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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There may be some lingering wind slabs in the alpine, but the primary concern in the snowpack is a layer of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. This weak layer is down 30-80 cm and it is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. There have been no recent reports of reactivity on this layer in the North Columbia, however there has been some avalanche activity on this layer in the South Columbia region over the past 10 days. Steep, rocky terrain, with a shallow snowpack are the most likely areas to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Total snowpack depths vary greatly with elevation. Recent reports show depths of 120-230cm in the alpine, 90-180 cm at treeline and 10-120 cm below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There may be some lingering wind slabs in exposed, alpine terrain, but the primary concern in the snowpack is a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. This layer is down 30-70 cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may exist in sheltered alpine areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. There have been no reports of reactivity on this layer in the Cariboos, however, this layer may be reactive in isolated locations such as steep, rocky terrain, with a shallow snowpack. Small avalanches could have the potential to step down to this crust resulting in large, destructive avalanches</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Snowpack depths decrease dramatically with elevation where rocks, stumps, and open creeks remain significant hazards.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There are limited snowpack observations within this region, so it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555"> </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 storm last weekend delivered 20 to 40 cm of snow that has settled out to about 30 cm of soft snow on the surface. At treeline, the total height of snow is now between 100 and 140 cm. At 40 to 80 cm below the surface there is a persistent weak layer that was buried on November 21st. This weak layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in most places, but may present as a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. This layer has shown ongoing but variable reactivity in snowpack tests in the past week. A MIN report from the Kootenay Pass area </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/7b449a3e-4c92-4714-8908-2520b352f364" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(link here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> and a social media post </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/KootenayBackcountryGuides/videos/vb.1576889842619599/332746360841352/?type=2&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(link here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> from the Whitewater area on Thursday highlight some of the more concerning recent results. This surface hoar is thought to be widespread at treeline and it may be found in sheltered alpine features too.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a thick melt-freeze crust that formed near the end of October. This crust has shown limited reactivity thus far, but observations are very limited.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The warm storm early last week produced over 200 mm of precipitation that mostly fell as rain. This rain washed away much of the snowpack at lower elevations. The highest alpine terrain in the region more likely received heavy snowfall during the storm. This snowfall, paired with extreme winds out of the south/southwest is likely to have produced cornice growth along many ridgelines.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Alpine areas near Squamish have the most snow, with around 70 cm of settled snow on the ground. In these areas there may be a crust lower in the snowpack, however it is likely now well bonded to the overlying storm snow. It is thought that there is insufficient snow for avalanches below 1500 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">35-65 cm of snow sits on a layer of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. The surface hoar is mostly found at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. This crust is associated with weak, faceted (sugary) snow and has shown some reactivity in the region. This layer is most prominent in the alpine but may exist into upper treeline elevations as well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depths taper quickly with elevation, many areas have over 200 cm in the alpine, between 100-170 cm at treeline, and 10-100 cm below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. Approximately 20 cm of snow fell last week which may have been blown into wind slabs on exposed north and northeast facing slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) being reported in the top 15-30cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Both of these layers may be associated with a sun crust on south aspects in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A prominent feature of the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack. This layer mainly exists in the alpine but it may be found at upper treeline elevations as well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with anywhere between 70 and 150 cm in the alpine and tapering rapidly at treeline and below. In shallow snowpack areas, the bottom half of the snowpack is reportedly weak and &quot;hollow&quot; feeling on shady aspects due to sugary, faceted snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 55 cm of recent snow sits on a combination of crust and surface hoar. The crust is most prevalent at and above treeline and is likely most problematic on north facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface hoar is tricky to pin down because it is quite spotty in distribution, but it appears to be most prevalent on sheltered slopes at and above treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the bottom of the snowpack lies another crust with weak sugary facets around it. There is a great MIN Report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e4810306-5cfd-4874-8ac3-e85ce56c709a" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> that provides a good visual representation of the current snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At treeline the average snowpack depth is 80 cm, with only thin coverage at lower elevation. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region received up to 20 cm of snow over the past seven days. Isolated pockets of stiff wind slab may exist on leeward slopes. Below the surface exists a series of crusts and a feathery surface hoar layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We have a lot of uncertainty around the weak surface hoar layer and its distribution, but it's most likely present on sheltered slopes in the alpine and at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A mixed layer of melt-freeze crusts and sugary facets buried late October can be found at the base of the snowpack at treeline and in the alpine. This layer has not been active, but there is potential for slab avalanches on this layer given the current snowpack structure. Terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths would be most suspect.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths at treeline are near 50 cm and taper quickly as elevation decreases. Snow depths below treeline are generally below the threshold depth required to produce avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Days of cool, clear weather have grown a widespread new layer of feathery surface hoar crystals on the snow surface. Increasing sunshine and warmth are now expected to melt and replace this surface hoar with a new crust on steeper sun exposed aspects and mid elevations that see above freezing temperatures. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the surface, the recent cold has been transforming last week's storm snow into a layer of faceted (sugary) snow. This layer of faceting storm snow increases in depth from about 20 cm at 1800-2000 metres, where it sits above a strong rain crust, to upwards of 30-40 cm in the alpine above 2000 metres, where the crust is not present. Here, the storm snow shows good signs of bonding well to the now well-settled mid snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above 2000 m, about 50-150 cm of snow now sits on the early November melt-freeze crust. This crust may be layered with weak faceted crystals in places where it lies close to the ground. This is most likely to cause problems in glaciated terrain or on smoother, high elevation slopes where the summer snow did not melt out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Increasing sunshine and warmth are expected to form a new sun crust on steeper sun exposed aspects over the coming days. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Beneath this surface and on shaded aspects, the recent pattern</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> of cold weather has been gradually transforming storm snow from last week into a layer of faceted (sugary) snow. This layer of faceting storm snow increases in depth from about 5-10 cm at 1600-2000 metres, where it sits above a rain crust, to around 20-30 cm in the alpine above 2000 metres, where the crust may not be present. Here, the storm snow is suspected to be bonding well to a settled mid snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 2000m, alpine snowpack depths are approaching 175 cm, although recent reports suggest about half these depths around treeline in the south of the region. A crust/facet interface can be found near the ground in the alpine, but this may again be most prevalent in the north of the region. Although little is known about the reactivity of this layer, recent observations in the north of the region show that it was reactive during last week's storm. It is thought that there is insufficient snow for avalanches below 1500 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar is beginning to form on the surface as indicated in this </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> from the adjacent Northwest Inland region. Surface hoar formation has also been reported from the Ningunsaw zone. 10-15 cm of recent storm snow is sitting on a thick, hard crust. In some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack. Check out this </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/193d5dc9-b728-433a-8a83-2f117facde1c" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> from the Anderson Cabin near Terrace.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is an average of 70-120 cm of snow in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps and open creeks.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We currently have very limited snowpack observations, so it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface Hoar is beginning to form on the surface as indicated by this </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. There is up to 20 cm of recent storm snow sitting on a hard crust at upper elevations. Expect to find an early season crust near the bottom of the snowpack in many areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent reports suggest there is an average of 60 to 120 cm of snow in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We currently have very limited snowpack observations, so it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</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 primary concern in the snowpack is a layer of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. This weak layer is down 30-50 cm and it is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. There have been no recent reports of reactivity on this layer in the North Columbia, however there has been some avalanche activity on this layer in the South Columbia region over the past 10 days. Steep, rocky terrain, with a shallow snowpack are the most likely areas to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snowpack depths vary greatly with elevation. Recent reports show depths of 120-230cm in the alpine, 90-180 cm at treeline and 10-120 cm below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There may be some wind slabs in exposed, alpine terrain, but the primary concern in the snowpack is a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. This layer is down 30-60 cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may exist in sheltered alpine areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. There have been no reports of reactivity on this layer in the Cariboos, however it may be reactive in isolated locations such as steep, rocky terrain, with a shallow snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Snowpack depths decrease dramatically with elevation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Winds increased in the afternoon on Tuesday and the few cm of snow blew around returning the region to its moonscaped look.  Hard slabs that will fail in the facets overlying the October crust is the main concern at this time.  As the snowpack get the hollow feeling, especially in steeper or unsupported terrain such as between the pitches of ice climbs be heads up.  Low doesn't mean no...  Avalanches can still occur with human triggerring in certain areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Alpine areas near Squamish have the most snow, with a suspected 70 cm of settled snow on the ground. In these areas there may be a crust lower in the snowpack, however it is now suspected to be well bonded to the overlying storm snow. There is generally insufficient snow for avalanches below 1500 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">35-65 cm of snow sits on a layer of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. The surface hoar is mostly found at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. While this layer is becoming more difficult to trigger, recent snowpack tests still suggest that it is worth keeping in mind for now, especially in wind loaded areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. This crust is associated with weak, faceted (sugary) snow and is most prominent in the alpine. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it is still worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depths taper quickly with elevation, many areas have over 200 cm in the alpine, between 100-170 cm at treeline, and 10-100 cm below treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 20 cm of snow fell last week with minimal wind effect, however it may still be possible to find wind slabs on lee and cross loaded terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) being reported in the top 15-30cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Both of these layers may be associated with a sun crust on south aspects in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another notable feature in the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most prominent in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. Total snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with anywhere between 70 and 150 cm in the alpine and tapering rapidly at treeline and below. In shallow snowpack areas, the bottom half of the snowpack is reportedly weak and &quot;hollow&quot; feeling on shady aspects due to sugary, faceted snow.</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">It's thin out there, </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/bb9150e5-83c4-4a8a-8e65-d957f7872abc" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">check out this MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> from our field team on Wednesday. Up to 55 cm of recent snow sits on a combination of crust and surface hoar. The crust is most prevalent at and above treeline and is likely most problematic on north facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface hoar is tricky to pin down because it is quite spotty in distribution, but it appears to be most prevalent on sheltered slopes at and above treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the bottom of the snowpack lies another crust with weak sugary facets around it. There is a great MIN Report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e4810306-5cfd-4874-8ac3-e85ce56c709a" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> that provides a good visual representation of the current snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At treeline the average snowpack depth is 80 cm, with only thin coverage at lower elevation. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region received up to 20 cm of snow over the past seven days. Isolated pockets of stiff wind slab may exist on leeward slopes. Below the surface exists a series of crusts and a feathery surface hoar layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We have a lot of uncertainty around the weak surface hoar layer and its distribution, but it's most likely present on sheltered slopes in the alpine and at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A mixed layer of melt-freeze crusts and sugary facets buried late October can be found at the base of the snowpack at treeline and in the alpine. This layer has not been active, but there is potential for slab avalanches on this layer given the current snowpack structure. Terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths would be most suspect.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths at treeline are near 50 cm and taper quickly as elevation decreases. Snow depths below treeline are generally below the threshold depth required to produce avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Days of cool, clear weather have grown a widespread new layer of feathery surface hoar crystals on the snow surface. Recent sunshine has likely replaced this surface hoar with a new crust on steeper sun exposed aspects while recent strong upper elevation winds scoured it from most alpine slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the surface, the recent cold has also been transforming last week's storm snow into a layer of faceted (sugary) snow. This layer of faceting storm snow increases in depth from about 20 cm at 1800-2000 metres, where it sits above a strong rain crust, to upwards of 30-40 cm in the alpine above 2000 metres, where the crust is not present. Here, the storm snow shows good signs of bonding well to the now well-settled mid snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above 2000 m, about 50-150 cm of snow now sits on the early November melt-freeze crust. This crust may be layered with weak faceted crystals in places where it lies close to the ground. This is most likely to cause problems in glaciated terrain or on smoother, high elevation slopes where the summer snow did not melt out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Days of cool, clear weather have grown a reportedly widespread new layer of feathery surface hoar crystals on the snow surface. Recent sunshine has likely replaced this surface hoar with a new sun crust on steeper sun exposed aspects</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Beneath this surface, the </span><span class="s_3FE45715">cold temperatures have also been gradually transforming storm snow from last week into a layer of faceted (sugary) snow. This layer of storm snow increases in depth from about 5-10 cm at 1600-2000 metres, where it sits above a rain crust, to around 20-30 cm in the alpine above 2000 metres, where the crust may not be present. Here, the storm snow is suspected to be bonding well to a settled mid snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 2000m, alpine snowpack depths are approaching 175 cm, although recent reports suggest about half these depths around treeline in the south of the region. A crust/facet interface can be found near the ground in the alpine, but this may again be most prevalent in the north of the region. Although we have few observations of reactivity at this layer, it was a failure plane in several very large avalanches during last week's storm. It is thought that there is insufficient snow for avalanches below 1500 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar is beginning to form on the surface as indicated in this </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> from the adjacent Northwest Inland region. Surface hoar formation has also been reported from the Ningunsaw zone. 10-15 cm of recent storm snow is sitting on a thick, hard crust. In some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack. Check out this </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/193d5dc9-b728-433a-8a83-2f117facde1c" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> from the Anderson Cabin near Terrace.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is an average of 70-120 cm of snow in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps and open creeks.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We currently have very limited snowpack observations.</span><span class="s_1681A555"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface Hoar is beginning to form on the surface as indicated by this </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. There is up to 20 cm of recent storm snow sitting on a hard crust at upper elevations. Expect to find an early season crust near the bottom of the snowpack in many areas too. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent reports suggest there is an average of 60 to 120 cm of snow in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We currently have very limited snowpack observations, so it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</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 primary concern in the snowpack is a layer of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. This weak layer is down 30-50 cm and it is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Steep, rocky alpine terrain, with a shallow snowpack are the most likely areas to trigger this layer. It would likely take a large load such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer, but the consequences are high as it would result in a large, full depth avalanche.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Total snowpack depths vary greatly with elevation. Recent reports show depths of 120-230cm in the alpine, 90-180 cm at treeline and 10-120 cm below treeline. </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">The primary concern in the snowpack is a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. This layer is down 30-60 cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may exist in sheltered alpine areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. There have been no reports of reactivity on this layer in the Cariboos, however it may be reactive in isolated locations such as steep, rocky terrain, with a shallow snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Snowpack depths decrease dramatically with elevation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Days of cold temperatures have been gradually transforming about 30 cm of aging storm snow left on the surface from storms and flurries over the past couple of weeks into a layer of faceted (sugary, cohesionless) snow. At treeline, the total height of snow is between about 100 and 140 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At 50 to 70 cm below the surface, there is a closely stacked pair of buried persistent weak layers. The upper layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in most places, but may present as a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The deeper layer features similar surface hoar distribution over a more widespread temperature crust. These layers have shown ongoing but variable reactivity in snowpack tests in the past week. Both surface hoar layers are thought to be widespread at treeline and may also extend into sheltered alpine features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a thick melt-freeze crust that formed near the end of October. Observations of reactivity at this crust have been limited, but it has acted as the failure plane in several recent large avalanches in the neighbouring South Columbias.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard slabs that will fail in the facets overlying the October crust is the main concern at this time. As the snowpack get the hollow feeling, especially in steeper or unsupported terrain such as between the pitches of ice climbs be heads up. Low doesn't mean no... Avalanches can still occur with human triggerring in certain areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The South Coast region currently holds a minimal snowpack that remains well below threshold depth for avalanches in the North Shore mountains as well as below about 1500 metres everywhere else. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Alpine areas near Squamish have the most snow, with a suspected 70 cm of settled snow on the ground. In these areas there may be a crust lower in the snowpack, however it is now suspected to be well bonded to the overlying storm snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is generally stable right now, but low hazard doesn't mean no hazard. 35-65 cm of snow sits on a layer of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack tests in the region suggest that this layer may be most problematic in places where the surface hoar is sitting on the sun crust. This combination is most likely found on south aspects at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate winds have created windslabs in the alpine and treeline in some areas.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) being reported in the top 15-30cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Both of these layers may be associated with a sun crust on south aspects in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another notable feature in the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most prominent in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. Total snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with anywhere between 70 and 150 cm in the alpine and tapering rapidly at treeline and below. In shallow snowpack areas, the bottom half of the snowpack is reportedly weak and &quot;hollow&quot; feeling on shady aspects due to sugary, faceted snow.</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">It's thin out there, check out the </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/bb9150e5-83c4-4a8a-8e65-d957f7872abc" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> report from our field team on Wednesday. At treeline the average snowpack depth is about 80 cm, with only thin coverage at lower elevations. There is a great MIN Report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e4810306-5cfd-4874-8ac3-e85ce56c709a" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> that provides a visual representation of the current snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of recent low density snow sits on a combination of crust and surface hoar. The crust is most prevalent at and above treeline and is likely most problematic on north-facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature. The surface hoar is tricky to pin down because it is quite spotty in distribution, but it appears to be most prevalent on sheltered slopes at and above treeline. At the bottom of the snowpack lies another crust with weak sugary facets around it.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region received up to 20 cm of snow over the past seven days. Isolated pockets of stiff wind slab may exist on leeward slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On sheltered slopes in the alpine and at treeline, recent snow may be sitting above a weak surface hoar layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A mixed layer of crusts and sugary facets buried in late October can be found at the base of the snowpack. This layer has not been active, but terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths are still suspect.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths at treeline are near 50 cm and taper quickly as elevation decreases.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Days of cool, clear weather have been growing a widespread new layer of feathery surface hoar crystals on the snow surface. Recent sunshine has likely replaced this surface hoar with a new sun crust on steeper sun exposed aspects just as strong upper elevation winds scoured it from many alpine slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the surface, the recent cold has also been transforming last week's storm snow into a layer of faceted (sugary) snow. This layer of faceting storm snow increases in depth from about 15 cm at 1800-2000 metres, where it sits above a strong rain crust, to roughly 20-30 cm in the alpine above 2000 metres, where the crust is not present. Here, depending on exposure to recent outflow winds, the storm snow either shows good signs of bonding well to our well-settled mid snowpack or has been blown away entirely.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above 2000 m, about 100-200 cm of snow now sits on the early November melt-freeze crust. This crust may be layered with weak faceted crystals in places where it lies close to the ground. This is most likely to cause problems in glaciated terrain or on smoother, high elevation slopes where the summer snow did not melt out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Days of cool, clear weather have grown a widespread new layer of feathery surface hoar crystals on the surface. Recent sunshine has likely replaced this surface hoar with a new sun crust on steeper sun exposed aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Beneath the surface, the </span><span class="s_3FE45715">cold has also been transforming storm snow from last week into a layer of faceted (sugary) snow. This layer of storm snow increases in depth from about 5-10 cm at 1600-2000 metres, where it sits above a rain crust, to around 20 cm in the alpine above 2000 m, where the crust may not be present. Here, the storm snow is suspected to be bonding well to a settled mid snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 2000m, alpine snowpack depths are approaching 175 cm, but recent reports suggest about half these depths around treeline in the south of the region. A crust/facet interface can be found near the ground in the alpine, but this may again be most prevalent in the north of the region. Although we have few observations of reactivity at this layer, it was a failure plane in several very large avalanches during last week's storm. It is thought that there is insufficient snow for avalanches below 1500 m, making for generally rugged travel conditions throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar is beginning to form on the surface as indicated in this </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> from the adjacent Northwest Inland region. Surface hoar formation has also been reported from the Ningunsaw zone. 10-15 cm of recent storm snow is sitting on a thick, hard crust. In some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack. Check out this </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/193d5dc9-b728-433a-8a83-2f117facde1c" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> from the Anderson Cabin near Terrace.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is an average of 70-120 cm of snow in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps and open creeks.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We currently have very limited snowpack observations.</span><span class="s_1681A555"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar is beginning to form on the surface as indicated by this </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. There is up to 20 cm of recent storm snow sitting on a hard crust at upper elevations. Expect to find an early season crust near the bottom of the snowpack in many areas too. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent reports suggest there is an average of 60 to 120 cm of snow in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We currently have very limited snowpack observations, so it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is generally stable right now, but there is a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. This layer is down 30-50 cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline. Recent snowpack tests in the region suggest that this layer is most problematic where the surface hoar is sitting on the sun crust. This combination will most likely be found on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Steep, rocky alpine terrain, with a shallow snowpack are the most likely areas to trigger this layer. It would likely take a large load such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The snowpack is currently quite stable in most places, however there is a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. This layer is down 20-60 cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline.&nbsp; There have been no recent reports of reactivity on this layer. However, on large south facing features at treeline, the surface hoar may be sitting on top of the sun crust and should be treated with caution.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most likely areas would be large, steep, rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Snowpack depths decrease dramatically with elevation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Days of cold temperatures and increasingly clear skies have been growing a new layer of feathery surface hoar on the surface. Winds may have scoured some of this surface hoar from alpine slopes. The cold has also been transforming our roughly 20 cm of aging storm snow on the surface into a layer of faceted (weak, sugary) snow. At treeline, the height of snow is between about 100 and 140 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At 50 to 70 cm below the surface, there is a closely stacked pair of buried persistent weak layers. The upper layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in most places, but may present as a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The deeper layer features similar surface hoar distribution over a more widespread temperature crust. These layers have shown ongoing but variable reactivity in snowpack tests in the past week. Both surface hoar layers are thought to be widespread at treeline and may also extend into sheltered alpine features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a thick melt-freeze crust that formed near the end of October. Observations of reactivity at this crust have been limited, but it has acted as the failure plane in several large avalanches in the neighbouring South Columbias.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Hard slabs that will fail in the facets overlying the October crust is the main concern at this time. As the snowpack get the hollow feeling, especially in steeper or unsupported terrain such as between the pitches of ice climbs be heads up. Low doesn't mean no... Avalanches can still occur with human triggerring in certain areas.  Cooler temps are promoting widespread facetting....</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The South Coast region currently holds a minimal snowpack that remains below threshold depth for avalanches in the North Shore mountains as well as below about 1500 metres everywhere else. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Alpine areas near Squamish have the most snow, with a suspected 70 cm of settled snow on the ground. In these areas there may be a crust lower in the snowpack, however it is now suspected to be well bonded to the overlying storm snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is generally stable right now, but low hazard doesn't mean no hazard. 35-65 cm of snow sits on a layer of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack tests in the region suggest that this layer may be most problematic in places where the surface hoar is sitting on the sun crust. This combination is most likely found on south aspects at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate winds have created wind slabs in the alpine and isolated treeline areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) being reported in the top 15-30cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Both of these layers may be associated with a sun crust on south aspects in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another notable feature in the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most prominent in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. Total snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with anywhere between 70 and 150 cm in the alpine and tapering rapidly at treeline and below. In shallow snowpack areas, the bottom half of the snowpack is reportedly weak and &quot;hollow&quot; feeling on shady aspects due to sugary, faceted snow.</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">Early season conditions prevail in this region with roughly 100 cm of snow in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations. Surface conditions range from soft power, hard wind slab, and some sun crusts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The main concern is the snowpack is a combination of weak sugary snow and crusts in the bottom half of the snowpack. See the snow profile in our field team's MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/9fb25099-67bd-46f4-b9cc-0da1674b6c7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for a visual representation of the snowpack. The crust is most prevalent at and above treeline and is likely most problematic on north-facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Early season conditions prevail in this region with roughly 30-90 cm of snow in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations. Surface conditions may range from soft power, hard wind slab, and some sun crusts. Isolated pockets of stiff wind slab likely exist on leeward slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom half of the snowpack is composed of weak sugary snow and crusts. This layer has not been active, but terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths are still suspect given this snowpack structure.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Days of cool, clear weather have been growing a widespread new layer of feathery surface hoar crystals on the snow surface. Recent sunshine has likely replaced this surface hoar with a new sun crust on steeper sun exposed aspects just as strong upper elevation winds scoured it from many alpine slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the surface, the recent cold has also been transforming last week's storm snow into a layer of faceted (sugary) snow. This layer of faceting storm snow increases in depth from about 20 cm at 1800-2000 m where it sits above a strong rain crust, to roughly 20-30 cm in the alpine above 2000 m, where the crust is not present. Here, depending on exposure to recent outflow winds, the storm snow either shows good signs of bonding well to our well-settled mid snowpack or has been blown away entirely.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above 2000 m, about 100-200 cm of snow now sits on the early November melt-freeze crust. This crust may be layered with weak faceted crystals in places where it lies close to the ground. This is most likely to cause problems in glaciated terrain or on smoother, high elevation slopes where the summer snow did not melt out.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Days of cool, clear weather have grown a widespread new layer of feathery surface hoar crystals on the surface. Recent sunshine has likely replaced this surface hoar with a new sun crust on steeper sun exposed aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the surface, the cold has also been transforming storm snow from last week into a layer of faceted (sugary) snow. This layer of storm snow increases in depth from about 5-10 cm at 1600-2000 m, where it sits above a rain crust, to around 20 cm in the alpine above 2000 m, where the crust may not be present. Here, the storm snow is suspected to be bonding well to a settled mid snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 2000 m, alpine snowpack depths are approaching 175 cm, but recent reports suggest about half these depths around treeline in the south of the region. A crust/facet interface can be found near the ground in the alpine, but this may again be most prevalent in the north of the region. Although we have few observations of reactivity at this layer, it was a failure plane in several very large avalanches during last week's storm. It is thought that there is insufficient snow for avalanches below 1500 m, making for generally rugged travel conditions throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We currently have very limited snowpack observations, but expect an average snow depth of 70-120 cm in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There were reports of feathery surface hoar growing on the surface last weekend in the neighboring Northwest Inland region </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see this MIN report)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> and in Ningunsaw to the north. However, recent outflow winds have likely changed the snow surface conditions and formed stiff wind slabs in open terrain. A hard crust has been reported 10-15 cm below the surface, and in some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack. Check out the MIN report from the Anderson Cabin near Terrace </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/193d5dc9-b728-433a-8a83-2f117facde1c" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We currently have very limited snowpack observations, so it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations. Expect an average snow depth of 60-120 cm in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There were reports of feathery surface hoar growing on the snow surface last weekend </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see this MIN report)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, however, recent winds have likely changed the snow surface conditions and formed stiff wind slabs in open terrain. A hard crust has been reported 10-20 cm below the surface, and in some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is generally stable right now, but there is a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. This layer is down 30-50 cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack tests in the region suggest that this layer may be most problematic where the surface hoar is sitting on the sun crust. This combination will most likely be found on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Steep, rocky alpine terrain, with a shallow snowpack are the most likely areas to trigger this layer. It would likely take a large load such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The snowpack is currently quite stable in most places, however a buried weak layer still exists down 20-60 cm. This layer consists of a sun crust on steep south facing slopes, and/or surface hoar (feathery crystals). The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline. The most likely place to trigger this layer is where the surface hoar is sitting on the crust. This combination is most likely found on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most likely areas would be large, steep, rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Snowpack depths decrease dramatically with elevation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Days of cold temperatures and increasingly clear skies have been growing a new layer of feathery surface hoar on the surface. Winds may have scoured some of this surface hoar from alpine slopes. The cold has also been transforming our roughly 20 cm of aging storm snow on the surface into a layer of faceted (weak, sugary) snow. At treeline, the height of snow is between about 100 and 140 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 80 cm below the surface there is a closely stacked pair of buried persistent weak layers. The upper layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in most places, but may present as a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The deeper layer features similar surface hoar distribution over a more widespread temperature crust. These layers have shown ongoing but variable reactivity in snowpack tests in the past week. Both surface hoar layers are thought to be widespread at treeline and may also extend into sheltered alpine features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a thick melt-freeze crust that formed near the end of October. Observations of reactivity at this crust have been limited, but it has acted as the failure plane in several large avalanches in the neighbouring South Columbias.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A partial definition of low: &quot;small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain&quot;. At the moment these small avalanches are almost certainly going to start within the surface wind slab layers near alpine ridges. Regardless of the layer responsible, in the wrong terrain (steep and unsupported) there is still avalanche hazard. Lots of surface facetting due to the cold. Treeline elevation windslabs are starting to break down from this facetting.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The South Coast region currently holds a minimal snowpack that remains below threshold depth for avalanches in the North Shore mountains as well as below about 1500 meters everywhere else. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Alpine areas near Squamish have the most snow, with a suspected 70 cm of settled snow on the ground. In these areas there may be a crust lower in the snowpack, however it is now suspected to be well bonded to the overlying storm snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is generally stable right now, but low hazard doesn't mean no hazard. 35-65 cm of snow sits on a layer of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack tests in the region suggest that this layer may be most problematic in places where the surface hoar is sitting on the sun crust. This combination is most likely found on south aspects at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate winds have created wind slabs in the alpine and isolated treeline areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) being reported in the top 15-30cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Both of these layers may be associated with a sun crust on south aspects in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another notable feature in the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most prominent in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. Total snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with anywhere between 70 and 150 cm in the alpine and tapering rapidly at treeline and below. In shallow snowpack areas, the bottom half of the snowpack is reportedly weak and &quot;hollow&quot; feeling on shady aspects due to sugary, faceted snow.</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">Early season conditions prevail in this region with roughly 100 cm of snow in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations. Surface conditions range from soft power, to hard wind slab, and some sun crusts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The main concern is the snowpack is a combination of weak sugary snow and crusts in the bottom half of the snowpack. See the snow profile in our field team's MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/9fb25099-67bd-46f4-b9cc-0da1674b6c7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for a visual representation of the snowpack. The crust is most prevalent at and above treeline and is likely most problematic on north-facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Early season conditions prevail in this region with roughly 30-90 cm of snow in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations. Surface conditions may range from soft power, hard wind slab, and some sun crusts. Isolated pockets of stiff wind slab likely exist on leeward slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom half of the snowpack is composed of weak sugary snow and crusts. This layer has not been active, but terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths are still suspect given this snowpack structure.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the alpine, snowpack depths are around 150-200 cm. A variable surface layer consisting of a thin sun crust on solar terrain, surface hoar in sheltered areas, and pockets of wind slab in lee features overlies an upper snowpack of 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. New snow is not expected to bond well with this surface layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At bottom of the snowpack, a crust buried at the beginning of November is down 100-120 cm and is unreactive to snowpack tests, in higher elevations it looks to be breaking down. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine, snowpack depths are around 120-180 cm near the Duffey, with snowpack depths lower as you move south through the region. A variable surface consisting of a thin sun crust in solar terrain, surface hoar in sheltered areas, and pockets of wind slab in lee features, overlies an upper snowpack of 10-25 cm of low density faceted snow. New snow is not expected to bond well with this surface layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At bottom of the snowpack, a crust buried at the beginning of November is unreactive to snowpack tests. This layer is most prevalent in the north of the region and looks to be breaking down at higher elevations. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevation and are making for generally rugged travel conditions throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow will accumulate as a series of storms bring much needed snow to the region. With strong winds in the forecast expect thicker wind deposits at high elevations. The new snow will likely bond poorly to the feathery surface hoar crystals and soft sugary snow that have been sitting on the surface for the past week.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are reports of several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We currently have limited snowpack observations, but expect snow depths ranging from 70-120 cm in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow will gradually accumulate as a series of storms bring snow to the region this week. The combination of new snow and strong winds out of the south will form thicker wind deposits at higher elevations. The new snow will likely bond poorly to the feathery surface hoar crystals and soft sugary snow that have been sitting on the surface for the past week </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see this MIN report)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A hard crust has been reported 10-20 cm below the surface, and in some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect an average snow depth of 60-120 cm in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is generally stable right now, but there is a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. This layer is down 30-50 cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack tests in the region suggest that this layer may be most problematic where the surface hoar is sitting on the sun crust. This combination will most likely be found on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Steep, rocky, alpine terrain with a shallow snowpack are the most likely areas to trigger this layer. It would likely take a large load such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Check out this </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCGgdRi3DN8&amp;fbclid=IwAR3LEHKn5HkFthUKKrtVTn-f8Rixvgu42jjJteFxPnVwUar0Ms-az_MHb6Y" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">great video</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> that summarizes conditions in the Whitewater backcountry. Ongoing cold temperatures and clear skies have formed feathery surface hoar that sits on top of the snowpack. The cold has also been transforming the upper 20 cm of snow into weak sugary facets. At treeline, the height of snow is between about 100 and 140 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 80 cm below the surface there is a closely stacked pair of buried persistent weak layers. The upper layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in most places, but may present as a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The deeper layer features similar surface hoar distribution over a more widespread temperature crust. Both layers are thought to be widespread at treeline and may also extend into sheltered alpine features. These layers are trending towards dormancy, but may remain problematic on steep solar aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a thick melt-freeze crust that formed near the end of October. Observations of reactivity at this crust have been limited, but it previously acted as a failure plane in several large avalanches in the South Columbias.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack has been below threshold depth for avalanches in the North Shore mountains and terrain below 1500m elevation. Incoming snow is not expected to bond well with a recently formed crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In alpine areas near Squamish, up to of 70cm settled snow is on the ground. In these areas, a crust is lower in the snowpack, however it is now suspected to be well bonded to the overlying storm snow. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Increasing high elevation winds are expected to be forming new wind slabs on the surface in the alpine. Beneath the surface, the snowpack is generally stable but does hold a lingering weak layer about 35-65 cm deep. This layer consists mainly of weak, feathery surface hoar crystals that is most prominent at treeline, but may also be found in sheltered alpine areas. Although this surface hoar is gradually healing into the snowpack, recent snowpack tests in the region suggest that this layer may remain problematic in places where the surface hoar formed above a sun crust. This combination is most likely found on south aspects at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate winds have created wind slabs in the alpine and isolated treeline areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) being reported in the top 15-30cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Both of these layers may be associated with a sun crust on south aspects in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another major feature in the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most prominent in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. Total snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with anywhere between 70 and 150 cm in the alpine tapering rapidly at treeline and below. In shallow snowpack areas, the bottom half of the snowpack is reportedly weak and &quot;hollow&quot; feeling on shady aspects due to sugary, faceted snow.</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">Early season conditions prevail in this region with roughly 100 cm of snow in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations. Surface conditions range from soft power, to hard wind slab, and some sun crusts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">See the snow profile in our field team's MIN report for a visual representation of the snowpack </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/9fb25099-67bd-46f4-b9cc-0da1674b6c7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. The main concern is a combination of weak facets and crusts in the bottom half of the snowpack. The crust is most prevalent at and above treeline and is likely most problematic on north-facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature. A layer of large surface hoar can also be found at similar depths in some areas, as found in a recent MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/dcecb813-3360-4b77-8f72-dcaeb97f32d7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Early season conditions prevail in this region with roughly 30-90 cm of snow in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations. Surface conditions may range from soft power, hard wind slab, and some sun crusts. Isolated pockets of stiff wind slab likely exist on leeward slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom half of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and crusts. This layer has not been active, but terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths are still suspect given this snowpack structure.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowfall beginning Sunday has added up to 30cm around the region. The new snow has buried a weak surface layer sitting over 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow and the new snow is initially not expected to bond well with the older snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Prior to this storm, alpine snowpack depths varied around 150-200 cm, with an early November crust at bottom of the snowpack (down 100-120cm). This crust appears to be breaking down at higher elevations and has been unreactive to snowpack tests. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevations (starting around 1800m).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall starting Sunday has deposited up to 15 cm at higher elevations in the region. This has buried a weak, variable surface layer covering 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. The new snow is initially not expected to bond well with the older snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to this storm, alpine snowpack depths varied around 120-180 cm, with an early November crust at bottom of the snowpack (down 100-120cm). This crust appears to be breaking down at higher elevations and has been unreactive to snowpack tests. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevations. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow will accumulate as a series of storms bring much needed snow to the region. With strong winds in the forecast expect thicker wind deposits at high elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow will likely bond poorly to the weak surface hoar and facets that have been sitting on the surface for the past week. Deeper in the snowpack, there are reports of several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We currently have limited snowpack observations, but expect snow depths ranging from 70-120 cm in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow will gradually accumulate as a series of storms bring snow to the region this week. The combination of new snow and strong winds out of the south will form thicker wind deposits at higher elevations. The new snow will likely bond poorly to the feathery surface hoar crystals and soft sugary snow that have been sitting on the surface for the past week </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see this MIN report)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A hard crust has been reported 10-20 cm below the surface, and in some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect an average snow depth of 60-120 cm in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Increasing southwest winds and light new snow amounts have likely begun to form new wind slabs along north aspects. Beneath the surface, the snowpack is generally stable right now, but there is a weak layer of weak, feathery surface hoar crystals down about 30-50 cm that may coexist with a sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack tests in the region suggest that this layer may be most problematic in areas where the surface hoar is sitting on the sun crust. This combination will most likely be found on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Steep, rocky, alpine terrain with a shallow snowpack would be the most likely areas to trigger this layer. It would likely take a large load such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Check out the latest video from Whitewater that summaries their backcountry conditions </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCGgdRi3DN8&amp;fbclid=IwAR3LEHKn5HkFthUKKrtVTn-f8Rixvgu42jjJteFxPnVwUar0Ms-az_MHb6Y" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. Ongoing cold temperatures and clear skies have formed surface hoar on top of the snowpack and transformed the upper 20 cm of snow into weak sugary snow. At treeline, the height of snow is between 100 and 140 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 80 cm below the surface there is a closely stacked pair of buried persistent weak layers. The upper layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in most places, but may present as a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The deeper layer features surface hoar above a widespread temperature crust. Both layers are thought to be widespread at treeline and may also extend into sheltered alpine terrain. These layers are trending towards dormancy, but may remain problematic on steep solar aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep rocky terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Not much has changed in the snowpack for some time now. The only exception to this would be the continued facetting, particularly of the surface snow. Small wind slabs still exist near alpine ridges in lee and cross-loaded terrain, and if initiated will likely step down into the weak base layers and involve the the full depth of the snowpack.  In steep and unsupported terrain there is still avalanche hazard, despite the very slow start (shallow snowpack) we are experiencing.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Sunday rain fell around most of the region, with snow beginning to accumulate at the highest elevation areas. This new snow has covered a crust on the old snow surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Prior to the recent precipitation, the snowpack has been below threshold depth for avalanches in the North Shore mountains and terrain below 1500 m elevation. In alpine areas near Squamish, up to of 70cm settled snow is on the ground. In these areas, a crust is lower in the snowpack, however it is now suspected to be well bonded to the overlying storm snow.&nbsp; </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of mostly low density new snow now rests on the previous snow surface. I expect this new snow to be initially poorly bonded, meaning the new snow will sluff readily in steep terrain. Lower in the snowpack, there is a lingering weak layer about 35-65 cm deep. This layer is comprised of weak, feathery surface hoar crystals that is most prominent at treeline, but may also be found in sheltered alpine areas. This layer has not been active recently, although there is some potential for it to awaken in response to new snow. If it was to come back to life, the most problematic places would be on south aspects at treeline, where the surface hoar formed above a sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light amount of new snow and recent winds have created wind slabs in the alpine and isolated treeline areas. Incoming new snow will likely not bond well on account of the faceted (sugary) nature of the upper snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) being reported in the top 15-30cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Both of these layers may be associated with a sun crust on south aspects in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another major feature in the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most prominent in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. Total snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with anywhere between 70 and 150 cm in the alpine tapering rapidly at treeline and below. In shallow snowpack areas, the bottom half of the snowpack is reportedly weak and &quot;hollow&quot; feeling on shady aspects due to sugary, faceted snow.</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">Early season conditions prevail in this region with roughly 100 cm of snow in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations. Surface conditions range from soft power, to hard wind slab, and some sun crusts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">See the snow profile in our field team's MIN report for a visual representation of the snowpack </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/9fb25099-67bd-46f4-b9cc-0da1674b6c7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. The main concern is a combination of weak facets and crusts in the bottom half of the snowpack. The crust is most prevalent at and above treeline and is likely most problematic on north-facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature. A layer of large surface hoar can also be found at similar depths in some areas, as found in a recent MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/dcecb813-3360-4b77-8f72-dcaeb97f32d7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Early season conditions prevail in this region with roughly 30-90 cm of snow in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations. Surface conditions may range from soft power, hard wind slab, and some sun crusts. Isolated pockets of stiff wind slab likely exist on leeward slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom half of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and crusts. This layer has not been active, but terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths are still suspect given this snowpack structure.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowfall beginning Sunday has added up to 30cm around the region. The weather forecast is calling for significant snowfall amounts through the week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Buried under the new snow is a weak surface layer sitting over 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. The new snow is initially not bonding well with this old surface layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Prior to this storm, alpine snowpack depths varied around 150-200 cm, with an early November crust at bottom of the snowpack (down 100-120cm). This crust appears to be breaking down at higher elevations and has been unreactive to snowpack tests. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevations (starting around 1800m).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snow deposited about 10 cm new snow in the region. This has buried a weak, variable layer covering 20 cm of low density faceted snow and the new snow is initially not expected to bond well with the older snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to this storm, alpine snowpack depths varied around 120-180 cm, with an early November crust at bottom of the snowpack (down 100-120cm). This crust appears to be breaking down at higher elevations and has been unreactive to snowpack tests. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevations. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 30-50 cm of new snow by the end of Tuesday will bring the total from the past few days up to to 40-80 cm. Extreme wind will likely form even thicker deposits at high elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow will likely bond poorly to the weak surface hoar and facets that have been sitting on the surface for the past week, especially on sheltered slopes at treeline. Deeper in the snowpack, there are reports of several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to the storms, there was only 70-120 cm of snow in the alpine and very little coverage below treeline, but this is finally changing.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow will gradually accumulate as a series of storms bring snow to the region this week. The combination of new snow and strong winds out of the south will form thicker wind deposits at higher elevations. The new snow will likely bond poorly to the weak surface hoar and facets that have been sitting on the surface for the past week </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see this MIN report)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A hard crust has been reported 10-20 cm below the surface, and in some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect an average snow depth of 60-120 cm in the alpine. This decreases dramatically with elevation where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of mostly low density new snow now rests on the previous snow surface. I expect this new snow to be initially poorly bonded, meaning the new snow will sluff readily in steep terrain. Wind slabs can be expected on north as east facing slopes in exposed areas. Lower in the snowpack, there is a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals down about 30-50 cm that may coexist with a sun crust on steeper south facing slopes at treeline elevations. This layer has not been very active although there is a small chance it could awaken in response to new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Steep, rocky, alpine terrain with a shallow snowpack would be the most likely areas to trigger this layer. It would likely take a large load such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Ongoing cold temperatures and clear skies have formed surface hoar on top of the snowpack and transformed the upper 20 cm of snow into weak sugary snow. On Sunday, freezing rain up to 2100m produced a thin crust on the surface. Initially, incoming snow may not bond well with this layer. At treeline the height of snow is between 100 and 140 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 80 cm below the surface there is a closely stacked pair of buried persistent weak layers. The upper layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in most places, but may present as a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The deeper layer features surface hoar above a widespread temperature crust. Both layers are thought to be widespread at treeline and may also extend into sheltered alpine terrain. These layers are trending towards dormancy, but may remain problematic on steep solar aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong SW winds on Monday have created many wind slabs in the alpine. These wind slabs, especially near alpine ridges in lee and cross loaded terrain are a concern because if they are initiated, they will likely step down into the weak base layers and involve the full depth of the snowpack. In steep and unsupported terrain there is still avalanche hazard, despite the very slow start (shallow snowpack) we are experiencing. More strong winds are forecast for Tuesday which will continue to make widespread windslabs in the alpine and treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow has begun to accumulate at higher elevations. Initially, this new snow is not expected to bond well with a recently buried crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Prior to the recent precipitation, the snowpack has been below threshold depth for avalanches in the North Shore mountains and terrain below 1500 m elevation. In alpine areas near Squamish, the new snow covered up to of 70 cm settled snow. In these areas, a crust is lower in the snowpack, however it is now suspected to be well bonded to the overlying storm snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A series of storms over the course of the week may deposit enough snow at treeline and lower elevations to make avalanches possible and improve early season travel conditions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Tuesday afternoon the storm has produced around 20 cm of storm snow which lies on the December 9th weak layer. This layer consists of facets, surface hoar, and a crust on solar aspects. By Wednesday morning there could be 40 cm of storm snow on this interface out of the wind, and easily double that in lee alpine features. Lower in the snowpack, a pair of weak layers buried in mid-November are 40 to 80 cm below the surface. These layers present as surface hoar and a suncrust. They are most prevalent at treeline but may be found in sheltered alpine terrain too. While not recently reactive, this storm could push them to their breaking point. The most likely place to see an avalanche failing on this interface would be on south aspects at treeline where the surface hoar formed above a sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Tuesday afternoon the storm has produced 10 to 20 cm of new snow which sits on the December 9th weak layer. This layer consists of facets, surface hoar, and a crust on solar aspects. Storm slabs are not bonding well to this interface. By Wednesday morning there could be 30 cm of storm snow on this interface out of the wind, with deeper wind slabs in lee alpine features.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) being reported in the top 15-30cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Both of these layers may be associated with a sun crust on south aspects in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another major feature in the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most prominent in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. Total snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with anywhere between 70 and 150 cm in the alpine tapering rapidly at treeline and below. In shallow snowpack areas, the bottom half of the snowpack is reportedly weak and &quot;hollow&quot; feeling on shady aspects due to sugary, faceted snow.</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 snow has begin to bury the old surface that was noted earlier in the week for a cover of large, weak surface hoar crystals as well as hard wind slab and some sun crusts. Beneath the new snow and old surface, the snowpack has been stuck in early season conditions, hovering at roughly 100 cm of depth in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">See the snow profile in our field team's MIN report for a visual representation of the snowpack </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/9fb25099-67bd-46f4-b9cc-0da1674b6c7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. Aside from storm slabs now building on the surface, a primary concern is the combination of weak facets and crusts in the bottom half of the snowpack. The crust is most prevalent at and above treeline and is likely most problematic on north-facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature. A layer of large surface hoar can also be found at similar depths in some areas, as found in a recent MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/dcecb813-3360-4b77-8f72-dcaeb97f32d7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow amounts have begun to bury previous surfaces that ranged from soft power to hard wind slab, and sun crust. The new snow is also burying Isolated pockets of stiff wind slab that likely exist on leeward slopes. Beneath the new snow and old surface, the snowpack has a thin, weak structure, with the bottom half of the snowpack composed of weak facets and crusts. This basal layer has not been active, but terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths are still suspect given this snowpack structure. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently only 30-90 cm of snow can be found in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowfall beginning Sunday has deposited around 40-60 cm in the Sea to Sky region. Strong to extreme winds have accompanied the new snow and the weather forecast is calling for significant snowfall amounts to continue to accumulate through the week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Buried under the new snow is a weak surface layer sitting over 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. The new snow is not bonding well with the old surface layer, has slab-like properties, and is reacting to skier traffic.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Prior to this storm, alpine snowpack depths varied around 150-200 cm, with an early November crust at bottom of the snowpack (down 100-120 cm). This crust appears to be breaking down at higher elevations and has been unreactive to snowpack tests. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevations (starting around 1800 m).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall starting Sunday night has deposited 20-30 cm at higher elevations in the region. This has buried a weak, variable surface layer covering 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. The new snow is initially not bonding well with the older snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to this storm, alpine snowpack depths varied around 120-180 cm, with an early November crust at bottom of the snowpack (down 100-120cm). This crust appears to be breaking down at higher elevations and has been unreactive to snowpack tests. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevations and new snow may just cover early season hazards at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 20-30 cm of new snow expected by the end of Wednesday should bring storm totals from the past few days up to about 60-110 cm. Extreme southwest and west winds are likely to likely form the thickest deposits on lee slopes at high elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow is likely bonding poorly to the weak surface hoar and facets that have been sitting on the surface for the past week, especially on sheltered slopes at treeline. Deeper in the snowpack, there are reports of several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to the storms, there was only 70-120 cm of snow in the alpine and very little coverage below treeline, but this is finally changing. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An initial 5-10 cm of new snow has dusted the region, the first accumulations brought by a series of storms impacting us this week. The combination of new snow and forecast strong south winds will form thicker wind deposits at higher elevations. The new snow will likely bond poorly to the weak surface hoar and facets that have been sitting on the surface for the past week </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see this MIN report)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A hard crust has been reported 10-20 cm below the surface, and in some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect an average snow depth of 60-120 cm in the alpine. This decreases dramatically at lower elevations, where the primary hazards remain the rocks, stumps, and open creeks lurking beneath thin snow cover.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Tuesday afternoon the storm has produced around 20 cm of storm snow which lies on the December 9th weak layer. This layer consists of facets, surface hoar, and a crust on solar aspects. By Tues morning there could be 40 cm of storm snow on this interface out of the wind, and easily double that in lee alpine features. Lower in the snowpack, a pair of weak layers buried in mid-November are 40 to 70 cm below the surface. These layers present as surface hoar and a suncrust. They are most prevalent at treeline but may be found in sheltered alpine terrain too. While not recently reactive, this storm could push them to their breaking point. The most likely place to see an avalanche failing on this interface would be on south aspects at treeline where the surface hoar formed above a sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Tuesday afternoon the storm has produced 10 to 25 cm of storm snow and another 5 to 10 cm are expected overnight. This new snow lies on the December 9th weak layer which consists of facets, surface hoar, and a crust on solar aspects. By Tues morning there could be 30 cm of settled storm snow with deeper wind slabs in lee alpine features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A buried weak layer exists 20 to 60 cm below the surface, it consists of a sun crust on steep south facing slopes and/or weak surface hoar crystals on more shaded and sheltered slopes. Although it is slowly healing, it may still react to triggers where surface hoar is sitting on the crust which is most prevalent on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be large, steep, rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer. Snowpack depths decrease dramatically with elevation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-25 cm new snow has fallen around the region, with more forecasted to fall through the week. The new snow has buried a weak variable layer of surface hoar, facets and rain crust and covers 20-30 cm low density facets. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the facets, a stacked pair of persistent weak layers is buried 40-90 cm down. The upper layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in most places, but may present as a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The deeper layer features surface hoar above a widespread temperature crust. Both layers are thought to be widespread at treeline and may also extend into sheltered alpine terrain. These layers are trending towards dormancy, but may remain problematic on steep solar aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The strong westerly winds have been blowing since Monday morning. On Tuesday, these winds were fairly constant in the 70km/hr range. The few cm of snow that has fallen on Tuesday with whatever was kicking around has now turned into widespread wind slabs in the alpine and at tree line. With the 10-15cm of snow forecast by Wednesday morning and the strong west winds, expect extensive wind slab development on all exposed slopes. More snow and 90km/hr winds for Wednesday will continue to grow the wind slabs. Expect these new slabs to be touchy and if they do release, they will probably step down into the weak base layers and involve the whole snowpack.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 30 cm new snow has fallen around the region. Where it covers old snow, the new snow is not expected to bond well with a recently buried crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Prior to the recent precipitation, the snowpack has been below threshold depth for avalanches in the North Shore mountains and terrain below 1500 m elevation. In alpine areas near Squamish, the new snow covered up to of 70 cm settled snow. In these areas, a crust is lower in the snowpack, however it is now suspected to be well bonded to the overlying storm snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Shallow snow to bare ground at lower elevations has made for rugged travel. With any luck, the upcoming series of storms will deposit enough snow at treeline and lower elevations and improve early season travel conditions. Additionally, this new snow may bring lower elevation snow packs to depths where avalanches can occur.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region picked up 20 to 50 cm of new snow with moderate to strong southwest wind Tuesday into Wednesday. The new snow rests on a buried weak layer (December 10th) that consists of facets, surface hoar, and a crust on solar aspects. R</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">esults on this interface are quite variable. It's very touchy in some places and less reactive in others. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower in the snowpack, a pair of weak layers buried in mid-November are 50 to 90 cm below the surface. These layers present as surface hoar and a suncrust. They are most prevalent at treeline but may be found in sheltered alpine terrain too. While not recently reactive, this storm could push them to their breaking point. The most likely place to see an avalanche failing on this interface would be on south aspects at treeline where the surface hoar formed above a sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region picked up 15 to 40 cm of new snow with moderate to strong southwest wind Tuesday into Wednesday. This new snow rests on a buried weak layer (December 10th) that consists of facets, surface hoar, and a crust on solar aspects. Results on this interface are quite variable. It's very touchy in some places and less reactive in others.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) 30 to 70 cm below the surface. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Both of these layers may be associated with a sun crust on south aspects in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another major feature in the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most prominent in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. Total snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with anywhere between 70 and 150 cm in the alpine tapering rapidly at treeline and below. In shallow snowpack areas, the bottom half of the snowpack is reportedly weak and &quot;hollow&quot; feeling on shady aspects due to sugary, faceted snow.</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">Tuesday night's storm brought 30-40 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow has buried an old snow surface that was noted earlier in the week for a cover of large, weak surface hoar crystals as well as hard wind slab and some sun crusts. Beneath the new snow and old surface, the snowpack has been stuck in early season conditions, hovering at roughly 100 cm of depth in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">See the snow profile in our field team's MIN report for a visual representation of the pre-storm snowpack </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/9fb25099-67bd-46f4-b9cc-0da1674b6c7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. Aside from storm slabs now blanketing the surface, a primary concern is the combination of weak facets and crusts in the bottom half of the snowpack. The crust is most prevalent at and above treeline and is likely most problematic on north-facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature. A layer of large surface hoar can also be found at similar depths in some areas, as found in a recent MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/dcecb813-3360-4b77-8f72-dcaeb97f32d7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 15-20 cm of new snow has buried previous snow surfaces that ranged from soft power to hard wind slab and sun crust. Strong winds have likely been aggressively forming storm slabs and wind slabs with the new snow at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the new snow and old surface, the snowpack has a thin, weak structure, with the bottom half of the snowpack composed of weak facets and crusts. This basal layer has not been active, but terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths are still suspect given this snowpack structure. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently only 30-90 cm of snow can be found in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowfall beginning Sunday has deposited up to 80 cm in the Sea to Sky region. Strong to extreme southwesterly winds have accompanied the new snow and the weather forecast is calling for additional snowfall amounts to accumulate through the week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Buried under the new snow is a weak surface layer sitting over 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. The new snow is not bonding well with the old surface layer, has slab-like properties, and is reacting to skier traffic.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Prior to this storm, alpine snowpack depths varied around 150-200 cm, with an early November crust at bottom of the snowpack (down 100-120 cm). This crust appears to be breaking down at higher elevations and has been unreactive to snowpack tests. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevations (starting around 1800 m).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall starting Sunday night has deposited 30-40 cm at higher elevations in the region. This has buried a weak, variable surface layer covering 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. The new snow has not bonded well with the older snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to this storm, alpine snowpack depths varied around 120-180 cm, with an early November crust at bottom of the snowpack (down 100-120cm). This crust appears to be breaking down at higher elevations and has been unreactive to snowpack tests. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevations and new snow may just cover early season hazards at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 20-30 cm of new snow expected by the end of Thursday should bring storm totals from the past few days up to about 90-120 cm. Strong to extreme southwest and west winds are likely forming the thickest deposits on lee slopes at high elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow has been observed bonding poorly to the weak surface hoar and facets that have been sitting on the surface for the past week, especially on sheltered slopes at treeline. Deeper in the snowpack, there are reports of several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to the storms, there was only 70-120 cm of snow in the alpine and very little coverage below treeline, but this is finally changing. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An initial 10-20 cm of new snow has dusted the region, the first accumulations brought by a series of storms impacting us this week. The combination of new snow and forecast strong south winds will form thicker wind deposits at higher elevations. The new snow will likely bond poorly to the weak surface hoar and facets that have been sitting on the surface for the past week </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see this MIN report)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A hard crust has been reported 10-20 cm below the previous snow surface, and in some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect an average snow depth of 60-120 cm in the alpine. This decreases dramatically at lower elevations, where the primary hazards remain the rocks, stumps, and open creeks lurking beneath thin snow cover.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region picked up 20 to 60 cm of new snow with moderate to strong southwest wind Tuesday into Wednesday. The new snow rests on a buried weak layer (December 10th) that consists of facets, surface hoar, and a crust on solar aspects. Results on this interface are quite variable. It's very touchy in some places and less reactive in others. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower in the snowpack, a pair of weak layers buried in mid-November are 30 to 110 cm below the surface. These layers present as surface hoar and a suncrust. They are most prevalent at treeline but may be found in sheltered alpine terrain too. While not recently reactive, this storm could push them to their breaking point. The most likely place to see an avalanche failing on this interface would be on south aspects at treeline where the surface hoar formed above a sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region picked up 20 to 50 cm of new snow with moderate to strong southwest wind Tuesday into Wednesday. Up to 70 cm of snow rests on a buried weak layer (December 10th) that consists of facets, surface hoar, and a crust on solar aspects. This interface was very touchy on Wednesday. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A buried weak layer from mid November is now 80 to 120 cm below the surface, it consists of a sun crust on steep south facing slopes and/or weak surface hoar crystals on more shaded and sheltered slopes. While not recently reactive, this storm could push it to the breaking point. The most likely place to see an avalanche failing on this interface would be on south aspects at treeline where the surface hoar formed above a sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be large, steep, rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region picked up 20 to 40 cm of new snow with moderate to strong southwest wind Tuesday into Wednesday. This new snow rests on a variable weak layer of surface hoar, facets and a rain crust which we are calling the December 10th layer. This layer has been observed at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the facets, a stacked pair of persistent weak layers is buried 50 to 90 cm down. The upper layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in most places, but may present as a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The deeper layer features surface hoar above a widespread temperature crust. Both layers are thought to be widespread at treeline and may also extend into sheltered alpine terrain. These layers are trending towards dormancy, but may remain problematic on steep solar aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The alpine has received 10-15cm of new snow which has been blown into wind slabs from the strong SW winds. Expect the westerly slopes to be scoured of snow and the lee sides and cross loaded gullies to be well loaded with snow. More snow and 75km/hr winds for Thursday will continue to grow the wind slabs. Expect these new slabs to be touchy and if they do release, they will probably step down into the weak base layers and involve the whole snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A suspected 30 cm new snow has fallen in the alpine of the region. At lower elevations, rain gave way to heavy snowfall only late on Wednesday. Where it covers old snow, the new snow is not expected to bond well with the now buried crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Prior to the recent precipitation, the snowpack has been below threshold depth for avalanches in the North Shore mountains and terrain below 1500 m elevation. In alpine areas near Squamish, the new snow has covered up to of 70 cm settled snow. In these areas, a crust is lower in the snowpack, however it is now suspected to be well bonded to the overlying storm snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Shallow snow to bare ground at lower elevations has made for rugged travel. With any luck, the upcoming series of storms will deposit enough snow at treeline and lower elevations and improve early season travel conditions. Additionally, this new snow may bring lower elevation snow packs to depths where avalanches can occur.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-95 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer that consists of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust on south aspects. The storm came in with moderate to strong winds that continue to persist throughout the region, creating widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer of surface hoar and sun crust that formed in mid-November is up to 120 cm below the surface. This layer is most likely to be a problem in areas where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust. This combination is most likely found on steep, south facing slopes at treeline. The potential may exist for storm slab avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region picked up 15 to 50 cm of new snow with moderate to strong southwest wind Tuesday through Thursday. This new snow rests on a buried weak layer (December 10th) that consists of facets, surface hoar, and a crust on solar aspects. Results on this interface are quite variable. It's very touchy in some places and less reactive in others.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two layers of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) 30 to 70 cm below the surface. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may be found in sheltered alpine areas. Both of these layers may be associated with a sun crust on south aspects in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another major feature in the snowpack is a combination of a crust and faceted (sugary) snow found at or near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most prominent in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The early season snowpack is highly variable in the Purcells. Total snowpack depths vary greatly throughout the region with anywhere between 70 and 150 cm in the alpine tapering rapidly at treeline and below. In shallow snowpack areas, the bottom half of the snowpack is reportedly weak and &quot;hollow&quot; feeling on shady aspects due to sugary, faceted snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 40 cm of new snow has fallen in this region. The new snow has buried an old snow surface that was noted earlier in the week for a cover of large, weak surface hoar crystals as well as hard wind slab and some sun crusts. Beneath the new snow and old surface, the snowpack has been stuck in early season conditions, hovering at roughly 100 cm of depth in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">See the snow profile in our field team's MIN report for a visual representation of the pre-storm snowpack </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/9fb25099-67bd-46f4-b9cc-0da1674b6c7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. Aside from storm slabs now blanketing the surface, a primary concern is the combination of weak facets and crusts in the bottom half of the snowpack. The crust is most prevalent at and above treeline and is likely most problematic on north-facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature. A layer of large surface hoar can also be found at similar depths in some areas, as found in a recent MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/dcecb813-3360-4b77-8f72-dcaeb97f32d7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 20-25 cm of new snow has buried previous snow surfaces that ranged from soft power to hard wind slab and sun crust. Strong winds have likely been aggressively forming storm slabs and wind slabs with the new snow at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the new snow and old surface, the snowpack has a thin, weak structure, with the bottom half of the snowpack composed of weak facets and crusts. This basal layer has not been active, but terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths are still suspect given this snowpack structure. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently only 30-90 cm of snow can be found in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowfall beginning Sunday has deposited up to 130 cm in the Sea to Sky region. Strong to extreme southwesterly winds have accompanied the new snow and the weather forecast is calling for additional snowfall amounts to accumulate. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Buried under the new snow is a weak surface layer sitting over 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. The new snow is not bonding well with the old surface layer, has slab-like properties, and is reacting to skier traffic.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Prior to this storm, alpine snowpack depths varied around 150-200 cm, with an early November crust at bottom of the snowpack (down 100-120 cm). This crust appears to be breaking down at higher elevations and has been unreactive to snowpack tests. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevations (starting around 1800 m).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall starting Sunday night has deposited 40-60 cm at higher elevations in the region. This has buried a weak, variable surface layer covering 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. The new snow has not bonded well with the older snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to this storm, alpine snowpack depths varied around 120-180 cm, with an early November crust at bottom of the snowpack (down 100-120cm). This crust appears to be breaking down at higher elevations and has been unreactive to snowpack tests. Snowpack depths disappear quickly with decreasing elevations and new snow may just cover early season hazards at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 10-15 cm of new snow expected by the end of Friday should bring storm totals from the past few days up to about 110-140 cm, effectively doubling snowpack depths from before the storm. Strong to extreme southwest and west winds are likely forming the thickest deposits on lee slopes at high elevations. Wind effect is most pronounced near the coast.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow has been observed bonding poorly to the weak surface hoar and facets that formed our pre-storm snow surface. The surface hoar is likely to be especially prominent on sheltered slopes at treeline while surface faceting was likely more widespread. Deeper in the snowpack, there are reports of several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to the storms, there was only 70-120 cm of snow in the alpine and very little coverage below treeline, but this has seen rapid change over the week. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of new snow has covered the region so far this week, the product of an ongoing series of storms. Areas like Howsons in the far southwest may see storm totals closer to 60 cm. The combination of new snow and forecast strong south winds is likely forming thicker, more sensitive wind deposits at higher elevations. Even below the wind, the new snow will need a bit more time to form a good bond with the weak surface hoar and facets that were sitting on the surface prior to the storms. </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see this MIN report)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A hard crust was reported 10-20 cm below the previous snow surface (so now closer to 30-50 cm deep) and in some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect an average snow depth of 70-110 cm in the alpine, however this decreases dramatically at lower elevations. The ongoing storms are gradually bringing lower elevations to threshold depths for avalanches, replacing the rocks, stumps, and open creeks lurking beneath thin snow cover that have been the primary hazards thus far.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">70-110 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer that consists of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust on south aspects. The storm came in with moderate to strong winds that continue to persists throughout the region, creating widespread slab formation. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar in shady locations, and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. While not recently reactive, the potential may exist for storm slab avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer that consists of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust on south aspects. The storm came in with moderate to strong winds that continue to persist throughout the region, creating widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 120 cm and consists of surface hoar in shady locations, and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. While not recently reactive, the potential may exist for storm slab avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be large, steep, rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of recent storm snow has fallen in the region with moderate to strong southerly winds. This snow sits on top of a weak layer of facets (sugary crystals), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust on south aspects. Moderate to strong winds will persist throughout Friday and will continue to promote widespread slab development.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower in the snowpack, a stacked pair of persistent weak layers are buried 50-60 and 90-100 cm. The upper layer consists of surface hoar in most places, but may exist as a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The deeper layer features surface hoar above a temperature crust. Both layers are reportedly widespread at treeline and may also extend into sheltered alpine terrain. There have been no recent reports of reactivity on these layers, but they may remain a problem on steep south aspects. The potential may exist for smaller storm slab avalanches to step down to this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the past three days up to 30cm of snow has fallen at treeline elevations and above.  Lower elevations have only seen about have of that amount.  This new snow has fallen under the influence of strong SW winds so widespread windslabs have developed in open areas.  At treeline and below the Dec 10th surface hoar later is now down 20-25cm.  This layer is only being found in sheltered areas due to previous winds but was large so we suspect it to be reactive where present.  Overall the base of the snowpack is weak and facetted with the October crust 20-30cm off the ground.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Overnight rain will soak into recent new snow. One or more other crusts may already exist in the upper snowpack. Particularly at alpine elevations, new snow is not expected to bond well to underlying surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Prior to the recent storms, the snowpack had been below threshold depth for avalanches in the North Shore mountains and terrain below 1500 m elevation. This situation is changing rapidly and it is now necessary to evaluate all open slopes for avalanche hazard. In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now approximately 130 cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer of surface hoar and sun crust that formed in mid November is up to 120 cm below the surface. This layer is most likely to be a problem in areas where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust. This combination is most likely found on steep, south facing slopes at treeline. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-100 cm of new snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another layer of surface hoar and sun crust is now buried 100-150 cm. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down to this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches. The most likely areas for this layer to be a problem is where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust, which is most likely on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. This layer is likely only a problem on large, steep alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It likely take a large trigger, such as a cornice fall, to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow totals continue to accumulate with another 5-10 cm expected on Friday night. Roughly 30-50 cm of recent storm snow now sits above a weak layer composed of large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crust. There have been numerous signs of the new snow bonding poorly to this layer including remote triggering from low angle terrain, shooting cracks, and wide propagations in avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Aside from storm slabs now blanketing the surface, a primary concern is the combination of weak facets and crusts in the bottom half of the snowpack. The crust is most prevalent at and above treeline and is likely most problematic on north-facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature. A layer of large surface hoar can also be found at similar depths in some areas, as found in a recent MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/dcecb813-3360-4b77-8f72-dcaeb97f32d7" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 20-30 cm of new snow has buried previous snow surfaces that ranged from soft power to hard wind slab and sun crust. Strong winds have likely been aggressively forming storm slabs and wind slabs with the new snow at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the new snow and old surface, the snowpack has a thin, weak structure, with the bottom half of the snowpack composed of weak facets and crusts. This basal layer has not been active, but terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths are still suspect given this snowpack structure.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently only 30-90 cm of snow can be found in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 2 m of new snow has fallen in the series of storms that started last Sunday. Extreme southerly winds (up to 180 km/h!) have accompanied the new snow and the weather forecast is calling for additional snowfall amounts to accumulate. A crust likely exists on or near the surface at elevations below approximately 1700 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below the recent storm snow. Initially, avalanches were reported to be running on this layer. However, it appears as though recent avalanche activity is running in the storm snow above this layer. The presence of this layer shouldn't be completely discarded, since it could potentially increase the expected size. This would be of particular concern with large loads, such as a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 1 m of new snow has fallen in this region since the latest round of storms started last Sunday. Strong southerly winds have distributed new snow into variable wind slabs in exposed locations. A crust at or near the surface likely exists up to approximately 1700 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the recent storm snow lies a weak layer, comprising 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. Initially, the snow did not bond well to this layer. While it's likely gaining strength, there is concern that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists that previously had sugary facets. This could potentially still be of concern in high north facing areas in drier parts of the region. Elsewhere, this layer is no longer a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 10-15 cm of snow on Friday brought storm totals from the past week up to 100-150 cm, effectively doubling snowpack depths from before the storm. Strong to extreme southwest and west winds are likely forming the thickest deposits on lee slopes at high elevations. Wind effect is most pronounced near the coast.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow has been observed bonding poorly to the weak surface hoar and facets that formed our pre-storm snow surface. The surface hoar is likely to be especially prominent on sheltered slopes at treeline while surface faceting was likely more widespread. Deeper in the snowpack, there are reports of several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of new snow has covered the region so far this week, the product of an ongoing series of storms. Areas like Howsons in the far southwest had storm totals closer to 50 cm. The combination of new snow and forecast strong south winds is likely forming thicker and more sensitive wind deposits at higher elevations. Even below the wind, the new snow will need a bit more time to form a good bond with the weak surface hoar and facets that were sitting on the surface prior to the storms. </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see this MIN report)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A hard crust was reported 10-20 cm below the previous snow surface (so now closer to 30-50 cm deep) and in some locations there is an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack. The new snow has brought alpine snow depths up to 100-150 cm and started to cover the rocks, stumps, and open creeks at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar and a sun crust. While not recently reactive, the potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-100 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer that consists of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar in shady locations, and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be large, steep, rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 50 cm of recent storm snow has fallen in the region with strong southerly winds. This snow sits on top of a weak layer of facets (sugary crystals), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust on south aspects. Recent &quot;sudden&quot; snowpack test results on this layer indicate it still has the potential to release avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower in the snowpack there were a couple of previous weak layers in the middle of the snowpack that appear to have become inactive, and a layer of sugary facets near the base of the snowpack. This latter layer could possibly cause problems on cold (north facing) slopes at high elevations where the snowpack is thin, but in most places, this is unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm snow has been widely redistributed by the strong SW winds. In sheltered areas at treeline, there is up to 40cm and the alpine varies from 40-100cm depending on wind exposure. Needless to say, the alpine is completely covered in new windslabs. Treeline is a bit more forgiving in terms of windslab distribution, windslabs aren't as widespread. The Dec 10th surface hoar/facet layer is down 20-30 at treeline. As far as surface hoar is concerned, we did find it, but it was actually hard to track down. Sheltered areas at treeline seem the most likely, but there could be pockets in more open terrain. Facets on the other hand, are very easy to find- nothing new there! We'll nail this layer's character down better as more observations are made. The deeper crusts, are mostly facetted out, but seem to be reasonably well glued together in low angle terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent rain-soaked snow will have frozen into a crust in many places by Saturday morning. At higher elevations near Squamish, it might be possible to find dry snow. For these areas, expect to see highly variable patterns of wind deposits on account of the extreme winds. Also note, it's likely the recent new snow has not bonded well to underlying surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now approximately 170 cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong to extreme winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer of surface hoar and sun crust that formed in mid November is up to 120 cm below the surface. This layer is most likely to be a problem in areas where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust. This combination is most likely found on steep, south facing slopes at treeline. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-100 cm of snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another layer of surface hoar and sun crust is now buried 100-150 cm. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down to this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely areas for this layer to be a problem is where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust, which is most likely on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. This layer is likely only a problem on large, steep alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It likely take a large trigger, such as a cornice fall, to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30-50 cm of recent storm snow sits above a weak layer composed of large surface hoar, facets, and/or sun crust. There have been numerous signs of the new snow bonding poorly to this layer including remote triggering from low angle terrain, shooting cracks, and wide propagations in avalanches. Ongoing wind loading is forming thicker slabs at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as early season crusts with weak facets. The most concerning crust is most prevalent at and above treeline and is likely most problematic on north-facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 20-30 cm of new snow has buried previous snow surfaces that ranged from soft power to hard wind slab and sun crust. Strong winds have likely been aggressively forming wind slabs with the new snow at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the new snow and old surface, the snowpack has a thin, weak structure, with the bottom half of the snowpack composed of weak facets and crusts. This basal layer has been reactive to heavy triggers, and terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths are suspect for human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently only 30-100 cm of snow can be found in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 2 m of snow fell in the series of storms that started a week ago. Extreme southerly winds (up to 180 km/h!) accompanied the storms. Another series of storms is on the doorstep.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A crust likely exists on or near the surface at elevations below approximately 1700 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below the recent storm snow. Initially, avalanches were reported to be running on this layer. However, recent avalanche activity is running in the storm snow above this layer. Still, the presence of this layer shouldn't be completely discarded, since it could potentially increase expected avalanche size with a large trigger like a cornice collapse.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 1 m of new snow fell since the storm pattern started last Sunday. Strong southerly winds distributed new snow into variable wind slabs in exposed locations. A crust at or near the surface likely exists up to approximately 1700 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the recent storm snow lies a weak layer, comprising 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. Initially, the snow did not bond well to this layer. While it's likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists that previously had sugary facets. This could potentially still be of concern in high north facing areas in drier parts of the region. Elsewhere, this layer is no longer a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The onslaught of storms continues with another 30-50 cm of new snow possible by the end of the day on Sunday. Both snowfall amounts and wind effect will be more pronounced near the coast.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A total of 100-150 cm of recent storm snow sits above a potential weak layer. This layer is composed of surface hoar, weak facets (sugary snow), and crusts. The surface hoar is likely to be especially prominent on sheltered slopes at treeline while surface faceting was likely more widespread. Reports from the Shames area on Saturday suggest the storm snow is bonding poorly to this layer (as indicated in snowpack tests and whumpfing).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are reports of several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of new snow has covered the region so far this week, the product of an ongoing series of storms. Areas like Howsons in the far southwest had storm totals closer to 50 cm. The combination of new snow and forecast strong south winds is likely forming thicker and more sensitive wind deposits at higher elevations. Even below the wind, the new snow will need a bit more time to form a good bond with the weak surface hoar and facets that were sitting on the surface prior to the storms. </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/e51bd0b9-5ad0-4907-ba62-1d5f7ad8e0a6" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(See this MIN report)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are reports of several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow has brought alpine snow depths up to 100-150 cm and started to cover the rocks, stumps, and open creeks at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar and a sun crust. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer that consists of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar in shady locations, and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be large, steep, rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 50 to 60 cm of snow has fell last week, with strong southerly winds. This snow sits on top of a weak layer of facets (sugary crystals), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust on south aspects. Recent &quot;sudden&quot; snowpack test results and remotely triggered avalanches indicate it remains a critical layer that can release avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower in the snowpack, previous weak layers appear inactive. These deeper layers could possibly cause problems on cold (north facing) slopes at high elevations where the snowpack is thin, but in most places, this is unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An additional 4cm fell overnight on friday and 10cm during the day on Saturday.  Over the past 5 days 46cm of snow has fallen at treeline with warm temps and strong SW winds.  Widespread windslabs have developed and we have seen lots of cracking,  reports of whumpfing, and skier controlled avalanches on the Dec 10th surface hoar and facet interface down 40-60cm.  Recent natural avalanche have stepped down to the Oct crust with fracture depths over 1m.  The new windslabs and persistent slabs will take a few days to settle out and strenghten.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent rain-soaked snow has frozen into a crust in most places. The exception is higher elevations near Squamish where dry snow likely still exists. For these higher elevation areas, expect to see highly variable patterns of wind deposits on account of last week's extreme winds. In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now approximately 170 cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">70-120 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong to extreme winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer of surface hoar and sun crust that formed in mid November is up to 120 cm below the surface. This layer is most likely to be a problem in areas where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust. This combination is most likely found on steep, south facing slopes at treeline. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-120 cm of snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another layer of surface hoar and sun crust is now buried 80-150 cm. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down to this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely areas for this layer to be a problem is where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust, which is most likely on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. This layer is likely only a problem on large, steep alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger, such as a cornice fall, to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong wind has affected most open terrain and formed fresh wind slabs at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30-50 cm of recent storm snow sits above a weak layer composed of large surface hoar, facets, and/or sun crust. There have been numerous signs of the new snow bonding poorly to this layer including remote triggering from low angle terrain, shooting cracks, and wide propagations in avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as early season crusts with weak facets. The most concerning crust is prevalent at higher elevations and is likely most problematic on north-facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds have affected all open terrain, scouring windward slopes and forming wind deposits on lee slopes. Currently only 30-120 cm of snow can be found in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 20-30 cm of recent snow has buried old wind slabs and sun crusts. The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed of facets and crust that has been reactive to heavy triggers. Terrain features like smooth alpine bowls with variable snowpack depths are suspect for human triggering.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 2 m of snow has accumulated over the past week. We are in the midst of another series of storms impacting the region, which will bring another round of snow and strong to extreme southerly winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all the recent storm snow. Initially, avalanches were reported to be running on this layer. However, recent avalanche activity is running in the storm snow above this layer. Still, the presence of this layer shouldn't be completely discarded, since it could potentially increase expected avalanche size with a large trigger like a cornice collapse.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 1 m of new snow fell since the storm pattern started last Sunday. Strong southerly winds distributed new snow into variable wind slabs in exposed locations. A crust at or near the surface likely exists up to approximately 1700 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the recent storm snow lies a weak layer, comprising 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. Initially, the snow did not bond well to this layer. While it's likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists that previously had sugary facets. This could potentially still be of concern in high north facing areas in drier parts of the region. Elsewhere, this layer is no longer a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The onslaught of storms continues with another 15-30 cm of new snow possible by the end of the day on Sunday. Both snowfall amounts and wind effect will be more pronounced near the coast.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A total of 100-150 cm of recent storm snow sits above a layer of potentially weak snow that formed during the dry spell in early December. The layer is composed of weak surface hoar or facets that are often found above a crust. The surface hoar is most likely on sheltered slopes at treeline while surface faceting was probably more widespread. Reports from the Shames area on Saturday suggest the storm snow could still be bonding poorly to this layer (as indicated in snowpack tests and whumpfing).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are reports of several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather continues to build storm slabs and wind slabs throughout the region. Sunday's storm brought another 15-25 cm of snow, which brings the total of 40-70 cm of new snow since Tuesday the 11th. The combination of new snow and forecast strong south winds is likely forming thicker and more sensitive wind deposits at higher elevations. The new snow may still need a bit more time to form a good bond with the weak surface hoar and facets that were sitting on the surface prior to the storms.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are reports of several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow has brought alpine snow depths up to 100-150 cm and started to cover the rocks, stumps, and open creeks at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">70-130 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar and a sun crust. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-120 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer that consists of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar in shady locations, and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be large, steep, rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Until today the primary concern was the layer below last week's storm snow accumulations; that would be the Dec 09 (date it was buried) layer of facets (sugary crystals), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust on south aspects all about 60 cm deep. By the time Monday morning rolls in I expect two primary concerns:  Dec which will be getting to 70 cm or more below the surface, as well as some storm &amp; wind slab issues (say within 30 cm of the surface, deeper in wind loaded pockets). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Although 10 or 15 cm of new snow daily often won't start a natural avalanche cycle, it looks to me that we're getting real close to tipping the balance. The Dec 09 layer, it's primed; recent &quot;sudden&quot; snowpack test results and remotely triggered avalanches indicate it remains a critical layer. If the forecast storms materialize I expect this layer to wake up on Monday or Tuesday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower in the snowpack, previous weak layers from November appear inactive. These deeper layers could possibly cause problems on cold (north facing) slopes at high elevations where the snowpack is thin, but in most places, this is unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 2cm of fresh snow overnight brings the recent storm snow up to 40cm at Treeline. Widespread wind slabs have developed and we have seen lots of cracking, reports of whumpfing, and skier controlled avalanches on the Dec 10th surface hoar and facet interface down 40-50cm. Recent natural avalanche have stepped down to the Oct crust with fracture depths over 1m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent precipitation has come as rain resulting in a moist or wet surface snow. The exception is higher elevations near Squamish where dry snow likely still exists. For these higher elevation areas, expect to see highly variable patterns of wind deposits on account of last week's extreme winds. In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now approximately 170 cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">70-120 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong to extreme winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer of surface hoar and sun crust that formed in mid November is up to 120 cm below the surface. This layer is most likely to be a problem in areas where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust. This combination is most likely found on steep, south facing slopes at treeline. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-120 cm of snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another layer of surface hoar and sun crust is now buried 80-150 cm. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down to this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely areas for this layer to be a problem is where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust, which is most likely on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. This layer is likely only a problem on large, steep alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger, such as a cornice fall, to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Tuesday's storm will build fresh storm slabs, especially at higher elevations where strong wind will form extra thick slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow is falling on moist snow below 1600 m and hard wind packed snow in the alpine. Roughly 30-50 cm of snow is settling above a weak layer composed of large surface hoar, facets, and/or sun crust. There have been numerous signs over the past few days that this layer remains weak (i.e. remote triggering from low angle terrain, wide propagations in avalanches), and the layer could become extra reactive with the additional load of the new snow on Tuesday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as early season crusts with weak facets. The most concerning crust is prevalent at higher elevations and is likely most problematic on north-facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Tuesday's storm will build fresh wind slabs at higher elevations. Strong wind has affected all open terrain over the past few days, scouring windward slopes and forming wind deposits on lee slopes. Currently only 30-120 cm of snow can be found in alpine areas and much less at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed of facets and crusts. Heavy explosive triggers have produced large avalanches on these layers, and human triggering is suspect on steep terrain features and slopes with variable snowpack depth.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 2 m of snow has accumulated over the past week. We are in the midst of another series of storms impacting the region, which will bring another round of snow and strong to extreme southerly winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all the recent storm snow. Initially, avalanches were reported to be running on this layer. However, recent avalanche activity is running in the storm snow above this layer. Still, the presence of this layer shouldn't be completely discarded, since it could potentially increase expected avalanche size with a large trigger like a cornice collapse.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 1 m of new snow fell since the storm pattern started last Sunday. Strong southerly winds distributed new snow into variable wind slabs in exposed locations. A crust at or near the surface likely exists up to approximately 1700 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the recent storm snow lies a weak layer, comprising 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. Initially, the snow did not bond well to this layer. While it's likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists that previously had sugary facets. This could potentially still be of concern in high north facing areas in drier parts of the region. Elsewhere, this layer is no longer a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The onslaught of storms continues with another 20-40 cm of new snow possible by the end of the day on Tuesday (and rain below 1000 m). Both snowfall amounts and wind effect will be more pronounced near the coast.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A total of 100-160 cm of recent storm snow sits above a layer of surface hoar, facets, and crusts that formed during the dry spell in early December. While a concern during the start of the storm, the strength of this layer has probably improved substantially over the past week and it likely requires a heavy load to trigger (e.g. cornice fall, explosives, a small avalanche) . </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts, including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather continues to build storm slabs and wind slabs throughout the region. Sunday's storm brought another 15-25 cm of snow, which brings the total amount of snow since last Tuesday (the 11th) to 40-70 cm. The combination of new snow and forecast strong south winds is likely forming thicker and more sensitive wind deposits at higher elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow may still need a bit more time to form a good bond with the weak surface hoar and facets that formed during the dry spell in early December. We're lacking information about the current strength of this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are reports of several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">70-130 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar and a sun crust. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-120 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer that consists of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar in shady locations, and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be large, steep, rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Until today the primary concern was the layer below last week's storm snow accumulations; that would be the Dec 09 (date it was buried) layer of facets (sugary crystals), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust on south aspects all about 60 cm deep. After the latest storm Monday night into Tuesday, the Dec 09 will be 70-80 cm below the surface, as well as some new storm &amp; wind slab issues (say within 30 cm of the surface, deeper in wind loaded pockets). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Although 10 or 15 cm of new snow daily often won't start a natural avalanche cycle, it looks like we're getting real close to tipping the balance. The Dec 09 layer, it's primed; recent &quot;sudden&quot; snowpack test results and remotely triggered avalanches indicate it remains a critical layer. If the forecast storms materialize I expect this layer may wake up as we continue to build the load on top of it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower in the snowpack, previous weak layers from November appear inactive. These deeper layers could possibly cause problems on cold (north facing) slopes at high elevations where the snowpack is thin, but in most places, this is unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few convective flurries through the day on Monday put a light dusting on the surface. Recent storm snow has settled to an average of 40cm at Treeline. Widespread wind slabs are present in Alpine and Treeline terrain in lee and cross-loaded features. There has been lots of cracking, whumpfing, and skier triggered avalanches on the Dec 10th surface hoar and facet interface down 40-50cm. In addition, recent natural avalanches have stepped down to the October crust with fracture depths over 1 metre in some cases.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent precipitation has come as rain resulting in a moist or wet surface snow. The exception is higher elevations near Squamish where dry snow likely exists. For these higher elevation areas, expect to see storm snow from the past few days approaching 100cm with accompanied thick wind deposits in alpine lee terrain. In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now over 200 cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 70-120 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong to extreme winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer of surface hoar and sun crust that formed in mid November is up to 120 cm below the surface. This layer is most likely to be a problem in areas where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust. This combination is most likely found on steep, south facing slopes at treeline. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 60-120 cm of recent snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another layer of surface hoar and sun crust is now buried 80-150 cm. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down to this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely areas for this layer to be a problem is where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust, which is most likely on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. This layer is likely only a problem on large, steep alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger, such as a cornice fall, to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Tuesday's storm hit the region with 40 cm of new snow, forming fresh storm slabs at upper elevations. The precipitation fell as rain below 1500 m, leaving moist snow on the surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 50-80 cm of snow now sits above a weak layer composed of large surface hoar, facets, and/or sun crusts. There have been numerous signs over the past few days that this layer remains weak (e.g. remote triggering from low angle terrain, wide propagations in avalanches), and the additional load of the new snow could be pushing this layer past the tipping point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as early season crusts with weak facets. The most concerning crust is prevalent at higher elevations and is likely most problematic on north-facing features, especially those that are large and planar in nature.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Tuesday's storm hit the region with 20-40 cm of new snow, forming fresh storm slabs at upper elevations. This substantially increases snowpack depths throughout the region, which prior to the storm range from 30-120 cm in the alpine and much less at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed of facets and crusts, and the additional load of the new snow has pushed these weak layers past the tipping point. Any avalanche could step down to the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over 2 m of snow has accumulated over the past 10 days. We are in the midst of another series of storms impacting the region, which will bring another round of snow and strong to extreme southerly winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all the recent storm snow. Initially, avalanches were reported to be running on this layer. However, recent avalanche activity is running in the storm snow above this layer. Still, the presence of this layer shouldn't be completely discarded, since it could potentially increase expected avalanche size with a large trigger like a cornice collapse.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another storm has brought an additional 20-30cm of snow to the region at upper elevations. Strong southerly winds have distributed new snow into variable wind slabs in exposed locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the recent storm snow lies a weak layer, comprising 20-30 cm of low density faceted snow. Initially, the snow did not bond well to this layer. While it's likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists that previously had sugary facets. This could potentially still be of concern in high north facing areas in drier parts of the region. Elsewhere, this layer is no longer a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the past week an onslaught of storms has delivered 100-150 cm of snow to the region, with another 5-20 cm of fresh snow possible on Wednesday. Warm temperatures have left the surface snow moist up to roughly 1000 m, which could freeze into a crust with dropping temperatures this week. Strong wind has likely affected open terrain at higher elevations and formed thick wind deposits in lee terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of this storm snow sits above an interface that was a concern during the start of the storm, but the strength of this layer has probably improved substantially over the past week. The interface is composed of surface hoar, facets, and crusts that formed during the dry spell in early December. Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts, including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A total of 40-70 cm of snow has fallen over the past week, likely forming storm slabs and wind slabs throughout the region. The combination of new snow and strong wind from the southwest is likely forming thicker and more sensitive wind deposits at higher elevations. The storm snow may still need a bit more time to form a good bond with the weak surface hoar and facets that formed during the dry spell in early December. We're lacking information about the current strength of this potential weak layer. Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm very recent snow brings storm totals to 60-100 cm over the last week or so. The storm snow buried a a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation, particularly with the most recent new snow available for transport.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar and a sun crust. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm very recent snow brings storm totals to 60-120 cm over the last week or so. This new snow sits on a weak layer that consists of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation, particularly with the most recent new snow available for transport.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar in shady locations, and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be large, steep, rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The primary concern in the snowpack is the layer below last week's storm snow accumulations; that would be the Dec 09 (date it was buried) layer of facets (sugary crystals), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust on south aspects all about 60 cm deep. After the latest storm Monday night into Tuesday, the Dec 09 will be 70-80 cm below the surface, as well as some new storm &amp; wind slab issues (say within 30 cm of the surface, deeper in wind loaded pockets). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Although 10 or 15 cm of new snow daily often won't start a natural avalanche cycle, it looks like we're getting real close to tipping the balance. The Dec 09 layer, it's primed; recent &quot;sudden&quot; snowpack test results and remotely triggered avalanches indicate it remains a critical layer. If the forecast storms materialize I expect this layer may wake up as we continue to build the load on top of it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower in the snowpack, previous weak layers from November appear inactive. These deeper layers could possibly cause problems on cold (north facing) slopes at high elevations where the snowpack is thin, but in most places, this is unlikely.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This recent storm has left us with 35-45cm of snow in sheltered areas and up to 90cm of storm snow in lee features. These loaded lee features are a good indication of the recent wind transport; it will be important to look for windslabs before venturing into bigger terrain.  Below this storm snow are surface hoar and facet crystals which are creating a weak sliding surface for the snow to be reactive; we are calling this the December facet layer interface and it is producing easy to moderate failures in our snow tests.  There is still concern for this recent storm snow to trigger the October facet layer at the bottom of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent precipitation has come as rain again resulting in a moist or wet surface snow. The exception is higher elevations near Squamish where dry snow likely exists. For these higher elevation areas, expect to see storm snow from the past few days approaching 100cm with accompanied thick wind deposits in alpine lee terrain. In alpine areas near Squamish, snow depths are now well over 200 cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 70-120 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation, particularly with the most recent new snow available for transport.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer of surface hoar and sun crust that formed in mid November is up to 120 cm below the surface. This layer is most likely to be a problem in areas where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust. This combination is most likely found on steep, south facing slopes at treeline. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 60-90 cm of recent snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation, particularly with the most recent new snow available for transport.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another layer of surface hoar and sun crust is now buried 80-150 cm. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down to this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely areas for this layer to be a problem is where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust, which is most likely on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. This layer is likely only a problem on large, steep alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger, such as a cornice fall, to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-50 cm of recent snow has formed fresh storm slabs. The precipitation fell as rain below 1500 m, leaving moist snow on the surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 40-90 cm of snow now sits above a weak layer composed of large surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), and/or sun crusts. There have been numerous signs over the past few days that this layer remains weak, such as remote triggering from low angle terrain and wide propagations in avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as early season crusts with weak facets.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-60 cm of recent storm snow has formed&nbsp; storm slabs at upper elevations. This new snow substantially increases snowpack depths throughout the region, which prior to the storm ranged from 30-120 cm in the alpine and much less at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed of facets and crusts, and the additional load of the new snow has pushed these weak layers past the tipping point. Any avalanche could step down to the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 3 m of snow has accumulated over the past 10 days. We are in the midst of another storm impacting the region on Thursday, which will bring more snow and strong to extreme southwest winds. Expect the new snow to be reactive to both skier activity and natural triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow. Recent avalanche activity is running in the storm snow above this layer but there have been reports of avalanche stepping down deeper within the snowpack, possibly to this weak layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack, weak and sugary facets exist below an early-season melt-freeze crust. This weak layer has been the culprit for sporadic, very large avalanches in alpine terrain in the past few weeks. The avalanches have occurred in areas where the ground roughness is very smooth, for example glaciers, firn, and shale/rock slab slopes. An avalanche could be triggered in this layer in areas with smooth ground roughness either where the snowpack is thin or with a very large trigger such as a cornice fall. Storm slab avalanches could also step down to this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of snow fell on Wednesday around the Coquihalla, with substantially lesser amounts in the north of the region. We are in the midst of another storm impacting the region on Thursday, which will bring more snow and strong to extreme southwest winds. Expect the new snow to be reactive to both skier activity and natural triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow. While the layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists with weak and sugary facets beneath it. This could potentially still be of concern in high north-facing aspects where the snowpack rests on very smooth ground cover. Elsewhere, this layer is no longer a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the past week an onslaught of storms has delivered 100-150 cm of snow to the region. Warm temperatures have left the surface snow moist up to approximately 1000 m, which will likely freeze into a crust with dropping temperatures this week. Strong wind has likely affected open terrain at higher elevations and formed thick wind deposits in lee terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of this storm snow sits above an interface that was a concern during the start of the storm, but the strength of this layer has likely improved substantially over the past week. The interface is composed of surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), and crusts that formed during the dry spell in early December. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts, including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A total of 40-70 cm of snow has fallen over the past week, likely forming storm slabs and wind slabs throughout the region. The combination of new snow and strong wind from the southwest is likely forming thicker and more sensitive wind deposits at higher elevations. The storm snow may still need a bit more time to form a good bond with the weak surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Information is very limited about the current strength of this potential weak layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms have deposited 60-100 cm of new snow. This new snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation, particularly with the most recent new snow available for transport.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar and a sun crust. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms have deposited 80-120 cm of new snow. This new snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation, particularly with the most recent new snow available for transport.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar in shady locations, and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be large, steep, rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall to produce an avalanche on this layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 50 to 100 cm of recent storm snow overlies a weak layer of feathery surface hoar, sugary facets, and variable crusts. Avalanche activity, remote triggering, and snowpack test results tell us that it is a critical layer. It is best to travel extremely cautiously with this layer in the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower in the snowpack, previous weak layers from November appear inactive. These deeper layers could possibly cause problems on north-facing slopes at high elevations where the snowpack is thin.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10cm of snow that fell Tuesday night brings our storm snow up to 50cm. Lee features are much more loaded (up to 90cm of storm snow). These loaded lee features are a good indication of the recent wind transport; it will be important to look for windslabs before venturing into bigger terrain. Below this storm snow are surface hoar and facet crystals which are creating a weak sliding surface for the snow to be reactive; we are calling this the December facet layer interface and it is producing natural avalanches. There is still concern for this recent storm snow to trigger the October facet layer at the bottom of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday's precipitation will start as snow around 1300 m and then fall as rain at most elevations as freezing levels rise. The rain will fall onto recent dry snow above 1300 m and on rain-soaked snow below 1300 m. For the higher elevation areas, which are generally accessible around Squamish, expect to find storm slabs up to 100 cm thick and even deeper wind-loaded deposits in alpine lee terrain features. Snow depths are over 200 cm in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 70-120 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals) and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation, particularly with the most recent new snow available for transport.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer of surface hoar and sun crust that formed in mid November is up to 120 cm below the surface. This layer is most likely to be a problem in areas where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust. This combination is most likely found on steep, south facing slopes at treeline. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed near the end of October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday's storm delivered 10-20 cm of new snow and strong winds promoted widespread slab formation. Approximately 50-100 cm of recent snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another layer of surface hoar and sun crust is now buried 80-150 cm. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down to this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely areas for this layer to be a problem is where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust, which is most likely on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. This layer is likely only a problem on large, steep alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger, such as a cornice fall, to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-80 cm of recent snow sits on a weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of facets (sugary snow) with some isolated areas also containing small surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as rain crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-70 cm of recent snow is sitting on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry weather in early December. Wind and warm temperatures have promoted widespread storm slab formation over this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of facets. It is likely that an avalanche triggered in the storm snow, would entrain the facets at the base of the snowpack, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 3 m of snow has accumulated over the past 10 days. Thursday’s storm brought 30 to 50 cm more snow to the region. The snow fell with extreme (gusts to 180 km/h) southerly winds. Expect the new snow to be reactive to skier activity on Friday, especially in the immediate lees of terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow. Recent avalanche activity is mostly running in the storm snow above this layer but there have been reports of avalanche stepping down deeper within the snowpack, possibly to this weak layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack, weak and sugary facets exist below an early-season melt-freeze crust. This weak layer has been the culprit for sporadic, very large avalanches in alpine terrain in the past few weeks. The avalanches have occurred in areas where the ground roughness is very smooth, for example glaciers, firn, and shale/rock slab slopes. An avalanche could be triggered in this layer in areas with smooth ground roughness either where the snowpack is thin or with a very large trigger such as a cornice fall. Storm slab avalanches could also step down to this layer.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30 to 40 cm of snow fell in the region on Thursday with associated strong southerly winds. Deeper snow deposits are likely in the lees of terrain features. This sits on around 1 to 2 m of storm snow that has fallen in the past two weeks. Below 1500 m, Thursdays precipitation mostly fell as rain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north portion of the region, a weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow, around 120 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. While the layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists with weak and sugary facets beneath it. This could potentially still be of concern in high north-facing aspects where the snowpack rests on very smooth ground cover.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10 cm of new snow likely sits on a rain crust to approximately 1000 m. Above 1000 m this new snow is sitting on the 100-150 cm of storm snow that came in over the past week. Previous strong winds have likely affected open terrain at higher elevations and formed thick wind deposits in lee terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of this recent storm snow sits on an interface that was a concern during the start of the storm, but the strength of this layer has likely improved substantially over the past week. The interface is composed of surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), and crusts that formed during the dry spell in early December. The surface hoar is most prevalent and is still showing reactivity in more northern portions of the region, and is something to keep in mind if you plan to travel to areas like Ningunsaw.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts, including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A total of 40-80 cm of snow has fallen over the past week, likely forming storm slabs and wind slabs throughout the region. The combination of new snow and strong wind has likely formed thicker and more sensitive wind deposits at higher elevations. The storm snow may still need a bit more time to form a good bond with the weak surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Information is very limited about the current strength of this potential weak layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms have deposited 80-120 cm of new snow. This new snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation, particularly with the most recent new snow available for transport.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar and a sun crust. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms have deposited 80-120 cm of new snow. This new snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation, particularly with the most recent new snow available for transport.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid-November is now buried up to 150 cm and consists of surface hoar in shady locations, and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely place for this layer to be a problem is on steep, south facing slopes at treeline where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be large, steep, rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 50 to 100 cm of recent storm snow overlies a rain crust and a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets. Avalanche activity, remote triggering, and snowpack test results tell us that it is a critical layer. It is best to travel extremely cautiously with this layer in the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">More snow arrived last night and today. We now have 40-70 on top of the Dec 10 facet layer at treeline. Winds have continued to howl from the west today. The alpine is either wind scoured, or windslabs. Treeline also has these wind slabs, however they not as dense, which makes them tougher to predict in terms of &quot;triggerability&quot;. A profile today at 2000m had the Dec 10th down about 40cm. There were repeatable test results (compression test 19, sudden collapse) on this layer indicating it is a serious concern. The bottom line? We have several very weak layers lingering in the lower snowpack with a windslab sitting on top. Basically a house of cards waiting to reach the tipping point.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday's precipitation fell as rain at most elevations except for in the alpine near Squamish. Expect to find rain-soaked snow to treeline and storm snow up to 100 cm thick and even deeper in wind-loaded terrain features in the high alpine. Snow depths are over 200 cm in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong wind from the southwest has formed fresh wind slabs in the alpine and around treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A week of stormy weather has deposited 70-100 cm of snow above a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects) that formed during the dry spell in early December. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past week, particularly on north and east facing slopes above 1900 m. The potential exists for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer from mid-November is now buried up to 120 cm, but has been less active recently. It could potentially remain a concern on steep south-facing slopes where the surface hoar sits on a sun crust. At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be steep rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday's storm delivered 10-20 cm of new snow and strong winds promoted widespread slab formation. Approximately 50-100 cm of recent snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another layer of surface hoar and sun crust is now buried 80-150 cm. The potential may exist for smaller avalanches to step down to this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches. The most likely areas for this layer to be a problem is where the surface hoar sits on the sun crust, which is most likely on steep south facing terrain at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. This layer is likely only a problem on large, steep alpine features with a shallow snowpack. It would likely take a large trigger, such as a cornice fall, to produce an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of recent snow sits on a weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of facets (sugary snow) with some isolated areas also containing small surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed down, but in certain terrain features, it is likely that it would still be possible for humans to trigger avalanches on this layer. Features where the underlying ground surface is smooth, and areas where the snowpack varies from thin to thick would be the most likely places for humans to trigger an avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as rain crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of recent snow has formed widespread storm slabs that are sitting on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry weather in early December. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed down, but in certain terrain features, it is likely that it would still be easy for humans to trigger avalanches on this layer. Features where the underlying ground surface is smooth, and areas where the snowpack varies from thin to thick would be the most likely places for humans to trigger an avalanche on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of facets. It is likely that an avalanche triggered in the storm snow would entrain the facets at the base of the snowpack, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday's storm dumped 30 to 50 cm of snow, with extreme winds (gusts to 180 km/h). All terrain features near ridges could have touchy slabs due to variable wind directions. Below around 1800 m, expect to find a melt-freeze crust formed by rain from Thursday's storm. New snow on Saturday will fall on these surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow (over 3 m in the past two weeks!). Recent avalanche activity is mostly running in the storm snow above this layer but there have been reports of avalanche stepping down deeper within the snowpack, possibly to this weak layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack, weak and sugary facets exist below an early-season melt-freeze crust. This weak layer has been the culprit for sporadic, very large avalanches in alpine terrain in the past few weeks. The avalanches have occurred in areas where the ground roughness is very smooth, for example glaciers, firn, and shale/rock slab slopes. An avalanche could be triggered in this layer in areas with smooth ground roughness either where the snowpack is thin or with a very large trigger such as a cornice fall. Storm slab avalanches could also step down to this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30 to 40 cm of snow fell in the region on Thursday at high elevations. Below about 1800 m expect to find a melt-freeze crust due to rain. At high elevations, expect to find deeper slabs in the lees of terrain features due to strong variable winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow, around 120 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. While the layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists with weak and sugary facets beneath it. This could potentially still be of concern in high north-facing aspects where the snowpack rests on very smooth ground cover.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of recent snow sits on a rain crust to approximately 1000 m. Above 1000 m this new snow is sitting on the 100-150 cm of storm snow that came in over the past week. Strong winds have likely affected open terrain at higher elevations and formed deep wind deposits in lee terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This 100-150 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer that was a concern when the first waves of the storm hit the coast, but the strength of this layer has generally improved over the past week. This layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), and crusts that formed during the dry spell in early December. The surface hoar is most prevalent and has recently been reactive between 1100-1300 m in more northern portions of the region, and is something to keep in mind if you plan to travel to areas like Ningunsaw.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts, including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-90 cm of snow has fallen over the past week, likely forming storm slabs and wind slabs throughout the region. Deeper and more sensitive wind deposits are likely to be found at higher elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow may still need more time to form a good bond with the weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Information is very limited about the current strength of this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong wind from the southwest has formed fresh wind slabs in the alpine and around treeline, while 20-40 cm of recent storm snow continues to settle into a slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A week of stormy weather has deposited 80-120 cm of snow above a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects) that formed during the dry spell in early December. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past week, particularly on north and east facing slopes above 1900 m. The potential exists for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer from mid-November is now buried up to 150 cm, but has been less active recently. At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong wind from the southwest has formed fresh wind slabs in the alpine and around treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A week of stormy weather has deposited 80-120 cm of snow above a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects) that formed during the dry spell in early December. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past week, particularly on north and east facing slopes above 1900 m. The potential exists for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer from mid-November is now buried up to 150 cm, but has been less active recently. At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be steep rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds from first the south and then the northwest have redistributed the recent storm snow, producing wind slabs in lee terrain features at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, around 50 to 100 cm of snow is poorly bonded to a rain crust and a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets. Avalanche activity, remote triggering, and snowpack test results tell us that it is a critical layer. It is best to travel extremely cautiously with this layer in the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10cm of snow over the past 24hrs brings our total amounts of settled storm snow up to 60-70cm.  This new snow is overlying the dec 10th facet interface the is producing easy to moderate shears down 60ish cm.  This layer may be deeper in more wide affected areas and also more reactive.  Forecasters on Friday turned around at a treeline feature due to whumpfing and cracking on this interface.  With the snowpack doubling in the past week it is overloaded and primed for human triggerred avalanches.  Pull back and stick to conservative terrain with minimal overhead exposure.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures have frozen the rain that fell on Thursday, producing a thick melt-freeze crusts at most elevations. The exception is in the alpine near Squamish, where most of the precipitation likely fell as snow. New snow on Saturday will fall on these surfaces. The new snow may not bond well to the crust. At alpine elevations, substantial amounts of snowfall have produced storm slabs, with the thickest being in lee terrain features. Snow depths are over 200 cm in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong wind from the southwest has formed wind slabs in the alpine and around treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A week of stormy weather has deposited 50-100 cm of snow above a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects) that formed during the dry spell in early December. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past week, particularly on north and east facing slopes above 1900 m. The potential exists for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer from mid-November is now buried up to 120 cm, but has been less active recently. It could potentially remain a concern on steep south-facing slopes where the surface hoar sits on a sun crust. At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be steep rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong wind from the southwest and northwest has formed wind slabs in the alpine and around treeline. Approximately 50-100 cm of recent snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Another similar weak layer is buried 80-150 cm. Finally, the base of the snowpack has weak facets layers at alpine and treeline elevations. All of these weak layers have been producing large avalanches over the past week. Human triggering any of these layer is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth (such as rocky alpine features).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-100 cm of recent snow has formed a slab that sits on a weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of facets (sugary snow) with some isolated areas also containing small surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of recent snow has formed a slab that sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry weather in early December. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed down to some degree, but in certain terrain features, it may still be easy for humans to trigger avalanches on this layer. Steep features where the underlying ground cover is smooth, places where the snowpack transitions from deep to shallow, and large convex features are some of the most likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of facets. It is likely that an avalanche triggered on the persistent slab would step down to the lower facets, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New slabs will form during the storm on Saturday night and Sunday. Below around 1800 m, expect new snow to fall onto a melt-freeze crust formed by rain from Thursday’s storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below storm snow (over 3 m in the past two weeks!). Recent avalanche activity is mostly running in the storm snow above this layer but there have been reports of avalanche stepping down deeper within the snowpack, possibly to this weak layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack, weak and sugary facets exist below an early-season melt-freeze crust. This weak layer has been the culprit for sporadic, very large avalanches in alpine terrain in the past few weeks. The avalanches have occurred in areas where the ground roughness is very smooth, for example glaciers, firn, and shale/rock slab slopes. An avalanche could be triggered in this layer in areas with smooth ground roughness either where the snowpack is thin or with a very large trigger such as a cornice fall. Storm slab avalanches could also step down to this layer.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs may form the storm today, which may sit on old wind slabs from Thursday’s storm. Below around 1800 m, expect to find a melt-freeze crust formed by rain from Thursday’s storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow, around 100 to 150 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. While the layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists with weak and sugary facets beneath it. This could potentially still be of concern in high north-facing aspects where the snowpack rests on very smooth ground cover.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-20 cm of recent snow sits on a melt-freeze crust to approximately 1000 m. Above 1000 m this new snow is sitting on the 100-150 cm of storm snow that came in over the past week. Strong winds have likely formed wind slabs at upper elevations, especially in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This 100-150 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer that was a concern when the first waves of the storm hit the coast, but the strength of this layer has generally improved over the past week. This layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), and crusts that formed during the dry spell in early December. The surface hoar is most prevalent and has most recently been reactive between 1100-1300 m in more northern portions of the region, and is something to keep in mind if you plan to travel to areas like Ningunsaw.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts, including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few centimeters of new snow adds to the 50-90 cm of snow that has fallen over the past week. Strong winds have likely formed wind slabs throughout the region. Deeper and more sensitive wind deposits are likely to be found at higher elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Information is very limited in this region about how well the new snow is bonding to this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong wind from the southwest has formed fresh wind slabs in the alpine and around treeline, while recent storm snow continues to settle into a slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A week of stormy weather has deposited 80-120 cm of snow above a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects) that formed during the dry spell in early December. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past week, particularly on north and east facing slopes above 1900 m. The potential exists for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer from mid-November is now buried up to 150 cm, but has been less active recently. At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Concern for this layer is dwindling but it may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain, especially where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong wind from the southwest has formed wind slabs in the alpine and around treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather over the past 10 days has deposited 80-120 cm of snow above a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects) that formed during the dry spell in early December. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past week, particularly on north and east facing slopes above 1900 m. The potential exists for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer from mid-November is now buried up to 150 cm, but has been less active recently. At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering this layer is low, but the most suspect areas would be steep rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds from variable directions have redistributed the recent storm snow, producing wind slabs in lee terrain features on all aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, around 50 to 100 cm of snow is poorly bonded to a rain crust and a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets. Avalanche activity, remote triggering, and snowpack test results tell us that it is a critical layer. It is best to travel extremely cautiously with this layer in the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind continues to have the most influence on our snow pack right now. Wind slabs are widespread in the alpine, and are likely dense (1 finger). Gullies are noticeably crossloaded and most are fat with new deposited snow. Treeline is similar, but the windslabs are a softer(4 finger). The amount of avalanche activity seen today suggests the Feb 10 layer is more pronounced at this elevation band. Windslab thickness also varies. Fresh avalanche crowns tell us these slabs can be up to 1m thick.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow on Saturday and Sunday are falling on a melt-freeze crust that was formed during Thursday’s storm.  The new snow may not bond well to the crust. Expect the deepest deposits in lee terrain features around treeline and alpine elevations.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent wind from the southwest has formed wind slabs in the alpine and around treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A week of stormy weather has deposited 50-100 cm of snow above a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects) that formed during the dry spell in early December. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past week, particularly on northeast facing slopes above 1900 m and on south-facing slopes in the alpine. The potential exists for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this layer, resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer from mid-November is now buried up to 120 cm, but has been less active recently. At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong wind from the southwest and northwest has formed wind slabs in the alpine and around treeline. Approximately 50-100 cm of recent snow sits on a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south facing slopes) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Another similar weak layer is buried 80-150 cm. Finally, the base of the snowpack has weak facets layers at alpine and treeline elevations. All of these weak layers have been producing large avalanches over the past week. Human triggering any of these layer is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth (such as rocky alpine features).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 cm of snow fell during the day on Sunday. This new snow has been redistributed into soft wind slabs in lee areas at treeline and alpine elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-110 cm of recent snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of facets (sugary snow) with some isolated areas also containing small surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. The potential may exist for avalanches triggered on the persistent slab to step down to these lower layers, resulting in large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of recent snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer of facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry weather in early December. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Though avalanche activity on this layer has slowed down in recent days, it may still be easy for humans to trigger avalanches on this layer in certain terrain features. Steep features where the underlying ground cover is smooth, places where the snowpack depths are variable, and large convex features are some of the more likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of facets. It is likely that an avalanche triggered on the persistent slab would step down to the lower facets, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30 to 40 cm of snow fell during Saturday night and Sunday's storm. The snow fell with southwest winds, likely forming wind slabs in lee terrain features. Below around 1800 m, the snow fell onto a melt-freeze crust formed by rain from Thursday's storm. It may take a bit of time for the new snow to bond to underlying surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below storm snow, generally around 150 to 200 cm deep. There hasn't been reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week. That being said, this layer may still exist in isolated areas around treeline in some portions of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack, weak and sugary facets are found below an early-season melt-freeze crust. This weak layer has been the culprit for sporadic, very large avalanches in alpine terrain in the past few weeks. The avalanches have occurred in areas where the ground roughness is very smooth, for example glaciers, firn, and shale/rock slab slopes. An avalanche could be triggered in this layer with a very large trigger, such as a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 cm of snow fell in the region on Sunday with associated strong winds, likely forming small wind slabs in the immediate lees of ridges. Below around 1800 m, expect the storm snow to sit on melt-freeze crust formed by rain from Thursday's storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow, around 100 to 150 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. While the layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists. </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/d5acab3e-1612-4c56-a7ee-c15a4c5be035" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">See this MIN post for snowpack test results around the Duffey on this layer.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists with weak and sugary facets beneath it. This could potentially still be of concern in high north-facing aspects where the snowpack rests on very smooth ground cover.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust to approximately 1000 m. Above 1000 m this new snow is just adding to the 150+ cm of snow that has fallen over the past week. Strong winds have likely formed wind slabs at upper elevations, especially in lee features. Expect to find more reactive slabs in wind loaded areas, and especially in places that received high snowfall amounts over the weekend.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">120-200 cm of snow sits on a weak layer that was a concern when the first waves of the storm hit the coast, but the strength of this layer has generally improved over the past week. This layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), and crusts that formed during the dry spell in early December. The surface hoar is most prevalent and has most recently been reactive between 1100-1300 m in more northern portions of the region, and is something to keep in mind if you plan to travel to areas like Ningunsaw.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts, including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-90 cm of snow has fallen over the past week. Strong winds have likely formed wind slabs throughout the region. Deeper and more sensitive wind deposits are likely to be found at higher elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Information is limited in this region about how well the new snow is bonding to this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong wind from various directions has formed wind slabs in the alpine and around treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A week of stormy weather has deposited 80-120 cm of snow above a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects) that formed during the dry spell in early December. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past week, particularly on northeast facing slopes above 1900 m and on south-facing slopes in the alpine. The potential exists for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this layer, resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer from mid-November is now buried up to 150 cm, but has been less active recently. At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. Concern for these layers has dwindled, but they may still be worth considering in places such as steep, rocky, alpine terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong wind from the southwest has formed wind slabs in the alpine and around treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather over the past two weeks has deposited 80-120 cm of snow above a weak layer of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects) that formed during the dry spell in early December. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches, particularly on north and east facing slopes above 1900 m. The potential exists for smaller avalanches to step down and trigger this deeper layer, resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer from mid-November is now buried up to 150 cm, but has been less active recently. At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. The probability of triggering these deeper layers is low, but the most suspect areas would be steep rocky alpine features with a shallow snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds have redistributed the recent storm snow, producing wind slabs in lee terrain features. These slabs likely wont bond well to underlying surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, around 50 to 100 cm of snow is poorly bonded to a rain crust and a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets. Avalanche activity, remote triggering, and snowpack test results tell us that it is a critical layer. It is best to remain conservative and travel cautiously with this layer in the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong westerly winds have formed widespread wind slabs in the Alpine and at Treeline, with many slabs up to 120cm thick. The Dec 10th interface of surface hoar and/or facets is the most active layer at the moment, and has been the failure plane for numerous recent avalanches. Look for this layer down 50 to 100+cm in the snowpack. The basal layers remain weak, and although this is concerning there hasn't been as much avalanche activity stepping down to the base of the snowpack in recent days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upwards of 60 cm of snow accumulated on Sunday. This snow fell on a melt-freeze crust that was formed during Thursday's storm. Reports indicate that the snow is bonding well to the crust in certain areas but that the storm snow can slide on the crust in other areas. Expect the deepest deposits in lee terrain features around treeline and alpine elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of low density snow sits above wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 50-100 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past two weeks, particularly on north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and on steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of low density snow sits above wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 50-100 cm deep. The layer is composed of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Another similar weak layer is buried 80-150 cm. Finally, the base of the snowpack has weak facets layers at alpine and treeline elevations. All of these weak layers have been producing large avalanches over the past week. Human triggering any of these layer is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth (such as rocky alpine features).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of new snow is being redistributed into soft wind slabs in lee areas at treeline and alpine elevations. A combined total of 60-110 cm of recent snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of facets (sugary snow) with some isolated areas also containing small surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. The potential may exist for avalanches triggered on the persistent slab to step down to these lower layers, resulting in large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Sunday, strong to extreme winds redistributed recent snow and formed wind slabs. In total, 60-90 cm of recent snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer of facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry weather in early December. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Though avalanche activity on this layer has slowed down in recent days, it may still be easy for humans to trigger avalanches on this layer in certain terrain features. Steep features where the underlying ground cover is smooth, places where the snowpack depths are variable, and large convex features are some of the more likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of facets. It is likely that an avalanche triggered on the persistent slab would step down to the lower facets, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30 to 40 cm of snow fell during Saturday night and Sunday's storm. The snow fell with southwest winds, likely forming wind slabs in lee terrain features. Below around 1800 m, the snow fell onto a melt-freeze crust formed by rain from Thursday's storm. It may take a bit of time for the new snow to bond to underlying surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below storm snow, generally around 150 to 200 cm deep. There hasn't been reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week. That being said, this layer may still exist in isolated areas around treeline in some portions of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack, weak and sugary facets are found below an early-season melt-freeze crust. This weak layer has been the culprit for sporadic, very large avalanches in alpine terrain in the past few weeks. The avalanches have occurred in areas where the ground roughness is very smooth, for example glaciers, firn, and shale/rock slab slopes. An avalanche could be triggered in this layer with a very large trigger, such as a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10 cm of snow fell in the region on Sunday with associated strong winds, likely forming small wind slabs in the immediate lees of ridges. Below around 1800 m, expect the storm snow to sit on melt-freeze crust formed by rain from Thursday's storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow, around 100 to 150 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. While the layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists. </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/d5acab3e-1612-4c56-a7ee-c15a4c5be035" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">See this MIN post for snowpack test results around the Duffey on this layer.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists with weak and sugary facets beneath it. This could potentially still be of concern in high north-facing aspects where the snowpack rests on very smooth ground cover.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust to approximately 1000 m. Above 1000 m this new snow is just adding to the 150+ cm of snow that has fallen over the past week. Moderate to strong winds have redistributed recent snow and likely formed wind slabs at upper elevations, especially in lee features. Expect to find more reactive slabs in wind loaded areas, and especially in places that received high snowfall amounts over the weekend.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">120-200 cm of snow sits on a weak layer that was a concern when the first waves of the storm hit the coast, but the strength of this layer has generally improved over the past week. This layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), and crusts that formed during the dry spell in early December. The surface hoar is most prevalent and has most recently been reactive between 1100-1300 m in more northern portions of the region, and is something to keep in mind if you plan to travel to areas like Ningunsaw.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts, including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of snow has fallen over the past week. Moderate to strong winds have redistributed recent snow and likely formed wind slabs throughout the region. Deeper and more sensitive wind deposits are likely to be found at higher elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Information is limited in this region about how well the new snow is bonding to this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of low density snow sits above wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80-120 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past two weeks, particularly on northeast facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and on steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Low density snow from the past few days sits above wind affected snow in the alpine and around treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80-120 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past two weeks, particularly on northeast facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and on steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer from mid-November is now buried up to 150 cm and a crust that formed in late October is found near the bottom of the snowpack. The probability of triggering these deeper layers is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds have redistributed the recent storm snow, producing wind slabs in lee terrain features. These slabs likely won't bond well to underlying surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, around 50 to 100 cm of snow is poorly bonded to a rain crust and a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets. Avalanche activity, remote triggering, and snowpack test results tell us that it is a critical layer. It is best to remain conservative and travel cautiously with this layer in the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs are widespread in the Alpine and at Treeline, with slabs up to 120cm thick. The Dec 10th surface hoar/facet interface remains active, with easy to moderate shears down 40 to 60cm. The basal layers are very weak and facetted, with occasional ski penetration to ground when you leave the up-track. Forecasters experienced a very large settlement today which indicates the snowpack remains prime for human-triggering.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upwards of 60 cm of snow accumulated on Sunday. This snow fell on a melt-freeze crust that was formed during Thursday's storm. Reports indicate that the snow is bonding well to the crust in certain areas but that the storm snow can slide on the crust in other areas. Expect the deepest deposits in lee terrain features around treeline and alpine elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of low density snow sits above wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 50-100 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past two weeks, particularly on north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and on steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of low density snow sits above wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 50-100 cm deep. The layer is composed of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Another similar weak layer is buried 80-150 cm. Finally, the base of the snowpack has weak faceted layers at alpine and treeline elevations. All of these weak layers have been producing large avalanches over the past week. Human triggering any of these layer is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth (such as rocky alpine features).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of new snow is being redistributed into soft wind slabs in lee areas at treeline and alpine elevations. A combined total of 60-110 cm of recent snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of facets (sugary snow) with some isolated areas also containing small surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. The potential may exist for avalanches triggered on the persistent slab to step down to these lower layers, resulting in large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong to extreme winds have redistributed new snow in the alpine and treeline, stripping areas exposed to the wind and creating hard wind slabs in wind-loaded terrain. In total, 60-90 cm of recent snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer of facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry weather in early December. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Though avalanche activity on this layer has slowed down in recent days, it may still be easy for humans to trigger avalanches on this layer in certain terrain features. Steep features where the underlying ground cover is smooth, places where the snowpack depths are variable, and large convex features are some of the more likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of facets. It is likely that an avalanche triggered on the persistent slab would step down to the lower facets, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow on Wednesday should fall with strong southwest winds, possibly producing small wind slabs in the immediate lees of terrain features. Below 1800 m, storm snow from last weekend may not be bonding well to an underlying crust. </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/5901d492-190c-49ce-b236-979d62618a48" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">See this MIN report for such an example.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> Otherwise, reports indicate that the recent snow is bonding well to the snowpack. Also note that the recent storms have grown cornices, which are relatively large for this time of year.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies around 150 to 200 cm deep in the snowpack. There hasn't been reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week. That being said, this layer may still exist in isolated areas around treeline in some portions of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack, weak and sugary facets are found below an early-season melt-freeze crust. This weak layer has been the culprit for sporadic, very large avalanches in alpine terrain in the past few weeks. The avalanches have occurred in areas where the ground roughness is very smooth, for example glaciers, firn, and shale/rock slab slopes. An avalanche could be triggered in this layer with a very large trigger, such as a cornice fall.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs may linger in lee terrain features at high elevations. Otherwise, reports suggest that the recent snow is bonding well to the snowpack. Below around 1800 m, expect recent storm snow to sit on a melt-freeze crust. Although limited reports are available, recent MIN posts suggest that the snow is bonding relatively well to the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow, around 100 to 150 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. There has not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for 5 days. Although this layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists with weak and sugary facets beneath it. This could potentially still be of concern in high north-facing aspects where the snowpack rests on very smooth ground cover. A very large trigger, such as a cornice fall, would likely be needed to form an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust to approximately 1000 m. Above 1000 m this new snow is just adding to the 150+ cm of recent snowfall from the past week. Moderate to strong winds have redistributed recent snow and likely formed wind slabs at upper elevations, especially in lee features. Expect to find more reactive slabs in wind loaded areas, and especially in places that received high snowfall amounts over the weekend.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">120-200 cm of snow sits on a weak layer that was a concern when the first waves of last weeks storm hit the coast, but the strength of this layer has generally improved over the past week. This layer consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), and crusts that formed during the dry spell in early December. The surface hoar is most prevalent and has most recently been reactive between 1100-1300 m in more northern portions of the region, and is something to keep in mind if you plan to travel to areas like Ningunsaw.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts, including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm new snow since Saturday is being redistributed by recent winds and likely formed wind slabs and cornices throughout the region. Deeper and more sensitive wind deposits are likely to be found at higher elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. This layer is buried 60-100 cm and information is limited in this region about how well the new snow is bonding to this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of low density snow sits above wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80-120 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past two weeks, particularly on northeast facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and on steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Low density snow from the past few days sits above wind affected snow in the alpine and around treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80-120 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past two weeks, particularly on northeast facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and on steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer from mid-November is now buried up to 150 cm and a crust that formed in late October is found near the bottom of the snowpack. The probability of triggering these deeper layers is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent sunny skies have produced a thin sun crust on southerly aspects. Dry, soft snow is found elsewhere.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, around 50 to 100 cm of snow is poorly bonded to a rain crust and a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets. Although there has not been a reported avalanche on this layer for 5 days, snowpack test results tell us that it is still possible to trigger. It is best to remain conservative and travel cautiously with this layer in the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow on Wednesday will fall on about 50 cm of recent snow, which sits on a thick melt-freeze crust. Reports indicate that the snow is bonding well to the crust. Strong winds on Wednesday may redistribute snow, producing wind slabs in lee terrain features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow depths increase substantially with higher elevations. Expect to find about 200 cm at treeline elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 20 cm of low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 50 to 100 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past two weeks, particularly on north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and on steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5 to 15 cm of low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 50 to 100 cm deep. The layer is composed of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Another similar weak layer is buried 80 to 150 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Finally, the base of the snowpack has weak faceted layers at alpine and treeline elevations. All of these weak layers have been producing large avalanches over the past week. Human triggering any of these layers is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth (such as rocky alpine features).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of fresh snow is being redistributed into soft wind slabs in lee areas at treeline and alpine elevations. A combined total of 60-110 cm of recent snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of facets (sugary snow) with some isolated areas also containing small surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. The potential may exist for avalanches triggered on the persistent slab to step down to these lower layers, resulting in large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong to extreme winds have redistributed new snow in the alpine and treeline, stripping areas exposed to the wind and creating hard wind slabs in wind-loaded terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In total, 60-90 cm of recent snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer of facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry weather in early December. Though avalanche activity on this layer has slowed down in recent days, it may still be easy for humans to trigger avalanches on this layer in certain terrain features. Steep features where the underlying ground cover is smooth, places where the snowpack depths are variable, and large convex features are some of the more likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of facets. It is likely that an avalanche triggered on the persistent slab would step down to the lower facets, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5 to 10 cm of snow fell on Wednesday, covering what is reported to be a widespread weak layer of feathery surface hoar. Below this, about 30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust below around 1800 m. Reports are limited, but they suggest that the snow is bonding well to the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow, around 100 to 150 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. There has not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for 5 days. Although this layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists with weak and sugary facets beneath it. This could potentially still be of concern in high north-facing aspects where the snowpack rests on very smooth ground cover. A very large trigger, such as a cornice fall, would likely be needed to form an avalanche on this layer.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust at elevations below approximately 1000 m. Above 1000 m, this new snow is just adding to the 150+ cm of recent snowfall from over a week ago. Moderate to strong winds have redistributed recent snow and formed wind slabs at upper elevations, especially in lee and cross-loaded features. Expect to find more reactive slabs in wind loaded areas, and especially in places that receive higher snowfall amounts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A total 120-200 cm of mid-December snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), and crusts. This layer was initially a concern when snowfall first accumulated, but the strength of this layer has generally improved. The surface hoar is most prevalent and has most recently been reactive between 1100-1300 m in more northern portions of the region, and is something to keep in mind if you plan to travel to areas like Ningunsaw.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts, including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm recent snow have been redistributed by wind and formed slabs in the alpine and treeline. Wind-loading and cornice growth was noted on Sunday. Deeper and more sensitive wind deposits are likely to be found at higher elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In total, 60-100 cm covers a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Information about about how well the December snow is bonding to this layer is limited in this region. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 20 cm of low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80 to 120 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past two weeks, particularly on northeast facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and on steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Low density snow from the past few days sits above wind affected snow in the alpine and around treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80-120 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ridevalemount/videos/1956690941302124/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">VARDA has posted a video that provides a great visual on our snowpack</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. This layer has been responsible for large persistent slab avalanches over the past two weeks, particularly on northeast facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and on steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another weak layer from mid-November is now buried up to 150 cm and a crust that formed in late October is found near the bottom of the snowpack. The probability of triggering these deeper layers is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 5 cm of snow fell on Wednesday. This fell on a thin sun crust on southerly aspects and small feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, around 50 to 100 cm of snow is poorly bonded to a rain crust and a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets. Although there has not been a reported avalanche on this layer for about a week, snowpack test results tell us that it is still possible to trigger. It is best to remain conservative and travel cautiously with this layer in the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs are widespread in the Alpine and at Treeline in lee and cross-loaded terrain. The Dec 10th surface hoar/facet interface is prominent throughout the forecast area and continues to produce easy to moderate shears down 40 to 60cm. The basal layers are very weak and facetted, with occasional ski penetration to ground when you leave the up-track.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 to 20 cm of snow fell on Wednesday. This snow may not bond well to underlying surfaces, particularly in the north of the region where the snow may have fallen on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper, about 60 cm of recent snow sits on a thick melt-freeze crust. Reports indicate that the snow is bonding well to the crust in certain areas but may be slower to bond in other areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower snowpack are well-settled. Snow depths increase substantially with higher elevations. Expect to find about 200 cm at treeline elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 20 cm of low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 60 to 120 cm deep. The layer is composed of facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. This layer was previously responsible for large persistent slab avalanches, but activity has greatly diminished over the last week. Saturday's storm may breathe some life into it, the places of greatest concern will be north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5 to 15 cm of low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80 to 110 cm deep. The layer is composed of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Another similar weak layer is buried 90 to 150 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Finally, the base of the snowpack has weak faceted layers at alpine and treeline elevations. All of these weak layers have been producing large avalanches as recently as December 25th. Human triggering any of these layers is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth (such as rocky alpine features).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of fresh snow is being redistributed around lee areas at treeline and alpine elevations. A combined total of 60-110 cm of recent snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of facets (sugary snow) with some isolated areas also containing small surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several other weak layers have been observed in the lower snowpack such as crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. With this weak basal snowpack, it is likely that an avalanche triggered on the persistent slab would step down to these lower layers, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds have redistributed snow in the alpine and treeline, stripping areas exposed to the wind and creating hard wind slabs in wind-loaded terrain. In total, 60-90 cm of recent snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer of facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry weather in early December. Though avalanche activity on this layer has slowed down in recent days, it may still be easy for humans to trigger avalanches on this layer in certain terrain features. Steep features where the underlying ground cover is smooth, places where the snowpack depths are variable, and large convex features are some of the more likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of facets over a crust on the ground. It is very likely that an avalanche triggered on the persistent slab would step down to the lower facets, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 cm of low-density snow is poorly bonded to a weak layer of feathery surface hoar, reported to be widespread and 5 to 10 mm in size. Snow amounts will be deepest and touchiest in the lees of terrain features immediately adjacent to ridges.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1800 m, around 50 cm of storm snow may not be bonding well to an underlying crust </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/5901d492-190c-49ce-b236-979d62618a48" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. In other areas, reports indicate that the snow is bonding well to the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of sugary facets and surface hoar lies around 150 to 200 cm deep in the snowpack. There hasn't been reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week. That being said, this layer may still exist in isolated areas around treeline in some portions of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack, weak and sugary facets are found below an early-season melt-freeze crust. This weak layer has been the culprit for sporadic, very large avalanches in alpine terrain in the past few weeks. The avalanches have occurred in areas where the ground roughness is very smooth, for example glaciers, firn, and shale/rock slab slopes. An avalanche could be triggered in this layer with a very large trigger, such as a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5 to 10 cm of low-density snow fell on Wednesday, covering what is reported to be a widespread weak layer of feathery surface hoar. Below this, about 30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust below around 1800 m. Reports are limited, but they suggest that the snow is bonding well to the crust. Expect the deepest deposits of storm snow to be in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow, around 100 to 150 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. There has not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week. Although this layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists with weak and sugary facets beneath it. This could potentially still be of concern in high north-facing aspects where the snowpack rests on very smooth ground cover. A very large trigger, such as a cornice fall, would likely be needed to form an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 25 cm of new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust at elevations below approximately 1000 m. Above 1000 m, this new snow is just adding to the 150+ cm snowfall through December. Recent winds redistributed snow. Wind slabs are present at upper elevations, especially in lee and cross-loaded features. Expect to find more reactive slabs in wind loaded areas, and especially in places that receive higher snowfall amounts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A total 100-200 cm snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), and crusts. This layer was initially a concern when snowfall first accumulated, but the strength of this layer has generally improved. The surface hoar is most prevalent and has most recently been reactive between 1100-1300 m in more northern portions of the region, and is something to keep in mind if you plan to travel to areas like Ningunsaw.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts, including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm recent snow has been redistributed by wind and formed slabs in the alpine and treeline. Deeper and more sensitive wind deposits are likely to be found at higher elevations and in wind-loaded areas. Incoming snow may not bond well this wind-pressed surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In total, 60-100 cm covers a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Information about about how well the December snow is bonding to this layer is limited in this region. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 20 cm of low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80 to 120 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. This layer was previously responsible for large persistent slab avalanches, but activity has greatly diminished over the last week. Saturday's storm may breathe some life into it, the places of greatest concern will be north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Low density snow from the past few days sits above wind affected snow in the alpine and around treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 90-160 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ridevalemount/videos/1956690941302124/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">VARDA has posted a video that provides a great visual on our snowpack</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. This layer was previously responsible for large persistent slab avalanches, but activity has greatly diminished over the last week. Saturday's storm may breathe some life into it, the places of greatest concern will be north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid-November and a crust that formed in late October are found near the bottom of the snowpack. The probability of triggering these deeper layers is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 5 to 10 cm of snow sits on a thin sun crust on southerly aspects and small feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, around 50 to 100 cm of snow is poorly bonded to a rain crust and a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets. Although there has not been a reported avalanche on this layer for about a week, snowpack test results tell us that it is still possible to trigger. It is best to remain conservative and travel cautiously with this layer in the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few centimeters fell overnight, but not enough to cause a change in the snowpack. The continued cold temperatures are weakening the snowpack through faceting. This is a double edge sword, windslabs are weakening ,which will help stability in some places. But at the same time, the surface faceting will probably create another weak layer once we get more snow. Is the glass half empty, or half full? Snow depths vary through the region. Treeline has about a meter, while the valley bottoms have about 60cm. Generally the Dec 10th is down about 50-70cm at treeline. The &quot;touchyness&quot; of the Feb 10th seems to vary from drainage to drainage. Have a look/assessment if you are traveling in new terrain or haven't been out in awhile.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 cm of recent snow may not be bonding well to underlying surfaces. This is particularly the case in the north of the region, where the snow may have fallen on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper, about 60 cm of recent snow sits on a thick melt-freeze crust. Reports indicate that the snow is bonding well to the crust in certain areas but may be slower to bond in other areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower snowpack are well-settled. Snow depths increase substantially with higher elevations. Expect to find about 200 cm at treeline elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A building storm is now depositing new snow on the surface. Below the new snow,</span><span class="s_E6FD2046"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 20 cm of older low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 60 to 120 cm deep. The layer is composed of facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. This layer was previously responsible for large persistent slab avalanches, but activity has greatly diminished over the last week. Saturday's storm may breathe some life into it, the places of greatest concern will be north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light snowfall has begun to bury 5 to 15 cm of older low density snow on the surface. This older snow sits on wind-affected surfaces in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80 to 110 cm deep. The layer is composed of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Another similar weak layer is buried 90 to 150 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Finally, the base of the snowpack has weak faceted layers at alpine and treeline elevations. All of these weak layers have been producing large avalanches as recently as December 25th. Human triggering any of these layers is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth (such as rocky alpine features).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 cm fresh snowfall accumulated through the week has been redistributed around lee areas at treeline and alpine elevations. In total, 60-110 cm of snowfall through December has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of facets (sugary snow) with some isolated areas also containing small surface hoar (feathery crystals). This overlies several other weak layers observed in the lower snowpack such as crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. With this weak basal snowpack, it is likely that an avalanche triggered on the persistent slab would step down to these lower layers, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack consists of hard wind slabs on north aspects, scoured and a shallower snowpack on south aspects, and a mixed bag of lower density snow in more sheltered areas. In total, 60-90 cm of December snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer of facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry weather in early December. Though avalanche activity on this layer has slowed down in recent days, it may still be easy for humans to trigger avalanches on this layer in certain terrain features. Steep features where the underlying ground cover is smooth, places where the snowpack depths are variable, and large convex features are some of the more likely places to trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of facets over a crust on the ground. It is very likely that an avalanche triggered on the persistent slab would step down to the lower facets, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of low-density snow is poorly bonded to a weak layer of feathery surface hoar, reported to be widespread and 5 to 10 mm in size. Snow amounts will be deepest and touchiest in the lees of terrain features immediately adjacent to ridges.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1800 m, around 50 cm of storm snow may not be bonding well to an underlying crust </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/5901d492-190c-49ce-b236-979d62618a48" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. In other areas, reports indicate that the snow is bonding well to the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of sugary facets and surface hoar lies around 150 to 200 cm deep in the snowpack. There hasn't been reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week. That being said, this layer may still exist in isolated areas around treeline in some portions of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack, weak and sugary facets are found below an early-season melt-freeze crust. This weak layer has been the culprit for sporadic, very large avalanches in alpine terrain in the past few weeks. The avalanches have occurred in areas where the ground roughness is very smooth, for example glaciers, firn, and shale/rock slab slopes. An avalanche could be triggered in this layer with a very large trigger, such as a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of recent new snow covering what is reported to be a widespread weak layer of feathery surface hoar. Below this, about 30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust below around 1800 m. Reports are limited, but they suggest that the snow is bonding well to the crust. Expect the deepest deposits of storm snow to be in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow, around 100 to 150 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. There has not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week. Although this layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists with weak and sugary facets beneath it. This could potentially still be of concern in high north-facing aspects where the snowpack rests on very smooth ground cover. A very large trigger, such as a cornice fall, would likely be needed to form an avalanche on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow starting early Friday morning deposited 20-25 cm snow around the region by Friday evening. Continued heavy snowfall is expected to deposit substantial amounts by Saturday morning. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to snowfall, wind redistributed the upper 25 cm of recent snow. Wind slabs are present at upper elevations, especially in lee and cross-loaded features. Below 1000m, this 25 cm recent snow sits on a melt-freeze crust, above 1000m the 25 cm recent snow adds to the 150+ cm snowfall of mid-December. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A total 100-200 cm snow from mid-December sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), and crusts. This layer was initially a concern when snowfall first accumulated, but the strength of this layer has generally improved. The surface hoar is most prevalent and has most recently been reactive between 1100-1300 m in more northern portions of the region, and is something to keep in mind if you plan to travel to areas like Ningunsaw.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts, including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow starting early Friday morning deposited 5-15 cm snow around the region by Friday evening.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Under the new snow, 20-30 cm of recent snow was redistributed by wind and formed slabs in the alpine and treeline. This adds to the snowfall received through December. In total, 50-100 cm covers a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Information about about how well the December snow is bonding to this layer is limited in this region. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A building storm is now depositing new snow on the surface. Below the new snow, 10 to 20 cm of older low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80 to 120 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. This layer was previously responsible for large persistent slab avalanches, but activity has greatly diminished over the last week. Saturday's storm may breathe some life into it, the places of greatest concern will be north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A building storm is now depositing new snow on the surface. Below the new snow, a new layer of surface hoar was recently observed growing on the snow surface at treeline and above. This covers a few centimeters of low density snow from the past few days, which itself sits above a layer of wind affected snow in the alpine and around treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 90-160 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ridevalemount/videos/1956690941302124/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">VARDA has posted a video that provides a great visual on our snowpack</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. This layer was previously responsible for large persistent slab avalanches, but activity has greatly diminished over the last week. Saturday's storm may breathe some life into it, the places of greatest concern will be north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid-November and a crust that formed in late October are found near the bottom of the snowpack. The probability of triggering these deeper layers is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 to 15 cm of snow sits on a thin sun crust on southerly aspects and small feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, around 50 to 100 cm of snow is poorly bonded to a rain crust and a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets. Although there has not been a reported avalanche on this layer for about a week, snowpack test results tell us that it is still possible to trigger. It is best to remain conservative and travel cautiously with this layer in the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Well not much be a changing except the snowpack is getting weaker.  The cold temps are facetting out the entire snowpack especially in thinner areas.  The winds earlier in dec have made the snowpack highly variable.  Areas that are normally &quot;deep&quot; at this time of year are very shallow.  As the Dec 10th interface has improved in strength the basal facets have gotten worse.  The alpine snowpack has settled while treeline areas are where forecasters are very cautious and hyper alert.  Pockets of old windslabs are carefully perched over the underlying facets and with thin weak areas widespread, human triggerring is possible for sure.  Stick to conservative terrain.  The snowpack is below average for this time of year.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-40 cm of recent snow at the highest elevations in the region may not be bonding well to underlying surfaces. This is particularly the case in the north of the region, where the snow may have fallen on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar. The latest storm Friday night into Saturday may have come in quite warm where precipitation is rain resulting in moist or wet surface snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper, about 60 cm of recent snow sits on a thick melt-freeze crust. Reports indicate that the snow is bonding well to the crust in certain areas but may be slower to bond in other areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower snowpack are well-settled. Snow depths increase substantially with higher elevations. Expect to find about 200 cm at treeline elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm left about 20-30 cm of new snow on the surface. Below the new snow,</span><span class="s_E6FD2046"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 20 cm of older low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 70 to 130 cm deep. The layer is composed of facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Although activity at this layer has greatly diminished over the last week, it remains a concern for the possibility of surface slabs acting as a trigger for 'step down' avalanches. The places of greatest concern for this type of avalanche will be</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm brought about 10-20 cm of new snow to the region, burying 5 to 15 cm of older low density snow on the surface. These surface layers sit on a layer of wind-affected snow in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80 to 110 cm deep. The layer is composed of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Another similar weak layer is buried 90 to 150 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Finally, the base of the snowpack has weak faceted layers at alpine and treeline elevations. All of these weak layers have been producing large avalanches as recently as December 25th. Human triggering any of these layers is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth (such as rocky alpine features).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm added approximately 20 cm new snow, accompanied by strong southeasterly winds. In total, 80-130 cm of snowfall through December has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of facets (sugary snow) with some isolated areas also containing small surface hoar (feathery crystals). All this overlies several other weak layers observed in the lower snowpack such as crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. With this weak basal snowpack, it is possible that an avalanche triggered on the persistent slab would step down to these lower layers, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack consists of hard wind slabs on north aspects, scoured and a shallower snowpack on south aspects, and a mixed bag of lower density snow in more sheltered areas. In total, 60-90 cm of December snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer of facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry weather in early December. This layer is most likely to be triggered on steep features where the underlying ground cover is smooth, areas where the snowpack depths are variable, or on large convex features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of facets over a crust on the ground. It is very likely that an avalanche triggered on the persistent slab would step down to the lower facets, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-50 cm of recent new snow sits on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar. Snow amounts will be deepest and touchiest in the lees of terrain features immediately adjacent to ridges.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1800 m, around 50 cm of storm snow may not be bonding well to an underlying crust </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/5901d492-190c-49ce-b236-979d62618a48" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of sugary facets and surface hoar lies around 150 to 200 cm deep in the snowpack. There hasn't been reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week. That being said, this layer may still exist in isolated areas around treeline in some portions of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack, weak and sugary facets are found below an early-season melt-freeze crust. This weak layer has been the culprit for sporadic, very large avalanches in alpine terrain in the past few weeks. The avalanches have occurred in areas where the ground roughness is very smooth, for example glaciers, firn, and shale/rock slab slopes. An avalanche could be triggered in this layer with a very large trigger, such as a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of recent new snow covering what is reported to be a widespread weak layer of feathery surface hoar. Below this, about 30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust below around 1800 m. Reports are limited, but they suggest that the snow is bonding well to the crust. Expect the deepest deposits of storm snow to be in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow, around 100 to 150 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. There has not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week. Although this layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Areas around Terrace have seen as much as 60 cm new snow since the storm started Friday morning accompanied by strong westerly winds. A pre-Christmas layer of surface hoar was previously buried on or around December 22, and is now buried 50-80 cm below the surface. It is unclear how reactive this layer is, but its presence could easily increase the potential size of avalanches from the storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower in the snowpack, sitting somewhere between 120-200 cm below the surface lies a weak layer from mid-December. This layer was initially a concern when snowfall first accumulated, but the strength of this layer has generally improved. The surface hoar was most prevalent and has most recently been reactive between 1100-1300 m in more northern portions of the region, something to keep in mind if you plan to travel to areas like Ningunsaw.</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 most recent storm has deposited approximately 30 cm new snow with strong winds from the west. Buried under the snow in sheltered areas, you may find one or two weak layers comprising surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or facets (sugary snow). The upper one may have been buried around December 22 and is likely buried 30-50 cm below the surface. The lower one was buried in early December and is now approximately 80-120 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Three different parties have reported recent whumpfing in the Telkwa and Hankin areas, possibly on the facets near the base of the snowpack, or on one of the other weak layers. This indicates the snowpack should not be completely trusted at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm left about 30-40 cm of new snow on the surface. Below the new snow, 10 to 20 cm of older low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 100 to 140 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. Although activity at this layer has greatly diminished over the last week, it remains a concern for the possibility of surface slabs acting as a trigger for 'step down' avalanches. The places of greatest concern for this type of avalanche will be north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm left about 30-40 cm of new snow on the surface in the region. Below the new snow, a new layer of surface hoar was recently observed growing on the previous snow surface at treeline and above. This weak interface covers a few cm of older low density snow from a few days ago, which itself sits above a layer of wind affected snow in the alpine and around treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 110-180 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. Although activity at this layer has greatly diminished over the last week, it remains a concern for the possibility of surface slabs acting as a trigger for 'step down' avalanches. The places of greatest concern for this type of avalanche will be north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid-November and a crust that formed in late October are found near the bottom of the snowpack. The probability of triggering these deeper layers is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of snow sits on a thin sun crust on southerly aspects and small feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, around 50 to 100 cm of snow is poorly bonded to a rain crust and a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets. Although there has not been a reported avalanche on this layer for about a week, snowpack test results tell us that it is still possible to trigger. It is best to remain conservative and travel cautiously with this layer in the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">8cm new in the Alpine over the past 24hrs and a few cm throuhgout the day but overall, wind was the main theme. Strong winds from the west pummelled the snowpack creating widespread hard slabs in open areas. The Dec 10th and the weak layer of facets underneath this layer are the main culprits these days as any failures in the snowpack are going to involve the weak basal facets and the majority of the snowpack. Ski quality is pretty dismal for sure. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The latest storm Friday night and Saturday was quite warm where it rained to the 1500 m elevation and perhaps above. This has resulted in moist or wet surface snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the highest elevations, an additional 40-60 cm of recent snow may not be bonding well to underlying surfaces. This is particularly the case in the north of the region near Squamish, where the snow may be sitting on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar. Deeper, about 60-90 cm of recent snow sits on a thick melt-freeze crust. Reports indicate that the snow is bonding well to the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower snowpack are well-settled. Snow depths increase substantially with higher elevations. Expect to find about 200 cm at treeline elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm brought about 25-35 cm of new snow on the surface, with some isolated areas receiving up to 50 cm. Below the new snow interface, which appears for the most part to be free of any weak surface hoar crystals, 10 to 20 cm of older low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanche activity on the 70-130 cm deep weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December has greatly diminished over the last week. This layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. It is believed to be trending toward a dormant state after the loading test brought by Saturday's storm failed to produce reports of any avalanches 'stepping down' to trigger it. Places that might still challenge this assumption of dormancy would be steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm brought about 20-30 cm of new snow to the region, burying 5 to 15 cm of older low density snow on the surface. These surface layers sit on a layer of wind-affected snow in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80 to 110 cm deep. The layer is composed of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Another similar weak layer is buried 90 to 150 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Finally, the base of the snowpack has weak faceted layers at alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack and basal weak layers described above have been producing large avalanches as recently as December 25th. Human triggering any of these layers is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth (such as rocky alpine features).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 20 cm recent storm snow was accompanied by strong winds that blew first from the southwest and then from the northwest. A weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) was buried on Boxing day in this region and is now buried 20-30 cm below the surface. This layer could be an issue in areas where wind has blown the snow into drifts. 80-130 cm below the surface is an old persistent weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of facets (sugary snow) with some isolated areas also containing small surface hoar (feathery crystals). While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now. Near the bottom of the snowpack lies a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. Triggering an avalanche at the base of the snowpack is unlikely at this time, although the most likely place to do so would be from a steep rocky start zone in an area where the snowpack was shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack consists of hard wind slabs on north aspects, scoured and a shallower snowpack on south aspects, and a mixed bag of lower density snow in more sheltered areas. In total, 60-90 cm of December snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer of facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry weather in early December. This layer is most likely to be triggered on steep features where the underlying ground cover is smooth, areas where the snowpack depths are variable, or on large convex features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of facets over a crust on the ground. It is very likely that an avalanche triggered on the persistent slab would step down to the lower facets, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of recent new snow from the past 7 days potentially sits on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar in the tree line elevation band. Snow amounts will be deepest and touchiest in the lee of terrain features immediately adjacent to ridges.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1800 m, around 50 cm of storm snow may not be bonding well to an underlying crust </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/5901d492-190c-49ce-b236-979d62618a48" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of sugary facets and surface hoar lies around 150 to 200 cm deep in the snowpack. There hasn't been reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week. That being said, this layer may still exist in isolated areas around treeline in some portions of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack, weak and sugary facets are found below an early-season melt-freeze crust. This weak layer has been the culprit for sporadic, very large avalanches in alpine terrain in the past few weeks. The avalanches have occurred in areas where the ground roughness is very smooth, for example glaciers, firn, and shale/rock slab slopes. An avalanche could be triggered in this layer with a very large trigger, such as a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of recent new snow covering what is reported to be a widespread weak layer of feathery surface hoar. Below this, about 30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust below around 1800 m. Reports are limited, but they suggest that the snow is bonding well to the crust. Expect the deepest deposits of storm snow to be in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and/or surface hoar is buried around 100 to 150 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. There has not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week. Although this layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Areas around Terrace have seen as much as 60 cm recent storm snow. Winds have shifted from southwesterly to northwesterly. A pre-Christmas layer of surface hoar was previously buried on or around December 22, and is now buried 50-80 cm below the surface. It is unclear how reactive this layer is, but its presence could increase the potential size of avalanches from the recent storm snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower in the snowpack, sitting somewhere between 120-200 cm below the surface lies a weak layer from mid-December. This layer was initially a concern when snowfall first accumulated, but the strength of this layer has generally improved. The surface hoar was most prevalent and has most recently been reactive between 1100-1300 m in more northern portions of the region, something to keep in mind if you plan to travel to areas like Ningunsaw.</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 most recent storm deposited 30-40 cm new snow with strong winds from the west. Buried under the snow in sheltered areas, you may find one or two weak layers comprising surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or facets (sugary snow). The upper one may have been buried around December 22 and is likely buried 30-50 cm below the surface. The lower one was buried in early December and is now approximately 80-120 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Three different parties have reported recent whumpfing in the Telkwa and Hankin areas, possibly on the facets near the base of the snowpack, or on one of the other weak layers. This indicates the snowpack should not be completely trusted at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm brought about 30-40 cm of new snow to the region. Below the new snow interface, which appears for the most part to be free of any weak surface hoar crystals, 10 to 20 cm of older low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanche activity on the 100-140 cm deep weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December has greatly diminished over the last week. This layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. It is believed to be trending toward a dormant state after the loading test brought by Saturday's storm failed to produce reports of any avalanches 'stepping down' to trigger it. Places that might still challenge this assumption of dormancy would be steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm brought about 35-45 cm of new snow to the region. In many areas, the new snow will overlie a weak layer of surface hoar that was reportedly widespread at treeline and above in advance of the storm. This weak interface covers a few cm of storm snow from light snowfalls in days prior to the storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanche activity on the 110-180 cm deep weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December has greatly diminished over the last week. This layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. It is believed to be trending toward a dormant state after the loading test brought by Saturday's storm failed to produce reports of avalanches 'stepping down'. Places that might still challenge this assumption of dormancy would be steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid-November and a crust that formed in late October are found near the bottom of the snowpack. The probability of triggering these deeper layers is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep, rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of snow sits on a thin sun crust on southerly aspects and small feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, around 50 to 100 cm of snow sits on a rain crust and a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets. Although there has not been a reported avalanche on this layer in over a week, snowpack test results tell us that it is still possible to trigger. The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 15cm fell saturday night into sunday. This has helped travel a little bit and even freshened up the skiing a bit in low angle trees, but from an avalanche perspective, not much has changed. It seems the snow arrived at the tail end of the wind event yesterday, but windslabs are still found on easterly aspects in the alpine and treeline. Remember that these slabs will sit on the freshly minted Dec 30 facet layer. It's uncertain how bad this layer is overall, but in steep areas expect a poor bond. Below the new stuff, its business as usual...new &amp; settled snow over the troublesome Dec 10 facet layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The latest storm Friday night and Saturday was quite warm where it rained to the 1500 m elevation and perhaps above. The temperature has since dropped below zero, so expect to see a crust near or on the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the highest elevations, an additional 40-60 cm of recent snow may not be bonding well to underlying surfaces. This is particularly the case in the north of the region near Squamish, where the snow may be sitting on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar. The middle and lower snowpack are well-settled. Snow depths increase substantially with higher elevations. Expect to find about 200 cm at treeline elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm brought about 25-35 cm of new snow on the surface, with some isolated areas receiving up to 50 cm. Below the new snow interface, which appears for the most part to be free of any weak surface hoar crystals, 10 to 20 cm of older low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanche activity on the 70-130 cm deep weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December has greatly diminished over the last week. This layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. It is believed to be trending toward a dormant state after the loading test brought by Saturday's storm failed to produce consistent reports of avalanches 'stepping down' to trigger it. Places that might still challenge this assumption of dormancy would be steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm brought about 20-30 cm of new snow to the region, burying 5 to 15 cm of older low density snow on the surface. These surface layers sit on a layer of wind-affected snow in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80 to 110 cm deep. The layer is composed of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Another similar weak layer is buried 90 to 150 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Finally, the base of the snowpack has weak faceted layers at alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-pack and basal weak layers described above have been producing large avalanches as recently as December 25th. Human triggering any of these layers is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth (such as rocky alpine features).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 cm recent storm snow was accompanied by strong winds that blew first from the southwest and then from the northwest. This new snow covers a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), which was buried on Boxing day. This layer could be an issue in areas where the wind has blown the snow into drifts. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">80 to 130 cm below the surface is an old persistent weak layer that formed in early December. This layer mostly consists of sugary facets with some isolated areas also containing feathery small surface hoar. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the bottom of the snowpack lies a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. Triggering an avalanche at the base of the snowpack is unlikely at this time, although the most likely place to do so would be from a steep rocky start zone in an area where the snowpack was shallow.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack consists of hard wind slabs on north aspects, scoured and a shallower snowpack on south aspects, and a mixed bag of lower density snow in more sheltered areas. In total, 60-90 cm of December snow has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer of facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry weather in early December. This layer is most likely to be triggered on steep features where the underlying ground cover is smooth, areas where the snowpack depths are variable, or on large convex features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of facets over a crust on the ground. It is very likely that an avalanche triggered on the persistent slab would step down to the lower facets, resulting in a full depth avalanche.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of recent new snow from the past 7 days potentially sits on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar in the tree lin. Snow amounts will be deepest and touchiest in the lee of terrain features immediately adjacent to ridges.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1800 m, around 50 cm of storm snow may not be bonding well to an underlying crust </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/5901d492-190c-49ce-b236-979d62618a48" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of sugary facets and surface hoar lies around 150 to 200 cm deep in the snowpack. There have not been reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week. That being said, this layer may still exist in isolated areas around treeline in some portions of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the base of the snowpack, weak and sugary facets are found below an early-season melt-freeze crust. This weak layer has been the culprit for sporadic, very large avalanches in alpine terrain in the past few weeks. The avalanches have occurred in areas where the ground roughness is very smooth, for example glaciers, firn, and shale/rock slab slopes. An avalanche could be triggered in this layer with a very large trigger, such as a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of recent new snow is covering what is reported to be a widespread weak layer of feathery surface hoar. This newly buried weak layer is reported to be most prevalent at the upper end of treeline on north and east aspects in the southern portion of the region near Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park. Expect the deepest deposits of storm snow to be in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and/or surface hoar is buried around 100 to 150 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. There has not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week. Although this layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of new snow are possible in the region, with rain at lower elevations. The storm is incoming with strong southwest winds, which will produce wind slabs in lee terrain features. A pre-Christmas layer of surface hoar was previously buried on or around December 22, and will likely be buried anywhere from 50 to 150 cm below the surface. It is unclear how reactive this layer is, but its presence could increase the potential size of avalanches from the recent storm snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower in the snowpack, sitting somewhere between 150 to 200 cm below the surface lies a weak layer from mid-December. It is likely that this layer was the culprit of a large, remotely-triggered avalanche on December 30 near Terrace. There are other reports indicating that this layer is still well-developed in the south of the region and it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas. For the north of the region, such as Ningunsaw, this layer was most prevalent between 1100 to 1300 m.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weekend's storm deposited 30-40 cm new snow with strong winds from the west. Buried under the snow in sheltered areas, you may find one or two weak layers comprising surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or facets (sugary snow). The upper layer may have been buried around December 22 and is likely 30-50 cm below the surface. The lower one was buried in early-December and is now approximately 80-120 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Three different parties have reported recent whumpfing in the Telkwa and Hankin areas, possibly on the facets near the base of the snowpack, or on one of the other weak layers. This indicates the snowpack should not be completely trusted at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm brought about 30-40 cm of new snow to the region. Below the new snow interface, which appears for the most part to be free of any weak surface hoar crystals, 10 to 20 cm of older low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanche activity on the 100-140 cm deep weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December has greatly diminished over the last week. This layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. It is believed to be trending toward a dormant state after the loading test brought by Saturday's storm failed to produce consistent reports of avalanches 'stepping down' to trigger it. Places that might still challenge this assumption of dormancy would be steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm brought about 35-45 cm of new snow to the region. In many areas, the new snow will overlie a weak layer of surface hoar that was reportedly widespread at treeline and above in advance of the storm. This weak interface covers a few cm of storm snow from light snowfalls in days prior to the storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanche activity on the 110-180 cm deep weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December has greatly diminished over the last week. This layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. It is believed to be trending toward a dormant state after the loading test brought by Saturday's storm failed to produce consistent reports of avalanches 'stepping down'. Places that might still challenge this assumption of dormancy would be steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid-November and a crust that formed in late October are found near the bottom of the snowpack. The probability of triggering these deeper layers is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep, rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of snow sits on a thin sun crust on southerly aspects and small feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, around 50 to 100 cm of snow sits on a rain crust and a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets. Although there has not been a reported avalanche on this layer in over a week, snowpack test results tell us that it is still possible to trigger. The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No new snow on this cold (-28) and sunny Monday, but up to 15cm fell over the weekend. Pockets of fresh wind slab are found at upper elevations in lee and cross-loaded terrain, but these slabs are not widespread in distribution. Forecasters continue to have low confidence in the snowpack with 50 to 60cm of medium to high density snow overlying a very weak base of up to 50cm of facets. This is the perfect combination for avalanches. Despite a lack of recent naturally triggered avalanches, there is strong potential for human triggering with the current snowpack structure. Unfortunately, this state of affairs will be with us for some time to come.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The latest storm on the weekend was quite warm where it rained to the 1500 m elevation and perhaps above. The temperature has since dropped below zero, so expect to see a crust near or on the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the highest elevations, an additional 40-60 cm of recent snow may not be bonding well to underlying surfaces. This is particularly the case in the north of the region near Squamish, where the snow may be sitting on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar. The middle and lower snowpack are well-settled. Snow depths increase substantially with higher elevations. Expect to find about 200 cm at treeline elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm brought about 25-35 cm of new snow on the surface, with some isolated areas receiving up to 50 cm. Winds during and since the storm drove fairly aggressive wind slab development on most aspects at higher elevations. Outside of wind loaded areas, the new snow is showing good signs of bonding well to the old snow interface, which appears for the most part to be free of any weak surface hoar crystals. Below this interface, 10 to 20 cm of older low density snow sits above old wind slabs and more isolated small surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanche activity on the 70-130 cm deep weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December has greatly diminished over the last week. This aspect-dependant mix of facets, surface hoar, and sun crust is believed to be trending toward a dormant state after the loading test brought by Saturday's storm failed to produce consistent reports of avalanches 'stepping down'. A heavy trigger might still coax reactivity out of steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m or a steep south-facing slope in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm brought about 20-30 cm of new snow to the region, while winds during and since the storm drove fairly aggressive wind slab development on most aspects at higher elevations. The new snow buried 5 to 15 cm of older low density snow on the surface. These surface layers sit on a layer of wind-affected snow in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80 to 110 cm deep. The layer is composed of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Another similar weak layer is buried 90 to 150 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Finally, the base of the snowpack has weak faceted layers at alpine and treeline elevations. These basal weak layers have been producing large avalanches as recently as December 31st. Human triggering any of these layers is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth (such as rocky alpine features).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 cm recent storm snow was accompanied by strong winds that blew first from the southwest and then from the northwest. This new snow covers a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), which was buried on Boxing Day.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that formed in early December may be found 80 to 120 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of sugary faceted snow with some isolated areas also containing feathery surface hoar crystals. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now, except for the east side of the region near Corbin.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the bottom of the snowpack lies a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. Triggering an avalanche at the base of the snowpack is unlikely at this time, although the most likely place to do so would be from a steep rocky start zone in an area where the snowpack was shallow.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from practically no snow to almost 200 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For areas with sufficient snow, the upper snowpack consists of hard wind slabs on all aspects due to variable wind directions, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed southerly ridges, and generally soft snow in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60 to 90 cm of snowfall in December has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer of weak and sugary faceted snow that formed during dry and cold weather in early December. This layer is most likely to be triggered on steep features where snowpack depths are variable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of sugary faceted snow around a crust near the ground. Should a shallower avalanche be triggered, it is likely that it would step down and scour to the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Fresh storm slabs will start to form on Wednesday as a storm tracks across the region from the north. Wind loaded terrain will be the first to develop reactive slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of snow from the past week potentially sits on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar at treeline elevations and on a crust below 1800 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of sugary facets and surface hoar lies around 150 to 200 cm deep in the snowpack. There have not been reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week. That being said, this layer may still exist in isolated areas around treeline in some parts of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Fresh storm slabs will start to form on Wednesday as a storm tracks across the region from the north. Wind loaded terrain will be the first to develop reactive slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of recent snow covers a widespread weak layer of feathery surface hoar that formed around Christmas. This layer is reported to be most prevalent at the upper end of treeline on north and east aspects in the southern part of the region (e.g. Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park). In the north part of the region, another weak layer composed of facets and/or surface hoar is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. This weak layer appears most prominent around treeline (up to 2000 m). There have not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week, but field observations suggest slab avalanches may still be possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of snow fell on Tuesday, mixed with rain below about 1500 m. Another 40 cm is possible Tuesday night above 1500 m. The storm came with strong southwest winds, which likely produced wind slabs in lee terrain features at high elevations. Below 1500 m, expect soggy snow and a thick melt-freeze crust once it is cold enough. This new snow along with other recent storm snow overlies a weak layer of feathery surface hoar that was buried around December 22. Expect to find this layer about 80 to 120 cm deep.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower in the snowpack around 150 to 200 cm deep, a weak layer from mid-December exists. It is likely that this layer was the culprit of a large, remotely-triggered avalanche on December 30 near Terrace. There are other reports indicating that this layer is still well-developed in the south of the region and it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas. Shallower storm slabs could step down to this layer and produce very large avalanches. For the north of the region, such as Ningunsaw, this layer was most prevalent between 1100 and 1300 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect fresh wind slabs to form with up to 20 cm of new snow falling with strong southwest winds. These will sit on lingering hard wind slabs from last weekend. Below about 1500 m, expect rain to make the snow surface soggy, before freezing into a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried under recent storm snow, you may find one or two weak layers in sheltered areas comprising of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sugary faceted snow. The upper layer may have been buried around December 22 and is likely 30-50 cm below the surface. The lower one was buried in early-December and is now approximately 80-120 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early-season crust with faceted snow near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm brought about 30-40 cm of new snow to the region. Winds during and since the storm drove fairly aggressive wind slab development on most aspects at higher elevations. Outside of wind loaded areas, the new snow is showing good signs of bonding well to the old snow interface, which appears for the most part to be free of any weak surface hoar crystals. Below this interface, 10 to 20 cm of older low density snow sits above old wind slabs in the alpine, and in some isolated areas above small surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanche activity on the 100-140 cm deep weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December has greatly diminished over the past week. This aspect-dependant mix of facets, surface hoar, and sun crust is believed to be trending toward a dormant state after the loading test brought by Saturday's storm failed to produce consistent reports of avalanches 'stepping down'. A heavy trigger might still coax reactivity out of steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m or a steep south-facing slope in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm brought about 35-45 cm of new snow to the region. In many areas, the new snow overlies a layer of surface hoar that was reportedly widespread at treeline and above in advance of the storm. This interface has seen improving strength over the last day or so. It covers a few cm of storm snow from light snowfalls in days prior to the storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanche activity on the 110-180 cm deep weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December has greatly diminished over the last week. This layer is composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes. It is believed to be trending toward a dormant state after the loading test brought by Saturday's storm failed to produce consistent reports of avalanches 'stepping down'. Places that might still challenge this assumption of dormancy would be steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid-November and a crust that formed in late October are found near the bottom of the snowpack. The probability of triggering these deeper layers is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep, rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of snow sits on a thin sun crust on southerly aspects and small feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, 50 to 100 cm of snow sits on a rain crust and a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets that formed in early December. Although there has not been a reported avalanche on this layer in over a week, snowpack test results tell us that it is still possible to trigger. The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Pockets of fresh wind slab are found at upper elevations in lee and cross-loaded terrain, but these slabs are not widespread in distribution. Forecasters continue to have low confidence in the snowpack with 50 to 60cm of medium to high density snow overlying a very weak base of up to 50cm of facets. This is the perfect combination for avalanches. Despite a lack of recent naturally triggered avalanches, there is strong potential for human triggering with the current snowpack structure. Unfortunately, this state of affairs will be with us for some time to come.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Fresh storm slabs will build on Wednesday before the precipitation transitions to rain on Thursday. The new snow is falling on a widespread crust that extends at least to 1500 m elevation. At the highest elevations, an additional 40-60 cm of recent snow may not be bonding well to underlying surfaces. This is particularly the case in the north of the region near Squamish, where the snow may be sitting on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar. The lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of new snow falling Wednesday through the day and night will add to the 30-40 cm of snow that fell last weekend. Moderate to strong southwest winds along with a rise in freezing level associated with the latest weather system is expected to promote storm slab development at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An aspect-dependant mix of facets, surface hoar, and sun crust buried mid-December now 80-140 cm deep, is reported to be less reactive in snowpack tests and showing signs of strengthening. A heavy trigger might still coax reactivity out of steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m or a steep south-facing slope in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An additional 10-15 cm of new snow falling Wednesday night will add to last weekend's storm snow totals of 20-30 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December is now 80 to 110 cm deep. The layer is composed of facets (sugary snow), surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a sun crust (on south aspects). Another similar weak layer is buried 90 to 150 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Finally, the base of the snowpack has weak faceted layers at alpine and treeline elevations. These basal weak layers have been producing large avalanches as recently as December 31st. Human triggering any of these layers is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth (such as rocky alpine features).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecasted amounts are variable for Thursday, but expect new storm slabs to form with the new snow falling with strong southwest winds. In sheltered areas, new snow will add to the current 20 cm of snow that covers a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals, which was buried on Boxing Day.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that formed in early December may be found 80 to 120 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of sugary faceted snow with some isolated areas also containing feathery surface hoar crystals. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now, except for the east side of the region near Corbin.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the bottom of the snowpack lies a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. Triggering an avalanche at the base of the snowpack is unlikely at this time, although the most likely place to do so would be from a steep rocky start zone in an area where the snowpack was shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from practically no snow to almost 200 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable snowfall amounts are forecasted for Thursday, ranging from 5 to 20 cm. New snow will form fresh slabs across the mountains. Expect the deepest snow accumulation in lee terrain features, as the snow will fall with strong southwest winds. This snow will sit on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed southerly ridges, and generally soft snow in sheltered areas</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60 to 90 cm of snowfall in December has formed a slab that sits on a persistent weak layer of weak and sugary faceted snow that formed during dry and cold weather in early December. This layer is most likely to be triggered on steep features where snowpack depths are variable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of sugary faceted snow around a crust near the ground. Should a shallower avalanche be triggered, it is likely that it would step down and scour to the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow will rapidly accumulate on Thursday, with 60-100 cm of fresh snow possible by the afternoon. Rising then dropping freezing level will create an interesting mix of rain and snow at treeline and below treeline elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer composed of surface hoar that was buried on December 26 can be found at treeline elevations 30-50 cm below the new storm snow. This layer has shown some signs of reactivity in the past few days, and the incoming storm will definitely stress this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a weak layer of sugary facets is now 150 to 200 cm deep. There have not been reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week, but it may still be reactive to heavy loads in isolated areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow will rapidly accumulate on Thursday, with 40-80 cm of fresh snow possible by the afternoon in southern parts of the region and 30-60 cm in northern parts. Rising then dropping freezing level will create an interesting mix of rain and snow at treeline and below treeline elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer composed of surface hoar that was buried on December 26 can be found at treeline elevations 20-50 cm below the new storm snow. This layer is reported to be most prevalent at the upper end of treeline on north and east aspects in the southern part of the region (e.g. Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park). This layer has been reactive recently and will definitely be reactive during the storm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north part of the region, another weak layer composed of facets and/or surface hoar is buried 100 to 150 cm deep at treeline (up to 2000 m), and may be reactive during the storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack varies substantially with elevation. Above around 1400 m, expect to find upwards of 100 cm of recent storm snow, which fell with strong southwest winds. The deepest amounts will be in lee terrain features adjacent to ridges. Below around 1300 m, the storm began with snow and switched to rain and may have switched back to snow again around treeline and upper below treeline elevations. With colder air temperatures, expect any wet snow to freeze and form a melt-freeze crust. The thickest crust will exist below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern part of the region, all this snow may overly a couple weak layers of feathery surface hoar buried near the end of December. Expect to find these layers about 50 to 120 cm deep.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region around 150 to 200 cm deep, a weak layer of sugary faceted snow buried on December 8 may still exist. It is likely that this layer was the culprit of a large, remotely-triggered avalanche on December 30 near Terrace, described in a MIN report </span><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span><span class="s_3FE45715">. Other reports indicate that this layer is still present and it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas. Storm slabs could step down to this layer and produce very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect fresh wind slabs to have formed with up to 20 cm of new snow that fell with strong southwest winds. These will sit on lingering hard wind slabs from last weekend. Below around treeline elevations, expect rain to have made some of the recent snow soggy, before freezing into a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried under recent storm snow, you may find a few weak layers in sheltered areas comprising of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sugary faceted snow. The upper layer was buried around December 31 and is about 20 cm deep. The next layer may have been buried around December 22 and is likely 30-50 cm deep. The lower one was buried in early-December and is now approximately 80-120 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early-season crust with faceted snow near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of new snow falling Wednesday through the day and night will add to the 30-40 cm of snow that fell last weekend. Moderate to strong southwest winds along with a rise in freezing level associated with the latest weather system is expected to promote storm slab development at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An aspect-dependant mix of facets, surface hoar, and sun crust buried mid-December now 100-150 cm deep, is reported to be less reactive in snowpack tests and showing signs of strengthening. A heavy trigger might still coax reactivity out of steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m or a steep south-facing slope in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An additional 30-40 cm of new snow falling Wednesday during the day and night will add to last weekend's storm snow totals of 35-45 cm. In many areas, the accumulated new snow overlies a layer of surface hoar that was reportedly widespread at treeline and above. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer buried 110-180cm composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes is believed to be gaining strength. Places that might still challenge this assumption would be steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid-November and a crust that formed in late October are found near the bottom of the snowpack. The probability of triggering these deeper layers is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep, rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Fresh storm slabs will form as a storm passes through the region on Thursday and into Friday. Several layers of small spotty surface hoar and thin crusts have been observed in the top 50 cm of the snowpack. Some snowpack tests suggest the snow may be poorly bonded to these layers in isolated areas. However, the main weak layer worth considering is still the widespread weak layer that formed in early December. The layer consists of a rain crust with a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets and can be found 50 to 100 cm below the surface. Although there has not been a reported avalanche on this layer in over a week, the incoming storm could be enough to reawaken it.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Heavy snowfall and strong winds are expected for Thursday, changing conditions drastically. The snow and strong winds will add a heavy load to an already weak snowpack. The bottom 50cm of the snowpack is mostly made up of facets. Natural and human avalanche triggering will become likely on Thursday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Fresh storm slabs will form on Wednesday night and then get soaked with heavy rain on Thursday. The rising then dropping freezing level makes it hard to predict the rain/snow mix and the exact properties of the storm slabs throughout the day, but regardless, all the ingredients for dangerous avalanche conditions are there.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow is falling on a widespread crust that extends at least to 1500 m elevation. At the highest elevations in the north of the region near Squamish, there could be a weak layer of feathery surface hoar roughly 50 cm below the new snow. Otherwise, the lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Thursday afternoon the storm has produced 15 to 30 cm of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong wind out of the south. Storm slabs up to 80 cm in depth were reported Wednesday evening in lee features. This adds to the 30 to 40 cm of snow that fell last weekend. There are a few reports of spotty surface hoar underneath all of this new snow, but for the most part the storm snow does not sit on any kind of persistent weak layer and is expected to rapidly settle this weekend as the storm exits to the east. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An aspect-dependant mix of facets, surface hoar, and sun crust buried mid-December now 80 to 140 cm deep, is reported to be less reactive in snowpack tests and shows signs of strengthening. A heavy trigger might still coax reactivity out of steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m or a steep south-facing slope in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A strong storm is dumping snow in the region Thursday into Friday. Around 20 to 40 cm of snow has fallen over most of the region up to Thursday evening (almost 70 cm in the far north!), and another 20 to 30 cm is expected Thursday night into Friday. All this snow has likely formed touchy storm slabs. The snow is falling with strong westerly winds, so expect deeper deposits in lee terrain features near ridges.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All this snow is loading a weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December. It is around 80 to 120 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak and sugary faceted snow, feathery surface hoar crystals, and on south aspects also a sun crust. Another similar weak layer is buried around 120 to 150 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack has weak faceted layers at alpine and treeline elevations. These basal weak layers have been producing large avalanches as recently as December 31. Human triggering any of these layers is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth, such as rocky alpine features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upwards of 40 cm of snow fell in the region on Thursday and more is expected into Friday. This new snow has likely formed new storm slabs. The snow is falling with strong southwest winds, so expect the deepest deposits in lee terrain features near ridges. In sheltered areas, new snow will add to the current 20 cm of snow that covers a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals, which was buried on Boxing Day. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that formed in early December may be found 80 to 120 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of sugary faceted snow with some isolated areas also containing feathery surface hoar crystals. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now, except for the east side of the region near Corbin.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the bottom of the snowpack lies a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. Triggering an avalanche at the base of the snowpack is unlikely at this time, although the most likely place to do so would be from a steep rocky start zone in an area where the snowpack was shallow.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from practically no snow to almost 200 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upwards of 30 cm of snow fell on Thursday and more is expected on Thursday night into Friday. The snow fell with strong southwest winds, moving the snow around in exposed areas. Expect the deepest deposits in lee terrain features. This snow will sit on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed southerly ridges, and soft snow in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer of weak and sugary faceted snow that formed during dry and cold weather in early December is buried around 60 to 90 cm. This layer is most likely to be triggered on steep features where snowpack depths are variable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack has a weak structure composed primarily of sugary faceted snow around a crust near the ground. Should a shallower avalanche be triggered, it is likely that it would step down and scour to the ground.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy snowfall, rising freezing levels and extreme winds are setting up a widespread storm slab problem. Around 40-80 cm of new snow since Wednesday adds to 30-50 cm of snow from the past week. This new load potentially sits on a weak layer of feathery surface hoar at treeline elevations and on a crust below 1800 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of sugary facets and surface hoar lies around 150 to 200 cm deep in the snowpack. There have not been reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week. That being said, this layer may still exist in isolated areas around treeline in some parts of the region. The additional weight of the new snow could stress deeper weak layers too.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy snowfall, rising freezing levels and extreme winds are setting up a widespread storm slab problem. Wind loaded terrain will be the first to develop reactive slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 20-50 cm of new snow starting Wednesday adds to 20-30 cm of recent snow that covers a widespread weak layer of feathery surface hoar that formed just after Christmas. This layer is reported to be most prevalent in the southern part of the region (e.g. Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park) at the upper end of treeline on north and east aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north part of the region, another weak layer composed of facets and/or surface hoar is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. This weak layer appears most prominent around treeline (up to 2000 m). There have not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week, but field observations suggest slab avalanches may still be possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack varies substantially with elevation. Above around 1400 m, expect to find upwards of 100 cm of recent storm snow, which fell with strong southwest winds. The deepest amounts will be in lee terrain features adjacent to ridges. Below around 1400 m, the storm began with snow and switched to rain and may have switched back to snow again around treeline and upper below treeline elevations. With colder air temperatures, expect any wet snow to freeze and form a melt-freeze crust. New snow Thursday night will fall on these surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern part of the region, all this snow may overly a couple weak layers of feathery surface hoar buried near the end of December. Expect to find these layers about 50 to 120 cm deep.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region around 150 to 200 cm deep, a weak layer of sugary faceted snow buried on December 8 may still exist. It is likely that this layer was the culprit of a large, remotely-triggered avalanche on December 30 near Terrace, described in a MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/bfab4d1b-f63e-4ffd-8e52-b944161dbeb9" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. Other reports indicate that this layer is still present and it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas. Storm slabs could step down to this layer and produce very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect fresh storms slabs to have formed with around 20 cm of new snow and possibly more for the south of the region on Thursday night into Friday. The snow fell with strong southwest winds, so the deepest and touchiest deposits will be in lee terrain features. These will sit on lingering hard wind slabs from last weekend. Below around treeline elevations, expect rain to have made some of the recent snow soggy, before freezing into a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried under recent storm snow, you may find a few weak layers in sheltered areas comprising of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sugary faceted snow. The upper layer was buried around December 31 and is about 20 cm deep. The next layer may have been buried around December 22 and is likely 30-50 cm deep. The lower one was buried in early-December and is now approximately 80-120 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early-season crust with weak faceted snow near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Thursday afternoon the storm has produced up to 45 cm of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong wind out of the south. Wind fueled storm slabs up to 120 cm in depth were reported in lee features Thursday. This adds to the 30 to 40 cm of snow that fell last weekend. There are a few reports of spotty surface hoar underneath all of this new snow, but for the most part the storm snow does not sit on any kind of persistent weak layer and is expected to rapidly settle this weekend as the storm exits to the east. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An aspect-dependant mix of facets, surface hoar, and sun crust buried mid-December now 100 to 150 cm deep, is reported to be less reactive in snowpack tests and shows signs of strengthening. A heavy trigger might still coax reactivity out of steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m or a steep south-facing slope in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Friday, a total of 40-80 cm of new snow will have fallen over a 48 hour period. The new snow sits atop 30-40 cm of settling snow from last weekend's storm, which sits above a layer of surface hoar that was reportedly widespread at treeline and above. The overall combination of new snow and strong wind has likely blanketed the region with thick storm slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A layer buried 150-200 cm composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust on steep south-facing slopes is believed to be gaining strength. Places that might still challenge this assumption would be steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid-November and a crust that formed in late October are found near the bottom of the snowpack. The probability of triggering these deeper layers is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep, rocky terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Fresh storm slabs are expected to develop with new snow into Friday. Several layers of small spotty surface hoar and thin crusts have been observed in the top 50 cm of the snowpack. Some snowpack tests suggest the snow may be poorly bonded to these layers in isolated areas. However, the main weak layer worth considering is still the widespread weak layer that formed in early December. The layer consists of a rain crust with a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets and can be found 50 to 100 cm below the surface. Although there has not been a reported avalanche on this layer in over a week, the storm could be enough to reawaken it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-20cm of snow has fallen over the past 24hrs in the alpine with associated strong winds.  New windslabs are building in all open terrain that are reactive to skier traffic.  These windslabs are also failing naturally.  As the new snow falls the weak base will continue to be overloaded and we are expecting a natural avalanche cycle to begin over the next 24hrs.  Friday will be a good day to avoid avalanche terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Fresh snow overnight Wednesday turned to a snow/rain mix on Thursday accompanied with strong winds and high freezing levels. More precipitation is expected overnight Thursday as freezing levels drop. The fluctuation freezing level makes it hard to predict the rain/snow mix and how the new storm snow is bonding to the old surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Under the new new snow is a widespread crust that extends at least to 1500 m elevation. At the highest elevations in the north of the region near Squamish, there could be a weak layer of feathery surface hoar roughly 50 cm below the new snow. Otherwise, the lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday and Friday's storm produced 30 to 60 cm of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong wind out of the south. A 2 mm &quot;zipper&quot; (melt/freeze/mist) crust under the new snow has been reported in the mountains surrounding Revelstoke. Underneath the most recent storm snow is the 30 to 40 cm of snow that fell last weekend. There are a few reports of spotty surface hoar underneath all of this new snow, but for the most part the storm snow does not sit on any kind of persistent weak layer and is expected to rapidly settle this weekend as as precipitation slows and temperatures cool. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An aspect dependant mix of facets, surface hoar, and sun crust was buried in mid-December. This interface is 80 to 140 cm below the surface and is now considered dormant. It is most prevalent on steep south-facing slopes in the alpine as well as north and east facing slopes between 1900 and 2300 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm dropped variable snowfall amounts across the region. In the north, upwards of 100 cm of snow fell. In the remainder of the region, around 40 to 60 cm of snow accumulated. The snow fell with strong westerly winds, so the deepest and touchiest deposits will likely be in lee terrain features. The freezing level rose to around 1500 m on Friday, so expect to find wet snow or a frozen crust below this elevation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All this snow is loading a weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December. It is around 80 to 120 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak and sugary faceted snow, feathery surface hoar crystals, and on south aspects also a sun crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow at alpine and treeline elevations. These basal weak layers have been producing large avalanches as recently as December 31. Human triggering any of these layers is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth, such as rocky alpine features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60 to 80 cm of snow fell in the region on Thursday and Friday above 1500 m. This new snow has formed touchy storm slabs. The snow is falling with strong southwest winds, so expect the deepest deposits in lee terrain features near ridges at higher elevations. In sheltered areas around treeline, this snow overlies a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals. Below 1500 m, the precipitation largely fell as rain, so expect wet snow that will freeze into a hard crust once temperatures cool.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the east side of the region near Corbin, a persistent weak layer that formed in early December may still be found 80 to 120 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of sugary faceted snow with some isolated areas also containing feathery surface hoar crystals. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the bottom of the snowpack lies a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. This layer may only be an issue on steep slopes where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from practically no snow to almost 200 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upwards of 60 cm of snow fell on Thursday and Friday above 1500 m. The snow fell with strong southwest winds. Expect the deepest deposits in the lee of terrain features. This snow will sit on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed ridges, and soft snow in sheltered areas. Below 1500 m, expect to find wet snow that will freeze into a hard crust once temperatures cool.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of this recent snow has loaded a weak snowpack. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted grains around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks. It will take time for the snowpack to adjust to the added load.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent heavy snowfall has accumulated 40-80 cm around the region by Friday afternoon. 75-150 cm total storm snow has accumulated since Jan 1. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1850 m, the storm snow remained dry and covered previous wind slabs on south aspects. Extreme alpine winds continue to redistribute snow and develop wind slabs and cornices. At treeline and below, the new storm snow rests on two closely-spaced weak layers (developed Dec 26 and Jan 1), a crust on solar aspects and variable surface hoar found in more sheltered areas. Storm slab avalanche activity on Thursday occurred on this interface between new snow and old, down 50-100 cm in the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a weak layer of sugary facets is now 150 to 200 cm deep. There have not been reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week, but it may still be reactive to heavy loads in isolated areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the last week, 40-100 cm storm snow accumulated through the region. This new snow rests on two variable weak layers (from Dec 26 and Jan 1). Now down 70-100 cm, there is a crust on steep south and west aspects and surface hoar in more sheltered terrain. The surface hoar layer is reported to be most prevalent in the southern part of the region (e.g. Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park) at the upper end of treeline on north and east aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north part of the region, another weak layer composed of facets and/or surface hoar is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. This weak layer appears most prominent around treeline (up to 2000 m). There have not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week, but field observations suggest slab avalanches may still be possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack varies substantially with elevation. Above around 1400 m, expect to find lingering wind slabs from Tuesday’s storm, which dropped upwards of 100 cm of snow with strong southwest winds. Below around 1400 m, the storm began with snow and switched to rain and may have switched back to snow again. It is likely that the wet snow has now frozen into a thick and supportive melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern part of the region, all this snow may overly a couple weak layers of feathery surface hoar buried near the end of December. Expect to find these layers about 50 to 120 cm deep.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region around 150 to 200 cm deep, a weak layer of sugary faceted snow buried on December 8 may still exist. It is likely that this layer was the culprit of a large, remotely-triggered avalanche on December 30 near Terrace, described in a MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/bfab4d1b-f63e-4ffd-8e52-b944161dbeb9" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong and variable winds have produced variable surfaces at treeline and alpine elevations. Expect to find wind-scoured surfaces as well as wind slabs in lee terrain features. Below treeline, expect to find a melt-freeze crust near the snow surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried under recent storm snow, you may find a few weak layers in sheltered areas comprising of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sugary faceted snow. The upper layer was buried around December 31 and is about 20 cm deep. The next layer may have been buried around December 22 and is likely 30-50 cm deep. The lower one was buried in early-December and is now approximately 80-120 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of weak and sugary faceted grains and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It is possible that shallower avalanches could scrub down to ground in these thin snowpack areas, due to this weak layer at the base of the snowpack. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday and Friday's storm produced 40 to 80 cm of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong wind out of the south. A 2 mm &quot;zipper&quot; (melt/freeze/mist) crust under the new snow has been reported in the mountains surrounding Revelstoke. Underneath the most recent storm snow is the 30 to 40 cm of snow that fell last weekend. There are a few reports of spotty surface hoar underneath all of this new snow, but for the most part the storm snow does not sit on any kind of persistent weak layer and is expected to rapidly settle this weekend as as precipitation slows and temperatures cool.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An aspect dependant mix of facets, surface hoar, and sun crust was buried in mid-December. This interface is 100 to 150 cm below the surface and is now considered dormant. It is most prevalent on steep south-facing slopes in the alpine as well as north and east facing slopes between 1900 and 2300 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An intense storm delivered 50-80 cm of snow between Wednesday and Friday. The new snow is rapidly settling at lower elevations, while at higher elevations it continues to get blown around into fresh wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to the storm, a widespread layer of surface hoar was reactive around treeline elevations. This layer is now 50-100 cm deep, and there is some uncertainty about whether it will still be reactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another layer buried 150-200 cm composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust is believed to be gaining strength. Places that might still challenge this assumption would be steep north and east facing slopes between 1900-2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The probability of triggering other deep layers in the snowpack is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20 cm recent snow accumulation has been redistributed by winds forming slabs in lee features and scouring exposed terrain. A zipper crust within the storm snow resulting from a freezing mist is most likely found at elevations below 2100 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the storm snow, several layers of small spotty surface hoar and thin crusts have been observed in the top 50-70 cm of the snowpack. Some snowpack tests suggest the snow may be poorly bonded to these layers in isolated areas. However, the main weak layer worth considering is still the widespread weak layer that formed in early December. The layer consists of a rain crust with a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets and can be found 70 to 100 cm below the surface. Although there has not been a reported avalanche on this layer in over a week, a large load like a cornice falling could be enough to reawaken it.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">As of this afternoon, the storm has left 25cm of settled snow at 2250m. This puts the total treeline snow depth to 120cm.  So far the winds haven't touched the lower treeline area, but the upper treeline and alpine areas have seen a fair bit of wind and widespread slabs. The deeper instabilities (Dec 10 and Oct 26) are very pronounced and basically make up the entire bottom third. The exact burial depth of this interface will vary depending on aspect (wind loading) and elevation. The trick with this snowpack will be identifying where there is a wind slab or not. Once the storm snow has &quot;slabbed&quot; up expect things to become very touchy. Avalanches stepping down and/or entraining loose snow are probable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy rain overnight has saturated the snowpack to alpine elevations and settled storm snow. At high alpine elevations above the rain, dry snow has been redistributed by strong winds forming slabs and cornices. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to the storm a crust extended to 1500 m elevation. At the highest elevations in the north of the region near Squamish, there could be a weak layer of feathery surface hoar roughly 50 cm below the new snow. Otherwise, the lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday and Friday's storm produced 30 to 60 cm of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong wind out of the south. A 2 mm &quot;zipper&quot; (melt/freeze/mist) crust under the new snow has been reported in the mountains surrounding Revelstoke. Underneath the most recent storm snow is the 30 to 40 cm of snow that fell last weekend. There are a few reports of spotty surface hoar underneath all of this new snow, but for the most part the storm snow does not sit on any kind of persistent weak layer and is expected to rapidly settle this weekend as as precipitation slows and temperatures cool. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An aspect dependant mix of facets, surface hoar, and sun crust buried in mid-December, now 80 to 140 cm below the surface, is considered dormant at this time.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm dropped variable snowfall amounts across the region. In the north, upwards of 100 cm of snow fell. In the remainder of the region, around 40 to 60 cm of snow accumulated. The snow fell with strong westerly winds, so the deepest and touchiest deposits will likely be in lee terrain features. The freezing level rose to around 1500 m on Friday, so expect to find wet snow or a frozen crust below this elevation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All this snow is loading a weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December. It is around 80 to 120 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak and sugary faceted snow, feathery surface hoar crystals, and on south aspects also a sun crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow at alpine and treeline elevations. These basal weak layers have been producing large avalanches as recently as December 31. Human triggering any of these layers is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth, such as rocky alpine features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60 to 80 cm of snow fell in the region on Thursday and Friday above 1500 m. This new snow has formed touchy storm slabs. The snow fell with strong southwest winds, so expect the deepest deposits in lee terrain features near ridges at higher elevations. In sheltered areas around treeline, this snow overlies a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals. Below 1500 m, the precipitation largely fell as rain, so expect wet snow that will freeze into a hard crust once temperatures cool.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the east side of the region near Corbin, a persistent weak layer that formed in early December may still be found 80 to 120 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of sugary faceted snow with some isolated areas also containing feathery surface hoar crystals. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the bottom of the snowpack lies a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. This layer may only be an issue on steep slopes where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from practically no snow to almost 200 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upwards of 60 cm of snow fell on Thursday and Friday above 1500 m. The snow fell with strong southwest winds. Expect the deepest deposits in the lee of terrain features. This snow will sit on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed ridges, and soft snow in sheltered areas. Below 1500 m, expect to find wet snow that will freeze into a hard crust once temperatures cool.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of this recent snow has loaded a weak snowpack. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted grains around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks. It will take time for the snowpack to adjust to the added load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">100-130 cm storm snow snow is both settling and being redistributed by strong winds. In the alpine cornices are growing and wind slabs are developing in lee terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1850 m, the storm snow remained dry and covered previous wind slabs on south aspects. Extreme alpine winds continue to redistribute snow and develop wind slabs and cornices. At treeline and below, the new storm snow rests on two layers (Jan 1 down 80 cm and Dec 26 down 150-200 cm). These variable layers consist of surface hoar in more sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects and below 1500m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a weak layer of sugary facets is now 150 to 200 cm deep. There have not been reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week, but it may still be reactive to heavy loads in isolated areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow continued to accumulate through Friday, 10-30 cm new snow fell with higher amounts further north in the region. Since Jan 1, 50-100 cm storm snow accumulated through the region. Warm temperatures are causing the new snow to settle and wind is redistributing snow to lee features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This new snow rests on two variable weak layers (from Dec 26 and Jan 1). Recent avalanche activity throughout the region has occurred at this interface with the new snow. Now down 70-100 cm, there is a crust on steep south and west aspects and surface hoar in more sheltered terrain. The surface hoar layer is reported to be most prevalent in the southern part of the region (e.g. Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park) at the upper end of treeline on north and east aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north part of the region, a deeper weak layer composed of facets and/or surface hoar is buried 100 to 150 cm. This weak layer appears most prominent around treeline (up to 2000 m). There have not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week, but field observations suggest slab avalanches may still be possible on this layer where it exists.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of new snow from Friday night sits on the snow surface in the Terrace area. The upper snowpack varies substantially with elevation. Above around 1400 m, expect to find lingering wind slabs from Tuesday's storm, which dropped upwards of 100 cm of snow with strong southwest winds. Below around 1400 m, the storm began with snow and switched to rain and may have switched back to snow again. It is likely that the wet snow has now frozen into a thick and supportive melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern part of the region, all this snow may overly a couple weak layers of feathery surface hoar buried near the end of December. Expect to find these layers about 50 to 120 cm deep.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region around 150 to 200 cm deep, a weak layer of sugary faceted snow buried on December 8 may still exist. It is likely that this layer was the culprit of a large, remotely-triggered avalanche on December 30 near Terrace, described in a MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/bfab4d1b-f63e-4ffd-8e52-b944161dbeb9" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong and variable winds have produced variable surfaces at treeline and alpine elevations. Expect to find wind-scoured surfaces as well as wind slabs in lee terrain features. Below treeline, expect to find a melt-freeze crust near the snow surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried under recent storm snow, you may find a few weak layers in sheltered areas comprising of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sugary faceted snow. The upper layer was buried around December 31 and is about 20 cm deep. The next layer may have been buried around December 22 and is likely 30-50 cm deep. The lower one was buried in early-December and is now approximately 80-120 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of weak and sugary faceted grains and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It is possible that shallower avalanches could scrub down to ground in these thin snowpack areas, due to this weak layer at the base of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday and Friday's storm produced 40 to 80 cm of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong wind out of the south. A 2 mm &quot;zipper&quot; (melt/freeze/mist) crust under the new snow has been reported in the mountains surrounding Revelstoke. Underneath the most recent storm snow is the 30 to 40 cm of snow that fell last weekend. There are a few reports of spotty surface hoar underneath all of this new snow, but for the most part the storm snow does not sit on any kind of persistent weak layer and is expected to rapidly settle this weekend as as precipitation slows and temperatures cool.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An aspect dependant mix of facets, surface hoar, and sun crust buried in mid-December, now 100 to 150 cm below the surface, is considered dormant at this time.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and settled, with a crust that formed in late October near the bottom of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An intense storm delivered 50 to 80 cm of snow between Wednesday and Friday. The new snow is rapidly settling at lower elevations, while at higher elevations it continues to get blown around into fresh wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to the storm, a widespread layer of surface hoar was reactive around treeline elevations. This layer is now 50 to 100 cm deep, and there is some uncertainty about whether it will still be reactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another layer buried 150 to 200 cm composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust is believed to be gaining strength. Places that might still challenge this assumption would be steep north and east facing slopes between 1900 and 2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The probability of triggering other deep layers in the snowpack is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm recent snow has been redistributed by winds forming slabs in lee features and scouring exposed terrain. A zipper crust may be found within the storm snow resulting from a freezing mist on January 2, most likely found below 2150 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the storm snow, several layers of small spotty surface hoar and thin crusts have been observed in the top 60 cm of the snowpack. Some snowpack tests suggest the snow may be poorly bonded to these layers in isolated areas. However, the main weak layer worth considering is still the widespread weak layer that formed in early December. The layer consists of a rain crust with a weak layer of feathery surface hoar and sugary facets and can be found 70 to 110 cm cm below the surface. Although there has not been a reported avalanche on this layer in over a week, a large load like a cornice falling could be enough to reawaken it.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow (40-50cm) that we received over the past few days is beginning to settle and SLOWLY strengthen. Shears with the upper snowpack and at the storm snow interface have tightened up but we still have a big concern for the weak facetted base that persists everywhere. New winds slabs should be expected in open wind affected areas in the alpine especially on N and E aspects. Moderate sudden collapse failures within the basal facets indicate the snowpack is still ripe for human triggering. Give the snowpack time to strengthen and stick to mellow low consequence terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy rain overnight has saturated the snowpack to alpine elevations and settled storm snow. At high alpine elevations above the rain, dry snow has been redistributed by strong winds to lee terrain. More snow is forecasted into Sunday, initially this new snow may not bond to the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to the recent storm a crust extended to 1500 m elevation. At the highest elevations in the north of the region near Squamish, there could be a weak layer of feathery surface hoar roughly 50 cm below the new snow. Otherwise, the lower snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday and Friday's storm produced 30 to 70 cm of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong wind generally out of the south. Wind effect is widespread in the alpine as well as isolated features at treeline. A 1 to 2 mm &quot;zipper&quot; (melt/freeze/mist) crust under the new snow has been reported in the mountains surrounding Revelstoke. Below this the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the bottom of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October which is considered dormant at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm dropped variable snowfall amounts across the region. In the north, upwards of 100 cm of snow fell. In the remainder of the region, around 40 to 60 cm of snow accumulated. The snow fell with strong westerly winds, so the deepest and touchiest deposits will likely be in lee terrain features. The freezing level rose to around 1500 m on Friday, so expect to find wet snow or a frozen crust below this elevation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All this snow is loading a weak layer that formed during the dry spell in early December. It is around 80 to 120 cm deep. The layer is composed of weak and sugary faceted snow, feathery surface hoar crystals, and on south aspects also a sun crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted snow at alpine and treeline elevations. These basal weak layers have been producing large avalanches as recently as December 31. Human triggering any of these layers is most likely on slopes that didn't previously avalanche and on slopes that have variable snowpack depth, such as rocky alpine features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60 to 80 cm of snow fell in the region last Thursday and Friday above 1500 m. The snow fell with strong southwest winds, so expect the deepest deposits in lee terrain features near ridges at higher elevations. In sheltered areas around treeline, this snow overlies a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals. Below 1500 m, the precipitation largely fell as rain, so expect wet snow that will freeze into a hard crust once temperatures cool.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the east side of the region near Corbin, a persistent weak layer that formed in early December may still be found 80 to 120 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of sugary faceted snow with some isolated areas also containing feathery surface hoar crystals. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the bottom of the snowpack lies a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November. This layer may only be an issue on steep slopes where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from practically no snow to almost 200 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upwards of 50-60 cm of snow fell late last week above 1500 m. The snow fell with strong southwest winds. Expect the deepest deposits in the lee of terrain features. This snow will sit on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed ridges, and soft snow in sheltered areas. Below 1500 m, expect to find wet snow that will freeze into a hard crust once temperatures cool.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of this recent snow has loaded a weak snowpack. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted grains around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks. It will take time for the snowpack to adjust to the added load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Sea to Sky region has received approximately 100-140 cm of recent storm snow with strong to extreme southerly winds. Cornices are growing and slab formation is likely widespread.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At treeline and below, the storm snow sits on two weak layers that are down 80-100 cm and 150-200 cm. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in more sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects and on all aspects below 1500m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) is now over 200 cm deep. There have been no reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week, but it may still be reactive to heavy loads (such as a cornice fall) in isolated areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-100 cm of storm snow has accumulated throughout the region since January 1. Strong to extreme winds will have promoted slab formation and cornice growth. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow sits on two weak layers that formed in mid and late December. These layers consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The surface hoar is reported to be most prominent in the southern part of the region in areas like the Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park, on north and east aspects at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern portion of the region, a deeper weak layer composed of facets (sugary snow) and/or surface hoar is buried 100 to 150 cm. There have been no reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week, but field observations suggest that avalanches may still be possible on this layer with a heavy load such as a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface snow consists of about 10-20 cm of new snow in the Terrace area. The upper snowpack varies substantially with elevation. Above around 1400 m, expect to find lingering wind slabs from last Tuesday's storm, which dropped upwards of 100 cm of snow with strong southwest winds. Below around 1400 m, the storm began with snow and switched to rain and may have switched back to snow again. It is likely that the wet snow has now frozen into a thick and supportive melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern part of the region around Ningunsaw pass, all this snow may overly a couple weak layers of feathery surface hoar buried near the end of December. Expect to find these layers about 50 to 120 cm deep.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region around 150 to 200 cm deep, a weak layer of sugary faceted snow buried on December 8 may still exist. It is likely that this layer was the culprit of a large, remotely-triggered avalanche on December 30 near Terrace, described in a MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/bfab4d1b-f63e-4ffd-8e52-b944161dbeb9" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of new snow over past two days along with moderate to strong and variable winds have produced variable surfaces at treeline and alpine elevations. Expect to find wind-scoured surfaces as well as wind slabs in lee terrain features. Below treeline, expect to find a melt-freeze crust near the snow surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried under recent storm snow, you may find a few weak layers in sheltered areas comprising of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sugary faceted snow. The upper layer was buried around December 31 and is about 20-30 cm deep. The next layer may have been buried around December 22 and is likely 40-60 cm deep. The lower one was buried in early-December and is now approximately 80-120 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of weak and sugary faceted grains and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It is possible that shallower avalanches could scrub down to ground in these thin snowpack areas, due to this weak layer at the base of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday and Friday's storm produced 40 to 80 cm of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong wind generally out of the south. Wind effect is widespread in the alpine as well as isolated features at treeline. A 1 to 2 mm &quot;zipper&quot; (melt/freeze/mist) crust under the new snow has been reported in the mountains surrounding Revelstoke. Below this the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the bottom of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October which is considered dormant at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An intense storm delivered 50 to 90 cm of snow between Wednesday and Friday. The new snow is rapidly settling at lower elevations, while at higher elevations it continues to get blown around into fresh wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Prior to the storm, a widespread layer of surface hoar was reactive around treeline elevations. This layer is now 50 to 100 cm deep, and there is some uncertainty about whether or not it remains reactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another layer buried 150 to 200 cm composed of weak facets, surface hoar, and a sun crust is believed to be gaining strength. Places that might still challenge this assumption would be steep north and east facing slopes between 1900 and 2300 m and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The probability of triggering other deep layers in the snowpack is low, but the most suspect areas would be shallow spots in steep rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-40 cm of recent snow has fallen in the region. Moderate to strong winds will be promoting widespread slab formation. The storm snow sits on several layers of small surface hoar (feathery crystals) and thin crusts. Recent snowpack tests suggest the snow may be poorly bonded to these layers in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most prominent weak layer in the snowpack is layer that formed in early December and is buried approximately 70-110 cm. This layer consists of a rain crust, surface hoar, and facets (sugary snow). There have been no recent reports of avalanches on this layer, however a large load, such as a cornice fall may still have the potential to trigger large avalanches on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storm snow has settled to 25 to 30cm at Treeline. Wind slabs forming in the Alpine and soft slabs in open areas at Treeline and below. Test profile at 2300m on a North aspect today produced easy shears at the storm snow interface, moderate shears down 40cm at the Dec 30th facet interface, and moderate/hard shears on the basal facets down 100cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10 cm of new snow likely sits on a melt freeze crust at the treeline and the upper reaches of the below treeline elevation band. At upper elevations, where the recent precipitation fell as snow, over 100 cm has accumulated since the stormy weather began mid last week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations in the north of the region near Squamish, there may be a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) buried approximately 50 cm. Information on the strength and distribution of this layer is very limited.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30 to 70 cm of recent snow has been redistributed by strong south to southwest winds. Wind effect is widespread in the alpine as well as isolated features at treeline elevations. A thin (1 to 2 mm) freezing-rain crust under the new snow has been reported in the mountains surrounding Revelstoke. Below this, the snowpack is generally settled and strong.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs are reported as being widespread in lee and cross-loaded terrain features from recent south to west winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. The likelihood of triggering these deep weak layers is low and would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60 to 80 cm of snow fell&nbsp; above 1500 m in the region late last week. The snowfall was followed up with moderate to strong southwest winds that have since redistributed some of the new snow into alpine and treeline lee terrain. In sheltered areas around treeline, this snow possibly overlies a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals. Below 1500 m, the precipitation largely fell as rain, so expect see a crust at or near the snow surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the east side of the region near Corbin, a persistent weak layer that formed in early December may still be found 80 to 120 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of sugary faceted snow with some isolated areas also containing feathery surface hoar crystals. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November near the bottom of the snowpack. This layer may only be an issue on steep slopes where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from practically no snow to almost 200 cm. Upwards of 50-60 cm of snow fell late last week above 1500 m. The snow fell with strong southwest winds and sits on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed ridges, and soft snow in sheltered areas. Below 1500 m, expect to find a hard crust at or near the snow surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted grains around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 140 cm recent storm snow was shifted into slabs on slopes lee to the south-east to south-west. In general, the recent storm snow is slowly gaining strength and settling. New storm slabs are expected to build by Tuesday afternoon. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At treeline and below, the storm snow sits on two weak layers that are down 80-100 cm and 150-200 cm. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in more sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects and on all aspects below 1500m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) is now over 200 cm deep. There have been no reports of avalanches on this layer for over a week, but it may still be reactive to heavy loads (such as a cornice fall) in isolated areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-100 cm of storm snow has accumulated throughout the region since January 1. Strong to extreme winds have promoted slab formation and cornice growth. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow sits on two weak layers that formed in mid and late December. These layers consists of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The surface hoar is reported to be most prominent in the southern part of the region in areas like the Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park, on north and east aspects at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern portion of the region, a deeper weak layer composed of facets (sugary snow) and/or surface hoar is buried 100 to 150 cm. There have been no reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week, but field observations suggest that avalanches may still be possible on this layer with a heavy load such as a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There has been around 15-25 cm of new snow in the Terrace area over the weekend. This new snow is possibly sitting on top of weak feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas. The upper snowpack varies substantially with elevation. Above around 1400 m, expect to find the new snow and lingering wind slabs. Below around 1400 m there may a crust just below the most recent new snow. For most of the region around 150 to 200 cm deep, a weak layer of sugary faceted snow buried on December 8 may still exist. It is likely that this layer was the culprit of a large, remotely-triggered avalanche on December 30 near Terrace, described in a MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/bfab4d1b-f63e-4ffd-8e52-b944161dbeb9" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern part of the region around Ningunsaw pass, a couple weak layers of feathery surface hoar may be found that were buried near the end of December. Expect to find these layers about 50 to 120 cm deep.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of new snow sits above previous wind-scoured surfaces as well as wind slabs in lee terrain features. Below treeline, expect to find a melt-freeze crust near the snow surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath you may find a few weak layers in sheltered areas comprising of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sugary faceted snow. The upper layer was buried around December 31 and is about 20-30 cm deep. The next layer may have been buried around December 22 and is likely 40-60 cm deep. The lower one was buried in early-December and is now approximately 80-120 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of weak and sugary faceted grains and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It is possible that shallower avalanches could scrub down to ground in these thin snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 80 cm of recent snow has been redistributed by strong south to southwest winds. Wind effect is widespread in the alpine as well as isolated features at treeline elevations. A thin (1 to 2 mm) freezing-rain crust under the new snow has been reported in the mountains surrounding Revelstoke. Below this, the snowpack 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">Wind slabs are reported as being widespread at treeline and alpine elevations. These formed from the recent storm that deposed 50 to 90 cm of snow with strong southwest winds. There have been reports that all this snow is not bonding well to underlying surfaces in areas. Below treeline, this new snow is likely settling and gaining strength.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains in parts of the region. The likelihood of triggering these deep weak layers is low and would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-40 cm of recent snow has fallen in the region. Moderate to strong winds have promoted widespread slab formation. The storm snow sits on several layers of small surface hoar (feathery crystals) and thin crusts. Recent snowpack tests suggest the snow may be poorly bonded to these layers in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most prominent weak layer in the snowpack is a layer that formed in early December and is buried approximately 70-120 cm. This layer consists of a rain crust, surface hoar, and facets (sugary snow). There have been no recent reports of avalanches on this layer, however a large load such as a cornice fall may still have the potential to trigger large avalanches on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We traveled to Burstall Pass today. 5-10cm of new snow overlies the previous 25 cm of storm snow which is bonding well to the layer below. Some wind effect in the alpine and variable wind effect at tree line. Our snow pit revealed the December 30 facet layer is producing hard compression tests down approximately 50cm. This is quite different from our snow tests yesterday on Tryst ridge which were in the moderate range. The bottom half of the snow pack is still very weak and is made up of large facets and depth hoar; something that will be with us for a long time. We were conservative with our ski lines as we have little confidence in the snow pack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At alpine and treeline elevations in the north of the region, 70-100 cm recent storm snow is slowly settling. Recent snowpack tests around treeline indicated some storm snow instabilities. Below the recent storm snow, a melt freeze crust exists, with associated facets (sugar snow) in some areas. Further south on the North Shore mountains, around 10 cm snow overlies a crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall on Wednesday may form new wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features at high elevations. This new snow will fall on widespread wind-affected snow at alpine and treeline elevations. Below this, the snowpack 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">Wind slabs are reported as being widespread in lee and cross-loaded terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations. Wind slabs may be found on all aspects due to variable wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. Humans could trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 60 to 80 cm of snow fell above 1500 m in the region late last week. Strong winds have redistributed the snow and formed wind slabs in alpine and treeline areas. In sheltered areas around treeline, this snow possibly overlies a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). Below 1500 m, the precipitation largely fell as rain, so expect to see a crust at or near the snow surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the east of the region near Corbin, a persistent weak layer that formed in early December may still be found 80 to 120 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of faceted (sugary) snow with some isolated areas also containing surface hoar. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November near the bottom of the snowpack. This layer may only be an issue on steep slopes where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. Upwards of 50-60 cm of snow fell late last week above 1500 m. The snow fell with strong southwest winds and sits on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed ridges, and soft snow in sheltered areas. Below 1500 m, expect to find a hard crust at or near the snow surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow, wind and warming are expected to build new storm slabs. Cornices are also likely to grow larger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow will bury old wind slabs on a variety of slopes at alpine and treeline elevations. At treeline and below, two weak layers exist in the upper 2 m of the snowpack. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in more sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects and on all aspects below 1500m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer is now over 2 m deep. There have been no recent reports of avalanches on this layer, but it may still be reactive to heavy loads (such as a cornice fall) in isolated 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">Recent strong winds have built wind slabs and cornices on a variety of slopes. New snow, wind and warming are expected to build new storm slabs on top of these.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Professionals continue to monitor two weak layers the upper 100-150 cm of the snowpack. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The surface hoar is reported to be most prominent in the southern part of the region in areas like the Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park, on north and east aspects at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer may still be reactive to heavy loads such as a cornice fall in isolated 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">Up to 65 cm of new snow (and an additional 15 cm by Wednesday afternoon) sits on a melt-freeze crust at treeline and below. New snow and strong winds will be promoting ongoing slab formation. The new snow may be sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 150-200 cm. It is likely that this layer was the culprit of a large, remotely-triggered avalanche on December 30 near Terrace, described in a MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/bfab4d1b-f63e-4ffd-8e52-b944161dbeb9" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas. The potential may also exist for storm slab avalanches to step down to this layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern part of the region, near Ningunsaw pass, a couple of weak layers of surface hoar may be found that were buried near the end of December. Expect to find these layers about down approximately&nbsp; 50 to 120 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of new snow sits above previous wind-scoured surfaces as well as wind slabs in lee terrain features. Below treeline, expect to find a melt-freeze crust near the snow surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer was buried around December 31 and is about 20-30 cm deep. The next layer may have been buried around December 22 and is likely 40-60 cm deep. The lower one was buried in early December and is now approximately 80-120 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It is possible that wind slab avalanches could scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large, full depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall on Wednesday may form new wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features at high elevations. This new snow will fall on widespread wind-affected snow at alpine and treeline elevations. 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 slabs are reported as being widespread and reactive at treeline and alpine elevations. Below treeline, recent snow is likely settling and gaining strength.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains in parts of the region. The likelihood of triggering these deep weak layers is low and would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snow and winds have created variable storm slabs and wind slabs. Wind slabs were observed at all elevations on Monday. Isolated layers of surface hoar and or crusts may be found in the upper snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 1 m down in the snowpack is a buried weak layer that formed in early December. It consists of a rain crust, surface hoar, and facets (sugary snow). Professionals continue to monitor this interface as it has potential to produce large avalanches, although the likelihood of triggering has gone down. It is most likely to be triggered from a thin-spot trigger point or with a large load, like cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An additional 2cm of new snow fell overnight. The upper snowpack consists of mostly low density surface snow with ski penetrations around 30cm. However, wind slabs are noticeable at Treeline elevations and get progressively more dense and widespread across the terrain as you gain elevation. In most cases the bond below these wind slabs seems to be relatively good, but convex and unsupported terrain should be approached cautiously. Forecasters are watching a few persistent weak layers deeper in the snowpack that continue to give results in stability tests. The layers to watch for include the Dec 30th facet interface (down 50cm), the Dec 10th surface hoar/facet interface (down 70cm) and the extensive basal facets which make up the entire bottom half of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is expected to create storm slabs at treeline and above. At lower elevations, rain on snow can rapidly lead to loose wet avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At alpine and treeline elevations in the north of the region, 70-100 cm recent storm snow is slowly settling. Recent snowpack tests around treeline indicated some storm snow instabilities. Below the recent storm snow, a melt freeze crust exists, with associated facets (sugar snow) in some areas. Further south on the North Shore mountains, around 10 cm snow overlies a crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall combined with wind on Wednesday into Thursday will have formed new wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features at high elevations. This new snow has fallen on widespread wind-affected snow at alpine and treeline elevations. Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled. There is however, a layer of feathery surface hoar that is sitting on a crust that was buried late November down 100-200 cm. This crust is suspected to be the bed surface for few notably large avalanches over the past 2-3 days on southwest through southeast aspects in the North and South Columbia regions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs are reported as being widespread in lee and cross-loaded terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations. Wind slabs may be found on all aspects due to variable wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. Humans could trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of new snow combined with strong winds will be promoting storm slab formation at alpine and treeline elevations. The new snow sits on previous storm snow and wind slabs above 1500 m, and a melt freeze crust below 1500 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In sheltered areas around treeline, 70-120cm of recent snow may sit on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). In the east of the region near Corbin, a persistent weak layer that formed in early December may still be found 90 to 150 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of faceted (sugary) snow with some isolated areas also containing surface hoar. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November near the bottom of the snowpack. This layer may only be an issue on steep slopes where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of storm snow has fallen in the region since late last week. The snow fell with strong southwest winds and sits on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed ridges, and soft snow in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1200 m, expect to find a crust at or near the snow surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm new snow adds to the previous 150+ cm of settled storm snow. Another 20 cm is expected by Friday morning as freezing levels rise. New snow, wind and warming are expected to build new storm slabs. Cornices are also likely to grow larger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow will bury old wind slabs on a variety of slopes at alpine and treeline elevations. At treeline and below, two weak layers exist in the upper 2 m of the snowpack. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in more sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects and on all aspects below 1600m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer is now over 2 m deep. There have been no recent reports of avalanches on this layer, but it may still be reactive to heavy loads (such as a cornice fall) in isolated areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 20-40 cm new snow adds to the previous 100+ cm of settled storm snow. Recent strong winds have redistributed recent snow built wind slabs and cornices on a variety of slopes. New snow, wind and warming are expected to build new storm slabs on top of these.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around the Coquihalla, the top 30 cm recent snow sits on a thick 10-15 cm crust up to 1550 m. This crust is not found in the north of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Professionals continue to monitor two weak layers the upper 100-150 cm of the snowpack. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The surface hoar is reported to be most prominent in the southern part of the region in areas like the Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park, on north and east aspects at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer may still be reactive to heavy loads such as a cornice fall in isolated areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 65-80 cm of new snow (with another 10-20 by Thursday afternoon) sits on a melt-freeze crust at treeline and below. New snow and strong winds will be promoting ongoing slab formation. In some sheltered areas, the new snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 160-220 cm. It is likely that this layer was the culprit of a large, remotely-triggered avalanche on December 30 near Terrace, described in a MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/bfab4d1b-f63e-4ffd-8e52-b944161dbeb9" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas. The potential may also exist for storm slab avalanches to step down to this layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern part of the region, near Ningunsaw pass, a couple of weak layers of surface hoar may be found that were buried near the end of December. Expect to find these layers about down approximately 70 to 150 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20 cm of new snow sits above previous wind-scoured surfaces as well as wind slabs in lee terrain features. Below treeline, the new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust. Strong winds have likely redistributed this new snow, creating fresh wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 20-30 cm deep. The next layer  is likely 40-60 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 80-120 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It is possible that wind slab avalanches could scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large, full depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall combined with wind on Wednesday into Thursday will have formed new wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features at high elevations. This new snow has fallen on widespread wind-affected snow at alpine and treeline elevations. Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled. There is however, a layer of feathery surface hoar that is sitting on a crust that was buried late November down 100-200 cm. This crust is suspected to be the bed surface for few very large avalanches over the past several days on southwest through southeast aspects in this region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs are reported as being widespread and reactive at treeline and alpine elevations. Below treeline, recent snow is likely settling and gaining strength.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains in parts of the region. The likelihood of triggering these deep weak layers is low and would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 20 cm recent snow falling with moderate to strong winds and increasing temperatures have created variable storm slabs and wind slabs. Wind slabs were observed at all elevations on Monday and may be hidden under the most recent snowfall. Isolated layers of surface hoar and or crusts may be found in the upper snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer buried early December is down 60-120 cm in the alpine and treeline elevations. It consists of a rain crust, surface hoar, and facets (sugary snow). Professional are continuing to monitor this interface. Although the likelihood of triggering has gone down, if triggered this weak layer has the potential to produce large avalanches. This layer most likely to be triggered from a thin-spot trigger point or with a large load, like cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong SW winds today has moved the snow around a bunch in the alpine and tree line today. Expect some wind slabs starting at tree line in lee features and getting more dense as you get into the alpine. The December 30 facet layer which is down about 50cm is still on our radar as it has produced clean sheers earlier in the week. The bottom half of the snowpack is weak and made up of facets. Any avalanches that happen have a chance of stepping down to ground because of these basal facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1700 m, up to 30 cm recent snow is being redistributed by wind and forming cornices. Another 10 cm may accumulate by Thursday morning in alpine terrain in the north of the region. Below 1500 m, rain has saturated the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is expected to create storm slabs in the alpine. At lower elevations, warming temperatures and rain on snow can rapidly lead to loose wet avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At alpine and treeline elevations in the north of the region, 70-100 cm recent storm snow is slowly settling. Recent snowpack tests around treeline indicated some storm snow instabilities. Below the recent storm snow, a melt freeze crust exists, with associated facets (sugar snow) in some areas. Further south on the North Shore mountains, around 10 cm snow overlies a crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Although the snow tap appears to have been switched off for a while, recent new snow will have formed new wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features at high elevations. This new snow has fallen on widespread wind-affected snow at alpine and treeline elevations. Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled. There is however, a layer of feathery surface hoar that is sitting on a crust that was buried late November down 100-200 cm. This crust is suspected to be the bed surface for few notably large avalanches over the past 2-3 days on southwest through southeast aspects in the North and South Columbia regions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs are reported as being widespread in lee and cross-loaded terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations. Wind slabs may be found on all aspects due to variable wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Of concern are the are deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. There is a weak layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. A few large avalanches have recently run on one or other of these layers (see Avalanche Activity Discussion). The possibility of triggering these layers will likely increase with anticipated warm weather. Triggering is also more likely on south-facing slopes and in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of recent new snow combined with mild temperatures and strong winds has formed storm slabs at alpine and treeline elevations. The new snow sits on previous storm snow and wind slabs above 1500 m, and a melt freeze crust below 1500 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In sheltered areas around treeline, 70-120cm of recent snow may sit on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). In the east of the region near Corbin, a persistent weak layer that formed in early December may still be found 90 to 150 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of faceted (sugary) snow with some isolated areas also containing surface hoar. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now. However, the warming event that is forecast in the coming days may wake this layer up.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November near the bottom of the snowpack. This layer may only be an issue on steep slopes where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong winds and has formed wind slabs at upper elevation. This new snow sits on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed ridges, and soft snow in sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1200 m, expect to find a crust at or near the snow surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks. Warming temperatures and sunshine over the coming days could re-activate this layer, resulting in a possible avalanche cycle.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">35 cm accumulating Thursday morning with 40-50 cm snow since January 7 being redistributed to moderate to strong south winds. Wind and warming temperatures have built storm slabs and cornices. As of Thursday morning, freezing levels were around 1700m, and some areas below 1600 m receiving rain. As freezing levels rise, warming temperatures and rain on snow can rapidly lead to loose wet avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow has buried old wind slabs on a variety of slopes at alpine and treeline elevations. At treeline and below, two weak layers exist in the upper 2 m of the snowpack. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in more sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects and on all aspects below 1600m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer is now over 2 m deep. There have been no recent reports of avalanches on this layer, but it may still be reactive to heavy loads (such as a cornice fall) in isolated areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 20 cm new snow adds to the previous 100+ cm of settled storm snow. Recent strong winds have redistributed recent snow built wind slabs and cornices on a variety of slopes. New snow has buried older slabs and developed new storm slabs and cornices.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around the Coquihalla, the top 30-40 cm recent snow sits on a thick 10-15 cm crust up to 1550 m. This crust is not found in the north of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Professionals continue to monitor two suspicious layers in the mid-pack. A surface hoar layer buried December 26 is down 60-90 cm and has produced harder results in snowpack tests. Down 100-150 cm in a surface hoar and crust layer buried early December. This layer consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The surface hoar is reported to be most prominent on north and east aspects at treeline, and has been well reported in the southern part of the region in areas like the Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer may still be reactive to heavy loads such as a cornice fall in isolated areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of new snow Thursday night adds to the growing pile of storm snow. Strong to extreme winds, warm temperatures and ongoing snowfall/rainfall will be promoting widespread slab formation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 60-100 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust at treeline and below. In some sheltered areas, this snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. It is likely that this layer was the culprit of a large, remotely-triggered avalanche on December 30 near Terrace, described in a MIN report </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/bfab4d1b-f63e-4ffd-8e52-b944161dbeb9" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas. The potential may also exist for storm slab avalanches to step down to this layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern part of the region, near Ningunsaw pass, a couple of weak layers of surface hoar may be found that were buried near the end of December. Expect to find these layers about down approximately 100 to 180 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of new snow sits above previous wind-scoured surfaces, and wind slabs in lee terrain features. Below treeline, the new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust. Strong winds have likely redistributed this new snow, creating fresh wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 30-50 cm deep. The next layer is likely 60-80 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-140 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Although the recent new snow has now ended, wind slabs are likely still reactive in lee and cross-loaded terrain features at higher elevations. This new snow has fallen on widespread wind-affected snow at alpine and treeline elevations. Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled. There is however, a layer of feathery surface hoar that is sitting on a crust that was buried late November down 100-200 cm. This crust is suspected to be the bed surface for few very large avalanches over the past several days on southwest through southeast aspects in this region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs are reported as being widespread and reactive at treeline and alpine elevations. Below treeline, recent snow is likely settling and gaining strength.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains in parts of the region. The likelihood of triggering these deep weak layers is low and would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20-40 cm recent snow around the region falling with moderate to strong winds and increasing temperatures have created variable storm slabs and wind slabs. Approximately 60 cm snow has accumulated since Dec 31. Wind slabs were observed at all elevations on Monday and may be hidden under the most recent snowfall. Isolated layers of surface hoar and or crusts may be found in the upper snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer buried early December is down 60-120 cm in the alpine and treeline elevations. It consists of a rain crust, surface hoar, and facets (sugary snow). Professionals are continuing to monitor this interface and although the likelihood of triggering has gone down, if triggered this weak layer has the potential to produce large avalanches. This layer is most likely to be triggered from thin, rocky areas with a variable snowpack or with a large load, like cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind and basal facets are the themes this year so far... Another windy day today has added to the wind slabs in the alpine and open areas at tree line.  Northerly and Easterly aspects and lee feature are most likely to have more snow and soft slabs because of the winds. Some whumphing was felt in the trees in the Commonwealth area today. This is a reminder that the bottom half of the snowpack is weak and consists mostly of facets. Good skiing can be found on moderate angles and the forecasters are staying off of the steeper lines and away from large slopes. Any avalanche that occurs has the potential to step down to the basal facets creating an even larger avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1700 m, up to 30-40 cm recent snow is being redistributed by wind and forming cornices. Below 1600 m, the snowpack is settled. New snow is expected to create storm slabs in the alpine. As freezing levels rise, warming temperatures and rain on snow can rapidly lead to loose wet avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At alpine and treeline elevations in the north of the region, 70-100 cm recent storm snow is settling. Recent snowpack tests around treeline indicated some storm snow instabilities. Below the recent storm snow, a melt freeze crust exists, with associated facets (sugar snow) in some areas. Further south on the North Shore mountains, around 10 cm snow overlies a crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm upper-level air temperatures may be impacting the snow surface. You may find dry snow, moist snow, or possibly a frozen melt-freeze crust, depending on how warm the air temperatures are. The warm air may produce touchy storm slabs at all elevations. At the highest of elevations, wind slabs may still linger in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. However, there still remain a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack around treeline and alpine elevations. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. The likelihood of triggering these layers may increase with the warm air incoming this weekend. These layers would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm upper-level air temperatures may be impacting the snow surface. You may find dry snow, moist snow, or possibly a frozen melt-freeze crust, depending on how warm the air temperatures are. The warm air may make wind slabs touchy at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Of concern are the deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. There is a weak layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. Humans could trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow. The likelihood of triggering these layers may increase this weekend due to a substantial warming trend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of recent new snow combined with mild temperatures and strong winds has formed storm slabs at alpine and treeline elevations. The snow surface has likely frozen into a melt freeze crust below 1600 m, and a sun crust at upper elvations. The new snow sits on previous storm snow and wind slabs above 1500 m, and a melt freeze crust below 1500 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In sheltered areas around treeline, 70-120cm of recent snow may sit on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). In the east of the region near Corbin, a persistent weak layer that formed in early December may still be found 90 to 150 cm deep. This layer mostly consists of faceted (sugary) snow with some isolated areas also containing surface hoar. While professionals are still tracking this layer, it has not been reactive for some time now.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is a mix of crusts and facets that formed in late October/early November near the bottom of the snowpack. This layer may only be an issue on steep slopes where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The deeper layers in the snowpack may become reactive this weekend with warm temperatures and sun impacting the snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong winds and has formed wind slabs at upper elevations. This new snow sits on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed ridges, and soft snow in sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks. Warming temperatures and sunshine over the coming days could re-activate this layer, resulting in a possible avalanche cycle.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent rain and freezing levels rising to 1600 m has promoted rapid snowpack settlement at lower elevations. At higher elevations, recent snow has settled to 30-50 cm and has been redistributed by moderate to strong south winds. Cornices have grown and the storm snow has been reactive to skier traffic. As freezing levels reach the alpine, rapid warming in the snowpack can lead to loose wet avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow has buried old wind slabs on a variety of slopes at alpine and treeline elevations. At treeline and below, two weak layers exist in the upper 2 m of the snowpack. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in more sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects and on all aspects below 1600m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer is now over 2 m deep. There have been no recent reports of avalanches on this layer, but it may still be reactive to heavy loads (such as a cornice fall) in isolated areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warming temperatures and moderate to strong south winds have have redistributed recent snow and promoted settlement. Freezing levels pushed above 1600 m on Thursday with no overnight recovery into Friday. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around the Coquihalla, the top 30-40 cm recent snow sits on a thick 10-15 cm crust up to 1550 m. This crust is not found in the north of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Professionals continue to monitor two suspicious layers in the mid-pack. A surface hoar layer buried December 26 is down 70-100 cm and has produced harder results in snowpack tests. Down 120-150 cm in a surface hoar and crust layer buried early December. This layer consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The surface hoar is reported to be most prominent on north and east aspects at treeline, and has been well reported in the southern part of the region in areas like the Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park. In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer may still be reactive to heavy loads such as a cornice fall in isolated areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Northwest Coast has seen upwards of 100 mm of precipitation since Wednesday. Depending on elevation and location in the region, this came in as snow, rain and freezing rain. Strong to extreme winds, warm temperatures and ongoing snowfall/rainfall will be promoting widespread slab formation. The snowpack is likely rain-soaked at lower elevations, particularly in southern portions of the region around Terrace.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In some sheltered areas, the new snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas. The potential may also exist for storm slab avalanches to step down to this layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern part of the region, near Ningunsaw pass, a couple of weak layers of surface hoar may be found down approximately 150 to 220 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-50 cm of new snow sits above previous wind-scoured surfaces, and wind slabs in lee terrain features. Strong winds have likely redistributed this new snow, creating fresh slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm upper-level air temperatures may be impacting the snow surface. You may find dry snow, moist snow, or possibly a frozen melt-freeze crust, depending on how warm the air temperatures are. The warm air may produce touchy storm slabs at all elevations. At the highest of elevations, wind slabs may still linger in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. However, there still remain a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack around treeline and alpine elevations. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. The likelihood of triggering these layers may increase with the warm air incoming this weekend. These layers would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air temperatures at higher elevations may impact the snow surface. You may find dry snow, moist snow, or possibly a frozen melt-freeze crust, depending on local air temperatures. Wind slabs are still being reported as widespread and reactive to human traffic in alpine terrain. Below around 1500 m, the snow surface is moist from recent light rain, which will freeze into a crust when temperatures cool.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains in parts of the region. The likelihood of triggering these layers may increase with the warm air incoming this weekend. These layers would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Thursday, pin wheeling and tree bombs were noted with warming temperatures through the day. Surface snow became moist to 1700 m. At higher elevations, strong southerly winds have redistributed recent storm snow creating variable storm slabs and wind slabs. Wind slabs were observed at all elevations on Monday and may be hidden under the most recent snowfall. Isolated layers of surface hoar and or crusts may be found in the upper snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer buried early December is down 60-120 cm in the alpine and treeline elevations. It consists of a rain crust, surface hoar, and facets (sugary snow). Professionals are continuing to monitor this interface and although the likelihood of triggering has gone down, if triggered this weak layer has the potential to produce large avalanches. This layer is most likely to be triggered from thin, rocky areas with a variable snowpack or with a large load, like cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major input of heat into the snowpack can stress deeper instabilities and buried weak layers may be activated. Use caution as the snowpack responds to the initial punch of rapid warming and spiking freezing levels.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind and basal facets are the themes this year so far... Another windy day again today has added to the wind slabs in the alpine and open areas at tree line. Northerly and Easterly aspects and lee feature are most likely to have more snow and soft slabs because of the winds.  This is a reminder that the bottom half of the snowpack is weak and consists mostly of facets. Good skiing can be found on moderate angles and the forecasters are staying off of the steeper lines and away from large slopes. Any avalanche that occurs has the potential to step down to the basal facets creating an even larger avalanche.  Skiing is OK but not great.  Still feels like a low snowpack year...</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1600 m, the snowpack is settled. Above 1700 m, recent snow has been redistributed by wind and formed cornices. Rising freezing levels are warming any dry snow left in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At alpine and treeline elevations in the north of the region, 70-100 cm recent storm snow is settling. Recent snowpack tests around treeline indicated some storm snow instabilities. Below the recent storm snow, a melt freeze crust exists, with associated facets (sugar snow) in some areas. Further south on the North Shore mountains, around 5-30 cm saturated snow overlies a crust with a good bond.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm upper-level air temperatures and sunny skies may be impacting the snow surface. You may find dry snow, moist snow, or possibly a frozen melt-freeze crust, depending on how warm the air temperatures are. The warm air may produce touchy storm slabs at all elevations and particularly touchy on south aspects during the heat of the day in the sun. At the highest of elevations, wind slabs may still linger in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. However, there still remain a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack around treeline and alpine elevations. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. These layers would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow. The likelihood of triggering these layers may increase with the warm air expected to last until Tuesday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm upper-level air temperatures may be impacting the snow surface. You may find dry snow, moist snow, or possibly a frozen melt-freeze crust, depending on how warm the air temperatures are. The warm air may make slabs touchy at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Of concern are the deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. There is a weak layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. Humans could trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow. The likelihood of triggering these layers may increase this weekend due to a substantial warming trend.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm upper-level air temperatures may be impacting the snow surface. You may find dry snow, moist snow, or possibly a frozen melt-freeze crust, depending on how warm the air temperatures are. The warm air may produce touchy storm slabs at all elevations. At the highest of elevations, wind slabs may still linger in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. However, there still remain a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack around treeline and alpine elevations. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. The likelihood of triggering these layers may increase with the warm air incoming this weekend. These layers would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong winds and has formed wind slabs at upper elevations. This new snow sits on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed ridges, and soft snow in sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks. Warming temperatures and sunshine over the coming days could re-activate this layer, resulting in a possible avalanche cycle.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures have moistened surface snow and promoted settlement. On Saturday morning, a melt-freeze crust was noted on all aspects up to 1900 m and south to southwest aspects in the alpine. Cold, dry snow may still be found on north aspects in the alpine. Cornices are large and suspect with warming. Warm temperatures are expected to penetrate to high alpine areas, poor overnight recoveries are expected up to 2000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent new snow has buried old wind slabs on a variety of slopes at alpine and treeline elevations. At treeline and below, two weak layers exist in the upper 2 m of the snowpack. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in more sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects and on all aspects below 1600m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer is now over 2 m deep. There have been no recent reports of avalanches on this layer, but it may still be reactive to heavy loads (such as a cornice fall) in isolated areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures have moistened surface snow and promoted settlement. On Saturday morning, a melt-freeze crust was noted on all aspects up to 1900 m and south to southwest aspects in the alpine. Cold, dry snow may still be found on north aspects in the alpine along with wind slabs. Cornices are large and suspect with warming. Warm temperatures are expected to penetrate to high alpine areas, Saturday night poor overnight recoveries are expected up to 2000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around the Coquihalla, the top 30-40 cm recent snow sits on a thick 10-15 cm crust up to 1550 m. This crust is not found in the north of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Professionals continue to monitor two suspicious layers in the mid-pack consisting of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on steep south-facing slopes. The surface hoar is reported to be most prominent on north and east aspects at treeline, and has been well reported in the southern part of the region in areas like the Coquihalla Summit and Manning Park. In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer may still be reactive to heavy loads such as a cornice fall in isolated areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Northwest Coast has seen upwards of 100 mm of precipitation since Wednesday. Depending on elevation and location in the region, this came in as snow, rain and freezing rain. Strong to extreme winds, warm temperatures and ongoing snowfall/rainfall will be promoting widespread slab formation. The snowpack is likely rain-soaked at lower elevations, particularly in southern portions of the region around Terrace.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In some sheltered areas, the new snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas. The potential may also exist for storm slab avalanches to step down to this layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern part of the region, near Ningunsaw pass, a couple of weak layers of surface hoar may be found down approximately 150 to 220 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-50 cm of new snow sits above previous wind-scoured surfaces, and wind slabs in lee terrain features. Strong winds have likely redistributed this new snow, creating fresh slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm upper-level air temperatures and sunny skies may be impacting the snow surface. You may find dry snow, moist snow, or possibly a frozen melt-freeze crust, depending on how warm the air temperatures are. The warm air may produce touchy storm slabs at all elevations and particularly touchy on south aspects if the sun is strong. At the highest of elevations, wind slabs may still linger in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. However, there still remain a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack around treeline and alpine elevations. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. These layers would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow. The likelihood of triggering these layers may increase with the warm air expected to last until Tuesday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air temperatures and sunny skies at higher elevations may impact the snow surface. You may find dry snow, moist snow, or possibly a frozen melt-freeze crust, depending on local air temperatures. Wind slabs are still being reported as widespread and reactive to human traffic in alpine terrain. Below around 1500 m, the snow surface is moist from recent light rain, which will freeze into a crust when temperatures cool.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains in parts of the region. The likelihood of triggering these layers may increase with the warm air incoming this weekend. These layers would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Friday, pin wheeling and tree bombs were noted with warming temperatures through the day. Surface snow became moist to 1700 m. At higher elevations, strong southerly winds have redistributed recent storm snow creating variable storm slabs and wind slabs. Wind slabs were observed at all elevations on Monday and may be hidden under the most recent snowfall. Isolated layers of surface hoar and or crusts may be found in the upper snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer buried early December is down 60-120 cm in the alpine and treeline elevations. It consists of a rain crust, surface hoar, and facets (sugary snow). Professionals are continuing to monitor this interface and although the likelihood of triggering has gone down, if triggered this weak layer has the potential to produce large avalanches. This layer is most likely to be triggered from thin, rocky areas with a variable snowpack or with a large load, like cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major input of heat into the snowpack can stress deeper instabilities and buried weak layers may be activated. Use caution as the snowpack responds to the initial punch of rapid warming and spiking freezing levels.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack settled a bit yesterday with the warm temperatures. Wind slabs are widespread in the Alpine and at Treeline. The depth and sensitivity of these slabs is widely variable across the forecast region, and it is worth digging into the snowpack often to evaluate this avalanche problem. The bottom half of the snowpack is very weak consisting primarily of facets. This condition will persist over the long term, which means that any avalanche that occurs could step down to these weak basal layers causing a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rising freezing levels have moistened surface snow at all elevations. Dry snow may still be found on north aspects in the high alpine. Cornices have grown and are suspect to fail with warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At alpine and treeline elevations in the north of the region, 70-100 cm recent storm snow is settling. A melt freeze crusts exists below this with associated facets (sugar snow), however the recent snow appears to be settling well on this interface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air temperatures and sunny skies may impact the snow surface at higher elevations. You may find dry or moist snow, depending on how warm it gets. On south aspects, you will likely find moist snow during the day or a sun crust if it freezes. The warm air may increase the reactiveness of storm slabs, particularly on southerly aspects where the greatest amount of warming is expected. Wind slabs may still linger in lee and cross-loaded terrain features in alpine and exposed treeline terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. However, there still remain a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack around treeline and alpine elevations. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. These layers would most likely be triggered by people in areas where the snowpack is shallow. The likelihood of triggering these layers may increase with the warm air expected to last until Tuesday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is weak and touchy in a large portion of the Purcells. Numerous very large avalanches have been reported daily. This is the type of weak snowpack that could stick around for the remainder of the winter season.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the top of the snowpack, warm upper-level air temperatures may be impacting the snow surface. You may find dry snow or moist snow depending on local temperatures. On south aspects, expect the most amount of warming, with either moist snow or a sun crust. The warm air will likely make slabs touchy on all aspects and at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak nature of the snowpack lies at depth. There is a weak layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack is also composed of weak faceted grains in many parts of the region. Humans have and will continue to be able to trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow. The likelihood of triggering these layers will likely increase due to the warming trend that is expected to last until Tuesday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm upper-level air temperatures may be impacting the snow surface. You may find dry snow, moist snow, or possibly a frozen melt-freeze crust, depending on how warm the air temperatures are. The warm air may make storm slabs a bit more touchy, especially in the alpine. At the highest of elevations, wind slabs may still linger in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. However, there still remain a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack around treeline and alpine elevations. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains.  These layers would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 20 cm of recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong winds and has formed wind slabs at upper elevations. This new snow sits on previous hard wind slabs, a scoured and shallow snowpack on exposed ridges, and soft snow in sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks. Warming temperatures and sunshine Monday have the potential to re-activate this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures are weakening surface snow layers and making cornices extra touchy. The warmth can also penetrate into more deeply buried weak layers. Minimal overnight freeze is expected, meaning warming is likely to affect the snowpack early in the day.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Refrozen crusts may be found on all aspects below about 1800-2000 m; and on sunny aspects in the alpine in some places. These may break down through the day. Cold, dry and possibly wind-affected snow may still be found on various aspects in the alpine. Variable instabilities exist in recent storm snow layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two weak layers exist in the upper 2 m of the snowpack at and below treeline. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in more sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects and on all aspects below 1600m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer is now over 2 m deep. This layer may still be reactive to heavy loads (such as a cornice fall) in isolated 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">Due to warming, cornices are likely to be weak if you encounter them. Melt-freeze crusts are likely on south aspects, and on all aspects below about 1900 m. A limited overnight freeze is expected, so crusts may break down quickly with daytime warming, potentially leading to loose wet avalanche conditions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warmth has promoted settlement of the snowpack and helped bond old wind slabs. At alpine elevations, variable areas of wind slabs and dry snow may be found. However, a generally well-settled upper snowpack is reported, with supportive crusts in the upper snowpack that are isolating deeper snowpack weaknesses. Most of our observations come from the Duffey Lake and Coquihalla regions, so if you are venturing further afield,  the local snowpack may not be as strong. Please investigate.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There remains a small chance of triggering a deeply buried crust/facet layer with a heavy trigger such as a cornice fall, or from a thin spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Northwest Coast has seen upwards of 100 mm of precipitation since Wednesday. Above 1500 m most of the precipitation came in as snow, slopes below 1500 m were largely rain soaked, particularly in southern portions of the region around Terrace. Strong to extreme wind and mild temperatures associated with the warm storm have formed widespread storm slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In some sheltered areas the new snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas. The potential may also exist for storm slab avalanches to step down to this layer, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern part of the region, near Ningunsaw pass, a couple of weak layers of surface hoar may be found down approximately 150 to 220 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm produced 25 to 50 cm of new snow which came in warm and wet below 1300 m. Strong winds have likely redistributed the storm snow at and above treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air temperatures and sunny skies at higher elevations may impact the snow surface. You may find dry or moist snow depending on how warm it gets. On south aspects, you will likely find a sun crust. The warm air may produce touchy storm slabs at all elevations and particularly on southerly aspects where the greatest amount of warming is expected. Wind slabs may still linger in lee and cross-loaded terrain features in alpine and exposed treeline terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. However, there still remain a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack around treeline and alpine elevations. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. These layers would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow. The likelihood of triggering these layers may increase with the warm air expected to last until Tuesday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air temperatures and sunny skies at higher elevations may impact the snow surface. You may find dry or moist snow, depending on how warm it gets. On south aspects, you will likely find loose and moist snow during the day and a sun crust at night. Also expect to find a surface crust on all aspects below 1500 m. Wind slabs are still being reported as widespread in alpine terrain. The warming may make these slabs easier to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains in parts of the region. The likelihood of triggering these layers may increase with the warm air incoming this weekend. These layers would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warming has promoted settlement of upper snowpack layers and created surface crusts. Wind slabs exist in alpine areas and may overlie buried surface hoar. Professionals continue to monitor a couple of persistent weak layers in the upper 50-150 cm of the snowpack. Poor overnight freezes and daytime warming will keep the chance of triggering a deeper slab elevated for another day or two. Persistent weak layers are most likely to be triggered from thin, rocky areas with a variable snowpack or with a large load, like cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread wind slabs exist in the alpine and open areas at tree line.  Cross loaded features and lee areas show harder wind slabs and could be be triggered at the thinner spots. The upper half of the snow pack is well settled and overlies 50-60cm of very weak facets(sugar like snow).  This condition will persist over the long term, which means that any avalanche that occurs could step down to these weak basal layers causing a very large avalanche.  See the avalanche summary below. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures have created moist surface snow, which has refrozen into crusts at low elevations and on sunny aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north of the region, you may find wind-affected snow or dry snow (on shady aspects) at upper elevations. Lingering cornices may fail with warming. A solid surface crust exists below about 1600 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm and sunny weather at higher elevation has resulted in moist snow during the day on sunny aspects, freezing into a crust overnight. The snow has remained dry on north aspects slopes. Wind slabs are now old and hard to trigger. Cornices exist but are not unduly large. Still, they could still collapse during warm and/or sunny weather.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. On southerly aspects you may find a thin sun crust with facets down around 55 cm. Recent sudden snowpack results on this layer indicate this could still be a failure plane on steep southerly slopes in thin snowpack areas. Professionals are also tracking a layer around 130 to 180 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The chance of triggering this layer is very low. In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is weak and touchy in a large portion of the Purcells. Numerous very large avalanches have been reported daily. This is the type of weak snowpack that could stick around for months or longer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the top of the snowpack, recent warm air and sunny skies may have produced a crust on the snow surface. Expect to find a sun crust on southerly aspects and possibly a temperature crust on other aspects. At higher elevations in exposed terrain, wind slabs may still exist.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak nature of the snowpack lies at depth. There is a weak layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack is also composed of weak faceted grains in many parts of the region. Humans have and will continue to be able to trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent sunshine and warm alpine temperatures have created moist/crusty surfaces on solar aspects. The snow appears to have remained dry on shady aspects. Wind slabs have become difficult to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may still be composed of weak faceted grains. In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally considered to be well-settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm alpine temperatures have created moist/crusty surfaces on southerly aspects. The snow appears to have remained dry on northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures are weakening surface snow layers has made cornices extra touchy. The warmth can also penetrate into more deeply buried weak layers. Minimal overnight freeze is expected, meaning warming is likely to affect the snowpack early in the day.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Refrozen crusts may be found on all aspects below about 1800-2000 m; and on sunny aspects in the alpine in some places. These may break down through the day. Cold, dry and possibly wind-affected snow may still be found on various aspects in the alpine. Variable instabilities exist in recent storm snow layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two weak layers exist in the upper 2 m of the snowpack at and below treeline. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in more sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects and on all aspects below 1600m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer is now over 2 m deep. This layer may still be reactive to heavy loads (such as a cornice fall) in isolated 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">Due to warming, cornices are likely to be weak if you encounter them. Melt-freeze crusts are likely on south aspects, and on all aspects below about 1900 m. A limited overnight freeze is expected, so crusts may break down quickly with daytime warming, potentially leading to loose wet avalanche conditions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warmth has promoted settlement of the snowpack and helped bond old wind slabs. At alpine at sheltered treeline elevations, variable areas of wind slabs and dry snow may be found. However, a generally well-settled upper snowpack is reported, with supportive crusts in the upper snowpack that are isolating deeper snowpack weaknesses. Most of our observations come from the Duffey Lake and Coquihalla regions, so if you are venturing further afield, the local snowpack may not be as strong. Please investigate.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There remains a small chance of triggering a deeply buried crust/facet layer with a heavy trigger such as a cornice fall, or from a thin spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Precipitation has eased since last week's warm and wet storm (up to 100 mm precipitation fell between Wednesday and Sunday, with rain as high as 1500 m). Recent new snow is likely to have blown into wind slab deposits at higher elevations. Storm slabs remain a concern on many steep slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In some sheltered areas the new snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas. The potential may also exist for storm slab avalanches to step down to this layer, resulting in large avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm that ended late on Saturday produced 25 to 50 cm of new snow at higher elevations with rain falling up to 1500 m. Strong winds have likely redistributed the storm snow at and above treeline. The snow at lower elevations is now most likely crusty.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On south aspects, warm air temperatures and sunny skies will continue to impact the snow surface at higher elevations where you will likely find moist snow during the day or a sun crust if it freezes. Wind slabs may still linger in lee and cross-loaded terrain features in alpine and exposed treeline terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. However, there still remain a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack around treeline and alpine elevations. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. These layers would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm air and sunny skies may have left a crust on the snow surface. Expect to find a sun crust on southerly aspects and a temperature crust on all aspects below 1700 m. At higher elevations in exposed terrain, wind slabs are being reported as widespread.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warming has promoted settlement of upper snowpack layers and created surface crusts. A melt-freeze crust exists on solar aspects. Cold, dry snow may still be found on north aspects in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs exist in alpine areas and may overlie buried surface hoar. Professionals continue to monitor a couple of persistent weak layers in the upper 50-150 cm of the snowpack. Minimal overnight re-freezes and daytime warming will keep the chance of triggering a deeper slab lingering into Tuesday. Persistent weak layers are most likely to be triggered from thin, rocky areas with a variable snowpack or with a large load, like cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs are pretty much everywhere in the alpine and open areas at tree line. The upper half of the snowpack is well settled and comprised of two hard layers, each around 35cm thick. The upper hard layer is still producing moderate test results on what appears to be the December 30 facets. The lower hard layer is resting on the Dec 10 facets(start of the basal facets) which is approximately 70cm down. The basal facets make up the bottom 50-60cm of the snow pack. We had several repeatable compression tests(sudden planar) in the moderate to hard range that occurred on the basal facets.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Have a look on our Facebook page for our latest video showing the compression test on the basal facets: https://www.facebook.com/KCPublicSafety/</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures have created moist surface snow, which has refrozen into crusts at low elevations and on sunny aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north of the region, you may find wind-affected snow or dry snow (on shady aspects) at upper elevations. Lingering cornices may fail with warming. A solid surface crust exists below about 1700 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm and sunny weather at higher elevation has resulted in moist snow during the day on sunny aspects, freezing into a crust overnight. The snow has remained dry on north aspects slopes. Wind slabs are now old and hard to trigger. Cornices exist but are not unduly large.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. On southerly aspects you may find a thin sun crust with facets down around 55 cm. Recent sudden snowpack results on this layer indicate this could still be a failure plane on steep southerly slopes in thin snowpack areas. Professionals are also tracking a layer around 130 to 180 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The chance of triggering this layer is very low. In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is weak and touchy in a large portion of the Purcells. Numerous very large avalanches have been reported daily. This is the type of weak snowpack that could stick around for months. </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/blogs/purcells-weakness" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Read more here.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the top of the snowpack, recent warm air and sunny skies may have produced a crust on the snow surface. Expect to find a sun crust on southerly aspects and possibly a temperature crust on other aspects. At higher elevations in exposed terrain, wind slabs may still exist.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak nature of the snowpack lies at depth. There is a weak layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack is also composed of weak faceted grains in many parts of the region. Humans have and will continue to be able to trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent sunshine and warm alpine temperatures left crusty surfaces on solar aspects while the snow appears to have remained dry on shady aspects. Wind slabs have become difficult to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may still be composed of weak faceted grains. In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally considered to be well-settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm alpine temperatures left crusty surfaces on southerly aspects. The snow appears to have remained dry on northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures can weaken surface snow layers and have recently made cornices touchy. The warmth can also penetrate into more deeply buried weak layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Colder overnight temperatures are promoting better recovery of the snowpack, making for easier travel in the morning. Refrozen crusts may be found on all aspects below about 1800-2000 m; and on sunny aspects in the alpine. These may break down with warming through the day. Cold, dry and wind-affected snow may still be found on more north-facing and polar aspects in the alpine. Variable instabilities exist in recent storm snow layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two weak layers exist in the upper 2 m of the snowpack at and below treeline. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in more sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects and on all aspects below 1600m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer is now over 2 m deep. This layer may still be reactive to heavy loads (such as a cornice fall) in isolated areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Colder overnight temperatures are promoting better recovery of the snowpack, refrozen crusts may be found on all aspects below about 1800-2000 m; and on sunny aspects in the alpine. These may break down with sunshine and warming through the day. Cold, dry and wind-affected snow may still be found on more north-facing and polar aspects in the alpine and around treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warmth has promoted settlement of the snowpack and helped bond old wind slabs. At alpine elevations, variable areas of wind slabs and dry snow may be found. However, a generally well-settled upper snowpack is reported, with supportive crusts in the upper snowpack that are isolating deeper snowpack weaknesses. Most of our observations come from the Duffey Lake and Coquihalla regions, so if you are venturing further afield, the local snowpack may not be as strong. Please investigate.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There remains a small chance of triggering a deeply buried crust/facet layer with a heavy trigger such as a cornice fall, or from a thin spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warm and wet storm brought up to 100 mm precipitation between Wednesday and Sunday last week, with rain falling as high as 1500 m. Precipitation has now ended and temperatures have started to cool. New snow from the storm is likely to have blown into wind slab deposits at higher elevations. The snow is crusty at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In some sheltered areas the new snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas, particularly in the north of the region. The potential may also exist for storm slab avalanches to step down to this layer, resulting in large avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm that ended late on Saturday produced 25 to 50 cm of new snow at higher elevations with rain falling up to 1500 m. Strong winds redistributed the storm snow at and above treeline. The snow at lower elevations is now most likely crusty.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On south aspects, you will likely find a sun crust as it freezes with temperature cooling. Wind slabs may still linger in lee and cross-loaded terrain features in alpine and exposed treeline terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. However, there still remains a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack around treeline and alpine elevations. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains. These layers would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm air and sunny skies may have left a crust on the snow surface on southerly aspects. At higher elevations in exposed terrain, wind slabs are being reported as widespread.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Daytime warming and cool overnight temperatures have promoted settlement of upper snowpack layers and created surface crusts on solar aspects. Cold, dry snow may still be found on north aspects in the alpine. Large surface hoar has begun to form particularly on shaded aspects. While not a concern yet (an maybe really neat to ski), this is something to keep in mind forecasted snowfall this weekend buries the weak layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs exist in alpine areas and may overlie buried surface hoar. Professionals continue to monitor a couple of persistent weak layers in the upper 50-150 cm of the snowpack. Persistent weak layers are most likely to be triggered from thin, rocky areas with a variable snowpack or with a large load, like cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface hoar was observed up to 2200m in sheltered locations. This may be a layer of concern in the future if it ever snows again. Moist snow was found on solar aspects in the Alpine and at Treeline by early afternoon today. Wind slabs are widespread at all elevations except for very sheltered areas below treeline. Compression Test results today at TL on an East aspect produced moderate shears down 100cm in the basal facets. The bottom half of the snowpack remains very weak and facetted.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures have created moist surface snow, which has refrozen into crusts at low elevations and on sunny aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north of the region, you may find wind-affected snow or dry snow (on shady aspects) at upper elevations. Lingering cornices may fail with warming. A solid surface crust exists below about 1700 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm alpine temperatures left crusty surfaces on southerly aspects, while the snow remained dry on northerly aspects. Old wind slabs and cornices could be lingering at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. On southerly aspects you may find a thin sun crust with facets down around 50 cm. Recent sudden snowpack results indicate this layer could still be a failure plane on steep southerly slopes in thin snowpack areas. Professionals are also tracking a layer around 130 to 180 cm deep, composed of weak faceted grains, surface hoar, and a sun crust. The chance of triggering this layer is very low. In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is weak and touchy in large portions of the Purcells. Numerous very large avalanches have been reported on a regular basis. This is the type of weak snowpack that could stick around for months. </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/blogs/purcells-weakness" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Read more here.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent sunshine and warm alpine temperatures left crusty surfaces on solar aspects while the snow appears to have remained dry on shady aspects. At higher elevations in exposed terrain, wind slabs may still exist.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak nature of the snowpack lies at depth. There is a weak layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack is also composed of weak faceted grains in many parts of the region. Humans have and will continue to be able to trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm alpine temperatures left crusty surfaces on southerly aspects, while the snow remained dry on northerly aspects. Old wind slabs and cornices could be lingering at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may still be composed of weak faceted grains. In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally considered to be well-settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm alpine temperatures left crusty surfaces on south aspects while the snow appears to have remained dry on north aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Colder overnight temperatures are promoting better recovery of the snowpack, refrozen crusts are found on all aspects below about 1800-2000 m and sunny aspects in the alpine. These may break down with warming through the day. Cold, dry and wind-affected snow may still be found on more north-facing and polar aspects above 1700 m. Variable instabilities exist in recent storm snow layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar has begun to form, and is most noticeable on shaded aspects and below tree line. While not a concern yet (and maybe really neat to ski), this potentially weak layer will not bond well with incoming snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Professionals continue to track two weak layers in the upper 2 m of the snowpack at and below treeline. These layers consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in more sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects and on all aspects below 1600 m. In the lower snowpack, a crust/facet (sugar snow) layer is now over 2 m deep. This layer may still be reactive to heavy loads (such as a cornice fall) in isolated areas. Recent warm temperatures have promoted settlement in the midpack and there have be no recent significant results on these layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Colder overnight temperatures are promoting recovery of the snowpack. Refrozen crusts are found on all aspects below about 1800-2000 m and sunny aspects in the alpine. Cold, dry and wind-affected snow is found on more north-facing and sheltered aspects in the alpine and around treeline; expect to find variable surfaces in areas where a crust has not formed. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar has begun to form, and is most noticeable on shaded aspects and below tree line. While not a concern yet (and maybe really neat to ski), this potentially weak layer will not bond well with incoming snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warmth has promoted settlement of the snowpack and helped bond old wind slabs. A generally well-settled upper snowpack is reported, with supportive crusts that are isolating deeper snowpack weaknesses. Most of our observations come from the Duffey Lake and Coquihalla regions, so if you are venturing further afield, the local snowpack may not be as strong. Please investigate.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There remains a small chance of triggering a deeply buried crust/facet layer with a heavy trigger such as a cornice fall, or from a thin spot.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warm and wet storm brought up to 100 mm precipitation between Wednesday and Sunday last week, with rain falling as high as 1500 m. Forecast outflow winds, although mainly expected at lower elevations, may be blowing the new snow into new wind slab deposits at higher elevations. The snow is crusty at lower elevations, with little snow available to be transported by the wind.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In some sheltered areas that were unaffected by rain, the new snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas, particularly in the north of the region. The potential may also exist for storm slab avalanches to step down to this layer, resulting in large avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A combined crust/facet layer may also be found at the base of the snowpack in alpine areas. It is suspected to have been involved in several large 'step down' avalanches during the storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm that ended late on Saturday produced 25 to 50 cm of new snow at higher elevations, with rain falling up to 1500 m. Strong winds redistributed the storm snow at and above treeline. The snow at lower elevations is now most likely crusty.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Following warm and sunny weather at higher elevation, moist snow on solar aspects has turn into a crust with temperature cooling. The snow has remained dry on north aspects slopes.  Wind slabs are still lingering in lee and cross-loaded features in alpine and exposed treeline terrain but they are old and hard to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm air and sunny skies at higher elevations have left a crust on the snow surface on southerly aspects. The snow has remained dry on north aspects slopes. Wind slabs are still lingering in lee and cross-loaded features in alpine and exposed treeline terrain but they are old and hard to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A temperature crust can be found on all solar aspects and most places tree line and below. Cold, dry snow may still be found on north aspects in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large surface hoar has begun to form, and is most noticeable on shaded aspects and below tree line. While not a concern yet (and maybe really neat to ski), this potentially weak layer well not bond will with incoming snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs exist in alpine areas and may overlie buried surface hoar. Professionals continue to monitor a couple of persistent weak layers in the upper 50-150 cm of the snowpack. Persistent weak layers are most likely to be triggered from thin, rocky areas with a variable snowpack or with a large load, like cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures have created moist surface snow, which has refrozen into crusts. The snowpack is well settled. Snowpack depths have shrunk considerably below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north of the region, you may find wind-affected snow or dry snow (on shady aspects) at upper elevations. Lingering cornices may fail with warming with added loading from rain or snow. A solid surface crust exists below about 1700 m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Although incoming snowfall amounts are on the lighter side, the snow is burying large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. This will create the potential for fast moving sluffs and thin slab avalanches with wide propagations. The most suspect terrain features are steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. Professionals are tracking a layer around 130 to 180 cm deep, composed of weak faceted grains, surface hoar, and a sun crust. The chance of triggering this layer is low. In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is weak and touchy in large portions of the Purcells. Numerous very large avalanches have been reported on a regular basis. This is the type of weak snowpack that could stick around for months. </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/blogs/purcells-weakness" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Read more here.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is burying large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crusts, which could eventually develop into a touchy problem as snow accumulates. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak nature of the snowpack lies at depth. There is a weak layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack is also composed of weak faceted grains in many parts of the region. Humans have and will continue to be able to trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Although incoming snowfall amounts are on the lighter side, the snow is burying large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. This will create the potential for fast moving sluffs and/or thin slab avalanches with wide propagations. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may still be composed of weak faceted grains. In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally considered to be well-settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow is burying large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crusts, which could eventually develop into a touchy problem as snow accumulates. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow will fall onto a sun crust on south aspects, a temperature crust below 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow will fall onto a sun crust on south aspects, a temperature crust on all aspects below around 1700 m, and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warm and wet storm brought up to 100 mm precipitation between Wednesday and Sunday last week, with rain falling as high as 1500 m. Forecast outflow winds, although mainly expected at lower elevations, may be blowing the new snow into new wind slab deposits at higher elevations. The snow is crusty at lower elevations, with little snow available to be transported by the wind.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In some sheltered areas that were unaffected by rain, the new snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). This layer has been identified as the failure plane in several recent large avalanches in the north of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas, particularly in the north of the region. The potential may also exist for storm slab avalanches to step down to this layer, resulting in large avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A combined crust/facet layer may also be found at the base of the snowpack in alpine areas. It is suspected to have been involved in several large 'step down' avalanches during the storm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm that ended late on Saturday produced 25 to 50 cm of new snow at higher elevations, with rain falling up to 1500 m. Strong winds redistributed the storm snow at and above treeline. The snow at lower elevations is now most likely crusty.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep and was the likely culprit in the Kispiox avalanche noted above. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expected snowfalls starting Thursday night will accumulate over a variety of surfaces. Those snowpack surfaces include a sun crust on solar aspects at treeline and above, faceted dry snow on north aspects and surface hoar up to 15-20 mm in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation. New wind slabs may also form on north and northeast aspects in the alpine on Friday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expected snowfalls starting Thursday night will accumulate over a variety of surfaces. Those snowpack surfaces include a sun crust on solar aspects at treeline and above, faceted dry snow on north aspects and surface hoar up to 15-20 mm in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation. New wind slabs may form on north and northeast aspects in the alpine on Friday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow on Friday and Saturday will fall onto a sun crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Large surface hoar was observed mostly in sheltered areas.  This will be on our radar when the next snow flies.  Widespread wind slabs are present in the alpine and down into the open areas of tree line.  The upper snow pack is dense and still producing sheers down about 40cm on the December 30 facet layer and down 70cm on the Dec 10 basal facet interface(bottom 55 cm of the snow pack) .  The eye opener is that the sheer with the basal facets is still clean and fast and the consequences of triggering this layer would mean that the entire snowpack could come down.  </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 storm incoming Thursday night will drop a substantial amount of new snow above approximately 1200 m. The snow will fall onto sun and temperature crusts at most elevations and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at treeline and alpine elevations. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces. Below 1200 m, expect the precipitation as rain, and hence, to find rain-soaked snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Saturday, 15-30 cm of snow will have buried a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. This will create the potential for fast moving sluffs and thin slab avalanches with wide propagations. The most suspect terrain features are steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. Professionals are tracking a layer around 130 to 180 cm deep, composed of weak faceted grains, surface hoar, and a sun crust. The chance of triggering this layer is low. In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is weak and touchy in large portions of the Purcells, with very large avalanches being reported on a regular basis. This type of weak snowpack could stick around for months. </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/blogs/purcells-weakness" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Read more here.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-20 cm of new snow is burying large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crusts, which could eventually develop into a touchy problem as snow accumulates. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak nature of the snowpack lies at depth. There is a weak layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack is also composed of weak faceted grains in many parts of the region. Humans have and will continue to be able to trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Saturday, 15-25 cm of snow will have buried a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. This will create the potential for fast moving sluffs and/or thin slab avalanches with wide propagations. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may still be composed of weak faceted grains. In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally considered to be well-settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of new snow is burying large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crusts, which could eventually develop into a touchy problem as snow accumulates. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 to 15 cm of new snow fell on Thursday night and Friday, with associated strong south winds. This snow fell onto a sun crust on south aspects, a temperature crust below 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces. More snow is forecast for Friday night.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 5 to 10 cm of snow fell on Friday and more is expected on Saturday. All this snow is falling onto a sun crust on south aspects, a temperature crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled. In sections of the region, for example in Manning Park, you may still find a weak layer of surface hoar buried about 60 to 100 cm in sheltered areas around treeline. This layer has not produced any recent avalanches but snowpack tests suggest that it still could.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is accumulating above surfaces that range from faceted (sugary) wind-affected snow in wind-exposed alpine areas to weak surface hoar over facets at protected higher elevations to surface hoar over rain crust below about 1500 metres. Below the new snow interface, the wind-affected storm snow from last weekend's storm is expected to have formed a good bond with the underlying snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An exception to this 'good bond' may exist in some sheltered higher elevations that were unaffected by rain during the storm. Here, the old storm snow described above may overlie a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). This layer was identified as the failure plane in several recent large avalanches in the north of the region. It has not shown in reports elsewhere.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas, particularly in the north of the region. The potential may also exist for large wind slab avalanches to step down to this layer, resulting in even larger avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is accumulating above mainly wind-affected and faceted (sugary snow) surfaces but also over a new weak layer of surface hoar in more protected areas. Last weekend's storm brought rain up to 1500 m, so the new snow is accumulating above a probable combo of surface hoar over rain crust below this elevation. Below this new snow interface, 25-50 cm of wind-redistributed storm snow from last weekend is expected to have formed a good bond with the underlying snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep and is a possible culprit in the Kispiox avalanche noted above. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfalls continuing overnight Friday and Saturday will lead up to a total of 15 to 25 cm.  This new snow is accumulating over a variety of surfaces including a sun crust on solar aspects at treeline and above, faceted dry snow on north aspects and surface hoar up to 15-20 mm developed in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation.  Wind slabs are also developing on north aspects in the alpine and at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfalls continuing overnight Friday and Saturday will lead up to a total of 15 to 20 cm. This new snow is accumulating over a variety of surfaces including a sun crust on solar aspects at treeline and above, faceted dry snow on north aspects and surface hoar up to 15 mm developed in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation. Wind slabs are also developing on north aspects in the alpine and at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 to 15 cm of snow fell on Thursday night with strong southwest winds. More is expected on Friday night. This snow is falling onto a sun crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A light dusting of 3-4cm of snow now covers the Jan 17th surface hoar found up to 2100m and sun crusts on steep south and west aspects up to 2600m.  This new layer will be something to pay attention to as we move through winter.  Other wise the snowpack is pretty non-changing.  The upper snowpack has settled with isolated windslabs in alpine areas but the main concern is still the weak facetted base that is widespread throughout the region at all elevations.  Concern for triggering this base should be forefront in your mind in shallow or variable snowpack areas.  We are below average snowpack depth for this time of year and the 6 day wind warning earlier in December has scoured many areas that haven't recovered from the severe scouring. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Upwards of 70 mm of water equivalent fell on Thursday night!  The freezing level appeared to be around 1300 m, so it is suspected that around 70 cm of snow fell at treeline and alpine elevations and the snowpack is rain-soaked below treeline. More snow is forecasted to fall on Friday night, with a freezing level at 1500 m and peaking around 1800 m but then dropping to 1000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At treeline and alpine elevations, all of this snow is falling onto sun and temperature crusts at most elevations and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas. The new snow may not bond well to these surfaces. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of snow has fallen in the past few days with strong wind forming deeper deposits at higher elevations. The new snow sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts, potentially creating touchy slab conditions. In addition to wind loaded slopes, other suspect areas are steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is weak and touchy in large portions of the Purcells, with very large avalanches being reported on a regular basis. Read the Forecaster's Blog </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/blogs/purcells-weakness" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for a more detailed description of conditions in the Purcells.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of new snow is burying large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crusts, which could eventually develop into a touchy problem as snow accumulates. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak nature of the snowpack lies at depth. There is a weak layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack is also composed of weak faceted grains in many parts of the region. Humans have and will continue to be able to trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-25 cm of new snow has buried a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. This will create the potential for fast moving sluffs and/or slab avalanches with wide propagations. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists), steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist), and in wind-loaded terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may still be composed of weak faceted grains. In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally considered to be well-settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm new snow is being redistributed by strong winds are forming wind slabs in the alpine and treeline. This new snow is burying large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crusts, which could eventually develop into a touchy problem as snow accumulates. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 to 30 cm of recent snow fell in the region, with associated extreme south winds. This snow fell onto a sun crust on south aspects, a temperature crust below 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 15 to 20 cm of recent snow fell, with associated strong southwest winds that switched to northeast winds near Coquihalla. All this snow is falling onto a sun crust on southerly aspects, a temperature crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in areas sheltered by the wind at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled. In sections of the region, for example in Manning Park, you may still find a weak layer of surface hoar buried about 60 to 100 cm in sheltered areas around treeline. This layer has not produced any recent avalanches but snowpack tests suggest that it still could </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/6b76d4df-994b-4a91-acde-78cb3861f059" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow is accumulating above surfaces that range from faceted (sugary) wind-affected snow in wind-exposed alpine areas to weak surface hoar over facets at protected higher elevations to surface hoar over rain crust below about 1500 metres. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow interface, the wind-affected storm snow from last weekend's storm is expected to have formed a good bond with the underlying snowpack. An exception to this 'good bond' may exist in some sheltered higher elevations that were unaffected by rain during the storm. Here, the old storm snow described above may overlie a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). This layer was identified as the failure plane in several recent large avalanches in the north of the region. It has not shown in reports elsewhere.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas, particularly in the north of the region. The potential may also exist for large wind slab avalanches to step down to this layer, resulting in even larger avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is accumulating above mainly wind-affected and faceted (sugary snow) surfaces but also over a new weak layer of surface hoar in more protected areas. Last weekend's storm brought rain up to 1500 m, so the new snow is accumulating above a probable combo of surface hoar over rain crust below this elevation. Below this new snow interface, 25-50 cm of wind-redistributed storm snow from last weekend is expected to have formed a good bond with the underlying snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep and is a possible culprit in the Kispiox avalanche noted above. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of snow has fallen in the past few days with strong wind forming deeper deposits at higher elevations. The new snow sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts, potentially creating touchy slab conditions. In addition to wind loaded slopes, other suspect areas are steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist). The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of snow has fallen in the past few days with strong wind potentially forming deeper deposits at high elevations. The new snow sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts, potentially creating touchy slab conditions. In addition to wind loaded slopes, other suspect areas are steep rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 to 20 cm of recent snow fell with strong southwest winds. This snow fell onto a sun crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these layers, particularly once the new snow gains slab properties.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10cm of new snow over the past 48hrs at treeline and above.  This snow is now burying the Jan 17th surface hoar and sun crust layers that were being found up to 2300m. This will be important to note later as the winter continues.  Otherwise our main concern is still for the weak basal layers under the Dec 10th interface down 80-110cm.  Thin areas we were able to get easy results and the tests also indicate that this layer will likely propagate across a given terrain feature given the widespread nature of the basal problem.  We backed off steeper terrain on Saturday due to variable snowpack depths and are still very cautious in and under bigger terrain.  Sheltered areas were offering some good skiing!</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 100 mm of water equivalent feel on Thursday and Friday nights, with the freezing level varying between 1200 and 1500 m. Therefore, expect around 100 cm of snow to have fallen in alpine terrain, a mix of dry snow and crusts at treeline, and a rain-soaked snowpack that will freeze into a thick crust below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At high elevations, the snow may have fallen onto a sun crust on southerly aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas. The new snow may not bond well to these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of new snow from the weekend now sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. The new snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between about 1500-1800 metres, where surface hoar is particularly well developed. Although the surface hoar is less prevalent in the alpine, strong southerly winds during and immediately after the storm formed deeper deposits on lee slopes that have proven similarly reactive at higher elevations. New snow deposits that overlie sun crust on steep, south-facing slopes may be especially touchy. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is weak and touchy in large portions of the Purcells, with very large avalanches being reported on a regular basis. Read the Forecaster's Blog </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/blogs/purcells-weakness" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> for a more detailed description of conditions in the Purcells.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of new snow is burying large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crusts, which could eventually develop into a touchy problem as snow accumulates. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak nature of the snowpack lies at depth. There is a weak layer around 80 to 120 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack is also composed of weak faceted grains in many parts of the region. Humans have and will continue to be able to trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-40 cm recent snow has buried a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. This has created the potential for fast moving sluffs and slab avalanches with wide propagations. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist). Winds have begun to redistribute snow to lee and cross loaded areas, and build up cornices.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may still be composed of weak faceted grains. In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally considered to be well-settled and strong. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds are redistributing up to 20 cm recent snow and building wind slabs in the alpine and treeline. This new snow is burying large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crusts, which could eventually develop into a touchy problem as snow accumulates. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 to 30 cm of recent snow was redistributed from extreme south winds. Expect to find extensive wind effect in exposed terrain at all elevation bands. The snow may sit on a sun crust on south aspects, a temperature crust below 1700 m on all aspects, feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas, and sugary faceted snow elsewhere. The recent snow may not bond well to these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 to 40 cm of snow recently fell in the region with the most around Coquihalla. The snow fell with associated strong southwest winds, which has produced wind affected snow surfaces in expose terrain. This recent snow fell onto a sun crust on southerly aspects, a temperature crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in areas sheltered by the wind at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled. In certain parts of the region, you may still find a weak layer of surface hoar buried about 60 to 100 cm in sheltered areas around treeline. This layer was recently triggered by a skier in the north of the region </span><a href="https://www.mountainconditions.com/reports/older-surface-hoar-dec-26-or-jan-2-reactive" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. In the south of the region, snowpack tests suggest that avalanches could still be triggered within the layer </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/6b76d4df-994b-4a91-acde-78cb3861f059" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30 cm recent snow is being redistributed by westerly winds forming hard slabs and loading snow in lee and cross loaded terrain. This snow covers a variable surface of wind-affected and faceted snow, a weak layer of surface hoar in more protected areas, and a rain crust/surface hoar combination below 1500 m. Rain has saturated the snowpack below 600 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow interface, old wind-affected storm snow is expected to have formed a good bond with the underlying snowpack. An exception to this 'good bond' may exist in some sheltered higher elevations that were unaffected by rain during the storm. Here, the old storm snow described above may overlie a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). This layer was identified as the failure plane in several recent large avalanches in the north of the region. It has not shown in reports elsewhere.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas, particularly in the north of the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm recent snow is being redistributed by westerly winds forming hard slabs and loading snow in lee and cross loaded terrain. This snow covers a variable surface of wind-affected and faceted snow, a weak layer of surface hoar in more protected areas, and a rain crust/surface hoar combination below 1500 m. Below this new snow interface, 25-50 cm of affected storm snow from over a week ago is expected to have formed a good bond with the underlying snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep and is a possible culprit in the Kispiox avalanche noted above. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of new snow from the weekend now sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. The new snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between about 1500-1800 metres, where surface hoar is particularly well developed. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Although the surface hoar is less prevalent in the alpine, strong southerly winds during and immediately after the storm formed deeper and similarly reactive deposits on lee slopes at higher elevations. New snow deposits that overlie sun crust on steep, south-facing slopes may be especially touchy. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of new snow from the weekend now sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. Because the average depth of new snow is quite thin, the greatest danger exists at higher elevations where strong southerly winds during and immediately after the storm formed deeper deposits on lee slopes. New snow deposits that overlie sun crust on steep, south-facing slopes may be especially touchy.</span><span class="s_E6FD2046"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevations, the new snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab over the above mentioned weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between about 1500-1800 metres, where surface hoar is particularly well-developed. This will mainly be an issue in areas that hold 15 or more cm of new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 to 20 cm of recent snow recently fell with strong southwest winds. This snow fell onto a sun crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these layers, particularly in areas where the new snow has slab properties, such as in wind-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 10-15cm of snow has fallen in the past 3 days providing good skiing in sheltered areas. This new snow has covered the January 17 surface hoar which is mostly found in open areas up to tree line.  This recent snow has caused numerous natural loose avalanches within our region.  Ice climbers should be aware of open slopes above them.  Some soft slabs can be found in open areas from Saturday's wind event. The bottom 50-60cm of basal facets is still the major concern in the snow pack and will be for a long time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, expect to find wet snow at low elevations and a melt-freeze crust on the surface at higher elevations. At treeline, expect to find a melt-freeze crust near the surface. In the alpine, recent snow has been reported to be capped with a melt-freeze crust from rain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of new snow from the weekend now sits above a layer of large feathery surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. Strong winds associated with the new snow formed reactive wind slabs on leeward slopes and scoured southerly aspects down to the old crust at treeline and in the alpine. The recent snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1500-1800 metres, where the surface hoar is particularly well developed on all aspects. <br />The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong</span><span class="s_EBE90460">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack in this region is complex, weak and touchy, with very large avalanches easily triggered from specific terrain features. Those features are typically were people want to ski or snowmobile which makes decision making and managing this risk tricky. Up to 20 cm of recent snow has buried large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crusts. This will likely develop into a touchy problem as more snow accumulates. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls between 1500m- 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exists.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak nature of the snowpack lies at depth. The base of the snowpack is also composed of weak faceted grains and a crust in many parts of the region. Humans have and will continue to be able to trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm recent snow buried a weak layer of surface hoar and sun crusts. Wind has redistributed snow in the alpine and treeline and built cornices. The surface hoar is associated with a crust on solar aspects and is most prominent around treeline elevations (1500-1850 m) and sheltered alpine areas. Below 1500 m, the surface hoar/crust combo is found on all aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may still be composed of weak faceted grains. In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally considered to be well-settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Winds have redistributed up to 20 cm recent snow into wind slabs in the alpine and treeline. This new snow buried large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crusts, which could eventually develop into a touchy problem as snow accumulates. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls below 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crusts exist). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect to find extensive wind effect in exposed terrain at all elevation bands. Around 20 to 30 cm of recent snow may sit on a sun crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas. You may find deeper snow deposits in wind-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20 to 40 cm of snow recently fell in the region with the most around Coquihalla. The snow fell with associated strong southwest winds, which has produced wind-affected snow surfaces in expose terrain. This recent snow fell onto a sun crust on southerly aspects, a temperature crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in areas sheltered by the wind at all elevation bands. The recent snow may not bond well to these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled. In certain parts of the region, you may still find a weak layer of surface hoar buried about 60 to 100 cm in sheltered areas around treeline. This layer was recently triggered by a skier in the north of the region </span><a href="https://www.mountainconditions.com/reports/older-surface-hoar-dec-26-or-jan-2-reactive" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. In the south of the region, snowpack tests suggest that avalanches could still be triggered within the layer </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/6b76d4df-994b-4a91-acde-78cb3861f059" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30 cm recent snow is being redistributed by winds forming slabs and loading snow in lee and cross loaded terrain. This snow covers a variable surface of wind-affected and faceted snow, a weak layer of surface hoar in more protected areas, and a rain crust/surface hoar combination below 1500 m. Warm temperatures are promoting settlement of the snowpack. Rain has saturated the snowpack below 600 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow interface, old wind-affected storm snow is expected to have formed a good bond with the underlying snowpack. An exception to this 'good bond' may exist in some sheltered higher elevations that were unaffected by rain during the last storm. Here, the old storm snow described above may overlie a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). This layer was identified as the failure plane in several recent large avalanches in the north of the region. It has not shown in reports elsewhere.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas, particularly in the north of the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm recent snow is being redistributed by winds forming hard slabs and loading snow in lee and cross loaded terrain. At alpine and high treeline elevations, the recent snow covers a variable surface of wind-affected and faceted snow, and a weak layer of surface hoar in more protected areas. A rain crust/surface hoar combination is found below 1500 m, with warm temperatures settling the snowpack below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Under the new snow interface, 25-50 cm of wind affected storm snow from over a week ago is expected to have formed a good bond with the underlying snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep and is a possible culprit in the Kispiox avalanche noted above. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of new snow from the weekend continues to settle above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. The new snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between about 1500-1800 metres, where surface hoar is particularly well developed.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Although the surface hoar is less prevalent in the alpine, strong southerly winds during and immediately after the storm formed deeper and similarly reactive deposits on lee slopes. New snow deposits that overlie sun crust on steep, south-facing slopes may be especially touchy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of new snow from the weekend continues to settle above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. At higher elevations, strong southerly winds during and immediately after the storm have moved the snow and formed deeper deposits on lee slopes. New snow deposits that overlie sun crust on steep, south-facing slopes may be especially touchy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevations, the new snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slabs. Reactivity is most notable at elevations between about 1500-1800 metres, where surface hoar was particularly well-developed. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 to 20 cm of recent snow fell with strong southwest winds. This snow fell onto a sun crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation bands. The new snow may not bond well to these layers, particularly in areas where the new snow has slab properties, such as in wind-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The most recent snowfall left us with about 10cm of snow. This new snow overlies the Jan. 17 SH which is mostly found below tree line(below 2200m) and will be on our radar again when we get more snow. This new snow has been touched by the wind in the alpine in places but skies nicely once it becomes sheltered.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We dug in a few different places today and got varying results. The thin areas are more reactive to test results on the basal facets than the deeper places. In the Commonwealth area today we dug a pit with a depth of 80cm and the bottom half was facets. That said, we have had a lot of wind on the slopes this winter, so it is challenging to know where the thin and deeper areas are. Triggering an avalanche from a thin spot has a high likelihood to spread across the slope.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface crust is found at all elevation bands in the region. New snow on Tuesday will fall on this crust and may not bond well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 10-15 cm of new snow brings a total of 20-35 cm above a layer of large feathery surface hoar crystals and sun crust. The recent snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1500-1800 metres where the surface hoar is particularly well developed on all aspects. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br /></span><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds associated with the new snow formed reactive wind slabs on leeward slopes and scoured southerly aspects down to the crust at upper elevations. <br />The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong</span><span class="s_EBE90460">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of recent snow has buried large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crusts. This will likely develop into a touchy problem as more snow accumulates. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls between 1500m- 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crust exists). Reactive wind slabs can also be found at upper elevations on lee (N-NE) slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak nature of the snowpack lies at depth. The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted grains and a crust in many parts of the region. People have and will continue to be able to trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow. These areas typically include ridgelines, large open slopes and bowls at upper elevations. Common trigger points are rocks, trees and areas where the snowpack is variable (thin to thick and variable). </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Flurries with strong winds overnight adds to recent snowfall accumulation totaling 10-30 cm. In the alpine and treeline areas, winds are redistributing storm snow loading lee terrain features and building cornices. The recent snow is sitting over a reactive layer of surface hoar and sun crusts. The surface hoar is most prominent around treeline elevations (1500-1900 m) and sheltered alpine areas. On solar aspects and below treeline, the surface hoar sits on a temperature crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may still be composed of weak faceted grains. In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally considered to be well-settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds have redistributed snow into thin winds slab in alpine lees and scoured wind-ward areas. In more sheltered alpine terrain and between 1600-2000 m, 5-15 cm recent snow overlies a layer of weak surface hoar and crusts (on solar aspects). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 20-35 cm of new snow fell between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning. This brings total recent snowfall amounts to approximately 40-60cm. This new snow likely sits on a sun crust on south facing slopes and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered and shaded areas. Recent strong to extreme southerly winds will have redistributed the new snow, forming storm slabs. Expect to find deeper deposits of snow in wind loaded 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">Up to 20 cm of new snow on Tuesday night brings recent snowfall amounts to approximately 30 to 60 cm. The highest snowfall amounts have been around the Coquihalla area. Moderate to strong southwest winds have redistributed the snow, forming storm slabs. The recent snow fell onto a sun crust on southerly aspects, a melt-freeze crust below approximately 1700 m on all aspects, and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in areas sheltered from the wind at all elevations. The recent snow may not bond well to these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well settled. In certain parts of the region, you may still find a weak layer of surface hoar buried about 60 to 100 cm in sheltered areas around treeline. This layer was recently triggered by a skier in the north of the region </span><a href="https://www.mountainconditions.com/reports/older-surface-hoar-dec-26-or-jan-2-reactive" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. In the south of the region, snowpack tests suggest that avalanches could still be triggered within the layer </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/6b76d4df-994b-4a91-acde-78cb3861f059" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">(see here)</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 40 cm recent snow is being affected by wind forming slabs and loading snow in lee and cross loaded terrain. This snow covers a variable surface of wind-affected and faceted snow, a weak layer of surface hoar in more protected areas, and a rain crust/surface hoar combination below 1500 m. Forecasted rising freezing levels may result in moist snow below 900 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow interface, old wind-affected storm snow is expected to have formed a good bond with the underlying snowpack. An exception to this 'good bond' may exist in some sheltered higher elevations that were unaffected by rain during the last storm. Here, the old storm snow described above may overlie a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). This layer was identified as the failure plane in several recent large avalanches in the north of the region. It has not shown in reports elsewhere.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is decreasing, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas, particularly in the north of the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 10 cm Tuesday night brings recent snow totals to around 30 cm. A thin crust may be found within the recent snow from a variable mist layer on Sunday. In wind-loaded terrain, wind slabs overly lower density snow. At alpine and high treeline elevations, the recent snow sits on variable surface of wind-affected and faceted snow, and a weak layer of surface hoar in more protected areas. A rain crust/surface hoar combination is found below 1500 m, with warm temperatures settling the snowpack below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Under the new snow interface, 25-50 cm of wind affected storm snow from over a week ago is expected to have formed a good bond with the underlying snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar faceted snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is 35-60 cm deep and a possible culprit in the Kispiox avalanche noted above. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now around 100-150 cm deep.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 5-10 cm of new snow brings a total of 20-35 cm above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crust. This slab may show enhanced reactivity between 1500 m-1800 m where the surface hoar is well preserved and on solar aspects at most elevations where there is a buried sun crust. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br />Isolated pockets of reactive wind slab </span><span class="s_3FE45715">exist on leeward slopes in the alpine. The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 5-10 cm of new snow brings a total of 20-30 cm above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. This slab may show enhanced reactivity between 1500 m-1800 m where the surface hoar is well preserved and on solar aspects which host the buried sun crust. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br /></span><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to strong winds from the southwest have formed new wind slabs on leeward slopes in the alpine. The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of recent snow has fallen in the region. Moderate to strong winds will be promoting widespread slab formation. The storm snow sits on several layers of small surface hoar (feathery crystals) and thin crusts. Recent snowpack tests suggest that the snow may be poorly bonded to these layers in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most prominent weak layer in the snowpack is layer that formed in early December and is buried approximately 70-110 cm. This layer consists of a rain crust, surface hoar, and facets (sugary snow). There have been no recent reports of avalanches on this layer, however a large load, such as a cornice fall may still have the potential to trigger large avalanches on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We ski toured up the Robertson glacier today and there was mostly hard wind slabs. We suspect that today's very strong westerly winds has created some more surface wind slabs in the alpine. We have a pretty well settled upper snow pack that is sitting on 50-60cm of basal facets. Because of the variability in snow depth, it is easy to come across thinner spots which are more sensitive to lighter loads such as a skier and also likely to trigger an avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of new snow mixed with rain has fallen over the South Coast region between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning. This new snow likely sits on a melt freeze crust at treeline. Below treeline the new snow is likely moist to wet depending on how much rain fell during Tuesday night's storm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations, where the recent precipitation fell as snow, over 130 cm has accumulated since the stormy weather began last week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations in the north of the region near Squamish, there may be a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) buried approximately 80-100 cm. Information on the strength and distribution of this layer is very limited.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-35 cm of snow sits above a layer of large feathery surface hoar crystals and sun crust. In areas that have had wind effect the recent snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1500-1800 metres where the surface hoar is particularly well developed on all aspects. In sheltered areas the snow is faceting, low density and lacks cohesion above this layer which is only reactive as dry loose sluffing. Forecast warmer temperatures will likely change this and promote increased slab properties this weekend.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br /></span><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds associated with the new snow formed reactive wind slabs on leeward slopes and scoured southerly aspects down to the crust at upper elevations. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br /></span><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of recent snow has buried large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crusts. This will likely develop into a touchy problem in areas where a cohesive slab sits above the weak interface. The most suspect terrain features will be steep slopes and rolls between 1500 m- 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crust exists). Reactive wind slabs can also be found at upper elevations on lee (N-NE) slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The weak nature of the snowpack lies at depth. The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted grains and a crust in many parts of the region. People have and will continue to be able to trigger these layers in areas where the snowpack is shallow. These areas typically include ridgelines, large open slopes and bowls at upper elevations. Common trigger points are rocks, trees and areas where the snowpack is variable (thin to thick and variable). If you trigger a deep persistent slab it will go big and be a destructive avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Flurries with strong winds overnight brought recent snowfall accumulation to around 10-30 cm. In alpine and treeline areas, winds are redistributing storm snow loading lee terrain features and building cornices. Lower down, the recent snow is sitting over a weak layer of surface hoar and sun crusts. The surface hoar is most prominent around treeline elevations (1500-1900 m). On solar aspects and below treeline, the surface hoar and new snow overlie sun and temperature crusts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may still be composed of weak faceted grains. In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally considered to be well-settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds have redistributed snow into thin winds slab in alpine lees and scoured windward areas. In more sheltered alpine terrain and between 1600-2000 m, 5-15 cm of recent snow overlies a layer of weak surface hoar and crusts (on solar aspects). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-35 cm of new snow fell between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning. This brings total recent snowfall amounts to approximately 40-60cm, which likely sits on a sun crust on south facing slopes and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar is reportedly most prominent at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent winds will have redistributed the new snow, forming storm slabs. Expect to find deeper deposits of snow in wind loaded 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">A few stormy days brought total recent snowfall amounts to approximately 40-70 cm.  This snow fell onto a sun crust on south facing slopes, a melt freeze crust below approximately 1700 m on all aspects, and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in areas sheltered from the wind at all elevations.  The recent snow may not bond well to these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In some areas, another weak layer of surface hoar is buried about 60 to 100 cm in sheltered areas around treeline elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 50 cm recent snow is being affected by wind, forming slabs and loading snow in lee and cross-loaded terrain. This snow covers a variable surface of wind-affected and faceted snow, a weak layer of surface hoar in more protected areas, but more predominantly a rain crust/surface hoar combination below 1500 m. Recent reports from the Shames area suggest a strengthening bond between the recent snow and the underlying crust now down about 50 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the interface described above, old wind-affected storm snow is expected to have formed a good bond with the underlying snowpack, although exceptions exist in the far north of the region. Here, the old storm snow may overlie a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). This layer was identified as the failure plane in several large avalanches in the north of the region last week. It has not shown in reports elsewhere.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is generally low, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas, particularly in the north of the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow accumulations from the past few days are at around 30 cm. A thin crust may be found within the recent snow from a variable mist layer on Sunday. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At alpine and high treeline elevations, the recent snow sits on variable surface of wind-affected and faceted snow, and possibly over a weak layer of surface hoar in more protected areas. The new snow sits on a rain crust/surface hoar combination below about 1500 m and may become increasingly reactive over this weak interface as forecast warming promotes slab formation in the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Under the new snow interface, the mid snowpack is generally strong. Although faceted (sugary snow) is present in this part of the snowpack, the overall dense structure here overcomes the inherent weakness of these faceted grains.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of a weak layering of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for large slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in these thin snowpack areas, resulting in even larger avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-35 cm of snow sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crust. In areas that have had wind effect the recent snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1500-1800 metres. In sheltered areas the snow lacks cohesion above this layer and is only reactive as dry loose sluffing. Forecast warmer temperatures will likely change this and promote increased slab properties later this week.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br /></span><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of snow sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crust. In areas that have had wind effect the recent snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1500-1800 metres. In sheltered areas the snow is faceting and lacks cohesion above this layer which is only reactive as dry loose sluffing. Forecast warmer temperatures will likely change this and promote increased slab properties this weekend. Strong winds associated with the new snow formed reactive wind slabs on leeward slopes at upper elevations. The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of recent snow has fallen in the region. This snow sits on surface hoar (feathery crystals) in shaded areas that are sheltered from the wind, thin rain crusts in some areas, and sun crusts on south facing slopes. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline and below. Recent snowpack tests suggest that the snow may be poorly bonded to these layers in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another prominent weak layer in the snowpack is a layer that formed in early December and is buried approximately 70-110 cm. This layer consists of a rain crust, surface hoar, and facets (sugary snow). There have been no recent reports of avalanches on this layer, however a large load, such as a cornice fall may still have the potential to trigger large avalanches on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5cm of snow fell overnight and a dusting of snow throughout the day.  The eastern region (Kananaskis Valley and Ghost) saw slightly more than this as the snowfall was more up-slope in nature.  This new snow is sitting on a variety of snow surface such as windslabs and facetted snow.  The Jan 17th layer is now down approx 15cm at treeline.  We have a pretty well settled upper snow pack that is sitting on 50-60cm of basal facets. Because of the variability in snow depth, it is easy to come across thinner spots which are more sensitive to lighter loads such as a skier and also likely to trigger an avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of new snow mixed with rain has fallen over the South Coast region recently. This new snow likely sits on a melt-freeze crust at treeline and below. Expect to find a breakable melt-freeze crust on the surface below approximately 1300 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations, where the recent precipitation fell as snow, over 130 cm has accumulated since the stormy weather began last week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations in the north of the region near Squamish, there may be a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) buried approximately 80-100 cm. Information on the strength and distribution of this layer is very limited.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-35 cm of recent new snow sits above a layer of large feathery surface hoar crystals and a sun crust. The new snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1500-1800 metres where the surface hoar is particularly well developed on all aspects. Until recently, in most sheltered places there was insufficient cohesion in the snow above the weak layer to form slab avalanches; reactivity was noted most in exposed areas where the wind had stiffened up the slab. Forecast warmer temperatures will likely change this and give enough cohesion in the upper snowpack for slab avalanches to be widely triggerable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of recent snow has buried large surface hoar crystals and/or sun crusts. This will likely develop into a touchy problem in areas where a cohesive slab sits above the weak interface. The most suspect terrain features are steep slopes and rolls between 1500 m- 2000 m (where the largest surface hoar exists) and steep south-facing slopes in the alpine (where sun crust exists). Reactive wind slabs have also been noted at upper elevations on lee (N-NE) slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack also has a significant weekness at depth. The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted grains and a crust in many parts of the region. There have been sporadic reports of people triggering this layer in areas where the snowpack is shallow. The most likely trigger points include ridgelines and large open slopes and bowls at upper elevations, particularly those that have rocky or variable (thin to thick) features. If you trigger a deep persistent slab it will go big and be a highly destructive avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of new snow forms the snow surface, the product of snowfall this past weekend. In alpine and treeline areas, winds have been redistributing this storm snow, loading lee terrain features, and building cornices. Lower down, the recent snow is sitting over a weak layer of surface hoar and sun crusts. The surface hoar is most prominent around treeline elevations (1500-1900 m). On solar aspects and below treeline, the surface hoar and new snow overlie sun and temperature crusts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may still be composed of weak faceted grains. In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally considered to be well-settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds have redistributed snow into thin winds slab in alpine lees and scoured windward areas. In more sheltered alpine terrain and between 1600-2000 m, 5-15 cm of recent snow overlies a layer of weak surface hoar and crusts (on solar aspects). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack has been the culprit for large avalanches in the region over the past few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60cm of recent storm snow likely sits on a sun crust on south facing slopes and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar is reportedly most prominent at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A sun crust likely exists on the surface on south facing slopes at all elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of recent storm snow is likely sitting on a sun crust on south facing slopes, a melt freeze crust below approximately 1700 m on all aspects, and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in areas sheltered from the wind at all elevations. The recent snow may not bond well to these weak layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In some areas, another layer of surface hoar that was buried near the end of December is down approximately 60 to 120 cm in sheltered areas around treeline elevations. There have been no recent reports of avalanches on this layer, but a large trigger such as cornice fall may still have the potential to trigger avalanches on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 50 cm recent low density snow covers a variable surface of wind-affected and faceted snow, a weak layer of surface hoar in more protected alpine areas, but more predominantly a rain crust/surface hoar combination below 1500 m. Thin breakable crusts have been observed both at the new snow surface as well as within the recent snow. Reports from the Shames area suggest a strengthening bond between the recent snow and the supportive underlying crust now down about 50 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the interface described above, old wind-affected storm snow is expected to have formed a good bond with the underlying strong mid snowpack, although exceptions may exist in the far north of the region. Here, the old storm snow may overlie a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). This layer was identified as the failure plane in several large avalanches in the north of the region last week. It has not shown in reports elsewhere.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is generally low, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas, particularly in the north of the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow accumulations from the past few days are at around 30 cm. A thin crust may be found within this predominantly low density snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At alpine and high treeline elevations, the recent snow sits on variable surface of wind-affected and faceted snow, and possibly over a weak layer of surface hoar in more protected areas. The new snow sits on a rain crust/surface hoar combination below about 1600 m and may become increasingly reactive over this weak interface as forecast warming promotes slab formation in the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Under the new snow interface, the mid snowpack is generally strong. Although faceted (sugary snow) is present in this part of the snowpack, the overall dense structure here helps to overcome the weakness of these faceted grains.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of a weak layering of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for large slab avalanches to step down down to ground in these thin snowpack areas, resulting in even larger avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-35 cm of snow sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crust. In areas that have had wind effect the recent snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1500-1800 metres. In sheltered areas the snow lacks cohesion above this layer and is only reactive as dry loose sluffing. Expected warmer temperatures starting late Friday will change this and promote increased cohesion in the upper snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of snow sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crust. In areas that have had wind effect the recent snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1500-1800 metres. In sheltered areas the snow is faceting and lacks cohesion above this layer which is only reactive as dry loose sluffing. Forecasted warmer temperatures starting late Friday will change this and promote increased cohesion in the upper snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to strong winds associated with the new snow formed reactive wind slabs on leeward slopes at upper elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of recent snow has fallen in the region. This snow sits on surface hoar (feathery crystals) in shaded areas that are sheltered from the wind, thin rain crusts in some areas, and sun crusts on south facing slopes. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline and below. Recent snowpack tests suggest that the snow may be poorly bonded to these layers in some areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another prominent weak layer in the snowpack is a layer that formed in early December and is buried approximately 70-110 cm. This layer consists of a rain crust, surface hoar, and facets (sugary snow). There have been no recent reports of avalanches on this layer, however a large load, such as a cornice fall may still have the potential to trigger large avalanches on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No new snow and isolated wind has kept the snowpack basically unchanged from the past few days. We're seeing a light surface dusting in many areas with older windslabs underneath. The windslab's bond to the underlying layers is improving with time and moderate temperatures. Of growing concern is the Jan 17 surface hoar layer, now down 15-20cm at treeline. As the load/burial depth increases this layer will become more of a worry. If you've been reading the bulletins lately, you can probably guess the next line. That's right, the deeper facets and depth hoar layers are still there! In some areas this is presenting as 2 distinct layers and in others its just one thick layer of junk. Thin areas, or areas with a hard surface wind slab are especially concerning. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of new snow mixed with rain fell over the South Coast region recently. This new snow likely sits on a melt-freeze crust at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect to find a breakable melt-freeze crust on the surface below approximately 1300 m. This crust may melt and turn to moist or wet snow as freezing levels rise on Friday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations, where the recent precipitation fell as snow, over 130 cm has accumulated since the stormy weather began last week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper elevations in the north of the region near Squamish, there may be a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) buried approximately 80-100 cm. Information on the strength and distribution of this layer is very limited.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-35 cm of recent new snow sits above a layer of large feathery surface hoar crystals and a sun crust. The new snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1500-1800 metres where the surface hoar is particularly well developed on all aspects. Until recently, in most sheltered places there was insufficient cohesion in the snow above the weak layer to form slab avalanches; reactivity was noted most in exposed areas where the wind had stiffened up the slab. Warmer temperatures are consolidating the upper snowpack are will likely make slab avalanches more widely triggerable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of recent snow has buried large surface hoar crystals which, on southern aspects, may rest on a sun crust. In most places, there is still insufficient snow over this layer and the upper snow too unconsolidated to create a widespread problem. However, locally, in deeper snowpack areas, or where the wind has blown snow above this layer, avalanches large enough to be of concern could be triggered. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack also has a significant weekness at depth. The base of the snowpack is composed of weak faceted grains and a crust in many parts of the region. There have been sporadic reports of people triggering this layer in areas where the snowpack is shallow. The most likely trigger points include ridgelines and large open slopes and bowls at upper elevations, particularly those that have rocky or variable (thin to thick) features. If you trigger a deep persistent slab it will go big and be a highly destructive avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of badly wind-affected snow forms the current snow surface, the product of snowfall this past weekend and more recent strong and shifting winds. In alpine and treeline areas, winds have been redistributing this storm snow, loading lee terrain features, and building cornices. Lower down, the recent snow is sitting over a weak layer of surface hoar and sun crusts. The surface hoar is most prominent around treeline elevations (1500-1900 m) and is an increasing concern during the warming forecast in our region. On solar aspects and below treeline, the surface hoar and new snow overlie sun and temperature crusts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may still be composed of weak faceted grains. In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally considered to be well-settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds have redistributed snow into thin winds slab in alpine lees and scoured windward areas. Strong northwest winds have had some of the most recent impact on snow redistribution, creating 'reverse loaded' pockets of wind slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In more sheltered alpine terrain and between 1600-2000 m, 5-15 cm of recent snow overlies a layer of weak surface hoar and crusts (on solar aspects). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack was the culprit in several large avalanches in the region in the past few weeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface may moisten with warm air temperatures on all aspects, but most pronounced on southerly aspects. Beneath this, around 40 to 60 cm of snow sits on a sun crust on south aspects and weak and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar is likely most pronounced at treeline and upper below treeline elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air temperatures are entering the region and may moisten the snow surface at all elevations and on all aspects, but most pronounced on south aspects. Beneath this, around 30 to 60 cm of snow sits on a sun crust on southerly aspects, a temperature crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in areas sheltered by the wind at all elevation bands. The surface hoar may be most pronounced on west, north, and east aspects below 2100 m. This layer may be touchy to human traffic this weekend.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled. In certain parts of the region, you may still find a weak layer of surface hoar buried about 60 to 120 cm in sheltered areas around treeline. There haven’t been any recent avalanches on this layer but the likelihood of triggering it may increase this weekend with warm air temperatures.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm of new snow (with more new snow on the way) has covered a new layer of surface hoar that may coexist with a crust on sun-exposed slopes. Below the surface, around 50 cm of recent low density snow covers a variable surface of wind-affected, faceted snow and possibly a weak layer of surface hoar in protected alpine areas, but more predominantly a rain crust/surface hoar combination below 1500 m. Reports from the Shames area suggest a strengthening bond between this recent snow and the supportive underlying crust now down 50-60 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the interface described above, the mid snowpack is strong, although exceptions may exist in the far north of the region where an older layer of storm snow may overlie a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals). This layer was the failure plane in several large avalanches in the north of the region last week. It has not shown in reports elsewhere.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is generally low, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas, particularly in the north of the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light snowfall and strong winds are expected to form a new surface of wind-affected snow by Saturday morning.&nbsp; Beneath the evolving surface, we have around 30 cm of newly wind-affected snow from snowfall earlier in the week. A thin crust may be found within this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At alpine and high treeline elevations, this recent snow sits on old wind-affected and faceted snow, and possibly over a weak layer of surface hoar in more protected areas. The recent snow sits on a rain crust/surface hoar combination below about 1600 m. This weak interface is one of our primary avalanche problems, particularly as wind and warming have worked to transform the overlying snow into a more cohesive slab..</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Under the interface described above, the mid snowpack is generally strong. Faceted (sugary snow) is present in this part of the snowpack, but the overall dense structure here helps to overcome the weakness of these grains.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of a weak layering of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for large slab avalanches to step down down to ground in these thin snowpack areas, resulting in even larger avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-35 cm of snow sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crust. In areas that have had wind effect the recent snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1500-1800 metres. In sheltered areas the snow lacks cohesion above this layer and is only reactive as dry loose sluffing. Warmer temperatures are consolidating the upper snowpack are will likely make slab avalanches more widely triggerable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of snow sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crust. In areas that have had wind effect the recent snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1500-1800 metres. In sheltered areas the snow is faceting and lacks cohesion above this layer which is only reactive as dry loose sluffing. Warmer temperatures are starting to consolidate the upper snowpack are will likely make slab avalanches more triggerable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to strong winds associated with the new snow formed reactive wind slabs on leeward slopes at upper elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air temperatures may moisten the snow surface on all aspects, with the most pronounced warming expected on southerly aspects. Below this, a rain crust exists about 10 to 20 cm beneath the surface. At depths of around 20 to 50 cm, expect to find a sun crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar may be most pronounced at treeline elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally reported as well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The midpack of the current snowpack is slowly strengthening.  Current two main issues exist within the snowpack.  First, the Jan 17th layer is now buring under 10-15cm of snow.  Not enough load to be a concern yet, but in time this will be a problem layer worth remembering.  Second is the deeper basal weaknesses.  The facets and depth hoar that exist at the base of the snowpack are weak and sensitive to human triggerring especially from a thin snowpack area.  Use careful route selection as you move through the terrain.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warming trend this weekend may moisten the snow surface at all elevations, with the most pronounced warming expected on southerly aspects. There is uncertainty in how much the warming will affect the snowpack. Use additional caution if you notice signs of snowpack warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 to 35 cm of recent new snow sits above a layer of large feathery surface hoar crystals and a sun crust. The new snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1400 and 1800 m where the surface hoar is particularly well developed on all aspects. Until recently, in most sheltered places there was insufficient cohesion in the snow above the weak layer to form slab avalanches; reactivity was noted most in exposed areas where the wind had stiffened up the slab. The weekend temperature trend form warm to cold is expected to consolidate the upper snowpack but this layer of surface hoar will likely remain sensitive to human triggering. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of recent snow has buried large surface hoar crystals which, on southern aspects, may rest on a sun crust. In most places, there is still insufficient snow over this layer to create a widespread problem. However, locally, in deeper snowpack areas, or where the wind has blown snow above this layer, avalanches large enough to be of concern could be triggered. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack also has a deeply buried weak layer near the ground composed of weak faceted grains and a crust that is present in most of the region. There have been sporadic reports of people triggering this layer in areas where the snowpack is shallow. The most likely trigger points include ridgelines, large open slopes and bowls in the alpine, particularly those that have rocky or variable (thin to thick) features. If you trigger a deep persistent slab it will go big and be a highly destructive avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A new surface crust is now likely to be widespread below about 1500 metres. Above this elevation, 10-30 cm of badly wind-affected snow forms the current snow surface, the product of snowfall this past weekend and more recent strong and shifting winds. Lower down, the recent snow is sitting over a weak layer of surface hoar. This surface hoar is most prominent around treeline elevations (1500-1900 m). On solar aspects it is likely to combined with an underlying sun crust and below treeline with a more widespread temperature crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack may still be composed of weak faceted grains. In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally considered to be well-settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds are stripping the last loose snow available and packing it into thin winds slab in alpine lees and scoured windward areas. Northwest winds have had some of the most recent impact on snow redistribution, creating 'reverse loaded' pockets of wind slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In sheltered alpine terrain and between 1600-2000 m, 5-15 cm of recent snow overlies a layer of weak surface hoar and crusts (on solar aspects). Wind slabs that have formed over this interface are likely to be more susceptible to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack was the culprit in several large avalanches in the region in the past few weeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On the snow surface, you will likely find moist snow or a sun crust on southerly aspects and either a thin crust or dry snow on northerly aspects. Beneath this, around 40 to 60 cm of snow sits on a sun crust on south aspects and weak and feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar is likely most pronounced at treeline elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On the snow surface, you will likely find a sun crust on south aspects but still dry snow on northerly aspects. Beneath this, around 30 to 60 cm of snow sits on a sun crust on southerly aspects, a temperature crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in areas sheltered by the wind at all elevation bands. The surface hoar may be most pronounced on west, north, and east aspects below 2100 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled. In certain parts of the region, you may still find a weak layer of surface hoar buried about 60 to 120 cm in sheltered areas around treeline. There haven't been any recent avalanches on this layer but the likelihood of triggering it may increase this weekend with warm air temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In high alpine areas and further north toward Bear Pass, 20-30 cm of new snow (with more new snow on the way) has covered a new layer of surface hoar that may coexist with a crust on sun-exposed slopes. Below the new snow interface, around 50 cm of recent storm snow covers a variable surface of wind-affected, faceted snow and possibly a weak layer of surface hoar in protected alpine areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below about 1500 metres (closer to 1000 metres in Bear Pass), the recent storm snow mentioned above is a bit thinner (25-50 cm), more likely rain-saturated, and overlying a more widespread rain crust/surface hoar combination. Reports from the Shames area suggest a good bond between this now saturated surface layer and the supportive underlying crust. Avalanches were observed failing on this layer below treeline in the Bear Pass area on Friday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the interface described above, the mid snowpack is strong. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is generally low, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas, particularly in the north of the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light snowfall and strong winds have been creating a new surface of wind-affected snow. Beneath the evolving surface, we have around 30 cm of newly wind-affected snow from snowfall earlier in the week. A thin crust may be found within this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At alpine and high treeline elevations, this recent snow sits on old wind-affected and faceted snow, and possibly over a weak layer of surface hoar in more protected areas. The recent snow sits on a rain crust/surface hoar combination below about 1600 m. This weak interface has been one of our primary avalanche problems, particularly as wind and warming worked to transform the overlying snow into a more cohesive slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Under the interface described above, the mid snowpack is generally strong. Faceted (sugary) snow is present in this part of the snowpack, but the overall dense structure here helps to overcome the weakness of these grains.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of a weak layering of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for large slab avalanches to step down down to ground in these thin snowpack areas, resulting in even larger avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 to 35 cm of snow sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crust. In areas that have had wind effect the recent snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1400 and 1800 m. In sheltered areas the snow lacks cohesion above this layer and is only reactive as dry loose sluffing. The weekend temperature trend form warm to cold is expected to consolidate the upper snowpack but this layer of surface hoar will likely remain sensitive to human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 to 40 cm of snow sits above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crust. In areas that have had wind effect the recent snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slab above this weak layer, with enhanced reactivity noted at elevations between 1500 and 1800 m. In sheltered areas the snow is faceting and lacks cohesion above this layer which is only reactive as dry loose sluffing. Slightly warmer temperatures are starting to consolidate the upper snowpack which will likely make slab avalanches more sensitive to human triggering. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack consists of a variety of crusts and weak layers. On the snow surface, you will likely find a sun crust on south aspects but still dry snow on northerly aspects. Buried around 10 to 20 cm, a widespread crust should be found. At a depth of around 20 to 40 cm, expect to find yet another crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar may be most pronounced at treeline elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally reported as well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air may continue to moisten the snow surface, particularly on southerly aspects during the day if clear skies prevail. There is uncertainty in how much the warming will affect the snowpack. Use additional caution if you notice signs of snowpack warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this warming effect, the remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday delivered warmth and strong to extreme wind out of the west, south, southwest and northwest. This left a crust on steep south facing aspects and likely redistributed quite a bit of snow into fresh and potentially deep wind slabs in lee alpine features. The warmth also allowed 25 to 45 cm of snow to continue to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1400 and 1800 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday delivered warmth and strong to extreme wind out of the south, southwest and northwest. This left a crust on steep south facing aspects and likely redistributed quite a bit of snow into fresh and potentially deep wind slabs in lee alpine features. The warmth also allowed 10 to 50 cm of snow to continue to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is also harboring a nasty weak layer near the ground that is made up of weak faceted grains above a crust. This interface continues to produce sporadic avalanches that are very large and destructive. Avalanches triggered on this weak layer take the entire seasons snowpack with it and have resulted in numerous close calls and serious incidents. This layer is most likely to be triggered from zones where the snowpack is thin and weak. Rock outcroppings and ridge crests around large open slopes and bowls in the alpine are particularly suspect</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is likely a crust below approximately 1500 m, and on sun-exposed slopes at all elevations. Above 1500 m, the top 10-30 cm of snow is likely wind-affected. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This 10-30 cm of recent snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), which is most prominent around treeline. On sun-exposed slopes, the surface hoar may be sitting on a sun crust, and below treeline it may be sitting on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack is composed of facets (sugary snow). In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack appear to be generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of recent snow overlies a weak layer of sun crusts on south facing slopes, and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas. Strong winds have stripped the new snow off of this layer in wind exposed areas and created deeper deposits in lee features. Wind slabs that have formed over this interface are likely to be more susceptible to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack was the culprit in several large avalanches in the region in the past few weeks. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface has been impacted by warm air temperatures, the sun, and recent strong northwest winds. Above 2000 m, you will likely find a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, wind-loaded terrain features on southwesterly aspects, and dry, wind-effected snow on northerly aspects. Below 2000 m, expect to find a crust on all aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, around 40 to 60 cm of snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on south aspects and a spotty weak layer of surface hoar or sugary faceted grains. There have been no observations of avalanches on this layer and snowpack test results suggest the overlying snow is bonding to the layer. Where this layer exists, it is most likely to be found between 1700 m and 2000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On the snow surface, you will likely find a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects to the top of the mountain and wind affected snow in the alpine. Wind deposits may exist in lee terrain features due to recent west winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30 to 50 cm of snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, a crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in areas sheltered by the wind at all elevation bands. The surface hoar may be most pronounced on west, north, and east aspects between 1700 m and 2000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30 cm of recent snow has fallen, mainly in alpine areas and further north towards Bear Pass. This precipitation mainly fell as rain at lower elevations, and to higher elevations in the south of the region. The new snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) that may coexist with a sun crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below approximately 1600 m (1000 m near Bear Pass), the recent snow is likely rain-saturated, and sits on a melt-freeze crust and surface hoar combination. In the Shames area, reports suggest that the new snow is bonding to the crust. Avalanches were observed failing on this layer below treeline in the Bear Pass area on Friday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There may be another layer of surface hoar in shady and wind sheltered areas that is now buried approximately 50 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">For most of the region, a weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm. The likelihood of triggering this layer is generally low, but it could be triggered by humans in shallow snowpack areas, particularly in the north of the region. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent new snow and wind has formed wind slabs at upper elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine and at upper treeline elevations, this recent snow likely sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in wind sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevations, the recent precipitation fell as rain. The surface has formed a melt-freeze crust below treeline and possibly into treeline as well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of a weak combination of facets (sugary snow) and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is shallow. It may be possible for large triggers such as cornice failures or rock fall to trigger avalanches on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday delivered warmth and strong to extreme wind out of the west, south, southwest and northwest. This left a crust on steep south facing aspects and likely redistributed quite a bit of snow into fresh and potentially deep wind slabs in lee alpine features. The warmth also allowed 25 to 50 cm of snow to continue to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1400 and 1800 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday delivered warmth and wind to the region, this </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/3bafce21-30ab-42ff-b7ec-19d092faeb29" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> notes strong southwest wind Saturday. In the neighboring North Columbias winds were strong to extreme out of the west, south, southwest and northwest. This left a crust on steep south facing aspects and likely redistributed quite a bit of snow into fresh and potentially deep wind slabs in lee alpine features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The warmth also allowed 15 to 45 cm of snow to continue to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1500 and 1800 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface was recently impacted by strong northwest winds, the sun, and warm air temperatures. Expect to find wind slabs in lee terrain features due to the winds. On southerly aspects, a melt-freeze crust may be found to the mountain top. At lower elevations, a melt-freeze crust may be found on all aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the snow surface, a widespread crust exists about 10 to 20 cm deep. At a depth of around 20 to 40 cm, expect to find yet another crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar may be most pronounced at treeline elevations in sheltered and shaded locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Quite a few changes last night. Firstly, the wind once again picked up and created new slabs in the alpine. Judging from how things look, these slabs are isolated in nature and mostly in immediate lee areas. Treeline was spared the full brunt of the wind so there is a bit of new snow overlying the older windslabs. Having said that, there may be slabs in wind exposed areas. Secondly, there is a hint of sun crust on solar aspects. In Alpine and treeline areas the mid pack is generally well settled with a minor shear (failure) noted on the Jan 17 layer. I say minor because the snow above isn't a slab yet and the layer is shallow. The deeper weak layers are just...deep &amp; weak. From what we can gather, in deeper snowpack areas the bridging effect of the midpack keeps the house of cards from collapsing. In shallow areas, all bets are off. That layer is delicate and if it fails, expect a large avalanche!</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air may continue to moisten the snow surface, particularly on southerly aspects when the sun is shining. Use additional caution if you notice signs of snowpack warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this warming effect, the remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday delivered warmth and strong to extreme wind out of the west, south, southwest and northwest. This left a crust up to 3 cm thick on steep south and some west facing aspects and redistributed quite a bit of snow into wind slabs in lee features at and above treeline. The warmth also allowed 25 to 45 cm of snow to continue to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1400 and 1800 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday delivered warmth and strong to extreme wind out of the south, southwest and northwest. This left a robust crust (up to 4 cm thick) on steep south facing aspects and redistributed snow into potentially deep wind slabs in lee alpine features. The warmth also allowed 10 to 50 cm of snow to settle into a well consolidated slab above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is also harboring a nasty weak layer near the ground that is made up of weak faceted grains above a crust. This interface continues to produce sporadic avalanches that are very large and destructive. Avalanches triggered on this weak layer take the entire seasons snowpack with it and have resulted in numerous close calls and serious incidents. This layer is most likely to be triggered from zones where the snowpack is thin and weak. Rock outcroppings and ridge crests around large open slopes and bowls in the alpine are particularly suspect</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 5 cm of new snow likely sits on a a crust below 1500 m, and on sun-exposed slopes at all elevations. Sun-exposed slopes may become moist during the day.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-35 cm of snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), which is most prominent around treeline. On sun-exposed slopes, the surface hoar may be sitting on a sun crust, and below treeline it may be sitting on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack is composed of facets (sugary snow). In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack appear to be generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of cold smoke arrived by surprise on Sunday night! </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of recent snow overlies a weak layer of sun crusts on south facing slopes, and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas. Previous strong winds had formed wind slabs over this interface. These are likely to be susceptible to human triggers, and they may be difficult to see now with the new snow on top of them.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack was the culprit in several large avalanches in the region in the past few weeks. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface has been impacted by warm air temperatures, the sun, and recent strong northwest winds. Above 2000 m, you will likely find a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, wind-loaded terrain features on southwesterly aspects, and dry, wind-effected snow on northerly aspects. Below 2000 m, expect to find a crust on all aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this, around 40 to 60 cm of snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on south aspects and a spotty weak layer of surface hoar or sugary faceted grains. There have been no observations of avalanches on this layer and snowpack test results suggest the overlying snow is bonding to the layer. Where this layer exists, it is most likely to be found between 1700 m and 2000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On the snow surface, you will likely find a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects to the top of the mountain and wind affected snow in the alpine. Small wind slabs may exist in lee terrain features formed by recent west winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30 to 50 cm of snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, a crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in areas sheltered by the wind at all elevation bands. The surface hoar may be most pronounced on west, north, and east aspects between 1700 m and 2000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 40 cm of recent storm snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. The highest amounts of this new snow are north of Stewart and taper significantly as you head south.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent precipitation fell mainly as rain below about 1200 m in the north and below about 1600 m in the south.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In some areas, there is another layer of surface hoar that is now buried 50-70 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Avalanches triggered within the new snow have the potential to step down to these deeper layers, resulting in very large avalanches. </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">Up to 30 cm of recent snow has been blown into wind slabs at upper elevations. Due to previous variable wind directions, wind slabs may be found on all aspects in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine and at upper treeline elevations, this recent snow likely sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in wind sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevations, the recent precipitation fell as rain. The surface has formed a melt-freeze crust below treeline, and into treeline in some areas as well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Generally speaking, areas north of Hazelton received the highest snowfall amounts in the last storm, while the south of the region received less. The northern areas have had more avalanche activity as a result of this, as noted in the Avalanche Summary. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of a weak combination of facets (sugary snow) and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is shallow. It may be possible for large triggers such as cornice failures or rock fall to trigger avalanches on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday delivered warmth and strong to extreme wind out of the west, south, southwest and northwest. This left a crust on steep south facing aspects and redistributed quite a bit of snow into wind slabs in lee features at and above treeline. The warmth also allowed 25 to 50 cm of snow to continue to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1400 and 1900 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday delivered warmth and wind to the region, followed by 10 to 15 cm of new snow and a very strong wind event on Sunday. This </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/1f1ef350-ea18-4461-b72f-c000dcf18438" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> provides a good description along with some photos that encompass conditions Sunday. The weekend weather left a crust on steep south facing aspects and redistributed quite a bit of snow into potentially deep wind slabs in lee features at and above treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 to 45 cm of snow continues to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1500 and 1800 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface was recently impacted by strong northwest winds, the sun, and warm air temperatures. Expect to find small wind slabs in lee terrain features. On southerly aspects, a melt-freeze crust may be found to the mountain top. At lower elevations, a melt-freeze crust may be found on all aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the snow surface, a widespread crust exists about 10 to 20 cm deep. At a depth of around 20 to 40 cm, expect to find yet another crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar may be most reactive at treeline elevations on shady aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of low density snow fell last night and was being moved around a bit with the moderate NW winds today. Some soft wind slabs were observed in lee areas in the alpine. The warm temps from the weekend has densed up the top 10cm of the snowpack just below the storm snow. This layer was producing moderate compression tests down 23cm from the top. Besides some of the surface instabilities, a generally well settled upper snowpack sits on 50-60cm of basal facets that are more reactive in shallower areas. The predictability of where to find thin and thicker areas is very challenging. There is a strong likelihood to trigger an avalanche from a thin spot and it has the potential to go big.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air may continue to moisten the snow surface, particularly on southerly aspects when the sun is shining. Use additional caution if you notice signs of snowpack warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this warming effect, the remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday delivered warmth and strong to extreme wind out of the west, south, southwest and northwest. This left a crust up to 3 cm thick on steep south and some west facing aspects and redistributed quite a bit of snow into wind slabs in lee features at and above treeline. These wind slabs are probably growing old and tired. In the absence of solar input Wednesday, these are probably only suspect in extreme terrain. The warmth also allowed 25 to 60 cm of snow to continue to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1400 and 1800 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last weekend featured warmth &amp; extreme wind out of the south, southwest and northwest. This left a robust crust (up to 4 cm thick) on steep south facing aspects and redistributed snow into wind slabs which are growing old, tired and likely only susceptible to triggering in extreme terrain. The warmth allowed 10 to 50 cm of snow to settle into a consolidated slab above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL) which is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is harboring a nasty weak layer near the ground composed of weak facets above a crust. This interface continues to produce sporadic avalanches that are very large and destructive. Avalanches triggered on this weak layer take the entire seasons snowpack with it and have resulted in numerous close calls and serious incidents. This layer is most likely to be triggered from zones where the snowpack is thin and weak. Rock outcroppings and ridge crests around large open slopes and bowls in the alpine are particularly suspect</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is likely a crust on south facing slopes at all elevations, and on all aspects below approximately 1500 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-35 cm of snow is sitting on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), which is most prominent around treeline and below. On sun-exposed slopes, the surface hoar may be sitting on a sun crust, and below treeline it may be sitting on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In shallow snowpack areas, the base of the snowpack is composed of facets (sugary snow). In deeper snowpack areas, the middle and lower portions of the snowpack appear to be generally strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of recent snow overlies a weak layer of sun crusts on south facing slopes, and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline and below. Previous strong winds had formed wind slabs over this weak layer. These may to be susceptible to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large variability in snow depths still exists in the region, ranging from almost no snow to nearly 200 cm in some areas. For average snowpack areas, expect to find weak and sugary faceted snow around 50 to 100 cm deep, which extend to the ground. This weak bottom half of the snowpack was the culprit in several large avalanches in the region in the past few weeks. </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">Currently, there is a smorgasbord of snow surfaces out there. Sunny skies and a temperature inversion have created crusts on all but northerly aspects. Many north facing alpine slopes are wind-pressed and sheltered north facing terrain have large surface hoar (10-20 mm) and surface facets. Both these crystal types form weak layers, but the surface hoar tends to be more reactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There have been no recent avalanches reported on the weak layers in the upper snowpack which suggests they are bonding well to the snow above them.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On the snow surface, you will likely find a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects to the top of the mountain and wind affected snow in the alpine. Small wind slabs may exist in lee terrain features formed by recent west winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30 to 50 cm of snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects, a crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in areas sheltered by the wind at all elevation bands. The surface hoar may be most pronounced on west, north, and east aspects between 1700 m and 2000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 40 cm of snow fell in the region on the weekend. The highest snowfall amounts were north of Stewart and tapered significantly to the south.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent precipitation fell mainly as rain below about 1200 m in the north and below about 1600 m in the south.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In some areas, there is another layer of surface hoar that is now buried 50-100 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer of facets (sugary snow) buried in early December exists down 180-250 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Avalanches triggered within the new snow have the potential to step down to these deeper layers, resulting in very large avalanches. </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">Up to 30 cm of snow has been blown into wind slabs at upper elevations. Due to previous variable wind directions, wind slabs may be found on all aspects in some areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine and at upper treeline elevations, this recent snow likely sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) in wind sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevations, the recent precipitation fell as rain. The surface has formed a melt-freeze crust at treeline and below, and into some alpine areas as well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Generally speaking, areas north of Hazelton, and areas on the western edge of the region received the highest snowfall amounts in the last storm, while the south and east of the region received less. The northern areas have had more avalanche activity as a result of this, as noted in the Avalanche Summary. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of a weak combination of facets (sugary snow) and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is shallow. It may be possible for large triggers such as cornice failures or rock fall to trigger avalanches on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday delivered warmth and strong to extreme wind out of the west, south, southwest and northwest. This left a crust up to 3 cm thick on steep south and some west facing aspects and redistributed quite a bit of snow into wind slabs in lee features at and above treeline. These wind slabs are probably growing old and tired. In the absence of solar input Wednesday, these are probably only suspect in extreme terrain. The warmth also allowed 25 to 50 cm of snow to continue to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1400 and 1900 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday delivered warmth and wind to the region, followed by 10 to 15 cm of new snow and a very strong wind event on Sunday. This </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/1f1ef350-ea18-4461-b72f-c000dcf18438" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> provides a good description along with some photos that encompass conditions Sunday. The weekend weather left a crust on steep south facing aspects and redistributed quite a bit of snow into potentially deep wind slabs in lee features at and above treeline.  These wind slabs are likely growing old and tired, and are probably only susceptible to triggering in extreme terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 to 45 cm of snow continues to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1500 and 1800 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface was recently impacted by strong northwest winds, the sun, and warm air temperatures. Expect to find small wind slabs in lee terrain features. On southerly aspects, a melt-freeze crust may be found to the mountain top. At lower elevations, a melt-freeze crust may be found on all aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the snow surface, a widespread crust exists about 10 to 20 cm deep. At a depth of around 20 to 40 cm, expect to find yet another crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar may be most reactive at treeline elevations on shady aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5 to 10cm of low density recent storm snow overlies a very dense mid-pack of between 50 and 70cm at Treeline. Under this mid-pack is between 50 and 70cm of very weak facets, including depth hoar. The strong mid-pack is bridging over the weak layer in much of the region, but forecasters and being very cautious in shallow snowpack areas due to the higher likelihood of finding a weak spot (buried rock, thin spot, buried tree/shrub) that could act as a trigger. While triggering this deep persistent slab has a relatively low probability, the consequences will be high. Any avalanche that steps down to the basal layers will be large and destructive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air may continue to moisten the snow surface, particularly on southerly aspects when the sun is shining. Use additional caution if you notice signs of snowpack warming.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this warming effect, the remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snow surface is a mix of sastrugi, stubborn old wind slabs, facets, crust and surface hoar. Last saturday delivered warmth and strong to extreme wind out of the west, south, southwest and northwest. This left a crust up to 3 cm thick on steep south and some west facing aspects and redistributed quite a bit of snow into wind slabs in lee features at and above treeline. These wind slabs have grown old and tired and are probably only suspect in extreme terrain. The warmth also allowed 25 to 60 cm of snow to continue to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1400 and 1800 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current surface is a mix of sastrugi, old wind slab, facets, sun crust and a bit of surface hoar. Last weekend was warm &amp; extreme wind came out of the south, southwest and northwest. This left a robust crust (up to 4 cm thick) on steep south facing aspects and redistributed snow into wind slabs which have grown old and tired. The warmth allowed 10 to 35 cm of snow to settle into a slab above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL) which is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is harboring a nasty weak layer near the ground composed of weak facets above a crust. This interface continues to produce sporadic avalanches that are very large and destructive. Avalanches triggered on this weak layer take the entire seasons snowpack with it and have resulted in numerous close calls and serious incidents. This layer is most likely to be triggered from zones where the snowpack is thin and weak. Rock outcroppings and ridge crests around large open slopes and bowls in the alpine are particularly suspect</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 cm of wind-affected snow overlies hard wind-consolidated snow in exposed terrain and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. You may be able to find isolated pockets of wind slab in steep alpine terrain features. Beneath this, around 10 to 40 cm of snow overlies a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals on shady and sheltered slopes. This layer may be most prominent between 1500 m and 1900 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled. Thin snowpack areas, such as in the east of the region, may find weak and sugary faceted grains near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 to 30 cm of snow overlies a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals, with the most snow found at higher elevations. The surface hoar is most prominent between 1500 and 1900 m. The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated. The bottom half of the snowpack is unconsolidated and composed of weak and sugary faceted grains.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Currently, there is a smorgasbord of snow surfaces out there. Sunny skies and a temperature inversion have created crusts on all but northerly aspects. Many north facing alpine slopes are wind-pressed and sheltered north facing terrain have large surface hoar (10-20 mm) and surface facets. Both these crystal types form weak layers, but the surface hoar tends to be more reactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There have been no recent avalanches reported on the weak layers in the upper snowpack which suggests they are bonding well to the snow above them.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">On the snow surface, you will likely find a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects to the top of the mountain and wind effected snow in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Around 30 to 50 cm down is a melt-freeze crust to mountain top on southerly aspects, a crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in areas sheltered by the wind at all elevation bands. The distribution of the surface hoar seems to be spotty but may be most pronounced on west, north, and east aspects between 1700 m and 2000 m. There have not been any recently reported avalanches on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Below this, the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow will fall with an incoming storm. It will fall on a wind-affected surface, such as scoured snow on windward slopes and thicker snow deposits in lee terrain features. The snow will fall on a melt-freeze crust below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 40 cm of snow may overly a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. The layer is likely most prominent around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, but may still exist above around 1600 m in the south of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Within the middle and lower half of the snowpack, a few weak layers may still exist in the north of the region. These include another layer of surface hoar around 50 to 100 cm deep and a weak layer of sugary faceted snow around 200 cm deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow will fall onto a wind-affected surface in high alpine, a widespread melt-freeze, and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack has been reported as generally well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around and north of Hazelton, 40 to 100 cm of snow may overly two weak layers of surface hoar in sheltered and shaded areas. A weak layer of sugary faceted grains may also exist, approximately 150 to 200 cm deep. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Incoming storm snow is unlikely to bond well to the old surface which is a mix of sastrugi, stubborn old wind slabs, facets, crust and surface hoar. Saturday delivered warmth and strong to extreme wind out of the west, south, southwest and northwest. This left a crust up to 3 cm thick on steep south and some west facing aspects and redistributed quite a bit of snow into wind slabs in lee features at and above treeline. These wind slabs have grown old and tired and are probably only suspect in extreme terrain. The warmth also allowed 25 to 50 cm of snow to continue to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1400 and 1900 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday delivered warmth and wind to the region, followed by 10 to 15 cm of new snow and a very strong wind event on Sunday. This </span><a href="https://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/1f1ef350-ea18-4461-b72f-c000dcf18438" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> provides a good description along with some photos that encompass conditions Sunday. The weekend weather left a crust on steep south facing aspects and redistributed quite a bit of snow into potentially deep wind slabs in lee features at and above treeline. These wind slabs have grown old and tired, and are probably only susceptible to triggering in extreme terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 to 45 cm of snow continues to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1500 and 1800 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There is currently a wide variety of snow surfaces. Sun crusts on south aspects to mountaintops, some of which have small surface hoar(weak, feathery crystals) growing on top, which is a particularly nasty combination. Most exposed alpine areas have been heavily wind effected. 5-10 mm surface hoar has been widespread in areas that are protected from sun and wind.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Around 20 to 40 cm down, expect to find a crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar is currently the primary layer of concern and may be most reactive at treeline elevations on shady aspects. However, no recent avalanches have been reported on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of low density snow overlies mostly a well settled upper snow pack. In sheltered areas, the January 17 surface hoar can be found down 20cm and is on our radar if a slab develops overtop of it. The upper snow pack is sitting on top of 40-60cm of weak basal facets. In higher snow pack areas, there is more bridging with the basal facets and in thinner snow pack areas, the basal facets are more reactive to testing. The bottom line is that the thinner spots can be more easily triggered and if there is a slide on this layer, it will most likely propagate and go to ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The majority of the snow surfaces on all aspects and at all elevations are either crusts or wind effected.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Below the surface, the remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has begun to accumulate on the previous surface, which consists of a mix of sastrugi, stubborn old wind slabs, facets, crust and surface hoar. The new snow is unlikely to bond well to these surfaces over the near term.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last weekend's warm and windy weather left a crust up to 3 cm thick on steep south and some west facing aspects and redistributed quite a bit of snow into wind slabs in lee features at treeline and above. These older wind slabs are now probably only suspect in extreme terrain. The warmth also allowed 25 to 60 cm of older snow to continue to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1400 and 1800 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust. Potential exists for this layer to become increasingly reactive as new snow adds load to the snowpack. Slab releases or loose snow avalanches formed of new snow may also act as a trigger for this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current surface is a mix of sastrugi, old wind slab, facets, sun crust and a bit of surface hoar. Last weekend was warm &amp; extreme wind came out of the south, southwest and northwest. This left a robust crust (up to 4 cm thick) on steep south facing aspects and redistributed snow into wind slabs which have grown old and tired. The warmth allowed 10 to 35 cm of snow to settle into a slab above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL) which is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is harboring a nasty weak layer near the ground composed of weak facets above a crust. This interface continues to produce sporadic avalanches that are very large and destructive. Avalanches triggered on this weak layer take the entire seasons snowpack with it and have resulted in numerous close calls and serious incidents. This layer is most likely to be triggered from zones where the snowpack is thin and weak. Rock outcroppings and ridge crests around large open slopes and bowls in the alpine are particularly suspect</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowfall should begin on Friday, which will fall with strong southwest winds. Once enough snow falls, expect to find new wind slabs form in lee and cross-loaded terrain features near ridges. The new snow will overly feathery surface hoar crystals, previously wind-affected snow, and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried around 10 to 40 cm, a weak layer of surface hoar may be found on shady and sheltered slopes. Use added caution between 1500 m and 1900 m, where this layer is most prominent. On southerly aspects, the snow overlies a hard melt-freeze crust all the way to the mountain tops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled. Thin snowpack areas, such as in the east of the region, may find weak and sugary faceted grains near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow will begin to fall on Friday with an incoming storm. The snow will fall with strong southwest winds, so expect wind slabs to begin to form in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow will continue to build a slab over a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals, which is buried about 10 to 30 cm. The surface hoar is most prominent between 1500 and 1900 m but has been found up to 2100 m. On south aspects, the snow overlies a melt-freeze crust to the top of the mountains.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated. The bottom half of the snowpack is unconsolidated and composed of weak and sugary faceted grains.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">A significant amount of new snow is forecast to cover a variety of snow surfaces. These include crusts on all but northerly aspects, wind-pressed surfaces on northerly aspects in the alpine, and a mixture of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and surface facets (sugary grains) in terrain sheltered from wind/sun at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There have been no recent avalanches reported on the weak layers deeper in the upper snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The forecast new snow will cover a variety of snow surfaces. These include crusts on all but northerly aspects, wind-pressed surfaces on northerly aspects in the alpine, and a mixture of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and surface facets (sugary grains) in terrain sheltered from wind/sun at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Around 30 to 50 cm down is a melt-freeze crust to mountain top on southerly aspects, a crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in areas sheltered by the wind/sun at treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 20 cm of snow has fallen in the south of the region and another 20 cm or so is expected by Friday midday. In the high alpine, it fell on a wind-affected surface, such as scoured snow on windward slopes and thicker snow deposits in lee terrain features. The snow fell on a thick melt-freeze crust below around 1600 m. Expect the snow to be reactive to human traffic on Friday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, there is a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals about 50 cm deep. This weak layer is likely most prominent in sheltered and shaded areas. Also in the north, a few weak layers may still exist within the middle and lower half of the snowpack. These include another layer of surface hoar around 70 to 100 cm deep and a weak layer of sugary faceted snow around 200 cm deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is falling onto a wind-affected surface in high alpine and a widespread melt-freeze crust elsewhere. In the central and northern parts of the region, this snow may fall onto feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack has been reported as well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around and north of Hazelton, 40 to 100 cm of snow may overly two weak layers of surface hoar found in sheltered and shaded areas. A weak layer of sugary faceted grains may also exist, approximately 150 to 200 cm deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has begun to accumulate on the previous surface, which consists of a mix of sastrugi, stubborn old wind slabs, facets, crust and surface hoar. The new snow is unlikely to bond well to these surfaces over the near term. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last weekend's warm and windy weather left a crust up to 3 cm thick on steep south and some west facing aspects and redistributed quite a bit of snow into wind slabs in lee features at treeline and above. These older wind slabs are now probably only suspect in extreme terrain. The warmth also allowed 25 to 50 cm of older snow to continue to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at treeline and below, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1400 and 1900 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where surface hoar actually sits on the crust. Potential exists for this layer to become increasingly reactive as new snow adds load to the snowpack. Slab releases or loose snow avalanches formed of new snow may also act as a trigger for this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow has begun to bury the previous surface, which consists mainly of wind-affected surfaces at higher elevations with a new layer of surface hoar present at lower elevations and in some protected areas closer to treeline. Sun crust is being buried on steep, south-facing aspects. Areas where sun crust and surface hoar coexist could produce particularly touchy slabs as new snow accumulates. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 to 45 cm of older storm snow continues to consolidate above the mid-January persistent weak layer (PWL). This PWL is made up of large surface hoar that is most prevalent at and below treeline, with enhanced reactivity noted between 1500 and 1800 m. On steep solar aspects this interface presents as a crust, there may be locations where the surface hoar actually sits on the crust. Potential exists for this layer to become increasingly reactive as new snow adds load to the snowpack. Slab releases or loose snow avalanches formed of new snow may also act as a trigger for this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There is currently a wide variety of snow surfaces. Sun crusts on south aspects to mountaintops, some of which have small surface hoar(weak, feathery crystals) growing on top, which is a particularly nasty combination. Most exposed alpine areas have been heavily wind effected. 5-10 mm surface hoar has been widespread in areas that are protected from sun and wind.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Around 20 to 40 cm down, expect to find a crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar is currently the primary layer of concern and may be most reactive at treeline elevations on shady aspects. However, no recent avalanches have been reported on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wide spread wind effect in the alpine. Treeline is mostly broken down, facetted surface slabs with facets/depth hoar below. There are pockets of harder and likely reactive windslabs kicking around the more exposed areas, but for the most part the snowpack is improving from a hazard perspective despite getting weaker overall... a little counter intuitive. Valley bottoms are still on the skimpy side for coverage, but the upside is the lack of any avalanche problem.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">A significant amount of snow in the alpine and rain at treeline and below is forecast to bury the current snow surface which is either a crust or heavily wind effected.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Below the surface, the remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-50 cm of new snow has fallen in the region since Thursday.  The highest amounts fell near Revelstoke, and the amounts taper significantly south of Trout Lake. This new snow sits wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried 35-85cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of new snow has fallen in the region since Thursday. This new snow sits wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes.&nbsp; </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried 20-50 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack has a deep persistent weak layer near the ground. This layer consists of facets over a crust. This weak interface continues to produce large and destructive avalanches that are sporadic in nature, and very difficult to predict.&nbsp; This layer is most likely to be triggered from areas where the snowpack is shallow and weak. Rocky alpine bowls, ridge crests and rocky outcroppings are some examples of the kind of terrain to be wary of.</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 snow Friday night is expected to fall with strong southwest winds. Expect to find new wind slabs form in lee and cross-loaded terrain features near ridges. The new snow will overly feathery surface hoar crystals, previously wind-affected snow, and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Buried around 20 to 50 cm, a weak layer of surface hoar may be found on shady and sheltered slopes. Use added caution between 1500 m and 1900 m, where this layer is most prominent. On southerly aspects, the snow overlies a hard melt-freeze crust all the way to the mountain tops.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled. Thin snowpack areas, such as in the east of the region, may find weak and sugary faceted grains near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow Friday evening will continue to build a slab over a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals, which is suspected to buried about 10 to 30 cm. The surface hoar is most prominent between 1500 and 1900 m but has been found up to 2100 m. On south aspects, the snow overlies a melt-freeze crust to the top of the mountains.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated. The bottom half of the snowpack is unconsolidated and composed of weak and sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">40-50 cm of new snow with strong southwesterly winds have covered a variety of snow surfaces. These include crusts on all but northerly aspects, wind-pressed surfaces on northerly aspects in the alpine, and a mixture of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and surface facets (sugary grains) in terrain sheltered from wind/sun at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">There have been no recent avalanches reported on the weak layers deeper in the upper snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">15-30 cm of new snow with moderate southwesterly winds have covered a variety of snow surfaces. These include crusts on all but northerly aspects, wind-pressed surfaces on northerly aspects in the alpine, and a mixture of surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) and surface facets (sugary grains) in terrain sheltered from wind/sun at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Around 50-80 cm down is a melt-freeze crust to mountain top on southerly aspects, a crust below around 1700 m on all aspects, and feathery surface hoar in areas sheltered by the wind/sun at treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30 cm of snow fell in the south of the region Thursday evening into Friday. In the high alpine this new snow sits on a wind-affected surface, such as scoured snow on windward slopes and thicker snow deposits in lee terrain features. Below around 1600 m the snow fell on a thick melt-freeze crust . In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, there is a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals about 50 cm deep. This weak layer is likely most prominent in sheltered and shaded areas. Also in the north, a few weak layers may still exist within the middle and lower half of the snowpack. These include another layer of surface hoar around 70 to 100 cm deep and a weak layer of sugary faceted snow around 200 cm deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm new snow has fallen onto a wind-affected surface in high alpine and a widespread melt-freeze crust elsewhere. In the central and northern parts of the region, this snow may fall onto feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack has been reported as well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around and north of Hazelton, 40 to 100 cm of snow may overly two weak layers of surface hoar found in sheltered and shaded areas. A weak layer of sugary faceted grains may also exist, approximately 150 to 200 cm deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-80 cm of snow has fallen in the North Columbia region since Thursday. This new snow sits on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), wind slabs and a crust on sun-exposed slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried 50-100 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-45 cm of snow has fallen in the Cariboos since Thursday, with some areas seeing as much as 60 cm.  This new snow is sitting on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60 cm of snow now sits on a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January. This layer consists of surface hoar and a crust on sun-exposed slopes.  It is most prominent at treeline and below, and it will likely be reactive due to the recent heavy snowfall.</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">15-20 cm of new snow has covered a wide variety of snow surfaces. Sun crusts on south aspects to mountaintops, some of which have small surface hoar(weak, feathery crystals) growing on top, which is a particularly nasty combination. Most exposed alpine areas have been heavily wind effected. 5-10 mm surface hoar has been widespread in areas that are protected from sun and wind.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Around 20 to 40 cm down, expect to find a crust on south aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. The surface hoar is currently the primary layer of concern and may be most reactive at treeline elevations on shady aspects. However, no recent avalanches have been reported on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The leading edge of the approaching storm has so far given us only 4cm near the divide. It is exactly what the forecast said would happen (don't hear that much!). That's giving us confidence in there being a further 20cm by tomorrow. The forecasted winds are also correct. As of this afternoon ridgetop winds were around 50km/hr from the SW. Windslabs are building on any easterly aspect in the alpine and treeline areas. How well these slabs stick to the underlying windslabs is the question. Given how long the slabs were exposed for, it may be a poor bond at first. Treeline saw little change today, but again, if there are new slabs by tomorrow expect them to be poorly bonded due to surface facetting. In general, this 20cm would be considered a rapid load. The Jan 17th surface hoar is isolated, but where it exists, expect it to be down 30cm and possibly reactive. Deeper layers will be stressed trying to support the weight of a 20-30cm storm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">In the alpine, 35-50 cm of new snow has buried either a crust or heavily wind effected old snow. A mixture of wet snow and rain fell at treeline elevations which will likely bond well to the old snow surface. Below treeline, the snowpack has soaked up the rain like a sponge.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Below the surface, the remainder of the snowpack is currently well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-70 cm of new snow has fallen in the region since Thursday. The highest amounts fell in the northeast corner of the region: east of the Columbia (Upper Arrow Lake) and north of Trout Lake, with a few exceptions. This new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried 40-100cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-55 cm of new snow has fallen in the region since Thursday. This new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried approximately 30-80 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack has a deep persistent weak layer near the ground. This layer consists of facets over a crust. This weak interface continues to produce large and destructive avalanches that are sporadic in nature, and very difficult to predict. This layer is most likely to be triggered from areas where the snowpack is shallow and weak. Rocky alpine bowls, ridge crests and rocky outcroppings are some examples of the kind of terrain to be wary of.</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">Somewhere around 60 mm of precipitation fell on Friday with a freezing level around 1600 m. Above 1600 m, expect to find around 30 to 60 cm of new snow. This snow overlies feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas, previously wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. Below 1600 m, the precipitation fell as rain and froze into a melt-freeze crust. Any new snow that falls on Saturday night into Sunday will accumulate onto these surfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-January layer of surface hoar or a crust is buried around 50 to 100 cm. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled. Thin snowpack areas, such as in the east of the region, may find weak and sugary faceted grains near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1700 m, 30 to 40 cm of recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces, including feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas, wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. Below 1700 m, expect to find around 5 to 10 cm of low-density snow on a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-January layer of surface hoar or a crust is buried around 40 to 60 cm. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m but has been found up to 2100 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated. The bottom half of the snowpack is unconsolidated and composed of weak and sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">40-50 cm of new snow Thursday and Friday combined with with strong southwesterly winds sits on a crust on all aspects except north, wind-affected surfaces in the alpine and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar or sugary facets in sheltered terrain at treeline and below. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of new snow with moderate southwesterly winds is sitting on a crust on all but northerly aspects, wind-affected surfaces in the alpine, and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets in sheltered terrain at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust that recently formed right to mountain top on southerly aspects and on all aspects below 1700 m is now buried 50-80 cm deep. Additionally at this depth, feathery surface hoar may be found in shady sheltered areas at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong northeast winds will redistribute the 40 cm of recent storm snow, creating wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features. This snow overlies wind-affected surfaces in the high alpine and a thick melt-freeze crust at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, there is a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals about 50 cm deep. This weak layer is likely most prominent in sheltered and shaded areas. Also in the north, a few weak layers may still exist within the middle and lower half of the snowpack. These include another layer of surface hoar around 70 to 100 cm deep and a weak layer of sugary faceted snow around 200 cm deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong northeast winds will redistributed the recent 20 to 40 cm of storm snow at higher elevations, forming wind slabs. This snow overlies previously wind-affected snow in the high alpine and a widespread melt-freeze crust elsewhere. In the central and northern parts of the region, the storm snow may sit on feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack has been reported as well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around and north of Hazelton, 50 to 100 cm of snow may overly two weak layers of surface hoar or sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The North Columbia region wins the storm with 30-90 cm of snow since Thursday. Average total amounts since Thursday are in the 50-70 cm range. This new snow sits on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), wind slabs and a crust on sun-exposed slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried 50-100 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below, and was very reactive during the height of the recent storm. It is uncertain how reactive this layer will be with temperatures dropping, but it may still be reactive to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-45 cm of snow has fallen in the Cariboos since Thursday. This new snow is sitting on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of snow now sits on a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January. This layer consists of surface hoar and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. It is most prominent at treeline and below, and was very reactive during the recent storm. It remains to be seen how this layer will behave as temperatures drop. It may still be reactive to human triggers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">10-30 cm of new snow sits on variety of snow surfaces, which may include wind crust in wind exposed areas, sun crust on solar aspects to mountain top and weak feathery surface hoar in sheltered and shady areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">40-60 cm below the snow surface, expect to find another crust on south aspects and another layer of feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. This deeper layer of surface hoar may be most reactive at treeline elevations on shady aspects. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">35-45cm of new snow has fallen in the last 24hrs. With the warm temps during the storm the snow was quick to settle and in many areas formed a soft slab almost immediately. Today we had reactive soft slabs from 2200m up. The winds also played a role in open areas at all elevations. Touchy windslabs are present at treeline and alpine on easterly aspects. What these slabs rest on is important. On north aspects the old slabs were dense with some surface facetting. On south aspects the Jan 28 sun crust is down 40cm. Both of these older layers are a poor bonding surface for the new snow. To add another variable, the Jan 17 surface hoar layer is also present. It's been hard to nail down the details of this layer, but keep an eye out for it below 2200m sheltered areas. The deeper layers are also adjusting to the new load. While not reactive today, don't forget about them and remember that they are gradually getting used to the new snow load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">In the alpine, 35-50 cm of new snow has buried either a crust or heavily wind effected old snow. At the tree line elevation recent precipitation fell as a mix of rain and snow. Expect to see the snow surface turn into a crust as the temperature begins to drop below freezing. Below the surface the snowpack is well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-70 cm of new snow has fallen in the region since Thursday. The highest amounts fell in the northeast corner of the region: east of the Columbia (Upper Arrow Lake) and north of Trout Lake, with a few exceptions. This new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. Recent strong to extreme winds have formed wind slabs at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried 40-90cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30-60 cm of new snow has fallen in the region since Thursday. This new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried approximately 50-90 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack has a deep persistent weak layer near the ground. This layer consists of facets over a crust. This weak interface continues to produce large and destructive avalanches that are sporadic in nature, and very difficult to predict. This layer is most likely to be triggered from areas where the snowpack is shallow and weak. Rocky alpine bowls, ridge crests and rocky outcroppings are some examples of the kind of terrain to be wary of.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60 mm of precipitation fell on Friday with a freezing level at 1600 m. Above 1600 m, the precipitation fell as snow, which has been redistributed by northwest winds. It may sit on weak and feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas. Below 1600 m, the precipitation fell as rain and froze into a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-January layer of surface hoar or a crust is buried around 40 to 60 cm. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled. Thin snowpack areas, such as in the east of the region, may find weak and sugary faceted grains near the base of the snowpack.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1700 m, 30 to 40 cm of recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces, including feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas, wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. Below 1700 m, expect to find around 5 cm of low-density snow on a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-January layer of surface hoar or a crust is buried around 40 to 60 cm. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m but has been found up to 2100 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated. The bottom half of the snowpack is unconsolidated and composed of weak and sugary faceted grains.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">40-50 cm of new snow Thursday and Friday has been redistributed by strong southwesterly winds and sits on a crust on all aspects except north and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar or sugary facets in sheltered terrain at treeline and below. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of new snow with moderate southwesterly winds is sitting on a crust on all but northerly aspects, wind-affected surfaces in the alpine, and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets in sheltered terrain at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust that recently formed right to mountain top on southerly aspects and on all aspects below 1700 m is now buried 50-80 cm deep. Additionally at this depth, feathery surface hoar may be found in shady sheltered areas at treeline. This layer is reported to be most prevalent in the far southeast of the region near Manning Park.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong north to east wind redistributed the 40 cm of recent storm snow, which has created wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features. This snow overlies wind-affected surfaces in the high alpine and a thick melt-freeze crust at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, you may find two or three weak layers of feathery surface hoar crystals between 50 and 100 cm deep. These weak layers are likely most prominent in sheltered and shaded terrain. Also in the north of the region, the base of the snowpack may be composed of weak and sugary faceted snow.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong northeast winds have redistributed the recent 20 to 40 cm of storm snow in exposed terrain, forming wind slabs. This snow overlies previously wind-affected snow in the high alpine and a widespread melt-freeze crust elsewhere. In the central and northern parts of the region, the storm snow may sit on feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack has been reported as well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around and north of Hazelton, 50 to 100 cm of snow may overly two weak layers of surface hoar or sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The North Columbia region has received 30-90 cm of snow since Thursday. Average total amounts since Thursday are in the 50-70 cm range. This new snow sits on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), wind slabs and a crust on sun-exposed slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried 50-100 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below, and was very reactive during the height of the recent storm. It is uncertain how reactive this layer will be with temperatures dropping, but it may still be reactive to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of snow has fallen in the Cariboos since Thursday. This new snow is sitting on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. Recent strong winds have redistributed the new snow and formed wind slabs at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-80 cm of snow now sits on a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January. This layer consists of surface hoar and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. It is most prominent at treeline and below, and was very reactive during the recent storm. It remains to be seen how this layer will behave as temperatures drop. It may still be reactive to human triggers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">10-30 cm of new snow sits on variety of snow surfaces, which may include wind crust in wind exposed areas, a crust on solar aspects to mountain top and weak feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas treeline and below. In some places this surface hoar is reported be sitting on a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">40-80 cm below the snow surface, expect to find another crust on south aspects and another layer of feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. This deeper layer of surface hoar may be most reactive at treeline elevations on shady aspects. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 45cm of snow fell over the week end and is bonding well with the interface; give it a little more time for it to bond even better. We had limited observations today but suspect some wind slab in the alpine from Saturday's winds and yet there were also some loose dry avalanches observed on easterly alpine bowls. The buried sun crust on solar aspects down around 60cm is still a concern with this new load as well as the isolated January 17 SH also down around 60cm around tree line. The basal facets are down 80-100cm down and should still be on everyone's radar as any avalanche triggered in the upper snow pack has the potential to trigger this lower weakness.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine, 40-60 cm of recent new snow has buried either a crust or heavily wind affected old snow. At the tree line elevation and below 5-10 cm of snow falling Saturday and Sunday sits on a supportive crust. Below the surface the snowpack is well-settled and strong.</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-70 cm of recent new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent winds have formed wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried 40-90cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30-60 cm of recent new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried approximately 50-90 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack has a deep persistent weak layer near the ground. This layer consists of facets over a crust. This weak interface continues to produce large and destructive avalanches that are sporadic in nature, and very difficult to predict. This layer is most likely to be triggered from areas where the snowpack is shallow and weak. Rocky alpine bowls, ridge crests and rocky outcroppings are some examples of the kind of terrain to be wary of.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60 mm of precipitation fell on Friday with a freezing level at 1600 m. Above 1600 m, the precipitation fell as snow, which has been redistributed by northwest winds. It may sit on weak and feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas. Below 1600 m, the precipitation fell as rain and froze into a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-January layer of surface hoar or a crust is buried around 40 to 60 cm. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled. Thin snowpack areas, such as in the east of the region, may find weak and sugary faceted grains near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1700 m, 30 to 40 cm of recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces, including feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas, wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. Below 1700 m, expect to find around 5-10 cm of low-density snow on a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-January layer of surface hoar or a crust is buried around 40 to 60 cm. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m but has been found up to 2100 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated. The bottom half of the snowpack is unconsolidated and composed of weak and sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-50 cm of new snow from the end of last week has been redistributed by strong southwesterly winds initially and now northerly winds. This sits on a crust on all aspects except north and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar or sugary facets in isolated sheltered terrain at treeline and below. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of recent new snow has been redistributed&nbsp; by southwesterly winds shifting to north and east. This is sitting on a crust on all but northerly aspects, wind-affected surfaces in the alpine, and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets in sheltered terrain at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust that formed mid-January right to mountain top on southerly aspects and on all aspects below 1700 m is now buried 50-80 cm deep. Additionally at this depth, feathery surface hoar may be found in shady sheltered areas at treeline. This surface hoar layer is reported to be most prevalent in the far southeast of the region near Manning Park.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong northeast winds have redistributed up to 40 cm of recent storm snow, creating wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features. This snow overlies wind-affected surfaces in the high alpine and a thick melt-freeze crust at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, there is a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals about 50 cm deep. This weak layer is likely most prominent in sheltered and shaded areas. Also in the north, a few weak layers may still exist within the middle and lower half of the snowpack. These include another layer of surface hoar around 70 to 100 cm deep and a weak layer of sugary faceted snow around 200 cm deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong northeast winds have redistributed the recent 20 to 40 cm of storm snow in exposed terrain, forming wind slabs. This snow overlies previously wind-affected snow in the high alpine and a widespread melt-freeze crust elsewhere. In the central and northern parts of the region, the storm snow may sit on feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack has been reported as well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around and north of Hazelton, 50 to 100 cm of snow may overly two weak layers of surface hoar or sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-80 cm of recent new snow sits on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), wind slabs and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent winds have redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January is now buried 50-100 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below, and was very reactive during the height of the recent storm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of recent new snow is sitting on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent strong winds have redistributed the new snow and formed wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-80 cm of snow now sits on a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January. This layer consists of surface hoar and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. It is most prominent at treeline and below, and was very reactive during the recent storm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">10-30 cm of new snow falling late last week sits on variety of snow surfaces, which may include wind crust in wind exposed areas, a crust on solar aspects to mountain top and weak feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas treeline and below. In some places this surface hoar is reported to be sitting on a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">40-80 cm below the snow surface, expect to find another crust on south aspects and another layer of feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. This deeper layer of surface hoar may be most reactive at treeline elevations on shady aspects. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">35-45cm of storm snow overlies a strong mid snowpack. This storm snow is low density at tree line and below. In the alpine, this storm snow has either turned into a wind slab or is loose and dry; it will be important to determine this before adventuring into the alpine. The buried sun crust on solar aspects down around 60cm is still a concern with this new load as well as the isolated January 17 SH also down around 60cm around 2200m. The basal facets are down 80-100cm and should still be on everyone's radar as any avalanche triggered in the upper snow pack has the potential to trigger this lower weakness. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine, 40-60 cm of recent new snow has buried either a crust or heavily wind affected old snow. At the tree line elevation and below 5-10 cm of snow falling Saturday and Sunday sits on a supportive crust. Below the surface the snowpack is well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-70 cm of recent new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent winds have formed wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 40-90cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer is the most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to produce 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">Approximately 30-60 cm of recent new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A very notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 50-90 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack has a deep persistent weak layer near the ground. This layer consists of facets over a crust. This weak interface continues to produce large and destructive avalanches that are sporadic in nature, and very difficult to predict. This layer is most likely to be triggered from areas where the snowpack is shallow and weak. Rocky alpine bowls, ridge crests and rocky outcroppings are some examples of the kind of terrain to be wary of.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60 mm of precipitation fell on Friday with a freezing level at 1600 m. Above 1600 m, the precipitation fell as snow, which has been redistributed by northwest winds. It may sit on weak and feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas. Below 1600 m, the precipitation fell as rain and froze into a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-January layer of surface hoar and/or crust is buried around 40 to 60 cm deep. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled. Thin snowpack areas, such as in the east of the region, may find weak and sugary faceted grains near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1700 m, 25 to 35 cm of recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces, including feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas, wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. Below 1700 m, expect to find around 5-10 cm of low-density snow on a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-January layer of surface hoar or a crust is buried around 35 to 45 cm deep. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m but has been found up to 2100 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated. The bottom half of the snowpack is unconsolidated and composed of weak and sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-50 cm of new snow from last weekend has been redistributed by strong southwesterly winds initially and now northerly winds. This sits on a crust on all aspects except north and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar or sugary facets in isolated sheltered terrain at treeline and below. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of recent new snow has been redistributed by southwesterly winds shifting to north and east. This is sitting on a crust on all but northerly aspects, wind-affected surfaces in the alpine, and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets in sheltered terrain at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this down 50-80 cm sits a crust that formed mid-January right to mountain top on southerly aspects and on all aspects below 1700 m. Additionally at this depth, feathery surface hoar may be found in shady sheltered areas at treeline. This surface hoar layer is reported to be most prevalent in the far southeast of the region near Manning Park.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong northeast winds have redistributed up to 40 cm of recent storm snow, creating wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features. This snow overlies wind-affected surfaces in the high alpine and a thick melt-freeze crust at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, there is a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals about 50 cm deep. This weak layer is likely most prominent in sheltered and shaded areas. Also in the north, a few weak layers may still exist within the middle and lower half of the snowpack. These include another layer of surface hoar around 70 to 100 cm deep and a weak layer of sugary faceted snow around 200 cm deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong northeast winds have redistributed the recent 20 to 40 cm of storm snow in exposed terrain, forming wind slabs. This snow overlies previously wind-affected snow in the high alpine and a widespread melt-freeze crust elsewhere. In the central and northern parts of the region, the storm snow may sit on feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack has been reported as well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around and north of Hazelton, 50 to 100 cm of snow may overly two weak layers of surface hoar or sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-80 cm of recent new snow sits on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), wind slabs and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent winds have redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 50-100 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer is the most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to be produce avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of recent new snow is sitting on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent strong winds have redistributed the new snow and formed wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 50-80 cm. This layer consists of surface hoar and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. It is most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to produce 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">10-30 cm of new snow falling late last week now sits on variety of snow surfaces, including buried wind crust on westerly aspects, crusts on southerly aspects to mountain top and weak feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. In some places this surface hoar is reported to be sitting on a crust and has been reactive to light loads like people.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Digging deeper 40-80 cm below the snow surface, expect to find another crust on south aspects and another layer of predominant feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered and shaded areas. This deeper layer of surface hoar may be most reactive at treeline elevations on shady aspects. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">35-45cm of low density snow at tree line sits on the surface while in the alpine, wind slabs cover most of the surface. The mid pack is strong at all elevations but sits on top of  weak basal facets that cover the bottom 50cm.  This basal layer is still a concern especially where the snowpack is under 120cm.  Any avalanche triggered in the upper snow pack has the potential to trigger this lower weakness. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine, 40-60 cm of storm snow fell last weekend and sits above a crust or heavily wind affected old snow surfaces. Strong outflow winds have redistributed and formed isolated wind slabs at most elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At the treeline elevation and below 5-10 cm of snow from last weekend now sits on a supportive crust. The mid-pack is well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-70 cm of recent new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent winds have formed wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 40-90cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer is the most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to produce 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">Approximately 30-60 cm of recent new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A very notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 50-90 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack has a deep persistent weak layer near the ground. This layer consists of facets over a crust. This weak interface continues to produce large and destructive avalanches that are sporadic in nature, and very difficult to predict. This layer is most likely to be triggered from areas where the snowpack is shallow and weak. Rocky alpine bowls, ridge crests and rocky outcroppings are some examples of the kind of terrain to be wary of.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60 mm of precipitation fell last Friday. Above 1600 m, this produced 30-40 cm of new snow which has since been redistributed by strong winds from both north and south. It may sit on weak and feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas. Below 1600 m, the precipitation fell mainly as rain and formed a new melt-freeze crust on the surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1600 metres, the mid-January layer of surface hoar and/or crust is now buried around 40 to 60 cm deep. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations. Slabs that exist above a combination of surface hoar and crust are likely to be particularly reactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled. Thin snowpack areas, such as in the east of the region, may hold weak and sugary faceted grains near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1700 m, 25 to 35 cm of recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces, including feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas, wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. Below 1700 m, expect to find around 5-10 cm of low-density snow on a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-January layer of surface hoar or a crust is buried around 35 to 45 cm deep. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m but has been found up to 2100 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated. The bottom half of the snowpack is unconsolidated and composed of weak and sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Alpine terrain is heavily wind affected to varying degrees on all aspects. The 40-50 cm of new snow from last weekend has been redistributed initially by strong southwesterly winds and now northerly outflow winds. This sits on a crust on all aspects except north and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar or sugary facets in isolated sheltered terrain at treeline and below. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br /></span><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Alpine terrain is heavily wind affected to varying degrees on all aspects. 15-30 cm of snow from last weekend was initially redistributed by southwesterly winds shifting to northeasterly forming stiff wind slabs on most aspects. This recent snow is sitting a variety of old snow surfaces including a crust on all but northerly aspects, wind pressed and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets in sheltered terrain at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this 50-80 cm down sits a crust that formed mid-January right to mountain top on southerly aspects and on all aspects below 1700 m. Additionally at this depth, feathery surface hoar may be found in shady sheltered areas at treeline. This surface hoar layer is reported to be most prevalent in the far southeast of the region near Manning Park.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong northeast winds have redistributed up to 40 cm of recent storm snow, creating wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features. Recent cold temperatures have been transforming surface of this snow into a lower-density layer of faceted (sugary) grains at all elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Collectively, this wind-affected and faceting storm snow overlies previously wind-affected surfaces in the high alpine and a thick melt-freeze crust at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, there is a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals about 50 cm deep. This weak layer is likely most prominent in sheltered and shaded areas. Also in the north, a few weak layers may still exist within the middle and lower half of the snowpack. These include another layer of surface hoar around 70 to 100 cm deep and a weak layer of sugary faceted snow around 200 cm deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong northeast winds have redistributed a recent 20 to 40 cm of storm snow in exposed terrain, forming wind slabs. Recent cold temperatures have been transforming the surface of this snow into a lower-density layer of faceted (sugary) grains at all elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Collectively, this layer of faceting storm snow overlies previously wind-affected snow in the high alpine and a widespread melt-freeze crust elsewhere. In the central and northern parts of the region, it may sit on feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at all elevations.</span><span class="s_E6FD2046"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack has been reported as well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around and north of Hazelton, 50 to 100 cm of snow may overly two weak layers of surface hoar or sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-80 cm of recent new snow sits on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), wind slabs and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent winds have redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 50-100 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer is the most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to be produce avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of recent new snow is sitting on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent strong winds have redistributed the new snow and formed wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 50-80 cm. This layer consists of surface hoar and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. It is most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to produce 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">10-30 cm of snow that fell late last week now sits on variety of snow surfaces, including buried wind crust on westerly aspects, sun crust on southerly aspects to mountain top and weak feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br /></span><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack now hosts two predominant buried surface hoar layers. The one that was buried on February 1st seems to be more reactive to human triggers than the one buried deeper down (40-80 cm). This deeper layer of surface hoar may be most reactive below treeline on shady aspects but doesn't seem to be a widespread problem in the region. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br /></span><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_AA239A9B">Around 40cm of low density snow sits on the surface at tree line and below.  In the alpine, we have a mixture of low density snow and wind slabs.  All of this overlies a strong mid pack that is mostly pencil hardness density. The alpine should be approached with caution to sort out whether a slab is present. What is still on our radar is the fact that the strong mid pack is sitting on the december 10  basal facets that covers the bottom 50cm of the snow pack.  Despite the fact that we have not seen recent avalanche activity on the basal facets, if triggered from a thinner area, the potential is for a large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine, 40-60 cm of storm snow fell last weekend and sits above a crust or heavily wind affected old snow surfaces. Strong outflow winds have redistributed and formed isolated wind slabs at most elevations. Loose dry sluffing within the recent snow can be found in steeper terrain features. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br /></span><span class="s_3FE45715">At treeline elevation and below 5-10 cm of snow from last weekend now sits on a supportive crust and feathery surface hoar crystals are forming on the surface. The mid-pack is well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-70 cm of recent new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent winds have formed wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 40-90cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer is the most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to produce 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">Approximately 30-60 cm of recent new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A very notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 50-90 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack has a deep persistent weak layer near the ground. This layer consists of facets over a crust. This weak interface continues to produce large and destructive avalanches that are sporadic in nature, and very difficult to predict. This layer is most likely to be triggered from areas where the snowpack is shallow and weak. Rocky alpine bowls, ridge crests and rocky outcroppings are some examples of the kind of terrain to be wary of.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60 mm of precipitation fell last Friday. Above 1600 m, this produced 30-40 cm of new snow which has since been redistributed by strong winds from both north and south. It may sit on weak and feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas. Below 1600 m, the precipitation fell mainly as rain and formed a new melt-freeze crust on the surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1600 metres, the mid-January layer of surface hoar and/or crust is now buried around 40 to 60 cm deep. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations. Slabs that exist above a combination of surface hoar and crust are likely to be particularly reactive. This layer is the subject of our Special Public Avalanche Warning.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled. Thin snowpack areas, such as in the east of the region, may hold weak and sugary faceted grains near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1700 m, 25 to 35 cm of recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces, including feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas, wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. Below 1700 m, expect to find around 5-10 cm of low-density snow on a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-January layer of surface hoar or a crust is buried around 35 to 45 cm deep. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m but has been found up to 2200 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations. This layer is the subject of our Special Public Avalanche Warning. A social media post from the Elk Valley Snow Shepherds from Wednesday does a great job of highlighting the issue. </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Btj-ehyF7bY/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Check the link here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated. The bottom half of the snowpack is unconsolidated and composed of weak and sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Alpine terrain is heavily wind affected to varying degrees on all aspects. The 40-50 cm of new snow from last weekend has been redistributed initially by strong southwesterly winds and now northerly outflow winds forming reactive pockets of wind slab. This sits on a crust on all aspects except north and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar or sugary facets in isolated sheltered terrain at treeline and below which hasn't shown much reactivity.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br /></span><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Alpine terrain is heavily wind affected to varying degrees on all aspects. 15-30 cm of snow and sifting winds from last weekend has formed wind slabs predominantly on southerly aspects. This recent snow is sitting a variety of old snow surfaces including a crust on all but northerly aspects, wind pressed and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets in sheltered terrain at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this 50-80 cm down sits a crust that formed mid-January right to mountain top on southerly aspects and on all aspects below 1700 m. Additionally at this depth, feathery surface hoar may be found in shady sheltered areas at treeline. This surface hoar layer is reported to be most prevalent in the far southeast of the region near Manning Park but is unreactive at this time.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow amounts fell over the region on Wednesday night, mainly in coastal areas. This buried surface snow that has been faceting (becoming sugary) under the influence of recent cold temperatures. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The uppermost layer of the snowpack is composed of a heavily wind-redistributed 40 cm of storm snow from the weekend. Some older wind slabs may still linger in steeper lee and cross-loaded terrain features, but these are a diminishing concern as cold temperatures work to decrease their cohesion and reactivity.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Collectively, this wind-affected and faceting storm snow overlies previously wind-affected surfaces in the high alpine and a thick melt-freeze crust at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, there is a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals about 50 cm deep. This weak layer is likely most prominent in sheltered and shaded areas. Also in the north, a few weak layers may still exist within the middle and lower half of the snowpack. These include another layer of surface hoar around 70 to 100 cm deep and a weak layer of sugary faceted snow around 200 cm deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent cold temperatures have been transforming surface snow into a lower-density layer of faceted (sugary) grains at all elevations. This faceting process affects the uppermost part of the wind-affected 20 to 40 cm of storm snow we received last weekend. Time and cold temperatures are gradually reducing the cohesion and reactivity of wind slabs that formed in the wake of the storm, however forecast strong winds are expected to transport remaining loose surface snow into thin new slabs in leeward terrain on Friday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This upper layer of faceting storm snow overlies previously wind-affected snow in the high alpine and a widespread melt-freeze crust elsewhere. In the central and northern parts of the region, it may sit on feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at all elevations.</span><span class="s_E6FD2046"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack has been reported as well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around and north of Hazelton, 50 to 100 cm of snow may overlie two weak layers of surface hoar or sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-80 cm of recent new snow sits on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), wind slabs and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent winds have redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 50-100 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer is the most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to be produce avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of recent new snow is sitting on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent strong winds have redistributed the new snow and formed wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 50-80 cm. This layer consists of surface hoar and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. It is most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to produce 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">10-30 cm of snow that fell late last week now sits on variety of snow surfaces, including buried wind crust on westerly aspects, sun crust on southerly aspects to mountain top and weak feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br /></span><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack now hosts two buried surface hoar layers. The one that was buried on February 1st seems to be more predominant and reactive to human triggers than the one buried deeper down (40-80 cm). This deeper layer of surface hoar may be most reactive below treeline on shady aspects but doesn't seem to be a widespread problem in the region. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"><br /></span><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_AA239A9B">Around 40cm of low density snow sits on the surface at tree line and below. In the alpine, we have a mixture of low density snow and wind slabs. All of this overlies a strong mid pack that is mostly pencil hardness  in density. The alpine should be approached with caution to sort out whether a slab is present. What is still on our radar is the fact that the strong mid pack is sitting on the december 10 basal facets that covers the bottom 50cm of the snow pack. Despite the fact that we have not seen recent avalanche activity on the basal facets, if triggered from a thinner area, the potential is for a large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine, 40-60 cm of wind affected snow sits above a crust or old wind pressed snow surfaces. This tapers significantly below treeline and new surface hoar is forming. Strong outflow winds have redistributed and formed isolated wind slabs at most elevations. Loose dry sluffing within the recent snow can be found in steeper terrain features. The mid-pack is well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-70 cm of recent new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent winds have formed wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 40-90cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer is the most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to produce 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">Approximately 30-60 cm of recent new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A very notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 50-90 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack has a deep persistent weak layer near the ground. This layer consists of facets over a crust. This weak interface continues to produce large and destructive avalanches that are sporadic in nature, and very difficult to predict. This layer is most likely to be triggered from areas where the snowpack is shallow and weak. Rocky alpine bowls, ridge crests and rocky outcroppings are some examples of the kind of terrain to be wary of.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60 mm of precipitation fell last Friday. Above 1600 m, this produced 30-40 cm of new snow which has since been redistributed by strong winds from both north and south. It may sit on weak and feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas. Below 1600 m, the precipitation fell mainly as rain and formed a new melt-freeze crust on the surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1600 metres, the mid-January layer of surface hoar and/or crust is now buried around 40 to 60 cm deep. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations. Slabs that exist above a combination of surface hoar and crust are likely to be particularly reactive. This layer is the subject of our Special Public Avalanche Warning.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled. Thin snowpack areas, such as in the east of the region, may hold weak and sugary faceted grains near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1700 m, 25 to 35 cm of recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces, including feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas, wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. Below 1700 m, expect to find around 5-10 cm of low-density snow on a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-January layer of surface hoar or a crust is buried around 35 to 45 cm deep. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m but has been found up to 2200 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations. This layer is the subject of our Special Public Avalanche Warning. A social media post from the Elk Valley Snow Shepherds from Wednesday does a great job of highlighting the issue. </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Btj-ehyF7bY/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Check the link here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated. The bottom half of the snowpack is unconsolidated and composed of weak and sugary faceted grains. The basal snowpack is becoming even weaker under prolonged cold temperatures, especially in thin snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Alpine terrain is heavily wind affected to varying degrees on all aspects. The 40-50 cm of new snow from last weekend has been redistributed initially by strong southwesterly winds and now northerly outflow winds forming reactive pockets of wind slab. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This recent snow sits on a crust on all aspects below 2000m and solar aspects into the alpine. In isolated sheltered terrain and treeline and below, a layer of weak feathery surface hoar or sugary facets may be identified, but with little reactivity. Current cold temperatures are promoting surface faceting and may be breaking down the buried crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Alpine terrain is heavily wind affected to varying degrees on all aspects. 15-30 cm of snow and shifting winds from last weekend has formed wind slabs predominantly on southerly aspects. This recent snow is sitting a variety of old snow surfaces including a crust on all but northerly aspects, wind pressed and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets in sheltered terrain at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this 50-80 cm down sits a crust that formed mid-January right to mountain top on southerly aspects and on all aspects below 1700 m. Additionally at this depth, feathery surface hoar may be found in shady sheltered areas at treeline. This surface hoar layer is reported to be most prevalent in the far southeast of the region near Manning Park but is unreactive at this time.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In most areas, the upper snowpack is composed of successive layers of aging, wind affected storm snow layers. The top layer of this snow has been faceting (becoming sugary) under the influence of recent cold temperatures at all elevations. More recent, thin wind slabs may be found directly in the lee of ridgecrests and other wind exposed features impacted by recent southeast and northeast winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Sheltered areas at lower elevations may still hold pockets of around 40 cm of low density snow which will overlie a thick melt-freeze crust at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, there is a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals about 50 cm deep. This layer is likely most prominent in sheltered and shaded areas. Also in the north, a few weak layers may still exist within the middle and lower half of the snowpack. These include another layer of surface hoar around 70 to 100 cm deep and a layer of sugary faceted snow around 200 cm deep. These layers are a concern in thinner snowpack areas at higher elevations, where thicker, bridging layers of old storm snow and crust may be absent.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of new snow fell over the region on Wednesday night and is being redistributed by predominantly northeast winds. The new snow buried 20-40 cm of storm snow from the weekend that became wind-affected early in the week and has since been faceting (becoming sugary) under the influence of cold temperatures. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This older, faceting storm snow overlies previously wind-affected snow in the high alpine and a widespread melt-freeze crust elsewhere. In the central and northern parts of the region, it may sit on feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at all elevations.</span><span class="s_E6FD2046"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack has been reported as well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around and north of Hazelton, 50 to 100 cm of snow may overlie two weak layers of surface hoar or sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-80 cm of recent new snow sits on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), wind slabs and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent winds have redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 50-100 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer is the most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to be produce avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of recent new snow is sitting on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent strong winds have redistributed the new snow and formed wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 50-80 cm. This layer consists of surface hoar and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. It is most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to produce avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of snow that fell late last week now sits on variety of snow surfaces, including buried wind crust on westerly aspects, sun crust on southerly aspects to mountain top and weak feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack now hosts two buried surface hoar layers. The one that was buried on February 1st (down 20-40 cm) seems to be more predominant and reactive to human triggers than the one buried deeper down (40-80 cm). This deeper layer of surface hoar may be most reactive below treeline on shady aspects but doesn't seem to be a widespread problem in the region. </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_AA239A9B">Isolated windslabs can be found in alpine terrain along ridgelines and in cross loaded feature but the overall lack of wind has been suprising!  These slabs are on all aspects also due to the recent northerly flow.  The upper snowpack continues to facet and in thinner areas, the entire snowpack is facetting.  Generally the midpack is supportive and bridging the weaker basal facets but dont forget this weak base.  Depth hoar and large facets dominate the base of the snowpack and large triggers such as a cornice, or avalanche in the upper snowpack could wake up this weakness.  Thin areas are also likely places where one could trigger the basal facets so be thinking about thick to thin terrain....</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine, 40-60 cm of wind affected snow sits above a crust or old wind pressed snow surfaces. This tapers significantly below treeline and new surface hoar is forming. Strong outflow winds have redistributed and formed isolated wind slabs at most elevations. Loose dry sluffing within the recent snow can be found in steeper terrain features. The mid-pack is well-settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-70 cm of recent new snow sits on wind slab, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent winds have formed wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 40-90cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer is the most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to produce avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30-60 cm of old storm snow sits on, surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow) and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A very notable feature in the snowpack is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now 50-90 cm below the surface. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The base of the snowpack has a deep persistent weak layer near the ground. This layer consists of facets over a crust. This weak interface continues to produce large and destructive avalanches that are sporadic in nature, and very difficult to predict. This layer is most likely to be triggered from areas where the snowpack is shallow and weak. Rocky alpine bowls, ridge crests and rocky outcroppings are some examples of the kind of terrain to be wary of.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60 mm of precipitation fell last Friday. Above 1600 m, this produced 30-40 cm of new snow which has since been redistributed by strong winds from both north and south. It may sit on weak and feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas. Below 1600 m, the precipitation fell mainly as rain and formed a new melt-freeze crust on the surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1600 metres, the mid-January layer of surface hoar and/or crust is now buried around 40 to 60 cm deep. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations. Slabs that exist above a combination of surface hoar and crust are likely to be particularly reactive. This layer is the subject of our Special Public Avalanche Warning.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled. Thin snowpack areas, such as in the east of the region, may hold weak and sugary faceted grains near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1700 m, 25 to 35 cm of recent snow overlies a variety of surfaces, including feathery surface hoar crystals in shaded and sheltered areas, wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, and a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects. Recent winds continue to redistribute loose snow and develop wind slabs. Below 1700 m, expect to find around 5-10 cm of low-density snow on a melt-freeze crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-January layer of surface hoar or a crust is buried around 35 to 45 cm deep. The surface hoar is found on shaded and sheltered slopes and is most prominent between 1600 m and 1900 m but has been found up to 2200 m. The melt-freeze crust is found on south aspects at all elevations. This layer is the subject of our Special Public Avalanche Warning. A social media post from the Elk Valley Snow Shepherds from Wednesday does a great job of highlighting the issue. </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Btj-ehyF7bY/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Check the link here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The middle of the snowpack is generally consolidated. The bottom half of the snowpack is unconsolidated and composed of weak and sugary faceted grains. The basal snowpack is becoming even weaker under prolonged cold temperatures, especially in thin snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Significant strong to extreme winds have redistributed the 40-50 cm of recent snow in the alpine and treeline, producing a variety of wind affected surfaces including hard/soft wind slabs, sastrugi, and isolated and protected pockets of soft faceted snow. Expect wind affect to extend to all elevations including a surface wind skin at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Due to scouring and wind-loading, anywhere from 0-60 cm recent snow sits on a crust on all aspects below 2000m and solar aspects into the alpine. In isolated and sheltered terrain at treeline and below, a layer of weak feathery surface hoar or sugary facets may be identified, but with little reactivity. Current cold temperatures are promoting surface faceting and are breaking down the buried crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Significant recent winds have redistributed the 15-30 cm of recent snow in the alpine and treeline, producing a variety of wind affected surfaces including hard/soft wind slabs, sastrugi, and isolated and protected pockets of soft faceted snow. Expect wind affect to extend to all elevations including a surface wind skin at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Due to scouring and wind-loading, anywhere from 0-60 cm recent snow sits on a crust on all but northerly alpine aspects. Wind pressed surfaces and a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets in sheltered terrain are found at treeline and below. Current cold temperatures are promoting surface faceting and are breaking down the buried crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the recent wind affect snow and crust, another crust is found down 50-80 cm that formed mid-January right to mountain top on southerly aspects and on all aspects below 1700 m. Additionally at this depth, feathery surface hoar may be found in shady sheltered areas at treeline. This surface hoar layer is reported to be most prevalent in the far southeast of the region near Manning Park but is unreactive at this time.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In most areas, the upper snowpack is composed of successive layers of aging, wind affected storm snow layers. The top layer of this snow has been faceting (becoming sugary) under the influence of recent cold temperatures at all elevations. With recent southeast and northeast winds, thin wind slabs have developed in the lee of ridgecrests and other wind exposed features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Sheltered areas at lower elevations may still hold pockets of around 40 cm of low density snow which will overlie a thick melt-freeze crust at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack is well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around Bear Pass and in the north of the region, there is a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals about 50 cm deep. This layer is likely most prominent in sheltered and shaded areas. Also in the north, a few weak layers may still exist within the middle and lower half of the snowpack. These include another layer of surface hoar around 70 to 100 cm deep and a layer of sugary faceted snow around 200 cm deep. These layers are a concern in thinner snowpack areas at higher elevations, where thicker, bridging layers of old storm snow and crust may be absent.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm snow overnight Wednesday buried 20-40 cm of wind-affected storm snow from last weekend that has since been faceting (becoming sugary) under the influence of cold temperatures. Winds are redistributing snow into wind slabs and other wind-affected surfaces at treeline and above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The older, faceting storm snow overlies previously wind-affected snow in the high alpine and a widespread melt-freeze crust elsewhere. In the central and northern parts of the region, it may sit on feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at all elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, the remainder of the snowpack has been reported as well-settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around and north of Hazelton, 50 to 100 cm of snow may overlie two weak layers of surface hoar or sugary faceted grains.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-80 cm of recent new snow sits on surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), wind slabs and a crust on sun-exposed slopes. In many areas, recent winds have redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on all aspects due to shifting wind directions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most notable feature in the snowpack at this time is a persistent weak layer that was buried in mid January, which is now buried 50-100 cm. This layer consists primarily of surface hoar, however there is also a crust associated with it on sun-exposed slopes. This layer is the most prominent at treeline and below, and continues to be produce avalanches.</span></p>