elevations. 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_A8FEC758">New snow and strong winds are likely to create storm slabs and wind slabs on features lee to the south. This will also add load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. There are a couple of highly reactive layers of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack, which have been responsible for lots of recent avalanches. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong, with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 17cm of new snow fell on Tuesday night. On Thursday, strong to extreme southwest winds redistributed much of this snow into new wind slabs in higher elevation lee terrain. East of Crowsnest Pass any new snow will overlie mainly scoured surfaces or hard stubborn wind slabs from last week. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled in these areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In areas to the west of the divide you're more likely to find a mix of persistent weak crystals which may lie up to 30cm below the surface. These crystals, which formed at the beginning of January, seem most reactive in open areas below treeline and consist of surface hoar, facets and a hard crust on steep solar aspects. Additional snow load will add to the size and reactivity of this developing persistent slab. About 50cm below the surface you may also find a surface hoar layer which formed in December. Although no avalanches have been reported on this layer, it continues to produce sudden results in snowpack tests and may come to life with a large trigger or additional storm loading.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the time of publishing this bulletin 90mm of heavy rain had saturated the snowpack at all elevations leaving surfaces loose, wet and unconsolidated. By Friday morning, cooler temperatures are expected to form a hard crust at ridgetop while lower elevation slopes should remain moist.  If cooler temperatures develop at the end of the storm, dense storm slabs may also exist at the highest elevations of the North Shore mountains. There are no weak layers of concern in the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 30cm of high density snow fell overnight above the 1850m elevation, with the snow line hovering at the 1700m elevation and gradually lowing this morning. We received 55mm of rainfall at below tree line elevations, with over mete of snow expected in wind loaded alpine terrain. This morning the top 40cm of snow was moist at the 1850m elevation, with the snowpack becoming progressively rain saturated as you descend below the tree line. Easy shears were observed within the storm snow layers yesterday. The buried surface hoar layers have likely been destroyed below the tree line. Although it may remain intact in some tree line and alpine locations, we are expecting that a widespread natural avalanche cycle may have occurred during the storm cleaning it out in most start zones. As freezing levels continue to fall the snowpack will begin to gradually stabilize.</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">Freezing levels were around 2200m on Friday and in some areas we even saw some light rain. A tiny bit of new snow fell throughout the day but long story short no where near the 15cm that as forecast (cue the sound of a sad trumpet). We did get lots of wind thoguh and as a result, most alpine terrain is wind affected. Windward slopes are scoured and lee features have a combination of windslabs and persistent slabs. These slabs are 20-40cm thick and failing on the Jan 6th facet interface which includes mainly facets and surface hoar. Any avalanche that initiates in the Alpine seems to be gouging out the facets on the lower slopes and running far.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An additional 5-10 cm of snow with moderate or strong southeast winds may be enough to form fresh, reactive wind slabs in lee features. In some places this could also activate buried surface hoar in the upper snowpack, generally found between 30 and 60 cm deep. Stay tuned to signs of instability like recent avalanches, whumpfing, and shooting cracks. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. We have not heard of any full depth releases on weak basal layers yet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 30-50 cm of new snow likely fell above 1600-1800 m on Thursday night with heavy rain saturating the snowpack below treeline. Expect dense new wind and storm slabs, and fresh cornice growth at upper elevations. Heavy loading, and the resulting avalanche cycle, may have flushed-out the mid- and early-January surface hoar/facet layers that were buried 60-100 cm deep. However, don't rule these layers out right away. It may still be possible to trigger shallow slopes that did not release naturally. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We've generally seen 10-30 cm of new snow with moderate S-SE winds over the last couple days. Expect fresh wind slabs overlying older wind-affected surfaces in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer down 50-70 cm in most places, and seems most concerning at and below treeline. Approximately 10 cm below this weakness you might find the Dec. 26/31 surface hoar layer. Reports of remote triggering, whumpfing, and sudden &quot;pops&quot; shears are all indications that both these layers could propagate well if triggered. Deeper persistent weaknesses buried in December have the potential to wake-up to heavy loading, rapid warming, or avalanches stepping-down. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The recent storm has created storm slabs in many places and wind slabs on features lee to the south. This has also added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. This 40-90 cm persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. The persistent slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. 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_A8FEC758">Conditions are variable across the Purcells. Wind slabs and storm slabs have developed at treeline and alpine elevations. In some areas, these overlie a surface hoar or crust/facet interface from early January and may be extra touchy. This persistent weak layer is around 30-60 cm down and may be just reaching tipping point in parts of the region. A more deeply buried layer of surface hoar from December is now considered dormant. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">So far, 30-50 cm of new snow has fallen since Wednesday night. The snow line may have gone up to ridge top in the south, but only 1400-1600 m in the north. Expect dense new wind and storm slabs, and fresh cornice growth at upper elevations. Heavy loading from snow and rain, and the resulting avalanche cycle, may have flushed-out the mid- and early-January surface hoar/facet layers that were initially buried 30-50 cm deep. However, don't rule these layers out right away. It may still be possible to trigger shallow slopes that did not release naturally. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A95EAA36">The recent storm has created storm slabs in many places and wind slabs on features lee to the south. This has also added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. This 40-90 cm persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. The persistent slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. 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_A8FEC758">Heavy new snow and strong winds have created storm slabs in many places and wind slabs on features lee to the south. This will also add load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. There are a couple of highly reactive layers of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack, which have been responsible for recent avalanches. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong, with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the time of publishing this bulletin 150mm of heavy rain had saturated the snowpack at all elevations leaving surfaces loose, wet and unconsolidated. Saturday morning, cooler temperatures are expected to form a hard crust at ridgetop while lower elevation slopes should remain moist. If cooler temperatures develop at the end of the storm, dense storm slabs may also exist at the highest elevations of the North Shore mountains. There are no weak layers of concern in the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate snowfall and strong ridge top winds are expected to form new storm slabs at all elevations on Friday. 50-85 cm below the surface you'll find a weak layer of surface hoar and a hard crust on steep solar aspects. This layer, which formed at the beginning of January, appears to be variably reactive. Test results suggest an improving bond at this interface, however, reports of remotely triggered avalanches and whumpfing show this layer to be sensitive to light loads in many areas. I would be increasingly wary of this potentially destructive layer at treeline and below, where it has been reactive on all aspects. Up to 120cm below the surface, a melt freeze crust from December is still producing significant results in snowpack tests. No recent avalanches have been reported at this interface,  however, it is worth keeping an eye on with forecast warming and continued storm loading. 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 storm snow and strong winds have produced wind slabs that now overlie a touchy storm slab from last weekend. This storm slab has been slow to settle and gain strength due to well-preserved buried stellar crystals.&nbsp; Down 50-100 cm below the surface there's a mix of weak crystals which formed in early January. These include primarily sun crusts on steep southerly aspects and surface hoar. This layer seems to be gaining strength in the Lizard Range. With limited observations&nbsp; in the region, digging to test for weak layers before committing to any steeper slopes would be a stellar idea!&nbsp; Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. Cornices in the region have been reported as large and possibly weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snows form earlier in the week with strong southwest winds  have been redistributed into wind slabs in higher elevation lee terrain. East of Crowsnest Pass new snow will overlie mainly scoured surfaces or hard stubborn wind slabs from last week. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled in these areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In areas to the west of the divide you're likely to find a mix of persistent weak crystals around 30cm below the surface. These crystals, which formed at the beginning of January, seem most reactive in open areas below treeline and consist of surface hoar, facets and a hard crust that formed on steep solar aspects. Additional snow load will add to the size and reactivity of this developing persistent slab. About 50cm below the surface you may also find a surface hoar layer which formed in December. Although no avalanches have been reported on this layer, it continues to produce sudden planar results in snowpack tests and may come to life with a large trigger or additional storm loading.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The most recent system brought about 70mm of precipitation to our area.  It fell as snow above about 1800m., but half of it was rain below that elevation.  Temperatures have since cooled overnight and at 1650m there is a solid crust 20cm below the surface.  At 1850m there is a a temperature crust below the surface, but no melt freeze forms.  The buried surface hoar layers have likely been destroyed at treeline and below treeline elevations, but they may still exist in the alpine.  Cornices have grown substantially. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline the current snowpack consists of a thin crust on top, followed by a weak layer of facets that go to the ground. In some deeper areas the snowpack still carries well, but trail breaking is generally about 30cm deep with the odd section of wallowing. There was some new snow last night, but only a few cm's. At treeline, where the snow is deeper (115cm on average)  still carries well and has some support. The melt/freeze crust goes up to 205-m. At the upper elevations, or areas that are wind prone, expect windslabs. The Jan 6th facet interface is the one to look for and it is down 20-30cm's. The alpine currently has windslabs in any lee area, as well as a persistent weak layer (Jan 6th). The depth of the Jan 6th layer varies greatly, generally 20-40cm down. So far the windslabs tend to be in immediate lees, but approach any windloaded feature with caution as there is a great deal of variability out there right now.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The &quot;Pineapple Express Light&quot; dumped 80-160 mm of precipitation on the South Coast this week. Most of this fell as snow above 1800-2000 m (over 1 m) with mixed rain and snow or just heavy rain below 1800 m. Heavy snow and strong winds have formed deep and dense wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and caused substantial cornice growth. Expect to find a rain crust at or near the surface (below 10-20 cm of fresh snow) at lower elevations. The early and mid-January surface hoar layers may have been wiped out by the storm and subsequent avalanche cycle. These layers would be down between 100 and 150 cm deep now. Tread cautiously until we know more about the state of these persistent weaknesses. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light snowfall with moderate southeast winds may be enough to form fresh, reactive wind slabs in lee features. In some places this could also activate buried surface hoar in the upper snowpack, generally found between 30 and 60 cm deep. Stay tuned to signs of instability like recent avalanches, whumpfing, and shooting cracks. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. We have not heard of any full depth releases on weak basal layers yet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light snowfall and steady moderate S-SE winds continue. Expect fresh wind slabs overlying older wind-affected surfaces in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer down 50-70 cm in most places, and seems most concerning at and below treeline. Approximately 10 cm below this weakness you might find the Dec. 26/31 surface hoar layer. Reports of remote triggering, whumpfing, and sudden &quot;pops&quot; shears are all indications that both these layers could propagate well if triggered. Deeper persistent weaknesses buried in December have the potential to wake-up to heavy loading, rapid warming, or avalanches stepping-down. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This weeks &quot;Pineapple Express Light&quot; brought an average of 60 cm of new snow to the region. The snow line may have gone up to ridge top in the south, but only 1400-1600 m in the north. Expect dense new wind and storm slabs, and fresh cornice growth at upper elevations. Heavy loading from snow and rain, and the resulting avalanche cycle, has helped flush-out the mid- and early-January surface hoar/facet layers now down 80-120 cm deep. However, these layers are likely still intact and reactive in places and it may still be possible to trigger large slabs. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy new snow and strong winds have created storm slabs in many places and wind slabs on features lee to the south. This will also add load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. There are a couple of highly reactive layers of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack, which have been responsible for recent avalanches. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong, with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span><span class="s_A8FEC758" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm has created storm slabs in many places and wind slabs on features lee to the south. This has also added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. This 40-90 cm thick persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. The persistent slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span><span class="s_A8FEC758" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfalls have created new storm slabs throughout  the region and wind slabs on lee features. This has also added load and stress to the already touchy persistent slab. The 40-90 cm persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, rime crusts and facets. This persistent slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. 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 storms with strong southwest winds have redistributed the snow at tree line and above. Wind slabs have formed lee on slopes. Operators have reported moist-wet snow below 1800 metres. East of Crowsnest Pass, new snow overlies scoured surfaces or hard stubborn wind slabs from last week. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled in these areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In areas to the west of the divide there's a mix of weak crystals around 30 to 50cm below the surface. These crystals, that formed at the beginning of January, seem most reactive in open areas below treeline and consist of surface hoar, facets and a hard crust that formed on steep solar aspects. Additional snow load will add to the size and reactivity of this developing persistent slab. About 60cm below the surface you may also find a surface hoar layer which formed in December. Although no avalanches have been reported on this layer, it continues to produce sudden planar results in snowpack tests and could come into play with a large trigger such as a cornice, or simply additional storm loading.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All areas have received extensive wind activity.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall combined with strong ridge top winds formed storm slabs at all elevations on these past few days. Dense snow now overlies colder, less-dense snow deposited earlier in the storm. On solar aspects, the new storm snow is resting on a crust around 50-85 cm below the surface, that may also have surface hoar. This surface hoar layer, formed at the beginning of January.&nbsp; Recent testing has shown this layer to be reactive, especially in places with no previous skier or rider activity. It&nbsp; appears to be most prominent at treeline and below, and on all aspects. A melt freeze crust from December buried anywhere from 80 to 130cm across the region is still producing significant results in snowpack tests. No recent avalanches have been reported at this interface, however, it is worth keeping an eye on. With forecast warming and continued storm loading it may become more problematic. 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 storm snow and strong winds have produced wind slabs that now overlie a touchy storm slab from last weekend. This storm slab has been slow to settle and gain strength due to well-preserved buried stellar crystals. Down 50-100 cm below the surface there's a mix of weak crystals which formed in early January. These include primarily sun crusts on steep southerly aspects and surface hoar. This layer seems to be gaining strength in the Lizard Range. With limited observations in the region, digging to test for weak layers before committing to any steeper slopes would be a stellar idea! Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. Cornices in the region have been reported as large and possibly weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Close to 200mm of rain has fallen in the forecast area in the past 3 days, up to an elevation of&nbsp; 2000 metres in parts of the region.&nbsp; As temperatures cool at night, a hard crust&nbsp; will form at ridgetops&nbsp; and elevation slopes should remain moist. If cool temperatures develop, dense storm slabs may exist at the highest elevations of the North Shore mountains. At present, here are no weak layers of concern in the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Conditions are variable across the Purcells. Wind slabs and storm slabs have developed at treeline and alpine elevations. In some areas, these overlie a surface hoar or crust/facet interface from early January and may be extra touchy. This persistent weak layer is around 30-60 cm down and may be just reaching tipping point in parts of the region. A more deeply buried layer of surface hoar from December is now considered dormant. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of low density new snow overnight overlies a variety of previous surfaces. Wind affect begins at 2300m with highly variable wind slab conditions above this elevation. Easy compression tests are found at the new snow interface and a hard shear was found down 80cm within a facet layer. The Jan 6 weak layer was found down 45cm in our profile today, but did not produce any test results. A melt freeze crust (now buried) exists on all aspects below 2050m. The snowpack below treeline has become very weak due to prolonged facetting, making for deep ski penetrations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The &quot;Pineapple Express Light&quot; dumped 80-160 mm of precipitation on the South Coast this week. Most of this fell as snow above 1800-2000 m (over 1 m) with mixed rain and snow or just heavy rain below 1800 m. Heavy snow and strong winds have formed deep and dense wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and caused substantial cornice growth. Expect to find a rain crust at or near the surface (below 10-20 cm of fresh snow) at lower elevations. The early and mid-January surface hoar layers may have been wiped out by the storm and subsequent avalanche cycle. These layers would be down between 100 and 150 cm deep now. Tread cautiously until we know more about the state of these persistent weaknesses. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This weeks &quot;Pineapple Express Light&quot; brought an average of 60-70 cm of new snow to the region. The snow line may have gone up to ridge top in the south, but only 1400-1600 m in the north. Expect dense new wind and storm slabs, and fresh cornice growth at upper elevations. Heavy loading from snow and rain, and the resulting avalanche cycle, has helped flush-out the mid- and early-January surface hoar/facet layers now down 80-120 cm deep. However, these layers are likely still intact and reactive in places and it may still be possible to trigger large slabs. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light snowfall and steady moderate S-SE winds continue. Expect fresh wind slabs overlying older wind-affected surfaces in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer down 60-80 cm in most places, and seems most concerning at and below treeline. Recent snowpack tests give moderate &quot;pops&quot; results on this layer. Approximately 10 cm below this weakness you might find the Dec. 26/31 surface hoar layer. Reports of remote triggering, whumpfing, and sudden shears in snowpack tests are all indications that both these layers could propagate well if triggered. Deeper persistent weaknesses buried in December have the potential to wake-up to heavy loading, rapid warming, or avalanches stepping-down. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Fresh and reactive wind slabs could be found in lee and cross-loaded features. There is a notable persistent weakness of buried surface hoar in many places, generally found between 30 and 60 cm deep. Wind, sunshine, and milder temperatures could help promote slab development in the snow overlying this interface. Stay tuned to signs of instability like recent avalanches, whumpfing, and shooting cracks. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall and strong winds created storm slabs in many places and wind slabs on features lee to the southerly winds. This new snow has also added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. There are a couple of highly reactive layers of surface hoar buried in the upper snowpack (down 40-80 cm), which have been responsible for recent avalanches. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong, with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall and strong winds have created storm slabs in many places and wind slabs on features lee to the southerly winds. This new snow has also added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. This 40-90 cm thick persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. The persistent slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. 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">Relatively cool temperatures the past few days have likely formed a crust between 1000 and 1500 metres.  Below that, what snow remains will be saturated with water, forming a crust at night and re-melting during the daytime heating. As temperatures cool at night, a hard crust will form. Dense storm slabs may exist at the highest elevations of the North Shore mountains. At present, here are no weak layers of concern in the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall combined with strong ridge top winds formed storm slabs at all elevations these past few days. In some areas dense snow now overlies colder, less-dense snow deposited earlier in the storm. Rece4nt reports indicate this is settling out, improving the skiing dramatically. On solar aspects, the storm snow is resting on a crust with facets around 80 cm below the surface. These facets may be the remnants of a surface hoar layer formed at the beginning of January. Recent testing has shown this facet layer to be reactive, especially in places with no previous skier or rider activity. It appears to be most prominent at treeline and below, and on all aspects. A melt freeze crust from December buried anywhere from 80 to 130cm across the region is still prominent in the snowpack, but no recent avalanche activity has been reported at this interface, however, it is worth keeping an eye on. With additional loading it may become more problematic. 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 storms with strong southwest winds have redistributed the snow at tree line and above. Wind slabs have formed lee on slopes. Operators have reported moist-wet snow below 1600 metres. East of Crowsnest Pass, new snow overlies scoured surfaces or hard stubborn wind slabs from last week. In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well-settled in these areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">West of the divide there's a mix of weak crystals around 30 to 50cm below the surface. This layer is a combination of surface hoar, facets and a hard crust that formed on steep solar aspects. Additional snow load will add to the size and reactivity of a developing persistent slab. About 60 to 80cm below the surface you may also find a surface hoar layer which formed in December. Although no avalanches have been reported on this layer, it continues to produce sudden planar results in snowpack tests and could come into play with a large trigger such as a cornice, or simply additional storm loading.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All areas have received extensive wind activity.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Conditions are widely variable across the Purcells. Wind slabs and storm slabs have developed at treeline and alpine elevations. In some areas, these overlie a surface hoar or crust/facet interface from early January and may be easily triggered by a skier or sledder. Reports indicate this persistent weak layer is now 40 to 80cm down in some areas and appears to be quite touchy in some parts of the region. A more deeply buried layer of surface hoar from December is now considered dormant. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow and strong winds have produced wind slabs that now overlie a touchy storm slab from last week. This storm slab has been slow to settle and gain strength due to well-preserved buried stellar crystals. Down 50-100 cm below the surface there's a mix of weak crystals which formed in early January. These include primarily sun crusts on steep southerly aspects and surface hoar. This layer seems to be gaining strength in the Lizard Range. With limited observations in the region, digging to test for weak layers before committing to any steeper slopes would be a stellar idea! Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. Cornices in the region have been reported as large and weak.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfalls and south west winds have created new storm slabs throughout the region and wind slabs on lee features. This has added additional load and stress to an already touchy persistent slab. This 40-90 cm thick persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, rime crusts and facets. The slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. 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_AA239A9B">The most recent system brought about 70mm of precipitation to our area. It fell as snow above about 1800m., but half of it was rain below that elevation. Temperatures have since cooled and below treeline there is a solid crust at or not far below the surface. The crust can be found up to about 1850m. The buried surface hoar layers have likely been destroyed by the moist conditions and the widespread natural activity that occurred during the storm. In exposed alpine terrain there is a stiffer slab on the surface that overlies the less dense storm snow layers. Cornices have grown substantially and many new cleaves have opened up. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The most recent system brought about 70mm of precipitation to our area. It fell as snow above about 1800m., but half of it was rain below that elevation. Temperatures have since cooled and below treeline there is a solid crust at or not far below the surface. The crust can be found up to about 1850m. The buried surface hoar layers have likely been destroyed by the moist conditions and the widespread natural activity that occurred during the storm. In exposed alpine terrain there is a stiffer slab on the surface that overlies the less dense storm snow layers. Cornices have grown substantially and many new cleaves have opened up. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A 20-40cm wind slab is prominent on lee and cross loaded slopes at alpine and treeline elevations consisting of several laminated layers within the top 30cm, easy sudden planer snowpack test results were found on these interfaces. The January 6th layer was found down 50 cm but was not reactive at this site to testing. At treeline and below treeline up to 2050m a buried temperature crusts exists on all aspects. Below Treeline the snowpack is showing signs of continued faceting and weakening which is obvious when you step off of of the up track.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively cool temperatures the past few days have likely formed a crust between 1000 and 1500 metres. Below that, what snow remains will be saturated with water, forming a crust at night and re-melting during the daytime heating. As temperatures cool at night, a hard crust will form. Dense storm slabs may exist at the highest elevations of the North Shore mountains. At present, here are no weak layers of concern in the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">Recent snowfall and strong winds have created some storm slabs but reactive wind slabs on features lee to the southerly winds seems to be the bigger concern in the upper snowpack. This new snow has also added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. This 40-90 cm thick persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. The persistent slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The mid and lower snowpack below this layer is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms with strong southwest winds have redistributed the snow at tree line and above. Wind slabs have formed lee on slopes, and A crust that formed in early December has reappeared with recent loading, east of Crowsnest Pass. In general the new snow overlies scoured surfaces or hard stubborn wind slabs from last week. The mid and lower snowpack are getting stronger and settling well in these areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">West of the divide there's a mix of weak crystals around 30 to 50cm below the surface. This layer is a combination of surface hoar, facets and a hard crust that formed on steep solar aspects. Additional snow load will add to the size and reactivity of the developing persistent slab. About 60 to 80cm below the surface there is surface hoar layer which formed in December. Although no avalanches have been reported on this layer, it continues to produce sudden planar results in snowpack tests and could come into play with a large trigger such as a cornice, or simply additional storm loading. All areas have received extensive wind activity around tree line and above.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall combined with strong ridge top winds formed storm slabs at all elevations these past few days. A rain crust formed at the end of the last storm between 1500 and 2000 metres, and now has 10 to 20 cm of storm snow resting on it. In some area, storm snow is resting on a crust with facets around 90 cm below the surface. These facets may be the remnants of a surface hoar layer formed at the beginning of January. Recent testing has shown this facet layer to be reactive, especially in places with no previous skier or rider activity. It appears to be most prominent at treeline and below, and on all aspects. A melt freeze crust from December buried anywhere from 80 to 130cm across the region is still prominent in the snowpack, but no recent avalanche activity has been reported at this interface, however, it is worth keeping an eye on. 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 storm snow and strong winds have produced wind slabs that now overlie a touchy storm slab from last week. On solar aspects, the new storm snow is moist during the day. A  layer of stellars deposited around the 16th of January is still being reported down 50-100 cm . Below that, at varying depths are sun crusts on steep southerly aspects and surface hoar. This layer seems to be gaining strength in the Lizard Range. With limited observations in the region, digging to test for weak layers before committing to any steeper slopes would be a stellar idea! Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. Cornices in the region have been reported as large and weak.&nbsp; Rising freezing levels may adversely affect the snowpack stability.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall and strong winds have created some storm slabs but reactive wind slabs on features lee to the southerly winds seems to be the bigger concern in the upper snowpack. This new snow has also added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. There are a couple of highly reactive layers of surface hoar typically down 70-100cm which have been responsible for numerous recent large avalanches. The persistent slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The mid and lower snowpack below these layers is generally well-settled and strong, with any old weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall and strong winds have created some storm slabs but reactive wind slabs on features lee to the southerly winds seems to be the bigger concern in the upper snowpack. This has added additional load and stress to an already touchy persistent slab. This 40-90 cm thick persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, rime crusts and facets. The slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. 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">Conditions are widely variable across the Purcells. Wind slabs and storm slabs have developed at treeline and alpine elevations. In some areas, these overlie a surface hoar or crust/facet interface from early January and may be easily triggered by a skier or sledder. Reports indicate this persistent weak layer is now typically down 40 to 60cm in most areas and appears to be quite touchy in some parts of the region. A more deeply buried layer of surface hoar from December is now considered dormant. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The &quot;Pineapple Express Light&quot; dumped 80-160 mm of precipitation on the South Coast this week. Most of this fell as snow above 1800-2000 m (over 1 m) with mixed rain and snow or just heavy rain below 1800 m. Heavy snow and strong winds have formed deep and dense wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and caused substantial cornice growth. Expect to find a rain crust at or near the surface (below 10-20 cm of fresh snow) at lower elevations. In many areas, the early and mid-January surface hoar layers may have been wiped-out by the storm and subsequent avalanche cycle; however, recent Mountain Information Network observations from the Spearhead range show this layer is still producing &quot;sudden&quot; test results. These layers would be down between 80 and 150 cm deep, and still have the capacity to surprise with nasty consequences. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Fresh and reactive wind slabs could be found in lee and cross-loaded features. There is a notable persistent weakness of buried surface hoar in many places, generally found between 30 and 60 cm deep. Wind, sunshine, and milder temperatures could help promote slab development in the snow overlying this interface. Stay tuned to signs of instability like recent avalanches, whumpfing, and shooting cracks. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Tuesday a warm, wet and windy storm is expected to form new storm slabs at higher elevations while rain is expected to saturate surfaces at lower elevations. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 60-100 cm in most places, and seems most concerning at and below treeline. Approximately 10 cm below this weakness you might find the Dec. 26/31 surface hoar layer. Ongoing reports of remote triggering, whumpfing, and sudden shears in snowpack tests are all indications that these layers are touchy and could propagate well if triggered. Deeper persistent weaknesses buried in December have the potential to wake-up to heavy loading, rapid warming, or avalanches stepping-down. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This weeks &quot;Pineapple Express Light&quot; brought an average of 60-70 cm of new snow to the region. The snow line may have gone up to ridge top in the south, but only 1400-1600 m in the north. Expect dense new wind and storm slabs, and fresh cornice growth at upper elevations. Heavy loading from snow and rain, and the resulting avalanche cycle, has helped flush-out the mid- and early-January surface hoar/facet layers now down 80-120 cm deep. However, these layers are very much still intact and reactive in places and it may still be possible to trigger large slabs. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The last significant system brought about 70mm of precipitation to our area. It fell as snow above about 1800m., but half of it was rain below that elevation. Temperatures have since cooled and below treeline there is a solid crust at or not far below the surface. The crust can be found up to about 1850m. The buried surface hoar layers have likely been destroyed by the moist conditions and the widespread natural activity that occurred during the storm. In exposed alpine terrain there is a stiffer slab sitting below 5-10cm of new snow. Cornices are looming and continue to grow. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Extreme alpine winds from the west have kept the transport going. Most high areas have been stripped of snow on windward aspects, but some lower areas have seen some slab growth over the last 24hrs. At treeline, expect a supportive snowpack with wind slabs in any open terrain. Having said that, in shallow areas, the weak snow is still producing the occasional loose dry &quot;facalanche&quot; out of steep terrain. Very little change below treeline in terms of the snowpack. It is still weak and un supportive in many areas. Snow depth seems to be the key to supportive traveling. Metre plus areas have a better feeling snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively cool temperatures the past few days have likely formed a crust between 1000 and 1500 metres. Below that, what snow remains will be saturated with water, forming a crust at night and re-melting during the daytime heating. As temperatures cool at night, a hard crust will form. Dense storm slabs may exist at the highest elevations of the North Shore mountains. At present, here are no weak layers of concern in the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms with strong southwest winds have redistributed the snow at tree line and above. Wind slabs have formed on lee slopes, and a crust that formed in early December has reappeared with recent wind loading east of Crowsnest Pass. In general the new snow overlies scoured surfaces and hard stubborn wind slabs from last week. The mid and lower snowpack are getting stronger and settling well in these areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In some locations  west of the divide there is a rain crust up to 2000 metres with 20 to 30 cm of storm snow on it. Around 50cm below the surface is a combination of surface hoar, facets and a hard crust that formed on steep solar aspects. Additional snow load will add to the size and reactivity of this developing slab. About 60 to 80cm below the surface there is surface hoar layer which formed in early December. All areas have received extensive wind activity around tree line and above.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs are developing in the alpine and at treeline. Wind slabs and recent storm slabs have added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. There are a couple of highly reactive layers of surface hoar typically down 70-100cm which have been responsible for numerous recent large avalanches. The persistent slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The mid and lower snowpack below these layers is generally well-settled and strong, with any old weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">New wind slabs are developing in the alpine and at treeline in the lee of southwest winds. Wind transported snow and recent storm slabs have added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. This 40-90 cm thick persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. The persistent slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The mid and lower snowpack below this layer is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall combined with strong ridge top winds have formed slabs at all elevations these past few days. A rain crust formed at the end of the last storm between 1500 and 2000 metres, now has 10 to 20 cm of storm snow resting on it. In some places, storm snow sits on a crust with facets around 90 cm below the surface. These facets may be the remnants of a surface hoar layer formed at the beginning of January. Recent testing has shown this facet layer to be reactive, especially in places with no previous skier or rider activity. It appears to be most prominent at treeline and below, and on all aspects. A melt freeze crust from December buried anywhere from 80 to 130cm across the region is still prominent in the snowpack, but no recent avalanche activity has been reported at this interface. 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">Wind transported snow has resulted in an added load above the buried persistent weak layer of surface hoar. This has added additional load and stress to an already touchy persistent slab. This 40-90 cm thick persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, rime crusts and facets. The slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. Rising freezing levels may increase the likelihood of triggering the persistent slab in the short term. 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 and strong winds have produced wind slabs that now overlie a touchy storm slab from last week. On solar aspects, the new storm snow has been reported as moist during the day. A layer of stellars deposited around the 16th of January is still being reported down 50-100 cm . Below that, at varying depths are sun crusts on steep southerly aspects and surface hoar. This layer seems to be gaining strength in the Lizard Range. With limited observations in the region, digging to test for weak layers before committing to any steeper slopes would be a stellar idea! Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. Cornices in the region have been reported as large and weak. Rising freezing levels may adversely affect the snowpack stability.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Conditions are widely variable across the Purcells. Wind slabs and storm slabs have developed at treeline and alpine elevations. In some areas, these overlie a surface hoar or crust/facet interface from early January and may be easily triggered by a skier or sledder. Reports indicate this persistent weak layer is now typically down 40 to 60cm in most areas and appears to be quite touchy in some parts of the region. A more deeply buried layer of surface hoar from December is now considered dormant. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Wednesday, moderate snowfall and strong winds will continue to form deep and dense storm slabs in high elevation terrain and cause substantial cornice growth. At treeline and below, rain is forecast to further saturate the upper snowpack. Heavy loading from last week's storm and the resulting avalanche cycle, has helped flush-out the mid and early-January surface hoar/facet layers now down 60-120 cm deep. However, these layers are still intact and reactive in many places and it may still be possible to trigger large slabs. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Wednesday, moderate to heavy snow and strong winds will continue to form deep and dense storm slabs in high elevation terrain and cause substantial cornice growth. At treeline and below, rain is forecast to further saturate the snowpack. In many areas, the early and mid-January surface hoar layers have been wiped-out by last week's storm and subsequent avalanche cycle; however, &quot;sudden&quot; test results and isolated persistent slab avalanches prove these interfaces should remain on your radar. These layers would be down between 80 and 150 cm deep, and still have the capacity to surprise with nasty consequences. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warm, wet and windy storm is forming dense new storm slabs at higher elevations while rain is saturating surfaces at lower elevations. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 60-100 cm in most places, and seems most concerning at and below treeline. Approximately 10 cm below this weakness you might find the Dec. 26/31 surface hoar layer. Ongoing reports of remote triggering, whumpfing, and sudden shears in snowpack tests are all indications that these layers are touchy and could propagate well if triggered. Deeper persistent weaknesses buried in December have the potential to wake-up to heavy loading, rapid warming, or avalanches stepping-down. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Monday night a few centimetres of new snow fell in the mountains around Smithers while closer to 15 cm fell in areas further west. Strong to extreme winds have likely redistributed much of this new snow into reactive wind slabs at higher elevations while lower elevation surfaces are likely now moist due to rising freezing levels during the system.  There is a notable persistent weakness of buried surface hoar in many places, generally found between 30 and 60 cm deep. Wind, sunshine, and milder temperatures could help promote slab development in the snow overlying this interface. Stay tuned to signs of instability like recent avalanches, whumpfing, and shooting cracks. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is wind and temperature affected storm snow sitting on a freezing rain lenz above 1850m sitting over settling old surfaces. Below 1900m the surface is moist. The early January surface hoar layers remain a factor in the snowpack down 40-60cm. Cornices have grown and are fragile.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent heavy rainfall has saturated the upper snowpack at all elevations.  When freezing levels drop on Thursday, a widespread melt-freeze crust is expected to form on the surface.  There are currently no weak layers of concern in the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Little change over the past 24hrs.  Winds abated a bit but the damage is done.  The jan 6th interface is down 30-40cm and producing a variety of sheers from easy to moderate.  Overlying this interface is a hard slab that skiers need to be aware has the ability to propagate across a feature or along a ridgeline. Once this slab initiates it is likely that it will scrub the basal facets beneath this layer and cause a potentially large avalanche running farther than expected.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday's storm snow is expected to sit over recently buried surface hoar that is reported to be 5-10mm in the north of the region.&nbsp; Strong southwest winds will likely form new wind slabs in leeward features and stiffer old wind slabs may still be reactive in steep unsupported features. In deeper snowfall areas, a more widespread storm slab may form and could quickly become reactive. A thin rain crust is reported to be as high as 2000m and down around 20cm in the snowpack. The recently destructive early January surface layer is down 60-100cm and is most prominent on all aspects at treeline and below.&nbsp; It is getting harder to trigger this layer but it is still very reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that if you are able to trigger it, the layer is capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches.&nbsp; A rain crust from December can likely still be found down 100-150cm down but is generally considered inactive.&nbsp; Below this layer then snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moist surface snow is being reported to 1700m on Wednesday afternoon as freezing levels climb. Wind slabs are reported in open areas at treeline and in the alpine, and will continue to form on Thursday with new snowfall and strong southwest winds. Ongoing cornice formation is being reported and these new cornices are expected to be touchy. The recently destructive early January surface layer is down 100-150cm. It is getting harder to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that if you are able to trigger it, the layer is capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches. The snowpack is reported to be settling substantially with the warm temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs are developing in the alpine and at treeline. Wind slabs and recent storm slabs have added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. There are a couple of highly reactive layers of surface hoar typically down 70-100cm which have been responsible for numerous recent large avalanches. The persistent slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The mid and lower snowpack below these layers is generally well-settled and strong, with any old weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">New wind slabs are developing in the alpine and at treeline in the lee of southwest winds. Wind transported snow and recent storm slabs have added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. This 40-90 cm thick persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, and facets. The persistent slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The mid and lower snowpack below this layer is generally well settled and strong.</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. In some areas these new wind slabs may be sitting on a layer of surface hoar. In other areas wind probably destroyed the surface hoar, or freezing drizzle created a thin crust at the beginning of the storm. I have continued to call the avalanche problem a wind slab, due to the widespread nature of the strong southwest winds. A thin new storm slab may exist in some areas in the south of the region. The persistent weak layer that was buried in early January is now down about 50-100 cm. This thick persistent slab overlies a variety of surfaces including large surface hoar, sun crusts, rime crusts and facets. The slab is ripe for human and natural triggers and is especially touchy at and below treeline. Rising freezing levels may increase the likelihood of triggering the persistent slab in the short term. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most areas are reporting new wind slabs that are 10-25 cm deep, that have developed from moderate to strong southwest winds. Old storm snow amounts are variable across the region from 30-60 cm, and continue to produce settlements and moderate sudden planar test results. The early January persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar continues to be a concern for human triggered large avalanches. Reports indicate this persistent weak layer is now typically down 40-70 cm in most areas and appears to be quite touchy in some parts of the region. A more deeply buried layer of surface hoar from December is now considered dormant. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent strong to extreme winds from the southwest to west have redistributed the snow at treeline and above. Wind slabs have formed on lee slopes and windward slopes are being stripped away.&nbsp; Freezing levels are reported to be around 1900m on Wednesday afternoon.&nbsp; The mid and lower snowpack are getting stronger and settling well with the warm temperatures.&nbsp; A weak crust/facet layer from early-December is typically down over 1m.&nbsp; It has become difficult to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that if you are able to trigger it, the layer is capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches.&nbsp; Recent explosive control triggered a few large avalanches on this layer in the southeast of the region.&nbsp; In the northwest of the region, there may still be reactive surface hoar layers in the upper snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Wednesday and Thursday, moderate snowfall and strong winds will continue to form deep and dense storm slabs in high elevation terrain and cause substantial cornice growth. At lower elevations rain is forecast to further saturate the upper snowpack. In some areas, last week's storm and the resulting avalanche cycle helped flush-out the mid and early-January surface hoar/facet layers now down 60-120 cm deep. However, these layers are still intact and reactive in many places and it may still be possible to trigger large slabs. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Wednesday night and Thursday morning, moderate to heavy snow and strong winds will continue to form deep and dense storm slabs in high elevation terrain and cause substantial cornice growth. At treeline and below, rain is forecast to further saturate the snowpack. In many areas, the early and mid-January surface hoar layers have been wiped-out by last week's storm and subsequent avalanche cycle; however, &quot;sudden&quot; test results and isolated persistent slab avalanches prove these interfaces should remain on your radar. These layers would be down between 80 and 150 cm deep, and still have the capacity to surprise with nasty consequences. The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of shallower snowpack areas that may be more faceted. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warm, wet and windy storm is forming dense new storm slabs at higher elevations while rain is saturating surfaces at lower elevations. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-120 cm in most places, and seems most concerning at and below treeline. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. Ongoing reports of remote triggering, whumpfing, and sudden shears in snowpack tests are all indications that these layers are touchy and could propagate well if triggered. Deeper weaknesses are generally considered to be dormant. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Since Monday night light amounts of new snow fell in the mountains around Smithers while closer to 25 cm fell in areas further west. Strong to extreme winds have likely redistributed much of this new snow into reactive wind slabs at higher elevations while surfaces at treeline and below are likely now moist due to rising freezing levels during the system. There is a notable persistent weakness of buried surface hoar in many places, generally found between 30 and 70 cm deep. Wind and milder temperatures may have helped to promote slab development in the snow overlying this interface. In other areas, rain may have destroyed the layer. Stay tuned to signs of instability like recent avalanches, whumpfing, and shooting cracks. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> A deep moist storm slab has accumulated above 1800 meters. This storm slab has buried a thin rain crust, and three old surface hoar layers that are up to two meters below the surface. Below the tree line the snowpack is now mostly wet. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent heavy rainfall has saturated the upper snowpack at all elevations. A widespread melt-freeze crust is expected to form on the surface as freezing levels drop. There are currently no weak layers of concern in the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most areas are reporting 10-25 cm deep fresh wind slabs that were loaded from moderate to strong southwest winds. Weakness linger within and under the 30-60cm of recent storm snow with reports of moderate sudden results in snowpack tests. The persistent weak layer of surface hoar buried early-January is now typically down 40-70 cm and appears to be quite touchy in some parts of the region. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent strong to extreme winds from the south to west have redistributed the snow at treeline and above. Wind slabs have formed on lee slopes and windward slopes are being stripped away. Moist surface snow is being reported to around treeline elevation on Thursday and a crust is expected to form over the weekend as freezing levels fall. The mid and lower snowpack has been settling well with the warm temperatures and is expected to gain considerable strength with several days of cooling. A weak crust/facet layer from early-December is typically down over 1m. It has become difficult to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that if you are able to trigger it, the layer is capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches. Recent explosive control triggered a few large avalanches on this layer in the southeast of the region. In the northwest of the region, there may still be reactive surface hoar layers in the upper snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New storm snow from Thursday continues to add to the existing storm slab which sits over buried surface hoar in many parts of the region. This surface hoar layer appears to be down 30-40cm and a second more recently buried layer of surface hoar may also be found down around 10-20cm. A thin melt-freeze crust may also be found buried in the upper snowpack but down not seem to be creating an instability. Recently strong south to southwest winds have likely form new wind slabs in leeward features in the alpine. At lower elevations, warm temperatures and rain have likely melted the surface and a melt-freeze crust is expected to form with the cooling trend. The recently destructive early January surface layer is down 60-100cm and is most prominent on all aspects at treeline and below. It is getting harder to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that if you are able to trigger it, the layer is capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches. A rain crust from December can likely still be found down 100-150cm down but is generally considered inactive. Below this layer the snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Weaknesses exist within and under the 30-50cm of recent storm snow, which is particularly deep and touchy on wind-loaded slopes in alpine and exposed treeline areas, and bonding poorly to buried surface hoar where it wasn't destroyed by wind or a crust at lower elevations. The persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar, sun crusts, rime crusts and/or facets that was buried in early January is now down about 50-100 cm. The overlying slab remains primed for triggering and is especially touchy at and below treeline. Below that, the snowpack is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm totals and freezing levels across the region have been highly variable with some areas receiving over 40mm of precipitation in the past day with freezing levels spiking over 1700m, while others stayed relatively cool and dry. Weaknesses exist within and under this recent storm snow, which is particularly deep and touchy on wind-loaded slopes in alpine and exposed treeline areas, and bonding poorly to buried surface hoar down around 40cm where it wasn't destroyed by wind, or a crust at lower elevations and south aspects. The persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar, sun crusts, rime crusts and/or facets that was buried in early January is now down about 50-100 cm. The overlying slab remains primed for triggering and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The mid and lower snowpack below these layers is generally well-settled and strong, with any old weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">Recent storm totals and freezing levels across the region have been highly variable with some areas receiving over 20cm below 1000m in the past day while others have a thick rain crust extending above 1500m. Weaknesses exist within and under this recent storm snow, which is particularly deep and touchy on wind-loaded slopes in alpine and exposed treeline areas, and bonding poorly to buried surface hoar down around 40cm where it wasn't destroyed by wind, or a crust at lower elevations and south aspects. The persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar, sun crusts, rime crusts and/or facets that was buried in early January is now down about 50-100 cm. The overlying slab remains primed for triggering and is especially touchy at and below treeline. Below that, the snowpack is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moist surface snow is being reported to 1700m on Thursday. A surface crust is expected to form below this elevation as temperatures drop.  Wind slabs have formed in leeward features in the alpine and in open areas at treeline from recent strong southwest winds. Recent cornice formation has been reported and these new cornices are expected to be touchy. The recently destructive early January surface layer is down 100-150cm. It is getting harder to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that if you are able to trigger it, the layer is capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches. The snowpack is reported to be settling substantially with the warm temperatures and is expected to gain considerable strength over the weekend as colder temperatures are established.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Wednesday night and Thursday morning, heavy snowfall and strong winds continued to form deep and dense storm slabs in high elevation terrain and cause substantial cornice growth. At treeline and below, rain fell and further saturated the snowpack. The snow line fluctuated a great deal during the storm which dropped up to 60mm of precipitation throughout the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 70 and 150 cm below the surface. The hope is the combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has flushed out this weak layer in most areas, but that remains to be seen. In the wake of the storm, there will be a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem, especially at high elevations in the north of the region where continued reactivity at this interface has been observed. Additionally, the snowpack will require time to adjust to the stress of heavy storm loading. A very conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</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">On Wednesday night and Thursday morning, heavy snowfall and strong winds continued to form deep and dense storm slabs in high elevation terrain and cause substantial cornice growth. At treeline and below, rain fell and further saturated the snowpack. The snow line fluctuated a great deal during the storm which dropped around 80mm of precipitation throughout the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 100 and 180 cm below the surface. The hope is the combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has flushed out this weak layer in most areas, but that remains to be seen. In the wake of the storm, there will be a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem, especially at high elevations in the north of the region where continued reactivity at this interface has been observed. Additionally, the snowpack will require time to adjust to the stress of heavy storm loading. A very conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</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">Since Monday night generally light amounts of new snow fell in the mountains around Smithers while closer to 40 cm fell in areas further west. Strong to extreme winds have likely redistributed much of this new snow into reactive wind slabs at higher elevations while surfaces at treeline and below are likely now moist or refrozen due to rising freezing levels during the system. There is a notable persistent weakness of buried surface hoar in many places, generally found between 30 and 80 cm deep. Wind and milder temperatures may have helped to promote slab development in the snow overlying this interface. In other areas, rain may have destroyed the layer. Stay tuned to signs of instability like recent avalanches, whumpfing, and shooting cracks. The mid pack that was reported to be well settled may have now facetted in the shallower areas, and the deeper basal layers are almost certainly facetted and weak. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warm, wet and windy storm has formed deep, dense and reactive storm slabs at higher elevations while rain has saturated the snowpack below treeline. The snow line fluctuated a great deal during the storm which dropped around 80mm of precipitation in the Terrace area (and slightly less in the mountains around Stewart) over the past 4 days. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-150 cm in most places, and is a concern on all aspects and elevations. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. The hope is the combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures will have flushed out these weak layers in many areas, but that remains to be seen. In the wake of the storm, there will be a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem. Additionally, the snowpack will require time to adjust to the stress of heavy storm loading. A very conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</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">Warm temps and rain up to 1700m has made for a wet snowpack at lower elevations. Above 1800m the snow is moist up to about 1900m. Above that the temps stayed cool enough to limit the moist snow. Tomorrow, we can expect a melt/freeze crust up to atleast1900m. At treeline the winds continued to blow around what snow it could. Windslab and settlement slabs are likely to be found in lee areas. The alpine remained cool with dry snow and some moderate wind transport. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A dusting of graupel has fallen onto a weak crust over moist storm snow up to 2100m. There is 50 - 100 centimeters of snow loaded over a thin rain glaze from early last week in lee start zones. The early January surface hoar layers are buried beneath a series of melt freeze crusts and settled storm slabs. They are roughly one to two meters below the surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is now a light, 1cm thick melt/freeze crust at valley bottom. Beneath this is a mess of facets that provides little to no support. Difficult trail breaking in many areas. Currently there is 5-10cm of new snow sitting on top of the crust. Near treeline there is a distinct slab layer that ranges in stiffness. This slab layer is sitting on the Jan 6th facet layer, which provides almost no support. For the first time this year, some whumphing was noted. At upper treeline these slabs become more prominent as do the weak spots around trees and rocks. Thin areas are becoming more problematic. The alpine is a similar situation with a variety of new and old wind slabs. The top storm slabs are 10-20cm thick. The alpine snowpack has a hollow nature to it that does not inspire confidence at the moment. It feels as though we're on the verge of overloading the Jan 6th layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack observations have been extremely limited from this region. Since Monday night generally light amounts of new snow fell in the mountains around Smithers while closer to 50 cm fell in areas further west. Strong winds have likely redistributed much of this new snow into reactive wind slabs at higher elevations. Rain fell below about 1200m. If cooling happens as forecast, surfaces at lower elevations will likely be sporting a hard crust. There is a notable persistent weakness of buried surface hoar in many places, generally found between 25 and 60 cm deep. Wind and milder temperatures may have helped to promote slab development in the snow overlying this interface. In other areas, rain may have destroyed the layer. Stay tuned to signs of instability like recent avalanches, whumpfing, and shooting cracks. The mid pack was reported to be well settled, although various levels of faceting can be certainly be expected in the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warm, wet and windy storm has formed deep, dense and reactive storm slabs at higher elevations while rain has saturated the snowpack on many slopes below treeline. The snow line fluctuated a great deal during the storm which dropped around 80mm of precipitation in the Terrace area (and slightly less in the mountains around Stewart) over the past 5 days. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-150 cm in most places, and is a concern on all aspects and elevations. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. The hope is the combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has flushed out these weak layers in many areas, but professionals have noted the snowpack did not see extensive rain at critical elevations. In short, the buried surface hoar is still an issue. In the wake of the storm, there will be a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem. Additionally, the snowpack will require time to adjust to the stress of heavy storm loading. A very conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</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">Weaknesses exist within and under the recent settled storm snow, with snowpack tests producing easy to moderate results down 15-20cm (or deeper where wind-loaded) on buried surface hoar, decomposing storm snow or a thin crust, and hard results down 45-65 cm on a crust buried mid January. The persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar, sun crusts, rime crusts and/or facets that was buried in early January is now down close to a metre in most places and producing hard but sudden results in snowpack tests. The overlying slab remains primed for triggering and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The lower snowpack is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">Weaknesses exist within and under the recent settled storm snow, with snowpack tests producing various easy to moderate sudden and resist shears in the upper 50cm. Surface hoar buried mid January recently produced moderate to hard but sudden results where it was found down 40cm. The persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar, sun crusts, rime crusts and/or facets that was buried in early January is now down 50-100cm in most places, and producing moderate to hard but sudden results in snowpack tests. The overlying slab remains primed for triggering and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The lower snowpack is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Weakness linger within and under the 30-60cm of rapidly settling recent storm snow with reports of moderate sudden results in snowpack tests. Southwesterly winds have continued to build fresh wind slabs on the leeward side of ridgecrests and behind terrain features on cross-loaded slopes. The persistent weak layer of surface hoar buried early-January is now typically down 40-70 cm and appears to be quite touchy in some parts of the region. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Wednesday night and Thursday morning, heavy snowfall and strong winds continued to form deep and dense storm slabs in high elevation terrain and cause substantial cornice growth. The snow line fluctuated a great deal during the storm which dropped around 80mm of precipitation throughout the region. At treeline and below, heavy rain saturated the snowpack. With forecast cooling, slopes at these elevation bands may now be sporting a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 100 and 180 cm below the surface. The combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has likely flushed out this weak layer in most areas. In the wake of the storm, there will still be some uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem, especially at high elevations in the north of the region where continued reactivity at this interface has been observed. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow and wind on Friday night and Saturday will form new wind slabs in high elevation lee terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm totals and freezing levels across the region have been highly variable with some areas receiving over 40mm of precipitation in the past few days with freezing levels spiking over 1700m, while others stayed relatively cool and dry. Weaknesses exist within and under this recent storm snow, which is particularly deep and touchy on wind-loaded slopes in alpine and exposed treeline areas, and bonding poorly to recently buried surface hoar, facets, and/or a crust at lower elevations and south aspects. The persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar, sun crusts, rime crusts and/or facets that was buried in early January is now down around a metre. The overlying slab remains primed for triggering and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The mid and lower snowpack below these layers is generally well-settled and strong, with any old weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Wednesday night and Thursday morning, heavy snowfall and strong winds continued to form deep and dense storm slabs in high elevation terrain and cause substantial cornice growth. The snow line fluctuated a great deal during the storm which dropped around 80mm of precipitation throughout the region. At treeline and below, heavy rain saturated the snowpack. With forecast cooling, slopes at these elevation bands may now be sporting a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 60 and 130 cm below the surface. The combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has likely flushed out this weak layer in many areas. I would still exercise caution on higher elevation slopes in the north of the region where continued reactivity at this destructive interface is likely to persist. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow and wind on Friday night and Saturday will form new wind slabs in high elevation lee terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent strong to extreme winds from the south to west have redistributed the snow at treeline and above. Wind slabs have formed on lee slopes and windward slopes are being stripped away. Moist surface snow is being reported up to about treeline elevation on Thursday and a crust is expected to form over the weekend as freezing levels fall. The mid and lower snowpack has been settling well with the warm temperatures and is expected to gain considerable strength with several days of cooling. The buried surface hoar was found in the Crown mountain area, and compression tests gave hard sudden planar results. A weak crust/facet layer from early-December is typically down over 1m. It has become difficult to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that if you are able to trigger it, the layer is capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow and wind developed fresh cornice and wind slabs that released naturally in steep terrain. A surface crust is expected to form below about 1700 metres as temperatures drop.&nbsp; The recently destructive early January surface layer is down 100-150cm. It is getting harder to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that if you are able to trigger it, the layer is capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches. The snowpack is reported to be settling substantially with the warm temperatures and is expected to gain considerable strength over the weekend as colder temperatures are established.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures settled the recent storm snow, and then a cooling trend tightened the existing storm slab which sits over buried surface hoar in many parts of the region. This surface hoar layer appears to be down 30-40cm and a second more recently buried layer of surface hoar may also be found down around 10-20cm. A thin melt-freeze crust may also be found buried in the upper snowpack but does not seem to be creating an instability. Recently strong south to southwest winds have likely formed new wind slabs in leeward features in the alpine. At lower elevations, warm temperatures and rain have likely melted the surface and a melt-freeze crust is expected to form with the cooling trend. The recently destructive early January surface layer is down 60-100cm and is most prominent on all aspects at treeline and below. It is getting harder to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that if you are able to trigger it, the layer is capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to heavy snowfall is forecast. The new storm snow is falling on a rain soaked snowpack that probably did not re-freeze before the snow started on Friday. There are no layers of concern in the snowpack below the old surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A dusting of light new snow and graupel has fallen onto a strong crust over moist storm snow up to 2100m. There is 50 - 100 centimeters of snow loaded over a thin rain glaze from early last week in lee start zones. The early January surface hoar layers are buried beneath a series of melt freeze crusts and settled storm slabs. They are roughly one to two meters below the surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Sunday morning there could as much as 40 cm of dry new snow with the snow line extending down to at least 800 m. Expect fresh wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and the potential for storm slabs or loose dry avalanches. The intense storm earlier this week dropped around 80mm of precipitation throughout the region with fluctuating freezing levels. In the alpine deep and dense storm slabs formed and there was substantial cornice growth. At and below treeline the new snow likely sits on a crust or moist/wet snow. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 100 and 180 cm below the surface. The combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has likely flushed out this weak layer in most areas. There is still some uncertainty regarding the sensitivity and distribution of this persistent avalanche problem, especially at high elevations in the north of the region where it remains reactive in snowpack tests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Convective precipitation delivered variable new snow amounts to the region on Friday. In the south, as much as 40 cm of snow may have accumulated, while further north there may have only been 10-15 cm. This new snow likely rests on moist/wet snow or a hard rain crust depending on elevation. A storm earlier in the week created deep and dense storm slabs in high elevation terrain and cause substantial cornice growth. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 60 and 130 cm below the surface. The combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has likely flushed out this weak layer in many areas; however, I would still exercise caution on higher elevation slopes in the north of the region where continued reactivity at this destructive interface is likely to persist. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Generally 15-25 cm of lower density new snow overlies moist or wet snow, or previously wind affected surfaces in the alpine. Fresh wind slabs are likely in lee and cross-loaded features in the alpine and at treeline. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-150 cm in most places, and remains a concern on all aspects and elevations. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. In the wake of the recent storm, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem. Additionally, the snowpack will require time to adjust to the stress of heavy storm loading. A very conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</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">Generally light amounts of new snow fell in the mountains around Smithers this week, while closer to 50 cm fell in areas further west. Strong winds may have redistributed much of this new snow into reactive wind slabs at higher elevations. Lower elevations likely have a dusting of new snow on a hard rain crust. There is a notable persistent weakness of buried surface hoar in many places, generally found between 25 and 60 cm deep. Wind and milder temperatures may have helped to promote slab development in the snow overlying this interface. Stay tuned to signs of instability like recent avalanches, whumpfing (reported in a few areas), and shooting cracks. The mid pack was reported to be well settled, although various levels of faceting can be certainly be expected in the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall and strong winds created storm slabs in many places and wind slabs on features lee to the southerly winds. This new snow has also added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. A layer of surface hoar from mid-January is expected to underlie recently formed storm slabs in many areas. The recently destructive layers of surface hoar from early-January are now typically down 70-120cm and remain highly reactive. These layers have the potential for wide propagations and remote triggering, and smaller avalanches have the potential to easily step-down to one of these layers. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well settled below these layers. Snowpack depths are variable across the region and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">Weaknesses exist within and under the recent storm snow, with snowpack tests producing various easy to moderate sudden and resist shears in the upper 50cm. Ongoing wind from the south to southwest has been loading leeward features. A crust and/or surface hoar layer buried mid-January can typically be found down 40-70cm and remains reactive in some snowpack tests. The recently destructive persistent weak layer from early January is now typically down 70-100cm in most places, and producing moderate to hard but sudden results in snowpack tests. The overlying slab remains primed for triggering and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The snowpack below this layer is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm loading brings storm slab thickness to around 20-40cm and up to 50cm in wind loaded areas. The recently destructive persistent weak layer from early January is now typically down 70-110cm in most places and continues to produce hard but sudden results in snowpack tests. The overlying slab remains primed for triggering and is especially touchy at and below treeline. The lower snowpack is well settled and strong below this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Weakness linger within and under the 20-30cm of rapidly settling recent storm snow with reports of moderate sudden results in snowpack tests. Southwesterly winds have continued to build fresh wind slabs on the leeward side of ridge crests and behind terrain features on cross-loaded slopes. The persistent weak layer of surface hoar buried early-January is now typically down 50-80 cm and appears to be quite touchy in some parts of the region. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few cm of new snow fell overnight with generally light winds.  Over the past few days 15-20cm of new snow has fallen.  This snow has not seen much wind </span><span class="s_5AE50763">yet</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> but the previous windslabs from earlier in the week are now hidden by this recent storm.  Easy-Moderate sheers were being noted within the recent storm snow as well as at the January 6th interface down 40-50cm.  These hidden windslabs and persistent slabs are more prevalent at treeline and above and are most likely to be triggered from a thinner snowpack area where the weak facetted crystals are more sensitive to light loads such as a skier.  Today forecasters turned around on a feature at treeline due to concerns associated with the persistent slab. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The cooling trend has developed a supportive melt-freeze crust below 1600 metres elevation, there may be about 40 cm of moist or wet snow beneath the crust. New snow and wind developed fresh cornice and wind slabs up to 40 cm deep that released naturally in steep terrain in the alpine and at treeline. The recently destructive early January surface layer is down 100-150cm. It is getting harder to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that if you are able to trigger it, the layer is capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">I suspect that a supportive melt-freeze crust has developed below about 1600 metres due to the cooling trend and lower freezing levels. Recent strong to extreme winds developed storm slabs in the alpine and at treeline, and also resulted in new fragile cornice growth. The persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar was found down 45 cm at 1850 metres and down 90 cm at 2150 metres in the Crown mountain area, and compression tests gave hard sudden planar results. A weak crust/facet layer from early-December is typically down over 1m. It has become difficult to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that if you are able to trigger it, the layer is capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There was another 5-10 cm of new snow on Saturday morning that had been transported by moderate westerly winds overnight. This new snow has added to the 10-20 cm of new snow that was reported on Friday. The total recent storm slab of 15-30 cm may be sitting on a layer of surface hoar that was buried on January 27th, or on top of one or two thin freezing rain crusts up to about 2100 metres. Some areas report that previous strong winds destroyed this new layer of surface hoar, and may have stripped the old surface back to a hard rain crust before the new storm snow arrived. The persistent weak layer that was buried January 4th is now down 80-120 cm and continues to give sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New storm slabs are developing that were about 20 cm deep on Saturday. Forecast snow and wind overnight are expected to continue to develop storm slabs. Some areas may have a supportive rain crust below the new storm snow The storm snow and pockets of wind transported snow may not be well bonded to this crust. At lower elevations the rain soaked snowpack did not re-freeze before the new snow started, and may be well bonded to the old surface. There are no layers of concern in the snowpack below the old surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light new snow and graupel has fallen onto a strong crust over moist storm snow up to 2100m. There is 50 - 100 centimeters of snow loaded over a thin rain glaze from early last week in lee start zones. The early January surface hoar layers are buried beneath a series of melt freeze crusts and settled storm slabs. They are roughly one to two meters below the surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the past few days 15-20cm of new snow has fallen. This snow has not seen much wind </span><span class="s_5AE50763">yet</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> but the previous windslabs from earlier in the week are now hidden by this recent storm. Easy-Moderate sheers were being noted within the recent storm snow as well as at the January 6th interface down 40-50cm. These hidden windslabs and persistent slabs are more prevalent at treeline and above and are most likely to be triggered from a thinner snowpack area where the weak facetted crystals are more sensitive to light loads such as a skier. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60cm of snowfall has typically accumulated over the past week and weaknesses may still exist within or beneath this snow. Southwesterly winds have recently build wind slabs on the leeward side of ridge crests and behind terrain features on cross-loaded slopes. The persistent weak layer of surface hoar buried in early-January is now typically down 60-90 cm and has recently produced some large, destructive avalanches in the region. The layer is slowly getting harder to human trigger but is still quite reactive in snowpack tests and has the potential for wide propagations. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm loading brings storm slab thickness to 20-40cm and up to 50cm in wind loaded areas. The recently destructive persistent weak layer from early January is now typically down 70-110cm in most places and has recently produced some large, destructive avalanches in the region. The layer is slowly getting harder to human trigger but is still quite reactive in snowpack tests and has the potential for wide propagations. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of dry new snow sits on 60-80 cm of moist settled snow from last week's warm storm system, or a rain crust below around 1800 m. Expect to find pockets of fresh wind slab in exposed lee terrain and the potential for loose dry avalanches on steep open slopes. Cornices are also becoming large and potentially weak. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 100 and 180 cm below the surface. The combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has likely flushed out this weak layer in most areas. However, there is still some uncertainty regarding the sensitivity and distribution of this persistent avalanche problem, especially at high elevations in the north of the region where it remains reactive in snowpack tests. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south, 40-70 cm of recent storm snow sits on a widespread and generally supportive rain crust that was buried on Jan. 28. The bond to the crust appears to be fairly good but at least one notable storm snow weakness was observed 10 cm above the crust. Fresh pockets of wind slab may also form in immediate lee features. The combination of heavy storm loading, rain, and warm temperatures likely flushed out the mid-January persistent weakness in most areas in the Cascades. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Further north, generally 20-40 cm of dry storm snow overlies the late-Jan rain crust below around 1800-2000 m. Above this elevation the new snow sits on settled storm snow or previously wind affected surfaces. Fresh pockets of wind slab are likely in exposed lee terrain. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 60 and 130 cm below the surface. This persistent weakness could be lingering on higher elevation slopes that did not previously avalanche and triggering remains a concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of lower density new snow overlies moist or wet snow, or previously wind affected surfaces in the alpine. Recent wind has been minimal in most places but pockets of fresh wind slab could be found in lee and cross-loaded features in the alpine and at treeline. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-150 cm in most places, and remains a concern on all aspects and elevations. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. In the wake of the recent storm, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem. A conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Generally light amounts of new snow fell in the mountains around Smithers this week, while closer to 50 cm fell in areas further west. Exposed higher elevation slopes may have a dusting of new snow overlying previously wind-affected surfaces. This dusting of snow probably sits on a hard rain crust below 1200-1300 m. There is a notable persistent weakness of buried surface hoar in many places, generally found between 30 and 60 cm deep. Wind and milder temperatures may have helped to promote slab development in the snow overlying this interface. Stay tuned to signs of instability like recent avalanches, whumpfing (reported in a few areas), and shooting cracks. The mid pack was reported to be well settled, although various levels of faceting can be certainly be expected in the lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">Weaknesses may still exist within and under the recent storm snow, with snowpack tests recently producing various easy to moderate sudden and resist shears in the upper 50cm. Recent strong wind from the south to southwest has been loading leeward features. The recently destructive persistent weak layer from early January is now typically down 70-110cm in most places, and producing moderate to hard but sudden results in snowpack tests. The layer is slowly getting harder to human trigger but is still quite reactive in snowpack tests and has the potential for wide propagations. The snowpack below this layer is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate winds overnight created some hard wind slab in the alpine and exposed treeline locations. The cooling trend has developed a supportive melt-freeze crust below 1600 metres elevation, there may be about 40 cm of moist or wet snow beneath the crust. The recently destructive December crust layer is down 100-150cm. It is getting harder to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that if you are able to trigger it, the layer is capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall and strong winds created storm slabs in many places and wind slabs on features lee to the southerly winds. This new snow has also added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. The recently destructive layers of surface hoar from early-January are now typically down 70-120cm and remain reactive. These layers have the potential for wide propagations and remote triggering, and smaller avalanches have the potential to easily step-down to one of these layers. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well settled below these layers. Snowpack depths are variable across the region and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">I suspect that a supportive melt-freeze crust has developed below about 1600 metres due to the cooling trend and lower freezing levels. Recent strong to extreme winds developed storm slabs in the alpine and at treeline, and also resulted in new fragile cornice growth. The persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar was found down 45 cm at 1850 metres and down 90 cm at 2150 metres in the Crown mountain area, and compression tests gave hard sudden planar results. A weak crust/facet layer from early-December is typically down over 1m. It has become difficult to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that if you are able to trigger it, the layer is capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is 35-40 cm of new storm snow sitting on a supportive crust at all elevations. The bond to the crust has been reported to be good. Below the crust is a moist or wet snowpack that is well consolidated with no layers of concern. Ski quality was reported to be excellent with dry snow and little wind transport.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Most areas in the region had 3-5 cm of new snow on Sunday morning, the outlier was the southern Monashees in the west of the region where they had 26 cm of new snow overnight. The total recent storm slab of 20-30 cm (in most of the region) may be sitting on a layer of surface hoar that was buried on January 27th, or on top of one or two thin freezing rain crusts up to about 2100 metres. Some areas report that previous strong winds destroyed this new layer of surface hoar, and may have stripped the old surface back to a hard rain crust before the new storm snow arrived. The persistent weak layer that was buried January 4th is now down 80-120 cm and continues to give sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15cm of low density snow now overlies the older storm layers.  Moderate winds have been redistributing this snow and forming some soft slabs. Below about 2100m the storm snow overlies a rain crust that thickens as you drop down in elevation. The old surface hoar layers are now well buried in the alpine and upper treeline, but have been destroyed below treeline. The cooler temperatures will continue to stabilize the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south, 40-70 cm of recent storm snow sits on a widespread and generally supportive rain crust that was buried on Jan. 28. The bond to the crust appears to be fairly good but at least one notable storm snow weakness was observed 10 cm above the crust. Fresh pockets of wind slab may also form in immediate lee features. The combination of heavy storm loading, rain, and warm temperatures likely flushed out the mid-January persistent weakness in most areas in the Cascades. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Further north, generally 20-40 cm of dry storm snow overlies the late-Jan rain crust below around 1800-2000 m. Above this elevation the new snow sits on settled storm snow or previously wind affected surfaces. Fresh pockets of wind slab are likely in exposed lee terrain. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 60 and 130 cm below the surface. This persistent weakness could be lingering on higher elevation slopes that did not previously avalanche and triggering remains a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of dry new snow sits on 60-80 cm of moist settled snow from last week's warm storm system, or a rain crust below around 1800 m. Expect to find pockets of fresh wind slab in exposed lee terrain and the potential for loose dry avalanches on steep open slopes. Cornices are also becoming large and potentially weak. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 100 and 180 cm below the surface. The combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has likely flushed out this weak layer in most areas. However, there is still some uncertainty regarding the sensitivity and distribution of this persistent avalanche problem, especially at high elevations in the north of the region where it remains reactive in snowpack tests (hard to initiate but sudden &quot;pops&quot; results). </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally 5-20 cm of new snow has accumulated this week. At higher elevations this snow may be covering previously wind affected snow or settled old snow. Below 1200-400 m the new snow probably sits on a crust. Fresh soft wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain. The early or mid January surface hoar layer is reported throughout the region and is generally 30-50 cm deep. Observers have found this persistent weakness on all aspects and at all elevations. It consistently produces moderate &quot;pops&quot; results in snowpack tests. Below this, the Boxing Day surface hoar problem may also be lurking. The mid and lower snowpack is generally quite weak and faceted, especially in lower snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-30 cm of lower density new snow overlies moist or wet snow, or previously wind affected surfaces in the alpine. Recent wind has been minimal in most places but pockets of fresh wind slab could be found in lee and cross-loaded features in the alpine and at treeline. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-150 cm in most places, and remains a concern on all aspects and elevations. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. In the wake of the recent storm, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem. A conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is 35-40 cm of new storm snow sitting on a supportive crust at all elevations. The bond to the crust has been reported to be good. Below the crust is a moist or wet snowpack that is well consolidated with no layers of concern. Ski quality was reported to be excellent with dry snow and little wind transport.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Moderate winds have created hard wind slabs in the alpine and exposed treeline locations. The recent cooling trend has developed a supportive melt-freeze crust below 1600 meters elevation, there may be around 40 cm of moist or wet snow beneath this crust. The December crust layer is down 100-150cm. It is getting harder to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that it remains capable of wide propagations resulting in large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">I suspect that a supportive melt-freeze crust has developed below about 1600 meters due to the recent cooling trend. Recent strong to extreme winds have resulted in extensive wind effect in the alpine and at treeline, scouring lee slopes, loading lee features and forming fresh cornices. A persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar can be found buried at variable depths depending on elevation.  For example our field team found it down 45 cm at 1850 meters and down 90 cm at 2150 meters in the Crown Mountain area, where compression tests gave hard sudden planar results. A weak crust/facet layer from early-December can typically be found down over 1m. It has become difficult to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting it remains capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">A soft storm slab 20-30 cm deep can be found across most of the region.  This may be sitting on a layer of surface hoar that was buried on January 27th.  Some areas have reported that previous strong winds destroyed this surface hoar, and may have stripped the old surface back to a hard rain crust before the recent storm snow arrived.  At lower elevations the storm slab may also be found on top of one or two thin freezing rain crusts up to about 2100 meters. Deeper in the snowpack, the persistent weak layer that was buried January 4th is now down 80-120 cm and continues to give sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests in some areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60cm of snowfall has typically accumulated over the past week and weaknesses may still exist within or beneath this snow. Southwesterly winds have recently built wind slabs on the leeward side of ridge crests and behind terrain features on cross-loaded slopes. The persistent weak layer of surface hoar buried in early-January is now typically down 60-90 cm and has recently produced some large, destructive avalanches in the region. The layer is slowly getting harder to human trigger but is still quite reactive in snowpack tests and has the potential for wide propagations. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm loading brings storm slab thickness to 20-40cm and up to 50cm in wind loaded areas. The recently destructive persistent weak layer from early January is now typically down 70-110cm in most places and has recently produced some large, destructive avalanches in the region. The layer is slowly getting harder to human trigger but is still quite reactive in snowpack tests and has the potential for wide propagations. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall and strong winds created storm slabs in many places and wind slabs on features lee to the southerly winds. This new snow has also added load and stress to the already volatile persistent slab. The recently destructive layers of surface hoar from early January are now typically down 70-120cm and remain reactive. These layers have the potential for wide propagations and remote triggering, and smaller avalanches have the potential to easily step-down to one of these layers. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well settled below these layers. Snowpack depths are variable across the region and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_17AE1194">Weaknesses may still exist within and under the recent storm snow, with snowpack tests recently producing various easy to moderate sudden and resist shears in the upper 50cm. Recent strong wind from the south to southwest has been loading leeward features. The destructive persistent weak layer from early January is now typically down 70-110cm in most places, and producing moderate to hard but sudden results in snowpack tests. The layer is slowly getting harder to human trigger but is still quite reactive in snowpack tests and has the potential for wide propagations. The snowpack below this layer is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15cm of low density snow now overlies the older storm layers. Moderate winds have been redistributing this snow and forming some soft slabs. Below about 2100m the storm snow overlies a rain crust that thickens as you drop down in elevation. The old surface hoar layers are now well buried in the alpine and upper treeline, but have been destroyed below treeline. The cooler temperatures will continue to stabilize the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and alpine elevations the Jan 6th facet and/or surface hoar layer is down 40-50cm. There have been some weakness noticed with this interface in windloaded areas where the slabs are thicker and more dense. In some areas, the windslabs themselves have the potential to fail. This has been noted in immediate lee areas. The crust from last week is still apparent at lower elevations, but is not a significant weakness or problem just yet.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">35-40 cm of new storm snow is now settling above a supportive crust at all elevations. The bond to the crust has been reported to be good. Below the crust is a moist or wet snowpack that is well consolidated with no layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Moderate winds have redistributed the recent storm snow forming wind slabs in the alpine and exposed treeline locations. Very large cornices have been reported at ridgeline. A layer of facets down 50-80cm remains a concern in unsupported terrain. Deeper in the snowpack the early january surface hoar is down 100-150cm. It is getting harder to trigger this layer but it has still been reactive in recent snowpack tests.&nbsp; These results suggest that it remains capable of wide propagations resulting in large destructive avalanches given a sufficient trigger.&nbsp; The December crust is buried below this. Bellow 1660m a melt freeze crust can be found just below the surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of dry new snow sits on 60-80 cm of moist settled snow from last week's warm storm system, or a rain crust below around 1800 m. Expect to find pockets of fresh wind slab in exposed lee terrain and the potential for loose dry avalanches on steep open slopes. Cornices are also becoming large and potentially weak. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer may be found between 100 and 180 cm below the surface. The combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has likely flushed out this weak layer in most areas. However, there is still some uncertainty regarding the sensitivity and distribution of this persistent avalanche problem, especially at high elevations in the north of the region where it remains reactive in snowpack tests (hard to initiate but sudden &quot;pops&quot; results). </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south, 40-70 cm of recent storm snow sits on a widespread and generally supportive rain crust that was buried on Jan. 28. The bond to the crust appears to be fairly good but at least one notable storm snow weakness was observed 10 cm above the crust. Fresh pockets of wind slab may also form in immediate lee features. The combination of heavy storm loading, rain, and warm temperatures likely flushed out the mid-January persistent weakness in most areas in the Cascades. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Further north, generally 20-40 cm of dry storm snow overlies the late-Jan rain crust below around 1800-2000 m. Above this elevation the new snow sits on settled storm snow or previously wind affected surfaces. Fresh pockets of wind slab are likely in exposed lee terrain. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 60 and 130 cm below the surface. This persistent weakness could be lingering on higher elevation slopes that did not previously avalanche and triggering remains a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">3 to 5 cm of new snow has fallen in the last week. Depending on where you are riding you may find either pockets of lingering wind slab or extensive wind effect at treeline and in the alpine. A persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar can be found buried at variable depths depending on elevation. For example our field team found it down 45 cm at 1850 meters and down 90 cm at 2150 meters in the Crown Mountain area, where compression tests gave hard sudden planar results. A weak crust/facet layer from early-December can typically be found down over 1m. It has become difficult to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that it remains capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches.  Below 1700m the most recent snow hides a melt-freeze crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-30 cm of lower density new snow overlies moist or wet snow, or previously wind affected surfaces in the alpine. Recent wind has been minimal in most places but pockets of fresh wind slab could be found in lee and cross-loaded features in the alpine and at treeline. Sheltered alpine areas could be harboring a weak layer of surface hoar buried late last week, which was recently found down 60cm. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-150 cm in most places, and remains a concern on all aspects and elevations, especially with heavy and/or thin-spot triggers. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. In the wake of the recent storm, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem. A conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">A soft storm slab 30-40 cm deep can be found across most of the region. This new snow lies above a variable old surface buried at the end of January. This interface is being reported as a layer of surface hoar at treeline in the Rossland area. However, in most other parts of the region the new snow sits on a rain crust and/or old wind slabs. A weak layer buried mid-January can be found down 45-50cm, however, snow pit tests indicate that this layer is gaining strength. Deeper in the snowpack, the persistent weak layer that was buried earlier in January is now down 80-120 cm and continues to give sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests under moderate to heavy loads. Im keeping this one on my radar.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60cm of snow fell last week, and resulting wind slabs continue to be sensitive to light inputs in upper elevation lee terrain. The persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets buried in early January is now typically down 60-90 cm. The layer is slowly getting harder to human trigger in many areas; however, reports of whumpfing and recent large to very large avalanches in the Golden area indicate this layer is still very much a concern in the north of the region. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall and strong winds prior to last weekend created wind slabs that remain sensitive to light inputs in higher elevation lee terrain. The recently destructive surface hoar layer from early January is now typically down 80-120cm in most places. Although the layer has become  harder to human trigger and is variably reactive in snowpack tests, it still has the potential for wide propagations. With that, I would continue to show respect for this layer in steep, open terrain at treeline and below. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall and strong winds prior to last weekend created wind slabs that may remain sensitive to light inputs in higher elevation lee terrain. The touchy layers of surface hoar from early January are now typically down 70-120cm and are variably reactive. In other words, some slopes are difficult to trigger while remote triggering continues on other features. These layers have the potential for wide propagations, and smaller avalanches have the potential to step-down to one of these layers. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well settled below these layers. Snowpack depths are variable across the region and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall and strong winds prior to last weekend created wind slabs that may remain sensitive to light inputs in upper elevation lee terrain. The touchy layer of surface hoar from early January is now typically down 70-120cm and remains variably reactive. In other words, some slopes are difficult to trigger while remote triggering continues on other features. This destructive layer has the potential for wide propagations, and smaller avalanches have the potential to easily step-down to this deep interface. The snowpack below this layer is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_17AE1194"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally 5-20 cm of new snow has accumulated this week. At higher elevations this snow may be covering previously wind affected snow or settled old snow. Below 1200-1400 m the new snow probably sits on a crust. Fresh soft wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain. The early or mid January surface hoar layer is reported throughout the region and is generally 30-50 cm deep. Observers have found this persistent weakness on all aspects and at all elevations. It consistently produces moderate &quot;pops&quot; results in snowpack tests. Below this, the Boxing Day surface hoar problem may also be lurking. The mid and lower snowpack is generally quite weak and faceted, especially in lower snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30cm of low density snow now overlies the older storm layers and a melt freeze crust. The crust is supportive at and below the tree line but progressively less supportive in the alpine as up to about the 2200m elevation. Moderate winds have been redistributing the surface layers of snow forming some soft slabs. The old surface hoar layers are now well buried in the alpine and upper tree line, but have been destroyed below tree line. The cooler temperatures will continue to stabilize the snowpack as they continue to gradually permeate deeper.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline, surface facetting is apparent in the top 10cm. The crust from last week is only evident at lower elevations. The Jan 6th facet/surface hoar layer is down 20-30. Overall the below treeline snowpack is still weak with ski penetration of 10cm. At treeline, open areas have a series of laminated windslabs that had weaknesses within the overall layer. Tests revealed 2 dense wind slabs with facets in between (east compression test, sudden planar). At treeline the Jan 6th facet interface is down 60-80cm and reasonably well bonded in all 3 of today's test profiles (hard compression test, resistent planar). The alpine is still showing the affects of the wind event with distinct cross loading and lee loading patterns. Snow depths at Burstall Pass and Mud Lake is 127 and 92 respectively.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wednesday's storm has delivered about 10cm and another 15cm is expected. Below this the previous storm snow is settling above a supportive crust at all elevations. The bond to the crust has been reported to be good. Below the crust is a moist or wet snowpack that is well consolidated with no layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate winds on Wednesday may have started to build new wind slabs. There is 15-30 cm of lower density new snow that overlies moist or wet snow, or previously wind affected surfaces in the alpine. Over the past few days the wind has been minimal in most places but pockets of fresh wind slab could be found in lee and cross-loaded features in the alpine and at treeline. Sheltered alpine areas could be harboring a weak layer of surface hoar buried late last week, which was recently found down 60cm. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-150 cm in most places, and remains a concern on all aspects and elevations, especially with heavy and/or thin-spot triggers. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. In the wake of the recent storm, there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem. A conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40cm of snow has fallen in the last week and remains mostly unaffected by wind. The new snow may be sitting on a crust that extends up to 1900m. The surface hoar layer from early January is now typically down 80-120cm in most places. Although the layer has become harder to human trigger and is variably reactive in snowpack tests, it still has the potential for wide propagations. I would continue to show respect for this layer in steep, open terrain at treeline and below. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally 5-20 cm of new snow has accumulated this week. At higher elevations this snow may be covering previously wind affected snow or settled old snow. Below 1200-1400 m the new snow probably sits on a crust. Fresh soft wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain. The early or mid January surface hoar layer is reported throughout the region and is generally 30-50 cm deep. Observers have found this persistent weakness on all aspects and at all elevations. It consistently produces moderate &quot;pops&quot; results in snowpack tests. Below this, the Boxing Day surface hoar problem may also be lurking. The mid and lower snowpack is generally quite weak and faceted, especially in lower snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of dry new snow sits on 60-80 cm of moist settled snow from last week's warm storm system, or a rain crust below around 1800 m. Expect to find pockets of fresh wind slab in exposed lee terrain and the potential for loose dry avalanches on steep open slopes. Cornices are also becoming large and potentially weak. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer may be found between 100 and 180 cm below the surface. The combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has likely flushed out this weak layer in most areas. However, there is still some uncertainty regarding the sensitivity and distribution of this persistent avalanche problem, especially at high elevations in the north of the region where it remains reactive in snowpack tests (hard to initiate but sudden &quot;pops&quot; results). </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 30 and 50cm of snow has fallen recently and remains mostly unaffected by wind. Isolated pockets of wind slab may be found in the immediate lee of ridge crest that may remain sensitive to light loads. Bellow 1500m this new snow is sitting on a supportive crust. Several touchy layers of surface hoar from early to mid-January are now typically down 70-120cm and are variably reactive. In other words, some slopes are difficult to trigger while remote triggering is still possible on other features. These layers have the potential for wide propagations, and smaller avalanches have the potential to step-down to one of these layers. Snowpack depths are variable across the region and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3 to 5 cm of new snow has fallen in the last week. Depending on where you are riding you may find either pockets of lingering wind slab or extensive wind effect at treeline and in the alpine. A persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar can be found buried at variable depths depending on elevation. For example our field team found it down 45 cm at 1850 meters and down 90 cm at 2150 meters in the Crown Mountain area, where compression tests gave hard sudden planar results. A weak crust/facet layer from early-December can typically be found down over 1m. It has become difficult to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that it remains capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches. Below 1700m the most recent snow hides a melt-freeze crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south, 40-70 cm of recent storm snow sits on a widespread and generally supportive rain crust that was buried on Jan. 28. The bond to the crust appears to be fairly good but at least one notable storm snow weakness was observed 10 cm above the crust. Fresh pockets of wind slab may also form in immediate lee features. The combination of heavy storm loading, rain, and warm temperatures likely flushed out the mid-January persistent weakness in most areas in the Cascades. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Further north, generally 20-40 cm of dry storm snow overlies the late-Jan rain crust below around 1800-2000 m. Above this elevation the new snow sits on settled storm snow or previously wind affected surfaces. Fresh pockets of wind slab are likely in exposed lee terrain. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 60 and 130 cm below the surface. This persistent weakness could be lingering on higher elevation slopes that did not previously avalanche and triggering remains a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 40cm of snow has fallen in the last week and remains mostly unaffected by wind. Isolated pockets of wind slab may be found in the immediate lee of ridge crest that may remain sensitive to light loads. This new snow is sitting on a crust that extends up to between 1500m and 1900m. The touchy layer of surface hoar from early January is now typically down 70-120cm and remains variably reactive. In other words, some slopes are difficult to trigger while remote triggering continues on other features. This layer has the potential for wide propagations, and smaller avalanches have the potential to easily step-down to this deep interface. The snowpack below this layer is generally strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60cm of snow has fallen in the last week, and resulting wind slabs continue to be sensitive to light inputs in upper elevation lee terrain. The persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets buried in early January is now typically down 60-90 cm. The layer is slowly getting harder to human trigger in many areas, however, reports of whumpfing and recent large to very large avalanches around Golden indicate this layer is still very much a concern in the north of the region. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate winds have redistributed the recent storm snow forming wind slabs in the alpine and exposed treeline locations. Very large cornices have been reported in the alpine. Below 1600m a melt freeze crust can be found just below the surface. A layer of facets down 50-80cm remains a concern in unsupported terrain. Deeper in the snowpack the early January surface hoar is down 100-150cm. It is getting harder to trigger this layer but it has still been reactive in recent snowpack tests. These results suggest that it remains capable of wide propagations resulting in large destructive avalanches given a sufficient trigger. The December crust still looms below but has been unreactive in most areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A storm slab 30-40 cm deep can be found across most of the region. This new snow lies above a variable old surface buried at the end of January. This interface is being reported as a layer of surface hoar at treeline in the Rossland area. However, in most other parts of the region the new snow sits on a rain crust and/or old wind slabs. A weak layer buried mid-January can be found down 45-50cm, however, snow pit tests indicate that this layer is gaining strength. Deeper in the snowpack, the persistent weak layer that was buried earlier in January is now down 80-120 cm and continues to give sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests under moderate to heavy loads. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of new snow now overlies the older storm layers over the past week and a melt freeze crust. Up to 40cm of storm snow now overlays the crust which is supportive at and below the tree line but progressively less supportive in the alpine as up to about the 2200m elevation. Moderate and at times strong southerly winds have been forming some soft slabs in alpine and treeline start zones. The old surface hoar layers are now well buried in the alpine and upper tree line, but have been destroyed below tree line. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below 1900m, the temperature crust from last week is now buried by 8cm of snow. This crust is unlikely to pose any problems down the road. The snowpack has regained some of it strength down low and is now more supportive in many areas. At treeline, the windslabs start to become evident in open areas or areas exposed to wind. Windslabs are down 20cm and only an issue in isolated areas. The Jan 6th layer is down 50-70cm at upper treeline and is hanging in there in terms of strength with the other layers. The alpine is either weak and facetted or a series of laminated windslabs. The exposure to wind seems to be the deciding factor.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30cm of snow has fallen in the last week, and resulting wind slabs continue to be sensitive to light inputs in upper elevation lee terrain. The persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets buried in early January is now typically down 60-90 cm. The layer is slowly getting harder to human trigger in many areas, however, reports of whumpfing and recent large to very large avalanches around Golden indicate this layer is still very much a concern in the north of the region. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20cm of dry, low density snow fell overnight on Wednesday adding to the 40cm that has fallen in the last week. Cool temperatures have slowed the settlement of this storm snow. Moderate southwesterly winds on Thursday will have formed fresh wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. This snow may be sitting on a crust that extends up to 1900m. In the far south of the region the new snow may also be sitting on a layer of surface hoar at treeline elevations. Deeper in the snow pack, the surface hoar layer from early January is now down 80-120cm in most places. Although this layer has become harder to trigger and is variably reactive in snowpack tests, it still has the potential for wide propagations. With that in mind, I would continue to show respect for this layer in steep, open terrain at treeline and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15cm of new snow fell overnight on Wednesday adding to the 30-50cm that has fallen in the last week. Southwesterly winds on Thursday have formed fresh wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. Bellow 1500m this new snow is sitting on a supportive crust. Several touchy layers of surface hoar from early to mid-January are now buried between 70 and 120cm and are variably reactive. In other words, some slopes are difficult to trigger while remote triggering is still possible on other features. These layers have the potential for wide propagations, and smaller avalanches could step-down to one of these layers. Snowpack depths are variable across the region and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm of new snow may be sitting on a layer of surface hoar that was buried in the last few days. Moderate southeast winds have developed new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline, and forecast snow and southwest winds are expected to build new storm slabs on all aspects. Below 1200-1400 m the new snow probably sits on a crust. Fresh soft wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain. The early or mid January surface hoar layer is reported throughout the region and is generally 30-50 cm deep. Observers have found this persistent weakness on all aspects and at all elevations. It consistently produces moderate &quot;pops&quot; results in snowpack tests. Below this, the Boxing Day surface hoar problem may also be lurking. The mid and lower snowpack is generally quite weak and faceted, especially in lower snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the north of the region there is 20-30 cm of new snow that has been transported into deep windslabs above loose facetted snow in sheltered areas, and stiff old wind effected surfaces in exposed terrain. In the south of the region we have reports of 10-20 cm of new snow that is sitting on a new surface hoar layer that was buried on February 3rd. Wind slabs developed in the lee of southeast winds on Wednesday, and more widespread storm slabs developed on Thursday. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-150 cm in most places, and remains a concern on all aspects and elevations, especially with heavy and/or thin-spot triggers. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. There continues to be a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem. A conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30cm of storm snow is settling above a supportive crust at all elevations. The bond to the crust has been reported to be good, but we expect to see a natural avalanche cycle within the storm snow on Friday caused by rapid loading and increasing freezing levels. Below the crust is a moist or wet snowpack that is well consolidated with no layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a new storm slab developing; the following is the snowpack structure below the forecast new storm snow. Up to 50 cm of dry new snow sits on 60-80 cm of moist settled snow from last week's warm storm system, or a rain crust below around 1800 m. Expect to find pockets of fresh wind slab in exposed lee terrain and the potential for loose dry avalanches on steep open slopes. Cornices are also becoming large and potentially weak. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer may be found between 100 and 180 cm below the surface. The combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has likely flushed out this weak layer in most areas. However, there is still some uncertainty regarding the sensitivity and distribution of this persistent avalanche problem, especially at high elevations in the north of the region where it remains reactive in snowpack tests (hard to initiate but sudden &quot;pops&quot; results). </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New storm slabs are forecast to develop during the day on Friday. In the south, 40-70 cm of recent storm snow sits on a widespread and generally supportive rain crust that was buried on Jan. 28. The bond to the crust appears to be fairly good but at least one notable storm snow weakness was observed 10 cm above the crust. Fresh pockets of wind slab may also form in immediate lee features. The combination of heavy storm loading, rain, and warm temperatures likely flushed out the mid-January persistent weakness in most areas in the Cascades. Further north, generally 20-40 cm of dry storm snow overlies the late-Jan rain crust below around 1800-2000 m. Above this elevation the new snow sits on settled storm snow or previously wind affected surfaces. Fresh pockets of wind slab are likely in exposed lee terrain. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 60 and 130 cm below the surface. This persistent weakness could be lingering on higher elevation slopes that did not previously avalanche and triggering remains a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20cm of dry, low density snow fell overnight on Wednesday adding to the 40cm that has fallen in the last week. Cool temperatures have slowed the settlement of this storm snow. Moderate southwesterly winds on Thursday will have formed fresh wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. This storm snow is sitting on a crust that extends up to between 1500m and 1900m. The touchy layer of surface hoar from early January is now typically down 70-120cm and remains variably reactive. In other words, some slopes are difficult to trigger while other features could be triggered remotely or from a thin spot. This layer has the potential for wide propagations, and smaller avalanches have the potential to easily step-down to this deep interface. Ill be keeping it on my radar for a bit longer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20cm new snow with moderate southwesterly winds have formed storm slabs in alpine and exposed treeline features. Very large cornices have been reported in the alpine. Below 1600m a melt freeze crust can be found just below the surface. A layer of facets down 50-80cm remains a concern in unsupported terrain. Deeper in the snowpack the early January surface hoar is down 100-150cm. It is getting harder to trigger this layer but it has still been reactive in recent snowpack tests. These results suggest that it remains capable of wide propagations resulting in large destructive avalanches given a sufficient trigger. The December crust still looms below but has been unreactive in most areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20cm of new snow overnight with light to moderate southwesterly winds have created fresh wind slabs ripe for human triggering in the alpine and exposed treeline. A persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar can be found at variable depths depending on elevation. For example our field team found it down 45 cm at 1850 meters and down 90 cm at 2150 meters in the Crown Mountain area, where compression tests gave hard sudden planar results. A weak crust/facet layer from early-December can typically be found down over 1m. It has become difficult to trigger this layer but it is still reactive in snowpack tests suggesting that it remains capable of wide propagations and large destructive avalanches. Below 1700m the most recent snow hides a melt-freeze crust.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10cm of new snow brings the storm slab to 35-45 cm and can be found across most of the region. This new snow lies above a variable old surface buried at the end of January. This interface is being reported as a layer of surface hoar at treeline in the Rossland area. However, in most other parts of the region the new snow sits on a rain crust and/or old wind slabs. A weak layer buried mid-January can be found down 45-50cm, however, snow pit tests indicate that this layer is gaining strength. Deeper in the snowpack, the persistent weak layer that was buried earlier in January is now down 80-120 cm and continues to give sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests under moderate to heavy loads. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of denser storm snow overlies the lower density snow that fell earlier in the week. Up to 40cm of storm snow sits on the January 28th crust which can now be barely felt. The old surface hoar layers are well buried.  The incoming snow is forecast to be associated with strong winds and relatively mild temperatures.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below 1900m, the temperature crust from last week is now buried by 8cm of snow. This crust is unlikely to pose any problems down the road. The snowpack has regained some of it strength down low and is now more supportive in many areas. At treeline, the windslabs start to become evident in open areas or areas exposed to wind. Windslabs are down 20cm and only an issue in isolated areas. The Jan 6th layer is down 50-70cm at upper treeline and is hanging in there in terms of strength with the other layers. The alpine is either weak and facetted or a series of laminated windslabs. The exposure to wind seems to be the deciding factor.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 45cm of recent storm snow is settling to form a widespread soft slab. Moderate southwesterly winds have formed fresh wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. Below 1800m this new snow is sitting on a crust. Several touchy layers of surface hoar from early to mid-January are now buried between 70 and 120cm deep and are variably reactive. In other words, some slopes are difficult to trigger while remote triggering is still possible on other features. These layers have the potential for wide propagations, and smaller avalanches could step-down to one of these layers. Snowpack depths are variable across the region and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 45cm of recent storm snow is settling to form a widespread soft slab. Moderate southwesterly winds have formed fresh wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. Below 1800m in the Monashees this new snow is sitting on a crust.</span><span class="s_5C15BAEE"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The layer of surface hoar from early January is now typically down 70-120cm and remains variably reactive in snow pack test. In other words, some slopes are difficult to trigger while other features could be triggered remotely or from a thin spot. This layer has the potential for wide propagations, and smaller avalanches have the potential to easily step-down to this deep interface. I'll be keeping it on my radar for a bit longer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30cm of new storm snow is settling to form a widespread soft slab. Moderate southwesterly winds on Thursday formed fresh wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. Bellow 1900m a crust may be found about 50cm below the surface although this layer seems to be most prevalent in the Monashees. In the far south of the region a layer of surface buried at the end of January may be found at around this depth in isolated features at treeline and in the alpine. Deeper in the snow pack, the surface hoar layer from early January is now down 80-120cm in most places. Although this layer has become harder to trigger and is variably reactive in recent snowpack tests, it still has the potential to produce large avalanches. I would continue to show respect for this layer especially in steep, open terrain at treeline and below through the weekend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Reactive wind slabs exist in the lee of ridges and open treeline features. Continued warm temperatures are expected to encourage settlement in the upper snowpack. A persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets buried in early January is now typically down 40-90 cm. The layer is slowly getting harder to trigger in many areas, however, reports of whumpfing and some recent large to very large avalanches around Golden indicate this layer is still very much a concern, especially in the north of the region. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain on Friday up to about 900 metres and moist snow up to 1600 metres. Strong to extreme southerly winds at 2000 metres and above developing storm slabs with heavy precipitation. Below the new storm slabs there is about 40 cm of recent snow above 60-80 cm of moist snow or a rain crust below 1800 metres. Cornices were already large before the new storm, and new growth is expected to be fragile. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer may be found between 100 and 180 cm below the surface. The combination of heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has likely flushed out this weak layer in most areas. However, there is still some uncertainty regarding the sensitivity and distribution of this persistent avalanche problem, especially at high elevations in the north of the region where it remains reactive in snowpack tests (hard to initiate but sudden &quot;pops&quot; results). </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30cm new snow with moderate southwesterly winds have formed stiff wind slabs in alpine and exposed treeline features. Large cornices have been reported in the alpine. Below 1600m a melt freeze crust can be found just below the surface. A layer of facets down 50-80cm remains a concern in unsupported terrain. Deeper in the snowpack the early January surface hoar is down 100-150cm. It is getting harder to trigger this layer but it has still been reactive in recent snowpack tests. These results suggest that it remains capable of wide propagations resulting in large destructive avalanches given a sufficient trigger. The December crust still looms below but has been unreactive in most areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5cm of new snow overnight with strong gusty winds in variable directions have created fresh 20-30cm wind slabs in areas you might not normally expect to find them such as aspects that are generally windward and well below ridge tops. A persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar can be found at variable depths depending on elevation. A weak crust/facet layer from early-December can typically be found down over 1m. Below 1700m the most recent snow hides a melt-freeze crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5cm of new snow brings the storm slab to 35-45 cm and can be found across most of the region. This new snow lies above a variable old surface buried at the end of January. This interface is being reported as a layer of surface hoar at treeline in the Rossland area. However, in most other parts of the region the new snow sits on a rain crust and/or old wind slabs. A weak layer buried mid-January can be found down 45-50cm, however, snow pit tests indicate that this layer is gaining strength. Deeper in the snowpack, the persistent weak layer that was buried earlier in January is now down 80-120 cm and continues to give sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests under moderate to heavy loads. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-35cm of storm snow is settling above a supportive crust at all elevations. The bond to the crust has been reported to be good, but we expect to see a natural avalanche cycle within the storm snow on Friday afternoon caused by rapid loading and increasing freezing levels. Below the crust is a moist or wet snowpack that is well consolidated with no layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New storm slabs developed on Friday due to strong southwest winds and heavy precipitation. Before the new storm, in the north of the region there was 20-30 cm of recent snow that had been transported into deep windslabs above loose facetted snow in sheltered areas, and stiff old wind effected surfaces in exposed terrain. In the south of the region we had reports of 10-20 cm of recent snow that was sitting on a new surface hoar layer that was buried on February 3rd. Wind slabs developed in the lee of southeast winds on Wednesday, and more widespread storm slabs developed on Thursday. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-150 cm in most places, and remains a concern on all aspects and elevations, especially with heavy and/or thin-spot triggers. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. There continues to be a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem. A conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New storm slabs developed during the day on Friday. In the south, 40-70 cm of recent storm snow sits on a widespread and generally supportive rain crust that was buried on Jan. 28. The bond to the crust appears to be fairly good but at least one notable storm snow weakness was observed 10 cm above the crust. Fresh pockets of wind slab may also form in immediate lee features. The combination of heavy storm loading, rain, and warm temperatures likely flushed out the mid-January persistent weakness in most areas in the Cascades. Further north, generally 20-40 cm of dry storm snow overlies the late-Jan rain crust below around 1800-2000 m. Above this elevation the new snow sits on settled storm snow or previously wind affected surfaces. Fresh pockets of wind slab are likely in exposed lee terrain. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer is between 60 and 130 cm below the surface. This persistent weakness could be lingering on higher elevation slopes that did not previously avalanche and triggering remains a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thin new storm slabs are developing on Friday, From the Babines on Thursday, we have a report of a very shallow and weak snowpack that is about 80 cm on average. The persistent weak layers were found down about 15 cm and 30 cm, the deeper layer is suspected to be surface hoar above the December melt-freeze crust. Below this depth there is about 50 cm of weak facetted snow that &quot;barely carries the weight of a sled.&quot; There is about 20 cm of recent snow above a new surface hoar layer in the Hankin area that may consollidate into a cohesive slab with forecast warming. Below 1200-1400 m the new snow probably sits on a crust. Fresh soft wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain. The early or mid January surface hoar layer is reported throughout the region and is generally 30-50 cm deep. Observers have found this persistent weakness on all aspects and at all elevations. It consistently produces moderate &quot;pops&quot; results in snowpack tests. Below this, the Boxing Day surface hoar problem may also be lurking. The mid and lower snowpack is generally quite weak and faceted, especially in lower snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The front that is now departing the area deposited about 60cm of snow.  The snowfall was associated with very strong winds from the S and SE that turned to the SW at the tail end of the storm. Temperatures are cooling and the snow is right side up.  The January 28th crust is now well buried by the storm snow.  There will be stiff slabs in wind affected terrain, but in protected areas the snow is loose.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Reactive wind slabs exist in the lee of ridges and terrain breaks at alpine and treeline elevations. These may be found lower in the start zones than normal due to the high wind speed. A persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets buried in early January is now typically down 40-90 cm. The layer is slowly getting harder to trigger in many areas. However, reports of whumpfing and some recent large to very large avalanches around Golden indicate this layer is still very much a concern, especially in the north of the region. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Roughly 45 and up to 70 cm is sitting on the top of the Jan 6th facet interface with today's (Feb 6th 2016) new storm snow. The warm temperatures and the strong to extreme gusty winds throughout today means now that the slab overlying the layer will very likely have cohesive characteristics and these wind slabs will be found on lee aspects. Storm slabs overlying the Jan 6th layer will be present everywhere else where the wind has not scrubbed the snow clean off the terrain (i.e. windward prone features such as high ridge lines). The midpack and basal layers of the snowpack are mostly weak except in places at treeline and above where the snowpack has a depth greater than 80 cm and is evenly distributed.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dust on crust at 1200m and below. May find isolated wind slabs below ridge tops. Below the crust is a moist or wet snowpack that is well consolidated with no layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-40 cm of storm snow is settling to form a soft slab in sheltered areas. Strong southwesterly winds have formed fresh wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. Below about 1900 m, a crust may be found about 50 cm below the surface, although this layer seems to be most prevalent in the Monashees. In the far south of the region, a layer of surface buried at the end of January may be found at around this depth in isolated features at treeline and in the alpine. Deeper in the snow pack, the surface hoar layer from early January is now down 80-120 cm in most places. Although this layer has become harder to trigger and is variably reactive in recent snowpack tests, it still has the potential to produce large avalanches. Forecast warming may increase the sensitivity of the persistent slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_3F50020"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 60 cm of recent storm snow is settling to form a widespread soft slab in sheltered areas. Strong southwesterly winds have formed fresh wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. In some parts of the Monashees, recent snow is sitting on an icy crust. The layer of surface hoar from early January is now typically down 70-120 cm and remains variably reactive in snow pack tests. In other words, some slopes are difficult to trigger, while other features could be triggered remotely or from a thin spot. This layer has the potential for wide propagations, and smaller avalanches have the potential to easily step down to this deep interface. Forecast warming could increase the sensitivity of storm slabs and persistent slabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">Up to 45 cm of recent storm snow is settling to form a soft slab in sheltered areas. Strong southwesterly winds have formed fresh wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. Below about 1800 m, this new snow is sitting on a crust. Several touchy layers of surface hoar from early to mid-January are now buried between 70 and 120 cm deep and are variably reactive. In other words, some slopes are difficult to trigger, while remote triggering is still possible on other features. These layers have the potential for wide propagations, and smaller avalanches could step-down to one of these layers. Snowpack depths are variable across the region and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20cm of recent storm snow with moderate to strong southwest winds have created wind slabs that are stubborn, but still possible to human trigger. In isolated locations where winds were the strongest there may be hard slabs that can propagate long distances if triggered. This new snow lies above a variable old surface buried at the end of January. This interface is being reported as a layer of surface hoar at treeline in the Rossland area. However, in most other parts of the region the new snow sits on a rain crust and/or old wind slabs. A weak layer of buried mid January can be found down 45-50cm and seems to be gaining strength. Deeper in the snowpack, the surface hoar layer that was buried earlier in January is now down 80-120 cm and continues to give isolated sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests under heavy loads. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30cm of recent storm snow with moderate to strong southwesterly winds have formed wind slabs in alpine and exposed treeline features. Large cornices have been reported in the alpine. Thin melt/freeze crust below 1400m on all aspects. Suncrust down 40-60cm on solar aspects producing hard, planar shears. A layer of surface hoar or crust/facet combo down 80-100cm that was buried in early January remains a concern in unsupported terrain. The early December crust still looms deeper in the snowpack but has been unreactive. </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">On Friday between 25-40cm of new snow fell. Strong southwest winds shifted these accumulations into deep and dense storm slabs. Cornices were already large before the storm, and new growth is expected to be fragile. About 50-80cm below the surface, you likely find a rain crust which formed on January 28th. This crust is widespread and exists up to about 1900m. Previous wet and heavy storms have likely flushed out the deeper mid-January surface hoar in the south of the region; however, this weakness which lies between 60 and 130cm below the surface is still reactive at higher elevations in the Duffey, Hurley and Birkenhead areas. This layer continues to produce sudden results in snowpack tests and has been responsible for recent 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">On Friday between 60 and 100cm of new snow fell. Strong to extreme southwest winds shifted these accumulations into deep and dense storm slabs. Cornices were already large before the storm, and new growth is expected to be fragile. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer may be found between 130 and 200 cm below the surface. The combination of ongoing heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has likely flushed out this weak layer in most areas. That said, warming and solar radiation forecast for the next few days may be what it takes to wake up this deep and destructive persistent weak layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5cm of new snow overnight with moderate to strong winds in variable directions have created fresh 20-30cm wind slabs in areas you might not normally expect to find them such as aspects that are generally windward and well below ridge tops. Large cornices have been reported in areas you would expect to find large cornices. In some ares there is a freezing rain crust below the most recent storm snow. A persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar can be found 70-100cm down depending on elevation. A weak crust/facet layer from early December still exists deep in the snowpack but has been unreactive. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A warm, wet and windy storm forecast for Sunday will create deep new storm slabs throughout the day adding to an ongoing storm slab problem. Freezing levels are expected to rise dramatically throughout Sunday leaving surfaces at treeline and below saturated by the afternoon. Recent storm accumulations may be especially touchy as they are sitting on a new surface hoar layer that was buried on February 3rd. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-150 cm in most places, and remains a concern on all aspects and elevations, especially with heavy and/or thin-spot triggers. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. There continues to be a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem; however, warming and forecast heavy storm loading will increase the likelihood of triggering these layers where they still exist. A conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow and wind forecast for Sunday will create reactive new wind slabs throughout the day adding to an ongoing wind slab problem. New snow accumulations will also add mass and reactivity to a developing slab which overlies recently buried surface hoar. This layer was observed in the Hankin area and may exist in many other places. The early or mid January surface hoar layer is generally 30-50 cm deep, although it may be buried by up to 100cm of snow in the far west of the region. Observers have found this persistent weakness on all aspects and at all elevations. It consistently produces moderate &quot;pops&quot; results in snowpack tests. Below this, the Boxing Day surface hoar problem may also be lurking. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack is generally quite weak and faceted, especially in lower snowpack areas such as the Babines.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">After Friday's intense frontal system, we were left with a nice right side up snowpack.  The bulk of the storm snow was windpressed and well stuck on to the older layers, but cooling at the end of the storm resulted in a softer surface layer that provided for some good turns.  Depending on where you look there may be numerous density changes within the storm snow.  The January 28th crust is generally buried at least 80cm. below the surface, but in more exposed terrain it can still be felt at or near the surface.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 25cm of new snow fell through the weekend and is settling rapidly. Moderate to strong southwest winds have scoured windward slopes and formed stiff wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine. These slabs are still sensitive to human triggering. Around Rossland, the new snow is sitting on a layer of surface hoar down 40cm that is reported to be widespread at treeline elevations. A rain crust can be found in most other parts of the region at this depth. Below this, a thick slab rests on a layer of surface hoar that was buried earlier in January and is now down 80-130 cm. This layer remains a concern in at and bellow treeline, producing sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests under moderate to heavy loads.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow and wind on Sunday has created reactive new wind slabs throughout the day adding to an ongoing wind slab problem. New snow accumulations will also add mass and reactivity to a developing slab which overlies recently buried surface hoar. This layer was observed in the Hankin area and may exist in many other places. The early or mid January surface hoar layer is generally 30-50 cm deep, although it may be buried by up to 100cm of snow in the far west of the region. Observers have found this persistent weakness on all aspects and at all elevations. It consistently produces moderate &quot;pops&quot; results in snowpack tests. Below this, the Boxing Day surface hoar problem may also be lurking. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack is generally quite weak and faceted, especially in lower snowpack areas such as the Babines.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upper elevations in the North Shore received as much as 40cm of new snow over the weekend. Moderate winds through the storm formed pockets of isolated wind slab although cooling temperatures Sunday are expected to have made these harder to trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong to extreme SW winds on Saturday created wind slabs and cornices in many areas. Wind slabs may be lingering lower in start zones than normal due to the high wind speed. In sheltered areas, 15-40 cm recent storm snow is settling, and in some places may still be reactive as a soft slab. A rain crust sits below this in parts of the Monashees. In the far south, a layer of surface hoar is buried about 50-80 cm down. Professionals are still monitoring the early January persistent weak layer, down 80-120 cm. During Saturday's avalanche cycle, there was only one reported persistent slab, triggered with explosives. Prior to that, more than a week has passed since the last report of a persistent slab. However, in specific locations, it still produces hard, sudden results in snowpack tests, and forecast warming could wake it up again.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Monday continued warm, wet and windy conditions will add mass to recently formed storm slabs. Freezing levels are expected to rise dramatically leaving surfaces at treeline and below saturated by the afternoon. Recent storm accumulations may be especially touchy as they are sitting on a new surface hoar layer that was buried on February 3rd. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-150 cm in most places, and remains a concern, especially with heavy and/or thin-spot triggers. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. There continues to be a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem; however, forecast rain and warm temperatures will increase the likelihood of triggering these layers where they still exist. A conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Strong to extreme SW winds on Saturday created wind slabs and cornices in many areas. Wind slabs may be found lower in the start zones than normal due to the high wind speed. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-90 cm. Recent very large avalanches have been failing on this interface in the north of the region (see avalanche discussion). In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong to extreme SW winds on Saturday created wind slabs and cornices in many areas. Wind slabs may be lingering lower in start zones than normal due to the high wind speed. In sheltered areas, up to 60 cm recent storm snow is settling, and in some places may still be reactive as a soft slab. A rain crust sits below this in parts of the Monashees. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-120 cm. Recent very large avalanches failed on this interface in the north of the region (see avalanche discussion). In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong. Forecast warming could increase the sensitivity of storm snow and persistent slabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to 60 cm of recent storm snow has settled to form a soft slab in sheltered areas. Strong to gale southwesterly winds have formed widespread wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. Below about 1800 m, recent storm snow may be sitting on a crust. Several touchy layers of surface hoar from early to mid-January are now buried between 70 and 120 cm deep and are variably reactive. In other words, some slopes are difficult to trigger, while remote triggering is still possible on other features. These layers have the potential for wide propagations, and smaller avalanches or cornice fall could step down to one of these layers. Snowpack depths are variable across the region and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground. Forecast warming may increase the reactivity of the persistent slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to strong southwesterly winds have formed stiff wind slabs in alpine and open treeline features, and large cornices at ridge crest. A rain crust can be found down 40cm that extends up to about 1900m. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 80-100cm. Although this layer is becoming harder to trigger in snow pack tests it remains a concern in unsupported terrain at upper treeline and alpine elevation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong south west winds have resulted in widespread wind effect, forming deep stiff wind slabs at treeline and above, as well as significant cornice growth at ridgeline. In some areas you may find a supportive crust down 30cm that extends up to around 1900m. A layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 50 and 100cm down and remains a concern. The snowpack rests on a weak crust/facet layer from early December.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the upper snowpack (15-20 cm down) the storm interfaces are settling out quickly and bonding. However, there is great deal of variability in the distribution of the new snow due to the strong to extreme winds on Saturday. These winds have had a profound affect on the higher elevations at treeline and in the alpine where the winds were stronger. Wind slabs will exist that have denser properties and will be more prone to initiating fractures on the Jan 6th facet interface (40-70 cm down) and thus there is still big potential for these weaknesses to spread through the snowpack causing large and destructive avalanches. This January 6th facet layer will be a fixture in the snowpack for the next few weeks at the very least so don't let this weak layer fall off your radar any time soon.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Friday between 25-40cm of new snow fell. Strong southwest winds shifted these accumulations into deep and dense storm slabs. Cornices were already large before the storm, and new growth is expected to be fragile. About 50-80cm below the surface, you'll likely find a rain crust which formed on January 28th. This crust is widespread and exists up to about 1900m. Previous wet and heavy storms have likely flushed out the deeper mid-January surface hoar in the south of the region; however, this weakness which lies between 60 and 130cm below the surface is still reactive at higher elevations in the Duffey, Hurley and Birkenhead areas. This layer continues to produce sudden results in snowpack tests and has been responsible for recent 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">On Friday between 60 and 100cm of new snow fell. Strong to extreme southwest winds shifted these accumulations into deep and dense storm slabs. Cornices were already large before the storm, and new growth is expected to be fragile. About 70-100cm below the surface, you likely find a rain crust which formed on January 28th. This crust is widespread and exists up to about 2050m. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer may be found between 130 and 200 cm below the surface. The combination of ongoing heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has flushed out this weak layer in most areas. That said, warming and solar radiation forecast for the next few days may be what it takes to wake up this deep and destructive persistent weak layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Yesterday warm temperatures moistened the upper 10cm of snow. Overnight a thin melt-freeze crust formed over this. This sits above 20-100cm of dry settling storm snow on top of a rain crust from January 28th. There have been variable shears in the storm snow where the density changes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Windslabs and storm slab interfaces are bonding and tightening up. The critical weakness in the snowpack at the moment is the January 6th facet layer.  In some sheltered locations at treeline and below the layer can be found 30-40 cm below the surface.  At higher elevations where the Jan 6th  is present, compression tests and other mechanical tests are widely variable.  The long and the short of it is that the layer is widespread and giving mixed results, therefore my confidence in the snowpack is low right now.  Therefore its a great time to keep terrain choices fairly straightforward and keeping exposure time to big features like head walls, big snow faces and cornices to a minimum.  The warmer air is here and will be around all week peaking on Tuesday. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moist snow can be found on solar aspects and a thin melt freeze crust may form on the surface overnight. Strong south west winds have resulted in widespread wind effect. Thick, stiff wind slabs can be found in the alpine and treeline as well as in isolated open pockets bellow treeline. Cornices have grown significantly. In the front ranges, the wind effect may be more extreme with widespread strastugi being reported in the alpine around Castle Mountain. In some areas you may find a supportive crust down 30cm that extends up to around 1900m. A layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 50 and 100cm down and remains a concern. The snowpack rests on a weak crust/facet layer from early December.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A thin melt freeze crust may form overnight above moist or wet snow near the surfaces.  The mid and lower snowpack are well settled with no layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures are encouraging the rapid settlement of the upper snow pack.  Moist snow can be found on solar aspects and a thin melt freeze crust may form on the surface overnight.  Moderate to strong southwesterly winds have formed stiff, thick wind slabs in alpine and open treeline features, as well as large cornices at ridge crest. A rain crust can be found down 40cm that extends up to between 1900m and 2200m.  The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 80-100cm.  Although this layer is becoming harder to trigger in snow pack tests it remains a concern in unsupported terrain at upper treeline and alpine elevation.  </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures are encouraging the rapid settlement of the upper snow pack and moist snow can be found on solar aspects. A thin melt freeze crust may form on the surface overnight. Increasingly hard to trigger wind slabs can be found at ridgeline. A layer of surface hoar has been observed around Rosland and in the Bonnington Range, buried down 40cm, in open areas at and just below treeline. In most other parts of the region a rain crust can be found at this same depth that extends up as high as 2100m. Below this, a thick slab rests on a layer of surface hoar that was buried earlier in January and is now down 80-130 cm. This layer remains a concern in at and bellow treeline, producing sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests under moderate to heavy loads. A rain crust from early December sits near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures and sunshine are expected to weaken and moisten surface snow layers. Strong to extreme winds on Saturday created wind slabs and cornices in many areas, and scoured north and west-facing alpine slopes. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-90 cm. Recent very large avalanches have been failing on this interface in the north of the region (see avalanche discussion). In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures and sunshine are expected to weaken and moisten surface snow layers. Strong to extreme SW winds on Saturday created wind slabs and cornices in many areas. In sheltered areas, 15-40 cm recent storm snow is settling, and in some places may still be reactive as a soft slab. A rain crust sits below this in parts of the Monashees. In the far south, a layer of surface hoar is buried about 50-80 cm down. Professionals are still monitoring the early January persistent weak layer, down 80-120 cm. The persistent slab above this has become an infrequent performer. However, in specific locations, it still produces hard, sudden results in snowpack tests, and forecast warming could wake it up again.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures and sunshine are expected to weaken and moisten surface snow layers. Strong to extreme SW winds on Saturday created wind slabs and cornices in many areas. Wind slabs may be lingering lower in start zones than normal due to the high wind speed. In sheltered areas, up to 60 cm recent storm snow is settling, and in some places may still be reactive as a soft slab. A rain crust sits below this in parts of the Monashees. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-120 cm. Recent very large avalanches failed on this interface in the north of the region (see avalanche discussion). In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong. Forecast warming could increase the sensitivity of storm snow and persistent slabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Continued high freezing levels and solar radiation will leave most surfaces moist or wet on Tuesday. This warming will also continue to have a significant destabilizing effect on the snowpack. On Friday between 25-40cm of new snow fell. Strong southwest winds shifted these accumulations into deep and dense storm slabs. Cornices were already large before the storm, and new growth is expected to be fragile. About 50-80cm below the surface, you'll likely find a rain crust which formed on January 28th. This crust is widespread and exists up to about 1900m. Previous wet and heavy storms have likely flushed out the deeper mid-January surface hoar in the south of the region; however, this weakness which lies between 60 and 130cm below the surface is still reactive at higher elevations in the Duffey, Hurley and Birkenhead areas. This layer continues to produce sudden results in snowpack tests and has been responsible for recent 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">R</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">ising freezing levels and solar radiation will leave most surfaces moist or wet on Tuesday. This warming will also continue to have a significant destabilizing effect on the snowpack. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">On Friday between 60 and 100cm of new snow fell. Strong to extreme southwest winds shifted these accumulations into deep and dense storm slabs. Cornices were already large before the storm, and new growth is expected to be fragile.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">About 70-100cm below the surface, you likely find a rain crust which formed on January 28th. This crust is widespread and exists up to about 2050m. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer may be found between 130 and 200 cm below the surface. The combination of ongoing heavy storm loading and warm temperatures has flushed out this weak layer in most areas. That said, warming and solar radiation forecast for the next few days may be what it takes to wake up this deep and destructive persistent weak layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures and sunshine are expected to weaken and moisten surface snow layers. Strong to gale SW winds on Saturday created wind slabs and cornices in many areas. In sheltered areas, 30-60 cm recent storm snow is settling, and in some places may still be reactive as a soft slab. In some areas, recent storm snow may be sitting on a crust. There are three buried surface hoar layers in the upper 120 cm, some of which are still giving sudden results in snowpack tests. Forecast warming may increase the reactivity of the persistent slab above these layers.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Sunday a warm, wet and windy storm added mass and reactivity to recently formed storm slabs. 24 hour snow totals were around 40cm in the Terrace area with closer to 70cm falling in the mountains around Stewart. Rain on Monday, and then rising freezing levels and solar radiation will likely leave most surfaces moist or wet on Tuesday. This warming will also have a significant destabilizing effect on the snowpack. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-200 cm and remains a concern, especially with heavy and/or thin-spot triggers. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. There continues to be a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem; however, forecast warm temperatures and solar radiation will increase the likelihood of triggering these layers where they still exist. A very conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light rain on Monday, and then rising freezing levels and solar radiation will likely leave most surfaces moist or wet on Tuesday. This warming will also have a significant destabilizing effect on the snowpack. Between 18 and 25cm of new snow fell on Sunday. Strong southwest winds have no doubt shifted these accumulations into reactive wind slabs in higher elevation lee terrain. These new accumulations have also added mass and reactivity to a developing slab which overlies buried surface hoar buried at the beginning of February. This layer was observed in the Hankin area and may exist in many other places. The early or mid January surface hoar layer is generally 50-80 cm deep, although it may be buried by well over 100cm of snow in the far west of the region. Observers have found this persistent weakness on all aspects and at all elevations. It consistently produces moderate &quot;pops&quot; results in snowpack tests. Below this, the Boxing Day surface hoar problem may also be lurking. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack is generally quite weak and faceted, especially in lower snowpack areas such as the Babines.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The upper snowpack became moist two days ago and formed a weak crust on most aspects at all elevations. This crust remained firm on shaded slopes yesterday while breaking down quickly on solar aspects. There has been weak crust recovery overnight with moist snow in the upper 10cm on shaded aspects and up to 30cm on solar slopes. Today should mirror yesterday closely with solar aspects becoming moist or wet and the surface layers becoming unstable. Be aware of cornices on the cooler shaded slopes as they heat up from the topside.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moist snow can be found on solar aspects and a thin melt freeze crust may form on the surface overnight. Moderate to strong southwesterly winds have formed stiff, thick wind slabs in alpine and open treeline features, as well as large cornices at ridge crest. A rain crust can be found down 40cm that extends up to between 1900m and 2200m. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 80-100cm. Although this layer is becoming harder to trigger in snow pack tests it remains a concern in unsupported terrain at upper treeline and alpine elevation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack is settling with warm temperatures. Surface snow went moist on all aspects at all elevations except for extremely sheltered and shaded North aspects. Crusts are likely to form by morning. Cornices are sagging, and if they fail they could produce sizable avalanches on the slopes below. Recently formed storm slabs and wind slabs are gaining strength and becoming less of a concern. The chief problem in the snowpack remains the Jan 6th interface of surface hoar/sun crust/facets. This layer is down 35 to 80cm and continues to produce shears in snowpack stability tests. If this layer is triggered, large avalanches are possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface snow is becoming moist and cohesionless, and cornices are getting weak throughout the day with warm temperatures and direct sun-exposure. Strong to extreme winds on Saturday created wind slabs and cornices in many areas, and scoured north and west-facing alpine slopes. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-90 cm. Recent very large avalanches have been failing on this interface in the north of the region (see avalanche discussion). In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface snow is becoming moist and cohesionless, and cornices are getting weak throughout the day with warm temperatures and direct sun-exposure. Recent snow pack tests have been producing easy to moderate results on various storm snow weaknesses in the top 40cm. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring the persistent weakness buried early January, which is now down 80-120 cm. In most places it is no longer sensitive to light triggers. However, in specific locations it still produces hard, sudden results in snowpack tests, and forecast warming could wake it up again.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface snow is becoming moist and cohesionless, and cornices are getting weak throughout the day with warm temperatures and direct sun-exposure. Recent snow pack tests have been producing easy to moderate results on various storm snow weaknesses in the top 50cm. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring the persistent weakness buried early January, which is now down 80-120 cm. In most places it is no longer sensitive to light triggers. However, in specific locations it still produces hard but sudden results in snowpack tests, and forecast warming could wake it up again.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface snow is becoming moist and cohesionless, and cornices are getting weak throughout the day with warm temperatures and direct sun-exposure. Recent snow pack tests gave moderate results on a storm snow weaknesses down 45cm. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring three buried surface hoar layers in the upper 120 cm, with some reporting easy to moderate sudden results down 120cm where surface hoar was sitting on a sun-crust. Warming may increase the reactivity of the persistent slab above these layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moist snow can be found on solar aspects. A thin melt freeze crust may form on the surface overnight. Increasingly hard to trigger wind slabs can be found at ridgeline. A layer of surface hoar has been observed around Rosland and in the Bonnington Range, buried down 40cm, in open areas at and just below treeline. In most other parts of the region a rain crust can be found at this same depth that extends up as high as 2100m. Below this, a thick slab rests on a layer of surface hoar that was buried earlier in January and is now down 80-130 cm. This layer remains a concern in at and bellow treeline. Before the recent warm up it was producing sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests under moderate to heavy loads. A rain crust from early December sits near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A thin melt freeze crust is expected to form overnight above moist snow near the surfaces. This may be sitting on a crust. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled with no layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moist snow can be found on solar aspects and a thin melt freeze crust may form on the surface overnight. Strong south west winds have resulted in widespread wind effect. Thick, stiff wind slabs can be found on north aspects in the alpine. Cornices have grown significantly. In the front ranges, the wind effect may be more extreme with widespread strastugi being reported in the alpine around Castle Mountain. In some areas you may find a supportive crust down 30cm that extends up to around 1900m. A layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 50 and 100cm down and remains a concern west of the Divide. The snowpack rests on a weak crust/facet layer from early December.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Extremely high freezing levels and solar radiation have left most surfaces moist or wet. This warming has also had a significant destabilizing effect on the snowpack. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be huge and collapse has become more likely with daytime warming. About 50-80cm below the surface, you'll likely find a rain crust which formed on January 28th. This crust is widespread and exists up to about 1900m. Previous wet and heavy storms have likely flushed out the deeper mid-January surface hoar in the south of the region; however, this weakness which lies between 60 and 130cm below the surface is still reactive at higher elevations in the Duffey, Hurley and Birkenhead areas. This layer continues to produce sudden results in snowpack tests and has been responsible for recent 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_AA239A9B">Extremely high freezing levels and solar radiation have left most surfaces moist or wet. This warming has also had a significant destabilizing effect on the snowpack. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are also reported to be huge and collapse has become more likely with daytime warming.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">About 50-90cm below the surface, you'll likely find a rain crust which formed on January 28th. This crust is widespread and exists up to about 2050m. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer may be found between 130 and 200 cm below the surface. The combination warm temperatures and subsequent gradual cooling is making avalanches failing on these deeper layers unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Sunday a warm, wet and windy storm added mass and reactivity to recently formed storm slabs. 24 hour snow totals were around 40cm in the Terrace area with closer to 70cm falling in the mountains around Stewart. Rain on Monday, and then rising freezing levels and solar radiation on Tuesday have likely left most surfaces moist or wet. This warming has had a significant destabilizing effect on the snowpack. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-200 cm and remains a concern, especially with heavy and/or thin-spot triggers. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. There continues to be a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem; however, warm temperatures have increased the likelihood of triggering these layers where they still exist. A very conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 18 and 25cm of new snow fell on Sunday. Strong southwest winds shifted these accumulations into reactive wind slabs in higher elevation lee terrain. Rain on Monday, and then rising freezing levels and solar radiation on Tuesday have likely left most surfaces moist or wet. This warming has also had a significant destabilizing effect on the snowpack. Within the top 50cm you may find a layer of surface hoar which was buried at the beginning of February. This layer was observed in the Hankin area and may exist in many other places. The early or mid January surface hoar layer is generally 50-80 cm deep, although it may be buried by well over 100cm of snow in the far west of the region. Observers have found this persistent weakness on all aspects and at all elevations. It consistently produces moderate &quot;pops&quot; results in snowpack tests. Below this, the Boxing Day surface hoar problem may also be lurking. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack is generally quite weak and faceted, especially in lower snowpack areas such as the Babines.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is a 2cm crust sitting over up to 30cm of moist snow at the top of the snowpack. The crust is weak on Southerly aspects and hard on the shaded slopes. The moist snow runs deeper into the snowpack again on the solar aspects and may not exist on higher elevation North aspects. This surface crust and moist snow sit over up to 100cm of settling storm snow above the January 28 rain crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack continues to settle with warm temperatures. Temperatures at Treeline today reached +5 degrees, while valley bottoms were near +&amp; degrees. Moist snow on solar aspects today which will form crusts tonight. Cornices are sagging and if they fail could trigger significant avalanches on the slopes below. The principal concern in the snowpack remains the Jan 6th layer buried 30 to 80cm. While more difficult to trigger, a failure on this layer would produce a large to very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Sunday a warm, wet and windy storm added mass and reactivity to recently formed storm slabs. 24 hour snow totals were around 40cm in the Terrace area with closer to 70cm falling in the mountains around Stewart. Rain on Monday, and then rising freezing levels and solar radiation on Tuesday have likely left most surfaces moist or wet. This warming has had a significant destabilizing effect on the snowpack. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-200 cm and remains a concern, especially with heavy and/or thin-spot triggers. Around the same depth you may also find a surface hoar/facet interface from around New Years. There continues to be a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem; however, warm temperatures have increased the likelihood of triggering these layers where they still exist. A very conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 18 and 25cm of new snow fell on Sunday. Strong southwest winds shifted these accumulations into reactive wind slabs in higher elevation lee terrain. Rain on Monday, and then rising freezing levels and solar radiation on Tuesday have likely left most surfaces moist or wet. This warming has also had a significant destabilizing effect on the snowpack. Within the top 50cm you may find a layer of surface hoar which was buried at the beginning of February. This layer was observed in the Hankin area and may exist in many other places. The early or mid January surface hoar layer is generally 50-80 cm deep, although it may be buried by well over 100cm of snow in the far west of the region. Observers have found this persistent weakness on all aspects and at all elevations. It consistently produces moderate &quot;pops&quot; results in snowpack tests. Below this, the Boxing Day surface hoar problem may also be lurking. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack is generally quite weak and faceted, especially in lower snowpack areas such as the Babines.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable new crusts have formed in the alpine and at treeline. Supportive crusts on solar aspects resulted in corn skiing in some areas. Breakable crusts were reported from Northerly aspects on Tuesday. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are also reported to be huge and collapse has become more likely with daytime warming.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">About 50-90cm below the surface, you'll likely find a rain crust which formed on January 28th. This crust is widespread and exists up to about 2050m. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer may be found between 130 and 200 cm below the surface. The combination warm temperatures and subsequent gradual cooling is making avalanches failing on these deeper layers unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain is falling on an already saturated snowpack. A thin melt freeze crust is expected to form overnight above wet snow near the surfaces. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled with no layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thin new crusts have formed on most aspects above moist snow, and above dry snow on northerly aspects. New surface hoar has been reported from the Coquihalla area. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be huge and collapse has become more likely with daytime warming. About 50-80cm below the surface, you'll likely find a rain crust which formed on January 28th. This crust is widespread and exists up to about 1900m. Previous wet and heavy storms have likely flushed out the deeper mid-January surface hoar in the south of the region; however, this weakness which lies between 60 and 130cm below the surface is still reactive at higher elevations in the Duffey, Hurley and Birkenhead areas. This layer continues to produce sudden results in snowpack tests and has been responsible for recent 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">Wet or moist snow can be found on solar aspects at all elevations. A thin melt freeze crust may have form surface overnight. Dry snow can still be found on high north facing slope where increasingly hard to trigger wind slabs can be found at ridgeline. A layer of surface hoar has been observed around Rosland and in the Bonnington Range, buried down 40cm, in open areas at and just below treeline. In most other parts of the region a rain crust can be found at this same depth that extends up as high as 2100m.Below this, a thick slab rests on a layer of surface hoar that was buried earlier in January and is now down 80-130 cm. This layer remains a concern in at and bellow treeline, producing sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests under moderate to heavy loads. I'm going to keep it on my radar until the snowpack cools off again. A rain crust from early December sits near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures are encouraging the rapid settlement of the upper snow pack. Moist snow can be found on solar aspects and a thin melt freeze crust may form on the surface overnight. Dry snow may still be found on high elevation north facing slopes. Moderate to strong southwesterly winds have formed stiff, thick wind slabs in alpine and open treeline features, as well as large cornices at ridge crest. A rain crust can be found down 40cm that extends up to between 1900m and 2200m. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 80-100cm. Although this layer is becoming harder to trigger in snow pack tests it remains a concern in unsupported terrain at upper treeline and alpine elevation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moist snow can be found on solar aspects and a thin melt freeze crust may form on the surface overnight. Dry snow can still be found on high elevation north facing slopes.  Strong south west winds have resulted in widespread wind effect. Thick, stiff wind slabs can be found on north aspects in the alpine. Cornices have grown significantly. In the front ranges, the wind effect may be more extreme with widespread strastugi being reported in the alpine around Castle Mountain. In some areas you may find a supportive crust down 30cm that extends up to around 1900m. A layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 40 and 60cm down and remains a concern west of the Divide. The snowpack rests on a weak crust/facet layer from early December.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wet surface snow has refrozen into a supportive crust in most places; however, dry soft snow with new surface hoar growth may be found at treeline elevations and below on shaded aspects. Strong to extreme winds on Saturday created wind slabs and cornices in many areas, and scoured north and west-facing alpine slopes. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-90 cm. Recent very large avalanches have been failing on this interface in the north of the region (see avalanche discussion). In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wet surface snow has refrozen into a supportive crust in most places; however, dry soft snow with new surface hoar growth may be found at treeline elevations on shaded aspects. Storm snow weaknesses down 40-60cm remain sensitive. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring the persistent weakness buried early January, which is now down 80-120 cm. In most places it is no longer sensitive to light triggers. However, in specific locations it still produces hard, but sudden results in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wet surface snow has refrozen into a supportive crust in most places; however, dry soft snow with new surface hoar growth may be found at treeline elevations on shaded aspects. Snow pack tests are still producing easy to moderate results on various storm snow weaknesses in the top 50cm. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring the persistent weakness buried early January, which is now down 80-120 cm. In most places it is no longer sensitive to light triggers; however, in specific locations, such as shallow spots, it still produces hard but sudden results in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wet surface snow has refrozen into a supportive crust in most places; however, dry soft snow with new surface hoar growth may be found at treeline elevations on shaded aspects. Wind slabs and storm snow weaknesses in the upper 50cm or so, remain sensitive. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring three buried surface hoar layers in the upper 120 cm, with recent reports of easy to moderate sudden results down 120cm where surface hoar was sitting on a sun-crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Freezing levels exceeded 3000m Tuesday and have now dropped back down to the surface. This has given us hard, icy conditions with isolated pockets of windslab up to 15cm from a weak disturbance yesterday afternoon.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another day of warm temps has settled the snowpack even more. Some areas saw up to 5cm of new snow last night. A melt/freeze crust is on all lower aspects and extends to treeline on solar aspects. Because of settlement the Jan 6 facet layer is down 40-70cm at treeline and starting to bond to the upper layers. Having said that, polar aspects are still suspect due to the locally cooler temps. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow depths are 134cm at Burstall Pass &amp; 98cm at Mud Lake</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wet surface snow capped by a supportive melt freeze crust can be found on solar aspects and at lower elevations,  Dry snow can still be found on high north facing terrain. New surface hoar growth may be found at and below treeline on shaded aspects. Sustained winds have scoured north and west-facing alpine slopes and formed fresh wind slabs and cornices. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-90 cm. Recent very large avalanches have been failing on this interface in the north of the region (see avalanche discussion) and it continues to produce sudden planar results in snow pit tests. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wet or moist snow can be found on solar aspects capped by a melt freeze crust that may break down through the day. Pockets of dry snow can still be found on high north facing slope where increasingly hard to trigger wind slabs can be found at ridge line. An older burred crust can be found down 40cm that extends well up into the alpine. Below this, a thick slab rests on a layer of surface hoar that was buried earlier in January and is now down 80-130 cm. This layer continues to pose a low probability high consequence threat, producing sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests under moderate to heavy loads. I'm going to keep it on my radar until the snowpack cools off again. A rain crust from early December sits near the base of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moist snow can be found on solar aspects.  A thick melt freeze crust may form on the surface overnight and break down through the day. Dry snow may still be found on high elevation north facing slopes. Moderate to strong southwesterly winds have formed stiff, thick wind slabs in alpine and open treeline features, as well as large cornices at ridge crest. A rain crust can be found down 40cm that extends up to between 1900m and 2200m. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 80-100cm. Although this layer is becoming harder to trigger in snow pack tests it remains a concern in unsupported terrain at upper treeline and alpine elevation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thin new crusts have formed on most aspects at higher elevations above moist snow, and above dry snow on northerly aspects. New surface hoar has been reported from the Coquihalla area, that may be buried down 5-10 cm. Conditions across the region are variable. Most areas have not had a freeze below treeline since the last wet storm. A crust that formed after a warm storm at the end of January is now down 50-80 cm. The deeply buried persistent weak layer from early January appears to be isolated to the north of the region.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> This weakness which lies between 60 and 130cm below the surface is still reactive at higher elevations in the Duffey, Hurley and Birkenhead areas. This layer continues to produce sudden results in snowpack tests and has been responsible for recent 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_AA239A9B">Variable new crusts have formed in the alpine and at treeline. Supportive crusts on solar aspects resulted in corn skiing in some areas. Breakable crusts were reported from Northerly aspects on Tuesday. Up to 30 cm of moist snow below crust on all but north aspects. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are also reported to be huge and collapse has become more likely with daytime warming.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">About 50-90cm below the surface, you'll likely find a rain crust which formed on January 28th. This crust is widespread and exists up to about 2100m. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer may be found between 130 and 200 cm below the surface. The combination warm temperatures and subsequent gradual cooling is making avalanches failing on these deeper layers unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Observations have been sparse due to poor flying and travel conditions, as well as poor visibility. In the Shames backcountry on Wednesday there was no crust at 1300 metres ( the highest point the observer reached), and we suspect the crust is only above 1500 metres. There was 50 cm of recent storm snow, with the top 25 cm being rain soaked. This moist and wet storm snow was sitting on the old crust from the previous warm storm at the end of January. Compression tests resulted in moderate shears within the storm snow and on the old crust. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-200 cm across the region and remains a concern for commercial operations. There continues to be a lot of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this destructive persistent avalanche problem; however, warm temperatures have increased the likelihood of triggering these layers where they still exist. A very conservative approach to mountain travel is still required.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storm snow is settling due to warm temperatures and high freezing levels. Some isolated wind slabs may develop in the alpine where dry storm snow is available for transport. Loose wet snow may be easily triggered at lower elevations that have not experienced a re-freeze since the last storm. Crusts may be developing at mid-elevations as the freezing level slowly descends. Within the top 50cm you may find a layer of surface hoar which was buried at the beginning of February. This layer was observed in the Hankin area and may exist in many other places. The early or mid January surface hoar layer is generally 50-80 cm deep, although it may be buried by well over 100cm of snow in the far west of the region. Observers have found this persistent weakness on all aspects and at all elevations. It consistently produces moderate &quot;pops&quot; results in snowpack tests. Below this, the Boxing Day surface hoar problem may also be lurking. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack is generally quite weak and faceted, especially in lower snowpack areas such as the Babines.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain is falling on an already saturated snowpack. A thin melt freeze crust is expected to form overnight above wet snow near the surfaces. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled with no layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A supportive surface crust is likely in most places aside from shaded aspects at treeline elevations, and lower elevations that are under melt-freeze conditions. New surface hoar could be covered by a skiff of fresh snow. This recently buried surface hoar is likely larger on sheltered shady slopes, but could be more sensitive where it is sitting on a crust. Recent snowpack tests have been producing easy to hard results in the top 25-35cm on storm snow weaknesses as well as buried surface hoar and crusts with associated facets. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring the persistent weakness buried early January, which is now down 80-120 cm. In most places it is no longer sensitive to light triggers. However, in specific locations it still produces hard, but sudden results in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A supportive surface crust is likely in most places aside from shaded aspects at treeline elevations, and lower elevations that are under melt-freeze conditions. New surface hoar could be covered by a skiff of fresh snow. This recently buried surface hoar is likely larger on sheltered shady slopes, but could be more sensitive where it is sitting on a crust. Snow pack tests are still producing moderate resistant results on various storm snow weaknesses in the top 50cm, including surface hoar buried at the beginning of February. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring the persistent weakness buried early January, which is now down 80-120 cm. In most places it is no longer sensitive to light triggers; however, in specific locations, such as shallow spots, it still produces hard but sudden results in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A supportive surface crust is likely in most places aside from shaded aspects at treeline elevations, and lower elevations that are under melt-freeze conditions. New surface hoar could be covered by a skiff of fresh snow. This recently buried surface hoar is likely larger on sheltered shady slopes, but could be more sensitive where it is sitting on a crust. Wind slabs and storm snow weaknesses in the upper 50cm or so, remain sensitive. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring three buried surface hoar layers in the upper 120 cm, with recent reports of easy to moderate sudden results down 120cm where surface hoar was sitting on a sun-crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-30 cm of moist snow on top of a 5-10cm MFcr in ALP and TL. Cornice growth with transport winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Not much a changing out there these days.  Thursdays snowfall has given us a &quot;dust on crust on all solar aspects and all aspects 2100m that is poorly bonded to the underlying surface.  High and north are the best/only places where its likely that you will be able to find dry well settled snow.  In general, Hard windslabs dominate the alpine areas and any avalanche that is initiatied is likely to propogate far and wide across a terrain feature.  At treeline, watch for windslabs and persistent slabs in steep unsupported terrain.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Saturday we could see up to 30 cm of new snow, which will probably fall on a melt-freeze crust. The new snow might not bond well to the crust initially. If a crust doesn't form and the snow falls on wet snow then it's quite possible that it will stick well. Unfortunately, the snowpack keeps taking a beating. Snow depths are likely around 100 cm at 1000 m and 250-300 cm near treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 10 cm of moist snow (at the time of writing) overlies a melt-freeze crust at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate southerly winds have probably created fresh dense wind slabs on exposed leeward slopes. An older buried crust can be found down 40cm, and it extends well up into the alpine. Below this, a thick slab rests on a layer of surface hoar that was buried earlier in January. This layer is 80-130 cm deep and continues to pose a low probability/ high consequence threat, producing sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests under moderate to heavy loads. It should remain on your radar until the snowpack cools off again. A rain crust from early December sits near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10 cm of moist new snow is probably sitting on a melt-freeze crust on all solar aspects and lower elevation terrain. Moderate to strong southwesterly winds have formed stiff, thick wind slabs in alpine and open treeline features, as well as large cornices at ridge crest. Dry snow may still be found on high elevation north facing slopes. A rain crust can be found down 40cm that extends up to between 1900m and 2200m. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 80-100cm. Although this layer is becoming harder to trigger in snow pack tests it remains a concern in unsupported terrain at upper treeline and alpine elevation. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New wind slabs are developing in the lee of of southwest winds in the alpine and at treeline. Storm snow from last week has settled due to recent warm temperatures. There may be a buried layer of surface hoar in the top 30 cm of the snowpack from early February, this layer was found at Hankin, but has not been widely reported. Crusts may be developing at mid-elevations as the freezing level slowly descends. The early January persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar is down 50-80 cm in most of the region, but may be down a metre or more in the deeper snowpack areas in the southwest of the region. Shallow snowpack areas in the east and north of the region may have a weak base layer of facetted snow on or just above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A supportive crust (in most places aside from shaded aspects at treeline elevations) and perhaps new surface hoar (where it survived the heat, rain and sun) could be buried by as much as 10-15cm of fresh snow or deeper wind slabs. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring three buried surface hoar layers in the upper 150 cm, with recent reports of hard, but still sudden snowpack test results down around 120cm and 140-170cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A supportive near surface crust is likely in most places aside from shaded aspects at treeline elevations, and lower elevations that are under melt-freeze conditions. This crust and perhaps new surface hoar (where it survived the heat, rain and sun) could be buried by as much as 15-20cm of fresh snow or deeper wind slabs. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring the persistent weakness buried early January, which is now down 80-120 cm. In most places it is no longer sensitive to light triggers. However, in specific locations it still produces hard, but sudden results in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moist new snow is probably sitting on a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects and lower elevation terrain. Up higher, strong southwest winds have resulted in widespread wind effect in exposed terrain. Thick, stiff wind slabs can be found on north aspects in the alpine. Sheltered northerly aspects may still be hanging onto dry snow. Cornices have grown significantly. In some areas you may find a supportive crust down 30cm that extends up to around 1900m. A layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 40 and 60cm down and remains a concern west of the Continental Divide. The snowpack rests on a weak crust/facet layer from early December.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A supportive crust (in most places aside from shaded aspects at treeline elevations) and perhaps new surface hoar (where it survived the heat, rain and sun) could be buried by as much as 10-15cm of fresh snow or deeper wind slabs. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring the persistent weakness buried early January, which is now down 80-120 cm. In most places it is no longer sensitive to light triggers; however, in specific locations, such as shallow spots, it still produces hard but sudden results in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A supportive crust (in most places aside from shaded aspects at treeline elevations) and perhaps new surface hoar (where it survived the heat, rain and sun) could be buried by as much as 5-10cm of fresh snow or deeper wind slabs. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-90 cm. Recent avalanches have been failing on this interface in the north of the region (see avalanche discussion) and it continues to produce sudden planar results in snow pit tests. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist snow up to 1800 metres combined with strong winds on Friday, created moist slabs at treeline and storm slabs in the alpine. Variable new crusts formed in the alpine and at treeline on Thursday. Supportive crusts on solar aspects resulted in corn skiing in some areas on Wednesday. Breakable crusts were reported from Northerly aspects on Tuesday. Up to 30 cm of moist snow below crust on all but north aspects. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are also reported to be huge and collapse has become more likely with additional loading and high freezing levels.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">About 50-90cm below the surface, you'll likely find a rain crust which formed on January 28th. This crust is widespread and exists up to about 2100m. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer may be found between 130 and 200 cm below the surface. The combination of warm temperatures and subsequent gradual cooling is making avalanches failing on these deeper layers unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New storm slabs are starting to develop in the alpine as 5-10 cm of new snow arrived on Friday. High freezing levels (around 1800 metres) has settled the upper snowpack and developed variable crusts due to overnight cooling. New surface hoar has been reported from the Coquihalla area, that may be buried down 10-20 cm. Conditions across the region are variable. Most areas have not had a freeze below treeline since the last wet storm. A crust that formed after a warm storm at the end of January is now down 50-80 cm. and it does not appear to &quot;bridge&quot; the early January weak layer in the Duffey lake area. This deeply buried persistent weak layer from early January appears to be isolated to the north of the region, and is now buried down about 50-80 cm.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> This layer continues to produce sudden results in snowpack tests and has been responsible for recent 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_AA239A9B">Temperatures have been gradually dropping and the freeze/crust line has been dropping as well. Breakable crusts have been reported as low as 1000m in the south of the region. In the Shames backcountry on Thursday, there was a supportive crust above 1300 metres that had developed overnight, on Wednesday there was no crust at 1300 metres ( the highest point the observer reached), and there was 50 cm of recent storm snow, with the top 25 cm being rain soaked. This moist and wet storm snow was sitting on the old crust from the previous warm storm at the end of January. Compression tests resulted in moderate shears within the storm snow and on the old crust. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-200 cm across the region and remains a concern for commercial operations. In the north of the region, we continue to get reports of natural and remotely triggered avalanches on the early January persistent weak layer, large avalanches have released where this layer steps down to weak basal facets. A very conservative approach to mountain travel is still required, due to another warm and wet storm system forecast over the next few days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15cm light dry snow over 15-25cm compact snow over a 5-10cm melt freeze crust. Cornice growth with transport winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Any new snow that fell on Saturday will be soaked with rain on Sunday and Monday. This could result in loose wet snow sluffs in steep terrain, especially if the recent snow is sitting on a slick rain crust. Snow depths are likely around 100 cm at 1000 m and 250-300 cm near treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-20 cm of new snow sits on a supportive crust at and below treeline, a breakable crust on south-facing slopes in the alpine, buried surface hoar in sheltered terrain, or wind affected surfaces. Moderate southerly winds may have created fresh dense wind slabs on exposed leeward slopes. An older buried crust can be found down 40cm extending well up into the alpine. Below this, a thick slab rests on a layer of surface hoar that was buried earlier in January. This layer is 80-130 cm deep and continues to pose a low probability/ high consequence threat, producing sudden planar fractures in snowpack tests under moderate to heavy loads. It should remain on your radar, especially during periods of warming or rapid loading. A rain crust from early December sits near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10 cm of moist new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all solar aspects and lower elevation terrain (below 1700-1800 m), or recently buried surface hoar on sheltered northerly aspects. Moderate to strong southwesterly winds may have formed stiff, thick wind slabs in alpine and open treeline features, as well as large cornices at ridge crest. Dry snow may still be found on high elevation north facing slopes. A rain crust can be found down 40cm that extends up to between 1900m and 2200m. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 80-100cm. Although this layer has become harder to trigger, it remains a concern in unsupported terrain at upper treeline and alpine elevation, especially during periods of warming or heavy loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5 cm of moist new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects and lower elevation terrain, surface hoar on sheltered slopes, and wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain. Soft new wind slabs might be hiding older, harder wind slabs on exposed north aspects in the alpine. Cornices have grown significantly recently. In some areas you may find a supportive crust down 30cm that extends up to around 1900m. A layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 40 and 60cm down and remains a concern, primarily west of the Continental Divide. The snowpack rests on a weak crust/facet layer from early December.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A supportive crust (in most places aside from shaded aspects at treeline elevations) and perhaps new surface hoar (where it survived the heat, rain and sun) could be buried by as much as 10-15cm of fresh snow or deeper wind slabs. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring the persistent weakness buried early January, which is now down 80-120 cm. In most places it is no longer sensitive to light triggers; however, in specific locations, such as shallow spots, it still produces hard but sudden results in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent warm temperatures left us with moist snow up to around 1800 metres.  Subsequent cooling has left new crusts in many areas. Wind slabs are forming at higher elevations. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be huge and collapse has become more likely with additional loading and high freezing levels.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">About 50-90cm below the surface, you'll likely find a rain crust which formed on January 28th. This crust is widespread and exists up to about 2100m. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer may be found between 130 and 200 cm below the surface. The combination of warm temperatures and subsequent gradual cooling is making avalanches failing on these deeper layers unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Temperatures have been gradually dropping and the freeze/crust line has been dropping as well. Breakable crusts have been reported as low as 1000m in the south of the region. In the Shames backcountry on Thursday, there was a supportive crust above 1300 metres that had developed overnight, on Wednesday there was no crust at 1300 metres ( the highest point the observer reached), and there was 50 cm of recent storm snow, with the top 25 cm being rain soaked. This moist and wet storm snow was sitting on the old crust from the previous warm storm at the end of January. Compression tests resulted in moderate shears within the storm snow and on the old crust. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-200 cm across the region and remains a concern for commercial operations. In the north of the region, we continue to get reports of natural and remotely triggered avalanches on the early January persistent weak layer, large avalanches have released where this layer steps down to weak basal facets. A very conservative approach to mountain travel is still required, due to another warm and wet storm system forecast over the next few days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Continued snowfall and mostly southwest New wind slabs are developing in the lee of of southwest winds in the alpine and at treeline. Storm snow from last week has settled due to recent warm temperatures. There may be a buried layer of surface hoar in the top 30 cm of the snowpack from early February, this layer was found at Hankin, but has not been widely reported. Crusts may be developing at mid-elevations as the freezing level slowly descends. The early January persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar is down 50-80 cm in most of the region, but may be down a metre or more in the deeper snowpack areas in the southwest of the region. Shallow snowpack areas in the east and north of the region may have a weak base layer of facetted snow on or just above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New storm slabs are starting to develop in the alpine as 5-10 cm of new snow arrived on Friday. High freezing levels (around 1800 metres) has settled the upper snowpack and developed variable crusts due to overnight cooling. New surface hoar has been reported from the Coquihalla area, that may be buried down 10-20 cm. Conditions across the region are variable. Most areas have not had a freeze below treeline since the last wet storm. A crust that formed after a warm storm at the end of January is now down 50-80 cm. and it does not appear to &quot;bridge&quot; the early January weak layer in the Duffey lake area. This deeply buried persistent weak layer from early January appears to be isolated to the north of the region, and is now buried down about 50-80 cm.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> This layer continues to produce sudden results in snowpack tests and has been responsible for recent 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">A supportive near surface crust is likely in most places aside from shaded aspects at treeline elevations, and lower elevations that are under melt-freeze conditions. This crust and perhaps new surface hoar (where it survived the heat, rain and sun) could be buried by as much as 15-20cm of fresh snow or deeper wind slabs. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring the persistent weakness buried early January, which is now down 80-120 cm. In most places it is no longer sensitive to light triggers. However, in specific locations it still produces hard, but sudden results in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A supportive crust (in most places aside from shaded aspects at treeline elevations) and perhaps new surface hoar (where it survived the heat, rain and sun) could be buried by as much as 5-10cm of fresh snow or deeper wind slabs. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-90 cm. Recent avalanches have been failing on this interface in the north of the region (see avalanche discussion) and it continues to produce sudden planar results in snow pit tests. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A supportive crust (in most places aside from shaded aspects at treeline elevations) and perhaps new surface hoar (where it survived the heat, rain and sun) could be buried by as much as 10-15cm of fresh snow or deeper wind slabs. Avalanche professionals are still monitoring three buried surface hoar layers in the upper 150 cm, with recent reports of hard, but still sudden snowpack test results down around 120cm and 140-170cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15cm light dry snow over 15-30cm compact snow over a 5-10cm melt freeze crust. Cornice growth with transport winds.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Relatively warm temperatures and strong winds from the northwest are building wind slabs and having a 'reverse loading' effect.  These wind slabs are building over top of the February 11th sun crust and melt-freeze crusts on solar aspects.  The January 6th facet layer is widespread and is buried 40-70 cm from the surface.  Results on the January 6th layer in test pits range from no results to sudden collapses in the moderate range.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Temperatures have been gradually dropping and the freeze/crust line has been dropping as well. Breakable crusts have been reported as low as 1000m in the south of the region. In the Shames backcountry on Thursday, there was a supportive crust above 1300 metres that had developed overnight, on Wednesday there was no crust at 1300 metres ( the highest point the observer reached), and there was 50 cm of recent storm snow, with the top 25 cm being rain soaked. This moist and wet storm snow was sitting on the old crust from the previous warm storm at the end of January. Compression tests resulted in moderate shears within the storm snow and on the old crust. The January 9th surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-200 cm across the region and remains a concern for commercial operations. In the north of the region, we continue to get reports of natural and remotely triggered avalanches on the early January persistent weak layer, large avalanches have released where this layer steps down to weak basal facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snowfall and mostly southwestern winds have formed wind slabs in the leeward features in the alpine and at treeline. Storm snow from last week has settled due to recent warm temperatures. There may be a buried layer of surface hoar in the top 30 cm of the snowpack from early February, this layer was found at Hankin, but has not been widely reported. Crusts may be developing at mid-elevations as the freezing level slowly descends. The early January persistent weak layer of buried surface hoar is down 50-80 cm in most of the region, but may be down a metre or more in the deeper snowpack areas in the southwest of the region. Shallow snowpack areas in the east and north of the region may have a weak base layer of facetted snow on or just above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Sunday night, generally light amounts of new snow are expected to fall, and strong southwest winds are expected to form new wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. The new snow will overlie wind slabs which formed throughout the weekend. About 10-30 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust which exists in most places except for in high elevation shaded terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-90 cm. Recent avalanches have been failing on this interface in the north of the region (see avalanche discussion) and it continues to produce sudden planar results in snow pit tests. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of recent snow sits on a rain crust at all elevations. This snowfall was accompanied by moderate SE winds, forming dense wind slabs and fresh cornice tabs in lee terrain near ridge top. Temperatures warmed on Saturday night resulting in rain or freezing rain depending on elevation. By Monday the upper snowpack will probably be saturated by rain. Snow depths are likely around 100 cm at 1000 m and 250-300 cm near treeline. The entire snowpack consists mainly of wet or moist snow with remnants of a few old crusts. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10 cm of moist new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects and lower elevation terrain, surface hoar on sheltered slopes, and wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain. Soft new wind slabs might be hiding older, harder wind slabs on exposed north aspects in the alpine. Cornices have grown significantly recently. In some areas you may find a supportive crust down 30cm that extends up to around 1900m. A layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 40 and 60cm down and remains a concern, primarily west of the Continental Divide. The snowpack rests on a weak crust/facet layer from early December.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent warm temperatures left us with moist snow up to around 1800 metres. Subsequent cooling has left new crusts in many areas. Wind slabs are forming at higher elevations. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are reported to be huge and collapse has become more likely with additional loading and high freezing levels.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">About 50-90cm below the surface, you'll likely find a rain crust which formed on January 28th. This crust is widespread and exists up to about 2100m. Where it still exists, the mid-January surface hoar layer may be found between 130 and 200 cm below the surface. The combination of warm temperatures and subsequent gradual cooling is making avalanches failing on these deeper layers unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Sunday night, generally light amounts of new snow are expected to fall, and strong southwest winds are expected to form new wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. The new snow will overlie wind slabs which formed throughout the weekend. About 40-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust which exists in most places except for in high elevation shaded terrain. Although there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow, it could be a potential failure plane, especially if temperatures are warm or solar radiation is strong. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface, and has become unlikely to trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10 cm of moist new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all solar aspects and lower elevation terrain (below 1700-1800 m), or recently buried surface hoar on sheltered northerly aspects. Moderate to strong southwesterly winds may have formed stiff, thick wind slabs in alpine and open treeline features, as well as large cornices at ridge crest. Dry snow may still be found on high elevation north facing slopes. A rain crust can be found down 40cm that extends up to between 1900m and 2200m. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 80-100cm. Although this layer has become harder to trigger, it remains a concern in unsupported terrain at upper treeline and alpine elevation, especially during periods of warming or heavy loading. Glide cracks are gaping in many areas at and below treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Monday morning, generally light amounts of new snow are expected to have been shifted into new wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. About 40-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust which exists in most places except for high elevation shaded terrain. Although there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow, it could be a potential failure plane, especially if temperatures are warm or solar radiation is strong. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become unlikely to trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Sunday night, moderate amounts of new snow are expected to fall, and strong southwest winds are expected to form deep new wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. The new snow will overlie wind slabs and settling storm snow which fell throughout the weekend. About 40-70 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust which exists in most places except for in high elevation shaded terrain. Although there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow, it could be a potential failure plane, especially if temperatures are warm or solar radiation is strong. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface, and has become unlikely to trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-25 cm of new snow sits on a supportive crust at and below treeline, a breakable crust on south-facing slopes in the alpine, buried surface hoar in sheltered terrain, or wind affected surfaces. Moderate southerly winds may have created fresh dense wind slabs on exposed leeward slopes. An older buried crust can be found down 40cm extending well up into the alpine. At the same depth (around 40 cm), a buried surface hoar layer may be reactive on northerly aspects in the Rossland Range. Below this, a thick slab rests on a layer of surface hoar that was buried earlier in January. This layer is 80-130 cm deep and poses a low probability/ high consequence threat. It should remain on your radar, especially during periods of warming or rapid loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snowfall and mostly southwestern winds have formed wind slabs in the leeward features in the alpine and at treeline. High freezing levels (around 1800 metres) has settled the upper snowpack and developed variable crusts due to overnight cooling. New surface hoar has been reported from the Coquihalla area, that may be buried down 20-30 cm. Conditions across the region are variable. Most areas have not had a freeze below treeline since the last wet storm. A crust that formed after a warm storm at the end of January is now down 50-80 cm. and it does not appear to &quot;bridge&quot; the early January weak layer in the Duffey lake area. This deeply buried persistent weak layer from early January appears to be isolated to the north of the region, and is now buried down about 50-80 cm.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> This layer continues to produce sudden results in snowpack tests and has been responsible for recent destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The 10cm of new received Saturday night has been redistributed by moderate to strong southwest winds Sunday afternoon.  Windslabs may be found in the lee of ridge tops and cross-loaded terrain features down to treeline. The fluctuating freezing levels have left us with varying densities in the 30-50cm of storm snow over the last 3 days that now overlies a crust formed on February 10. Below 1600m most of the precipitation fell as rain and there is now another weak crust at 1700m and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An additional 12cm of new snow overnight brings recent storm snow totals to 20 to 30cm at Treeline. Alpine and upper Treeline areas continue to see wind slab development on NE, E, SE,  and S aspects due to persistent winds that have been out of the North for the past 2 days. An avalanche cycle due to wind loading is on-going (see avalanche discussion). Moist snow was observed on steep solar aspects in the afternoon. Cornices have grown significantly over the past 48 hours. Test profile at 2350m today shows easy shears at the storm snow interface, moderate shears down 40cm at an old wind slab interface and hard shears down 115cm on a layer of facets. The Jan 6th interface buried 80cm did not produce a shear in our tests today.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-60cm of new snow has accumulated in the last week and overlies a thick melt-freeze crust which extends into the alpine.  Moderate wind transport and cornice development have both been reported over the weekend and Monday night's storm will continue to develop wind slabs and cornices.  In the deepest snowfall areas, a more widespread storm slab may become reactive with the additional loading overnight.  Moist snow is being reported up to around 1800m on Sunday.  Rain will continue to soak lower elevations overnight.  The weak surface hoar layer from early January can be found down over a meter and is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests but triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Freezing levels have fluctuated with the passing of each weather system, but rain has been the dominant factor in snow quality and avalanche conditions. More rain is expected heading into Tuesday, followed by clearing and cooling, which will probably result in a widespread rain crust on all slopes. Below the thick surface crust is an entirely wet or moist snowpack with remnants of a few old crusts. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of moist new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects and lower elevation terrain, surface hoar on sheltered slopes, and wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain. Soft new wind slabs might be hiding older, harder wind slabs on exposed north aspects in the alpine. Cornices have grown significantly recently. In some areas you may find a supportive crust down 30cm that extends up to around 1900m. A layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 40 and 60cm down and remains a concern, primarily west of the Continental Divide. The snowpack rests on a weak crust/facet layer from early December.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60cm of new snow has accumulated in the last week with largest amounts to south of the region.&nbsp; This new snow overlies a thick melt-freeze crust which extends into the alpine.&nbsp; Moderate wind transport and cornice development have both been reported over the weekend and Monday night's storm will continue to develop wind slabs and cornices.&nbsp; In the deepest snowfall areas, a more widespread storm slab may become reactive with the additional loading overnight.&nbsp; Moist snow is being reported up to around 1800m on Sunday.&nbsp; Rain will continue to soak lower elevations overnight.&nbsp; The weak surface hoar layer from early January can be found down over a meter and is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests but triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of moist new snow (above 1400-1500 m) sits on a melt-freeze crust or recently buried surface hoar on sheltered northerly aspects. Steady moderate and variable winds may have formed stiff, thick wind slabs in alpine and open treeline features, as well as large cornices at ridge crest. Dry snow may still be found on high elevation north facing slopes. A rain crust can be found down 40-50 cm that extends up to between 1900m and 2200m. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 80-100cm. Although this layer has become harder to trigger, it remains a concern in unsupported terrain at upper treeline and alpine elevation, especially during periods of warming or heavy loading. Glide cracks are gaping in many areas at and below treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-50 cm of recent storm snow sits on a supportive crust at and below treeline, a breakable crust on south-facing slopes in the alpine, buried surface hoar in sheltered terrain, or old wind affected surfaces. Moderate south-southwest winds have created fresh dense wind slabs on exposed leeward slopes. A few buried surface hoar layers exist in the top 100 cm in drier areas on the west side of the region. In other areas the notable early January surface hoar layer is 80-130 cm deep and poses a low probability/ high consequence threat. It should remain on your radar, especially in thin snowpack areas and during periods of significant warming or rapid loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Monday night, light to locally moderate amounts of new snow are expected to fall, and strong southwest winds are expected to form new wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. The new snow will overlie older wind slabs and settling storm snow from the past few days. About 40-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. In general there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Monday night, light to locally moderate amounts of new snow are expected to fall, and strong southwest winds are expected to form new wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. The new snow will overlie older wind slabs and settling storm snow from the past few days. About 40-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. In general there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Monday night, generally light amounts of new snow are expected to fall, and strong southwest winds are expected to form new wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. The new snow will overlie older wind slabs and settling storm snow from the past few days. About 40-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. In many areas there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features.</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 180cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Monday night, generally light amounts of new snow are expected to fall, and strong southwest winds are expected to form new wind slabs in lee features at treeline and in the alpine. The new snow will overlie wind slabs which formed over the past few days. About 15-40 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust which exists in most places except for in high elevation shaded terrain. In general there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-120 cm. Sporadic yet destructive avalanche activity continues on this persistent weak layer. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 30cm of snow has accumulated over the past week and overlies a melt freeze crust which extends up to around 2000m elevation. This recent snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust. Moist snow was reported below 1100m on Sunday and wet snow below 800m. Recent wind has redistributed the surface snow at higher elevations forming soft wind slabs in leeward features. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-200 cm and remains a concern for commercial operations. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region and there have been several large avalanches reported in the past week releasing on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-35cm of snow has accumulated over the past week and overlies a melt freeze crust which extends up to around 2000m elevation. This recent snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust but some avalanches have released on it. Moist snow was reported below 1100m on Sunday and wet snow below 800m. Recent wind has redistributed the surface snow at higher elevations forming wind slabs in leeward features. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is down around 1m and remains a concern for commercial operations. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region but may still be a concern in the south as well.&nbsp; Shallow snowpack areas in the east and north of the region may have a weak base layer of facetted snow on or just above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We received 19cm of new snow overnight with moderate  and at times strong southerly winds. The fluctuating freezing levels have left us with varying densities in the 50-70cm of storm snow over the last few days. This new storm snow overlies a crust that formed on February 10. Below 1400m this new snow is quite moist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind is the story with our snowpack. Even below treeline has seen some wind affect in the last 24-36hrs. In many areas the crust has been blown clean and is back on the surface. In sheltered areas, expect the Feb 11th crust to be down 10-15cm. Treeline is either wind scoured or new, reverse loaded windslabs. There are still sheltered areas just below treeline with good snow, but the north winds have made them few and far between. In sheltered areas the feb 11th crust is down 20-30cm with new windslabs sitting on top. The alpine elevations have seen sustained north/northwest winds that have created widespread windslabs. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">50-70cm of new snow has accumulated in the last week and overlies a thick melt-freeze crust which extends into the alpine. The snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust and recent avalanches have been failing within the recent storm snow, not on the crust interface. Moderate wind loading and cornice development have both been reported over the last few days. Moist snow is being reported up to around 1800m on Sunday. Rain will continue to soak lower elevations on Wednesday. The weak surface hoar layer from early January can be found down over a meter and is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests but triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack has taken a beating lately. At lower elevations it's probably mostly a small pile of slush (maybe 60-80 cm near the parking lots). As you move up the mountains the slushy snow may be mixed with the odd old crust, including a new surface crust. Near the ridge tops there could still be more than 300 cm on the ground. As usual on the North Shore, it's not so much about what's on the ground now as it is about what's to come. The weather forecast is calling for a bit more rain this week, but it looks like a good chance of SNOW by Friday. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An additional 10-20 cm of snow fell on Monday night. This gives a total of 20-30 cm of storm snow above a melt-freeze crust, or recently buried surface hoar on sheltered northerly aspects. Steady moderate W-SW winds have formed wind slabs in alpine and open treeline features, as well as large cornices at ridge crest. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 80-100cm. Although this layer has become harder to trigger, it remains a concern in unsupported terrain at upper treeline and alpine elevations, especially during periods of warming or heavy loading. Glide cracks are gaping in many areas at and below treeline and should be avoided. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60cm of new snow has accumulated in the last week with largest amounts to south of the region. This new snow overlies a thick melt-freeze crust which extends into the alpine. The snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust and recent avalanches have been failing within the recent storm snow, not on the crust interface.  Moderate wind transport and cornice development have both been reported over the weekend and Monday night's storm will continue to develop wind slabs and cornices. In the deepest snowfall areas, a more widespread storm slab may become reactive with the additional loading overnight. Moist snow is being reported up to around 1800m on Sunday. Rain will continue to soak lower elevations overnight. The weak surface hoar layer from early January can be found down over a meter and is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests but triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">35-60 cm of recent storm snow sits on a supportive crust at and below treeline, a breakable crust on south-facing slopes in the alpine, buried surface hoar in sheltered terrain, or old wind affected surfaces. Moderate south-southwest winds have created fresh dense wind slabs on exposed leeward slopes. Periods of sun may have also resulted in moist snow or a sun crust on south-facing slopes. A few buried surface hoar layers exist in the top 100 cm in drier areas on the west side of the region. In other areas the notable early January surface hoar layer is 80-130 cm deep and poses a low probability/ high consequence threat. It should remain on your radar, especially in thin snowpack areas and during periods of significant warming or rapid loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects and lower elevation terrain, surface hoar on sheltered slopes, and older wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain. Widespread wind effect is evident in the alpine with fresh wind slabs forming in exposed lee terrain. Cornices have grown significantly recently. Expect moist snow or a thin sun crust on solar aspects depending on the time of day. A layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 50 and 70cm down and remains a concern, primarily west of the Continental Divide. Below 1500-1600 m the snowpack is essentially isothermal and very spring-like. The snowpack rests on a weak crust/facet layer from early December.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">50-100cm of recent storm snow has accumulated over the past week and overlies a melt freeze crust which extends up to around 2000m elevation. This recent snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust. Moist snow was reported below 1100m on Sunday and wet snow below 800m. Recent wind has redistributed the surface snow at higher elevations forming wind slabs in leeward features. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is down 70-200 cm and remains a concern for commercial operations. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region and there have been several large avalanches reported in the past week releasing on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 60cm of snow has accumulated over the past week and overlies a melt freeze crust which extends up to around 2000m elevation. This recent snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust. Moist snow was reported below 1100m on Sunday and wet snow below 800m. Recent wind has redistributed the surface snow at higher elevations forming wind slabs in leeward features. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is down around 1m+ and remains a concern for commercial operations. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region but may still be a concern in the south as well. Shallow snowpack areas in the east and north of the region may have a weak base layer of facetted snow on or just above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 10 cm of new snow arrived by Tuesday morning. Moderate to strong westerly winds transported the new snow into wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. The new snow will overlie wind slabs which formed over the past few days. About 15-40 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust which exists in most places except for in high elevation shaded terrain. In general there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-120 cm. Avalanche activity at this interface has tapered-off over the past week, but I'd be reluctant to trust this potentially destructive layer just yet. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20 cm of new snow combined with moderate southwest winds created new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline by Tuesday morning. The new snow will overlie older wind slabs and settling storm snow from the past few days. About 40-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. The bond between the recent storm snow and the crust is variable across the region, east thru southeast aspects have been the most reactive over the past few days. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of new snow combined with moderate westerly winds developed new wind slabs by Tuesday morning. The new snow will overlie older wind slabs and settling storm snow from the past few days. About 40-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. The storm snow may not be well bonded to the crust, especially on east and southeast aspects where the crust may have seen the sun before it was buried. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate southwest winds and 5-10 cm of new snow added to the wind slabs and settling storm snow from the past few days. About 40-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. In many areas there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features.</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 180cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We received 6cm of new snow overnight with moderate south easterly winds, with freezing levels falling to near valley bottom. Easy shears were observed yesterday at a density change within the storm snow layers. 50-70cm of storm snow now overlies a crust that formed on February 10. Solar exposures in the alpine and at tree line went moist by 10am.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The alpine snow pack is complex due to variable wind direction and new snow over the past few days. Forecasters are not confident  about stability in the alpine due to the variability of the snow depths.  The concern is regarding triggering from a thin areas and wide propagations resulting in large avalanches. Some good skiing is found below 2300 meters in the trees although at lower elevations the snow pack is faceted and un supportive.  Two main layers are important to note in the snowpack at this time.  The Feb 11th interface down 30-50cm is producing moderate sheers but the quality of these sheers varies depending on aspect and weak layer, crust vs facets.  The Jan 6th layer is down deeper 60-80cm and is producing more hard sheers but its likely that any avalanche initiating in the upper snowpack will step down to this interface.  Dig down and evaluate these interfaces before committing to a feature. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">50-70cm of new snow has accumulated in the last week and overlies a thick melt-freeze crust which extends into the alpine. The snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust and all the recent avalanches have been failing within the recent storm snow, not on the crust interface. At treeline and below, other crusts may exist in the upper snowpack due to the recently fluctuating freezing levels. Freezing levels on Wednesday climbed to around 2000m and are expected to fall to around 1200m on Thursday so a new crust can be expected in the upper snowpack as rain changes to snowfall. Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading leeward features in the alpine and large cornice development has been reported over the last few days. The weak surface hoar layer from early January can be found down over a meter and is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests but triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate southwest winds and 5-10 cm of new snow added to the wind slabs and settling storm snow from the past few days. About 40-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. In many areas there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features.</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 180cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack has taken a beating lately. At lower elevations it's probably mostly a small pile of slush (maybe 60-80 cm near the parking lots). As you move up the mountains the slushy snow may be mixed with the odd old crust, including a new surface crust. Near the ridge tops there could still be more than 300 cm on the ground. As usual on the North Shore, it's not so much about what's on the ground now as it is about what's to come. By Thursday morning there may be up to 20cm of new snow. Moderate winds may have shifted these accumulations into new wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. Rain at lower elevations will continue to saturate the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An additional 10-20 cm of snow fell on Monday night. This gives a total of 20-30 cm of storm snow above a melt-freeze crust, or recently buried surface hoar on sheltered northerly aspects. Steady moderate W-SW winds have formed wind slabs in alpine and open treeline features, while warm temperatures below 1800m have left surfaces moist or wet. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 80-100cm. Although this layer has become harder to trigger, it remains a concern in unsupported terrain at upper treeline and alpine elevations, especially during periods of warming or heavy loading. Glide cracks are gaping in many areas at and below treeline and should be avoided. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A couple of cm of new snow on Wednesday morning added to the10-20 cm of snow combined with moderate westerly winds on Tuesday morning. The new snow will overlie older wind slabs and settling storm snow from the past few days. About 40-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. The storm snow may not be well bonded to the crust, especially in areas that have a layer of buried surface hoar at the storm snow/crust interface. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-80cm of new snow has accumulated in the last week and overlies a thick melt-freeze crust which extends into the alpine. The snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust and recent avalanches have been failing within the recent storm snow, not on the crust interface. At treeline and below, other crusts may exist in the upper snowpack due to the recently fluctuating freezing levels. Freezing levels on Wednesday climbed to around 2000m and are expected to fall to around 1200m on Thursday so a new crust can be expected in the upper snowpack as rain changes to snowfall. Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading leeward features in the alpine and large cornice development has been reported over the last few days. The weak surface hoar layer from early January can be found down over a meter and is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests but triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent new snow and wind have developed storm slabs that are 40-70 cm deep. These storm slabs are sitting on a buried melt-freeze crust on east thru west aspects in the alpine, and on all aspects at treeline. In some areas there is a weak layer of surface hoar at the interface between the storm snow and the crust. Moderate winds have created areas of wind slab in the lee of west or southwest winds that may be close to a metre deep. Wind slabs in motion may trigger the storm slab on the crust and result in wide propagations and very large avalanches. The bond between the recent storm snow and the crust is variable across the region, east thru southeast aspects have been the most reactive over the past few days. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 10 cm of new snow arrived by Tuesday morning. Moderate to strong westerly winds transported the new snow into wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. The new snow will overlie wind slabs which formed over the past few days. About 15-40 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust which exists in most places except for in high elevation shaded terrain. In general there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-120 cm. Avalanche activity at this interface has tapered-off over the past week, but I'd be reluctant to trust this potentially destructive layer just yet. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">50-100cm of recent storm snow has accumulated over the past week and overlies a melt freeze crust which extends up to around 2000m elevation. This recent snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust. Moist snow was reported below 1200m on Tuesday, wet snow below 800m, and almost no snow below 500m. Recent wind has redistributed the surface snow at higher elevations forming wind slabs in leeward features. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is down 100-200 cm and remains a concern for commercial operations. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region and there were several large avalanches reported last week that were releasing on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects and lower elevation terrain, surface hoar on sheltered slopes, and older wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain. Widespread wind effect is evident in the alpine with fresh wind slabs forming in exposed lee terrain. Warming has&nbsp; Cornices have grown significantly recently. A layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 50 and 70cm down and remains a concern, primarily west of the Continental Divide. Below 1500-1600 m the snowpack is essentially isothermal and very spring-like. The snowpack rests on a weak crust/facet layer from early December.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-80cm of snow has accumulated over the past week and overlies a melt freeze crust which extends up to around 2000m elevation. This recent snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust. Moist snow was reported below 1100m on Tuesday and wet snow below 800m. Recent wind has redistributed the surface snow at higher elevations forming wind slabs in leeward features. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is down around 1m+ and remains a concern for commercial operations. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region but may still be a concern in the south as well. Shallow snowpack areas in the east and north of the region may have a weak base layer of facetted snow on or just above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Thursday expect new wind slabs to develop at treeline and in the alpine. Rain at lower elevations will continue to saturate the upper snowpack. 35-70 cm of recent storm snow sits on a supportive crust at and below treeline, a breakable crust on south-facing slopes in the alpine, buried surface hoar in sheltered terrain, or old wind affected surfaces.&nbsp; A few buried surface hoar layers exist in the top 100 cm in drier areas on the west side of the region. In other areas the notable early January surface hoar layer is 80-130 cm deep and poses a low probability/ high consequence threat. It should remain on your radar, especially in thin snowpack areas and during periods of significant warming or rapid loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We received 12cm of new snow accompanied by moderate southerly winds, with freezing levels falling from 1900m to 1500m. 50-80cm of storm snow now overlies a weakening crust that formed on February 10. There are variable density changes within the storm snow layers. Cornices have been growing throughout the past week with large cleaves opening behind some of them. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist and heavy snow above a well settled snowpack at Burnstall Pass today.  Below treeline the snow was heavy and well supportive to ski travel. At treeline, 2200m, the recent snow was failing down 20cm, but results were not concerning.  However, this will change if snow continues to fall over the next 48hrs. The Feb 11th layer was found down 30cm and failing during stability test. The Jan 6th layer was down 90cm and did not produce any failures in the snowpack, however, caution is advised as elevation is gained, or crossing under large slopes, due to increased wind loading. General snowpack height at 2200m was 193cm and well supportive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 15-30cm of snowfall Wednesday night brings the storm accumulation to 50-80cm over the past week. This snow overlies a thick rain crust which extends into the alpine. The snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust and all the recent avalanches have been failing within the recent storm snow, not on the crust interface. At treeline and below, other crusts may exist in the upper snowpack due to the recently fluctuating freezing levels. Freezing levels on Wednesday climbed to around 2000m and have to fallen to around 1600m on Thursday afternoon. As the freezing level continues to drop, a crust is expected to form at lower elevations . Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading leeward features in the alpine and large cornice development has been reported over the last few days. The weak surface hoar layer from early January can be found down over a meter and is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests but triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate southwest winds and 5-10 cm of new snow added to the wind slabs and settling storm snow from the past few days. About 40-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. In many areas there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features.</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 180cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack has taken a beating lately. At lower elevations it's probably mostly a thinning layer of slush (maybe 50-60 cm near the parking lots). As you move up the mountains the slushy snow may be mixed with the odd old crust, including a new surface crust. Near the ridge tops there could still be more than 300 cm on the ground. As usual on the North Shore, it's not so much about what's on the ground now as it is about what's to come. On Friday heavy snowfall is expected to form deep and dense storm slabs which will likely be most reactive in higher elevation lee terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-80cm of new snow has accumulated in the last week and overlies a thick melt-freeze crust which extends into the alpine. The snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust and recent avalanches have been failing within the recent storm snow, not on the crust interface. At treeline and below, other crusts may exist in the upper snowpack due to the recently fluctuating freezing levels. Freezing levels on Wednesday climbed to around 2000m and have to fallen to around 1400m on Thursday afternoon. As the freezing level continues to drop, a crust is expected to form at lower elevations. Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading leeward features in the alpine and large cornice development has been reported over the last few days. The weak surface hoar layer from early January can be found down over a meter and is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests but triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm slab continues to develop with each pulse of new snow and wind. The new snow will overlie older wind slabs and settling storm snow from the past few days. About 50-70 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. The storm snow may not be well bonded to the crust, especially in areas that have a layer of buried surface hoar at the storm snow/crust interface. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Thursday up to 20cm of new snow fell at treeline and in the alpine. Southwest winds have likely shifted these accumulations into wind slabs in lee terrain. Rain below 1700m continued to saturate the upper snowpack. 35-80 cm below the surface you'll find a hard melt-freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February. This crust is quite widespread and may co-exist with weak surface hoar or facets. This variably reactive interface is the critical layer to watch in the region as it has caught a few people by surprise in recent days. A few buried surface hoar layers exist in the top 100 cm in drier areas on the west side of the region near Rossland. In other areas the notable early January surface hoar layer is 80-130 cm deep and poses a low probability/ high consequence threat. It should remain on your radar, especially in thin snowpack areas and during periods of significant warming or rapid loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent new snow and wind have developed storm slabs that are 50-80 cm deep. These storm slabs are sitting on a buried melt-freeze crust on east thru west aspects in the alpine, and on all aspects at treeline. In some areas there is a weak layer of surface hoar at the interface between the storm snow and the crust. Moderate winds have created areas of wind slab in the lee of west or southwest winds that may be close to a metre deep. Wind slabs in motion may trigger the storm slab on the crust and result in wide propagations and very large avalanches. The bond between the recent storm snow and the crust is variable across the region, east thru southeast aspects have been the most reactive over the past few days. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20mm of precipitation fell on Thursday. At treeline and in the alpine, precipitation fell as snow and strong southwest winds have formed fresh and reactive wind slabs. I'm sure cornices are huge and weak. Rain below about 1650m has left surfaces moist or saturated. About 30-60cm below the surface you may find a melt freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February. At the same interface, you may find surface hoar which most likely exists on high, north facing terrain. Rain and warm temperatures have likely flushed out this weakness in most areas; however, continued reactivity may exist in high elevation terrain above the recent rain line. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 80-150cm. Although this layer has become harder to trigger, it remains a concern in unsupported terrain at upper treeline and alpine elevations, especially during periods of warming or heavy loading. Glide cracks are gaping in many areas at and below treeline and should be avoided. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10mm of precipitation fell on Thursday. At treeline and in the alpine, precipitation fell as snow and strong southwest winds have likely formed fresh and reactive wind slabs. I'm sure cornices are huge and weak. Rain below about 1650m has left surfaces moist or saturated. About 20-40cm below the surface you may find a melt freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February. At the same interface, you may find surface hoar which most likely exists on high, north facing terrain. Rain and warm temperatures have likely flushed out this weakness in most areas; however, continued reactivity may exist in high elevation terrain above the recent rain line. West of the divide, a layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 50 and 70cm below the surface. Recent reports suggest this layer has become less of a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">50-100cm of recent storm snow has accumulated over the past week and overlies a melt freeze crust which extends up to around 2000m elevation. This recent snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust and all the recent avalanche activity has been failing within the storm snow. Moist snow was reported below 1200m on Wednesday, wet snow below 800m, and below threshold below 500m. Recent wind has redistributed the surface snow at higher elevations forming wind slabs in leeward features. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is down 100-200 cm and remains a concern for commercial operations. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region and there were several large avalanches reported last week that were releasing on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There has been 15-30 cm of new snow in the past few days that has added to the recent storm slab above the buried crust. About 25-50 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust which exists in most places except for in high elevation shaded terrain. In general there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-120 cm. Avalanche activity at this interface has tapered-off over the past week, but I'd be reluctant to trust this potentially destructive layer just yet. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-80cm of snow has accumulated over the past week and overlies a melt freeze crust which extends up to around 2000m elevation. This recent snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust. Moist snow was reported below 1200m on Wednesday and wet snow below 800m. Recent wind has redistributed the surface snow at higher elevations forming wind slabs in leeward features. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is down around 1m+ and remains a concern for commercial operations. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region but may still be a concern in the south as well. Shallow snowpack areas in the east and north of the region may have a weak base layer of facetted snow on or just above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow totals of about 45cm were recorded at 1650m during the week, with another 1cm of new snow falling overnight. Anywhere from 50-80cm of storm snow now overlies a weakening crust that formed on February 10. There appears to be a good bond at the interface between the storm snow and the underlying crust in the alpine, but at tree line elevations where the crust has been breaking down and faceting, moderate to hard sudden planar shears persist.  There are variable density changes within the overlying storm snow layers. Cornices have been growing throughout the past week with large cleaves opening behind some of them. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We have yet another crust from yesterday's heat. It is thin and apparent up to 1900m. It may be higher on solar aspects. At the moment, new snow from last night has the crust down 5 cm's at valley bottom. Yesterday saw up to 14cm's of snow near the divide and 5-7 closer to the road. At treeline and above, this relatively warm snow was blown into new storm slabs. These slabs appear quite suddenly in open, exposed terrain. Expect to find them near 2100m. The buried wind slabs below are starting to heal up reasonably well, but we have seen a failure down 30cm's in some areas. Cornices are forming rapidly and should be treated with caution. Mud lake snow depth is 112cm and Burstall Pass is 159cm's.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow accumulations are 40-80cm over the past week and overlie a melt freeze crust which extends up to around 2000m elevation. This recent snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust. Moist snow was reported below 1200m on Wednesday and wet snow below 800m. Recent wind has redistributed the surface snow at higher elevations forming wind slabs in leeward features. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is down around 1m+ and remains a concern for commercial operations. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region but may still be a concern in the south as well. Shallow snowpack areas in the east and north of the region may have a weak base layer of facetted snow on or just above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storm snow accumulations are 40-80cm over the past week and overlie a melt freeze crust which extends up to around 2000m elevation. This recent snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust. Moist snow was reported below 1500m on Thursday and wet snow below 800m. Recent wind has redistributed the surface snow at higher elevations forming wind slabs in leeward features. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is down around 1m+ and remains a concern for commercial operations. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region but may still be a concern in the south as well. Shallow snowpack areas in the east and north of the region may have a weak base layer of facetted snow on or just above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_7D940460">Recent storm accumulations are 50-80cm over the past week. This snow overlies a thick rain crust which extends into the alpine. The snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust and all the recent avalanches have been failing within the recent storm snow, not on the crust interface. At treeline and below, other crusts may exist in the upper snowpack due to the recently fluctuating freezing levels. As the freezing level continues to drop, a crust is expected to form at lower elevations. Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading leeward features in the alpine and large cornice development has been reported over the last few days. The weak surface hoar layer from early January can be found down over a meter and is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests but triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_7D940460"> </span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_7D940460">Recent storm snow accumulations are 40-80cm overlying a thick melt-freeze crust which extends into the alpine. The snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust and recent avalanches have been failing within the recent storm snow, not on the crust interface. At treeline and below, other crusts may exist in the upper snowpack due to the recently fluctuating freezing levels. Freezing levels on Wednesday climbed to around 2000m and have to fallen to around 1400m. As the freezing level continues to drop, a crust is expected to form at lower elevations. Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading leeward features in the alpine and large cornice development has been reported over the last few days. The weak surface hoar layer from early January can be found down over a meter and is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests but triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 5-15 cm of new snow was reported on Friday morning. Each pulse of snow and wind continues to add to the wind slabs and settling storm snow from the past few days. About 40-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. In many areas there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features.</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 180cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50cm of new snow fell on Friday. Although wind data was scarce, weather models suggest strong winds shifted much of the new snow into deep storm slabs which should remain reactive throughout the weekend. Below about 1100m, the new snow was likely moist and has formed a reasonable bond with older surfaces. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of new snow was reported on Friday from the west slope of the Monashees. The new storm slab continues to develop with each pulse of new snow and wind. The new snow will overlie older wind slabs and settling storm snow from the past few days. About 60-90 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. The storm snow may not be well bonded to the crust, especially in areas that have a layer of buried surface hoar at the storm snow/crust interface. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Friday night, 15-20cm of new snow is expected to fall and overlie settling storm snow from the past few days. Moderate southwest winds are forecast to shift these accumulations into deeper and more reactive wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. 60-100 cm below the surface you'll find a hard melt-freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February. This crust is quite widespread and may co-exist with weak surface hoar or facets. This variably reactive interface is the critical layer to watch in the region as it has caught a few people by surprise in recent days. A few buried surface hoar layers exist in the top 100 cm in drier areas on the west side of the region near Rossland. In other areas the notable early January surface hoar layer is 100-170 cm deep and poses a low probability/ high consequence threat. It should remain on your radar, especially in thin snowpack areas and during periods of significant warming or rapid loading. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There has been 20-30 cm of new snow in the past few days that has added to the recent storm slab above the buried crust. About 30-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust which exists in most places except for in high elevation shaded terrain. In general there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features. If the sun comes out this weekend, periods of strong solar radiation may increase the likelihood of triggering the storm slab. In isolated areas there may be a weak layer of surface hoar at the storm snow/crust interface that is touchy to human triggers and may result in wide propagations. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-120 cm. Avalanche activity at this interface has tapered-off over the past week, but I'd be reluctant to trust this potentially destructive layer just yet. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow and wind forecast for Friday night will form new wind slabs in lee terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Up to 10mm of precipitation fell on Thursday. At treeline and in the alpine, precipitation fell as snow and strong southwest winds formed wind slabs. Throughout the storm the rain line trended from about 1750m down to about 1500m. Ongoing stormy weather has also encouraged new cornice growth. Many of these cornices are reported to be huge and unsupported. About 20-40cm below the surface you may find a melt freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February. At the same interface, you may find surface hoar which most likely exists on high, north facing terrain. Rain and warm temperatures have likely flushed out this weakness in most areas; however, continued reactivity may exist in high elevation terrain above the recent rain line. West of the divide, a layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 50 and 70cm below the surface. Recent reports suggest this layer has become less of a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow and wind forecast for Friday night will form new wind slabs in lee terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Up to 20mm of precipitation fell on Thursday. At treeline and in the alpine, precipitation fell as snow and strong southwest winds formed dense and reactive storm slabs. Throughout the storm the rain line trended from about 1750m down to about 1500m. Ongoing stormy weather has also encouraged new cornice growth. Many of these cornices are reported to be huge and unsupported. About 30-60cm below the surface you may find a melt freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February. At the same interface, you may find spotty surface hoar which most likely exists on high, north facing terrain. Rain and warm temperatures have likely flushed out this weakness in most areas; however, continued reactivity may exist in high elevation terrain above the recent rain line. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 80-150cm. This layer has become difficult to trigger, but may resurface as a concern during periods of warming or heavy loading. Glide cracks are gaping in many areas at and below treeline and should be avoided. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 35 cm of new snow was reported from the west slope of the Monashees on Friday morning. Recent new snow and wind have developed storm slabs that are 60-90 cm deep. These storm slabs are sitting on a buried melt-freeze crust on east thru west aspects in the alpine, and on all aspects at treeline. In some areas there is a weak layer of surface hoar at the interface between the storm snow and the crust. Moderate winds have created areas of wind slab in the lee of west or southwest winds that may be close to a metre deep. Wind slabs in motion may trigger the storm slab on the crust and result in wide propagations and very large avalanches. The bond between the recent storm snow and the crust is variable across the region, east thru southeast aspects have been the most reactive over the past few days. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We received another 7cm of snow overnight that was accompanied by moderate to strong south winds. Anywhere from 50-80cm of storm snow now overlies a weakening crust that formed on February 10. There appears to be a good bond at the interface between the storm snow and the underlying crust in the alpine, but at tree line elevations where the crust has been breaking down and faceting, moderate to hard sudden planar shears persist. There are variable density changes within the overlying storm snow layers. Cornices have continued to grow throughout the past week and cleaves are opening up behind them.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is beginning to take on characteristics of late winter/early spring. The january 6th facets are buried about 80cm deep but are giving no results to spotty sudden collapses in isolated locations above treeline and alpine. There are also several melt-freeze &amp; sun crusts from February 11th (40-50 cm) and February19th buried about 10-15cm. A complex array of storm slabs, wind slabs, cornices and deeply buried persistent weak layers in the mid to upper snowpack coupled with variable and difficult to predict results in snowpack tests.  Snowpack areas that are thin (less than 100cm) are weak and facetted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm has ended and the sun is expected to bring strong solar radiation on Sunday. The storm resulted in about 40-60 cm over the past week. Below the storm snow you are likely to find a melt-freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. In many areas there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features.</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 180cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming from periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow arrived as separate pulses of new snow and wind over the past week. There are some reports of weak bonds within the top 20-40 cm of storm snow that may be easily triggered during periods of warm temperatures or strong solar radiation.&nbsp; About 60-90 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust, that we are now referring to as the February 10th persistent weak layer. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. The storm snow may not be well bonded to the crust, especially in areas that have a layer of buried surface hoar at the storm snow/crust interface. This persistent weak layer may also have an increased sensitivity to light triggers during periods of strong solar radiation. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50cm of new snow fell on Friday. Weather models suggest strong winds shifted much of the new snow into deep storm slabs which should remain reactive throughout the weekend. Below about 1100m, the new snow was likely moist and will form a reasonable bond with older surfaces. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong solar radiation may weaken bonds within the storm snow or at the crust that is now down 60-90 cm. These storm slabs are sitting on a buried melt-freeze crust on east thru west aspects in the alpine, and on all aspects at treeline. In some areas there is a weak layer of surface hoar at the interface between the storm snow and the crust, that we are going to call a new persistent weak layer. We are going to seperate this from the storm slab problem because there are some weak layers within the top layers of the recent storm snow. Moderate winds have created areas of wind slab in the lee of west or southwest winds that may be close to a metre deep. Wind slabs in motion may trigger the persistent weak layer on the crust and result in wide propagations and very large avalanches. The bond between the recent storm snow and the crust is variable across the region, east thru southeast aspects have been the most reactive over the past few days. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 80 cm of settling storm snow overlies a thick rain crust which extends into the alpine. The snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust and all the recent avalanches have been failing within the recent storm snow, not on the crust interface. At treeline and below, other crusts may exist in the upper snowpack due to the recently fluctuating freezing levels. Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading leeward features in the alpine and large cornice development has been reported over the last few days. The weak surface hoar layer from early January can be found down over a meter and is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests but triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow and wind that arrived Friday night has formed new wind slabs in lee terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Up to 50cm of storm snow fell in some parts of the Lizard rang on Friday night.. At treeline and in the alpine, snow and strong southwest winds formed dense and reactive storm slabs. Ongoing stormy weather has also encouraged new cornice growth. Many of these cornices are reported to be huge and unsupported. 60 to 90cm below the surface you may find a melt freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February. At the same interface, there may be surface hoar which may still exist on high, north facing terrain. Rain and warm temperatures may have flushed out this weakness in most areas; however, continued reactivity may exist in high elevation terrain above the recent rain line. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is now down 100-180cm. This layer has become difficult to trigger, but may resurface as a concern during periods of warming or heavy loading. Glide cracks are gaping in many areas at and below treeline and should be avoided. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There has been 20-30 cm of new snow in the past few days that has added to the recent storm slab above the buried crust. About 30-60 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust which exists in most places except for in high elevation shaded terrain. In general there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features. If the sun comes out this weekend, periods of strong solar radiation may increase the likelihood of triggering the storm slab. In isolated areas there may be a weak layer of surface hoar at the storm snow/crust interface that is touchy to human triggers and may result in wide propagations. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-120 cm. Avalanche activity at this interface has tapered-off over the past week, but I'd be reluctant to trust this potentially destructive layer just yet. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-80cm of settling storm snow overlies a thick melt-freeze crust which extends into the alpine. The snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust and recent avalanches have been failing within the recent storm snow, not on the crust interface. At treeline and below, other crusts may exist in the upper snowpack due to the recently fluctuating freezing levels. Freezing levels on Wednesday climbed to around 2000m and have to fallen to around 1400m. As the freezing level continues to drop, a crust is expected to form at lower elevations. Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading leeward features in the alpine and large cornice development has been reported over the last few days. The weak surface hoar layer from early January can be found down over a meter.  Although triggering this layer has become unlikely it is still reactive in isolated snowpack tests,</span><span class="s_7D940460" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Friday, up to 35 cm of new snow fell in the region and now overlies settling storm snow from the past few days. Moderate to strong southwest winds are transporting the new snow into deeper and more reactive wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. 90</span><span class="s_A91C021F">-120 cm below the surface there is a hard melt-freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February. This crust is quite widespread and may co-exist with weak surface hoar or facets. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">This variably reactive interface is the critical layer to watch in the region and it has caught a few people by surprise in recent days. A few buried surface hoar layers exist in the top 120 cm in drier areas on the west side of the region near Rossland. In other areas the notable early January surface hoar layer is 100-190 cm deep and poses a low probability/ high consequence threat. It should remain on your radar, especially in thin snowpack areas and during periods of significant warming or rapid loading.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow and wind on Friday night will have formed new wind slabs in lee terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Up to 15cm of precipitation fell Friday night.&nbsp; In addition, the stormy weather has encouraged new cornice growth. These cornices may rbe huge and unsupported. About 30-50cm below the surface you may find a melt freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February. At the same interface, you may also find surface hoar which most likely exists on high, north facing terrain. Recent rain and warm temperatures at lower elevations have likely flushed out this weakness in most areas; however, continued reactivity may exist in high elevation terrain above the recent rain line. West of the divide, a layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 70 and 90cm below the surface. Recent reports suggest this layer has become less of a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-90cm of settling storm snow sits above a melt freeze crust buried on February 12th which extends up to around 2000m elevation. The upper snowpack is reported to be bonding well to this crust. Moist snow may be found at lower elevations.  Recent wind has redistributed the surface snow at higher elevations forming wind slabs in lee features. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is down around 1m+ and remains a concern for commercial operations. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region but may still be a concern in the south as well. Shallow snowpack areas in the east and north of the region may have a weak base layer of facetted snow on or just above the ground.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Settling storm snow overlies a melt freeze crust buried on February 12th that extends up to around 2000m elevation. The upper snowpack is reported to be bonding well to this crust. Moist snow can be found at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Recent wind has redistributed the surface snow at higher elevations forming wind slabs in lee features. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is down around 1 meter and remains a concern. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region but may still be a problem in the south as well. Shallow snowpack areas in the east and north of the region have a weak base layer of facetted snow on or just above the ground.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We received another 2cm of snow overnight that was accompanied by moderate southeast winds. Anywhere from 50-80cm of storm snow now overlies a weakening crust that formed on February 10. There appears to be a good bond at the interface between the storm snow and the underlying crust in the alpine, but at tree line elevations where the crust has been breaking down and faceting, moderate to hard sudden planar shears persist. There are variable density changes within the overlying storm snow layers. Cornices have continued to grow throughout the past week and cleaves are opening up behind them. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 40-60 cm of snow fell over the past week. You may find a wind-affected surface in exposed terrain, or a sun crust/moist snow on solar aspects depending on the time of day. Below the storm snow you are likely to find a melt-freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. In many areas there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features.</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 180cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming from periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect the surface to be a mix of dry snow on shady slopes, wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, and a sun crust/moist snow on solar aspects depending on the time of day. 60-90 cm of settled storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust. In some areas there is a weak layer of surface hoar at the interface between the storm snow and the crust. The bond between the crust or surface hoar remains suspect, but there are also weaknesses reported within the top layers of the recent storm snow. Moderate winds have created areas of wind slab in the lee of west or southwest winds that may be close to a metre deep. Wind slabs in motion may trigger the persistent weak layer on the crust and result in wide propagations and very large avalanches. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall, strong sunshine, or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Pulses of new snow and wind over the past week have led to 20-40 cm of recent storm snow. Weaknesses within the storm snow may still be easily triggered during periods of warm temperatures or strong solar radiation. About 60-90 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a melt freeze crust, that is now acting like a persistent weak layer. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. The storm snow may not be well bonded to the crust, especially in areas that have a layer of buried surface hoar at the storm snow/crust interface. This persistent weak layer may also have an increased sensitivity to light triggers during periods of strong solar radiation. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of snow in the past few days has added to the recent storm slab above the buried crust buried about 40-60 cm below the surface. This melt freeze crust likely exists in most places except for in high elevation shaded terrain. In general there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features. Periods of strong solar radiation may increase the likelihood of triggering the storm slab. In isolated areas there may be a weak layer of surface hoar at the storm snow/crust interface that is touchy to human triggers and may result in wide propagations. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-120 cm. Avalanche activity at this interface has tapered-off over the past week, but I'd be reluctant to trust this potentially destructive layer just yet. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5cm of new snow overnight on the North Shore Mtns. Combined with the 40 to 50cm that fell on Friday, there has been a considerable amount of new snow this past week. Weather models suggest the winds may have shifted much of the new snow into storm and wind slabs that will remain reactive throughout the weekend. Below about 1100m, the new snow was likely moist and will form a reasonable bond with older surfaces. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack in the alpine has approximately 5cms of low density fluff sitting over wind-pressed and buried wind slabs. On north aspects the bond between the older wind slab interfaces appears to have tightened up in the upper snowpack. The bond at the February 11th melt-freeze &amp; sun-crusts interfaces on southerly aspects has not gained any strength. Recently built wind slabs will also be found at treeline and alpine ridge features on east through south aspects. The cornices high up on alpine ridge top features are immense. Lower elevations at treeline and below will be facetted and lacking structure as a result of shallow heights of snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Parts of the region received another 10 to 20cm of snow overnight. Light winds that accompanied the recent snowfall may transport the new snow into lee terrain and hide previously wind loaded pockets. 90-120 cm below the surface a hard melt-freeze crust exists that formed during the 2nd week of February. This crust is quite widespread and may co-exist with weak surface hoar or facets. This variably reactive interface is a critical layer to watch in the region and has caught a few people by surprise in recent days. Buried surface hoar layers exist in the top 120 cm in drier areas on the west side of the region near Rossland. In other areas a January surface hoar layer can be found 100-190 cm deep and poses a low probability/ high consequence threat. It should remain on your radar, especially in thin snowpack areas and during periods of significant warming or rapid loading.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow continues to settle and gain strength. Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading leeward features in the alpine and large cornice development has been reported over the last few days. About 80cm of snow now sits on a thick rain crust that extends into the alpine. The overlying snow is reported to be bonding well to this crust. A weak surface hoar layer buried in early January can be found down over a meter deep. It is becoming increasingly hard to make this layer fail in snowpack tests and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow and wind that arrived Friday and Saturday night will have formed dense and reactive wind slabs in lee terrain at treeline and in the alpine. As well, a 50cm storm slab exists in most parts of the region.  60 to 90cm below the surface there is  a melt freeze crust that may also have surface hoar or facetted crystals associated with it. This  crust layer formed during the 2nd week of February.  Rain and warm temperatures may have flushed out this weakness in some areas, however, continued reactivity may exist in high elevation terrain above the last rain line. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January has been reported down 100-180cm. This layer has become difficult to trigger, but may resurface as a concern during this periods of warming and heavy loading.  Wind that accompanied the last storm has encouraged cornice growth. Many of these cornices are reported to be huge and unsupported.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow continues to settle and gain strength.  Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading leeward features in the alpine and large cornice development has been reported over the last few days.  About 80cm of snow now sits on a thick rain crust that extends into the alpine. The overlying snow is reported to be bonding well to this crust.  Wet snow is being reported at lower elevations and as the freezing level continues to drop, a crust is expected to form on the surface. The weak surface hoar layer buried in early January can be found down over a meter.  It is becoming increasingly hard to make this layer fail in snowpack tests and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow and wind Friday night built wind slabs in lee terrain at treeline and in the alpine. A melt freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February has been reported 50 to 70cm from the surface in some areas. This crust layer has also  been reported with surface hoar in some places, mostly high and north facing. Rain and warm temperatures at lower elevations may have flushed out this weakness in some areas. West of the divide, a layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 70 and 90cm below the surface. Recent reports suggest this layer has become less of a concern.  As well the stormy weather has encouraged new cornice growth. These cornices may be huge and unsupported. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Settling storm snow overlies a melt freeze crust buried on February 12th that extends up to around 2000m elevation. This snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust. Moist snow can be found at lower elevations and on slopes that see direct sun. Recent winds have redistributed the surface snow at higher elevations. Older wind slabs can be found on east aspects while reverse loading may have loaded lee features on the west.  The early January surface hoar/facet layer can be found between 50cm and 1m down and remains a concern. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region but may still be a problem in the south as well. Shallow snowpack areas in the east and north of the region have a weak base layer of facetted snow on or just above the ground.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow continues to settle and gain strength. A thin crust may cap moist snow lower at elevations and on slopes that see direct sun.  Recent winds have formed wind pressed surfaces in exposed terrain and loaded lee features.  40-95cm of snow now sits above a melt freeze crust buried on February 12th.  This crust extends up to about 2000. In some places a thin layer of facets below this crust is failing under moderate loads in snow pit tests. A layer of surface hoar buried late in January can be found about a meter down and remains a concern for commercial operations. This layer seems the most reactive in the north of the region but may still be a concern in the south as well. Shallow snowpack areas in the east and north of the region may also have a weak base of facetted snow on or just above the ground.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Isolated 1F-P windslabs in wind pressed alpine start zones. 15-75cm of storm snow sits above the February 11 melt freeze crust. At 1900m and below, 15-20 4F over weak crust on cooling wet mid snowpack. Isolated solar exposures have both melt freeze and sun crusts.</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 recent storm snow continues to settle and gain strength, however, some lingering mid storm instabilities are still reactive to ski cutting in steeper terrain features. Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading lee features in the alpine and at treeline and cornices are large and fragile. A thin breakable crust may cap moist snow on slopes that see direct sun. Several crusts can be found in the upper meter depending on elevation and aspect. The upper snow pack is sitting on a more widespread and thicker crust that extends into the alpine. In most places this crust is bridging a layer of surface hoar buried in early January. It is becoming increasingly hard to make this layer fail in snowpack tests and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.</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, however, some lingering mid storm instabilities are still reactive to ski cutting in steeper terrain features. Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading lee features in the alpine and at treeline and cornices are large and fragile. A thin breakable crust may cap moist snow on slopes that see direct sun. Several crusts can be found in the upper meter depending on elevation and aspect. The upper snow pack is sitting on a more widespread and thicker crust that extends into the alpine. In most places this crust is bridging a layer of surface hoar buried in early January. It is becoming increasingly hard to make this layer fail in snowpack tests and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow continues to settle and gain strength although some lingering mid-storm instabilities are still showing up in snow profiles. A thin crust may cap moist snow at lower elevations and on slopes that see direct sun. Recent winds have formed wind pressed surfaces in exposed terrain and loaded lee features. 40-100cm of snow now sits above a melt freeze crust buried on February 12th. This crust extends up to about 2000m. Although the upper snowpack is bonding well to this crust in most places, some recent snow pit tests northwest of Terrace produced failures on this layer, or in facets just below it under moderate to hard loads. Bellow this, a layer of surface hoar buried late in January remains a concern for the thinner snowpack areas in the east and north of the region. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Shallow snowpack areas also have a weak base layer of facetted snow just above the ground.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There has been a considerable amount of new snow this past week. Weather models suggest the winds may have shifted much of the new snow into storm and wind slabs that may remain reactive for a few more days. Below about 1000m, the new snow was likely moist and will form a reasonable bond with older surfaces. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Alpine areas are reported to be widely wind effected with wind pressed surfaces found in exposed areas and a mixture of hard and soft slabs present in lee features. A thin crust may cap moist snow at or just below the surface at lower elevations and on slopes that see direct sun. The upper snow pack is reported to be bonding well to a crust buried on February 12th, now 40 to 80cm down, that extends up to around 2000m. The early January surface hoar can be typically be found between 60 and 140cm down.  Although it is getting harder to trigger it remains a concern.  Shallow snowpack areas also have a weak base layer of facetted snow just above the ground.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A considerable amount of snow fell during the past week, with the eastern part of the region receiving the most out of the storms.  Reports from across the region indicate that moderate to strong south west winds have redistributed the surface snow into touchy wind slabs. The last storm arrived with considerably less wind and may now be hiding previously formed pockets of wind slab. A melt-freeze crust that formed during the 2nd week of February has been reported at various levels from 50 to 120cm. This crust is widespread and may co-exist with surface hoar or weak facets, especially at treeline and below. This reactive interface is a critical layer to watch in the region, and has been the active layer for some very large avalanches recently. Buried surface hoar layers exist in the drier areas on the west side of the region near Rossland and are worth keeping in mind.  Surface hoar growing up to 6mm has been reported in the past 2 days throughout the region. Sun crust may exist on solar aspects at the surface and has also been reported in the region 20cm below the surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow and wind that arrived Friday and Saturday night has formed dense and reactive wind slabs in lee terrain at treeline and in the alpine. The recent storm slab is settling and bonding but 60 to 90cm below the surface there is a melt freeze crust that has been reported in some locations to have surface hoar or facetted crystals associated with it. This crust layer formed during the 2nd week of February. Rain and warm temperatures probably flushed out this weakness at lower elevations in some areas, but continued reactivity may exist in high north facing terrain above the last rain line. The layer of surface hoar buried in early January is still being reported down 100-180cm. This layer has become difficult to trigger, but may resurface as a concern during this periods of warming and heavy loading. Sun crust has formed on solar aspects and may contribute to future avalanche activity. Wind that accompanied the last storm has encouraged cornice growth. Many of these cornices are reported to be huge and unsupported.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow with wind during the weekend contributed to wind slabs forming in lee terrain at treeline and in the alpine. A melt freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February has been reported between 40 and 70 cm., perhaps more deeply buried in the south of the region. This crust layer has also been reported with surface hoar in some places, for the most part on high and north facing terrain. Rain and warm temperatures at lower elevations created a 2 to 4cm rain crust, on south aspects below 1800 m. West of the divide, a layer of buried surface hoar might be found between 70 and 90cm below the surface. Recent reports suggest this layer has become less of a concern. As well, the stormy weather has encouraged new cornice growth. These cornices are reported to be huge and unsupported. With warm weather and sun in the afternoon, these could become a significant hazard.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of snow in the past few days has added to the recent storm slab bonding reasonably well to a crust 40-60 cm below the surface, that was buried on February 12th. However, in isolated areas (such as shady sheltered treeline slopes) there may be a weak layer of surface hoar at the storm snow/crust interface that is touchy to human triggers and may result in wide propagations. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-120 cm. Avalanche activity at this interface has tapered-off over the past week, but I'd be reluctant to trust this potentially destructive layer just yet. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20cm of new snow on Sunday night buried surface hoar and/or sun crust in most places. Weaknesses exist within 60-90 cm of settled recent storm snow, which is sitting on a crust buried on February 10th. In some areas there is a weak layer of surface hoar at the interface between the storm snow and the crust. The bond between the crust or surface hoar remains suspect. Moderate winds have created areas of wind slab in the lee of west or southwest winds that may be close to a metre deep. Wind slabs in motion may trigger the persistent weak layer on the crust and result in wide propagations and very large avalanches. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall, strong sunshine, or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Pulses of new snow and wind over the past week have led to 20-40 cm of recent storm snow. Weaknesses within the storm snow may still be easily triggered during periods of warm temperatures or strong solar radiation. About 60-90 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a crust, that is now acting like a persistent weak layer. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. The storm snow may not be well bonded to the crust, especially in areas that have a layer of buried surface hoar at the storm snow/crust interface. This persistent weak layer may also have an increased sensitivity to light triggers during periods of strong solar radiation. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 40-60 cm of snow fell over the past week. You may find a wind-affected surface in exposed terrain, or a sun crust/moist snow on solar aspects depending on the time of day. Below the storm snow you are likely to find a melt-freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. In many areas there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features.</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 180cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming from periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Not much for new snow out there today. The southern areas had a few cm's of new snow to cover the low elevation crust from yesterday. There are now a series of crusts that extend up to 1900m on all aspects, and up to 2300m on solar aspects. The main crust of concern is the Feb 11th that is down 20-40cm (at treeline) and more prevalent on South aspects. The bond with this layer appears to be improving, but because of the complex snowpack it is hard to have any widespread confidence with it. Beneath that, the Jan 6th is the next concern. It is down 60-80cm at treeline and is slowly improving. Similar to the Feb 11th, this layer is a tricky one to trust. The general thought is it needs more time to build our trust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">4f/F wind slab in alpine start zones with isolated pockets of stiffer P. On lee aspects there is 15-75cm of settled snow over the February 11 melt freeze crust. On solar aspects there is 10-30cm of wind affected snow sitting over the February 11 melt freeze crust. At 1900m and below, 15-20 4F over weak crust on cooling wet mid snowpack. Cornices remain large and weak.</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">We are in a period of steady weather lately and the snowpack is showing it. Not a significant change from yesterday. We are still seeing a variety of crusts on solar aspects up to 2200m, and possibly higher in isolated steep solar aspects. The two concerning layers are the recent Feb 11th crust which is down 30-40cm at treeline and the Jan 6th facet layer which is down 50-60cm at treeline. Both layers have produced natural avalanches in the past, but are now mostly quiet, which puts them into the human triggering category. The alpine has a more pronounced windslab problem with localized areas of reactive wind slab. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack continues to settle and gain strength although some lingering mid-storm instabilities are still showing up in snow profiles. A thin crust may cap moist snow at lower elevations and on slopes that see direct sun. Recent winds have formed wind pressed surfaces in exposed terrain and loaded lee features. 40-100cm of snow now sits above a melt freeze crust buried on February 12th. This crust extends up to about 2000m. Although the snow above is bonding well to this crust in most places, recent snow pit tests northwest of Terrace produced failures on or in facets just below this layer under moderate to hard loads. Below this, a layer of surface hoar buried late in January remains a concern in thinner snowpack areas in the east and north of the region. The snowpack in these areas may also sit on a weak base of facets near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Weather models suggest the winds may have shifted much of the most recent storm snow into&nbsp; wind slabs that may remain reactive for a few more days. Below about 1000m, the new snow was moist and will form a reasonable bond with older surfaces. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A considerable amount of snow fell during the past week, with the eastern part of the region receiving the most out of the storms. Moderate to strong south west winds have redistributed the surface snow into touchy wind slabs.  A melt-freeze crust that formed during the 2nd week of February has been reported at various levels from 50 to 120cm throughout the region. This crust is widespread and may co-exist with surface hoar or weak facets, especially at treeline and below on north aspects. This reactive interface is a critical layer to watch in the region, and has been the active layer for some very large avalanches recently. Buried surface hoar layers exist in the drier areas on the west side of the region near Rossland and are worth keeping in mind. Surface hoar growing up to 6mm has been reported in the past 2 days throughout the region. Sun crust may exist on solar aspects at the surface and has also been reported in the region 20cm below the surface.  Daytime heating will help settle the snowpack but could also make for touchy conditions on south facing slopes in the afternoon. Cornices can grow weak with daytime heating.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow and wind that arrived with the last storm cycle has formed dense and reactive wind slabs in lee terrain at treeline and in the alpine. The recent storm slab is settling and bonding. 60 to 90cm below the surface there is a melt freeze crust that has been reported, and in some locations has surface hoar or facetted crystals associated with it. This crust layer formed during the 2nd week of February. Rain and warm temperatures probably flushed out this weakness at lower elevations in some areas, but continued reactivity may exist in high north facing terrain above the last rain line. A layer of surface hoar buried in February is still noticeable in the snowpack on north aspects around 45 cm down, at tree line and above. Sun crust has formed on solar aspects and may contribute to future avalanche activity. Wind that accompanied the last storm has encouraged cornice growth. Many of these cornices are reported to be huge and unsupported.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow with wind during the weekend contributed to wind slabs forming in lee terrain at treeline and in the alpine. A melt freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February has been reported between 40and 70 cm., perhaps more deeply buried in the south of the region. This crust layer has also been reported with surface hoar in some places, for the most part on high and north facing terrain.&nbsp; This melt-freeze crust is&nbsp; a critical layer to keep track of.&nbsp; Rain and warm temperatures at lower elevations have created a 2 to 4cm rain crust, mostly on on south aspects below 1800 m.&nbsp; West of the divide, a layer of buried surface hoar has been reported around 45cm below the surface. The last storm accompanied by mod SW winds has encouraged cornice growth. These cornices are reported to be huge and unsupported. With warm weather and sun in the afternoon, these could become a significant hazard.&nbsp; New surface hoar growth is&nbsp; now being reported throughout the region.</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, however, some lingering mid storm instabilities are still reactive to ski cutting in steeper terrain features. Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading lee features in the alpine and at treeline and cornices are large and fragile. A thin breakable crust may cap moist snow on slopes that see direct sun. Several crusts can be found in the upper meter depending on elevation and aspect. The upper snow pack is sitting on a more widespread and thicker crust that extends into the alpine. In most places this crust is bridging a layer of surface hoar buried in early January. It is becoming increasingly hard to make this layer fail in snowpack tests and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Alpine areas are reported to be widely wind effected with wind pressed surfaces found in exposed areas and a mixture of hard and soft slabs present in lee features. A thin crust may cap moist snow at or just below the surface at lower elevations and on slopes that see direct sun. The upper snow pack is reported to be bonding well to a crust buried on February 12th, now 40 to 80cm down, that extends up to around 2000m. The early January surface hoar can be typically be found between 60 and 140cm down.  Although it is getting harder to trigger this layer it remains a concern.  Shallow snowpack areas also have a weak base layer of facetted snow just above the ground.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow continues to settle and gain strength, however, some lingering mid storm instabilities are still reactive to ski cutting in steeper terrain features. Ongoing southeast through southwest winds have been loading lee features in the alpine and at treeline and cornices are large and fragile. A thin breakable crust may cap moist snow on slopes that see direct sun. Several crusts can be found in the upper meter depending on elevation and aspect. The upper snow pack is sitting on a more widespread and thicker crust that extends into the alpine. In most places this crust is bridging a layer of surface hoar buried in early January. It is becoming increasingly hard to make this layer fail in snowpack tests and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20cm of new snow on Sunday night buried surface hoar and/or sun crust in most places. Weaknesses exist within 60-90 cm of settled recent storm snow, which is sitting on a crust buried on February 10th. In some areas there is a weak layer of surface hoar at the interface between the storm snow and the crust. The bond between the crust or surface hoar remains suspect. Moderate winds have created areas of wind slab in the lee of west or southwest winds that may be close to a metre deep. Wind slabs in motion may trigger the persistent weak layer on the crust and result in wide propagations and very large avalanches. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall, strong sunshine, or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Pulses of new snow and wind over the past week have led to 20-40 cm of recent storm snow. Weaknesses within the storm snow may still be easily triggered during periods of warm temperatures or strong solar radiation. About 60-90 cm below the surface, you'll likely find a crust, that is now acting like a persistent weak layer. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. The storm snow may not be well bonded to the crust, especially in areas that have a layer of buried surface hoar at the storm snow/crust interface. This persistent weak layer may also have an increased sensitivity to light triggers during periods of strong solar radiation. Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 200cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 40-60 cm of snow fell over the past week. You may find a wind-affected surface in exposed terrain, or a sun crust/moist snow on solar aspects depending on the time of day. Below the storm snow you are likely to find a melt-freeze crust. This crust exists in most places except for higher elevation shaded terrain. In many areas there seems to be a reasonable bond between the crust and the overlying snow. I'd still keep an eye on this interface as it has become reactive on some features.</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar buried in early January now lies up to 180cm below the surface and has become less of a concern. Possible triggers for this deep and destructive layer include a large cornice fall or significant warming from periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of snow in the past few days has added to the recent storm slab bonding reasonably well to a crust 40-60 cm below the surface, that was buried on February 12th. However, in isolated areas (such as shady sheltered treeline slopes) there may be a weak layer of surface hoar at the storm snow/crust interface that is touchy to human triggers and may result in wide propagations. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-120 cm. Avalanche activity at this interface has tapered-off over the past week, but I'd be reluctant to trust this potentially destructive layer just yet. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">4f/F wind slab in alpine start zones with isolated pockets of stiffer P. On lee aspects there is 15-75cm of settled snow over the February 11 melt freeze crust. On solar aspects there is a 2-5cm melt freeze crust on the surface over dry settled snow over the February 11 melt freeze crust.. At 1900m and below, 15-20 4F/1F over weak crust on cooling wet mid snowpack. Cornices remain large and fragile.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below treeline is still a blend of crusts and newer snow. Travel is reasonable with ski penetrations of 20-30cm in untracked terrain. The snowpack has continued to improve at the treeline elevation. Today's investigation had a hard windslab on east aspects down 40cm. The bond with the underlying snow appeared to be quite good, but given the current variability, it is a hard put a lot of weight on the test results. This slab was limited to exposed areas and is thought to be left over from the reverse loading event from Feb 8. The alpine is still soft wind slab  mixed in with hard slabs. Cornices are on all aspects and in some cases, quite large and intimidating.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New surface hoar growth is being reported on all aspects and elevations up to 10mm and a sun crust has formed on steep south facing slopes.&nbsp; A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust can be found 15-60cm below the surface.&nbsp; This layer is reported to be increasing in reactivity in the deeper snowfall areas as the recent low density storm snow continues to settle into a cohesive slab.&nbsp; The surface hoar and/or crust layer from early February is now down 60-100cm and has been responsible for some very large avalanches recently. This layer is expected to become most reactive during the heat of the day, especially on sun exposed slopes. Large cornices remain a concern and will become weak with daytime warming.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs from the last storm cycle should be bonded up by now, but there may be the odd touchy one left on high North East facing slopes. Below 1000m, the recent storm snow will be well bonded to the lower snow pack. With the warm temperatures forecast for late Thursday and continuing into Friday, there may be wet or slushy snow below 1000 metres to watch out for. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A considerable amount of snow fell during the previous week, with the eastern part of the region receiving the largest amount of snow.. Moderate to strong south west winds redistributed the surface snow into wind slabs. For the most part, these wind slabs should be bonding with the storm snow on all but high elevation terrain. The storm slab is now sitting on the melt-freeze crust that formed during the 2nd week of February and has been reported at various levels from 50 to 100cm throughout the region. This crust is widespread and may co-exist with surface hoar or weak facets. This reactive interface is a critical layer to watch in the region, and has been the active layer for some very large avalanches recently. Buried surface hoar from January is still being reported throughout the region and noted as a serious layer below 1800m. Surface hoar growing up to 8mm has been reported in the past few days. Sun crust may exist on solar aspects at the surface and has also been reported in the region 20cm below the surface. Daytime heating will help settle the snowpack but could also make for touchy conditions on south facing slopes in the afternoon. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Alpine areas are reported to be widely wind effected with wind pressed surfaces found in exposed areas and a mixture of hard and soft slabs present in lee features. A thin crust may cap moist snow at or just below the surface at lower elevations and on slopes that see direct sun. The upper snow pack is reported to be bonding well to a crust buried on February 12th, now 40 to 80 cm down, that extends up to around 2000 m. The early January surface hoar can be typically be found between 60 and 140 cm down. Although it is getting harder to trigger this layer, it remains a concern. Shallow snowpack areas also have a weak base layer of facetted snow just above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs are still on the radar in the Lizard range, in all lee terrain at treeline and above. The recent storm slab is reported to be settling and bonding. Reports vary, but generally speaking, 40-60cm below the surface there is a melt freeze crust, and in some locations has surface hoar or facetted crystals associated with it. This crust layer formed during the 2nd week of February. Rain and warm temperatures may have removed this weakness at lower elevations in some areas, but continued reactivity may exist in terrain above the last rain line. A layer of surface hoar buried in Mid-February is still noticeable in the snowpack on north aspects 20- to 30cm down, at tree line and above. Sun crust has formed on solar aspects and may contribute to future avalanche activity. Wind that accompanied the last storm has encouraged cornice growth. Many of these cornices are reported to be huge and unsupported.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs have formed in lee terrain at treeline and above. A melt freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February has been recently reported between 20 and 45 cm, and may be more deeply buried in the south of the region. This crust layer has also been reported with surface hoar and facets in some places, and is definitely a layer to keep in mind. East of the divide wind slabs should be on your radar. Wind transported snow has also encouraged new cornice growth. These cornices are reported to be huge and unsupported. With warm weather and sun in the afternoon, these could become a significant hazard.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Cornices are large and weak. Recently formed storm slabs and wind slabs are generally settling, but may still be reactive to human triggers in specific terrain, and may be triggered by cornice fall. Slopes that receive direct sun are likely to develop a sun crust overnight and become moist and weak by day. Several crusts can be found in the upper metre of the snowpack. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January is down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick strong crust. It is becoming increasingly hard to make this layer fail in snowpack tests and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Cornices are large and weak. Recently formed storm slabs and wind slabs are generally settling, but may still be reactive to human triggers in specific terrain, and may be triggered by cornice fall. Slopes that receive direct sun are likely to have a sun crust in the mornings and become moist and weak by day. Several crusts can be found in the upper metre of the snowpack. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January is down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick strong crust. It is becoming increasingly hard to make this layer fail in snowpack tests and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Recent strong winds have created wind slabs on a variety of slopes at alpine and treeline elevations. Some solar aspects have a thin sun crust at the surface. In some spots sheltered from the wind and sun, surface hoar has survived. Incoming snow may bond poorly to these surfaces. 40-100 cm of snow sits above a melt freeze crust buried around February 12th. This crust extends up to about 2000 m. Although the snow above is bonding well to this crust in most places, recent snow pit tests northwest of Terrace produced failures on or in facets just below this layer under moderate to hard loads. Below this, a layer of surface hoar buried late in January remains a concern in thin snowpack areas in the east and north of the region. The snowpack in these areas may also sit on a weak base of facets near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New surface hoar growth is being reported on all aspects and elevations up to 10mm and a sun crust has formed on steep south facing slopes.&nbsp; A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust can be found 15-60cm below the surface.&nbsp; This layer is reported to be increasing in reactivity in the deeper snowfall areas as the recent low density storm snow continues to settle into a cohesive slab.&nbsp; The surface hoar and/or crust layer from early February is now down 60-100cm and has been responsible for some very large avalanches recently. This layer is expected to become most reactive during the heat of the day, especially on sun exposed slopes. Large cornices remain a concern and will become weak with daytime warming. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A sun crust exists on south facing slopes at all elevations. Thin wind slabs are being reported in leeward features in the alpine and large cornices remain a concern, especially during the heat of the day. The surface hoar and/or crust layer from early February is now down 40-70cm and has been responsible for some large avalanches recently. This layer is expected to become most reactive during the heat of the day, especially on sun exposed slopes. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-120cm. Triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely but it still has isolated potential to produce very large avalanches with a heavy trigger. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar growth is being reported in sheltered areas as well as near surface faceting. Wind affected surfaces are being reported in the alpine and large cornices are reported to be weak.&nbsp; The surface hoar and/or crust layer from early February is now down 70-90cm and remains reactive in snowpack tests. This layer is expected to become most reactive during the heat of the day, especially on sun exposed slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The cold clear nights have just started to put a layer of surface hoar down up to treeline. We can expect this to linger on north aspects, on south aspects the sun is making short work of melting it. The crusts from earlier in the week are still evident when breaking trail up to 1900m. Solar aspects will likely have a new crust from today's blue skies. Treeline has pockets of windslab left over from Feb 8th when we had the strong northerly wind event. Both of our problem layers (Feb 11th crust &amp; Jan 6th facets) are repairing themselves and gaining strength. The alpine is currently a mess of wind slabs and thin breakable wind skins. Cornices have slowed in terms of growth, but there are some big ones out there! </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar growth is being reported on all aspects and elevations up to 10mm and a sun crust has formed on south facing slopes. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 can be found 15-60cm below the surface. This layer is reported to be increasing in reactivity in the deeper snowfall areas as the recent low density storm snow continues to settle into a cohesive slab. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 60-100cm and has been responsible for some very large avalanches recently. This layer is expected to become most reactive during the heat of the day, especially on sun exposed slopes. Large cornices remain a concern and will become weak with daytime warming. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar growth is being reported on all aspects and elevations up to 10mm and a sun crust has formed on steep south facing slopes. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust can be found 15-60cm below the surface. This layer is reported to be increasing in reactivity in the deeper snowfall areas as the recent low density storm snow continues to settle into a cohesive slab. The surface hoar and/or crust layer from early February is now down 60-100cm and has been responsible for some very large avalanches recently. This layer is expected to become most reactive during the heat of the day, especially on sun exposed slopes. Large cornices remain a concern and will become weak with daytime warming. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs are still being reported in the top 20cm in lee terrain. The&nbsp; melt freeze crust which formed during the 2nd week of February is beginning to bond with the storm slab. This crust layer has also been reported with surface hoar and facets in some places, and is definitely a layer to keep in mind. East of the divide wind slabs should be on your radar. Cornice growth continues, and with the warming temperatures and rising freezing level may become quite fragile. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar growth is being reported in sheltered areas as well as near surface faceting. Wind affected surfaces are being reported in the alpine and large cornices are reported to be weak. The surface hoar and/or crust layer from early February is now down 70-90cm and remains reactive in snowpack tests. This layer is expected to become most reactive during the heat of the day, especially on sun exposed slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Cornices are large and weak. Recently formed storm slabs and wind slabs are generally settling, but may still be reactive to human triggers in specific terrain, and may be triggered by cornice fall. Several crusts can be found in the upper metre of the snowpack. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January is down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick strong crust. It is becoming increasingly hard to make this layer fail in snowpack tests and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is now a complex snow pack in the region. Wind slabs still exist in lee terrain and may be problematic at high elevation on north and east aspects. The storm slab is now sitting on a melt-freeze crust that formed during the 2nd week of February and has been reported at various levels from 50 to 100cm throughout the region. This crust is widespread and may co-exist with surface hoar or weak facets. This interface is a critical layer to watch in the region, although it now appears to be bonding with the layers above and below it.  A large trigger, such as cornice failure, or perhaps a wind slab avalanche could make this layer react and create a large, destructive avalanche.  Warm temperatures may also make this layer reactive. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Buried surface hoar from January is still being reported throughout the region and noted as a serious layer below 1800m. Surface hoar growing up to 8mm has been reported in the past few days. Sun crust may exist on solar aspects at the surface and has also been reported in the region 20cm below the surface. Daytime heating will help settle the snowpack but could also make for touchy conditions on south facing slopes in the afternoon. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A sun crust exists on south facing slopes at all elevations. Thin wind slabs are being reported in leeward features in the alpine and large cornices remain a concern, especially during the heat of the day. The surface hoar and/or crust layer from early February is now down 40-70cm and has been responsible for some large avalanches recently. This layer is expected to become most reactive during the heat of the day, especially on sun exposed slopes. The early January surface hoar/ facet layer is typically down 70-120cm. Triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely but it still has isolated potential to produce very large avalanches with a heavy trigger. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We are now dealing with a complex snowpack in the Lizard range.  Wind slabs are still on the radar in all lee terrain at treeline and above. The storm slab is settling and bonding. Reports vary, but generally speaking, 40-60cm below the surface there is a melt freeze crust that formed during the second week in February.&nbsp; In some locations this crust has surface hoar or facetted crystals associated with it. Rain and warm temperatures may have removed this weakness at lower elevations in some areas, but continued reactivity exists in terrain above the last rain line. A layer of surface hoar buried in Mid-February is still noticeable in the snowpack on north aspects 20- to 30cm down, at tree line and above. Sun crust has formed on solar aspects and may contribute to future avalanche activity. Wind that accompanied the last storm has encouraged cornice growth. Many of these cornices are reported to be huge and unsupported.&nbsp; Surface hoar on shaded slopes is growing and has been reported up to 8mm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow pack is generally well settled. The incoming storm with moderate to strong winds late Friday will most likely build wind slabs on lee slopes beginning late Friday and into Saturday.  With the warm temperatures forecast for Thursday and Friday, there may be wet or slushy snow below 1000 metres to watch out for. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Cornices are large and weak. Recently formed storm slabs and wind slabs are generally settling, but may still be reactive to human triggers in specific terrain, and may be triggered by cornice fall. Several crusts can be found in the upper metre of the snowpack. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January is down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick strong crust. It is becoming increasingly hard to make this layer fail in snowpack tests and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Recent strong winds have created wind slabs on a variety of slopes at alpine and treeline elevations. Incoming snow will bury a thin sun crust on sunny aspects and surface hoar in isolated sheltered and shady locations. 40-100 cm of snow sits above a melt freeze crust buried around February 12th. This crust extends up to about 2000 m. Although the snow above is bonding well to this crust in most places, recent snow pit tests northwest of Terrace produced failures on or in facets just below this layer under moderate to hard loads. Below this, a layer of surface hoar buried late in January remains a concern in thin snowpack areas in the east and north of the region. The snowpack in these areas may also sit on a weak base of facets near the ground. Below treeline, the snowpack depth is lean to non-existent in the south. In the north, the below treeline snowpack is generally considered strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Recent strong winds have created wind slabs on a variety of slopes at alpine and treeline elevations. Incoming snow will bury wind slabs, a thin sun crust on sunny aspects and surface hoar in isolated sheltered and shady locations. 40-80 cm of snow sits above a melt freeze crust buried around February 12th. This crust extends up to about 2000 m. Below this, a layer of surface hoar buried late in January remains a lingering concern. Shallow snowpack areas may also have a weak base of facets near the ground. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Pockets of stiff wind affected slab near ridges and exposed features in the alpine remain skier trigger-able. On lee aspects there are 15-75cm's of settled snow over the February 11 melt freeze crust. Solar exposed slopes have a 2-5cm melt freeze crust on the surface over dry settled snow and the February 11 melt freeze crust.  There are many large fragile cornices looming along ridges lines in the alpine, keep these in mind and avoid traveling below them.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There are isolated skier triggerable pockets of windslab in isolated alpine start zones. There is a variable sun crust and lots of frozen wet avalanche debris on solar exposed slopes. There are many droopy big cornices out there. The forecast is likely to put a dusting of new snow on the surface with isolated storm slabs in lee terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm snow will bury a sun crust on south facing slopes and widespread surface hoar everywhere else. The surface hoar is being reported on all aspects and elevations up to 10mm except where it has been destroyed by the sun. New wind slabs are expected to form over the weekend with forecast moderate southwest winds in the alpine. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 can be found 15-60cm below the surface. This layer is reported to be increasing in reactivity in the deeper snowfall areas as the week old storm snow continues to settle into a cohesive slab with recent warm temperatures. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 60-100cm and has been responsible for some very large avalanches recently. This layer is expected to become much less reactive over the weekend with cooling temperatures. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm snow will bury a sun crust on south facing slopes and widespread surface hoar everywhere else.  The surface hoar is being reported on all aspects and elevations up to 10mm except where it has been destroyed by the sun. New wind slabs are expected to form over the weekend with forecast moderate southwest winds in the alpine.  A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 can be found 15-60cm below the surface. This layer is reported to be increasing in reactivity in the deeper snowfall areas as the week old storm snow continues to settle into a cohesive slab with recent warm temperatures. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 60-100cm and has been responsible for some very large avalanches recently. This layer is expected to become much less reactive over the weekend with cooling temperatures. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and looming. Old wind slabs are well bonded but could fail with daytime heating on solar aspects. The mid February layer is down 30-50cm and is a crust in most areas. This layer is generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated areas on northerly aspects at treeline elevations the February 10th surface hoar down 70-100cm is still producing moderate sudden planar shears in compression tests, though it has not been reactive to human triggers. This suggests a classic low probability, high consequence scenario. </span><span class="s_1681A555" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Cornices are large and weak. Incoming light snow will land on variable surfaces including wind slabs and scoured surfaces, surface hoar and sun crusts. Recently formed wind slabs are generally settling, but may still be reactive to human triggers in specific terrain, and may be triggered by cornice fall. Several crusts can be found in the upper metre of the snowpack. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January is down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick strong crust and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Cornices are large and weak. Incoming light snow will land on variable surfaces including wind slabs and scoured surfaces, surface hoar and sun crusts. Recently formed wind slabs are generally settling, but may still be reactive to human triggers in specific terrain, and may be triggered by cornice fall. Several crusts can be found in the upper metre of the snowpack. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January is down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick strong crust and triggering an avalanche on it is unlikely. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Recent snow has been heaviest in the north of the region, creating storm slabs. These sit above old wind slabs, scoured surfaces, a thin sun crust on sunny aspects and surface hoar in isolated sheltered and shady locations. Previous strong southerly and outflow winds created widespread wind slabs on a variety of slopes at alpine and treeline elevations. These may now be buried and hard to spot. A hard crust buried around February 12</span><sup><span class="s_A8FEC758">th</span></sup><span class="s_A8FEC758">, down about 50-80 cm, extends up to about 2000 m. A layer of surface hoar buried late in January remains a lingering concern. Shallow snowpack areas may also have a weak base of facets near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm snow will bury a sun crust on south facing slopes and widespread surface hoar and/or facets everywhere else.  New wind slabs are expected to form over the weekend with forecast moderate southwest winds in the alpine. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 70-100cm but triggering this layer has become unlikely. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and looming. Old wind slabs are well bonded but could fail with daytime heating on solar aspects. The mid February layer is down 45-65cm and is a crust in most areas. This layer is generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated ares there is surface hoar or facets overlying this crust making the interface much more likely to produce large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm snow will bury a sun crust on south facing slopes and widespread surface hoar and/or facets everywhere else.  New wind slabs are expected to form over the weekend with forecast moderate southwest winds in the alpine. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 40-70cm and has been responsible for some large avalanches recently. This layer is expected to become much less reactive over the weekend with cooling temperatures. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> The early January surface hoar/facet layer is typically down 70-120cm. Triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely but it still has isolated potential to produce very large avalanches with a heavy trigger. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Recent snow has been heaviest in the west and north of the region, creating new storm slabs and wind slabs. It also rained up to 1500 m in the south and 1000 m in the north on Thursday, so the low elevation snow surface is likely to turn into a crust once temperatures drop. The recent snow overlies widespread hard old wind slabs, scoured surfaces, a thin sun crust on sunny aspects, and surface hoar in isolated sheltered and shady locations. A melt freeze crust buried around February 12th, down about 50-80 cm, extends up to about 2000 m. A layer of surface hoar buried late in January remains a lingering concern. Shallow snowpack areas may also have a weak base of facets near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Spring conditions are beginning to influence the snowpack. Solar and melt-freeze crusts can be found on all solar aspects and temperature crusts to 2100 meters. The upper snowpack has a buried melt-freeze crust, the February 11th crust has not been reactive in snowpack tests but may possibly be responsible for some recent slab avalanche activity. The January 6th facets are still lurking about 60-70cm below the surface and generally showing non results in snowpack tests. The snowpack temperature gradient is showing rounding taking place which indicates strengthening in upper treeline and alpine elevations. Lower treeline and below treeline where the snowpack is less than 100 cm is still weak but semi-supportive because of recent temperature crusts which carry a skier's weight.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and looming. Old wind slabs are well bonded but could fail with daytime heating on steep solar aspects. The mid February layer is down 45-65cm and is a crust in most areas. This layer is generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated areas there is surface hoar or facets overlying this crust making the interface much more likely to produce large avalanches.</span><span class="s_1681A555" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow pack is generally well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">After several days of warm weather a cool air mass has refrozen the surface into a variable crust. North aspects above 2100m remained relatively cool during the warm weather.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Sunday's snow will bury the widespread surface hoar being reported up to 15mm in size on shady aspects at all elevations throughout the region. This layer may be less reactive in alpine where wind has destroyed crystals before they are buried by new snow. The strong winds associated with Sunday's storm will build fresh wind slabs on lee features in alpine. Cornices are large and looming. The mid February layer is down 45-65cm and is a crust in most areas. This layer is generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated areas there is surface hoar or facets overlying this crust making the interface much more likely to produce 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">Sunday's snow will bury the widespread surface hoar being reported up to 20mm in size on shady aspects at all elevations throughout the region. The strong winds associated with Sunday's storm will build fresh wind slabs on lee features in alpine. Cornices are large and looming. The mid February layer is down 70-100cm and is the primary layer of concern. This layer is a crust and generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated areas on northerly aspects between 1800-2100m the layer is surface hoar which means there are still a few &quot;land mines&quot; out there that if triggered could produce large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and weak.  A refreeze crust may cap moist snow bellow treeline and on solar slopes into the alpine. Older wind slabs are gaining strength, but may still be reactive to human triggers, especially in steep lee features in the alpine, and may be triggered by cornice fall. Several crusts can be found in the upper meter of the snowpack depending on aspect and elevation. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January is down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick, widespread crust. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and weak.  A refreeze crust may cap moist snow at and below treeline and on solar slopes in the alpine. Older wind slabs are gaining strength, but may still be reactive to human triggers, especially in steep lee features in the alpine, where they could also be triggered naturally by cornice fall. Several crusts can be found in the upper meter of the snowpack depending on aspect and elevation. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January can be found down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick, widespread crust. </span><span class="s_A8FEC758" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and looming. Minimal overnight crust recovery. The mid February layer is down 45-65cm and is a crust in most areas. This layer is generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated ares there is surface hoar or facets overlying this crust making the interface much more likely to produce large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snow has been heaviest in the north of the region, creating storm and wind slabs. Up to 30cm of new snow now sits above old wind effected snow, a crust on sunny aspects or surface hoar in isolated sheltered and shady locations. Previous strong winds created widespread wind slabs and wind pressed surfaces at alpine and treeline elevations. An old crust buried around February 12th that extends up to about 2000m can now be found down 60-80cm. A layer of surface hoar buried late in January remains a lingering concern in the far North of the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A dusting of new snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects and lower elevation terrain, and might be covering a layer of surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes at treeline and in the alpine. New wind slabs are expected to form over the weekend with forecast moderate southwest winds in the alpine. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 40-70cm and has been responsible for some large avalanches recently. This layer is expected to become much less reactive over the weekend with cooling temperatures. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is typically down 70-120cm. Triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely but it still has isolated potential to produce very large avalanches with a heavy trigger. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10 cm of new snow sits on a sun crust on solar aspects and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. This new snow may have undergone a melt-freeze cycle on solar aspects on Saturday. New wind slabs are expected to form over the weekend with forecast moderate southwest winds in the alpine. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 can be found 15-60cm below the surface. This layer is reported to be increasing in reactivity in the deeper snowfall areas as the week old storm snow continues to settle into a cohesive slab with recent warm temperatures. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 60-100cm and has been responsible for some very large avalanches recently. This layer is expected to become much less reactive over the weekend with cooling temperatures. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snow has been heaviest in the west and north of the region, creating new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. The new snow sits above old wind effected snow, a crust on sunny aspects or surface hoar in isolated sheltered and shady locations. A rain crust may be found on the surface at lower elevations. In general the upper snow pack is reported to be bonding well to a crust buried on February 12th, now 40 to 80cm down, that extends up to around 2000m. The early January surface hoar can be typically be found between 60 and 140cm down. Although it is getting harder to trigger in most places this layer it remains a concern, especially in the north and east of the region. Shallow snowpack areas also have a weak base layer of facetted snow just above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack continues to settle with high freeze levels.  Moist snow to 2200 on all aspects due to lack of overnight recovery.  Moist to ridge top on all solar aspects.  Winds out of the west today were likely building thin wind slabs in the lee (easterly) aspects and across cross wind affected terrain today and continuing to build cornices at alpine ridgetop.  Below 2200, the snowpack was not supportive and travel was nasty.  Crusts will be prevalent on all solar aspects and up to 2200 meters approximately on all other aspects.  Shallow snowpack have weak facetted structure and do not support skiers weight.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is probably sitting on surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes, or a sun crust on sun-exposed slopes and lower elevation terrain. A couple sun crusts might exist in the top 30 cm on southerly aspects. New wind slabs will continue to develop on Sunday with forecast snowfall and moderate southwest winds in the alpine. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 70-100cm but triggering this layer has become unlikely. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow sits on a crust on sun-exposed slopes and lower elevation terrain, or surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes. Fresh wind slabs will continue to grow with forecast snowfall and moderate southwest winds in the alpine. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 can be found 20-60 cm below the surface. This layer is reported to be increasing in reactivity in the deeper snowfall areas as the week old storm snow continues to settle into a cohesive slab with recent warm temperatures. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 60-100cm and has been responsible for some very large avalanches recently. This layer is expected to become much less reactive over the weekend with cooling temperatures. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday night's storm will build fresh storm slabs on lee features at treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak frontal system is loading new snow into drifts over a widespread melt freeze crust. Watch for stiff pockets of slab near ridges and features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate winds have created fresh wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline, and grown cornices at ridgeline.  The recent snow may sit above a crust on sunny aspects or surface hoar in isolated shady locations.  A more widespread crust may be found just below the surface at lower elevations. In general the upper snow pack is reported to be bonding well to a crust buried in early February, now 40 to 80cm down, that extends up to around 2000m. The early January surface hoar can typically be found between 60 and 140cm down.  Although it is getting harder to trigger in most places this layer remains a concern, especially in the north and east of the region. Shallow snowpack areas also have a weak base layer of facetted snow just above the ground.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate snowfall and winds have formed fresh soft slabs in the alpine and at treeline. The new snow sits on a crust at treeline and below as well as up to an elevation of about 2200m on aspects that see direct sun. Cornices are large and weak.  The midpack is generally well settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large and weak. The new snow may sit above crust and or moist snow that was reported on all aspects and elevations although some high north facing features may have stayed cool. In wind loaded features, soft slabs may be reactive to human triggers. The mid-pack is generally well settled. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January can be found down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick widespread crust although it has produced some recent isolated hard sudden planar snowpit test failures in thinner snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow and moderate winds have created fresh storm slabs at all elevations and wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine. Up to 50cm of new snow now sits above old wind effected snow, a crust on sunny aspects, or surface hoar in isolated sheltered and shady locations. An old crust buried around February 12th that extends up to about 2000m can now be found down 60-80cm. Below this, a layer of surface hoar buried late in January remains a lingering concern in the far North of the region. The snowpack at lower bellow treeline elevations may now be too shallow for avalanches in many places.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some recent light flurries and winds in the alpine are creating soft slabs in the alpine lee zones. The recent snow has likely buried some recently formed temperature and sun crusts (Feb 27th) at treeline along with some small surface hoar 2-3mm up to about treeline (2100 meters) elevations on north aspects - keep this in mind as the week goes forward and more snow piles up on these layers especially if it's accompanied by moderate or stronger winds. The mid and basal snowpack continues to settle and tighten the Feb 11th and Jan 6th layers. The slightly cooler temperatures and cloud cover will have allowed for some recovery of the upper snowpack to strengthen after the very warm temperatures the past few days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A dusting of new snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects and lower elevation terrain, and might be covering a layer of surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes at treeline and in the alpine. Expect thin new wind slabs in exposed terrain. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried in mid-February is now down 40-75cm. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures. Large weak cornices have recently been a concern and have recently triggered persistent slabs on slopes below. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is typically down 70-120cm. Triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely but it still has isolated potential to produce very large avalanches with a heavy trigger. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-40 cm of new storm snow sits on a crust on solar aspects and lower elevation terrain, and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Touchy new wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain at and above treeline. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 is now 40-70cm below the surface. Where it exists, this layer may become reactive to human triggers as the overlying slab develops. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried February 10 is now down 75-120cm. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures, but remains a concern for large triggers like cornice falls or a smaller slide in motion. Cornices are large and potentially weak and should be avoided if possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-40 cm of new storm snow sits on a sun crust on solar aspects and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Touchy new wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain at and above treeline. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 is now 40-70cm below the surface. Where it exists, this layer may become reactive to human triggers as the overlying slab develops. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried February 10 is now down 75-120cm. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures, but remains a concern for large triggers like cornice falls or a smaller slide in motion. Cornices are large and potentially weak and should be avoided if possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-40 cm of new storm snow sits on a crust on solar aspects and lower elevation terrain, and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. A couple sun crusts might exist in the top 50 cm on southerly aspects. New wind slabs will continue to develop with forecast snowfall and moderate northwest-southwest winds in the alpine. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 70-100cm but triggering this layer has become unlikely. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">If precipitation falls in the form of snow, there will be touchy storm slabs on all aspects. Below snow line will likely be unreactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Sunday's snow will bury the widespread surface hoar being reported up to 20mm in size on shady aspects at all elevations throughout the region. The moderate to strong winds associated with Sunday's storm will build fresh wind slabs on lee features in alpine. Cornices are large and looming. The mid February layer is down 70-100cm and is the primary layer of concern. This layer is a crust and generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated areas on northerly aspects between 1800-2100m the layer is surface hoar which means there are still a few &quot;land mines&quot; out there that if triggered could produce large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect Sunday's snow to build touchy wind slabs on lee aspects in alpine and open treeline. The new snow will be on top of a crust in many areas which will increase the distance that small avalanches run. The mid February layer is down 30-60cm and is a crust in most areas. This layer is generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated ares there is surface hoar or facets overlying this crust making the interface much more likely to produce large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Sunday's snow will bury the widespread surface hoar being reported up to 15mm in size on shady aspects at all elevations throughout the region. This layer may be less reactive in alpine where wind has destroyed crystals before they are buried by new snow. The strong winds associated with Sunday's storm will build fresh wind slabs on lee features in alpine. The mid February layer is down 45-65cm and is a crust in most areas. This layer is generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated areas there is surface hoar or facets overlying this crust making the interface much more likely to produce 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_AA239A9B">The snow that has arrived during the past 24 hours is sitting on a variety of old surfaces - sun/temperature crusts, windslab and some winterlike snow on north aspects in the alpine. Strong winds have formed variable slabs in crossloaded terrain and to the lee of ridgelines, but some exposed areas remain scoured. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of new snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects and lower elevation terrain, and might be covering a layer of surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes at treeline and in the alpine. Fresh wind slabs are likely in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried in mid-February is now down 40-70cm. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures. Large weak cornices remain concerning and have recently triggered persistent slabs on slopes below. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is typically down 70-120cm. Triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely but it still has isolated potential to produce very large avalanches with a heavy trigger. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-40 cm of new storm snow sits on a crust on solar aspects and lower elevation terrain, and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Touchy new wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain at and above treeline. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 is now 40-75cm below the surface. Where it exists, this layer may become reactive to human triggers as the overlying slab develops. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried February 10 is now down 75-120cm. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures, but remains a concern for large triggers like cornice falls or a smaller slide in motion. Cornices are large and potentially weak and should be avoided if possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-40 cm of new storm snow sits on a sun crust on solar aspects and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Touchy new wind slabs are likely in exposed lee terrain at and above treeline. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 is now 50-80cm below the surface. Where it exists, this layer may become reactive to human triggers as the overlying slab develops. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried February 10 is now down 80-130cm. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures, but remains a concern for large triggers like cornice falls or a smaller slide in motion. Cornices are large and potentially weak and should be avoided where possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-40 cm of new storm snow sits on a crust on solar aspects and lower elevation terrain, and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. A couple sun crusts might exist in the top 50 cm on southerly aspects. New wind slabs will continue to develop with forecast snowfall and moderate southwest winds in the alpine. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 70-100cm but triggering this layer has become unlikely. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15 cm's of new snow fell last night. The winds that accompanied the snow have created new storm slabs at treeline and alpine elevations. These slabs are concentrated on east to south aspects and near ridges. The underlying surface for this new snow will be a variety of crusts on low elevations, crusts on south aspects, and windslabs in the alpine. At all elevations, the concerning layers from last week have healed up well making for a relatively strong snowpack.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">35cm of new snow above 1200m which was unreactive to ski cutting on Sunday. No concerns below 1200m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecast heavy snow and strong winds will continue to formed fresh slabs in lee features and steep terrain in the alpine and at treeline. The upper snowpack sits above a widespread crust that was reported on all aspects and elevations before the weekend. Isolated pockets of surface hoar were reported in high north facing terrain that stayed cool prior to the storm. The mid-pack is generally well settled. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January can now be found down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick widespread crust, however, it has produced some recent isolated hard sudden planar failures in snow pit test from shallow snowpack areas in the north of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow and strong winds are going to continue to build fresh soft slabs in the alpine and at treeline. The upper snow pack sits on a widespread crust at treeline and below as well as up to an elevation of about 2200m on aspects that see direct sun. In isolated sheltered north aspects it may sit on pockets of surface hoar or facets. Cornices are large and weak. The midpack is generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs on lee aspects in alpine and open treeline. 5-10cm new snow is sitting on top of a crust in many areas which will increase the distance that small avalanches run. The mid February layer is down 30-60cm and is a crust in most areas. This layer is generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated ares there is surface hoar or facets overlying this crust making the interface much more likely to produce large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A new layer of surface hoar up to size 20mm has been buried by the recent snow and is very reactive to human triggers. This layer is down 10-35cm and is present above 1700m on all aspects except due south where it was cooked by the sun and is a crust. Sunday's snowfall amounts varied widely across the region but were generally highest around Nelson. There was significant cross loading of slopes on Sunday so expect to find touchy wind slabs on many different aspects. These storm slabs if triggered may step down to the mid February layer that is down 80-100cm resulting in potentially very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 15 and 25cm of new snow over the weekend combined with moderate winds has created wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine.  A total of 50cm of new snow now sits on a crust below treeline and on sunny aspects, or surface hoar in isolated sheltered and shady locations.  Below this an old crust buried around February 12th, that extends up to about 2000m can now be found down 60-80cm.  A layer of surface hoar buried late in January remains a lingering concern in thin snowpack areas in the far North of the region.  The snowpack at lower below treeline elevations may now be too shallow for avalanches in many places.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light snows and moderate winds may have created fresh isolated pockets of wind slab in the alpine and at treeline. Moist snow can be found on the surface at lower elevations. In general the upper snow pack is reported to be bonding well to a crust buried in early February, now 40 to 80cm down that extends up to around 2000m. The early January surface hoar can typically be found between 60 and 140cm down. Although it is getting harder to trigger in most places this layer remains a concern, especially in the north and east of the region. Shallow snowpack areas also have a weak base layer of facetted snow just above the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A new layer of surface hoar up to size 15mm has been buried by the recent snow and will likely be very reactive to human triggers once the new snow settles into a cohesive slab or where wind slabs presently exist. This layer is down 10-20cm and is present above 1700m on shady aspects. On solar aspects this layer is a crust that may also be reactive to human triggers. Sunday's snowfall amounts varied widely across the region but were generally highest around Fernie. These storm slabs if triggered may step down to the mid February layer that is down 50-70cm resulting 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_AA239A9B">The snow that has arrived during the past 48 hours is sitting on a variety of old surfaces - sun/temperature crusts, windslab and some winterlike snow on north aspects in the alpine. Strong winds have formed variable slabs in crossloaded terrain and to the lee of ridgelines, but some exposed areas remain scoured. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Fresh wind slabs may form for Wednesday morning if rain transitions to snow as forecasted. Rain soaked snow to ridgetop below any new snow that falls Tuesday night. No concerns below snow line.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-25cm of storm snow exists over a new melt-freeze / suncrust layer that was buried on February 27th. This new soft slab over these crusts are not reactive at the moment but with additional load and winds which are forecast for tonight, we anticipate this interface will be reactive to skier traffic. The other layers of concern are the February 11th melt-freeze / suncrust (30-50cm deep) and the January 11th facets (60-100cm deep). These crusts will be most problematic at treeline elevations, snowpack tests revealed sudden collapses below these crusts on facets so exercise caution as you work through terrain and pay particular attention to the solar aspects where the crusts are strong and intact and remember that crusts are generally never trustworthy in the presence of wind slabs. The mid pack and basal layers are strengthening and generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm thick fresh storm slabs are bonding poorly to on a crust on sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 is now 50-80cm below the surface. Where it exists, this layer may become reactive to human triggers as the overlying slab develops. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried February 10 is now down 80-130cm. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures, but remains a concern for large triggers like cornice falls or a smaller slide in motion. Cornices are large and potentially weak and should be avoided where possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm thick fresh storm slabs are bonding poorly to on a crust on sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 is now 50-80cm below the surface. Where it exists, this layer may become reactive to human triggers as the overlying slab develops. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried February 10 is now down 80-130cm. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures, but remains a concern for large triggers like cornice falls or a smaller slide in motion. Cornices are large and potentially weak and should be given a wide berth.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm thick fresh storm slabs are bonding poorly to on a crust on sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A couple sun crusts might exist in the top 50 cm on southerly aspects.  The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 70-100cm but triggering this layer has become unlikely. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow and strong winds are going to&nbsp; build fresh soft slabs overnight on Tuesday. The upper snow pack sits on a widespread crust at treeline and below as well as up to an elevation of about 2200m on aspects that see direct sun. In isolated sheltered north aspects it may sit on pockets of surface hoar or facets. Cornices are large and weak. The midpack is generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30cm of new snow and strong winds have formed widespread fresh storm slabs. The upper snowpack sits above a crust that was reported on all aspects and elevations before the weekend. Isolated pockets of surface hoar were also reported in high north facing terrain that stayed cool prior to the storm. The mid-pack is generally well settled. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January can now be found down 1-2 m. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick widespread crust. However, in the north of the region it has produced recent isolated hard sudden planar failures in snow pit test from shallow areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate winds have created fresh pockets of wind slab in both traditional and reverse loaded lee features in the alpine and at treeline. A couple of crusts buried in early and late February can be found in the upper meter of the snowpack. Below this a layer of surface hoar from early January can be found in isolated locations between 60 and 140cm down. We havent heard of any activity on this layer for a couple of weeks now and it is becoming less of a concern. The snowpack in shallower areas sits on a weak base layer of facetted snow. This has active layer recently, responsible for several large avalanches in unsupported alpine features over the last couple of weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong east winds on Tuesday will have reverse loaded lee features in the alpine and at treeline.  Up to 80cm of new snow now sits on a crust below treeline and on sunny aspects at higher elevations.  Surface hoar was also reported in isolated sheltered and shady locations.  Below this an older crust buried in early February extends up to about 2000m and can now be found around 1 meter down.  The layer of surface hoar buried late in January may be found in isolated locations.  We haven't heard about any recent avalanche activity on this interface for a while, and it is no longer a concern for avalanche operations in the region.  </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of new snow overlies a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and lower elevation terrain, and might be covering a layer of surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes at treeline and in the alpine. Fresh wind slabs are likely lurking in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried in mid-February is now down 40-70cm. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures. Large weak cornices remain concerning and have recently triggered persistent slabs on slopes below. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is typically down 70-120cm. Triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely but it still has isolated potential to produce very large avalanches with a heavy trigger. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A new layer of surface hoar up to size 15mm has been buried by the recent snowfall and has been reactive to human triggers. This layer is down 20-30cm and is present above 1700m on shady aspects. On solar aspects this layer is a crust that may also be reactive to human triggers. Sunday's snowfall amounts varied widely across the region but were generally highest around Fernie. These storm slabs if triggered may step down to the mid February layer that is down 50-70cm resulting 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">Wind slabs on lee aspects in alpine and open treeline. 15-20cm recent storm snow is sitting on a crust at most elevations and aspects which will increase the distance that small avalanches run. The mid February layer is down 30-60cm and is a crust in most areas. This layer is generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated ares there is surface hoar or facets overlying this crust making the interface much more likely to produce large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A new layer of surface hoar up to size 20mm has been buried by the recent snow and is very reactive to human triggers. This layer is down 20-40cm and is present above 1700m on all aspects except due south where it was cooked by the sun and is a crust. Sunday's snowfall amounts varied widely across the region but were generally highest around Nelson. There was significant cross loading of slopes on Sunday so expect to find touchy wind slabs on many different aspects. These storm slabs if triggered may step down to the mid February layer that is down 80-100cm resulting in potentially very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> 34 cms of storm snow has fallen over the past 24 hrs. with freezing levels rising to 1650m briefly before returning to 1100m overnight. Mountain top winds were at times gusting to 100kph from the south east yesterday afternoon. Easy shears were observed within the storm snow yesterday afternoon. This new snow is sitting on a variety of old surfaces - sun/temperature crusts, windslabs and some winter like snow on north aspects in the alpine. Strong winds have formed variable slabs in cross loaded terrain and to the lee of ridge lines, but some exposed areas remain scoured. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50cm of new snow and strong winds have formed widespread reactive slabs.  The upper snowpack sits above a crust that was reported on all aspects and elevations with isolated pockets of surface hoar in high north facing terrain that stayed cool prior to the storm.   The mid-pack is generally well settled.  A layer of surface hoar buried in early January can now be found down 1-2 meters. In most places it is thought to be capped by a thick widespread crust.   However, in the north of the region it remains a lingering concern, producing isolated hard sudden planar failures in snow pit tests.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 15cm of wet snow fell Tuesday overnight. Previous rainfall had soaked the snowpack. There are currently no weak layers of concern within the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 40 and 80cm of new snow and strong winds have formed reactive soft slabs in steep, open, and unsupported alpine and treeline features. The upper snowpack sits on a widespread crust on all but high elevation north facing slopes. Cornices are large and weak.  The mid-pack is generally well settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong wind from the east has stripped snow from exposed slopes and reverse loaded lee features in the alpine and at treeline. The upper snowpack sits on a crust on all but high elevation north aspects with surface hoar in isolated sheltered and shady locations.  Recent snow-pit tests near Terrace produced easy sudden planar failures just below this crust. An older crust buried in early February extends up to about 2000m and can now be found around 50cm to 1 meter down.  Some recent avalanches have run on this layer and snow pit tests have observed it failing under moderate loads. The mid pack is generally well settled and strong.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate easterly winds have created fresh pockets of wind slab in reverse loaded alpine and treeline lee features. A couple of crusts buried in early and late February can be found in the upper meter of the snowpack.  Below this a layer of surface hoar from early January can be found in isolated locations between 60 and 140cm down.  There hasn't been any activity reported on this layer for a couple of weeks now and it is becoming less of a concern.  The snowpack in shallower areas sits on a weak base layer of facetted snow.  This has been an active layer recently, responsible for several large avalanches in unsupported alpine features over the last couple of weeks.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm accumulations varied widely across the region, but were generally highest around Nelson where up to 35cm of new snow was reported. Significant wind transport has been noted so expect to find deeper, more destructive slabs in exposed lee terrain. The new snow overlies a new layer of well-developed surface hoar (up to size 20mm) which is very reactive to human triggers. This layer is widespread above 1700m except on south aspects where the interface was cooked by the sun and now exists as a buried crust. 80-100cm below the surface you will likely find the mid-February crust/facet/surface hoar layer. Although this layer has become less likely to trigger, avalanches failing at this interface could be large and destructive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10cm of fresh snow adds to the 5-15 cm of recent storm snow bonding poorly to a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and lower elevation terrain, and/or a layer of surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes at treeline elevations. Thicker and touchier fresh wind slabs are lurking in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried in mid-February is now down 40-70cm. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures. Large weak cornices remain concerning and have recently triggered persistent slabs on slopes below. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is typically down 70-120cm. Triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely but it still has isolated potential to produce very large avalanches with a heavy trigger. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20cm of fresh snow adds to the now 30-60cm thick storm slabs, which are bonding poorly to on a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A couple sun crusts might exist in the upper 50-70cm on southerly aspects. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down around a metre and is still producing isolated hard sudden results in snowpack tests. Large cornices will be getting weak with warmer temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20cm of fresh snow adds to the now 30-60cm thick storm slabs, which are bonding poorly to on a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 is now close to a metre below the surface. Where it exists, this layer may become reactive to human triggers as the overlying slab develops. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried February 10 is likely down over a metre. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures, but remains a concern for large triggers like cornice falls or a smaller avalanche stepping down. Cornices are large and potentially weak and should be given a wide berth.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-40cm of recent storm snow overlies the late-February weak layer which consists of a sun crust on steep solar aspects and small surface hoar in sheltered areas above 1700m. Thicker wind slabs have formed in leeward features from recent strong southwest winds. Cornices are also reported to be large and are expected to become weak with the forecast warming and sun. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20cm of fresh snow adds to the now 30-60cm thick storm slabs, which are bonding poorly to on a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 is now close to a metre below the surface. Where it exists, this layer may become reactive to human triggers as the overlying slab develops. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried February 10 is likely down over a metre. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures, but remains a concern for large triggers like cornice falls or a smaller avalanches stepping down. Cornices are large and potentially weak and should be avoided where possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs on lee aspects in alpine and open treeline. 15-20cm recent storm snow is sitting on a crust at most elevations and aspects which will increase the distance that small avalanches run. The mid February layer is down 30-60cm and is a crust in most areas. This layer is generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated ares there is surface hoar or facets overlying this crust making the interface much more likely to produce large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last night saw 5-10cm's of new snow throughout the region. Close to the divide seemed to get the most with 11cm. The winds that accompanied the snow were slightly less than expected, but still enough to create fresh windslabs at upper treeline and alpine. Including this snow, there is now 15-20cm of recent snow on top of the Feb 27th interface. The Feb 27th interface consists of a crust on south aspects, and a density change on polar aspects and the alpine. The bond with this layer is questionable, and in areas with a stiffer slab may be suspect. The Feb 11th layer is similar in many ways, variable with a suspect bond and aspect/elevation dependant. It is down 40cm's. The Jan 6th layer appears to be waking up in places. Especially in thin areas at treeline and alpine elevations. It is down 60-90cm's at treeline/upper treeline and is becoming more reactive with the additional load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> 10cm of new snow overnight overlies 35cm of previous storm snow layers that began to settle out rapidly yesterday with warming temps. Mountain top winds were at times gusting to 100kph from the south/southeast last night. Easy shears were observed within the storm snow yesterday afternoon. This storm snow is sitting on a variety of old surfaces - sun/temperature crusts, windslabs and some winter like snow on north aspects in the alpine. Periods of strong winds have formed variable slabs in cross loaded terrain and to the lee of ridge lines, but some exposed areas remain scoured. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60cm thick storm slabs are bonding poorly to a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 is now close to a metre below the surface. Where it exists, this layer may become reactive to human triggers as the overlying slab develops. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried February 10 is likely down over a metre. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures, but remains a concern for large triggers like cornice falls or a smaller avalanche stepping down. Cornices are large and potentially weak and should be given a wide berth.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">2 to 5cm of new snow in the past 24 hours. Cornice growth observed over the past 48hrs. Surface snow moist on solar aspects and on all aspects below 1900m. 15 to 30cm now overlies the Feb 27th interface and the bond at this interface is variable. Jan 6th interface found down 60 to 110cm producing sudden shears in the moderate to hard range. Several snow pits today revealed a consistent lack of basal depth hoar.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60cm thick storm slabs are bonding poorly to a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A couple sun crusts might exist in the upper 50-70cm on southerly aspects. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down around a metre and is still producing isolated hard sudden results in snowpack tests. Large cornices will be getting weak with warmer temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60 cm thick storm slabs are bonding poorly to on a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 is now close to a metre below the surface. Where it exists, this layer may become reactive to human triggers as the overlying slab develops. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried February 10 is likely down over a metre. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures, but remains a concern for large triggers like cornice falls or a smaller avalanches stepping down. Cornices are large and potentially weak and should be avoided where possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of recent storm snow is bonding poorly to a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and lower elevation terrain, and/or a layer of surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes at treeline elevations. Thicker and touchier fresh wind slabs are lurking in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried in mid-February is now down 40-70cm. This layer was less reactive over the weekend with cooler temperatures. Large weak cornices remain concerning and have recently triggered persistent slabs on slopes below. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is typically down 70-120cm. Triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely but it still has isolated potential to produce very large avalanches with a heavy trigger. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm accumulations varied widely across the region, but were generally highest around Nelson where up to 45cm of new snow was reported. Significant wind transport has been noted so expect to find deeper, more destructive slabs in exposed lee terrain. The new snow overlies a new layer of well-developed surface hoar (up to size 20mm) which is very reactive to human triggers. This layer is widespread above 1700m except on south aspects where the interface was cooked by the sun and now exists as a buried crust. 80-100cm below the surface you will likely find the mid-February crust/facet/surface hoar layer. Although this layer has become less likely to trigger, avalanches failing at this interface could be large and destructive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-40cm of recent storm snow overlies the late-February weak layer which consists of a sun crust on steep solar aspects and small surface hoar in sheltered areas above 1700m. Thicker wind slabs have formed in leeward features from recent strong southwest winds. Cornices are also reported to be large and are expected to become weak with the forecast warming and sun. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25cm of recent storm snow with strong southwest winds have formed wind slabs in leeward features.  The recent snowfall may overlie a sun crust on steep solar aspects or small surface hoar in isolated sheltered areas. The recent wind has also formed large cornices which are expected to become weak with the forecast warming and sun. Old weak layers can still be found in the snowpack but these layers are reported to be well bonded and triggering has become unlikely. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20cm of new snow fell at ridgetop on Wednesday night while rain fell below treeline. Moderate winds have shifted the new snow into potentially reactive wind slabs in high elevation lee terrain. There are currently no weak layers of concern within the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Continued snowfall and strong winds have formed reactive wind slabs on alpine and treeline features. Ongoing stormy weather has also encouraged continued cornice growth. The upper snowpack sits on a widespread crust which can be found on all but high elevation north facing slopes. The mid-pack is generally well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50cm of new snow and strong winds have formed widespread reactive slabs. The upper snowpack sits above a crust that was reported on all aspects and elevations with isolated pockets of surface hoar in high north facing terrain that stayed cool prior to the storm. The mid-pack is generally well settled. A layer of surface hoar buried in early January can now be found down 1-2 meters. In most places this layer was flushed-out by rain. However, in the north of the region it remains a low probability/high consequence concern, producing isolated hard sudden planar shears in snow pit tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong to extreme southwest winds have redistributed light amounts of new snow into new wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine. In some areas, recent accumulations have been slow to bond to a crust which lies just below the surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An older crust buried in early February can now be found around 50-100cm below the surface. This crust, which may coexist with small facets or decomposing surface hoar, is still producing sudden planar results in tests. I'd remain suspicious of this layer in steep, unsupported terrain at treeline and in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Wednesday night 5-15cm of new snow fell. Much of this new snow was likely shifted by strong winds into new wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. A layer of surface hoar from early January can be found in isolated locations between 60 and 140cm down. There hasn't been any activity reported on this layer for a couple of weeks now and it is becoming less of a concern. The snowpack in shallower areas sits on a weak base layer of facetted snow. Recently, this layer has been active in the north of the region, responsible for several large avalanches in unsupported alpine terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Please note: our observations to this point are exclusively from the White Pass area. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow depth in the White Pass area averages around 180 cm. There is approximately 25 cm of low density snow on the surface, which is only slightly wind affected. This sits above a generally well-consolidated mid-and lower snowpack. We found a thin layer of decomposing surface hoar 35 cm below the surface on a north facing slope in the Big Blue, and had reports of a similar observation in Big Y. However, this layer was not failing consistently in snowpack tests, indicating it has bonded well to adjacent layers. Snowpack tests did reveal resistant shears in the recent storm snow, but their stubborn nature implies these would only be of concern in steep, wind-loaded areas. The basal facet layer (sugar snow at the bottom of the snowpack) is not well developed this year at White Pass, although we did punch into facets in lower snow areas such as around rocks and trees.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Storm snow totals of 55cm has fallen since Tuesday morning, with freezing levels fluctuating between 1300 and 1650m. Mountain top winds were at times gusting to 100kph from southerly directions. Easy and moderate shears were observed within the storm snow yesterday afternoon that was capped off with a 5cm wind skin. This storm snow is sitting on a variety of old surfaces - sun/temperature crusts, buried windslabs and some winter like snow on north aspects in the alpine. Strong winds have formed variable wind slabs in cross loaded terrain and to the lee of ridge lines, but some exposed areas remain scoured. Extreme mountaintop winds today will load snow low into start zones and down into tree line elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Intermittent flurries have kept adding to the snowpack. There is now 20cm on top of the Feb 27th layer/interface at treeline elevations. The 27th crust is more prevalent on solar aspects at the moment and extends quite high into the alpine. It is still a thick, well defined crust with no sign of breaking down just yet. On polar aspects, the Feb 27th layer ranges from a crust to more of a subtle density change. The elevation at which this happens is approximately 2100m. Above that the interface shows up as a density change, or in some places as a thin wind layer. Today's treeline profile had the Jan 6th facet layer down 105cm and bonding well with the other layers. This area was locally wind loaded, so expect that number to be non-representative of the region as a whole. The alpine saw significant winds today with severe wind transport. Winds were out of the SW-W, except where the terrain disturbed the flow and caused local reverse loading. Cornices continue to grow on a variety of aspects. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We received an excellent MIN post on Thursday ( www.avalanche.ca/share/dam-mtn/753cfae7-ec36-4ff8-97ec-de29ff65b739 ) which describes the technical details of the snowpack. Two moist crust layers sit down 10cm and 80cm, and the snow between these layers is still dry. There no currently no major weak layer of concern within the snowpack. New snowfall and strong winds are expected to build new slabs around ridge crests on Friday night. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-40cm of recent storm snow overlies the late-February interface which consists of a sun crust on steep solar aspects and small surface hoar in sheltered areas above 1700m. Thicker wind slabs have formed in leeward features from recent strong southwest winds. Cornices are also reported to be large and are expected to become weak with the forecast warming and sun. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Continued heavy snowfall and extreme southerly winds have formed deep and reactive storm slabs on lee and cross-loaded alpine and treeline features. On windward terrain, extensive scouring has been reported. Ongoing stormy weather has also encouraged extensive cornice growth. Recent storm totals (which vary from about 60cm to over 100cm) overlie a temperature crust, old wind slabs and spotty surface hoar. 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_3FE45715">30-40cm of recent storm snow overlies a layer of well-developed surface hoar (up to size 20mm) which is very reactive to human triggers. This layer is widespread above 1700m except on south aspects where the interface was cooked by the sun and now exists as a buried sun crust. Significant wind transport has been noted so expect to find deeper, more destructive slabs in exposed lee terrain. 80-100cm below the surface you will likely find the mid-February crust/facet/surface hoar layer. Although this layer has become less likely to trigger, avalanches failing at this interface could be large and destructive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of recent storm snow is bonding poorly to a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and lower elevation terrain, and/or a layer of surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes at treeline elevations. Thicker and touchier fresh wind slabs are lurking in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried in mid-February is now down 40-70cm. This layer was less reactive over the past week with cooler temperatures. Large weak cornices remain concerning and have recently triggered persistent slabs on slopes below. The early January surface hoar/facet layer is typically down 70-120cm. Triggering an avalanche on this layer has become unlikely but it still has isolated potential to produce very large avalanches with a heavy trigger. In general, the lower snowpack is well settled and strong, apart from some thin snowpack areas where basal facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Continued moderate snowfall and extreme southerly winds have formed reactive storm slabs on lee and cross-loaded alpine and treeline features. The upper snowpack sits above a crust that was reported on all aspects and elevations with isolated pockets of surface hoar in high north facing terrain that stayed cool prior to the storm. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled. That said, a layer of surface hoar buried at the beginning of February is a concern in the South Chilcotin area and can be found about 80cm below the surface. Although this layer is isolated, it has been responsible for destructive natural avalanche activity and is worth keeping on your radar if you're headed to the north of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60cm thick storm slabs are bonding poorly to a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar (February 27th or late February) on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A couple of sun crusts might exist in the upper 50-70cm on southerly aspects. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down around a metre and is still producing isolated hard sudden results in snowpack tests. Large cornices will be getting weak with warmer temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60 cm thick storm slabs are bonding poorly to on a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar (February 27th) on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 is now close to a metre below the surface. Where it exists, this layer may become reactive to human triggers as the overlying slab develops. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried February 10 is likely down over a metre. This layer was less reactive over the past week with cooler temperatures, but remains a concern for large triggers like cornice falls or a smaller avalanches stepping down. Cornices are large and potentially weak and should be avoided where possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60cm thick storm slabs are bonding poorly to a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar (February 27th) on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A weak layer of surface hoar and/or a sun crust buried February 21 is now close to a metre below the surface. Where it exists, this layer may become reactive to human triggers as the overlying slab develops. The surface hoar and/or crust layer buried February 10 is likely down over a metre. This layer was less reactive over the past week with cooler temperatures, but remains a concern for large triggers like cornice falls or a smaller avalanche stepping down. Cornices are large and potentially weak and should be given a wide berth.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Thursday and Thursday night, 3-15cm of new snow fell with the highest accumulations occurring in the south of the region. Strong winds shifted the new snow into new wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine adding to an ongoing wind slab problem. In some areas, recent accumulations have been slow to bond to a crust which lies just below the surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An older crust buried in early February can now be found around 50-100cm below the surface. This crust, which may coexist with small facets or decomposing surface hoar, is still producing sudden planar results in tests. I'd remain suspicious of this layer in steep, unsupported terrain at treeline and in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid pack is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Thursday and Thursday night, 3-15cm of new snow fell with the highest accumulations occurring in the southwest of the region. Strong winds shifted the new snow into new wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine adding to an ongoing wind slab problem. A layer of surface hoar from early January can be found in isolated locations between 60 and 140cm down. There hasn't been any activity reported on this layer for a couple of weeks now and it is becoming less of a concern. In shallower areas the snowpack sits on a weak base layer of facetted snow. Recently, this layer has been active in the north of the region, responsible for several large avalanches in unsupported alpine terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25cm of recent storm snow with strong southwest winds have formed wind slabs in leeward features. The recent snowfall may overlie a sun crust on steep solar aspects or small surface hoar in isolated sheltered areas. The recent wind has also formed large cornices which are expected to become weak with the forecast warming and sun. Old weak layers can still be found in the snowpack but these layers are reported to be well bonded and triggering has become unlikely. </span></p>