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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Friday and Saturday night about 10mm total precipitation fell in the Skeena corridor. Given the mild temperatures, I suspect most of that precipitation fell as rain. At alpine elevations snow likely fell and moderate to strong winds are expected to have formed wind slabs in lee terrain. In the Bear Pass area where temperatures were cooler, around 30cm of new snow fell. These accumulations overlie melt freeze crusts and possibly surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 70-100cm below the surface you'll likely find a 5-10 cm thick crust which was buried on November 23. Another layer of surface hoar (November 11) continues to be observed down approximately 140 cm in the Bear Pass area, showing some signs of improved bonding. The widespread crust/facet interface that was buried at the end of October can now be found 90-160 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_AA239A9B">With the recent temperature inversion, solar and temperature crusts are expected to have formed on sun-exposed slopes, while stiff, stubborn wind slabs linger in lee alpine terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 30-50 cm of storm snow now overlies two crusts that were buried near the end of November. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Although snowpack tests have previously shown hard results at these crust interfaces, more recent observations have been limited. Below these crusts, a well settled mid-pack overlies the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; layer is widespread and has been reactive to rider and remote triggers. It also continues to produce sudden snowpack test results. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Average snowpack depths now total 80-140 cm at treeline elevations and up to 160 cm in the alpine. (Depths of up to 210 cm have been reported from the Howsons.) </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On steep sunny slopes the warming temperatures will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried crust layers which formed in November and October. On the whole, these crusts have been showing reasonable bonding in snowpack and slope tests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Isolated wind slabs may still be found behind ridges and ribs, primarily on north through east aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack is shallow--look out for early season hazards like open creeks and tree stumps.</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">Daytime warming is melting and weakening upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried weak layers which formed in October and November. The late November crust is down 60-75cm and snowpack tests in the south of the region suggest the snow is bonding reasonably well there.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack is shallow--look out for early season hazards like open creeks and tree stumps.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate winds from the west and northwest may have formed wind slabs in southerly and easterly lee features. These may sit above lingering slabs from last week. The warm air temperatures and clear skies from the past few days have caused melting of the surface snow on south-facing slopes near treeline and above. Crusts may form overnight but should melt quickly in the mornings if clear skies prevail. Dry snow is generally found on shady slopes and below treeline, which may produce sluffing in steep terrain. Surface hoar to 30 mm has been observed along with near-surface faceting in the top 20 cm of the snowpack. Beneath this, the snowpack has settled and may be improving the bond to the 30-50 cm deep rain crust from late November. However, there are still limited observations of this crust layer. On ridges, cornices may be weakening with the warm air temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The story will be quite the same this week.  Surface hoar growth continues and can be found up to 2100m.  Steep solar aspects will have moist snow when the sun shines on it, especially on Monday with the high freezing level.  This moist snow will then turn into a crust once the sun disappears.  The upper snowpack continues to settle considerably with the warm temperatures.  There is no big concern at the moment for the November rain crusts.  Variable wind slabs can be found in the alpine and into treeline.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm weather has melted the snow surface to the top of the highest mountains, particularly on southerly aspects. Surface crusts may form overnight but will melt quickly in the morning with sunny skies. The upper snowpack is well-settled and bonding to a buried crust. Below treeline there are still open creeks, alder, and other early-season hazards. Expect snow depths around 200 cm at 1300 m and 60 cm at 800 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Daytime warming has only had effects on steep sunny slopes. With decreasing temperatures and some thin cloud, the sun's effects will be minimal. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Crusts from late November have been showing reasonable bonding in snowpack and slope tests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Isolated wind slabs may still be found behind ridges and ribs, primarily on north through east aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack is shallow--look out for early season hazards like open creeks and tree stumps.</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 from last week are gaining strength and haven't shown signs of propagating (spreading across the slope) recently. That said, some wind slabs may still be found in the lee of ridges and terrain breaks, primarily on north through south east aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below tree line, the snowpack is shallow--look out for early season hazards like open creeks and tree stumps.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variety of snow surfaces exist throughout the region. Stiff wind slabs sit on a wide range of aspects on alpine and exposed treeline slopes. In sheltered treeline and below treeline terrain, I suspect light amounts of low-density snow intermingle with surface hoar and surface facets.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30-60 cm below the surface you'll likely find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30 cm thick and extends from 1600 m to mountain top on all aspects. Below this crust, the snowpack is moist to ground. Average snowpack depths at treeline elevations in the region range from 80-120 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variety of snow surfaces exist throughout the region. Stiff wind slabs sit on a wide range of aspects in the alpine and exposed treeline terrain. Windward slopes&nbsp; have been scoured down to the old rain crust or rock and sun crusts have formed on southerly slopes from the sun and recent warm temperatures. Sheltered treeline and below treeline slopes may have a light dusting of low-density snow that intermingle with surface hoar and surface facets. This is what I call a mixed bag!!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can now be found approximately 30 cm and 60 cm down. A third crust from the end of October exists as a &quot;facet/crust&quot; combo near the base of the snowpack. Snowpack testing in the adjacent Kananaskis Country forecast region has yielded hard but sudden results on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths at upper elevations in the region range from about 50-100 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures have created a spring-like, melt-freeze cycle on all aspects with the overnight crust breaking down quickly due to the ongoing sunny warm weather. Surface hoar and surface facets may still exist in shaded areas on north aspects. The upper snowpack is well settled and bonding well to the late-November rain crusts although faceting has been noted around these crusts. The lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent alpine inversion and warm temperatures have created a variety of surfaces across the region depending on aspect. On southerly aspects, a spring-like surface crust has formed but will breakdown quickly with warm temperatures and high freezing levels expected to continue. On shaded north aspects, surface hoar and surface facets have formed, however at least in the Duffey Lake area, these were moistened and melted by cloudy skies and warm temperatures on Sunday. The upper snowpack is and well settled and appears to have bonded well to the late November rain crust, now 20-50 cm deep. Recent snowpack tests have produced hard, resistant compression test results on small facets associated with this layer. Treeline snow depths are approximately 1 m throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The past couple of days brought up to 15 mm total precipitation in the Skeena corridor. Given the mild temperatures, I suspect most of that precipitation fell as rain. At alpine elevations snow likely fell and moderate to strong winds are expected to have formed wind slabs in lee terrain. In the Bear Pass area where temperatures were cooler, around 30cm of new snow fell. These accumulations overlie melt freeze crusts and possibly surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 70-100cm below the surface you'll likely find a 5-10 cm thick crust which was buried on November 23. Another layer of surface hoar (November 11) continues to be observed down approximately 140 cm in the Bear Pass area, showing some signs of improved bonding. The widespread crust/facet interface that was buried at the end of October can now be found 90-160 cm deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow surfaces are highly variable throughout the region. Solar and temperature crusts have formed on sun-exposed slopes, while stiff, stubborn wind slabs linger in lee alpine terrain. Surface hoar and surface facets have formed below treeline up to 1500 m </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 30-50 cm of storm snow now overlies two crusts that were buried near the end of November. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Although snowpack tests have previously shown hard results at these crust interfaces, more recent observations have been limited. Below these crusts, a well settled mid-pack overlies the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; layer is widespread and has been reactive to rider and remote triggers. It also continues to produce a variety of resistent to sudden snowpack test results.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Average snowpack depths now total 80-140 cm at treeline elevations and up to 160 cm in the alpine. (Depths of up to 210 cm have been reported from the Howsons)</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Daytime warming has only had effects on steep sunny slopes. With decreasing temperatures and some thin cloud, the sun's effects will be minimal. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Crusts from late November have been showing reasonable bonding in snowpack and slope tests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Isolated wind slabs may still be found behind ridges and ribs, primarily on north through east aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack is shallow--look out for early season hazards like open creeks and tree stumps.</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">Daytime warming has only had effects on steep sunny slopes. With decreasing temperatures and some thin cloud, the sun's effects will be minimal. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The late November crust is down 60-75cm and snowpack tests suggest the snow is bonding well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack is shallow--look out for early season hazards like open creeks and tree stumps.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On southerly aspects, warm daytime temperatures have melted the snow surface resulting in crust formation overnight.  These crusts will likely breakdown quickly with sunny weather and warm temperatures expected to continue for the next few days. In shaded areas and on northerly aspects the surface consists of surface hoar up to 30 mm with faceted snow in the top 20 cm. The late-November crust is now buried 30-50 cm and is 15-25 cm thick.  Recent snowpack tests have produced hard, resistant compression test results within the layers of crust. Below this layer the lower snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Quite a bit of wind slab on all aspects in the alpine and trending to treeline. This wind slab can be quite hard and mostly breakable. Isolated sun crust on steep solar aspects. Surface hoar is growing and is found up to 2100m. The November rain crusts will be present for the season and are 30-50cm down from the surface but are not a big concern at the moment. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm weather has melted the snow surface to the top of the highest mountains. Surface crusts may form overnight but will melt quickly in the morning with continued warm temperatures and sunny skies. The upper snowpack is well-settled and bonding to a buried crust. Below treeline there are still open creeks, alder, and other early-season hazards. Expect snow depths around 200 cm at 1300 m and 30 cm at 800 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that dont receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 60-90cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that dont receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 40-60cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variety of snow surfaces exist throughout the region. Stiff wind slabs sit on a wide range of aspects on alpine and exposed treeline slopes. In sheltered treeline and below treeline terrain, I suspect light amounts of low-density snow intermingle with surface hoar and surface facets (sugary snow).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30-60 cm below the surface you'll likely find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30 cm thick and extends from 1600 m to mountain top on all aspects. Below this crust, the snowpack is moist to ground. Average snowpack depths at treeline elevations in the region range from 80-120 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variety of snow surfaces exist throughout the region. Stiff wind slabs sit on a wide range of aspects in the alpine and exposed treeline terrain. Windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust or rock and sun crusts have formed on southerly slopes from the sun and recent warm temperatures. Sheltered treeline and below treeline slopes may have a light dusting of low-density snow that intermingle with surface hoar and surface facets. This is what I call a mixed bag!!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can now be found approximately 30 cm and 60 cm down. A third crust from the end of October exists as a &quot;facet/crust&quot; combo near the base of the snowpack approximately 50-100 cm down and recent snowpack tests done on this layer are showing hard results. These rain crusts will likely be with us all winter but may not pose a problem until we see a significant change in the weather.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures have created a spring-like, melt-freeze cycle on all aspects with the overnight crust becoming moist in the afternoon on sun exposed slopes. On north aspects the surface crust is 1-2 cm thick with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below. Beneath the surface crust the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a thin layer of facets above the late-November rain crust. Recent snowpack test have found hard, sudden compression test results on the facets just above the crust, which is now buried between 60-100 cm at treeline elevations. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled and consists of several crusts that formed in the early season.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent alpine inversion and warm temperatures have created a variety of surfaces across the region depending on aspect. On southerly aspects, a spring-like surface crust has formed but may become moist in the afternoon on steep, sun-exposed slopes. On shaded north aspects a thin surface crust has formed with dry snow below. The upper snowpack is and well settled and overlies the late November rain crust, now 20-50 cm deep. Recent snowpack tests have produced hard, resistant compression test results on small sugary, snow crystals (facets) associated with this layer. However these facets were noted to be showing signs of &quot;rounding&quot; or gaining strength. Treeline snow depths are approximately 1 m throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently, the region has received up to 20 mm of rain and some new snow at high alpine elevations. The alpine and treeline has seen significant wind effect on all aspects including wind slab and wind pressed snow. Snow surfaces are highly variable and consist of rain crusts, moist snow and new dry storm snow at elevations above 1700 m. Below the surface sits a well-settled snowpack overlying several layers of interest. Down 70-100 cm you'll likely find a 5-10 cm thick crust which was buried on November 23 and in some areas, a feathery surface hoar layer down 50-60 cm producing moderate snowpack test results. The widespread crust/facet interface that was buried at the end of October can now be found 100-200 cm deep and exists region wide.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are highly variable throughout the region. Solar and temperature crusts have formed on sun-exposed slopes, while stiff, stubborn wind slabs linger in lee alpine terrain. Feathery surface hoar and surface facets have formed below treeline up to 1500 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30-50 cm of snow now overlies two crusts that were buried near the end of November. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Although snowpack tests have previously shown hard results at these crust interfaces, more recent observations have been limited. Below these crusts, a well settled mid-pack overlies the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; layer is widespread and has been reactive to rider and remote triggers. It also continues to produce a variety of resistant to sudden snowpack test results.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths now total 80-140 cm at treeline elevations and up to 160 cm in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that dont receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 60-90cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that dont receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 60-75cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surfaces varies widely depending on aspect and elevation. On south aspects a surface crust has formed but may become moist in the afternoon on steep, sun-exposed slopes. On more northerly aspects, widespread feathery, surface hoar crystals up to 30 mm in length have been observed below treeline as well as in sheltered areas at treeline. In the alpine the surface consists of sugary, faceted snow crystals and hard, wind scoured snow. Below the surface the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a series of late-November crusts which is now buried 20-50 cm and is 15-25 cm thick. Recent snowpack tests have produced hard, resistant compression test results within the layers of this crust. Below this layer the lower snowpack is strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack will not really change until something happens with the weather.  Quite a bit of wind slab on all aspects in the alpine and trending to treeline. This wind slab can be quite hard and mostly breakable. Isolated sun crust on steep solar aspects. Surface hoar is growing and is found up to 2100m. The November rain crusts will be present for the season and are 30-50cm down from the surface but are not a big concern at the moment. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On sunny, solar aspects a surface crust has formed overnight but will soften with continued warm temperatures and sun exposure in the afternoon. On north aspects however, the snow surface consists of feathery, surface hoar and sugary, faceted snow crystals in shaded areas at upper elevations. Below the snow surface, the upper snowpack is well-settled an sits on the late-November rain crust. This crust is now buried approximately 120 cm at 1300m elevation, and is up to 30 cm thick. Beneath the crust, the lower snowpack is wet to ground. Below treeline the snow pack is thin and there are many early season hazards. Snowpack depths range from 30 cm at 800 m elevation to 180 cm at 1220 m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that do not receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 60-90cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that do not receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 40-60cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variety of snow surfaces exist throughout the region. Isolated yet stubborn, small wind slabs may be found on varying aspects in the alpine from Tuesday’s wind event. In sheltered treeline and below treeline terrain, feathery surface hoar and surface facets (sugary snow) exist, likely providing decent riding conditions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30-60 cm below the surface you'll likely find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30 cm thick and extends from 1600 m to mountain top on all aspects. Below this crust, the snowpack is moist to ground. Average snowpack depths at treeline elevations in the region range from 70-110 cm.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variety of snow surfaces exist throughout the region. Isolated yet stubborn, small wind slabs may be found on varying aspects in the alpine from Tuesday’s wind event. Windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust or rock and sun crusts have formed on southerly slopes. In sheltered treeline and below treeline terrain, feathery surface hoar and surface facets (sugary snow) exist, likely providing decent riding conditions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can now be found approximately 30 cm and 60 cm down. A third crust from the end of October exists as a &quot;facet/crust&quot; combo near the base of the snowpack approximately 50-100 cm down and recent snowpack tests done on this layer are showing hard results. These rain crusts will likely be with us all winter but may not pose a problem until we see a significant change in the weather.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures have created a spring-like, melt-freeze crust on all aspects which will likely to become moist in the afternoon on steep, sun-exposed slopes. On north aspects this surface crust is 1-2 cm thick, with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below. Beneath the surface, the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a thin layer of facets on the late-November rain crust. Recent snowpack test have found hard, sudden compression test results on the facets just above the crust, which is now buried between 60-100 cm at treeline elevations. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled and consists of several crusts that formed in the early season.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent alpine inversion and warm temperatures across the region have created a spring-like crust on most aspects. With another day of warm temperatures and high freezing level forecasted for Thursday, this crust will likely become moist in the afternoon particularly on steep, sun-exposed slopes. On shaded north aspects the surface crust is thinner with dry snow below. The upper snowpack is and well settled and overlies the late November rain crust, now 20-50 cm deep. Recent snowpack tests in the Duffey Lake area have produced hard, resistant compression test results on small sugary, snow crystals (facets) associated with this layer. However these facets were noted to be showing signs of &quot;rounding&quot; or gaining strength. Treeline snow depths are approximately 1 m throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently, the region has received up to 20 mm of rain and some new snow at high alpine elevations. The alpine and treeline has seen significant wind effect on all aspects including wind slab and wind pressed snow. Snow surfaces are highly variable and consist of rain crusts, moist snow and new dry storm snow at elevations above 1700 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the surface sits a well-settled snowpack overlying several layers of interest. Down 70-100 cm you'll likely find a 5-10 cm thick crust which was buried on November 23 and in some areas, a feathery surface hoar layer down 50-60 cm producing moderate snowpack test results. The widespread crust/facet interface that was buried at the end of October can now be found 100-200 cm deep and exists region wide.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are highly variable throughout the region. Solar and temperature crusts have formed on sun-exposed slopes, while stiff, stubborn wind slabs linger in leeward alpine terrain. Feathery surface hoar and surface facets have formed below treeline up to 1500 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30-50 cm of snow sits on two crusts that were buried near the end of November. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Although snowpack tests have previously shown hard results at these crust interfaces, more recent observations have been limited. Below these crusts, a well settled mid-pack overlies the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; layer is widespread and has not been reactive to rider and remote triggers since the end of November.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths now total 80-140 cm at treeline elevations and up to 160 cm in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that do not receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 60-90cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that do not receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 60-75cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface varies widely depending on aspect and elevation. On south aspects a spring-like, melt-freeze crust has formed at all elevations but will likely breakdown by the afternoon particulary on steep, sun-exposed slopes. On northerly aspects, feathery, surface hoar crystals (up to 30 mm in length in sheltered areas) have been observed below treeline as well as protected areas at treeline. In the alpine the surface consists of sugary snow (facets) and hard, wind scoured snow. Below the snow surface the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a series of late-November crusts which is now buried 20-50 cm and is 15-25 cm thick. Recent snowpack tests have produced hard, resistant compression test results within the layers of this crust. Below the crust layer the lower snowpack is moist and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is mostly stable and will not not change much until  we see a major weather change. Quite a bit of wind slab on all aspects in the alpine and trending to treeline. This wind slab can be quite hard and mostly breakable. Isolated sun crust on steep solar aspects. Surface hoar is growing and is found up to 2100m. The November rain crusts will be present for the season and are 30-50cm down from the surface but are not a big concern at the moment. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A spring-like, melt-freeze crust has formed on most aspects but will likely soften by the afternoon with continued warm temperatures and high freezing levels forecasted for Thursday. In shaded areas on north aspects at upper elevations feathery, surface hoar and sugary, faceted snow may still exist. Below the snow surface, the upper snowpack is well-settled an sits on the late-November rain crust. This crust is now buried approximately 120 cm at 1300m elevation, and is up to 30 cm thick. Beneath the crust, the lower snowpack is wet to ground. Below treeline the snow pack is thin and there are many early season hazards. Snowpack depths range from 30 cm at 800 m elevation to 180 cm at 1220 m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that do not receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 40-80cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that do not receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 40-60cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variety of snow surfaces exist throughout the region. Isolated and stubborn, wind slabs may be found on varying aspects in the alpine. Windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust or rock and sun crusts have formed on southerly slopes. In sheltered treeline and below treeline terrain, very large feathery surface hoar and surface facets (sugary snow) exist, likely providing decent riding conditions. These crystals do not pose hazard to us now, but once they get buried by new snow they can form a weak layer that may be reactive later. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30-60 cm below the surface you'll likely find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30 cm thick and extends from 1600 m to mountain top on all aspects. Below this crust, the snowpack is moist to ground. Average snowpack depths at treeline elevations in the region range from 70-110 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variety of snow surfaces exist throughout the region. Isolated and stubborn, small wind slabs may be found on varying aspects in the alpine. Windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust or rock and sun crusts have formed on southerly slopes. In sheltered treeline and below treeline terrain, very large feathery surface hoar and surface facets (sugary snow) exist, likely providing decent riding conditions. These crystals do not pose hazard to us now, but once they get buried by new snow they can form a weak layer that could become reactive later. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can now be found approximately 15-20 cm down. A third crust from the end of October exists as a &quot;facet/crust&quot; combo near the base of the snowpack approximately 50-100 cm down and recent snowpack tests done on this layer are showing hard to no significant results. These rain crusts will likely be with us all winter but may not pose a problem until we see a significant change in the weather.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Check out this video from our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/avcansouthrockies/videos/1813686355373518/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">South Rockies Field Team.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A melt-freeze crust exists on the surface on all aspects. On north aspects this surface crust is thin with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below. Beneath the surface, the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a thin layer of facets on the late-November rain crust. The most recent snowpack tests from last week have found hard, sudden compression test results on the facets just above the crust, which is now buried between approximately  60 cm at treeline elevations. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled and consists of several crusts that formed in the early season.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent alpine inversion and warm temperatures across the region have created a spring-like crust on most aspects. The exception is shaded north aspects at upper elevations where the snow surface consists of dry, sugary snow (facets). Beneath the snow surface the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies the late November rain crust, now 20-50 cm deep. Recent snowpack tests in the Duffey Lake area have produced hard, resistant compression test results on small sugary, snow crystals (facets) associated with this layer. However these facets were noted to be showing signs of &quot;rounding&quot; or gaining strength. Treeline snow depths are approximately 1 m throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Thursday the region received another 10-20 mm of rain at most elevations and some new snow at high alpine elevations. With freezing levels dropping the remainder of the precipitation may fall as snow during the forecast period and likely have a poor bond to the old snow surfaces. The alpine and treeline has seen significant wind effect on all aspects including wind slab and wind pressed snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the surface sits a well-settled snowpack overlying several layers of interest. Down 70-100 cm you'll likely find a 5-10 cm thick crust which was buried on November 23 and in some areas, a feathery surface hoar layer down 50-60 cm producing moderate snowpack test results. The widespread crust/facet interface that was buried at the end of October can now be found 100-200 cm deep and exists region wide.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are highly variable throughout the region. Solar and temperature crusts have formed on sun-exposed slopes, while stiff, stubborn wind slabs linger in leeward alpine terrain. Feathery surface hoar and surface facets have formed below treeline up to 1500 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30-50 cm of snow sits on two crusts that were buried near the end of November. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Although snowpack tests have previously shown hard results at these crust interfaces, more recent observations have been limited. Below these crusts, a well settled mid-pack overlies the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; layer is widespread and has not been reactive to rider and remote triggers since the end of November.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths now total 80-140 cm at treeline elevations and up to 160 cm in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that do not receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 30-60cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Small wind slabs may still be lingering in isolated locations on steep alpine faces but are likely stubborn to human trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals) continue to grow larger in shady, sheltered areas where the wind or sun have been unable to destroy this layer which will be the primary concern after the next snowfall builds a slab on top of it. Southerly aspects have surface crusts that may also have surface hoar crystals on slopes that do not receive enough sun to melt the crystals or moist snow on steeper slopes that receive more direct sun.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 60-75cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface varies widely depending on aspect and elevation. On solar aspects a thin melt-freeze crust exists. On northerly aspects, feathery, surface hoar crystals (10-30 mm in length) have been observed below treeline as well as protected areas at treeline. In the alpine the surface consists of sugary snow (facets) and hard, wind scoured snow. Below the snow surface the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a series of late-November crusts which is now buried 20-50 cm and is 15-25 cm thick. Recent snowpack tests have produced hard, resistant compression test results within the layers of this crust. Below the crust layer the lower snowpack is moist and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is mostly stable and will not not change much until we see a major weather change. Quite a bit of wind affect on all aspects in the alpine and trending to treeline.  Isolated sun crust on steep solar aspects. Surface hoar is growing and is found up to 2100m. The November rain crusts will be present for the season and are 30-50cm down from the surface but are not a big concern at the moment. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A spring-like, melt-freeze crust has formed on all aspects although feathery, surface hoar and sugary, faceted snow may still exist in shaded areas on north aspects at upper elevations. Below the snow surface, the upper snowpack is well-settled an sits on the late-November rain crust. This crust is now buried approximately 120 cm at 1300m elevation, and is up to 30 cm thick. Beneath the crust, the lower snowpack is wet to ground. Below treeline the snow pack is thin and there are many early season hazards. Snowpack depths range from 30 cm at 800 m elevation to 180 cm at 1220 m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The 5-10cm of new snow on Friday fell on a wide variety of surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. There is not yet significant new snow load to create big problems, however, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the smorgasbord of surfaces out there. When we receive significant new snow and it settles into a cohesive slab, you can bet there will be avalanches. I would be most concerned about areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 40-80cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The 2-5cm of new snow on Friday fell on a wide variety of surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. There is not yet significant new snow load to create problems, however, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the smorgasbord of surfaces out there. When we receive significant new snow and it settles into a cohesive slab, you can bet there will be avalanches. I would be most concerned about areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 40-60cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10 cm of new, low density snow now sits on a variety of old snow surfaces exist throughout the region. Isolated wind slabs may be found on easterly aspects in the alpine. Windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust or rock and sun crusts have formed on southerly slopes. In sheltered treeline and below treeline terrain, very large feathery surface hoar and surface facets (sugary snow) exist, likely providing decent riding conditions. These crystals do not pose hazard to us now, but once they get buried by new snow they can form a weak layer that may be reactive later. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30-60 cm below the surface you'll likely find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30 cm thick and extends from 1600 m to mountain top on all aspects. Below this crust, the snowpack is moist to ground. Average snowpack depths at treeline elevations in the region range from 70-110 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Isolated pockets of wind slab may be found on easterly aspects in the alpine, while windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust or rock. Sun crusts have formed on southerly slopes and in sheltered treeline and below treeline terrain, very large feathery surface hoar and surface facets (sugary snow) exist. These crystals do not pose hazard to us now, but once they get buried by new snow they can form a weak layer that could become reactive later. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can now be found approximately 15-20 cm down. A third crust from the end of October exists as a &quot;facet/crust&quot; combo near the base of the snowpack approximately 50-100 cm down and recent snowpack tests done on this layer are showing hard to no significant results. These rain crusts will likely be with us all winter but may not pose a problem until we see a significant change in the weather.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Check out this video from our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/avcansouthrockies/videos/1813686355373518/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">South Rockies Field Team.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A light dusting of new snow now covers the melt-freeze crust that formed at all aspects and elevations. On north aspects this surface crust is thin with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below. Beneath the surface, the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a thin layer of facets on the late-November rain crust. Recent snowpack tests from earlier this week have found hard, sudden compression test results on the facets just above the crust, which is now buried between approximately 60 cm at treeline elevations. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled and consists of several crusts that formed in the early season.</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 light dusting of new snow now covers the crust that formed on all aspects with the exception of shaded north aspects at upper elevations where the old snow surface consisted of dry, sugary snow (facets). Beneath the snow surface the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies the late November rain crust, now 20-50 cm deep. Snowpack tests in the Duffey Lake area early in the week produced hard, resistant compression test results on small sugary, snow crystals (facets) associated with this layer. However these facets were noted to be showing signs of &quot;rounding&quot; or gaining strength. Treeline snow depths are approximately 1 m throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 mm of precipitation fell as a rain and saturated the snowpack up to 800 m on Thursday. On Friday, the freezing levels dropped and the new snow is currently building storm slabs on all aspects and elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the surface sits a well-settled snowpack overlying several layers of interest. Down 70-100 cm you'll likely find a 5-10 cm thick crust which was buried on November 23 and in some areas, a feathery surface hoar layer down 50-60 cm producing moderate snowpack test results. The widespread crust/facet interface that was buried at the end of October can now be found 100-200 cm deep and exists region wide.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces are highly variable throughout the region. Solar and temperature crusts have formed on sun-exposed slopes, while stiff, stubborn wind slabs linger in leeward alpine terrain. Feathery surface hoar and surface facets have formed below treeline up to 1500 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30-50 cm of snow sits on two crusts that were buried near the end of November. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Although snowpack tests have previously shown hard results at these crust interfaces, more recent observations have been limited. Below these crusts, a well settled mid-pack overlies the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; layer is widespread and has not been reactive to rider and remote triggers since the end of November. These rain crusts will likely be with us all winter but may not pose a problem until we see a significant change in the weather.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths now total 80-140 cm at treeline elevations and up to 160 cm in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The 5-10cm of new snow on Friday fell on a wide variety of surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. There is not yet significant new snow load to create big problems, however, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the smorgasbord of surfaces out there. When we receive significant new snow and it settles into a cohesive slab, you can bet there will be avalanches. I would be most concerned about areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 30-60cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The 5-10cm of new snow on Friday fell on a wide variety of surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. There is not yet significant new snow load to create big problems, however, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the smorgasbord of surfaces out there. When we receive significant new snow and it settles into a cohesive slab, you can bet there will be avalanches. I would be most concerned about areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 60-75cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 5 cm of new snow has fallen on a variety of old snow surfaces dependent on aspect and elevation. On solar aspects a thin melt-freeze crust has been buried. On northerly aspects, feathery, surface hoar crystals (10-30 mm in length) have been buried below treeline as well as protected areas at treeline. In the alpine the old surface consisted of sugary snow (facets) and hard, wind scoured snow. Below the snow surface the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a series of late-November crusts which is now buried 20-50 cm and is 15-25 cm thick. Recent snowpack tests have produced hard, resistant compression test results within the layers of this crust. Below the crust layer the lower snowpack is moist and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the new storm snow lies a widespread melt-freeze crust on all aspects and elevations. On north aspects the crust is likely quite hard while on southerly aspects and at lower elevations the crust may still be moist. Below the snow surface, the upper snowpack is well-settled an sits on the late-November rain crust. This crust is now buried approximately 120 cm at 1300m elevation, and is up to 30 cm thick. Beneath the November crust, the lower snowpack is wet to ground. Below treeline the snow pack is thin and there are many early season hazards. Snowpack depths range from 30 cm at 800 m elevation to 180 cm at 1220 m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The 5-15cm of new snow on Friday fell on a wide variety of surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. There is not yet significant new snow load or slab properties to create big problems, however, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the smorgasbord of surfaces out there. When we receive significant new snow and it settles into a cohesive slab,(perhaps Sunday) you can bet there will be avalanches. I would be most concerned about areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 40-80cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The 5-10cm of new snow on Friday fell on a wide variety of surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. There is not yet significant new snow load or slab properties to create big problems, however, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the smorgasbord of surfaces out there. When we receive significant new snow and it settles into a cohesive slab, you can bet there will be avalanches. I would be most concerned about areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 40-60cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Pockets of up to 10cm of new, low density snow now sit on a variety of old snow surfaces that exist throughout the region. Windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust and/or rock. Sun crusts have formed on southerly slopes. In sheltered terrain at and below treeline, very large feathery surface hoar and surface facets (sugary snow) exist. These crystals do not pose a hazard to us now, but once they get buried by new snow they can form a weak layer that may be reactive later. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30 to 60cm below the surface you'll likely find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30cm thick and extends from 1600m to mountain top on all aspects. Below this crust, the snowpack is moist to ground. Average snowpack depths at treeline elevations in the region range from 70 to 110cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Isolated pockets of wind slab may be found on easterly aspects in the alpine, while windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust or rock. Sun crusts have formed on southerly slopes and in sheltered treeline and below treeline terrain, very large feathery surface hoar and surface facets (sugary snow) exist. These crystals do not pose hazard to us now, but once they get buried by new snow they can form a weak layer that could become reactive later. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can now be found approximately 15-20 cm down. A third crust from the end of October exists as a &quot;facet/crust&quot; combo near the base of the snowpack approximately 50-100 cm down and recent snowpack tests done on this layer are showing hard to no significant results. These rain crusts will likely be with us all winter but may not pose a problem until we see a significant change in the weather.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Check out this video from our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/avcansouthrockies/videos/1813686355373518/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">South Rockies Field Team.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A light dusting of new snow covers the melt-freeze crust that formed on all aspects and elevations. On north aspects this crust is thin with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the surface, the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a thin layer of facets on the late-November rain crust. Snowpack tests found hard, sudden compression test results on the facets just above the crust, which is now down approximately 50 cm at tree line elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well settled and consists of several crusts that formed in the early season.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 10cm of new snow covers a crust that formed on almost all aspects: the exception being shaded north aspects at upper elevations, where the old snow surface consisted of dry, sugary snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower down, the snowpack is well settled and overlies the late November rain crust, now 20-50 cm deep. Snowpack tests in the Duffey Lake area produced hard, sudden test results associated with this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Treeline snow depths are approximately 1 m throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region picked up 15 to 40cm of storm snow Friday evening into Saturday morning, and new snow fall continues to fuel storm slab development as of Saturday afternoon. These new storm slabs rest on a rain saturated snowpack between valley bottom and 800m. Above 800m the new storm snow rests on settled old snow, or a variable melt freeze crust. In some areas a feathery surface hoar layer down 50 to 60cm was producing moderate snowpack test results. Down 70 to 100cm lies a 5 to 10cm thick crust which was buried on November 23rd. There is a second crust that is associated with facets that was buried at the end of October, look for this widespread interface down around 100 to 200cm below the surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5cm of new snow fell Friday night into Saturday accompanied by moderate to strong southwest wind. This new snow rests on a wide variety of old surfaces including solar and temperature crusts on sun-exposed slopes and stiff, stubborn wind slabs in leeward alpine terrain. Feathery surface hoar and surface facets previously formed below treeline from valley bottom up to around 1500m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30 to 50cm of snow sits on two crusts that were buried near the end of November. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Although snowpack tests have previously shown hard results at these crust interfaces, more recent observations have been limited. Below these crusts, a well settled mid-pack overlies the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; layer is widespread and has not been reactive to rider and remote triggers since the end of November. These rain crusts will likely be with us all winter but may not pose a problem until we see a significant change in the weather.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths now total 80-140 cm at treeline elevations and up to 160 cm in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The 5-15cm of new snow on Friday fell on a wide variety of surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. There is not yet significant new snow load or slab properties to create big problems, however, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the smorgasbord of surfaces out there. When we receive significant new snow and it settles into a cohesive slab, you can bet there will be avalanches. I would be most concerned about areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 30-60cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The 5-10cm of new snow on Friday fell on a wide variety of surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. There is not yet significant new snow load to create big problems, however, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the smorgasbord of surfaces out there. When we receive significant new snow and it settles into a cohesive slab, (perhaps Sunday) you can bet there will be avalanches. I would be most concerned about areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which was formed by rain in late November. It is down approximately 60-75cm at treeline elevations and snowpack tests suggest the snow is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below treeline, the snowpack depth decreases rapidly. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 5 cm of new snow has fallen on a variety of old snow surfaces, depending on aspect and elevation. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On solar aspects a thin melt-freeze crust has been buried. On northerly aspects, feathery, surface hoar crystals (10-30 mm in length) have been buried below treeline as well as protected areas at treeline. In the alpine the old surface consisted of sugary snow (facets) and hard, wind scoured snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the snow surface the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a series of late-November crusts, now buried 20-50 cm and 15-25 cm thick. Recent snowpack tests have produced hard, resistant compression test results within the layers of this crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the crust layer the lower snowpack is moist and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Our snowpack is looking a little worse for wear these days. The winds, temperatures and lack of snow have left a variety of surface layers- none of which are conducive to good skiing. Valley bottom has decomposing surface hoar that is covered with a dusting of snow from the past 24-36 hours. Treeline is a widespread wind slab surface covering the crusts from late november. The alpine is also severely wind affected and on any windward aspect its blown to gravel or the old crusts. The good news is that most trouble layers have temporarily glued themselves together and aren't posing a huge avalanche risk.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A widespread melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects and elevations. How well the incoming new snow bonds to this crust will be a critical determinant of avalanche danger on Sunday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the snow surface, the upper snowpack is well-settled and bonding well to the late-November rain crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below tree line the snow pack is thin and there are many early season hazards. Snowpack depths range from 30 cm at 800 m elevation to 180 cm at 1220 m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The 15-25cm of new snow accumulating Friday through Sunday evening now sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-80cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </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 10-15cm of new snow accumulating Friday through Sunday evening now sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 40-60cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The region was hit hard by wind over the weekend, but there may be protected areas where up to 10cm of new low density snow survived. At or just below the surface there is a wide range of conditions. Windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust and/or rock. Sun and temperatures crusts have formed on south through west facing slopes. In sheltered terrain at and below treeline, large feathery surface hoar and sugary facets exist. Roughly 30 to 60cm below the surface you should be able to find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30cm thick and extends from 1600m to mountain top on all aspects. Below this crust, the snowpack is moist to ground. Average snowpack depths at treeline in the region range from 70 to 110cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Isolated pockets of wind slab may be found on easterly aspects in the alpine, while windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust or rock. Sun crusts have formed on southerly slopes.&nbsp; In sheltered terrain at and below treeline very large feathery surface hoar and sugary facets are on the surface.&nbsp; The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can now be found approximately 15 to 20cm below the surface. A third crust from the end of October exists near the base of the snowpack.&nbsp; Recent testing on this crust did not produce significant results.&nbsp; </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Check out this video from our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/avcansouthrockies/videos/1813686355373518/" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">South Rockies Field Team.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of new snow covers the melt-freeze crust that formed on all aspects and elevations in early December. On high north aspects this crust is thin with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate winds from the south (west) have redistributed snow, creating isolated soft slabs on downwind slopes and behind ridges (north through east aspects). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the surface, the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a thin layer of facets on the late-November rain crust, which is now down approximately 60 cm at tree line elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well settled and consists of several crusts that formed in the early season.</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">10-20cm of new snow covers crusts of variable thickness that formed on almost all aspects in early December. On steep southerly aspects the crust is supportive, whereas on northerly aspects the crust is quite thin and variable. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region (Coquihalla), moderate southerly winds have redistributed the storm snow, creating wind slabs on northerly aspects behind ridge crests and rib features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower down, the snowpack is well settled and overlies the late November rain crust, now 20-50 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Treeline snow depths are approximately 1 m throughout the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region picked up 20 to 60cm of storm snow over the weekend accompanied by winds out of the southwest, west, northwest, and even a bit of southeast. This has likely led to the development of a cohesive slab, especially in wind exposed features. These new storm and wind slabs rest on a rain saturated snowpack between valley bottom and 800m. Above 800m, the new storm snow rests on settled old snow, or a melt freeze crust that is 3 to 15cm thick. Below this crust the mid-pack is strong, but there are reports of a feathery surface hoar layer down 50 to 60cm in sheltered locations. There is a second prominent crust that is associated with facets that was buried at the end of October, look for this widespread interface down around 100 to 200cm below the surface. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The inland region picked up 5 to 15cm of new snow over the weekend accompanied by wind that was largely out of the west, but there were periods of southeast wind recorded too.  This new snow rests on a wide variety of old surfaces including small facets, crusts on solar aspects and stubborn old wind slabs near ridge crest.  In protected areas below 1500m the new snow may be sitting on previously formed feathery surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two crusts formed near the end of November are found approximately 30 to 50cm below the surface.  These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine.  Previous snowpack tests produced hard results on these crusts, but we have not seen any recent information about their sensitivity to triggering.  Below these crusts, a well settled mid-pack overlies the late October crust which is down near the ground.  The October crust is widespread and has not been reactive to human triggering since the end of November. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths in the region are between 80 and 140cm at treeline, with up to 160cm in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25cm of new snow accumulating Friday through Sunday evening sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 50-80cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20cm of new snow accumulating Friday through Sunday evening sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-80cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">UPDATE: MONDAY DECEMBER 17th @ 9am:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some areas saw 20-30 cm of new snow in Sunday night's storm, with moderate to strong winds. Snow drifts as deep as 60cm have been reported. This new snow has fallen on a variety of old snow surfaces, depending on aspect and elevation. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On solar aspects a thin melt-freeze crust has been buried. On northerly aspects, feathery, surface hoar crystals (10-60 mm in length) have been buried below treeline as well as protected areas at treeline. In the alpine the old surface consisted of sugary snow (facets) and hard, wind scoured snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the snow surface the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a series of late-November crusts, now buried 20-50 cm and 15-25 cm thick. Recent snowpack tests have produced hard, resistant compression test results within the layers of this crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the crust layer the lower snowpack is moist and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another windy day on Sunday, but this has led to little change in the snowpack. The winds, temperatures and lack of snow have left a variety of surface layers- none of which are conducive to good skiing. Valley bottom has decomposing surface hoar that is covered with a dusting of snow from the past 48 hours. Treeline is a widespread wind slab surface covering the crusts from late november. The alpine is also severely wind affected and on any windward aspect its blown to gravel or the old crusts. In general, there is not much out there for avalanche problems at the moment.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-25cm of snow from the weekend now sits on a widespread melt-freeze crust, which exists on all aspects and elevations. How well the incoming new snow bonds to this crust will be a critical determinant of avalanche danger on Monday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the snow surface, the upper snowpack is well-settled and bonding well to the late-November rain crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below tree line the snow pack is thin and there are many early season hazards. Snowpack depths range from 40 cm at 800 m elevation to 200 cm at 1220 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">The 20-40 cm of new snow accumulating through the weekend now sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-80cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </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">15-25cm of new snow accumulating through the weekend now sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 40-60cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Monday morning dawned with up to 50 cm of fresh snow; triple what was forecast to fall overnight! Temperatures started cold and finished warmer so the storm snow is &quot;upside down&quot;.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Prior to Sunday's storm, at or just below the surface there is a wide range of conditions. Windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust and/or rock. Sun and temperatures crusts have formed on south through west facing slopes. In sheltered terrain at and below treeline, large feathery surface hoar and sugary facets exist. Roughly 30 to 60cm below the surface you should be able to find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30cm thick and extends from 1600m to mountain top on all aspects. Below this crust, the snowpack is moist to ground. Average snowpack depths at treeline in the region range from 70 to 110cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 15 cm of new snow fell by Monday mornining. Isolated pockets of wind slab may be found on easterly aspects in the alpine, while windward slopes have been scoured down to the old rain crust or rock. Sun crusts have formed on southerly slopes.  In sheltered terrain at and below treeline very large feathery surface hoar and sugary facets are on the surface.  The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can now be found approximately 15 to 20cm below the surface. A third crust from the end of October exists near the base of the snowpack.  Recent testing on this crust did not produce significant results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of new snow covers the melt-freeze crust that formed on all aspects and elevations in early December. On high north aspects this crust is thin with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate winds from the south (west) have redistributed snow, creating isolated soft slabs on downwind slopes and behind ridges (north through east aspects). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the surface, the upper snowpack is well settled and overlies a thin layer of facets on the late-November rain crust, which is now down approximately 60 cm at tree line elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well settled and consists of several crusts that formed in the early season.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The south of the region saw significantly more snow (30-40cm) from Sunday night's storm compared to the north of the region, which received 10-15cm. This new snow sits on crusts of variable thickness that formed on almost all aspects in early December. On steep southerly aspects the crust is supportive, whereas on northerly aspects the crust is quite thin and variable. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to strong winds have redistributed the snow, creating wind slabs on down wind (lee) features near ridge crests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower down, the snowpack is well settled and has not been showing any signs of activity on the late November rain crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Treeline snow depths are approximately 1.2 m throughout the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region picked up 20 to 60cm of storm snow over the weekend accompanied by winds out of the southwest, west, northwest, and even a bit of southeast. This has likely led to the development of a cohesive slab, especially in wind exposed features. These new storm and wind slabs rest on a rain saturated snowpack between valley bottom and 800m. Above 800m, the new storm snow rests on settled old snow, or a melt freeze crust that is 3 to 15cm thick. Below this crust the mid-pack is strong, but there are reports of a feathery surface hoar layer on or right around this crust in sheltered locations. There is a second prominent crust that is associated with facets buried at the end of October, look for this widespread interface down around 100 to 200cm below the surface. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The inland region picked up 5 to 15cm of new snow over the weekend accompanied by wind that was largely out of the west, but there were periods of southeast wind recorded too. This new snow rests on a wide variety of old surfaces including small facets, crusts on solar aspects and stubborn old wind slabs near ridge crest. In protected areas below 1500m the new snow may be sitting on previously formed feathery surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two crusts formed near the end of November are found approximately 30 to 50cm below the surface. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Previous snowpack tests produced hard results on these crusts, but we have not seen any recent information about their sensitivity to triggering. Below these crusts, a well settled mid-pack overlies the late October crust which is down near the ground. The October crust is widespread and has not been reactive to human triggering since the end of November. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths in the region are between 80 and 140cm at treeline, with up to 160cm in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30cm of new snow accumulating Friday through Sunday evening sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 50-80cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40cm of new snow accumulating through the weekend sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have surface hoar sitting on top of a hard crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-80cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Nelson area and points farther south saw 20-30 cm of new snow in Sunday night's storm, with moderate to strong winds. Snow drifts as deep as 60cm have been reported and we also received word that the upper snow pack is 'upside down' (heavier, denser snow on top of lighter snow).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All this new snow has fallen on a variety of old snow surfaces, depending on aspect and elevation. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On solar aspects a thin melt-freeze crust has been buried. On northerly aspects, feathery, surface hoar crystals (10-60 mm in length) have been buried below treeline as well as protected areas at treeline. In the alpine the old surface consisted of sugary snow (facets) and hard, wind scoured snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the crust layer the lower snowpack is moist and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Early Monday morning, we received 25cm of new snow in the valley bottom and 35cm in the alpine.  Some of this snow has started to turn into a slab in the alpine due to wind.  All of this new snow is sitting on a variety of surfaces.  Remember those hard wind slabs we have been talking about; it is a pretty smooth surface for the new snow to slide on, so be cautious under larger or steeper slopes.  Some of this new snow might also be sitting on a sun crust that was formed a week or so ago on steep solar aspects.  Also remember the surface hoar that was formed over this 3 week dry spell; it can be found up to 2100m and can be a sliding surface if the slope is steep and planar.  Lots going on at all elevations, so be cautious on your approach especially with more snow on the way. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Temperatures got quite warm at the tail end of Sunday's storm, with up to 30mm rain falling on 15-20cm snow. Clearing overnight into Monday morning resulted in a widespread melt-freeze surface crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The rained-on snow from the weekend is bonding well to the previous melt-freeze crust from early December's warm weather.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below tree line the snow pack is thin and there are many early season hazards. Snowpack depths range from 40 cm at 800 m elevation to 200 cm at 1220 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">The 40-70 cm of new snow accumulating through the past 5 days now sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Additionally, any steep solar aspects where the surface hoar may be sitting on sun crust should be considered areas where this weak layer may be very likely to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </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">15-40cm of new snow accumulating over the past 5 days now sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have had previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and/or sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 40-60cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">50-60 cm new snow now rests on a variety of old surfaces. These old surfaces include crusts on south through west facing slopes, wind-scoured slopes and, in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, large feathery surface hoar crystals. Lower in the snowpack, you should be able to find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30cm thick and extends from 1600m to mountain top on all aspects. Average snowpack depths at treeline in the region range from 90 to 130cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of recent snow has fallen in conjunction with variable winds. This new snow has fallen on a variety of surfaces including old crusts, wind-scoured surfaces and, in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, very large feathery surface hoar crystals. The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can be found lower in the snowpack. A third crust from the end of October exists near the base of the snowpack. Recent testing on this crust did not produce significant results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of low-density snow fell on Tuesday, accompanied by moderate to strong north west winds. Soft slabs 20-40cm thick were reactive to human traffic.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is now 30-50cm of snow sitting on a melt-freeze crust that formed on all aspects and elevations in early December. On high north aspects this crust is thin with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is well settled and consists of several crusts that formed in the early season.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The south of the region has seen impressive storm snow totals (50-70cm) since Sunday night, compared to the north of the region, which received 15-25cm. This new snow sits on crusts of variable thickness that formed on almost all aspects in early December. On steep southerly aspects the crust is supportive, whereas on northerly aspects the crust is quite thin and variable. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to strong (north) westerly winds have redistributed the new snow, creating deep drifts on down wind (lee) features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Lower down, the snowpack is well settled and has not been showing any signs of activity on the late November rain crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Treeline snow depths are approximately 1.4 m throughout the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region picked up 20 to 60cm of storm snow over the weekend accompanied by winds out of the southwest, west, northwest, and most recently the east. This will have set up storm slabs in more sheltered areas and wind slabs on a wide variety of aspects in more exposed areas. These new storm and wind slabs may rest on a melt freeze crust (reported to be 3 to 15cm thick), and there are reports there also may be surface hoar resting above this crust in sheltered locations. Below this crust the mid-pack is reported to be generally strong. You can expect to find a second prominent crust, which was buried at the end of October, 100 to 200cm below the surface. This lower layer may have associated facets, particularly in more shallow locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The inland region picked up 5 to 15cm of new snow over the weekend accompanied by wind that was initially out of the west, but has since switched to being out of the southeast. This new snow rests on a wide variety of old surfaces including small facets, crusts on solar aspects and stubborn old wind slabs near ridge crest. In protected areas below 1500m the new snow may be sitting on previously formed feathery surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two crusts formed near the end of November are found approximately 30 to 50cm below the surface. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Previous snowpack tests produced hard results on these crusts, but we have not seen any recent information about their sensitivity to triggering. Below these crusts, a well settled mid-pack overlies the late October crust which is down near the ground. The October crust is widespread and has not been reactive to human triggering since the end of November. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths in the region are between 80 and 140cm at treeline, with up to 160cm in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50cm of new snow accumulating over the past 5 days sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Additionally, any steep solar aspects where the surface hoar may be sitting on sun crust should be considered areas where this weak layer may be very likely to trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 50-80cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40cm of new snow accumulating through last weekend sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Additionally, any steep solar aspects where the surface hoar may be sitting on sun crust should be considered areas where this weak layer may be very likely to trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-80cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Nelson area and points farther south have now seen 40-60 cm of new snow since Sunday night, with moderate to strong winds. Deep snow drifts have been reported and we also received word that the upper snow pack is 'upside down' (heavier, denser snow on top of lighter snow).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All this new snow has fallen on a variety of old snow surfaces, depending on aspect and elevation. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On solar aspects a thin melt-freeze crust has been buried. On northerly aspects, feathery, surface hoar crystals (10-60 mm in length) have been buried below treeline as well as protected areas at treeline. In the alpine the old surface consisted of sugary snow (facets) and hard, wind scoured snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the crust layer the lower snowpack is moist and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 5cm overnight brings our recent storm totals to 20-25cm at treeline. In wind prone areas at treeline, we're seeing a small, yet dense wind slab form. So far this is a minor concern, however it will become more significant with the increasing winds. The crusts are all present,  and in various states of decay. In some places they are still intact, and in others they have broken down. The alpine elevations saw moderate winds from all directions today. New windslabs will be present on most aspects as the winds shift to the east. 120cm of snow at treeline &amp; the Nov 27th crust was down 40cm. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Temperatures got quite warm at the tail end of Sunday's storm, with up to 30mm rain falling on 15-20cm snow. Clearing overnight into Monday morning resulted in a widespread melt-freeze surface crust up to the highest treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Since then, we've had 20cm snow by Tuesday afternoon. Some key questions to consider are &quot;How well is the new snow bonding to the old surface?&quot; and &quot;Are there areas with deep wind-loaded pockets?&quot;</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below tree line the snow pack is thin and there are many early season hazards. Snowpack depths range from 40 cm at 800 m elevation to 200 cm at 1220 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">The 40-70cm of new snow accumulating since last Friday now sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Additionally, any steep solar aspects where the surface hoar may be sitting on sun crust should be considered areas where this weak layer may be very likely to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </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">20-50cm of new snow accumulating over the past week sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have had previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and/or sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 40-60cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 50cm new snow now rests on a variety of old surfaces. These old surfaces include crusts on south through west facing slopes, wind-scoured slopes and, in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, large feathery surface hoar crystals. Lower in the snowpack, you should be able to find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30cm thick and extends from 1600m to mountain top on all aspects. Average snowpack depths at treeline in the region range from 100 to 140cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the southern and eastern parts of this region, up to 70 cm of snow has fallen in recent storms, combined with variable winds. In the Elk Valley, the amount of new snow is more like 30 cm. The new snow has fallen on a variety of surfaces including old crusts, wind-scoured surfaces and, in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, very large feathery surface hoar crystals. The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can be found lower in the snowpack. A third crust from the end of October exists near the base of the snowpack. Recent testing on this crust did not produce significant results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is now 30-50cm of snow sitting on a melt-freeze crust that formed on all aspects and elevations in mid-December (December 15th layer). On high north aspects this crust is thin with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below.&nbsp; Below the upper December 15th crust, the late November crust is now buried 70-100 cm with a thin layer of sugary snow (facets) above.&nbsp; Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The southern part of the region has seen impressive storm snow totals (80-100cm) since Sunday night, compared to the north of the region, which received 25-35cm. This new snow sits on crusts of variable thickness that formed on almost all aspects in mid-December (December 15th layer). On steep southerly aspects the crust is supportive, whereas on northerly aspects the crust is quite thin and variable. Beneath the December 15th layer the snowpack is well settled and has not been showing any signs of activity on the late November rain crust which is now buried 40-50 cm in the northern part of the region and closer to 1 m in the south. Treeline snow depths are approximately 1.4 m throughout the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region picked up 20 to 60cm of storm snow last weekend accompanied by winds out of the southwest, west, northwest, and most recently the east. Since then, little additional snow has fallen, but cooler temperatures have kept snow dry and susceptible to being blown around by the wind. Wind slabs may rest on a melt freeze crust (reported to be 3 to 15cm thick), and there are reports there also may be surface hoar resting above this crust in sheltered locations. Below this crust the mid-pack is reported to be generally strong. You can expect to find a second prominent crust, which was buried at the end of October, 100 to 200cm below the surface. This lower layer may have associated facets, particularly in more shallow locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The inland region picked up 5 to 15cm of new snow over the weekend accompanied by wind that was initially out of the west, but has since switched to being out of the southeast. This new snow rests on a wide variety of old surfaces including small facets, crusts on solar aspects and stubborn old wind slabs near ridge crest. In protected areas below 1500m the new snow may be sitting on previously formed feathery surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two crusts formed near the end of November are found approximately 30 to 50cm below the surface. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Previous snowpack tests produced hard results on these crusts, but we have not seen any recent information about their sensitivity to triggering. Below these crusts, a well settled mid-pack overlies the late October crust which is down near the ground. The October crust is widespread and has not been reactive to human triggering since the end of November. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths in the region are between 80 and 140cm at treeline, with up to 160cm in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50cm of new snow accumulating over the last week sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Additionally, any steep solar aspects where the surface hoar may be sitting on sun crust should be considered areas where this weak layer may be very likely to trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-100cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40cm of new snow accumulating through last weekend sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Additionally, any steep solar aspects where the surface hoar may be sitting on sun crust should be considered areas where this weak layer may be likely to trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-80cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Tuesday's storm delivered another 20-30 cm of snow to the region, accompanied by moderate to strong, easterly winds. Bringing the storm total to 40-60 cm for the Nelson area and parts further south. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All this new snow has fallen on a variety of old snow surfaces (December 15th layer), depending on aspect and elevation. On solar aspects a thin melt-freeze crust has been buried. On northerly aspects, feathery, surface hoar crystals (10-60 mm in length) have been buried below treeline as well as protected areas at treeline. In the alpine the old surface consisted of sugary snow (facets) and hard, wind scoured snow. The December 15th layer now buried 30-50 cm has produced easy to moderate, resistant results in recent snowpack tests. Below the crust layer the lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">8cm of new snow overnight brings our storm snow to about 25-30cm at treeline and up to 40cm in the alpine. The winds have been transporting snow in the alpine all day, so expect wind slab development around ridges and lee features.  It is possible that this wind effected snow extends to tree line as yesterday had winds from all directions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Since Monday, the region has received 20-30 cm of storm snow on top of the most recent December 18th melt-freeze crust which formed following Sunday's rain event to upper elevations. Below this crusts lies 20 cm of wet snow which appears to be well bonded to the lower December 16th crust. Below this second crust the snowpack is well settled to ground. Snowpack depths are about 125 cm at 1100 m elevation, with many early season hazards present at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The 40-80cm of new snow accumulating over last week sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Additionally, any steep solar aspects where the surface hoar may be sitting on sun crust should be considered areas where this weak layer may be very likely to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 90-120cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </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">30-50cm of new snow accumulating over the past week sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have had previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and/or sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-100cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 50cm recent new snow now rests on a variety of old surfaces. These old surfaces include crusts on south through west facing slopes, wind-scoured slopes and, in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, large feathery surface hoar crystals. Lower in the snowpack, you should be able to find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30cm thick and extends from 1600m to mountain top on all aspects. Average snowpack depths at treeline in the region range from 100 to 140cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the southern and eastern parts of this region, up to a 80 cm of snow has fallen in recent storms, combined with variable winds. In the Elk Valley, the amount of new snow is more like 30 cm. The new snow has fallen on a variety of surfaces including old crusts, wind-scoured surfaces and, in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, very large feathery surface hoar crystals. The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can be found lower in the snowpack. A third crust from the end of October exists near the base of the snowpack. Recent testing on this crust did not produce significant results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong northerly winds building wind slabs on lee aspects and scouring windward aspects in the alpine and exposed treeline areas. This has created a highly variable upper snowpack depending on aspect and elevation with areas of both soft and hard snow as well as areas of exposed crust. An average of 30-50cm of storm snow now sits on a melt-freeze crust (December 15th layer) that formed on all aspects and elevations. On high north aspects this crust is thin with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below. Below the upper December 15th crust, the late November crust is now buried 70-100 cm with a thin layer of facets above. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow has been redistributed by moderate to strong northerly winds in the alpine and exposed treeline areas, creating wind slabs in some areas and scouring others (particularly in the northern part of the region).The southern part of the region has seen impressive storm snow totals (80-100cm) since Sunday night, compared to northern areas of the region, which received 25-35cm. This new snow sits on crusts of variable thickness that formed on almost all aspects in mid-December (December 15th layer). On steep southerly aspects the crust is supportive, whereas on northerly aspects the crust is quite thin and variable. Beneath the December 15th layer the snowpack is well settled and has not been showing any signs of activity on the late November rain crust which is now buried 50-80 cm in the northern part of the region and well over 1 m in the south. </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 60cm of storm snow last weekend accompanied by winds out of the southwest, west, northwest, and most recently the east. Since then, little additional snow has fallen, but cooler temperatures have kept snow dry and susceptible to being blown around by the wind. Wind slabs may rest on a melt freeze crust (reported to be 3 to 15cm thick), and there are reports there also may be surface hoar resting above this crust in sheltered locations. Below this crust the mid-pack is reported to be generally strong. You can expect to find a second prominent crust, which was buried at the end of October, 100 to 200cm below the surface. This lower layer may have associated facets, particularly in more shallow locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Relatively light recent snow amounts have been accompanied by westerly and northwesterly winds. 20-ish cm below the surface, a highly variable weak layer exists. It comprises of facets in cold areas, crusts on solar aspects, and in protected areas below 1500m, feathery surface hoar. In most places, insufficient snow has fallen above this layer for it to be reactive, but it should be considered in deep snow areas, or where the wind has blown additional snow over the top of it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two crusts, which formed near the end of November, are found approximately 30 to 50cm below the surface. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Previous snowpack tests produced hard results on these crusts, but we have not seen any recent information about their sensitivity to triggering. Below these crusts, a well settled mid-pack overlies the late October crust which is down near the ground. The October crust is widespread and has not been reactive to human triggering since the end of November. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths in the region are between 80 and 140cm at treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50cm of new snow accumulating over the last week sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Additionally, any steep solar aspects where the surface hoar may be sitting on sun crust should be considered areas where this weak layer may be very likely to trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 80-110cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40cm of new snow accumulating through last weekend sits on a wide variety of old surfaces including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. As the snow load builds and slab properties develop, it will be important to monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surfaces. Most concerning would be areas that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Additionally, any steep solar aspects where the surface hoar may be sitting on sun crust should be considered areas where this weak layer may be likely to trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow totals since Sunday average between 30-60 cm across the region, with the highest amounts in the Nelson area. This new snow has fallen on the &quot;Decemebr 15th crust/surface hoar&quot; layer, a variety of old snow surfaces depending on aspect and elevation. On solar aspects a thin melt-freeze crust has been buried. On northerly aspects, feathery, surface hoar crystals (10-60 mm in length) have been buried below treeline as well as protected areas at treeline. In the alpine the old surface consisted of sugary snow (facets) and hard, wind scoured snow. Recent snowpack tests have produced very easy to hard, sudden results on the December 15th crust/surface hoar layer, indicating a high degree of variability in this layer. Below the December 15th layer, the late November crust is now buried 70-100 cm. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent storm snow continues to settle.  Some windslabs were observed in Alpine areas up to 25cm thick but these were not that widespread at this time.  The Dec 15th interface is down 30-40cm but a lack of a cohesive slab is preventing widespread activity on this layer.  The key thing to be aware of is the windslabs that are developing and the potential for triggering as you move into more wind affected areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Northerly winds have redistributed the recent storm snow scouring windward, northwesterly slopes and loading leeward southerly slopes in the alpine and exposed treeline areas. Approximately 20-30 cm of storm snow sits on top of the most recent December 18th melt-freeze crust which formed following Sunday's rain event to upper treeline elevations. Below this crusts lies 20 cm of wet snow which appears to be well bonded to the lower December 16th crust. Below this second crust the snowpack is well settled to ground. Snowpack depths are about 125 cm at 1100 m elevation, with many early season hazards present at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather over the past week has brought 50-80cm of new snow to the region. The new snow lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface becomes critical as the overlying snow gradually consolidates into a slab. The most concerning areas areas will be those that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Additionally, any steep solar aspects where surface hoar may be sitting on sun crust should be considered areas where this weak layer may be more likely to trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 90-120cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </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">Stormy weather over the past week has brought 30-50cm of new snow top the region. The new snow lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface becomes critical as the overlying snow gradually consolidates into a slab. The most concerning areas areas will be those that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-100cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 50 to 80 cm recent new snow now rests on a variety of old surfaces. These old surfaces include crusts on south through west facing slopes, wind-scoured slopes and, in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, large feathery surface hoar crystals. Lower in the snowpack, you should be able to find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30 cm thick and extends from 1600 m to mountain top on all aspects. Average snowpack depths at treeline in the region range from 100 to 140 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the southern and eastern parts of this region, up to 100 cm of snow has fallen in recent storms, combined with variable winds. In the Elk Valley, the amount of new snow is more like 40 cm. The new snow has fallen on a variety of surfaces including old crusts, wind-scoured surfaces and, in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, very large feathery surface hoar crystals. The two crusts that were buried near the end of November can be found lower in the snowpack. A third crust from the end of October exists near the base of the snowpack. Recent testing on this crust have not produced significant results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong northerly winds building wind slabs on lee aspects and scouring windward aspects in the alpine and exposed treeline areas. This has created a highly variable upper snowpack depending on aspect and elevation with areas of both soft and hard snow as well as areas of exposed crust. An average of 30-50cm of storm snow now sits on a melt-freeze crust (December 15th layer) that formed on all aspects and elevations. On high north aspects this crust is thin with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below. Below the December 15th layer, the late November crust is now buried 70-100 cm with a thin layer of facets above. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow has been redistributed by moderate to strong northerly winds in the alpine and exposed treeline areas, creating wind slabs in some areas and scouring others (particularly in the northern part of the region).The southern part of the region has seen impressive storm snow totals (80-100cm) since Sunday night, compared to northern areas of the region, which received 25-35cm. This new snow sits on crusts of variable thickness that formed on almost all aspects in mid-December (December 15th layer). On steep southerly aspects the crust is supportive, whereas on northerly aspects the crust is quite thin and variable. Beneath the December 15th layer the snowpack is well settled. The late November rain crust is now buried 50-80 cm in the northern part of the region and well over 1 m in the south. </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 60 cm of storm snow last weekend accompanied by winds out of the southwest, west, northwest, and most recently the east. Since then, little additional snow has fallen, but cooler temperatures have kept snow dry and susceptible to being blown around by the wind. Wind slabs may rest on a melt-freeze crust (reported to be 3 to 15 cm thick), and there are reports of surface hoar resting above this crust in sheltered locations. Below this crust the mid-pack is reported to be generally strong. You can expect to find a second prominent crust, which was buried at the end of October, 100 to 200 cm below the surface. This lower layer may have associated facets, particularly in shallow locations around Stewart and the northern parts of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The surface has been dramatically affected by winds that initially came from the west but have shifted to the east. The winds have scoured and redistributed the recent snow in exposed terrain. 20-ish cm below the surface, a highly variable weak layer exists. It comprises of facets in cold areas, crusts on solar aspects, and in protected areas below 1500 m, feathery surface hoar. In most places, insufficient snow has fallen above this layer for it to be reactive, but it should be considered in deep snow areas, or where the wind has blown additional snow over the top of it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two crusts, which formed near the end of November, are found 30 to 50 cm below the surface. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Previous snowpack tests produced hard results on these crusts, but we have not seen any recent information about their sensitivity to triggering. Below these crusts, a well settled mid-pack overlies the late October crust which is down near the ground. The October crust is widespread and has not been reactive to human triggering since the end of November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather over the past week has brought 40-60cm of new snow to the region. The new snow lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface becomes critical as the overlying snow gradually consolidates into a slab. The most concerning areas areas will be those that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Additionally, any steep solar aspects where surface hoar may be sitting on sun crust should be considered areas where this weak layer may be more likely to trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 80-110cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather over the past week has brought 20-40cm of new snow to the region. The new snow lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface becomes critical as the overlying snow gradually consolidates into a slab. The most concerning areas areas will be those that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Additionally, any steep solar aspects where surface hoar may be sitting on sun crust should be considered areas where this weak layer may be more likely to trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow totals since Sunday average between 40-80 cm across the region, with the highest amounts in the Nelson area. This new snow has fallen on the &quot;Decemebr 15th crust/surface hoar layer&quot;, a variety of old snow surfaces depending on aspect and elevation. On solar aspects a thin melt-freeze crust has been buried. On northerly aspects, feathery, surface hoar crystals (10-60 mm in length) have been buried below treeline as well as protected areas at treeline. In the alpine the old surface consisted of sugary snow (facets) and hard, wind scoured snow. Recent snowpack tests have produced very easy to hard, sudden and resistant results on the December 15th crust/surface hoar layer, indicating a high degree of variability and uncertainty in this layer. Below the December 15th layer, the late November crust is now buried 70-100 cm. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-15cm new snow with the deeper areas being in the eastern region (Hwy 40).  Windslabs being found in Alpine terrain along ridgelines and in cross loaded areas but they do not extend far downslop. At treeline a surface hoar layer is being found widespread up to 2200m down 30cm but a lack of a cohesive slab over this layer is preventing it being a problem...yet.  Facets are building over the november crusts but we are still generally only getting hard to no results on this layer.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Northerly winds have redistributed the recent storm snow scouring windward, northwesterly slopes and loading leeward southerly slopes in the alpine and exposed treeline areas. A thin sun crust can also be found on solar aspects. Approximately 20-30 cm of storm snow sits on top of the most recent December 18th melt-freeze crust. Below this crusts lies 20 cm of well settled snow above the December 16th crust. Below this second crust the snowpack is well settled to ground. Snowpack depths are about 135 cm at 1100 m elevation, with many early season hazards present at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather over the past week has brought 50-80 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas areas will be those that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Additionally, any steep solar aspects where surface hoar may be sitting on sun crust should be considered areas where this weak layer may be more likely to trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 90-120cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's stormy weather brought 30-50cm of new snow top the region. The new snow lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is critical where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas areas will be those that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November remains a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-100cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snowpack depth decreases rapidly below tree line. Look out for early season hazards such as rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temperatures are preserving 50 to 80 cm of fresh snow from the past week. The snow has been deposited into stiff wind slabs in exposed terrain, but remains low density in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The main question in the snowpack surrounds the layer sitting beneath the new snow. The layer includes crusts on south through west facing slopes and large feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The distribution of the layer, as well as the properties of the snow above it, is highly variable. The most suspect areas are where the wind has formed a stiff slab above this layer and on slopes with preserved surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Lower in the snowpack, you should be able to find a hard crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust is approximately 30 cm thick and extends from 1600 m up to the mountain tops.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures are preserving fresh snow from the past week, with up to 80 cm in southern and eastern parts of the region and 50 cm in the Elk Valley. The snow has been deposited into harder wind slabs in exposed terrain, but remains low density in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The main question in the snowpack surrounds the layer sitting beneath the new snow. The layer includes old crusts, wind scoured surfaces, and large feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The distribution of the layer, as well as the properties of the snow above it, is highly variable. The most suspect areas are where the wind has formed a stiff slab above this layer and on slopes with preserved surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two crusts that were buried near the end of November can be found lower in the snowpack. A third crust from the end of October exists near the base of the snowpack. Recent testing on these crusts have not produced significant results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong northerly winds scouring windward, north to west aspects and building wind slabs on leeward, south to east aspects in the alpine and exposed treeline areas. This has created a highly variable upper snowpack with areas of both soft and hard snow as well as areas of exposed crust, depending on aspect and elevation. An average of 30-50cm of storm snow now sits on a melt-freeze crust (December 15th layer) that formed on all aspects and elevations. On high north aspects this crust is thin with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below. Below the December 15th layer, the late November crust is now buried 70-100 cm with a thin layer of facets above. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow has been redistributed by moderate to strong northerly winds in the alpine and exposed treeline areas, creating wind slabs in some areas and scouring others (particularly in the northern part of the region).The southern part of the region has seen impressive storm snow totals (80-100cm) since Sunday night, compared to northern areas of the region, which received 25-35cm. This new snow sits on crusts of variable thickness that formed on almost all aspects in mid-December (December 15th layer). On steep southerly aspects the crust is supportive, whereas on northerly aspects the crust is quite thin and variable. Beneath the December 15th layer the snowpack is well settled. The late November rain crust is now buried 50-80 cm in the northern part of the region and well over 1 m in the south. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Great conditions reports from the north of the region on the Mountain Information Network (MIN) </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-conditions-reports/1606" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, as well as from the southern part of the region, </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-conditions-reports/1563" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong outflow winds have dramatically affected the surface snow, scouring some slopes down to an old crust and forming hard deposits in many other areas. Sheltered areas may still have 20 to 50 cm of powder from previous storms, but winds have come from a variety of directions and affected much of the terrain. Wind slabs may rest on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust (reported to be 3 to 15 cm thick) and in some sheltered locations soft feathery surface hoar crystals above the crust. The mid-pack is reported to be generally strong below this crust, with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late October crust can be found deep in the snowpack. This deep crust has been been associated with weak sugary snow and may still be a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow has been affected by recent winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind affect varies throughout the region, with the most dramatic winds associated with outflow conditions in the western parts of the region near coastal inlets. Sheltered areas may still have 10 to 30 cm of powder from previous storms. Roughly 20 cm below the surface, a highly variable weak layer exists. It comprises of facets in cold areas, crusts on solar aspects, and in protected areas below 1500 m, feathery surface hoar. In most places, insufficient snow has fallen above this layer for it to be reactive, but it should be considered in deep snow areas, or where the wind has blown additional snow over the top of it.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's stormy weather brought 40-60cm of new snow to the region. Cold temperatures since the storm have generally slowed consolidation of the new snow, with the exception of wind-affected areas. The new snow lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas areas will be those that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line and sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 80-110cm at treeline elevations. Although an isolated incident, one avalanche report from Friday suggests this layer can be coaxed into reacting in steep, variable snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's stormy weather brought 20-40cm of new snow to the region. Shifting winds (most recently from the north) have redistributed the new snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures have inhibited slab formation in wind-sheltered areas. The new snow lies over a variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas areas will be those that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. Snowpack tests suggest the snow above is currently bonding well to it.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow totals over the past week average between 50-90 cm across the region. This new snow has fallen on the &quot;December 15th crust/surface hoar layer&quot;, a variety of old snow surfaces depending on aspect and elevation. On solar aspects a thin melt-freeze crust has been buried. On northerly aspects, feathery, surface hoar crystals (10-60 mm in length) have been buried below treeline as well as protected areas at treeline. In the alpine the old surface consisted of sugary snow (facets) and hard, wind scoured snow. Recent snowpack tests have produced very easy to hard, sudden and resistant results on the December 15th crust/surface hoar layer, indicating a high degree of variability and uncertainty in this layer. Below the December 15th layer, the late November crust is now buried 70-100 cm. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temperatures and clear skies are leading to surface facetting. Wind slabs are found in the Alpine on all aspects and in open areas at Treeline immediately below ridge-crests in lee and cross-loaded terrain. The Dec 15th surface hoar layer is found down 20 to 30cm at elevations below 2200m, but the lack of an overlying slab means that this layer of concern is not yet active. The November crusts are beginning to facet and are producing generally hard results in stability tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Northerly winds have redistributed the recent storm snow scouring windward, northwesterly slopes and loading leeward southerly slopes in the alpine and exposed treeline areas. A thin sun crust can also be found on steep solar aspects. Approximately 20-30 cm of storm snow sits on top of the most recent December 18th melt-freeze crust, which has been unreactive in recent snowpack tests. Below this crusts lies 20 cm of well settled snow above the December 16th crust. Below this second crust, a third, 20 cm thick, late November crust is now buried 40-50 cm. The lower snowpack well settled and moist to ground. Snowpack depths are about 135 cm at 1100 m elevation, with many early season hazards present at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather early last week brought 50-80 cm of new snow to the region. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Shifting winds over recent days have redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures have worked to inhibit slab formation in wind-sheltered areas. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent </span><span class="s_3FE45715">snow</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, particularly in sheltered areas at and below treeline. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity at this interface but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 90-120cm at tree line elevations. Recent snowpack tests as well as an isolated avalanche report from the North Monashees suggests it may be coaxed into reacting in steep, variably loaded terrain features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's stormy weather brought 30-50cm of new snow to the region. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Shifting winds over recent days have redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures have worked to inhibit slab formation in wind-sheltered areas. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance where the overlying storm snow has consolidated into a slab. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, particularly in sheltered areas at and below treeline. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity at this interface but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November remains a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-100cm at tree line elevations. This interface shows good signs of bonding in the Purcells, but has indicated some reactivity in steep, variably loaded features in adjacent regions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temperatures are preserving 50 to 70 cm of fresh snow from the past week. The snow has been deposited into harder wind slabs in exposed terrain, but remains low density in sheltered areas. The main question in the snowpack surrounds the mid-December layer sitting beneath the new snow. The layer includes crusts on south and west facing slopes and large feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The distribution of the layer, as well as the properties of the snow above it, is variable. The most suspect areas are where the wind has formed a stiff slab above this layer and on slopes with preserved surface hoar. The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures are preserving fresh snow from the past week, with up to 80 cm in southern and eastern parts of the region and 50 cm in the Elk Valley. The snow has been deposited into harder wind slabs in exposed terrain, but remains low density in sheltered areas. The main question in the snowpack surrounds the layer sitting beneath the new snow. The layer includes old crusts, wind scoured surfaces, and large feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The distribution of the layer, as well as the properties of the snow above it, is variable. The most suspect areas are where the wind has formed a stiff slab above this layer and on slopes with preserved surface hoar. Two crusts that were buried near the end of November can be found lower in the snowpack. A third crust from the end of October exists near the base of the snowpack. Recent testing on these crusts have not produced significant results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow has been redistributed by strong northerly winds scouring windward, north to west aspects and building wind slabs on leeward, south to east aspects in the alpine and exposed treeline areas. This has created a highly variable upper snowpack with areas of both soft snow and hard wind slab, as well as areas of exposed crust depending on aspect and elevation. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An average of 20-40cm of settled storm snow now sits on a melt-freeze crust (December 15th layer) that formed on all aspects and elevations. On high north aspects this crust is thin with dry, sugary snow crystals (facets) below. Below the December 15th layer, the late November crust is now buried 70-100 cm with a thin layer of facets above. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow has been redistributed by moderate to strong northerly winds in the alpine and exposed treeline areas, creating wind slabs in some areas and scouring others. The southern part of the region has seen impressive storm snow totals (80-100cm) since Sunday night, compared to northern areas of the region, which received 25-35cm. This new snow sits on crusts of variable thickness that formed on almost all aspects in mid-December (December 15th layer). On steep southerly aspects the crust is supportive, whereas on northerly aspects the crust is quite thin and variable. Beneath the December 15th layer the snowpack is well settled. The late November rain crust is now buried 50-80 cm in the northern part of the region and well over 1 m in the south. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Great conditions reports from the north of the region are posted on the Mountain Information Network (MIN) </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-conditions-reports/1606" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">, as well as from the southern part of the region, </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-conditions-reports/1563" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong outflow winds dramatically affected the surface snow, scouring some slopes down to an old crust and forming hard deposits in many other areas. Sheltered areas may still have 20-40 cm of powder from previous storms, but winds have come from a variety of directions and affected much of the terrain. Wind slabs rest on a variety of old surfaces, including a thick melt-freeze crust and in some sheltered locations soft feathery surface hoar crystals above the crust. The snowpack is reported to be generally strong below this crust, with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late October crust can be found deep in the snowpack. This deep crust has been been associated with weak sugary snow and could possible be triggered in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow has been affected by winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region, with the most dramatic winds associated with outflow conditions in the western parts of the region near coastal inlets. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. Roughly 20 cm below the surface, a variable weak layer exists comprising of facets, crusts on solar aspects, and in protected areas below 1500 m, feathery surface hoar. In most places, insufficient snow has fallen above this layer for it to be reactive, but it should be considered in deep snow areas or where the wind has blown additional snow over the top of it. The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's stormy weather brought 40-60cm of new snow to the region. Shifting winds have since redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures have worked to inhibit slab formation in wind-sheltered areas. The storm snow lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, particularly in sheltered areas at and below treeline. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity at this interface but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects.</span><span class="s_E6FD2046" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 80-110cm at treeline elevations. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack tests as well as an isolated avalanche report from the North Monashees suggests it may be coaxed into reacting in steep, variably loaded terrain features.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's stormy weather brought 20-40cm of new snow to the region. Shifting winds (most recently from the north) have redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures have inhibited slab formation in wind-sheltered areas. The storm snow lies over a variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas areas are those that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. Recent observations show this crust gradually breaking down, making it a less well-defined failure plane for avalanching.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow totals over the past week average between 50-90 cm across the region. This new snow has now settled to 30-80 cm and overlies the &quot;December 15th crust/surface hoar layer&quot;, a variety of old snow surfaces depending on aspect and elevation. On solar aspects a thin melt-freeze crust has been buried. On northerly aspects, feathery, surface hoar crystals (10-60 mm in length) have been buried below treeline as well as protected areas at treeline. In the alpine the old surface consisted of sugary snow (facets) and hard, wind scoured snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack tests have produced very easy to hard, sudden and resistant results on the December 15th crust/surface hoar layer indicating a high degree of variability and uncertainty in this layer. Below the December 15th layer, the late November crust is now buried 70-100 cm and has been producing hard, resistant results in recent snowpack tests. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Not much changing in the snowpack at the moment, except more profound faceting due to the persistent cold temperatures. Wind slabs are found in the Alpine on all aspects and in open areas at Treeline immediately below ridge-crests in lee and cross-loaded terrain. The Dec 15th surface hoar layer is found down 20 to 30cm at elevations below 2200m, but the lack of an overlying slab means that this layer of concern is not yet active. The November crusts are beginning to facet and as they continue to become weaker, this layer will become problematic.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Northerly winds have redistributed the recent storm snow scouring windward, northwesterly slopes and loading leeward southerly slopes in the alpine and exposed treeline areas. A thin sun crust can also be found on steep solar aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 15-30 cm of settled storm snow sits on top of the most recent December 18th melt-freeze crust, which has been unreactive in recent snowpack tests. Below this crusts lies 20 cm of well settled snow above the December 16th crust. Below this crust, a third crust, the 20 cm thick late-November crust, is now buried 40-50 cm. The lower snowpack well settled and moist to ground. Snowpack depths are about 135 cm at 1100 m elevation, with many early season hazards present at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm brought 50-80 cm of new snow to the region. Recent shifting winds (primarily from the north) have since redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures have inhibited slab formation elsewhere. The storm snow lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity at this interface but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack, found approximately 90-120cm deep at tree line elevations. Recent snowpack tests as well as an avalanche report from the North Monashees suggest it may be coaxed into reacting in steep, variably loaded terrain features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm brought 30-50cm of new snow to the region. Shifting winds (most recently from the northwest) have redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures have inhibited slab formation elsewhere. The storm snow lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance where the overlying storm snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, particularly in sheltered areas at and below treeline. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity at this interface but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November remains a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-100cm at tree line elevations. This interface shows good signs of bonding in the Purcells, but has indicated some reactivity in steep, variably loaded features in adjacent regions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temperatures are preserving 50 to 70 cm of fresh snow from the past week. The snow has been deposited into harder wind slabs in exposed terrain, but remains low density in sheltered areas. The main question in the snowpack surrounds the mid-December layer sitting beneath the new snow. The layer includes crusts on south and west facing slopes and large feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The distribution of the layer, as well as the properties of the snow above it, is variable. The most suspect areas are where the wind has formed a stiff slab above this layer and on slopes with preserved surface hoar. The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures are preserving fresh snow from the past week, with up to 80 cm in southern and eastern parts of the region and 50 cm in the Elk Valley. The snow has been deposited into harder wind slabs in exposed terrain, but remains low density in sheltered areas. The main question in the snowpack surrounds the layer sitting beneath the new snow. The layer includes old crusts, wind scoured surfaces, and large feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The distribution of the layer, as well as the properties of the snow above it, is variable. The most suspect areas are where the wind has blown extra snow above this layer and on slopes with preserved surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two crusts that were buried near the end of November can be found lower in the snowpack. A third crust from the end of October exists near the base of the snowpack. Recent testing on these crusts has not produced significant results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong outflow winds dramatically affected the surface snow, scouring some slopes down to an old crust and forming hard deposits in many other areas. Sheltered areas may still have 20-40 cm of powder from previous storms, but winds have come from a variety of directions and affected much of the terrain. Wind slabs rest on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust. In some sheltered locations, soft feathery surface hoar crystals may sit above the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is reported to be generally strong below this crust, with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late October crust can be found deep in the snowpack. This deep crust has been been associated with weak sugary snow and could possible be triggered in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow has been affected by winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region, with the most dramatic winds associated with outflow conditions in the western parts of the region near coastal inlets. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. A variable weak layer can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface, but in most places insufficient snow has fallen for it to be reactive. The layer comprises of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm brought 40-60cm of new snow to the region. Shifting winds (most recently from the northwest) have since redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures have inhibited slab formation elsewhere. The storm snow lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, particularly in sheltered openings at and below treeline. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity at this interface but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 80-110cm at treeline elevations. Recent snowpack tests as well as an avalanche report from the North Monashees suggest it may be coaxed into reacting in steep, variably loaded terrain features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's stormy weather brought 20-40cm of new snow to the region. Shifting winds (most recently from the northwest) have redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures have inhibited slab formation in wind-sheltered areas. The storm snow lies over a variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development in advance of the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. Recent observations show this crust gradually breaking down, making it a less well-defined failure plane for avalanching.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm snow has now settled to 30-80 cm of soft slab overlying the &quot;December 15th crust/surface hoar layer&quot; - a variety of old snow surfaces depending on aspect and elevation. On solar aspects a thin melt-freeze crust has been buried. On northerly aspects, feathery, surface hoar crystals have been buried below treeline as well as protected areas at treeline. And in the alpine, the old surface of of sugary snow (facets) and hard wind-scoured snow lies below the storm snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack tests have produced very easy to hard, sudden and resistant results on this December 15th crust/surface hoar layer indicating a high degree of variability in this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the December 15th layer, the late November crust is now buried 60-100 cm and has been producing hard, resistant results in recent snowpack tests. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A light dusting of new snow now covers the variable old surface consisting of; wind-scoured northwesterly slopes, areas of hard and soft wind slab on alpine lee slopes and exposed treeline areas, as well as a thin sun crust on steep solar aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 2-5 cm of new snow overlies 15-30 cm of old storm snow on top of the most recent December 18th melt-freeze crust, which has been unreactive in recent snowpack tests. Below this crusts lies 20 cm of well settled snow above the December 16th crust. Below this crust, a third crust, the 20 cm thick late-November crust, is now buried 40-50 cm. The lower snowpack well settled and moist to ground. Snowpack depths are about 135 cm at 1100 m elevation, with many early season hazards present at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm brought 50-80 cm of new snow to the region. Predominantly north winds have since redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs on a range of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures have inhibited slab formation elsewhere. Cold has also worked to decrease cohesion and reactivity in older wind slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow lies over a variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity at this interface but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack, found approximately 90-120cm deep at tree line elevations. Recent evidence from adjacent regions suggests it may be reactive in steep, variably loaded terrain features in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm brought 30-50cm of new snow to the region. Predominantly northwest winds have since redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs in lee terrain at higher elevations while cold temperatures have inhibited slab formation elsewhere. Cold has also worked to decrease the cohesion and reactivity of older wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow lies over a variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance where the overlying storm snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity at this interface but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November remains a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-100cm at tree line elevations. This interface shows good signs of bonding in the Purcells, but has indicated some reactivity in steep, variably loaded alpine features in adjacent regions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temperatures are preserving roughly 50 cm of low density snow from last week's storms. The snow is being deposited into harder wind slabs in exposed terrain, but remains low density in sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The main question in the snowpack surrounds the mid-December layer sitting beneath the new snow. The layer includes crusts on south and west facing slopes and large feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered areas at and below treeline. The distribution of the layer, as well as the properties of the snow above it, is variable. The most suspect areas are where the wind has formed stiff slabs above the layer and on slopes with preserved surface hoar. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures are preserving fresh snow from the past week, with up to 60 cm in southern and eastern parts of the region and 30 cm in the Elk Valley. The snow has been deposited into harder wind slabs in exposed terrain, but remains low density in sheltered areas. The main question in the snowpack surrounds the layer sitting beneath the new snow. The layer includes crusts on solar aspects and large feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The distribution of the layer, as well as the properties of the snow above it, is variable. The most suspect areas are where the wind has blown extra snow above this layer and on slopes with preserved surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two crusts that were buried near the end of November can be found lower in the snowpack. A third crust from the end of October exists near the base of the snowpack. Recent testing on these crusts has not produced significant results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A light dusting of snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40cm below the surface you'll likely find a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. Recent snowpack tests have ranged from no results, to moderate to hard resistant results on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the December 15th layer lies at least 10 cm of sugary facets and the late November crust, which is now buried 70-100 cm with a thin layer of facets above. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is well settled.</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">A light dusting of snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable amounts of settled and facetted storm snow (up to 100cm around the Coquihalla and closer to 40cm in the Duffey area) overlie a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. Recent snowpack tests have ranged from no results, to moderate to hard resistant results on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the December 15th layer the snowpack is well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong outflow winds dramatically affected the surface snow over the past week, scouring some slopes down to an old crust and forming hard deposits in many other areas. Sheltered areas may still have 20-40 cm of powder from previous storms, but winds have come from a variety of directions and affected much of the terrain. Wind slabs rest on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust. In some sheltered locations, soft feathery surface hoar crystals may sit above the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is reported to be generally strong below this crust, with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late October crust can be found deep in the snowpack. This deep crust has been been associated with weak sugary snow and could possible be triggered in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow has been affected by winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region, with the most dramatic winds associated with outflow conditions in the western parts of the region near coastal inlets. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. A variable weak layer can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface, but in most places insufficient snow has fallen for it to be reactive. The layer comprises of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar crystals in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm brought 40-60cm of new snow to the region. Shifting winds (predominantly from the north) have since redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures have inhibited slab formation elsewhere. Cold has also worked to decrease the cohesion and reactivity of older wind slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow lies over a wide variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), hard crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered openings at and below treeline. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity at this interface but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 80-110cm at treeline elevations. Recent evidence suggests it may be coaxed into reacting in steep, variably loaded terrain features in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm brought 20-40cm of new snow to the region. Predominantly northwest winds since the storm redistributed loose snow at the surface into wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures inhibited slab formation elsewhere. The cold has also worked to break down the cohesion and reactivity of older wind slabs. The storm snow lies over a variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of the greatest importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development in advance of the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. This interface has shown some signs of reactivity limited to steep, variably loaded alpine features in adjacent regions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm snow has now settled into a 30-80 cm soft slab. This slab overlies the December 15th interface which consists of a melt-freeze crust on steep, solar, higher elevation slopes and well-developed surface hoar everywhere else which seems most pronounced in sheltered treeline terrain and below. The bond at this variable interface is of critical importance, especially in areas where the overlying slab is deep and well-consolidated.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The late November crust is now buried 60-100 cm and has been producing hard, resistant results in recent snowpack tests. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is strong and well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Not much changing in the snowpack at the moment, except more profound faceting due to the persistent cold temperatures. Wind slabs are found in the Alpine on all aspects and in open areas at Treeline immediately below ridge-crests in lee and cross-loaded terrain. The Dec 15th surface hoar layer is found down 20 to 30cm at elevations below 2200m, but the lack of an overlying slab means that this layer of concern is not yet active. The November crusts are beginning to facet and as they continue to become weaker, this layer will become problematic.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A light dusting of snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 15-30 cm below the surface you'll likely find the December 18th melt-freeze crust, which has been unreactive in recent snowpack tests. That said, I'd keep an eye on this crust as new snow accumulates overtop. Below this, the snowpack is thought to be strong and well settled. Snowpack depths are about 135 cm at the 1100 m elevation with many early season hazards present at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm brought 50-80 cm of new snow to the region. Predominantly northerly winds have since redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs at higher elevations. In sheltered areas cold temperatures have inhibited slab formation. The storm snow lies over a variety of old surfaces, including surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), sun crust, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline or sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 90-120cm deep. Recent evidence from adjacent regions suggests it may be reactive in steep, variably loaded terrain features in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm brought 30-50cm of new snow to the region. Predominantly northwest winds have since redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs in lee terrain at higher elevations while cold temperatures have inhibited slab formation elsewhere. Cold has also worked to decrease the cohesion and reactivity of older wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow lies over a variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), sun crust and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance where the overlying storm snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity at this interface but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November remains a major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 60-100cm at tree line elevations. This interface shows good signs of bonding in the Purcells, but has indicated some reactivity in steep, variably loaded alpine features in adjacent regions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cold temperatures are preserving roughly 50 cm of low density snow from last week's storms. The snow is being deposited into harder wind slabs in exposed terrain, but remains low density in sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The main question in the snowpack surrounds the mid-December layer buried 50 cm below the surface. The layer includes crusts on south and west facing slopes and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below treeline. The distribution of the layer, as well as the properties of the snow above it, is variable. The most suspect areas are where the wind has formed stiff slabs above the layer and on slopes with preserved surface hoar. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures are preserving fresh snow from the past week, with up to 60 cm in southern and eastern parts of the region and 30 cm in the Elk Valley. The snow has been deposited into harder wind slabs in exposed terrain, but remains low density in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The main question in the snowpack surrounds the layer sitting beneath the recent snow. The layer includes crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The distribution of the layer, as well as the properties of the snow above it, is variable. The most suspect areas are where the wind has blown extra snow above this layer and on slopes with preserved surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is composed of mostly soft sugary snow and a few early season crusts that have not produced significant test results recently.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Thursday morning, up to 15cm of new snow is expected to have fallen. Strong southwest winds are forecast to shift these accumulations into much deeper deposits in high elevation lee terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40cm below the surface you'll likely find a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer hasn't produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but could come to life with the additional load of new snowfall, especially in areas where loose facets exist above the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the December 15th layer, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</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">By Thursday morning, up to 15cm of new snow is expected to have fallen. Strong southwest winds are forecast to shift these accumulations into much deeper deposits in high elevation lee terrain. The new snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and loose faceted snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable amounts of snow (up to 100cm around the Coquihalla and closer to 40cm in the Duffey area) overlie a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. As of late, this layer hasn't produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but it could come to life with the additional load of new snowfall, especially in areas where loose facets exist above the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the December 15th layer, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong outflow winds dramatically affected the surface snow over the past week, scouring some slopes down to an old crust and forming hard deposits in many other areas. Sheltered areas may still have 30 cm of powder from previous storms, but winds have come from a variety of directions and affected much of the terrain. Wind slabs rest on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust. In some sheltered locations, soft feathery surface hoar crystals may sit above the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is reported to be generally strong below this crust, with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October crust can be found deep in the snowpack. Weak sugary snow may exist around the crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow has been affected by winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region, with the most dramatic winds associated with outflow conditions in western parts of the region near coastal inlets. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. A variable weak layer can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface, but in most places insufficient snow has fallen for it to be reactive. The layer comprises of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm brought 40-60cm of new snow to the region. Predominantly northerly winds have since redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs at higher elevations. In sheltered ares cold temperatures have largely prevented this snow from consolidating into a slab. The storm snow lies over a variety of old surfaces, including surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), sun crust, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered open areas at and below treeline or sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity at this interface but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 80-110cm deep. Recent evidence suggests it may be reactive in steep, variably loaded terrain features in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's storm brought 20-40cm of new snow to the region. Predominantly northwest winds since the storm redistributed loose snow at the surface into wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures inhibited slab formation elsewhere. The cold has also worked to break down the cohesion and reactivity of older wind slabs. The storm snow lies over a variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of the greatest importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development in advance of the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. This interface has shown some signs of reactivity limited to steep, variably loaded alpine features in adjacent regions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Thursday morning, up to 15cm of low density snow is expected to have fallen. Moderate west winds are forecast to shift these accumulations into deeper deposits in high elevation lee terrain. The new snow overlies recently buried surface hoar, although at this point not much is known about the size or distribution of this potential weak layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 30 and 75cm below the surface you'll find the December 15th interface which consists of a melt-freeze crust on steep, solar, higher elevation slopes and well-developed surface hoar which seems most pronounced in sheltered treeline terrain and below. The bond at this variable interface is of critical importance, especially in areas where the overlying slab is deep and well-consolidated.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The late November crust is now buried 60-100 cm and has been producing hard, resistant results in recent snowpack tests. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is strong and well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack continues to facet with the persistently cold temperatures. Wind slabs are found in Alpine areas on all aspects, and in isolated spots at Treeline. Below 2200m a buried layer of surface hoar (down 20 to 30cm) remains a layer of note, but due to the current lack of an overlying slab this layer has not been active. Deeper in the snowpack the November and october crust layers are being monitored, but are not currently active.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Thursday morning, up to 20cm of new snow is expected to have fallen. Strong southwest winds are forecast to shift these accumulations into much deeper deposits in high elevation lee terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 30 cm below the surface you'll likely find a couple of melt-freeze crusts which were buried in mid-December. These layers haven't produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but could come to life with the additional load of new snowfall, especially in areas where loose facets exist above the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is thought to be strong and well settled. Snowpack depths are about 135 cm at the 1100 m elevation with many early season hazards present at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30cm of low density new snow has buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 60-100cm.The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 100-140cm deep. Recent evidence from the North Columbia region suggests it may be reactive in steep, variably loaded terrain features in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Low density new snow is beginning to accumulate and bury a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is down approximately 30-50cm. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance where the overlying storm snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline and any area where the surface hoar may have formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 60-100cm deep. Recent reports show this layer to be unreactive at this time. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wednesday night and through the day on Thursday approximately 30 cm of low density snow fell with generally light winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This overlies roughly 50 cm of old storm snow from last week that formed harder wind slabs in exposed terrain near ridge top, but remains low density in sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The main question in the snowpack surrounds the mid-December layer now buried 80 cm below the surface. The layer includes crusts on south and west facing slopes and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below treeline, and has been producing moderate, sudden results in recent snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10 cm of new snow fell overnight Wednesday and during the day on Thursday and overlies up to 60 cm of old storm snow in southern and eastern parts of the region and 30 cm in the Elk Valley. Wind has formed harder wind slabs in exposed terrain, but low density storm snow remains in sheltered areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The main question in the snowpack surrounds the mid-December layer sitting beneath the recent snow. This layer includes crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, and has produced whumpfing as well as moderate, sudden results in recent snowpack tests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is composed of mostly soft sugary snow and a few early season crusts that have not produced significant test results recently.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For an update on recent conditions check out the Mountain Information Network (MIN) report </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/63f1a6b2-9795-4cdf-a45a-06f7a8e4a5e1" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. And please post your own reports!</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Thursday afternoon the region has picked up 10 to 30 cm of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong winds out of the south/southwest. Snowfall is expected to continue through Thursday night. The new snow covers a medley of old surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 60 cm below the surface you'll likely find a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but could come to life with the additional load of new snowfall, especially in areas where loose facets exist above the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the December 15th layer, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</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">As of Thursday afternoon the storm has produced about 25 cm in the north of the region and around 40 cm in the south. Winds have largely been out of the southwest throughout the storm. The new storm snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and loose faceted snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable amounts of snow (up to 100 cm around the Coquihalla and closer to 40 cm in the Duffey area) overlie a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. As of late, this layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but it could come to life with the additional load of new snowfall, especially in areas where loose facets exist above the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the December 15th layer, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong outflow winds have affected the surface snow over the past week, scouring some slopes down to an old crust and forming hard deposits in many other areas. Sheltered areas may still have 30 cm of powder from previous storms, but winds have come from a variety of directions and affected much of the terrain. Wind slabs rest on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust that formed in mid-December. In some sheltered locations, soft feathery surface hoar crystals may sit above this crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is reported to be generally strong below this crust, with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October crust can be found deep in the snowpack. Weak sugary snow may exist around the crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow has been affected by winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region, with the most dramatic winds associated with outflow conditions in western parts of the region near coastal inlets. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For an update on recent conditions check out the Mountain Information Network (MIN) report </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map/forecasts/northwest-inland?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/f845dc8a-adda-41aa-82ae-f7c6a33a5147#" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. And please submit your own reports!</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">10-15cm of low density new snow has buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 40-60cm.The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 80-110cm deep. Recent reports from the southwest end of this region suggests it may be reactive in steep, variably loaded terrain features in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 5cm of low density new snow has buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 20-40cm. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. This interface has shown some signs of reactivity limited to steep, variably loaded alpine features in the adjacent North Columbia region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Thursday afternoon the storm has produced 10 to 20 cm of low density snow which has been accompanied by light to moderate wind out of south, southwest and even a bit of of southeast. The new snow overlies recently buried surface hoar, although at this point not much is known about the size or distribution of this potential weak layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 30 and 85 cm below the surface you'll find the December 15th interface which consists of a melt-freeze crust on steep, solar, higher elevation slopes and well-developed surface hoar which seems most pronounced in sheltered treeline terrain and below. The bond at this variable interface is of critical importance, especially in areas where the overlying slab is deep and well-consolidated.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The late November crust is now buried 60-100 cm and has been producing hard, resistant results in recent snowpack tests. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is strong and well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sorry to sound like a broken record but... the snowpack continues to facet with the persistently cold temperatures. Wind slabs are found in Alpine areas on all aspects, and in isolated spots at Treeline. Below 2200m a buried layer of surface hoar (down 20 to 30cm) remains a layer of note, but due to the current lack of an overlying slab this layer has not been active. Deeper in the snowpack the November and october crust layers are being monitored, but are not currently active.  The facetting is weakening the upper snowpack and we are starting to see more loose dry avalanches occurring.  Ice climbers within gullied terrain should be particularly aware of this concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30 to 50 cm of storm snow has fallen as of Thursday afternoon. The new snow is reportedly upside down, meaning that wet heavy snow sits over light fluffy (lower density) snow. The storm snow covers a medley of old surfaces which include stubborn old wind slabs and wind scoured crusts in the alpine, and soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50 to 80 cm below the surface you'll likely find a couple of melt-freeze crusts which were buried mid-December. These layers may come to life as continued snowfall adds to the load. This would be most likely to occur in areas where loose facets exist above the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is thought to be strong and well settled. The snowpack depth is about 150 cm at 1000 m, with many early season hazards present at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-50cm of low density new snow from the past 2 days has buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 60-100cm.The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 100-140cm deep. Recent evidence from the North Columbia region suggests it may be reactive in steep, variably loaded terrain features in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20cm low density new snow has accumulated and buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. Another layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is down approximately 30-50cm. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance where the overlying storm snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline and any area where the surface hoar may have formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 60-100cm deep. Recent reports show this layer to be unreactive at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Thursday night 10-15 cm of storm snow fell on top of 25 cm of very low density storm snow and has been modified by winds creating an &quot;upside-down&quot; storm slab layer with stiffer snow on top of softer snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This upside-down storm snow layer overlies roughly 50 cm of old storm snow from last week that formed into stiff wind slabs in exposed terrain near ridge top, but remains low density in sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December layer is now buried 80 cm below the surface. The layer includes crusts on south and west facing slopes and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below treeline, and has been producing moderate, sudden results in recent snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of snow fell overnight with generally light winds however but some areas of the region (Crowsnest Pass) saw strong winds while others (Elk valley) saw lower snowfall amounts.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In wind exposed areas this new snow overlies variable wind slabs up to 80 cm thick in some areas.  In sheltered areas, 30-60 cm of unconsolidated old storm snow has been covered.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The main question in the snowpack surrounds the mid-December layer sitting beneath the recent snow. This layer includes crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, and has produced whumpfing as well as moderate, sudden results in recent snowpack tests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is composed of mostly soft sugary snow and a few early season crusts that have not produced significant test results recently.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For an update on recent conditions check out the Mountain Information Network (MIN) report </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/63f1a6b2-9795-4cdf-a45a-06f7a8e4a5e1" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. And please post your own reports!</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday's storm delivered 15 to 35 cm of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong winds out of the south/southwest. The new snow covers a medley of old surfaces which include stubborn old wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 to 60 cm below the surface you'll likely find a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but could come to life with the additional load of new snowfall, especially in areas where loose facets exist above the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the December 15th layer, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</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">Thursday's storm produced about 25 cm of storm snow in the north of the region and around 40 cm in the south. Winds have largely been out of the southwest throughout the storm. The new storm snow covers a medley of surfaces which include stubborn wind slabs and wind-scoured exposed crust in the alpine, and loose faceted snow as well as isolated surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable amounts of snow (up to 100 cm around the Coquihalla and about 20 to 50 cm in the Duffey area) overlie a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. As of late, this layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but it could come to life with the additional load of new snowfall, especially in areas where loose facets exist above the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the December 15th layer, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Arctic high remains in place and strong outflow winds have affected the surface snow over the past week, scouring some slopes down to an old crust and forming hard deposits in many other areas. Winds have come from a variety of directions over the past several days and have built wind slabs in much of the alpine and exposed treeline terrain. These wind slabs rest on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust that formed in mid-December. In some sheltered locations, soft feathery surface hoar crystals may exist on top of this crust. In non-wind affected terrain, 30-40 cm of unconsolidated snow overlies the mid-December crust layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust the snowpack is reported to be generally strong with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October, basal crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. Weak sugary snow may exist around this basal crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow has been affected by winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region, with the most dramatic winds associated with outflow conditions in western parts of the region near coastal inlets. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For an update on recent conditions check out the Mountain Information Network (MIN) report </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map/forecasts/northwest-inland?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/f845dc8a-adda-41aa-82ae-f7c6a33a5147#" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. And please submit your own observations to the MIN!</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">20-30cm of low density new snow has buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 40-60cm.The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 80-110cm deep. Recent reports from the southwest end of this region suggests it may be reactive in steep, variably loaded terrain features in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10cm of low density new snow has buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 20-40cm. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. This interface has shown some signs of reactivity limited to steep, variably loaded alpine features in the adjacent North Columbia region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday's storm produced 10 to 25 cm of low density snow which was accompanied by light to moderate wind out of south, southwest and even a bit of of southeast. The new snow overlies recently buried surface hoar, although at this point not much is known about the size or distribution of this potential weak layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 25 and 80 cm below the surface you'll find the December 15th interface which consists of a melt-freeze crust on steep, solar, higher elevation slopes and well-developed surface hoar which seems most pronounced in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The bond at this variable interface is of critical importance, especially in areas where the overlying slab is deep and well-consolidated.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The late November crust is now buried 60 to 100 cm below the surface and has been producing hard, resistant results in recent snowpack tests. Beneath this crust the lower snowpack is strong and well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">21cm storm snow overnight at Burstall with 30cm overnight at Aster lake. Storm snow tapers to 15cm at lower elevations. This new snow fell with light winds out of the north and as a result we are seeing some reverse loading in a few areas in the Alpine. Watch for new windslabs and storm slabs 20-30cm deep in alpine areas and at treeline in steeper terrain. These slabs will be slow to settle out with the cooler temps. Down 40-50cm in the snowpack is the December 15th surface hoar layer being found up to 2250m. A lack of a cohesive slab overlying this layer has prevented it being a problem but we can expect it to develop over the next few days as the snow settles. Pay attention where this layer is and isnt as you travel. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Thursday's storm produced 30 to 55 cm of storm snow. The new snow is reportedly upside down, meaning that wet heavy snow sits over light fluffy (lower density) snow. The storm snow covers a medley of old surfaces which include stubborn old wind slabs and wind scoured crusts in the alpine, and soft unconsolidated snow in sheltered areas at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30 to 90 cm below the surface you'll likely find a couple of melt-freeze crusts which were buried mid-December. These layers may come to life as continued snowfall adds to the load. This would be most likely to occur in areas where loose facets exist above the crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is thought to be strong and well settled. The snowpack depth is about 160 cm at 1000 m, with many early season hazards present at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">35-65cm of low density new snow from the past 3 days has buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 60-100cm.The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 100-140cm deep. Recent evidence from the North Columbia region suggests it may be reactive in steep, variably loaded terrain features in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm low density new snow has accumulated and buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. Another layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is down approximately 40-70cm. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance where the overlying storm snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline and any area where the surface hoar may have formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 70-110cm deep. Recent reports show this layer to be unreactive at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Since Thursday, 20-35 cm of storm snow fell on top of 25 cm of previous very low density storm snow. Winds (at times strong from the south west) have modified the snow pack, creating an &quot;upside-down&quot; storm slab layer with stiffer snow on top of softer snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This upside-down storm snow layer overlies roughly 50 cm of old storm snow from last week that formed into stiff wind slabs in exposed terrain near ridge top, but remains low density in sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December layer is now buried 60-80 cm below the surface. The layer includes crusts on south and west facing slopes and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below treeline, and has been producing moderate, sudden results in recent snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 45 cm of snow has fallen over the past 2 days, with generally light winds. That said, some areas of the region (Crowsnest Pass) saw strong east winds while others (Elk valley) had lower snowfall amounts. In wind exposed areas this new snow overlies variable wind slabs up to 80 cm thick in some areas. In sheltered areas, 30-60 cm of unconsolidated old storm snow has been covered.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The main question in the snowpack surrounds the mid-December layer sitting beneath the recent snow. This layer includes crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, and has produced whumpfing as well as moderate, sudden results in recent snowpack tests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is composed of mostly soft sugary snow and a few early season crusts that have not produced significant test results recently.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For an update on recent conditions check out the Mountain Information Network (MIN) report </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/63f1a6b2-9795-4cdf-a45a-06f7a8e4a5e1" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. And please post your own reports!</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two successive storms produced 50 to 70 cm of storm snow with wind out the southwest, south and southeast that was strong at times. All of this new snow rests on a variety of old surfaces including crust on solar aspects, old wind slabs, facets and isolated surface hoar below treeline. As temperatures begin to warm late Sunday the storm snow will likely settle into a more cohesive slab. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but could come to life as the overlying slab becomes more cohesive as temperatures warm. Beneath the December 15th layer, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</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">Friday night's storm produced about 30 cm in the north of the region and almost 40 cm in the south. That brings the total from the two successive storms to approximately 50 to 80 cm. The bulk of the wind during the storms was out of the southwest, south and southeast but there were periods of northeast and easterly winds too. All of this new snow rests on a variety of old surfaces including crust on solar aspects, old wind slabs, facets and isolated surface hoar below treeline. Wind slabs are common in wind exposed terrain, but it's thought the snow is largely unconsolidated in protected areas. As temperatures begin to warm the storm snow will likely settle into a more cohesive slab. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A widespread melt-freeze crust buried mid-December exits throughout the region. This crust is down around 30 to 60 cm in the Duffey. Around the Coquihalla it's about 100 cm below the surface. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but it could come to life as the overlying slab gains cohesion.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures and strong winds (from the south east, and more recently from the west) have affected the surface snow over the past week, scouring some slopes down to an old crust and forming hard deposits in many other areas. There are some lingering wind slabs, found on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust that formed in mid-December. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In non-wind affected terrain, 30-40 cm of unconsolidated (aka faceted or 'sugary') snow overlies the mid-December crust layer. This snow has been sluffing in steep terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust the snowpack is reported to be generally strong with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October, basal crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. Weak sugary snow may exist around this basal crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow has been affected by winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region, with the most dramatic winds associated with outflow conditions in western parts of the region near coastal inlets. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For an update on recent conditions check out the Mountain Information Network (MIN) report </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map/forecasts/northwest-inland?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/f845dc8a-adda-41aa-82ae-f7c6a33a5147#" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. And please submit your own observations to the MIN!</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">30-50cm of low density new snow has buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 50-70cm.The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before mid-December, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 80-120cm deep. A report from last week in the southwest end of this region suggests it may be reactive in steep, variably loaded terrain features in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-25cm of low density new snow has buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 30-50cm. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. This interface has shown some signs of reactivity limited to steep, variably loaded alpine features in the adjacent North Columbia region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two successive storms produced 25 to 50 cm of low density storm snow that was accompanied by moderate to strong winds out of the east, southeast, south and southwest. The new snow overlies 3 to 5 mm surface hoar, but we don't know much about the distribution of this weak layer yet.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 60 and 100 cm below the surface you'll find the December 15th interface which consists of a melt-freeze crust on steep, solar, higher elevation slopes and well-developed surface hoar which seems most pronounced in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The bond at this variable interface is of critical importance, especially in areas where the overlying slab is deep and well-consolidated.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is thought to be strong and well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_C144F7B2"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10 to 15cm of new snow overnight brings the storm snow total to 40 to 50cm. This snow is mostly still low density in nature except in the high Alpine and in wind prone areas. Expect to find slabs on all aspects in the Alpine that have either been recently formed, or formed earlier in the storm and are now buried. At Treeline and below the Dec 15th surface hoar layer is buried between 40 and 60cm deep and is failing in loose dry avalanches, but not yet as a slab due the lack of an overlying cohesive layer. With increased winds this could change. Recent snowpits are showing that the November crusts are faceting, but these layers have not been active as an avalanche problem. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two successive storms produced 40 to 80 cm of snow over the last few days. Friday night's storm started as rain before turning to snow overnight. The brief period of rain followed by snow and cooling temperatures is thought to have helped the snowpack to settle and stabilize.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50 to 100 cm below the surface you'll likely find a couple of melt-freeze crusts which were buried mid-December. This interface has been dormant and has not produced any recent avalanche activity. Below this, the snowpack is thought to be strong and well settled. The snowpack depth is about 160 cm at 1000 m, 220 cm at 1250 m. Many early season hazards are still present at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-70cm of low density new snow from last week has buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 60-100cm.The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before mid-December, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 100-140cm deep. Recent evidence from the North Columbia region suggests it may be reactive in steep, variably loaded terrain features in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm low density new snow has accumulated and buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. Another layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is down approximately 40-70cm. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance where the overlying storm snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development prior to mid-December, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline and any area where the surface hoar may have formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 70-110cm deep. Recent reports show this layer to be unreactive at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Friday into Saturday, 20-35 cm of storm snow fell on top of 25 cm of previous very low density storm snow. Winds (at times strong from the south west) have modified the snow pack, creating an &quot;upside-down&quot; storm slab layer with stiffer snow on top of softer snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This upside-down storm snow layer overlies roughly 50 cm of old storm snow from last week that formed into stiff wind slabs in exposed terrain near ridge top, but remains low density in sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December layer is now buried 60-80 cm below the surface. The layer includes crusts on south and west facing slopes and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below treeline, and has been producing moderate, sudden results in recent snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 45 cm of snow fell on Thursday into Saturday morning, with generally light winds. That said, some areas of the region (Crowsnest Pass) saw strong east winds while others (Elk valley) had lower snowfall amounts. In wind exposed areas this new snow overlies variable wind slabs up to 80 cm thick in some areas. In sheltered areas, 30-60 cm of unconsolidated old storm snow has been covered.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The main question in the snowpack surrounds the mid-December layer sitting beneath the recent snow. This layer includes crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, and has produced whumpfing as well as moderate, sudden results in recent snowpack tests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is composed of mostly soft sugary snow and a few early season crusts that have not produced significant test results recently.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For an update on recent conditions check out the Mountain Information Network (MIN) report </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/63f1a6b2-9795-4cdf-a45a-06f7a8e4a5e1" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. And please post your own reports!</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two successive storms produced 50 to 70 cm of storm snow with wind out the southwest, south and southeast that was strong at times. All of this new snow rests on a variety of old surfaces including crust on solar aspects, old wind slabs, facets and isolated surface hoar below treeline. Warming temperatures will likely allow the storm snow to settle into a more cohesive slab. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but could come to life as the overlying slab becomes more cohesive as temperatures warm. Beneath the December 15th layer, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</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">Friday night's storm produced about 30 cm in the north of the region and almost 40 cm in the south. That brings the total from the two successive storms to approximately 50 to 80 cm. The bulk of the wind during the storms was out of the southwest, south and southeast but there were periods of northeast and easterly winds too. All of this new snow rests on a variety of old surfaces including crust on solar aspects, old wind slabs, facets and isolated surface hoar below treeline. Wind slabs are common in wind exposed terrain, but it's thought the snow is largely unconsolidated in protected areas. As temperatures begin to warm on Monday the storm snow will likely settle into a more cohesive slab. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A widespread melt-freeze crust buried mid-December exits throughout the region. This crust is down around 30 to 60 cm in the Duffey. Around the Coquihalla it's about 100 cm below the surface. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity, but it could come to life as the overlying slab gains cohesion.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures and strong winds (from the south east, and more recently from the west) have affected the surface snow over the past week, scouring some slopes down to an old crust and forming hard deposits in many other areas. There are some lingering wind slabs, found on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust that formed in mid-December. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In non-wind affected terrain, 20-40 cm of unconsolidated (aka faceted or 'sugary') snow overlies the mid-December crust layer. This snow has been sluffing in steep terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust the snowpack is reported to be generally strong with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October, basal crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. Weak sugary snow may exist around this basal crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow has been affected by winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region, with the most dramatic winds associated with outflow conditions in western parts of the region near coastal inlets. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For an update on recent conditions check out the Mountain Information Network (MIN) report </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map/forecasts/northwest-inland?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/f845dc8a-adda-41aa-82ae-f7c6a33a5147#" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. And please submit your own observations to the MIN!</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">30-50cm of low density new snow has buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 50-70cm.The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before mid-December, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 80-120cm deep. A report from last week in the southwest end of this region suggests it may be reactive in steep, variably loaded terrain features in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30cm of low density new snow has buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 30-50cm. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before the storm, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. This interface has shown some signs of reactivity in the adjacent North Columbia region limited to steep, variably loaded alpine features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two successive storms produced 25 to 50 cm of low density storm snow that was accompanied by moderate to strong winds out of the east, southeast, south and southwest. The new snow overlies 3 to 5 mm surface hoar, but we don't know much about the distribution of this weak layer yet.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 60 and 100 cm below the surface you'll find the December 15th interface which consists of a melt-freeze crust on steep, solar, higher elevation slopes and well-developed surface hoar which seems most pronounced in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The bond at this variable interface is of critical importance, especially in areas where the overlying slab is deep and well-consolidated.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is thought to be strong and well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent HST is slowly settling with the cooler temps. Windslabs developing in open alpine areas on all aspects but still not reactive to skier traffic. North area of the forecast region (Tent and Commonwealth) seems to have seen more widespread winds but this seem to be localized to this area. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two successive storms produced 40 to 80 cm of snow over the last few days. Friday night's storm started as rain before turning to snow overnight. The brief period of rain followed by snow and cooling temperatures is thought to have helped the snowpack to settle and stabilize. Forecast warm temperatures on Monday should allow the old storm snow to further settle.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50 to 100 cm below the surface you'll likely find a couple of melt-freeze crusts which were buried mid-December. This interface has been dormant and has not produced any recent avalanche activity. Below this, the snowpack is thought to be strong and well settled. The snowpack depth is about 160 cm at 1000 m, 220 cm at 1250 m. Many early season hazards are still present at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-70cm of low density new snow from last week has buried a layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. This new snow is expected to start to consolidate into a slab once forecast warmer temperatures take effect, but so far the upper snow has been remained light and soft. Of much greater concern from an avalanche point of view is a weak layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, a sun crust and/or sugary facets, and is now down approximately 60-100cm.The bond at this interface is highly variable. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before mid-December, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 100-140cm deep. Treeline snow depths are in the region of 200 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm low density new snow has accumulated and buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. Another layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is down approximately 40-70cm and has been reported at elevations up to 2400 m.&nbsp; </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 70-110cm deep. Recent reports show this layer to be unreactive at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At the end of last week, 20-35 cm of storm snow fell on top of 25 cm of previous very low density storm snow. Winds (at times strong from the south west) have modified the snow pack, creating an &quot;upside-down&quot; storm slab layer with stiffer snow on top of softer snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This upside-down storm snow layer overlies roughly 50 cm of old storm snow from last week that formed into stiff wind slabs in exposed terrain near ridge top, but remains low density in sheltered areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December layer is now buried 40-60 cm below the surface. The layer includes crusts on south and west facing slopes and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below treeline, and has been producing moderate, sudden results in recent snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 45 cm of snow fell on Thursday into Saturday morning, with generally light winds. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The main question in the snowpack surrounds the mid-December layer sitting beneath the recent snow. This layer includes crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, and has consistently shown its reactivity, even on small features below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is composed of mostly soft sugary snow and a few early season crusts that have not produced significant test results recently.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Sunday a slight crust began to form on south and southwest facing aspects as warm temperatures and sun combined to moisten the snow surface. Cooler north and east facing features remain cold and dry. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last Thursday and Friday two successive storms produced 50 to 70 cm of snow with wind mainly out of the south. The new snow rests on a variety of old surfaces including crust on solar aspects, old wind slabs, facets and isolated surface hoar below treeline, but avalanche activity on this interface continues to decrease as time and warm temperatures allow the old storm snow to settle and gain cohesion. Wind effect in the alpine has been widely reported but wind slab activity has been limited.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Sunday a slight crust began to form on south and southwest facing aspects as warm temperatures and sun combined to moisten the snow surface. Cooler north and east facing features remain cold and dry. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last Thursday and Friday two successive storms produced 50 to 80 cm of snow with wind mainly out of the south. The new snow rests on a variety of old surfaces including crust on solar aspects, old wind slabs, facets and isolated surface hoar below treeline, but avalanche activity on this interface continues to decrease as time and warm temperatures allow the old storm snow to settle and gain cohesion. Wind effect in the alpine has been widely reported but wind slab activity has been limited to the usual suspect places as per the activity discussion above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A widespread melt-freeze crust buried mid-December exits throughout the region. This crust is down around 30 to 60 cm in the Duffey. Around the Coquihalla it's about 100 cm below the surface. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Only about 5cm of new snow fell as we woke up to a new year. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures and strong winds (from a wide range of directions) have affected the surface snow over the past week, scouring some slopes down to an old crust and forming hard deposits in many other areas. There are some lingering wind slabs, found on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust that formed in mid-December. Cornices have also been noted at ridge tops, lee (downwind) to strong north east winds last week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In non-wind affected terrain, 20-40 cm of unconsolidated (aka faceted or 'sugary') snow overlies the mid-December crust layer. This snow has been sluffing in steep terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust the snowpack is reported to be generally strong with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October, basal crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. Weak sugary snow may exist around this basal crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow has been affected by winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region, with the most dramatic winds associated with outflow conditions in western parts of the region near coastal inlets. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For an update on recent conditions check out the Mountain Information Network (MIN) report </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map/forecasts/northwest-inland?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/f845dc8a-adda-41aa-82ae-f7c6a33a5147#" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. And please submit your own observations to the MIN!</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">30-50cm of low density new snow from last week has buried a layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. This new snow is expected to start to consolidate into a slab once forecast warmer temperatures take effect, but so far the upper snow has been remained light and soft. Of greater concern is a weak layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, a sun crust and/or sugary facets, and is now down approximately 50-70cm.The bond at this interface is highly variable. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before mid-December, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 80-120cm deep. Treeline snow depths are in the region of 200 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30cm of low density new snow has buried a recently formed layer of feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 30-50cm. This layer is most prevalent in sheltered locations at treeline and below. Until recently, the snow above both of these weak layers has been soft and unconsolidated. Forecast warmer temperatures are expected to make the upper snow more dense, which could increase the likelihood of triggering on these layers. A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at treeline elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two successive storms produced 25 to 50 cm of low density storm snow that was accompanied by moderate to strong winds out of the east, southeast, south and southwest. The new snow overlies 3 to 5 mm surface hoar, but we don't know much about the distribution of this weak layer yet.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 60 and 100 cm below the surface you'll find the December 15th interface which consists of a melt-freeze crust on steep, solar, higher elevation slopes and well-developed surface hoar which seems most pronounced in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The overlying slab is now deep and is gaining cohesion. This interface has hit the tipping point for human triggering as evidenced by recent avalanche activity listed above. Warming temperatures will likely make it more volatile on Tuesday. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is thought to be strong and well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another cold night led to surface facetting. Previous storm snow is settling slowly. Alpine areas have a wide variety of wind slab conditions, including bullet-proof hard slab, recently formed soft slabs and buried wind slabs. At Treeline elevations expect isolated slabs, primarily around ridge-crests. Forecasters continue to track the Dec 15th surface hoar, but due to the lack of an overlying slab this layer has not been overly reactive.....yet. In the lower 1/3 of the snowpack the November and October rain crusts are facetting and remain on the radar for future potential avalanche problems.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two successive storms produced 40 to 80 cm of snow over the last week. On Monday temperatures warmed dramatically. As of 14:00 on January 1st the Deeks Peak weather station (1280 m) was reporting +2.5 c, Mt. Strachan (1420 m) was reporting +4 c. These warm temperatures combined with Friday night's rain event should allow the entire snowpack to settle and stabilize. Forecast warm temperatures through the week should allow for further settlement.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind effect in the alpine has been widely reported but wind slab activity has been limited to isolated terrain features with one or more of the following characteristics; steep, unsupported and/or convex. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50 to 100 cm below the surface there are a few prominent melt-freeze crusts that were buried mid-December. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth is about 160 cm at 1000 m, 220 cm at 1250 m. Many early season hazards are still present at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-70cm of low density new snow from last week has buried a layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. This new snow is expected to start to consolidate into a slab once forecast warmer temperatures take effect, but so far the upper snow has been remained light and soft. Of much greater concern from an avalanche point of view is a weak layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, a sun crust and/or sugary facets, and is now down approximately 60-80cm.The bond at this interface is highly variable. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before mid-December, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 100-140cm deep. Treeline snow depths are in the region of 200 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm low density new snow has accumulated and buried a recently formed layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. Another layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is down approximately 40-70cm and has been reported at elevations up to 2400 m. The likelihood of triggering avalanches on either of these layers is related to how dense the upper snowpack is. In areas where the upper snowpack has settled into a firmer slab, the weak layers below are more likely to be triggered. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 70-110cm deep. Recent reports show this layer to be unreactive at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December layer (with variable distribution, but commonly found between 1600m and 1800m) is now buried 40-70 cm below the surface. This layer includes crusts on south and west facing slopes and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below treeline, and has been producing moderate, sudden results in recent snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, winds (at times strong from the south west) have modified the snow pack, creating an &quot;upside-down&quot; slab layer with stiffer snow on top of softer snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 45 cm of snow fell on at the end of last week. Since then, strong winds from a wide range of directions have blown snow around: In the south of the region winds were from the south west; whereas in the north the winds were from the north east. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The main question in the snowpack surrounds the mid-December layer sitting beneath the recent snow. This layer includes crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, and has consistently shown its reactivity, even on small features below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is composed of mostly soft sugary snow and a few early season crusts that have not produced significant test results recently.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Sunday a slight crust began to form on south and southwest facing aspects as warm temperatures and sun combined to moisten the snow surface. By Tuesday the upper 5 cm of the snowpack had started to become moist, even on upper elevation northeast facing features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last Thursday and Friday two successive storms produced 50 to 70 cm of snow with wind mainly out of the south. The new snow rests on a variety of old surfaces including crust on solar aspects, old wind slabs, facets and isolated surface hoar below treeline, but avalanche activity on this interface continues to decrease as time and warm temperatures allow the old storm snow to settle and gain cohesion. Wind effect in the alpine has been extensive but reported wind slab avalanche activity has ceased.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Sunday a slight crust began to form on south and southwest facing aspects as warm temperatures and sun combined to moisten the snow surface. By Tuesday the upper 5 cm of the snowpack had started to become moist, even on upper elevation northeast facing features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last Thursday and Friday two successive storms produced 50 to 80 cm of snow with wind mainly out of the south. The new snow rests on a variety of old surfaces including crust on solar aspects, old wind slabs, facets and isolated surface hoar below treeline, but avalanche activity on this interface continues to decrease as time and warm temperatures allow the old storm snow to settle and gain cohesion. Wind effect in the alpine has been widely reported but wind slab activity has slowed to a trickle.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A widespread melt-freeze crust buried mid-December exits throughout the region. This crust is down around 30 to 60 cm in the Duffey. Around the Coquihalla it's about 100 cm below the surface. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Only about 10cm of new snow has fallen in the new year. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures and strong winds (from a wide range of directions) have affected the surface snow over the past week, scouring some slopes down to an old crust and forming hard deposits in many other areas. There are some lingering wind slabs, found on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust that formed in mid-December. Cornices have also been noted at ridge tops, lee (downwind) to strong north east winds last week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In non-wind affected terrain, 20-40 cm of unconsolidated (aka faceted or 'sugary') snow overlies the mid-December crust layer. This snow has been sluffing in steep terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust the snowpack is reported to be generally strong with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October, basal crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. Weak sugary snow may exist around this basal crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow has been affected by winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region, with the most dramatic winds associated with outflow conditions in western parts of the region near coastal inlets. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For an update on conditions from last week (which haven't changed too much) check out the Mountain Information Network (MIN) report </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map/forecasts/northwest-inland?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/f845dc8a-adda-41aa-82ae-f7c6a33a5147#" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. And please submit your own observations to the MIN!</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">30-50cm of low density new snow from last week has buried a layer of weak feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. This new snow is expected to start to consolidate into a slab once forecast warmer temperatures take effect, but so far the upper snow has been remained light and soft. Of greater concern is a weak layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, a sun crust and/or sugary facets, and is now down approximately 50-70cm.The bond at this interface is highly variable. The most concerning areas are those that saw pronounced surface hoar development before mid-December, such as sheltered areas at and below treeline, sheltered northerly aspects in the alpine, or anywhere the surface hoar formed on top of a sun crust. Recent snowpack tests show wide ranging reactivity on this weak layer but suggest that it may be most reactive on northerly aspects. A rain crust that formed in late November is now buried 80-120cm deep. Treeline snow depths are in the region of 200 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30cm of low density new snow has buried a recently formed layer of feathery surface hoar and/or sugary facets. A layer buried mid-December that consists of surface hoar, sun crust and/or sugary facets is now down approximately 30-50cm. This layer is most prevalent in sheltered locations at treeline and below. Until recently, the snow above both of these weak layers has been soft and unconsolidated. Forecast warmer temperatures are expected to make the upper snow more dense, which could increase the likelihood of triggering on these layers. A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at treeline elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week two successive storms produced 25 to 50 cm of low density storm snow that was accompanied by moderate to strong winds out of the east, southeast, south and southwest. The new snow overlies the late December surface hoar which is 3 to 5 mm in size. We don't know much about the distribution of this weak layer yet. Warming temperatures on Tuesday began to moisten the snow surface on steep southerly aspects. Surface hoar has started to blossom on the surface recently too.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 60 and 100 cm below the surface you'll find the December 15th interface which consists of a melt-freeze crust on steep, solar, higher elevation slopes and well-developed surface hoar which seems most pronounced in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The overlying slab is now deep and is gaining cohesion. This interface has hit the tipping point for human triggering as evidenced by recent avalanche activity listed above. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is thought to be strong and well-settled. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface faceting continues and surface hoar growth in sheltered areas. Minor pin-wheeling in steep solar aspects. Variable wind slab conditions in the Alpine including bullet-proof hard slab, recently formed soft slabs and buried wind slabs. The Dec 15th surface hoar remains a layer of concern, but due to the lack of an overlying slab this layer has not been overly reactive. In the lower third of the snowpack the November and October rain crusts are facetting and remain on the radar for future potential avalanche problems.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two successive storms produced 40 to 80 cm of snow over the last week. On Monday and Tuesday temperatures warmed dramatically. On Tuesday the Deeks Peak weather station (1280 m) got up to +8.7 C, Mt. Strachan (1420 m) topped out at +6.5 C. These warm temperatures combined with Friday night's rain event should allow the entire snowpack to settle and stabilize. Forecast warm temperatures through the week should allow for further settlement.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind effect in the alpine has been widely reported but wind slab activity has been limited to isolated terrain features with one or more of the following characteristics; steep, unsupported and/or convex. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50 to 100 cm below the surface there are a few prominent melt-freeze crusts that were buried mid-December. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth is about 160 cm at 1000 m, 220 cm at 1250 m. Many early season hazards are still present at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warming is starting to turn dry powder into a cohesive slab in some areas. The main troublemaker in the snowpack at the moment is a layer of feathery surface hoar down 50-70 cm, buried in mid-December. In places this interface exists as a crust/facet combo. It is most prevalent around treeline, but it may be more widespread in some locations. A little more warming, precipitation and/or wind-loading could be all that is needed to turn powder into an easy-to-trigger slab above this touchy interface. It's tricky to predict and even professionals are scratching their heads a bit about exactly when and where this beast will wake up. Its a good time for conservative decision-making.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (about 100-140 cm down), a rain crust from November remains in the back of our minds, but it is considered dormant for now. If you have any recent observations, please share them through the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submit" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Mountain Information Network</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warming is starting to turn dry powder into a cohesive slab in some areas. The main troublemaker in the snowpack at the moment is a layer of feathery surface hoar down 40-70 cm, buried in mid-December. In places this interface exists as a crust/facet combo. It is most prevalent around treeline, but has been reported as high as 2400 m. A little more warming, precipitation and/or wind-loading could be all that is needed to turn powder into an easy-to-trigger slab above this touchy interface. It's tricky to predict and even professionals are scratching their heads a bit about exactly when and where this beast will wake up. It’s a good time for conservative decision-making.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (about 70-110 cm down), a rain crust from November remains in the back of our minds, but it is considered dormant for now. If you have any recent observations, please share them through the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submit" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Mountain Information Network</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">The mid-December layer (with variable distribution, but commonly found between 1600m and 1800m) is now buried 40-70 cm below the surface. This layer includes crusts on south and west facing slopes and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below treeline, and has been producing moderate, sudden results in recent snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, winds (at times strong from the south west) have modified the snow pack, creating an &quot;upside-down&quot; slab layer with stiffer snow on top of softer snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 45 cm of snow fell on at the end of last week. Since then, strong winds from a wide range of directions have blown snow around: In the south of the region winds were from the south west; whereas in the north the winds were from the north east. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The main question in the snowpack surrounds the mid-December layer sitting beneath the recent snow. This layer includes crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered terrain at and below treeline, and has consistently shown its reactivity, even on small features below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is composed of mostly soft sugary snow and a few early season crusts that have not produced significant test results recently.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Sunday a slight crust began to form on south and southwest facing aspects as warm temperatures and sun combined to moisten the snow surface. By Tuesday the upper 5 cm of the snowpack had started to become moist, even on upper elevation northeast facing features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last Thursday and Friday two successive storms produced 50 to 70 cm of snow with wind mainly out of the south. Time and warm temperatures have allowed this snow to settle and bond well with the underlying surface. The exception may be below treeline where there may be isolated pockets of buried surface hoar. Wind effect in the alpine has been extensive but reported wind slab avalanche activity has ceased.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Sunday a slight crust began to form on south and southwest facing aspects as warm temperatures and sun combined to moisten the snow surface. By Tuesday the upper 5 cm of the snowpack had started to become moist, even on upper elevation northeast facing features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On December 28th and 29th two successive storms produced 50 to 80 cm of snow. On December 29th and 30th strong to extreme winds out of the southwest, south and southeast created widespread wind effect. Time and warm temperatures have allowed this snow to settle and bond well with the underlying surface. The exception may be with wind slabs in more extreme terrain and isolated pockets of buried surface hoar below treeline. A widespread melt-freeze crust may still be an issue in the northern portion of the region where it's down 50 to 70 cm below the surface, but is likely trending towards dormancy. Around the Coquihalla this interface is now thought to be part of a well bonded mid-pack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10cm of new snow has fallen in some parts of the region so far in the new year. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold temperatures and strong winds (from a wide range of directions) have affected the surface snow over the past week, scouring some slopes down to an old crust and forming hard deposits in many other areas. There are some lingering wind slabs, found on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust that formed in mid-December. Cornices have also been noted at ridge tops, lee (downwind) to strong north east winds last week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In non-wind affected terrain, 20-40 cm of faceted (sugary) snow overlies the mid-December crust layer. This snow has been sluffing in steep terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust the snowpack is reported to be generally strong with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October, basal crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. Weak sugary faceted snow may exist around this deeply buried crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow has been affected by winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region, with the most dramatic winds associated with outflow conditions in western parts of the region near coastal inlets. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For an update on conditions from last week (which haven't changed too much) check out the Mountain Information Network (MIN) report </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map/forecasts/northwest-inland?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/f845dc8a-adda-41aa-82ae-f7c6a33a5147#" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">here</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. And please submit your own observations to the MIN!</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">Warming is starting to turn dry powder into a cohesive slab in some areas. The main troublemaker in the snowpack at the moment is a layer of feathery surface hoar down 50-70 cm, buried in mid-December. In places this interface exists as a crust/facet combo. It is most prevalent around treeline, but it may be more widespread in some locations. A little more warming, precipitation and/or wind-loading could be all that is needed to turn powder into an easy-to-trigger slab above this touchy interface. It's tricky to predict and even professionals are scratching their heads a bit about exactly when and where this beast will wake up. It's a good time for conservative decision-making.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (about 80-120 cm down), a rain crust from November remains in the back of our minds, but it is considered dormant for now. If you have any recent observations, please share them through the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submit" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Mountain Information Network</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warming, particularly at treeline elevations, could wake up persistent weak layers. The upper snowpack consists of dry snow (becoming moist on sunny slopes) overlying a couple of layers of buried surface hoar (feathery frost crystals). The deeper of these, buried mid-December and down 30-60 cm, is the main concern. A little warming, precipitation and/or wind-loading could be all that is needed to turn powder into a slab above this touchy interface. The buried surface hoar is most prevalent at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (about 70-100 cm down), a rain crust from November remains in the back of our minds, but it is considered dormant for now. If you have any recent observations, please share them through the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submit" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Mountain Information Network</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week two successive storms produced 25 to 50 cm of low density storm snow that was accompanied by moderate to strong winds out of the east, southeast, south and southwest. The new snow overlies the late December surface hoar which is 3 to 5 mm in size. We don't know much about the distribution of this weak layer yet. Warming alpine temperatures on Tuesday began to moisten the snow surface on steep southerly aspects. Surface hoar has started to blossom on the surface recently too.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 60 and 100 cm below the surface you'll find the December 15th interface which consists of a melt-freeze crust on steep, solar, higher elevation slopes and well-developed surface hoar which seems most pronounced in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The overlying slab is now deep and is gaining cohesion. This interface has hit the tipping point for human triggering as evidenced by recent avalanche activity listed above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by twin rain events in late November lay just below the December 15th interface, 60 to 100 cm below the surface. There may be facets above the uppermost crust and sandwiched between the two crusts.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface hoar growth continues with the cold, clear and calm weather. It is not clear yet how widespread this latest surface hoar is. The snowpack has lost a lot of its strength through facetting, especially near the surface. So far none of the crusts or storm interface from last week have woken up, and appear to be hanging in there for the time being. Having said that, it does feel like the the deeper layers could wake up with even a slight change in conditions. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two successive storms produced 40 to 80 cm of snow late last week. This week temperatures warmed dramatically. On Tuesday the Deeks Peak weather station (1280 m) got up to +8.7 C, Mt. Strachan (1420 m) topped out at +6.5 C. These warm temperatures combined with last Friday night's rain event have allowed the entire snowpack to settle and stabilize. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50 to 100 cm below the surface there are a few prominent melt-freeze crusts that were buried mid-December. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth is about 160 cm at 1000 m, 220 cm at 1250 m. Many early season hazards are still present at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A persistent weak layer buried mid-December is buried 40-70 cm below the surface. This layer can be found in a variety of locations, but most commonly can be found between 1600m and 1800m and consists of crusts on south and west facing slopes and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below tree line. It has been producing sudden results in recent snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, wind has modified the snow pack creating a stiffer snow on top of softer snow condition. The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust has been reported to be unreactive, however it is possible that it may have been the bed surface for a skier triggered avalanche that happened on Thursday (See Avalanche Activity section below for details).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 45 cm of snow fell to end 2017. Since then, moderate to strong winds from a wide range of directions have redistributed that snow into wind slabs tree line and above. The main concern in the snowpack is a weak layer buried mid-December, which consists of a crust on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered terrain at and below tree line. This layer has consistently shown to be reactive to human triggers. The lower snowpack is composed of mostly soft sugary faceted snow and a early season crusts. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Sunday a slight crust began to form on south and southwest facing aspects as warm temperatures and sun combined to moisten the snow surface. By Tuesday the upper 5 cm of the snowpack had started to become moist, even on upper elevation northeast facing features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last Thursday and Friday two successive storms produced 50 to 70 cm of snow with wind mainly out of the south. Time and warm temperatures have allowed this snow to settle and bond well with the underlying surface. The exception may be below treeline where there may be isolated pockets of buried surface hoar. Wind effect in the alpine has been extensive but reported wind slab avalanche activity has ceased.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Sunday a slight crust began to form on south and southwest facing aspects as warm temperatures and sun combined to moisten the snow surface. By Tuesday the upper 5 cm of the snowpack had started to become moist, even on upper elevation northeast facing features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On December 28th and 29th two successive storms produced 50 to 80 cm of snow. On December 29th and 30th strong to extreme winds out of the southwest, south and southeast created widespread wind effect. Time and warm temperatures have allowed this snow to settle and bond well with the underlying surface. The exception may be with wind slabs in more extreme terrain and isolated pockets of buried surface hoar below treeline. A widespread melt-freeze crust may still be an issue in the northern portion of the region where it's down 50 to 70 cm below the surface, but is likely trending towards dormancy. Around the Coquihalla this interface is now thought to be part of a well bonded mid-pack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20cm of new snow has fallen throughout the region so far in the new year. Recent above freezing temperatures up to1400m has settled the recent new snow rapidly and begun to build a thin storm slab. Above tree line the new snow has been redistributed by primarily southerly winds. There are some lingering wind slabs, found on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust that formed in mid-December. Cornices have also been noted at ridge tops, with strong north east winds last week. In non-wind affected terrain, 20-40 cm of faceted (sugary) snow overlies the mid-December crust layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust the snowpack is reported to be generally strong with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October, basal crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. Weak sugary faceted snow may exist around this deeply buried crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow has been affected by winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warming trend and additional snow could create a dangerous slab above buried weak layers. Numerous persistent weak layers exist in the snowpack. Dry snow overlies two layers composed of weak and feathery surface hoar, with the deeper layer (December 15) buried 30 to 60 cm. This layer is found most often at treeline and below treeline. If the dry snow becomes more cohesive and forms a slab, this layer has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is variable, consisting of dry snow on shaded aspects, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and wind effect in exposed alpine and treeline locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 70 to 100 cm, a rain crust from November is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result. This layer is considered dormant for now, but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">If you have any recent observations, please share them through the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submit" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Mountain Information Network</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week two successive storms produced 25 to 50 cm of low density storm snow that was accompanied by moderate to strong winds out of the east, southeast, south and southwest. The new snow overlies the late December surface hoar which is 3 to 5 mm in size. We don't know much about the distribution of this weak layer yet. Warming alpine temperatures on Tuesday began to moisten the snow surface on steep southerly aspects. Surface hoar has started to blossom on the surface recently too.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 60 and 100 cm below the surface you'll find the December 15th interface which consists of a melt-freeze crust on steep, solar, higher elevation slopes and well-developed surface hoar which seems most pronounced in sheltered terrain at and below treeline. The overlying slab is now deep and is gaining cohesion. This interface has hit the tipping point for human triggering as evidenced by recent avalanche activity listed above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by twin rain events in late November lay just below the December 15th interface, 60 to 100 cm below the surface. There may be facets above the uppermost crust and sandwiched between the two crusts.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface hoar continues to grow with the chilly, clear nights. Interestingly, there are bands of it from valley bottom to to about 1950 and then as you move higher it shows up again from 2000-2100, and then again at the top of treeline. It could very likely go higher, but we haven't traveled into the alpine lately. Aside from that, the most notable character of the snowpack is the very poor bond in the upper layers. The cold has taken a toll! Today we dug at treeline in the northern part of the region. The Nov crust was down about 60cm and well bonded despite there being facets above and below it. The deeper layers were also well bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two successive storms produced 40 to 80 cm of snow late last week. This week temperatures warmed dramatically. On Wednesday the Deeks Peak weather station (1280 m) got up to +8.7 C, Mt. Strachan (1220 m) topped out at +11.4 C. These warm temperatures combined with last Friday night's rain event have allowed the entire snowpack to settle and stabilize, but heavy rainfall could induce a round of natural avalanche activity. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50 to 100 cm below the surface there are a few prominent melt-freeze crusts that were buried mid-December. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth is about 160 cm at 1000 m, 220 cm at 1250 m. Many early season hazards are still present at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warming trend and new snowfall are creating a dangerous slab above buried weak layers in some areas. Numerous persistent weak layers exist in the snowpack. Dry snow overlies two layers composed of weak and feathery surface hoar, with the deeper layer (December 15) buried 50 to 70 cm. This layer is found most often around and below treeline. As the overlying dry snow becomes more cohesive and forms a slab, this layer has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches. Where and when this will occur is tricky to predict and even professionals are scratching their heads about it. It is a good time for conservative decision-making.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow is falling on variable surfaces, including surface hoar in sheltered slopes, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and wind effect in exposed alpine and treeline locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 90 to 150 cm, a rain crust from November is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result. This layer is considered dormant for now, but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Please share your observations through the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submit" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Mountain Information Network</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A persistent weak layer buried mid-December is 40-70 cm below the surface. This layer can be found in a variety of locations, but most commonly between 1600m and 1800m and consists of crusts on south and west facing slopes and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below tree line. It has been producing sudden results in recent snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, wind has modified the snow pack creating a stiffer snow on top of softer snow condition. The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust has generally been reported to be unreactive, however it is possible that it may have been the bed surface for a skier triggered avalanche that happened on Thursday (See Avalanche Activity section above for details).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">See </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/blogs/baby-its-complicated" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">here</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> for a recent forecaster blog for a summary of the tricky conditions in the snowpack and strategies on how to work around a persistent slab problem. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 45 cm of snow fell to end 2017. Since then, temperatures have warmed up from the deep freeze and moderate to strong winds (primarily from the south west) have redistributed that snow into wind slabs at tree line and above. Some windward slopes have been scoured to ground. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The main concern in the snowpack is a weak layer buried mid-December, which consists of a crust on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered terrain at and below tree line. This layer has consistently shown to be reactive to human triggers. The lower snowpack is composed of mostly soft sugary faceted snow and early season crusts. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Avalanche hazard for tree line elevations and below may be one step lower in areas east of the divide.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">See </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/blogs/baby-its-complicated" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">here</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> for a recent forecaster blog for a summary of the tricky conditions in the snowpack and strategies on how to work around a persistent slab problem. </span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></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">Rain Friday reportedly soaked the upper 15 to 20 cm of the snowpack and left all aspects with moist snow on the surface from valley bottom to at least 2000 m, maybe even ridgetop. As temperatures begin to cool Friday night we can expect a thin melt freeze crust to form on the surface. New snow and wind Friday night into Saturday will likely allow for the formation of fresh storm slabs on this crust at upper elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures likely produced a few millimeters of rain as high as 2000 m on Friday, this likely occurred throughout the region. Previous to Friday's rain event, warm alpine temperatures had allowed the upper 5 cm of the snowpack to become moist, even on upper elevation northeast facing features. As temperatures cool Friday night a crust is expected to form on the surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On December 28th and 29th two successive storms produced 50 to 80 cm of snow. On December 29th and 30th strong to extreme winds out of the southwest, south and southeast created widespread wind effect. Time and warm temperatures allowed this snow to settle and bond well with the underlying surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A widespread melt-freeze crust formed in mid-December may still be an issue in the northern portion of the region where it's down 50 to 100 cm below the surface, but is likely trending towards dormancy. Around the Coquihalla this interface is now thought to be part of a well bonded mid-pack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, recent warming and light rain (or freezing rain in some locations) has settled the 5-10cm of new snow and begun to build a thin storm slab. Above tree line the new snow has been redistributed by primarily southerly winds. There are some lingering wind slabs, found on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust that formed in mid-December. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north of the region there has been 20-30cm of storm snow since New Year's eve, with moderate to strong southerly winds. Warming temperatures and forecast snow are expected to form touchy storm slabs at all elevations. Danger ratings in the north of the region are likely one step higher than listed on the main page. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust the snowpack is reported to be generally strong with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October, basal crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. Weak sugary faceted snow may exist around this deeply buried crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Only 3-5 cm of wet heavy snow fell on Thursday. This new snow sits on a wide variety of surfaces which had been affected by warming temperatures and variable winds. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warming trend and additional snow could create a dangerous slab above buried weak layers. Numerous persistent weak layers exist in the snowpack. Dry snow overlies two layers composed of weak and feathery surface hoar, with the deeper layer (December 15) buried 30 to 60 cm. This layer is shallower in the north of the region and deeper in the south of the region. The weak layer is found most often at treeline and below treeline. If the dry snow becomes more cohesive and forms a slab, this layer has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow is falling on variable surfaces, including surface hoar in sheltered slopes, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and wind effect in exposed alpine and treeline locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 70 to 100 cm, a rain crust from November is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result. This layer is considered dormant for now, but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">If you have any recent observations, please share them through the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submit" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Mountain Information Network</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storms last week produced 25 to 50 cm of low density snow that was accompanied by moderate to strong winds generally out of the south. This snow rests on the late December surface hoar in sheltered locations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warming alpine temperatures this week began to moisten the snow surface on steep southerly aspects and surface hoar once again covers the present surface in many locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 50 and 100 cm below the surface you'll find the December 15th interface which is comprised of well-developed surface hoar that is most pronounced at treeline, but it is present below treeline too. The overlying slab is now deep and is gaining cohesion with time and continued warm temperatures as evidenced by recent avalanche activity listed above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by twin rain events in late November lay just below the December 15th interface, 70 to 110 cm below the surface. Facets may be found sandwiched between the two crusts and have been observed above the uppermost crust too. In shallow rocky terrain the mid December Surface Hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The warm temps continued overnight which helped to settle the surface snow. As a whole, the low elevation snowpack is still weak. Especially around trees or exposed rocks. Treeline conditions have changed very little in the last 24 hours. The upper snowpack is weak, but the mid to lower pack is stronger and able to carry the weight of a skier. The Dec 15 &amp; Nov 27th layers are apparent, but not reacting to moderate loads at this time. The warmer temperatures and clear skies have created suncrusts and moist snow on all solar aspects. The alpine winds picked up overnight as well and began to create windslabs in exposed areas above treeline. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Friday January 5th the rain began to fall in earnest. As of 17:00 on Friday evening the Strachan Precip Station at 1220 m had recorded 53 mm of total rain fall. This rain has saturated the entire snowpack on all but the highest elevation slopes. 50 to 100 cm below the surface there are a few prominent melt-freeze crusts that were buried mid-December. Snowpack investigation Friday afternoon revealed rain is not pooling at these crusts with any significance.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The rain has reduced the snowpack depth at 1000 m to about 140 cm and many early season hazards are still present at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warming trend and small amounts of new snow are creating a dangerous slab above buried weak layers in some areas. Numerous persistent weak layers exist in the snowpack. Dry snow overlies two layers composed of weak and feathery surface hoar, with the deeper layer (December 15) buried 40 to 80 cm. This layer is found most often around and below treeline but has been reported as high as 2400 m. As the overlying dry snow becomes more cohesive and forms a slab, this layer has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches. Where and when this will occur is tricky to predict and even professionals are scratching their heads about it. It is a good time for conservative decision-making.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow surface is variable, consisting of dry snow on shaded aspects, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and wind effect in exposed alpine and treeline locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack ( 70 to 110 cm), a November crust is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result. This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Please share your recent observations through the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submit" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Mountain Information Network</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of new snow by Saturday morning (18mm water equivalent) and warming temperatures has added significant load to the snowpack and increased slab properties above weak layers (see below). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A persistent weak layer buried mid-December is 40-70 cm below the surface. This layer can be found in a variety of locations, but most commonly between 1600m and 1800m and consists of crusts on south and west facing slopes and feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below tree line. It has been producing sudden results in recent snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, wind has modified the snow pack creating a stiffer snow on top of softer snow condition. The lower snowpack is generally well settled with a thick prominent crust that was buried near the end of November. This crust has generally been reported to be unreactive, however it is possible that it may have been the bed surface for a skier triggered avalanche that happened on Thursday (See Avalanche Activity section above for details).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">See </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/blogs/baby-its-complicated" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">here</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> for a recent forecaster blog for a summary of the tricky conditions in the snowpack and strategies on how to work around a persistent slab problem. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain Friday reportedly soaked the upper 15 to 20 cm of the snowpack and left all aspects with moist snow on the surface from valley bottom to at least 2000m, maybe even ridgetop. As temperatures began to cool Friday night into Saturday a thin crust formed. The crust is now buried by new snow above 1600m approximately. This new snow has been redistributed by southeast through southwest winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures likely produced a few millimeters of rain as high as 2000 m on Friday, this likely occurred throughout the region. Previous to Friday's rain event, warm alpine temperatures had allowed the upper 5 cm of the snowpack to become moist, even on upper elevation northeast facing features. As temperatures cooled Friday night into Saturday a crust has formed on the surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On December 28th and 29th two successive storms produced 50 to 80 cm of snow. On December 29th and 30th strong to extreme winds out of the southwest, south and southeast created widespread wind effect. Time and warm temperatures allowed this snow to settle and bond well with the underlying surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A widespread melt-freeze crust formed in mid-December may still be an issue in the northern portion of the region where it's down 50 to 100 cm below the surface, but is likely trending towards dormancy. Around the Coquihalla this interface is now thought to be part of a well bonded mid-pack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the south of the region, recent warming, some rain/freezing rain and daily snowfall of 5 -10 cm has begun to build a thin storm slab. Above tree line the new snow has been redistributed by primarily south - west winds. There are some lingering wind slabs, found on a variety of old surfaces including a thick melt-freeze crust that formed in mid-December. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north of the region there has been 20-40cm of storm snow since New Year's eve, with moderate to strong southerly winds. Warming temperatures and forecast snow are expected to form touchy storm slabs at all elevations. Danger ratings in the north of the region are likely one step higher than listed on the main page. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust the snowpack is reported to be generally strong with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October, basal crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. Weak sugary faceted snow may exist around this deeply buried crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack 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">Only 3-5 cm of wet heavy snow fell on Thursday. This new snow sits on a wide variety of surfaces which had been affected by warming temperatures and variable winds. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of new snow fell on surface hoar in sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects and may not bond well to them.  The snow also may have fallen with moderate southwesterly winds in the alpine, which could have produced small wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The additional snow could create a dangerous slab above buried weak layers.  Numerous persistent weak layers exist in the snowpack.  Dry snow overlies two layers composed of weak and feathery surface hoar, with the deeper layer (December 15) buried 40 to 80 cm.  This layer is found most often around and below treeline.  As the overlying dry snow becomes more cohesive and forms a slab, this layer has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches.  Snowpack tests are showing that this layer could form avalanches (i.e. sudden fracture characters, high propagation potential, whumpfing, rutschblock 1 to 3).  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (90 to 150 cm), a November crust is producing variable test results, from sudden to no result.  This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Please share your recent observations through the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submit" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Mountain Information Network</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warming alpine temperatures this week began to moisten the snow surface on steep southerly aspects and surface hoar once again covers the present surface in many locations. Up to 10cm of new snow now sits on the previous surfaces. Storms last week produced 25 to 50 cm of low density snow that was accompanied by moderate to strong winds generally out of the south. This snow rests on a surface hoar layer buried late in December surface hoar. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 50 and 100 cm below the surface you'll find a layer of well-developed surface hoar buried mid-December. This layer is most pronounced at treeline, but it is present below treeline also. The overlying slab is now deep and is gaining cohesion with time and continued warm temperatures, as evidenced by recent avalanche activity listed above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by twin rain events in late November lay just below the December 15th interface, 70 to 110 cm below the surface. Facets may be found sandwiched between the two crusts and have been observed above the uppermost crust too. In shallow rocky terrain the mid December Surface Hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Low down, the settlement from the past few warm days is quite noticeable. Unfortunately, the faceting in the mid to lower pack is still obvious. In many places, the snow has that distinct &quot;upside down&quot; feel to it. The exposed surface hoar  has begun to break down with the warmth. At treeline the winds have created widespread windslabs that are sitting on either weak facets, or in some isolated areas, the preserved surface hoar from Dec 15. The alpine now has windslabs on N-S aspects from today's moderate westerly winds. So far no layers have woken up, but during our field day today we had the feeling that the snowpack is changing for the worse. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Friday January 5th the rain began to fall in earnest. By Friday evening the Strachan weather Station at 1220m had recorded 53mm of total rain fall. This rain has saturated the entire snowpack on all but the highest elevation slopes. Gradually cooling temperatures through the day on Saturday have more than likely created a crust on the surface of the snow at elevations above 1100m. Looking down into the snowpack there are a few prominent melt-freeze crusts that were buried mid-December and are now 50 to 100cm below the surface. Snowpack investigation Friday afternoon revealed rain is not pooling at these crusts with any significance.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The rain has reduced the snowpack depth at 1000m to about 140cm and many early season hazards are still present at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of new snow has accumulated on surface hoar in sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects.  The snow is forming a storm slab, which may not bond well to the underlying layers.  The snow also fell with moderate to strong southwesterly winds in the alpine, which produced wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations.  Below treeline, this new snow is mainly a concern in openings (e.g. cut blocks, gullies, cut banks).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The additional snow could create a dangerous slab above buried weak layers.  40-80 cm of snow overlies two layers composed of weak and feathery surface hoar (buried on December 27 and December 15). The layers are found most often around and below treeline. As the overlying snow forms a cohesive slab, this layer has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (90 to 150 cm), a November crust is producing variable test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result.  This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow (2-15 cm across the region) has accumulated on surface hoar in sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects. This new snow may be deeper in northwesterly lee features due to moderate southwesterly winds at treeline and alpine elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warming trend and new snow could create a dangerous slab above buried weak layers in some areas. Numerous persistent weak layers exist in the snowpack. Dry snow overlies two layers composed of weak and feathery surface hoar, with the deeper layer (December 15) buried 40 to 80 cm. This layer is found most often around and below treeline but has been reported as high as 2400 m. As the overlying dry snow becomes more cohesive and forms a slab, this layer has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches. Where and when this will occur is tricky to predict and even professionals are scratching their heads about it. It is a good time for conservative decision-making.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (70 to 110 cm), a November crust is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result. This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A touchy weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found down about 40-70 cm. It is found at and below treeline, and seems particularly touchy between about 1600-1800 m. As temperatures warm, the slab above this weakness may become even easier to trigger remotely or with the weight of a person.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs and cornices can be found at ridge top. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, an early season rain crust and sugary facets make up the picture. It is possible that a surface avalanche could step down to these layers, creating a surprisingly large event.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wind slabs may exist lower on the slope than normal, due to recent extreme south-west winds. Windward alpine slopes are scoured; and variable wind slabs are found at treeline and alpine elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below. Avalanches on this layer may be triggered by the weight of a person in certain locations. As temperatures warm, the slab above this weakness may become easy to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, an early season rain crust and sugary facets make up the picture. Overall snowpack depths are variable across the region. It's generally shallower in the east.</span><span class="s_1681A555" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30cm of new snow sits on a crust that formed on Saturday. This sits above about 20cm of moist snow. The new snow has been redistributed by moderate to strong southeast through southwest winds on Sunday. Up to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20cm of snow sits on a crust that formed after temperatures cooled moist surface snow on Saturday. Two successive storms at the end of December produced 50 to 80 cm of snow, which has long since to settled and bonded to the underlying surface. A widespread melt-freeze crust formed in mid-December may still be an issue in the northern portion of the region where it's down 50 to 100 cm below the surface, but is likely trending towards dormancy. Around the Coquihalla this interface is now thought to be part of a well bonded mid-pack. The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region. Wind slabs can be found on a variety of slopes. New snow is expected to create touchy storm slabs in the south and west, but amounts should peter out as you travel north and east.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar/facet interface that was buried on New Years Eve is down about 30-40 cm. Incoming storm snow might bring the load above this layer to its tipping point. A hard crust from mid-December sits deeper in the snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust the snowpack is reported to be generally strong with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. Weak sugary faceted snow may exist around this deeply buried crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Modest amounts of incoming snow will overlie various old surfaces, including a hard freezing rain crust (which was reported into the alpine in some areas east of Smithers), old crusts and wind slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of new snow has accumulated on surface hoar in sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects. The snow is forming a storm slab, which may not bond well to the underlying layers. The snow also fell with moderate to strong southwesterly winds in the alpine, which produced wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations. Below treeline, this new snow is mainly a concern in openings (e.g. cutblocks, gullies, cutbanks).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The additional snow could create a dangerous slab above numerous buried weak layers. 40-80 cm of snow overlies two layers composed of weak and feathery surface hoar (buried on December 27 and December 15). The layers are found most often around and below treeline. As the overlying snow forms a cohesive slab, this layer has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches. Snowpack tests are showing that this layer could form avalanches (sudden fracture characters, high propagation potential, rutschblock 1 to 3). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (90 to 150 cm), a November crust is producing variable test results, from sudden to no result. This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20-30 cm of new snow fell on surface hoar in sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects and may not bond well to them. The snow also fell with moderate southwesterly winds in the alpine, which could have produced small wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow could create a dangerous slab above buried weak layers. Numerous persistent weak layers exist deeper in the snowpack. Dry snow overlies three layers composed of weak and feathery surface hoar, with the deepest layer (December 15) buried 30 to 60 cm. This layer is shallower in the north of the region and deeper in the south of the region. The weak layer is found most often at treeline and below treeline. As the snow above the weak layers becomes more cohesive and forms a slab, the setup has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 70 to 100 cm, a rain crust from November is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result. This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20cm of new snow now sits on a crust on steep southerly aspects and/or on a newly formed layer of surface hoar that was buried January 5th. A series of storms last week produced 25 to 50 cm of low density snow. This means that a surface hoar layer buried late in December is now buried 35-60cm approximately. Dig a bit deeper, you may find yet another surface hoar layer between 60 and 110cm below the surface. This layer was buried buried mid-December and is most pronounced at tree line, but is present below tree line also. The overlying slab is now deep and is gaining cohesion with time and continued warm temperatures, as evidenced by recent avalanche activity listed above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by twin rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, 70 to 110 cm below the surface. Facets may be found sandwiched between the two crusts and have been observed above the uppermost crust too. In shallow rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The warm temps and strong winds are creating widespread windslabs in the alpine and specific areas at treeline.  These slabs are 20-30cm thick and failing on weak facets and/or the December 15th interface.  The November crusts are still deeper down in the snowpack but they are facetting out more and more each day and have yet to produce a significant sheer during snowpack tests.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cool temperatures through the day on Saturday created a crust on a previously moist or wet surface. Since then 25-40cm of fresh new snow has fallen to bury this crust. Looking down into the snowpack there are a few prominent melt-freeze crusts that were buried mid-December and are now 50 to 100cm below the surface. After heavy rain last Friday penetrated most of the snowpack, these crust layers have been reported to be bonding to the snow above and below. The rain last week has reduced the snowpack depth at 1000m to about 140cm and many early season hazards are still present at </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of new snow has accumulated on surface hoar in sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects.  The snow has formed a storm slab that has produced numerous avalanches (see the Avalanche Summary).  The snow also fell with moderate to strong southwesterly winds in the alpine, which produced wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations.  Below treeline, this new snow is mainly a concern in openings (e.g. cut blocks, gullies, cut banks).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The additional snow has created a dangerous slab above numerous buried weak layers. 40-80 cm of snow overlies layers composed of weak and feathery surface hoar. The layers are found most often around and below treeline. This layer has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches because the layers are buried at a depth prime to human triggering.  See the Avalanche Summary for recent avalanches on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (90 to 150 cm), a November crust is producing variable test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result.  This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</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 is forming a storm slab and sitting on surface hoar in sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects.  The snow fell with moderate to strong southwesterly winds in the alpine, which produced wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations.  Below treeline, this new snow is mainly a concern in openings (e.g. cut blocks, gullies, cut banks).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warming trend and new snow is likely creating a dangerous slab above buried weak layers.  Dry snow overlies layers of weak and feathery surface hoar, with the deeper layer (December 15) buried 40 to 80 cm.  This layer is found most often around and below treeline but has been reported as high as 2450 m and could exist higher.  As the overlying dry snow becomes more cohesive and forms a slab, this layer has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches.  This has occurred in neighbouring forecasting regions with a similar snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (70 to 110 cm), a November crust is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result.  This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is building storm slabs. Old and new wind slabs and cornices can be found at ridge top. If intense snowfall rates occur, loose snow avalanches are likely to run fast and far. A very touchy weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found down about 40-90 cm. It is most prevalent at and below treeline, and seems particularly volatile between about 1600-1800 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, an early season rain crust and sugary facets make up the picture. It is possible that a shallower avalanche could step down to these layers, creating a surprisingly large event.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region, but the two key concerns are touchy persistent slabs and wind slabs. Wind slabs may exist lower on the slope than normal, due to recent extreme south-west winds. In some parts of the region, windward alpine slopes are scoured; and variable wind slabs are found at treeline and alpine elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A touchy weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below. Slabs are failing very easily on this layer with the weight of a person or machine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, an early season rain crust and sugary facets make up the picture. Overall snowpack depths are variable across the region. It's generally shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 to 35 cm of new snow sits on a crust that formed Saturday.&nbsp; About 20 cm of moist snow can be found below the crust. The new snow was redistributed by moderate to strong southeast through southwest winds on Sunday. Up to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th. This layer has not produced much in the way of avalanche activity and is likely trending towards dormancy. Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 20 cm of recent storm snow now rests on the the January 6th crust. This crust formed after temperatures cooled on Saturday, locking up the previously moist surface snow. On Sunday moderate southwest winds likely formed wind stiffened soft slabs in lee features at and above treeline. Two successive storms at the end of December produced 50 to 80 cm of snow, which has long since settled and bonded to the underlying surface. A widespread melt-freeze crust formed in mid-December may still be an issue in the northern portion of the region where it's down 50 to 100 cm below the surface, but is likely trending towards dormancy. Around the Coquihalla this interface is now thought to be part of a well bonded mid-pack. The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region. Wind slabs and storm slabs may be found on some slopes in the alpine and at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack consists of several layers of interest, including a breakable temperature /rain crust, surface hoar and facets. A hard crust from mid-December sits deeper in the snowpack, about 50 cm down.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust the snowpack is reported to be generally strong with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October, basal crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. Weak sugary faceted snow may exist around this deeply buried crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Accumulating snow overlies various surfaces, including a hard freezing rain crust (which was reported into the alpine and may be widespread), old sun crusts and wind slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base 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 accumulated on surface hoar in sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects. The snow is forming a storm slab that has produced numerous avalanches (see Avalanche Summary). The snow fell with strong southwesterly winds in the alpine, which produced wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations. Below treeline, this new snow is mainly a concern in openings (cut blocks, gullies, cut banks).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The additional snow has created a dangerous slab above numerous buried weak layers. 40-80 cm of snow overlies layers of weak and feathery surface hoar, which is most often found at and below treeline. This layer has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches because the layers are buried at a depth prime to human triggering. Snowpack tests are generally showing that this layer could form large avalanches (sudden fracture characters, high propagation potential, rutschblock 1 to 3). See the Avalanche Summary for recent activity. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (90 to 150 cm), a November crust is producing variable test results (sudden to no result). This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of new snow fell on surface hoar in sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects and may not bond well to them. The snow also fell with moderate southwesterly winds in the alpine, which likely produced small wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow could create a dangerous slab above buried weak layers. Numerous persistent weak layers exist deeper in the snowpack. Dry snow overlies three layers composed of weak and feathery surface hoar, with the deepest layer (December 15) buried 40 to 70 cm. This layer is shallower in the north of the region and deeper in the south of the region. The weak layer is found most often at treeline and below treeline. As the snow above the weak layers becomes more cohesive and forms a slab, the setup has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches. Snowpack test results in this MIN post show that this layer could be reactive.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 70 to 100 cm, a rain crust from November is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result. This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 25 cm of new snow now sits on a crust on steep southerly aspects and/or a newly formed layer of surface hoar that was buried January 5th. A series of storms last week produced 25 to 50 cm of low density snow. This means that a surface hoar layer buried late in December is now 40 to 50 cm deep. Dig a bit deeper, you may find yet another surface hoar layer between 60 and 110 cm below the surface. This layer was buried mid-December and is most pronounced at treeline, but is present below treeline also. The overlying slab is now deep and is gaining cohesion with time and continued warm temperatures, as evidenced by recent avalanche activity listed above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by twin rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, 70 to 110 cm below the surface. Facets may be found sandwiched between the two crusts and have been observed above the uppermost crust too. In shallow rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate to strong SW winds combined with warm temperatures have added to the already widespread wind slab conditions in the Alpine and at Treeline. These slabs exist on all aspects, except in some specific windward terrain where the wind has stripped the snow down to bare rock. The Dec 15th interface (surface hoar on north aspects, sun crust on solar aspects) continue to produce results in snowpack stability tests. The November and October crusts deeper in the snowpack continue to facet and forecasters are watching these layers as a potential future problem.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Monday afternoon, 20 to 40 cm of rain soaked snow had fallen on the January 7th crust. Looking down into the snowpack there are a few prominent melt-freeze crusts that were buried mid-December and are now 50 to 100 cm below the surface. After heavy rain last Friday penetrated most of the snowpack, these crust layers have been reported to be bonding to the snow above and below. The rain last week has reduced the snowpack depth at 1000 m to about 140 cm and many early season hazards are still present.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of new snow has accumulated on surface hoar in sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects. </span><span class="s_E6FD2046">Numerous storm slab avalanches resulted as the new snow consolidated into a slab before bonding to the underlying surface. Strong southwest winds have accelerated slab formation at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E6FD2046">The additional snow has also increased the reactivity of a number of buried weak layers. 50-100 cm of snow now overlies a layer of weak and feathery surface hoar, found primarily at and below treeline. Dubbed the December 15 surface hoar, this layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches. See the Avalanche Summary for recent activity. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deeper in the snowpack (90 to 150 cm), a crust that formed back in November is producing variable test results (sudden to no result). This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered in thin spots around variable-depth snowpack areas in the alpine.</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 is forming a storm slab and sitting on surface hoar in sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects. The snow fell with moderate to strong southwesterly winds in the alpine, which produced wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations. Below treeline, storm slabs are mainly a concern in openings (e.g. cut blocks, gullies, cut banks).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warming trend and new snow is likely creating a dangerous slab above buried weak layers. About 40-80 cm of snow now overlies a layer of weak and feathery surface hoar from December 15. This layer is found most often around and below treeline but has been reported in the alpine as well. As the overlying snow continues to consolidate into a slab, this layer has the potential to create easily-triggerable, destructive slab avalanches. This has occurred in neighbouring forecasting regions with a similar snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (70 to 110 cm), a November crust is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result. This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack reached its tipping point on Tuesday as warming and precipitation combined to overload persistent weak layers in the snowpack and create a large natural avalanche cycle.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A volatile weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below. Deeper in the snowpack, an early season rain crust and sugary facets are also being stressed. Avalanches failing on these layers are large and destructive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A volatile weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below. Slabs can fail very easily on this layer, either naturally or with the weight of a person or machine. Every extra snowflake adds stress to this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region, but persistent slabs are a generally widespread problem. Wind slab and storm slab distribution will be more variable. Hard wind slabs can be found in parts of the region due to recent extreme south-west winds. Windward alpine slopes may be scoured; and variable wind slabs are found at treeline and alpine elevations. New snow is likely to fail as storm slabs and/or loose avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, an early season rain crust and sugary facets make up the picture. An avalanche in motion could step down to these deeper layers, creating a surprisingly large avalanche. Overall snowpack depths are variable across the region. It's generally shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 15 cm of light density snow from Monday night and Tuesday now rests on 20 to 30 cm of slightly heavier snow that fell over the weekend. This snow was redistributed by moderate to strong southeast through southwest winds on Sunday. All of this snow is above the the January 6th crust which is present to at least 2100 m, maybe higher. This crust is reportedly breakable below 2100 m. Below the crust there is about 20 cm of settled moist snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th, but this layer has not produced any recent avalanche activity and is trending towards dormancy. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 35 cm of recent storm snow now rests on the the January 6th crust. This crust formed after temperatures cooled on Saturday, locking up the previously moist surface snow. On Sunday moderate to strong southwest winds redistributed snow and likely formed wind stiffened soft slabs in lee features at and above treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A widespread melt-freeze crust formed in mid-December is still an issue in the northern portion of the region where it's down 40 to 50 cm below the surface. Recent observations have shown that there are rounding facets underneath the crust on polar aspects (north and east) at and above treeline. Recent snowpack tests have produced easy sudden-planar results on solar aspects (south and west) at and above treeline on this interface as well. Around the Coquihalla this interface is now thought to be part of a well bonded mid-pack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region. Wind slabs and storm slabs may be found on some slopes in the alpine and at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack consists of several layers of interest, including a breakable temperature /rain crust, surface hoar and facets. A hard crust from mid-December sits deeper in the snowpack, about 50 cm down.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust the snowpack is reported to be generally strong with the possible exception of areas around Stewart and northern parts of the region where the late-October, basal crust can be found near the base of the snowpack. Weak sugary faceted snow may exist around this deeply buried crust and could be triggered from shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20-30 cm snow overlies various surfaces including a freezing rain crust (which was reported as being hard in the alpine and breakable below treeline), old sun crusts and wind slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found in the upper snowpack. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of new snow has accumulated on surface hoar in sheltered slopes and over a sun crust on steep solar aspects. Numerous storm slab avalanches resulted as the new snow consolidated into a slab before bonding to the underlying surface. Strong southwest winds have accelerated slab formation at higher elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The additional snow has increased the reactivity of a number of buried weak layers. 50-100 cm of snow now overlies a layer of weak and feathery surface hoar, found primarily at and below treeline. Dubbed the December 15 surface hoar, this layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches. See the Avalanche Summary for recent activity. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (90 to 150 cm), a crust that formed back in November is producing variable test results (sudden to no result). This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered in thin spots around variable-depth snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of new snow now overlies surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. The new snow will need time to bond to these surfaces. Moderate southwesterly winds accompanied this snowfall in the alpine, which likely created small wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the new snow consolidates, it may form a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist deeper in the snowpack. The deepest of these, the December 15 surface hoar, is now buried 50 to 80 cm deep. This layer is shallower in the north of the region and deeper in the south of the region and is found most often at treeline and below treeline. As the snow above the weak layers becomes more cohesive and forms a slab, the setup has the potential to create easily-triggerable destructive slab avalanches. Recent avalanche activity as well as snowpack test results show increasing reactivity at this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 70 to 100 cm, a rain crust from November is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result. This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered where the snowpack is thin.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 to 50 cm of new snow now sits on a crust on steep southerly aspects and/or a newly formed layer of surface hoar that was buried January 5th.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A surface hoar layer buried late in December is now 40 to 80 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar is now down 60 to 110 cm below the surface. This layer is most pronounced at treeline, but is present below treeline also. The overlying slab is now deep and is gaining cohesion with time and continued warm temperatures, as evidenced by recent avalanche activity listed above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by twin rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, 70 to 110 cm below the surface. Facets may be found sandwiched between the two crusts and have been observed above the uppermost crust too. In shallow rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The Burstall Pass area received about 10cm during the day which made for good skiing.  There was wind in the alpine today and forecast to continue until tomorrow so be aware of lee loaded areas and the continuing growth of the slabs in the alpine.  There is about 50-60cm now that is sitting on the Dec 15 surface hoar layer and will become more of a concern if it gets more load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the last 48 hours the North Shore Mountains have received about 85 mm of rain, and approximately 20 cm of snow with a rapidly fluctuating freezing level. 10 to 20 cm of rain soaked snow now rests on the rain crust that formed Monday January 8th. Below the January 8th crust there is 15 to 30 cm of well settled rain soaked snow, that snow sits on the January 7th melt/freeze crust. The January 8th crust may not be present in the Alpine where temperatures are thought to have stayed cooler over the last few days. Significantly more storm snow is likely present in the Alpine, but we have few observations from that elevation band. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions/0a951d25-edb3-4721-a771-7ad0cc427ab3" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">Check out this great MIN report for an idea of current alpine conditions.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 50 to 100 cm of moist snow are between the surface and a few prominent melt-freeze crusts that were buried mid-December, these crust layers have been reported to be bonding to the snow above and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth at 1000 m is about 150 cm and many early season hazards are still present.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storms have brought 40-60 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Numerous storm slab avalanches resulted as the new snow formed a slab before bonding to the surface. Moderate to strong southwest winds accompanied the snowfall at higher elevations, creating wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it forms a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. The first of these is the surface hoar that exists at the new snow interface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show a high degree of reactivity at this layer. Below it, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried 50 to 100 cm deep. This layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches. Its reactivity has been most apparent at treeline and below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 90 to 150 cm, a rain crust from November is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result. This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms have brought 20-40 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds accompanied the snowfall at higher elevations, creating wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it is forming a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. The first of these is the surface hoar found at the new snow interface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show a high degree of reactivity at this layer. Below it, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried 40-80 cm deep. This layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches in neighbouring regions and its reactivity has been most apparent at treeline and below treeline. These weak layers are of greater concern in areas that received greater snowfall from recent storms.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 90 to 150 cm, a rain crust from November is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result. This layer may be triggerable in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack reached its tipping point on Tuesday and Wednesday as warming and precipitation combined to overload persistent weak layers in the snowpack and create a large natural avalanche cycle. More snowfall on Thursday will continue this dangerous trend.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over 100 cm has fallen in the past few days. The snow fell relatively warm with moderate winds, which has formed storm slabs. Deeper in the snowpack, an unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Below, a rain crust that developed late-November with associated sugary facets are also being stressed. Snowpack test results show sudden fracture characters and high propagation potential for both of these buried layers, indicating that they can be triggered and could propagate into large, destructive avalanches. This has been the case, as shown in the Avalanche Summary.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Slabs can fail very easily on this layer, either naturally or with the weight of a person or machine. Forecasted new snow will continue to stress this layer and likely make it easier to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region, but persistent slabs are generally a widespread problem. Wind slab and storm slab distribution will be more variable. Hard wind slabs can be found in parts of the region due to recent extreme southwest winds but more recently northerly winds, which have reverse-loaded some slopes. This means that wind slabs may be found on every aspect. Windward alpine slopes may be scoured; and variable wind slabs are found at treeline and alpine elevations. New snow is likely to fail as storm slabs and/or loose avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, an early-season rain crust and sugary facets exist. An avalanche in motion could step down to these deeper layers, creating a large and destructive avalanche. Overall snowpack depths are variable across the region. It is generally shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 15 cm of light density snow from Monday night and Tuesday now rests on 20 to 30 cm of slightly heavier snow that fell over the weekend. This snow was redistributed by moderate to strong southeast through southwest winds on Sunday. All of this snow is above the the January 6th crust which is present to at least 2100 m, maybe higher. This crust is reportedly breakable below 2100 m. Below the crust there is about 20 cm of settled moist snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th, but this layer has not produced any recent avalanche activity and is trending towards dormancy. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 to 40 cm of recent storm snow now rests on the the January 6th crust. This crust formed after temperatures cooled on Saturday, locking up the previously moist surface snow. On Sunday moderate to strong southwest winds redistributed snow and formed wind slabs in lee features at and above treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A widespread melt-freeze crust formed in mid-December is still an issue in the northern portion of the region where it is down 40 to 50 cm below the surface. Recent observations have shown that there are rounding facets underneath the crust on polar aspects (north and east) at and above treeline. Recent snowpack tests have produced easy sudden-planar results on solar aspects (south and west) at and above treeline on this interface as well. Around the Coquihalla this interface is not problematic and is thought to be part of a well bonded mid-pack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region. Wind slabs and storm slabs may be found on some slopes in the alpine and at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 45 cm recent snow overlies several layers of interest in the upper snowpack. These include crusts, surface hoar and facets. A hard crust with associated facets from mid-December sits deeper in the snowpack, about 60 cm down. Any of these layers could create a persistent slab problem if new snow, wind-loading or warming change the properties of the slab above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable winds are likely to build slabs on many different slopes. Recent snow (around 20-30 cm) overlies various surfaces including a freezing rain crust (which was reported as being hard in the alpine and breakable below treeline), old sun crusts and wind slabs. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found in the upper snowpack. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms have brought 40-60 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Numerous storm slab avalanches resulted as the new snow formed a slab before bonding to the surface. Moderate to strong southwest winds accompanied the snowfall at higher elevations, creating wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it is forming a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. The first of these is the surface hoar that exists at the new snow interface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show a high degree of reactivity at this layer. Below it, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried 50 to 100 cm deep. This layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches. Its reactivity has been most apparent at treeline and below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 90 to 150 cm, a rain crust from November is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fractures to no result. This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms have brought 20-50 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. The deepest accumulations exist in the south of the region. Moderate southwesterly winds accompanied this snowfall in the alpine, which created wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it gradually forms a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. The first of these is the surface hoar that exists at the new snow interface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show a high degree of reactivity at this layer. Below it, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried 50 to 80 cm deep. Reactivity at this layer has been increasing and is most apparent at treeline and below treeline. Both of these layers are buried deeper and present greater danger in the south of the region. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 70 to 100 cm, a rain crust from November is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result. This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 60 cm of recent snow is coalescing into a slab on top of the January 5th interface which consists of a crust/surface hoar combination on steep southerly aspects and pure surface hoar on remaining aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The late December surface hoar remains active and is now down 50 to 70 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar, facet and crust combination is now down 70 to 130 cm below the surface and remains active. This interface is most pronounced at treeline, but is present below treeline also. The overlying slab is now deep and cohesive. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by twin rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, 80 to 150 cm below the surface. Facets may be found sandwiched between the two crusts and have been observed above the uppermost crust too. In shallow rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The last 2 days have brought nearly 30cm of new snow. Luckily this new snow has come in with no wind and there is very little wind effect at any elevation. Beneath this new snow lies an interesting snowpack. Up to 2200m, there are 2 surface hoar layers: the Jan 6th(down 30cm) &amp; the Dec 15(down 70cm). We are just starting to see results on these layers as the new snow load slowly builds up. As of today, the Jan 6th layer is lacking a surface slab, which is preventing it from being a slab avalanche concern. BUT, if/when there is a slab above it, expect this layer to be a very serious avalanche problem. Meanwhile, the Dec 15th is starting to fail in stability tests (CTM12, SC down 70cm). The difficulty with both of these layers is knowing where they are NOT in the terrain. In some areas we've seen the surface hoar up to 2300m and in in others only up to 2200...and to make it worse yet, in some areas we have seen bands of surface hoar that show up at random intervals. In the alpine, there is an intermittent windslab that feels as though it could sneak up on us and be a real surprise. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storms brought 50-70 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Numerous storm slab avalanches resulted as the new snow formed a slab before bonding to the surface. Moderate to strong southwest winds accompanied the snowfall at higher elevations, creating wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it forms a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. The first of these is the (January 5) surface hoar that exists at the new snow interface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show a high degree of reactivity at this layer. Below it, a</span><span class="s_3FE45715">nother surface hoar layer from late December 26 is showing increased involvement in 'step' down releases in the region. This layer is found at similar depths, but just below the January 5 interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below these layers, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried 70 to 110 cm deep. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">This layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches, with many of these 'stepping down' to this layer from shallower releases. Its reactivity has been most apparent at treeline and below. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms brought a variable 10-60 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds accompanied the snowfall at higher elevations, creating wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it is forming a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. The first of these is the surface hoar found at the new snow interface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show a high degree of reactivity at this layer. Below it, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried a widely variable 40-100 cm deep. This layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches in neighbouring regions and its reactivity has been most apparent at treeline and below treeline. In the Purcells, both of these weak layers are of greatest concern in areas that received greater snowfall from recent storms.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 90 to 150 cm, a rain crust from November is producing variable snowpack test results. This layer may be triggerable in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack reached its tipping point on Tuesday and Wednesday as warming and precipitation combined to overload buried persistent weak layers in the snowpack and create a large natural avalanche cycle.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over 100 cm of snow has fallen in the past few days.  The snow fell relatively warm with moderate winds, which has formed storm slabs.  The snow also formed large cornices.  Deeper in the snowpack, an unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations.  Below, a rain crust that developed late-November with associated sugary facets are also being stressed. Snowpack test results show sudden fracture characters and high propagation potential for both of these buried layers, indicating that they can be triggered and could propagate into large, destructive avalanches. This has been the case, as shown in the Avalanche Summary.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Slabs can fail easily on this layer, either naturally or with the weight of a person or machine. Forecasted new snow Thursday night will continue to stress this layer and likely make it easier to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region, but persistent slabs are generally a widespread problem. Wind slab and storm slab distribution will be more variable. Hard wind slabs can be found in parts of the region due to recent extreme southwest winds but more recently northerly winds, which have reverse-loaded some slopes. This means that wind slabs may be found on every aspect.  Windward alpine slopes may be scoured; and variable wind slabs are found at treeline and alpine elevations. New snow is likely to fail as storm slabs and/or loose avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, an early-season rain crust and sugary facets exist. An avalanche in motion could step down to these deeper layers, creating a large and destructive avalanche. Overall snowpack depths are variable across the region. It is generally shallower in the east.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 15 cm of light density snow from Monday night and Tuesday now rests on 20 to 30 cm of slightly heavier snow that fell over the weekend. This snow was redistributed by moderate to strong southeast through southwest winds on Sunday. All of this snow is above the the January 6th crust which is present to at least 2100 m, maybe higher. This crust is reportedly breakable below 2100 m. Below the crust there is about 20 cm of settled moist snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 100 cm below the surface there is a widespread melt-freeze crust that was buried on December 15th, but this layer has not produced any recent avalanche activity and is trending towards dormancy. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-December crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 to 40 cm of recent storm snow (with more in the Coquihalla area) now rests on the the January 6th crust. This crust formed after temperatures cooled last Saturday, locking up the previously moist surface snow. On Sunday moderate to strong southwest winds redistributed snow and formed wind slabs in lee features at and above treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A widespread melt-freeze crust formed in mid-December is still an issue in the northern portion of the region where it is down 40 to 50 cm below the surface. Recent observations have shown that there are rounding facets underneath the crust on shady aspects at and above treeline. Recent snowpack tests have produced easy sudden-planar results on solar aspects at and above treeline on this interface as well. Around the Coquihalla this interface is not problematic and is thought to be part of a well bonded mid-pack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region. Wind slabs and storm slabs are found on some slopes in the alpine and at treeline.  Strong outflow winds have formed wind slabs on southerly and southwesterly lee features at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 45 cm recent snow overlies several layers of interest in the upper snowpack. These include crusts, surface hoar and facets. A hard crust with associated facets from mid-December sits deeper in the snowpack, about 60 cm down. Any of these layers could create a persistent slab problem if new snow, wind-loading or warming change the properties of the slab above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable winds are likely building slabs on many different slopes. Recent snow (around 20-30 cm) overlies various surfaces including a freezing rain crust (which was reported as being hard in the alpine and breakable below treeline), old sun crusts and wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found in the upper snowpack. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is 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">Recent storms have brought 40-70 cm of new snow to the region. This new snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Numerous storm slab avalanches resulted as the new snow formed a slab before bonding to the surface. Moderate to strong southwest winds accompanied the snowfall at higher elevations, creating wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the new snow consolidates, it forms a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. The first of these is the surface hoar that exists at the new snow interface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show a high degree of reactivity at this layer. Below it, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried 50 to 100 cm deep. This layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches, with many of these 'stepping down' to this layer from shallower releases. Its reactivity has been most apparent at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 90 to 150 cm, a rain crust from November is considered dormant but could be triggered in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms brought 20-50 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and the deepest accumulations exist in the south of the region. Moderate southwesterly winds accompanied this snowfall in the alpine, which created wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it gradually forms a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. The first of these is the surface hoar that exists at the new snow interface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show a high degree of reactivity at this layer. Below it, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried 50 to 80 cm deep. Reactivity at this layer has been increasing and is most apparent at treeline and below treeline. Both of these layers are buried deeper and present greater danger in the south of the region. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 70 to 100 cm, a rain crust from November is producing variable snowpack test results, from sudden fracture characters to no result. This layer is considered dormant but could be triggered in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 80 cm of recent snow is settling into a cohesive slab on top of the reactive January 5th interface which consists of a crust/surface hoar combination on steep southerly aspects and pure surface hoar on remaining aspects. The late December surface hoar also remains reactive and is now down 50 to 95 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Adding to the complexity of the mid to upper snowpack is the mid-December surface hoar which is now 60 to 130 cm below the surface. This spooky interface continues to produce sudden snowpack test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline. The overlying slab is now deep, dense and destructive. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. In shallow, rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 13cm overnight brings our recent storm snow up to 30-40cm over the past 2 days.  This new snow has yet to see much wind affect but it is continuing to bury two key layers.  One the Dec interface down 70cm which is facets or surface hoar (below 2300m) and the Jan 6th Surface down 30 which is surface haor below 2300m or a sun crust on steep solar aspects up to 2600m.  As the snow settles and strengthens over these layers they will become more reactive.  Whumpfing and settlements were being observed on thursday so treat that as a heads up.  Otherwise, wind slabs are still being observered in alpine areas on all aspects but as of yet they don't extend far downslope.  As the winds increase, expect all of these problems to become more reactive at treeline and in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the last few days the North Shore Mountains received about 91 mm of rain, and approximately 20 cm of snow with a rapidly fluctuating freezing level. Depending on elevation, the upper snowpack is likely now a mix of moist snow, crusts and settling storm snow; however, reports from the North Shore indicate that 15cm of moist snow sits above loose dry snow which overlies a crust. This combination has proven to be reactive in surprisingly low-angle terrain. Reactive storm slabs may exist at upper elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 100 cm below the surface you may find a few prominent melt-freeze crusts that were buried mid-December, these crust layers have been reported to be bonding well to the mid-pack and are largely considered dormant.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth at 1000 m is about 150 cm and many early season hazards are still present.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storms brought 50-70 cm of new snow to the region. This storm snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Numerous storm slab avalanches resulted as the new snow formed a slab before bonding to the surface. Moderate to strong southwest winds have accelerated this slab formation at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it progressively forms a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. The first of these is the (January 5) surface hoar that covered the old snow surface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show high reactivity at this layer. Below it, a</span><span class="s_3FE45715">nother surface hoar layer from late December 26 is showing increased involvement in 'step' down releases in the region. This layer is found at similar depths, but just below the January 5 interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below these layers, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried 70 to 110 cm deep. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">This layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches, with many of these 'stepping down' to this layer from shallower releases. Its reactivity has been most apparent at treeline and below. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms brought a variable 10-60 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds accompanied the snowfall at higher elevations, creating wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it is forming a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. The first of these is the surface hoar found at the old snow surface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show high reactivity at this layer. Below it, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried a widely variable 40-100 cm deep. This layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches in neighbouring regions and its reactivity has been most apparent at treeline and below. In the Purcells, both of these layers are of greatest concern in areas that received greater snowfall from recent storms.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, down about 90 to 150 cm, a rain crust from November is showing reduced reactivity in snowpack tests. This layer is considered dormant but it may be triggerable in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack reached its tipping point on Tuesday and Wednesday as warming and precipitation combined to overload buried persistent weak layers in the snowpack and create a large natural avalanche cycle.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over 100 cm of snow fell within the past week.  The snow fell relatively warm with moderate winds, which formed storm slabs.  The snow also formed large cornices.  This storm snow sits on variable feathery surface hoar in the region.  Deeper in the snowpack, an unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations.  Below, a rain crust that developed late-November with associated sugary facets are also being stressed. Snowpack test results show sudden fracture characters and high propagation potential for all of these buried layers, indicating that they can be triggered and could propagate into large, destructive avalanches. This has been the case, as shown in the Avalanche Summary.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Slabs can fail easily on this layer, either naturally or with the weight of a person or machine. Forecasted warm air temperatures could increase slab properties of the overlying snow and make this layer easier to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region, but persistent slabs are generally a widespread problem. Wind slab and storm slab distribution will be more variable. New wind slabs can be found in parts of the region due to recent southwest winds. Windward alpine slopes may be scoured; and variable wind slabs are found at treeline and alpine elevations. New snow is likely to fail as storm slabs and/or loose avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, an early-season rain crust and sugary facets exist. An avalanche in motion could step down to these deeper layers, creating a large and destructive avalanche. Overall snowpack depths are variable across the region. It is generally shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong southeast winds and snowfall on Friday are expected to form new storm slabs in exposed lee terrain. Below the new storm snow, you'll find about 25-50 cm of relatively low-density snow which overlies a thick crust that was buried on January 6. This crust exists up to about 2000m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the January 6 crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong southeast winds and snowfall on Friday are expected to form new storm slabs in exposed lee terrain. Below the new storm snow, you'll find about 15-50 cm of relatively low-density snow which overlies a thick crust that was buried on January 6. This crust exists up to about 2000m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A widespread melt-freeze crust formed in mid-December is still on the radar of professionals in the northern portion of the region where it is down 40 to 50 cm below the surface. Recent observations have shown that there are rounding facets underneath the crust on shady aspects at and above treeline. Recent snowpack tests have produced easy sudden-planar results on solar aspects at and above treeline on this interface as well. Around the Coquihalla this interface is not problematic and is thought to be part of a well bonded mid-pack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region. Wind slabs and storm slabs are found on some slopes in the alpine and at treeline.  Strong outflow winds have formed wind slabs on southerly and southwesterly lee features at all elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 45 cm recent snow overlies several layers of interest in the upper snowpack. These include crusts, surface hoar and facets. A hard crust with associated facets from mid-December sits deeper in the snowpack, about 60 cm down. Any of these layers could create a persistent slab problem if new snow, wind-loading or warming change the properties of the slab above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable winds have built slabs on many different slopes, primarily in the alpine but also in lee features at treeline. Recent snow (around 20-30 cm) overlies various surfaces including a freezing rain crust (which was reported as being hard in the alpine and breakable below treeline), old sun crusts and wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found in the upper snowpack. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally well-settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms have brought 40-70 cm of new snow to the region. This storm snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Numerous storm slab avalanches have resulted as the new snow formed a slab before bonding to the surface. Moderate to strong southerly winds accelerated this slab formation at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it progressively forms a dangerous slab above a number of persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. The first of these is the (January 5) surface hoar that covered the old snow surface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show high reactivity at this layer. Below it, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried 50 to 100 cm deep. This layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches, with many of these 'stepping down' to this layer from shallower releases. This layer has been the most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, down about 90 to 150 cm, a rain crust from November has shown less reactivity in recent snowpack tests. It is considered dormant but could be triggered in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms brought 20-50 cm of new snow to the region. This snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and the deepest accumulations exist in the south of the region. Shifting winds since the storm have redistributed loose snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects around exposed terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it is forming a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. The first of these is the surface hoar that existed at the old snow surface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show high reactivity at this layer. Below it, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried 50 to 80 cm deep. Reactivity at this layer has been gradually increasing and is most apparent at treeline and below. Both of these layers are buried deeper, show greater reactivity, and present greater danger in the south of the region. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 70 to 100 cm, a rain crust from November has shown less reactivity in recent snowpack tests. It is considered dormant but could be triggered in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 80 cm of recent snow is settling into a cohesive slab on top of the reactive January 5th interface which consists of a crust/surface hoar combination on steep southerly aspects and pure surface hoar on remaining aspects. The late December surface hoar also remains reactive and is now down 50 to 95 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Adding to the complexity of the mid to upper snowpack is the mid-December surface hoar which is now 60 to 130 cm below the surface. This spooky interface continues to produce sudden snowpack test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline. The overlying slab is now deep, dense and destructive. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. In shallow, rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The winds were noticeable today with lots of snow transport at summit elevations. This increase in winds has created fresh windslabs on Northeast to South aspects in the alpine. At treeline, the Jan 6th &amp; Dec 15th layers start to become apparent, but still unreactive due to the lack of snow load and a slab. The Dec 6th becomes more apparent the lower you go. But again, the lack of a slab is preventing an avalanche problem. Today's notable observation was multiple stability tests with repeatable results below the Nov 27 crust(down 85cm). All tests failed with moderate loads. The technical details are: ECTP21 &amp; CTM(19) sudden collapse. In a nutshell, this is telling us that those layers are breaking down and we should keep them in mind when assessing the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong southeast winds and snowfall on Friday are expected to form dense storm slabs in exposed high elevation terrain while rain is forecast to saturate the upper snowpack at lower elevations. The newly developed storm slab may be surprisingly touchy as recent reports from the North Shore indicate that it may overly a mix of loose, dry storm snow on top of a thin crust. This combination has proven to be reactive in surprisingly low-angle terrain. About 60cm below the surface you'll also find thick melt-freeze crust that formed as a result of heavy rain at the beginning of the week. The bond at this interface will likely gain strength over time; however, professionals are monitoring this layer as it has the potential to produce large avalanches in isolated terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth at 1000 m is about 150 cm and many early season hazards are still present.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storms have brought 50 to 70 cm of new snow to the region. This storm snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Numerous storm slab avalanches resulted as the new snow formed a slab before bonding to the surface. Moderate to strong southwest winds have accelerated this slab formation at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it progressively forms a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The first of these is the January 5th surface hoar down 50 to 70 cm below the surface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show high reactivity at this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another surface hoar layer from late December is showing increased involvement in 'step down' releases in the region. This layer is found at similar depths, but just below the January 5 interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below these layers, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried 70 to 110 cm deep. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">This layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches, with many of these 'stepping down' to this layer from shallower releases. Its reactivity has been most apparent at treeline and below. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms brought a variable 10-60 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds accompanied the snowfall at higher elevations, creating wind slabs in lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it is forming a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. The first of these is the surface hoar found at the old snow surface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show high reactivity at this layer. Below it, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried a widely variable 40-100 cm deep. This layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches in neighbouring regions and its reactivity has been most apparent at treeline and below. In the Purcells, both of these layers are of greatest concern in areas that received greater snowfall from recent storms.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, down about 90 to 150 cm, a rain crust from November is showing reduced reactivity in snowpack tests. This layer is considered dormant but it may be triggerable in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack remains near a tipping point. Cooler temperatures Friday and Saturday reduced the sensitivity slightly but forecast warming should bring us back closer to the balance point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over 100 cm of snow fell within the past week.&nbsp; The snow fell relatively warm with moderate winds, which formed storm slabs.&nbsp; The snow also formed large cornices.&nbsp; This storm snow sits on variable feathery surface hoar in the region.&nbsp; Deeper in the snowpack, an unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations.&nbsp; Below, a rain crust that developed late-November with associated sugary facets are also being stressed. Snowpack test results show sudden fracture characters and high propagation potential for all of these buried layers, indicating that they can be triggered and could propagate into large, destructive avalanches. This has been the case, as shown in the Avalanche Summary.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Slabs can fail easily on this layer, either naturally or with the weight of a person or machine. Forecasted warm air temperatures could increase slab properties of the overlying snow and make this layer easier to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region, but persistent slabs are generally a widespread problem. Wind slab and storm slab distribution will be more variable. New wind slabs can be found in parts of the region due to recent southwest winds. Windward alpine slopes may be scoured; and variable wind slabs are found at treeline and alpine elevations. New snow is likely to fail as storm slabs and/or loose avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, an early-season rain crust and sugary facets exist. An avalanche in motion could step down to these deeper layers, creating a large and destructive avalanche. Overall snowpack depths are variable across the region. It is generally shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures at all elevations are consolidating the snowpack and making the surface moist. At elevations above approximately 1500 m precipitation from the previous storm fell as snow, while below that elevation, rain fell. At higher elevations, it's possible a layer of cold snow has become trapped under the most recent storm slab, increasing the likelihood of seeing slab avalanche activity. Below the new storm snow, you'll find about a thick crust buried 30-50 cm below the surface that was buried on January 6. This crust exists up to about 2000m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the January 6 crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm slabs and wind slabs have formed in response to recent snow and southwest winds above approximately 1600 m. Below the new storm snow, you'll find about 15-50 cm of relatively low-density snow which overlies a thick crust that was buried on January 6. This crust exists up to about 2000m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A widespread melt-freeze crust formed in mid-December is still on the radar of professionals in the northern portion of the region where it is down 40 to 50 cm below the surface. Recent observations have shown that there are rounding facets underneath the crust on shady aspects at and above treeline. Recent snowpack tests have produced easy sudden-planar results on solar aspects at and above treeline on this interface as well. Around the Coquihalla this interface is not problematic and is thought to be part of a well bonded mid-pack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs and storm slabs are found in alpine and at treeline areas on a variety of aspects.&nbsp; Strong outflow winds have formed wind slabs on southerly and southwesterly lee features at all elevations. Southerly winds are driving the incoming weather; although temperatures look so warm that rain is more likely than snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 45 cm recent snow overlies several layers of interest in the upper snowpack. These include crusts, surface hoar and facets. A hard crust with associated facets from mid-December sits deeper in the snowpack, about 60 cm down. Any of these layers could create a persistent slab problem as new snow, wind-loading or warming change the properties of the slab above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20 to 30 cm of powdery snow is preserved in wind protected areas; however, in alpine and wind exposed locations there is variable wind effect and probably some slabs. This recent snow (around 20-30 cm) overlies various surfaces including a freezing rain crust (which was reported as being hard in the alpine and breakable below treeline), old sun crusts and wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found in the upper snowpack. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally well-settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the last week the region has has received 40 to 70 cm of new snow which rests on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Numerous storm slab avalanches have resulted as the new snow formed a slab before bonding to the surface. Moderate to strong southerly winds accelerated slab formation at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it progressively forms a dangerous slab above a number of persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first of these is the January 5th surface hoar down 40 to 70 cm below the surface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show high reactivity at this layer. Below it, the December 15 surface hoar is now buried 50 to 100 cm deep. This layer has been the failure plane in many recent destructive slab avalanches, with many of these 'stepping down' to this layer from shallower releases. This layer has been most reactive at treeline and below.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, down about 90 to 150 cm, a rain crust from November has shown less reactivity in recent snowpack tests. It is considered dormant but could be triggered in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 to 50 cm of new snow has fallen over the last week. This snow sits on surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and the deepest accumulations exist in the south of the region. Shifting winds since the storm have redistributed loose snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects around exposed terrain features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As the new snow continues to consolidate, it is forming a dangerous slab above several persistent weak layers that exist in the snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first of these is the early January surface hoar which is down 20 to 50 cm below the surface. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche activity show high reactivity at this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Next is the December 15 surface hoar which is now buried 50 to 80 cm deep. Reactivity at this layer has been gradually increasing and is most apparent at treeline and below. Both of these layers are deeper, more reactive and present greater danger in the south of the region. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack at depths of about 70 to 100 cm, a rain crust from November has shown less reactivity in recent snowpack tests. It is considered dormant but could be triggered in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40 to 80 cm of recent snow is settling into a cohesive slab on top of the reactive January 5th interface which consists of a crust/surface hoar combination on steep southerly aspects and pure surface hoar on remaining aspects. The late December surface hoar also remains reactive and is now down 50 to 95 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Adding to the complexity of the mid to upper snowpack is the mid-December surface hoar which is now 60 to 130 cm below the surface. This spooky interface continues to produce sudden snowpack test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline. The overlying slab is now deep, dense and destructive. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. In shallow, rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">As predicted, the winds made a strong appearance today. Pretty much all elevations had some wind effect going on. The alpine was by far the worst, with slabs being formed well down of ridge crests. These alpine slabs will be dense enough to be s significant concern. Treeline is the hidden hazard now. The snow above the Jan 6th layer is now firm enough to act as a slab and propagate once the underlying layers are disturbed. While we haven't really added any load to the snowpack, the dense surface slab is enough to make the Jan 6 surface hoar a real concern</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain has soaked into the snow at elevations below 1300 m. Only the peaks of the North Shore mountains and higher terrain near Squamish escaped the rain. At these upper elevations, the newly developed storm slab may be surprisingly touchy as there is a possibility that cold snow became trapped below the more recent dense slab. At lower elevations, a moist snow surface is likely that may become reactive to loose wet avalanche activity. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60cm below the surface you'll find a thick melt-freeze crust that formed as a result of heavy rain about a week ago. The bond at this interface will likely gain strength over time; however, professionals are monitoring this layer as it has the potential to produce large avalanches in isolated terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth at 1000 m is about 150 cm and many early season hazards are still present.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last series of storms left 50 to 70 cm of snow in their wake. Moderate to strong southwest winds previously formed wind slabs in upper elevation terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This snowpack is currently quite complex; there are four Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 30 to 90 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. It is thought to be widespread at all elevations bands and has produced numerous recent large avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another surface hoar layer from late December is just below the early January interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The next PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 70 to 150 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most deeply buried PWL is the late November rain crust. It is found 125 to 200 cm below the surface and has gone dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last series of storms left a variable 10 to 60 cm of snow in their wake. Moderate to strong southwest winds previously formed wind slabs in upper elevation terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This snowpack is currently quite complex; there are three Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 10 to 60 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. It is thought to be widespread at all elevations bands and has produced numerous recent large avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The next PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 40 to 100 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most deeply buried PWL is the late November rain crust. It is found 90 to 150 cm below the surface. This layer is considered dormant but it may be triggerable in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack remains near a tipping point. Cooler temperatures Friday and Saturday reduced the sensitivity slightly but forecast warming should bring us back closer to the balance point.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over 100 cm of snow fell within the past week. The snow fell relatively warm with moderate winds, which formed storm slabs and large cornices. This storm snow sits on variable feathery surface hoar in the region. Deeper in the snowpack, an unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Below, a rain crust that developed late-November with associated sugary facets are also being stressed. Snowpack test results show sudden fracture characters and high propagation potential for all of these buried layers, indicating that they can be triggered and could propagate into large, destructive avalanches. This has been the case, as shown in the Avalanche Summary.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Slabs can fail easily on this layer, either naturally or with the weight of a person or machine. Forecasted warm air temperatures could increase slab properties of the overlying snow and make this layer easier to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region, but persistent slabs are generally a widespread problem. Wind slab and storm slab distribution will be more variable. New wind slabs can be found in parts of the region due to recent southwest winds. Windward alpine slopes may be scoured; and variable wind slabs are found at treeline and alpine elevations. New snow is likely to fail as storm slabs and/or loose avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, an early-season rain crust and sugary facets exist. An avalanche in motion could step down to these deeper layers, creating a large and destructive avalanche. Overall snowpack depths are variable across the region. It is generally shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures at all elevations are consolidating the snowpack and making the surface moist. At elevations above approximately 1500 m precipitation from the previous storm fell as snow, while below that elevation, rain fell. At higher elevations, it's possible a layer of cold snow has become trapped under the most recent storm slab, increasing the likelihood of seeing slab avalanche activity. Below the new storm snow, you'll find about a thick crust buried 30-50 cm below the surface that was buried on January 6. This crust exists up to about 2000m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the January 6 crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm weather has made the surface moist, especially at upper elevations. Below the moist surface, about 30-50 cm snow overlies a thick crust that was buried on January 6. This crust exists up to about 2000m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers are considered well settled and generally strong.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Precipitation combined with variable freezing levels delivered a mix of around 5-10 cm of new snow and freezing rain to the region on Saturday. Where the new snow exists, strong southerly winds have been blowing it into fresh wind slabs in lee terrain. Beneath the new snow, recent strong northerly outflow winds formed wind slabs on southerly and southwesterly features, so a mix of old and new wind slabs can now likely be found on all aspects in wind affected areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the most recent precipitation, up to 45 cm recent snow overlies several layers of interest in the upper snowpack. These include crusts, surface hoar and facets. A hard crust with associated facets from mid-December sits deeper in the snowpack, about 60 cm down. Any of these layers could create a persistent slab problem as wind-loading and warming change the properties of the slab above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures have moistened snow at the surface at upper elevations and cooling over Sunday night is likely to form a new crust on the surface. Below the surface, 20 to 30 cm of dry snow overlies various surfaces including a freezing rain crust (which was reported as being hard in the alpine and breakable below treeline), old sun crusts and wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found in the upper snowpack. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally well-settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last series of storms left 40 to 70 cm of snow in their wake. Moderate to strong southerly winds previously formed wind slabs in upper elevation terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This snowpack is currently quite complex; there are three active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 40 to 70 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. It is thought to be widespread at all elevations bands and has produced numerous recent large avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The next PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 60 to 140 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most deeply buried PWL is the late November rain crust. It is down 90 to 150 cm below the surface and has been less reactive in recent snowpack tests but it may still be susceptible to human triggering, especially in alpine terrain features with a thin or widely variable snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last series of storms left 20 to 50 cm of snow in their wake with more snow falling in the south of the region. Winds from a wide variety of directions have formed wind slabs in northeast through south facing alpine and upper treeline elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This snowpack is currently quite complex, and there are three active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 20 to 50 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. It is thought to be widespread at all elevations bands and has produced numerous recent large avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The next PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination which is now buried 50 to 80 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most deeply buried PWL is the late November rain crust. It is down 70 to 100 cm below the surface and has been less reactive in recent snowpack tests but it may still be susceptible to human triggering, especially in alpine terrain features with a thin or widely variable snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm alpine temperatures have made the snow surface moist on slopes that face the sun. Below the surface, 40 to 60 cm of recent snow has settling into a cohesive slab on top of the reactive January 5th interface which consists of a crust/surface hoar combination on steep southerly aspects and pure surface hoar on remaining aspects. The late December surface hoar also remains reactive and is now down 50 to 90 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Adding to the complexity of the mid to upper snowpack is the mid-December surface hoar which is now 60 to 120 cm below the surface. This spooky interface continues to produce sudden snowpack test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline. The overlying slab is now deep, dense and destructive. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. In shallow, rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable wind effect in the alpine, with areas of hard slab, soft slab, exposed crusts, soft snow and everything in between. In some areas the wind slabs extend slightly down into Treeline, but this condition is not widespread. The Jan 6th surface hoar seems quite spotty in distribution, and is not overly reactive to ski cutting in areas skied today. The main concern in the upper snowpack is the Dec 15th interface (surface hoar, sun crust or 10cm layer of facets) which is now buried 50 to 60cm at Treeline. Forecasters continue to watch the basal layers (November and October crusts) and just recently the Nov 26th crust became reactive in snow stability tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Very warm temperatures are making the snow surface moist and primed for loose wet avalanches. Previously, rain soaked into the snow at elevations below 1300 m. Only the peaks of the North Shore mountains and higher terrain near Squamish escaped this rain. At these upper elevations, the recent storm slab may remain reactive, particularly to warming-triggered avalanches, as there is a possibility that cold snow became trapped below the more recent dense slab. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60cm below the surface you'll find a thick melt-freeze crust that formed as a result of heavy rain about a week ago. The bond at this interface will likely gain strength over time; however, professionals are monitoring this layer as it has the potential to produce large avalanches in isolated terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth at 1000 m is about 150 cm and many early season hazards are still present.</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">A thin breakable crust has formed on the surface in many locations and fresh surface hoar has been reported too.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last series of storms left 50 to 70 cm of snow in their wake. Moderate to strong southwest winds previously formed wind slabs in upper elevation terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This snowpack is currently quite complex; there are four Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 30 to 90 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. It is thought to be widespread at all elevations bands and has produced numerous recent large avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another surface hoar layer from late December is just below the early January interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The next PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 70 to 150 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most deeply buried PWL is the late November rain crust. It is found 125 to 200 cm below the surface and has gone dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last series of storms left a variable 10 to 60 cm of snow in their wake. Moderate to strong southwest winds previously formed wind slabs in upper elevation terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This snowpack is currently quite complex; there are three Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 10 to 60 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. It is thought to be widespread at all elevations bands and has produced numerous recent large avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The next PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 40 to 100 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most deeply buried PWL is the late November rain crust. It is found 90 to 150 cm below the surface. This layer is considered dormant but it may be triggerable in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm alpine temperatures are rapidly settling recent storm snow as well as forming moist snow on solar aspects. More importantly, warming is stressing deeper layers in the snowpack. The early January surface hoar layer is roughly 60 cm below the surface and the unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is found roughly 100 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. Below, a rain crust that developed late-November with associated sugary facets is also being stressed. Snowpack test results show sudden fracture characters and high propagation potential for all of these buried layers, indicating that they can be triggered and could propagate into large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Slabs can fail easily on this layer, either naturally or with the weight of a person or machine. Forecasted warm air temperatures could make this layer even easier to trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region, but persistent slabs are generally a widespread problem. Wind slab and storm slab distribution will be more variable. New wind slabs can be found in parts of the region due to recent southwest winds. Windward alpine slopes may be scoured; and variable wind slabs are found at treeline and alpine elevations. New snow is likely to fail as storm slabs and/or loose avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, an early-season rain crust and sugary facets exist. An avalanche in motion could step down to these deeper layers, creating a large and destructive avalanche. Overall snowpack depths are variable across the region. It is generally shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures at all elevations are consolidating the snowpack and making the surface moist on all but north aspects. At elevations above approximately 1500 m precipitation from the previous storm fell as snow, while below that elevation, rain fell.  Below the new storm snow, a thick crust that was buried on January 6th is now buried 30-50 cm below the surface. This crust exists up to about 2000m elevation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the January 6 crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm weather has made the surface moist, especially at upper elevations. Below the moist surface, about 30-50 cm snow overlies a 1 cm thick crust that was buried on January 6. This crust exists up to about 2000m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers including the mid December and late November crust layers have produced moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests in the northern part of the region last week and may be a concern for step-down potential.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow is well settled after a weekend of warm alpine temperatures. Wind slabs are lingering on a range of aspects after strong southerly winds on the weekend and outflow winds last week.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the most recent precipitation, up to 40 cm recent snow overlies several layers of interest in the upper snowpack. These include crusts, surface hoar and facets. A hard crust with associated facets from mid-December sits deeper in the snowpack, about 60 cm down. These layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests and could potentially be triggered to release large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface snow is well settled after a weekend of warm alpine temperatures. Old wind slabs may be lingering in exposed terrain and dry snow may still be found on shady north-facing slopes. A freezing rain crust can be found 20 cm below the surface (which was reported as being hard in the alpine and breakable below treeline). The snowpack is generally well settled, with a few prominent layers including a mid-December crusts / surface hoar layer and some early season crusts. Reports suggest the snow is well-bonded to these deeper layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A thin breakable crust has formed on the surface in many locations and fresh surface hoar has been reported too.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last series of storms left 40 to 70 cm of snow in their wake. Moderate to strong southerly winds previously formed wind slabs in upper elevation terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This snowpack is currently quite complex; there are three active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 40 to 70 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. It is thought to be widespread at all elevations bands and has produced numerous recent large avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The next PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 60 to 140 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most deeply buried PWL is the late November rain crust. It is down 90 to 150 cm below the surface and has been less reactive in recent snowpack tests but it may still be susceptible to human triggering, especially in alpine terrain features with a thin or widely variable snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A breakable melt freeze crust is beginning to form on the surface at and above treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last series of storms left 20 to 50 cm of snow in their wake with more snow falling in the south of the region. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This snowpack is currently quite complex, and there are three active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 20 to 50 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. It is thought to be widespread at all elevations bands and has produced numerous recent large avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The next PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination which is now buried 50 to 80 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most deeply buried PWL is the late November rain crust. It is down 70 to 100 cm below the surface and has been less reactive in recent snowpack tests but it may still be susceptible to human triggering, especially in alpine terrain features with a thin or widely variable snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm alpine temperatures have made the snow surface moist on slopes that face the sun. Below the surface, 40 to 60 cm of recent snow has settling into a cohesive slab on top of the reactive January 5th interface which consists of a crust/surface hoar combination on steep southerly aspects and pure surface hoar on remaining aspects. The late December surface hoar also remains reactive and is now down 80 to 90 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Adding to the complexity of the mid to upper snowpack is the mid-December surface hoar which is now 100 to 130 cm below the surface. This spooky interface continues to produce sudden snowpack test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline. The overlying slab is now deep, dense and destructive. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. In shallow, rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Went into the Burstall Pass area today. Wind effect in the alpine. Moist snow on solar aspects which quickly froze once the sun disappeared. The Jan 6th surface hoar seems quite spotty in distribution, and is not overly reactive to ski cutting in areas skied today. The main concern in the upper snowpack is the Dec 15th interface (surface hoar, sun crust or 10cm layer of facets) which is now buried 50 to 70cm at Treeline and in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack consists of moist and wet snow and three prominent crusts (January 10th, January 8th an January 7th crusts) from recent warm weather and rain events.  The most notable layer is the January 7th rain crust, which is now buried 40-60 cm deep. The bond at this interface will likely gain strength over time; however, professionals are monitoring this layer as it has the potential to produce large avalanches in isolated terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth at 1000 m is about 150 cm and many early season hazards are still present.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Spotty freezing rain Tuesday may have left a slight &quot;glaze&quot; on the surface which adds to the crust that is being widely reported from many locations, high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. Fresh surface hoar 3 to 10 mm in size has been reported to at least 2100 m, possibly higher. We can probably expect a touchy storm slab to form on this interface as storm totals exceed 10 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 30 to 90 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results with moderate loads.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The second PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 70 to 150 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The November rain crust down 125 to 200 cm is thought to have gone dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures and strong solar input have left a crust that has been widely reported from many locations, high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. Fresh surface hoar up to 10 mm in size has been reported to ridgetop. We can probably expect a touchy storm slab to form on this interface as storm totals exceed 10 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are three significant and active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 10 to 60 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown moderate planar results at this interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The second PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is buried 40 to 100 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface has also shown sudden planar results in recent snowpack tests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The third and most deeply buried PWL is the late November rain crust. It is found 90 to 150 cm below the surface. This may be triggerable in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures have settled the snow and left moist snow and thin crusts on solar aspects. Recent winds transported snow last week, leaving old wind slabs in open terrain and cornices along ridges. A number of buried weak layers have been very concerning over the past week, and appears to be gaining strength very slowly. The early January surface hoar layer is around 60 cm below the surface and the unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 100 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets that developed late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. All of these layers have been reactive over the past week.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures have settled the snow and left moist snow and thin crusts on the surface of solar aspects. An unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Slabs can fail easily on this layer, either naturally or with the weight of a person or machine. Deeper in the snowpack, an early-season rain crust and sugary facets exist. An avalanche in motion could step down to these deeper layers, creating a large and destructive avalanche. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is variable across the region, but persistent slabs are generally a widespread problem. Wind slab distribution will be more variable. New wind slabs can be found in parts of the region due to recent southwest winds. Windward alpine slopes may be scoured; and variable wind slabs are found at treeline and alpine elevations. Snowpack depths are variable across the region and typically shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1600 m elevation, 20-40 cm of new snow overlies the January 15th crust which exists on all aspects and elevations. This crust is thin on northerly aspects and up to 3 cm thick on solar aspects. Below this crust 30-40 cm of moist, well settled snow overlies the January 6th crust which is now buried 40-80 cm below the surface and exists up to about 2000m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the January 6 crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A dusting of new snow has buried the most recent, January 15th crust. This crust exists on almost all aspects and elevations with the exception of northerly aspects above 1850 m where the snow surface remained dry during the alpine inversion event on the weekend.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the January 15th crust about 30-50 cm of snow overlies a 1 cm thick crust that was buried on January 6th which exists up to about 2000m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers including the mid December and late November crust layers have produced moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests in the northern part of the region last week and may be a concern for step-down potential.</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">New storm slabs are developing, with extra thick and reactive slab in lee areas. The new snow is falling on a mix of old wind slabs and temperature crusts left over from the weekend. Professionals have been monitoring a few layers in the upper snowpack, including crusts and surface hoar layers buried 40-80 cm below the surface. Although these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests, they have not produced avalanches lately. The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow is falling on a temperature crust left over from warm temperatures on the weekend. This crust likely exists well into the alpine. The warm temperatures also settled the upper snowpack, potentially forming a slab above buried weak layers in the top 50 cm of the snowpack. The potential weak layers include a few crusts and surface hoar layers that formed in early January and December. Recent reports suggest the snow is well bonded to most of these layers, but the recent settlement of the upper snowpack may have changed that.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Spotty freezing rain Monday may have left a slight &quot;glaze&quot; on the surface which adds to the crust that is being widely reported from many locations, high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. Fresh surface hoar 3 to 10 mm in size has been reported to at least 2100 m, possibly higher. We can probably expect a touchy storm slab to form on this interface as storm totals exceed 10 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This snowpack is currently quite complex; there are two active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 30 to 70 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results with moderate loads.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The second PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 60 to 140 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The November rain crust down 90 to 200 cm is thought to have gone dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Spotty freezing rain Tuesday may have left a slight &quot;glaze&quot; on the surface which adds to the crust that is being widely reported from many locations, high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. Fresh surface hoar up to 10 mm in size has been reported to ridgetop . We can probably expect a touchy storm slab to form on this interface as storm totals exceed 10 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two significant and active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 20 to 60 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown easy to moderate planar results at this interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The second PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 50 to 80 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.  This interface has shown sudden collapse in recent snowpack tests with easy to moderate loads.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The November rain crust down 70 to 100 cm is thought to have gone dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm alpine temperatures have formed a crust on solar aspects while northerly aspects still hold dry snow. Below the surface, 40 to 60 cm of recent snow has settled into a cohesive slab on top of the reactive January 5th interface which consists of a crust/surface hoar combination on steep southerly aspects and pure surface hoar on remaining aspects. The late December surface hoar layer also remains reactive and is now buried 80 to 90 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Adding to the complexity of the mid to upper snowpack is the mid-December surface hoar layer which is now 100 to 130 cm below the surface. This spooky interface continues to produce sudden snowpack test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline. The overlying slab is now deep, dense and destructive. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. In shallow, rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Surface hoar is continuing to grow on the surface and could become an issue if Thursday snowfall is of great amounts. Some wind effect at tree line was observed.  Jan 6 SH layer is mostly found below 2200m and not much of a concern because of the lack of a slab.  The Dec 15 layer is variable in the alpine and more prominent at treeline.  The November crusts are starting to show some breakdown with more facets around the crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The upper snowpack consists of 15-20 cm of wet snow above three prominent crusts (January 10th, January 8th and January 7th) from recent warm weather and rain events. The most notable layer is the January 7th rain crust, which is now buried 40-60 cm deep. The bond at this interface will likely gain strength over time; however, professionals are monitoring this layer as it has the potential to produce large avalanches in isolated terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth at 1000 m is about 150 cm and many early season hazards are still present.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Spotty freezing rain Tuesday may have left a slight &quot;glaze&quot; on the surface which adds to the crust that is being widely reported from many locations, high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. Fresh surface hoar 3 to 10 mm in size has been reported to at least 2100 m, possibly higher. We can probably expect a touchy storm slab to form on this interface as storm totals exceed 10 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 30 to 90 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results with moderate loads.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The second PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 70 to 150 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The November rain crust down 125 to 200 cm is thought to have gone dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warm temperatures and strong solar input have left a crust that has been widely reported from many locations, high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. Fresh surface hoar up to 10 mm in size has been reported to ridgetop. We can probably expect a touchy storm slab to form on this interface as storm totals exceed 10 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are three significant and active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 10 to 60 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown moderate planar results at this interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The second PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is buried 40 to 100 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface has also shown sudden planar results in recent snowpack tests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The third and most deeply buried PWL is the late November rain crust. It is found 90 to 150 cm below the surface. This may be triggerable in thin spots around variable snowpack areas in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow amounts have begun to give a thin cover to a new layer of feathery surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) as well as sun crust on solar aspects. Recent warm temperatures created this crust and also worked to settle the upper snowpack. Shifting winds during the warm period transported snow from last week, leaving old wind slabs in open terrain as well as cornices along ridges. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A number of buried weak layers have been very concerning over the past week, and appear to be gaining strength very slowly. The early January surface hoar layer is around 60 cm below the surface and the unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 100 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets that developed late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. All of these layers have been reactive over the past week.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow amounts forecast for Wednesday night will begin to cover both a new layer of feathery surface hoar that has been developing in sheltered areas as well as sun crust on solar aspects. Recent warm temperatures formed this crust and also worked to settled the upper snowpack. Strong winds from the past few days have scoured windward slopes and formed new wind slabs in lee terrain at higher elevations. Wind direction has been variable but predominantly from the southwest.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Slabs can fail easily on this layer, either naturally or with the weight of a person or machine. Deeper in the snowpack, an early-season rain crust and sugary facets exist. An avalanche in motion could step down to these deeper layers, creating a large and destructive avalanche. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent slab problems are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are across the region are similarly variable, but typically shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1600 m elevation, 25-50 cm of new snow overlies the January 15th crust which exists on all aspects and elevations. This crust is thin on northerly aspects and up to 3 cm thick on solar aspects. Below this crust 30-40 cm of moist, well settled snow overlies the January 6th crust which is now buried 40-80 cm below the surface and exists up to about 2000m. Beneath the January 6 crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> At lower elevation below treeline the new storm snow is wet and heavy with moist snow below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A new snow (up to 25 cm in the northern areas and about 5 cm in southern parts) has buried the most recent, January 15th crust. This crust exists on almost all aspects and elevations with the exception of northerly aspects above 1850 m where the snow surface remained dry during the alpine inversion event on the weekend.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the January 15th crust about 30-50 cm of snow overlies a 1 cm thick crust that was buried on January 6th which exists up to about 2000m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers including the mid December and late November crust layers have produced moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests in the northern part of the region last week and may be a concern for step-down potential.</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">New storm slabs are developing on the surface as new snow continues to accumulate. The new snow is falling on a mix of old wind slabs and temperature crusts left over from the weekend. Professionals have been monitoring a few layers in the upper snowpack, including crusts and surface hoar layers buried 40-80 cm below the surface. Although these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests, they have not produced avalanches lately. The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow is falling on a temperature crust left over from warm temperatures on the weekend. This crust likely exists well into the alpine. The warm temperatures also settled the upper snowpack, potentially forming a slab above buried weak layers in the top 50 cm of the snowpack. The potential weak layers include a few crusts and surface hoar layers that formed in early January and December. Recent reports suggest the snow is well bonded to most of these layers, but the recent settlement of the upper snowpack may have changed that.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Spotty freezing rain Tuesday may have left a slight &quot;glaze&quot; on the surface which adds to the crust that is being widely reported from many locations, high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. Fresh surface hoar 3 to 10 mm in size has been reported to at least 2100 m, possibly higher. We can probably expect a touchy storm slab to form on this interface as storm totals exceed 10 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This snowpack is currently quite complex; there are two active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 30 to 70 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results with moderate loads.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The second PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 60 to 140 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The November rain crust down 90 to 200 cm is thought to have gone dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Spotty freezing rain Tuesday may have left a slight &quot;glaze&quot; on the surface which adds to the crust that is being widely reported from many locations, high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. Fresh surface hoar up to 10 mm in size has been reported to ridgetop . We can probably expect a touchy storm slab to form on this interface as storm totals exceed 10 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There are two significant and active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The first PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 20 to 60 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown easy to moderate planar results at this interface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The second PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 50 to 80 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine. This interface has shown sudden collapse in recent snowpack tests with easy to moderate loads.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The November rain crust down 70 to 100 cm is thought to have gone dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is complex with several buried weak layers of concern that remain active and have produced several recent, large and destructive avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 5 cm of new snow now covers the January 16th surface hoar/ crust layer that formed during the most recent period of warm weather and clear nights. This crust can be found on solar aspects while surface hoar has been buried on shaded aspects above 1600m. Below the January 16th crust lies the January 5th interface which also consists of a crust/surface combination and is buried 45-70 cm below the surface. The late-December surface hoar layer is buried 75-100 cm below the surface, and the spooky mid-December surface hoar layer is now 80-130 cm below the surface. This spooky interface continues to produce sudden snowpack test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. In shallow, rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Alpine winds have now created firm windslabs on Northeast to South aspects. They tend to be more pronounced in the northern part of the region. At treeline, the windslabs are widespread and are reaching far below ridge crests. The warmer temperatures have also contributed to settlement within the snowpack. The depth of buried weak layers will likely have changed significantly with the redistribution of snow. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper treeline and alpine elevations about 10- 20 cm of new snow has fallen and now covers the January 16th crust. Near treeline and below, rain has soaked the upper snowpack which consists of 15-20 cm of wet snow above three prominent crusts (January 10th, January 8th and January 7th) from recent warm weather and rain events. The most notable layer is the January 7th rain crust, which is now buried 40-60 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth at 1000 m is about 150 cm and many early season hazards are still present.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wednesday and Thursday's highly convective storm left 10 to 25 cm in its wake. This snow buried the mid-January PWL which is a crust and/or surface hoar interface. Prior to Wednesday's storm the crust was reportedly widespread, high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. The now buried surface hoar is 4 to 20 mm in size and was present to at least 2100 m, possibly higher.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The second PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 40 to 80 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results with moderate loads.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The third PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 70 to 150 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The November rain crust down 150 to 200 cm is thought to have gone dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wednesday and Thursday's highly convective storm left 10 to 25 cm in its wake. This snow buried the mid-January PWL that is a crust and/or surface hoar interface. Prior to Wednesday's storm the crust was reportedly widespread, high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. The now buried surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size and was reportedly present at all elevations before the storm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The second PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 40 to 80 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results with moderate loads.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The third PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 40 to 110 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The November rain crust is 90 to 150 cm deep and is thought to have gone dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 30 cm of new snow over Wednesday night and Thursday has buried a new layer of feathery surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) as well as sun crust on solar aspects. The new snow will need time to form a reliable bond to this previous surface. The recent warm temperatures that created the crust also worked to settle the upper snowpack. Shifting winds during the warm period transported loose snow into wind slabs in open terrain that are now buried by new snow. The winds also built up cornices along ridges. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A number of buried weak layers have been very concerning over the past week, and appear to be gaining strength very slowly. The early January surface hoar layer is around 60 cm below the surface and the unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 100 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets that developed late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. All of these layers have been reactive over the past week.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of new snow from Thursday has buried both a new layer of feathery surface hoar that has been developing in sheltered areas as well as sun crust on solar aspects. The new snow will need time to form a reliable bond to this previous surface. Beneath the new snow, recent strong winds (mainly from the southwest) scoured windward slopes and formed wind slabs that are now buried in lee terrain at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Slabs can fail easily on this layer, either naturally or with the weight of a person or machine. Deeper in the snowpack, an early-season rain crust and sugary facets exist. An avalanche in motion could step down to these deeper layers, creating a large and destructive avalanche. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent slab problems are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are across the region are similarly variable, but typically shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1600 m elevation, 25-50 cm of new snow overlies the January 15th crust which exists on all aspects and elevations. This crust is thin on northerly aspects and up to 3 cm thick on solar aspects. Below this crust 30-40 cm of moist, well settled snow overlies the January 6th crust which is now buried 40-80 cm below the surface and exists up to about 2000m. Beneath the January 6 crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevation below treeline the new storm snow is wet and heavy with moist snow below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 40-50 cm of new storm snow has buried the most recent, January 15th crust. This crust exists on almost all aspects and elevations with the exception of northerly aspects above 1850 m where the snow surface remained dry during the alpine inversion event on the weekend.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the January 15th crust about 30-50 cm of snow overlies a 1 cm thick crust that was buried on January 6th which exists up to about 2000m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers including the mid December and late November crust layers have produced moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests in the northern part of the region last week and may be a concern for step-down potential.</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">Snowfall over Wednesday and Thursday brought about 20 cm of new snow to the region. Moderate southwest winds over Thursday promoted storm slab formation at higher elevations and particularly in lee areas subject to wind loading. The new snow has buried a mix of old wind slabs and temperature crusts left over from the weekend. Professionals have been monitoring a few layers in the upper snowpack, including crusts and surface hoar layers buried 40-80 cm below the surface. Although these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests, they have not produced avalanches lately. The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowfall from Wednesday and Thursday brought a variable 10-20 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow has buried a temperature crust left over from warm temperatures on the weekend. This crust likely exists well into the alpine. Beneath the crust, the same warm temperatures also worked to settle the upper snowpack, potentially forming a slab above buried weak layers in the top 50 cm of the snowpack. The potential weak layers include a few crusts and surface hoar layers that formed in early January and December. Recent reports suggest the snow is well bonded to most of these layers, but the recent settlement of the upper snowpack may have changed that.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wednesday and Thursday's highly convective and windy storm left 10 to 25 cm in its wake. This snow buried the mid-January PWL which is a crust and/or surface hoar interface. Prior to Wednesday's storm the crust was reportedly widespread, high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. The now buried surface hoar is 4 to 20 mm in size and was present to at least 2100 m, possibly higher.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The second PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 40 to 80 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results with moderate loads.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The third PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 70 to 150 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The November rain crust down 100 to 200 cm is thought to have gone dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active Persistent Weak Layers (PWL) that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wednesday and Thursday's highly convective storm left 10 to 20 cm in its wake. This snow buried the mid-January PWL that is a crust and/or surface hoar interface. Prior to Wednesday's storm the crust was reportedly widespread, high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. The now buried surface hoar is up to 10 mm in size and was reportedly present at all elevations before the storm.&nbsp; </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The second PWL is known as the early January interface, it is 30 to 60 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results with moderate loads.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The third PWL is the mid-December facet/surface hoar/crust combination that is now buried 80 to 100 cm deep and is most problematic at and below treeline. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The November rain crust is 100 to 150 cm deep and is thought to have gone dormant for the time being.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is complex with several buried weak layers of concern that remain active and have produced several recent, large and destructive avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below 1900 m Wednesday night's rain has formed a thin crust on all aspects. At higher elevations, 10-25 cm of new snow now covers the January 16th surface hoar/ crust layer. This crust can be found on solar aspects while surface hoar has been buried on shaded aspects above 1600m. Below the January 16th crust lies the January 5th interface which also consists of a crust/surface combination and is buried 50-80 cm below the surface. The late-December surface hoar layer is buried 80-100 cm below the surface, and the spooky mid-December surface hoar layer is now 100-140 cm below the surface. This spooky interface continues to produce sudden snowpack test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. In shallow, rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-20cm of new snow fell over the past 24hrs with moderate westerly winds at treeline and suspected higher winds in the alpine. This new snow is also now burying the previous windslabs that developed last week as well as a new layer of surface hoar that was being found up to treeline. Two additional layers in the upper snowpack are still producing concerns. The Jan 6th down 40cm (moderate results) and the Dec 15th down 60-80cm (producing hard results). Despite a lack of recent activity on these interfaces they are still in our mind and we are treating she;tered treeline areas cautiously. Watch for new windslabs and storm slabs building along N and E aspects at treeline and above. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At upper treeline and alpine elevations, 5 cm up to 30 cm of new snow has fallen and now covers the January 17th crust. At lower elevations rain has soaked the upper snowpack which consists of 90 cm of wet to moist snow and three deeper crusts (January 10th, January 8th and January 7th). These remain visible but have been unreactive in recent snowpack tests.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth at 1000 m is about 150 cm and many early season hazards are still present.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active weak layers that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40cm of storm snow now sits on a newly formed crust and/or surface hoar interface. Prior to the storm the crust was reportedly widespread; high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. The now buried surface hoar is 5 to 20mm in size and was reportedly present at all elevations before the storm. Looking deeper, a persistent weak layer known as the early January interface is 50 to 90 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and was present to at least 2100 m, possibly higher. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results with moderate loads. Additionally, yet another persistent weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, is buried 80 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 150 to 200cm deep and is thought to have gone dormant for the time being. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active weak layers that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30cm of storm snow now sits on a newly formed crust and/or surface hoar interface. Prior to the storm the crust was reportedly widespread; high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. The now buried surface hoar is 10 to 30mm in size and was reportedly present at all elevations before the storm. Looking deeper, a persistent weak layer known as the early January interface is 40 to 80 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results with moderate loads. Additionally, yet another persistent weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, is buried 40 to 110 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 90 to 150 cm deep and is thought to have gone dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 40 cm of new snow has buried a new layer of feathery surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) as well as sun crust on solar aspects. Moderate to strong winds have been encouraging slab formation over this interface at higher elevations and continuously loading loose snow into deeper slabs in lee areas. The winds have also been also building up cornices along ridges. A thin rain crust may be present about 15cm below the snow surface at 1800 m and lower. This crust likely forms the new snow interface at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the new snow, a number of buried weak layers have been very concerning over the past week, and appear to be gaining strength very slowly. The early January surface hoar layer is around 60 cm below the surface and the unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 100 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets that developed late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. All of these layers have been reactive over the past week.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of new snow from Thursday has buried both a new layer of feathery surface hoar that has been developing in sheltered areas as well as sun crust on solar aspects. The new snow will need time to form a reliable bond to this previous surface. </span><span class="s_E6FD2046">Moderate to strong winds have also been encouraging slab formation at higher elevations and continuously loading loose snow into deeper slabs in lee areas. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the new snow, Previous southwest winds formed wind slabs that are now buried in lee terrain at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Slabs may fail on this layer under the weight of a person or machine. Deeper in the snowpack, an early-season rain crust and sugary facets exist. Storm slab releases could step down to these deeper layers to create a large and destructive avalanche. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent slab problems are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are across the region are similarly variable, but typically shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1400 m elevation, 50-70 cm of storm snow overlies the January 15th crust which is present at all elevations. This crust is thin on northerly aspects and up to 3 cm thick on solar aspects. Below this crust 30-40 cm of moist, well settled snow overlies the January 6th crust which is now buried about 100 cm below the surface and exists up to about 2000m. Beneath the January 6th crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 40-50 cm of new storm snow has buried the most recent, January 15th crust. This crust exists on almost all aspects and elevations with the exception of northerly aspects above 1850 m where the snow surface remained dry during the alpine inversion event on the weekend.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the January 15th crust about 30-50 cm of snow overlies a 1 cm thick crust that was buried on January 6th which exists up to about 2000m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Mid and lower snowpack layers including the mid December and late November crust layers have produced moderate to hard, sudden results in snowpack tests in the northern part of the region last week and may be a concern for step-down potential.</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">Snowfall over the mid-week brought about 30 cm of new snow to the region. Northern parts of the region saw about half this amount. The new snow has buried a mix of old wind slabs and temperature crusts left over from the weekend. More isolated surface hoar has been observed under the new snow at mid elevations that experienced cloud cover during recent inversion conditions. Storm slabs have been particularly reactive where this surface hoar exists.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Professionals have been monitoring a few layers in the upper snowpack, including crusts and surface hoar layers buried 40-80 cm below the surface. Although these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests, they have not produced avalanches lately. The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowfall from the mid-week brought a variable 10-20 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow has buried a temperature crust that likely exists well into the alpine. There are also reports of more isolated pockets of surface hoar beneath the new snow at lower alpine and treeline elevations. This surface hoar is noted in our avalanche activity discussion for having produced numerous storm slab releases in a localized area after the storm ended. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow interface, deeper weak layers in the snowpack include a few crusts and surface hoar layers that formed in early January and December. Most recent reports suggest the snow is well bonded to these layers, but snowpack tests in the north of the region have shown some easy results with sudden fracture character, suggesting that a dangerous persistent slab problem may develop as the mid and upper snowpack consolidate into a stiffer slab.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active weak layers that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40cm of storm snow now sits on a newly formed crust and/or surface hoar interface. Prior to the storm the crust was reportedly widespread; high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. The now buried surface hoar is 5 to 20mm in size and was reportedly present up to 2100m and possibly higher. Looking deeper, a persistent weak layer known as the early January interface is 40 to 80 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results with moderate loads. Additionally, yet another persistent weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, is buried 80 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 200 cm deep and is thought to have gone dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active weak layers that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-35cm of storm snow now sits on a newly formed crust and/or surface hoar interface. Prior to the storm the crust was reportedly widespread; high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. The now buried surface hoar is up to 10mm in size and was reportedly present at all elevations before the storm. Looking deeper, a persistent weak layer known as the early January interface is 30 to 60 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results with moderate loads. Additionally, yet another persistent weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, is buried 40 to 100 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. This interface is not thought to be present in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is thought to have gone dormant for the time being. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is complex with several buried weak layers of concern that remain active and have produced several recent, large and destructive avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 20-30 cm of storm snow now covers the January 16th surface hoar/ crust layer. This crust can be found on solar aspects while surface hoar has been buried on shaded aspects above 1600m. Below the January 16th layer lies the January 5th interface which also consists of a crust/surface combination and is buried 50-90 cm below the surface. The spooky mid-December surface hoar layer is now 100-140 cm below the surface. This spooky interface continues to produce sudden snowpack test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. In shallow, rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20cm of recent snow over the past 48hrs with strong winds.  Alpine terrain has definetly been ravenged by the winds with some windward slopes stripped bare and hard slabs on more N and E aspects.  At treeline there are two surface hoar layers down 30cm (Jan 6th) and down 50cm (Dec 15th) that have slowly becoming more reactive over the past few days.  Steeper features and unsupported roles should be treated with caution, especially in un-skied terrain.    No recent activity on the November crusts but we have not let these weaknesses fall from our thoughts.  Weak facets can be found surrounding these layers which indicates that these is potential for a slide to step down to one of these layers. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1000m about 30 cm of new snow has fallen with as much as 50-60 cm of new snow at higher elevations. This storm snow now covers the January 17th crust and is being redistributed by wind at upper elevations. Below 1000 m, rain has soaked the upper snowpack which consists of 90 cm of wet to moist snow and three deeper crusts (January 10th, January 8th and January 7th). These remain visible but have been unreactive in recent snowpack tests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth at 1000 m is about 160 cm and many early season hazards are still present.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of storm snow and new forecasted snow for Sunday sits on a newly formed crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at all elevations. The new snow is falling with strong southwesterly winds, producing wind slabs in lee features. Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 50 to 90 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found to at least 2100 m, possibly higher. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, and signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 90 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 200 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of storm snow now sits on a newly formed crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). Prior to the storm, the crust was reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The now buried surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size and was reportedly present at all elevations before the storm. Deeper in the snowpack, a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is 40 to 80 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Yet another persistent weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 60 to 110 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. This layer is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 90 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 40 cm of new snow has buried a new layer of feathery surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) as well as sun crust on solar aspects. Moderate to strong winds have been encouraging slab formation over this interface at higher elevations and continuously loading loose snow into deeper slabs in lee areas. The winds have also been also building up cornices along ridges. A thin rain crust may be present about 15cm below the snow surface at 1800 m and lower. This crust likely forms the new snow interface at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the new snow, a number of buried weak layers have been very concerning over the past week, and appear to be gaining strength very slowly. The early January surface hoar layer is around 60 cm below the surface and the unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 100 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets that developed late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. All of these layers were reactive and produced large, destructive avalanches in the last couple of weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of new snow from last week's storm has buried both a new layer of feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas as well as sun crust on solar aspects. The new snow will need time to form a reliable bond to this previous surface. </span><span class="s_E6FD2046">Moderate to strong winds have also been encouraging slab formation at higher elevations and continuously loading loose snow into deeper wind slabs in lee areas. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the new snow, Previous southwest winds formed wind slabs that are now buried in lee terrain at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly feathery surface hoar crystals and/or a sun crust) is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Deeper in the snowpack, an early-season rain crust and sugary facets exists. Slabs may still fail on these layers under the weight of a person, a machine, or large wind slab release. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent slab problems are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are across the region are similarly variable, but typically shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1400 m elevation, 40-70 cm of storm snow overlies the crust that was buried mid-January and is present at all elevations. This crust is thin on northerly aspects and up to 3 cm thick on solar aspects. Below this crust 30-40 cm well settled snow overlies a second crust that was buried early-January and now lies about 100 cm below the surface at elevations up to 2000m. Beneath the early-January crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack tests have produced easy to moderate, resistant results within the recent storm snow as well as hard, resistant results above the recently buried mid-January crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 40-60 cm of storm snow lies above the most recent crust that was buried mid-January. This crust exists on almost all aspects and elevations with the exception of northerly aspects above 1850 m and has produced moderate to hard, sudden results in recent snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this crust, a second thin crust that was buried early-January now lies 70-100 cm below the surface and has also been reactive in snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this crust the mid and lower snowpack layers including the mid-December and late-November crust layers continue to produce hard, sudden results in snowpack tests in the northern part of the region and may still be a concern for step-down potential.</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">Last week's storm brought about 30 cm of new snow to the region. Northern parts of the region saw about half this amount. The new snow buried a mix of old wind slabs and temperature crusts left over from last weekend. More isolated surface hoar has been observed under the new snow at mid elevations that experienced cloud cover during recent inversion conditions. Storm slabs have been particularly reactive where this surface hoar exists.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Professionals have been monitoring a few layers in the upper snowpack, including crusts and surface hoar layers buried 40-80 cm below the surface. Although these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests, only one recent report exists of a persistent slab releasing over the late December weak layer. The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowfall from last week brought a variable 10-20 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow has buried a temperature crust that likely exists well into the alpine. There are also reports of more isolated pockets of surface hoar beneath the new snow at lower alpine and treeline elevations. This surface hoar is noted in our avalanche activity discussion for having produced numerous storm slab releases in a localized area after the storm ended. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow interface, deeper weak layers in the snowpack include a few crusts and surface hoar layers that formed in early January and December. Most recent reports suggest the snow is well bonded to these layers, but recent persistent slab activity over a surface hoar and facet 'combo' at low elevations suggests that a dangerous persistent slab problem may be developing as the mid and upper snowpack consolidate into a stiffer slab over this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of storm snow and new forecasted snow for Sunday sits on a newly formed crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported up to 2100 m and possibly higher. The new snow is falling with strong southwesterly winds, producing wind slabs in lee features. Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 50 to 90 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, and signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 90 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 200 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active weak layers that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-40 cm of storm snow and another 10-30 cm of forecasted snow for Sunday sits on a newly formed crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). Prior to the storm the crust was reportedly widespread; high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. The mid-January surface hoar is up to 10 mm and reported at all elevation bands. The new snow is falling with strong southwesterly winds, producing wind slabs in lee features. Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 30 to 60 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects and found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as whumpfs and cracking. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 40 to 100 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is complex with several buried weak layers of concern that remain active and have produced several recent, large and destructive avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 20-40 cm of storm snow now covers the most recent crust/surface hoar layer that was buried mid-January. This crust can be found on solar aspects while surface hoar has been buried on shaded aspects above 1600m. Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 50-90 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 100-140 cm below the surface and continues to produce sudden snowpack test results. This spooky layer is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. In shallow, rocky terrain the mid-December surface hoar and the late November crust seem to be reacting together which is a volatile combination. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few cm's of new snow overnight has added to the recent 20cm over the past few days. Winds have been strong during the snowfalls, which has created extensive wind slabs in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. At 2250m and below there are now 3 layers of buried surface hoar, which is very unusual for the Rockies. These are referred to as the Jan 18th, Jan 6th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers, down 25, 50 and 100cm respectively. Snowpack stability tests today indicate that all these layers are reactive, with the Jan 6th and Dec 15th layers the most concerning as there is now sufficient overlying slab to be an avalanche problem. The November crust layers are still on our radar, but still do not appear to be reactive. The question is when these layers will become a problem.....</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1000m about 60 cm of new snow has fallen with as much as 80-90 cm of new snow at higher elevations. This storm snow now covers a crust that was buried on January 17th. Below this crust the upper snowpack which consists of 90 cm of moist to wet snow and three prominent crusts (buried January 10th, January 8th and January 7th respectively). While these crust remain easily identifiable they have been unreactive in recent snowpack tests. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack depth at 1000 m is now about 200 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60 cm of storm snow now sits on a newly formed crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). Prior to the storm, the crust was reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The buried mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reportedly present at all elevations before the storm. Deeper in the snowpack, a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is 50 to 90 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present to at least 2100 m, possibly higher. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Yet another persistent weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, is buried 90 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. This layer is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 200 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-50 cm of storm snow now sits on a newly formed crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). Prior to the storm, the crust was reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size and is at all elevations. The recent snow fell with strong southerly winds, producing wind slabs and cornices in lee features.  Deeper in the snowpack, a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is buried 40 to 80 cm, present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Yet another persistent weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 60 to 110 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. This layer is not thought to be present in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 90 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 40 cm of new snow has buried a new layer of feathery surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) as well as sun crust on solar aspects. Moderate to strong winds have been encouraging slab formation over this interface at higher elevations and continuously loading loose snow into deeper slabs in lee areas. The winds have also been also building up cornices along ridges. A thin rain crust may be present about 15cm below the snow surface at 1800 m and lower. This crust likely forms the new snow interface at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the new snow, a number of buried weak layers have been very concerning over the past couple of weeks. A layer of surface hoar from early January is around 60 cm below the surface and the unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 100 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets that developed late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. All of these layers produced large, destructive avalanches in the last two weeks. Recent observations suggest that reactivity at these layers may finally be diminishing.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of new snow from recent stormy weather has buried both a new layer of feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas as well as sun crust on solar aspects. The new snow will need time to form a reliable bond to this previous surface. Moderate to strong winds have also been encouraging slab formation at higher elevations and continuously loading loose snow into deeper wind slabs in lee areas.</span><span class="s_E6FD2046"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the new snow, Previous southwest winds formed wind slabs that are now buried in lee terrain at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Down about 60-80 cm, weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sun crust from mid-December is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Deeper in the snowpack, another weak early-season layer of rain crust and sugary facets exists. Slabs may still fail on these layers under the weight of a person, a machine, or large wind slab release. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent slab problems are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are across the region are similarly variable, but typically shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has been pummeled by heavy snowfall and extreme southerly winds. By Monday morning expect about a metre of snow to have fallen in the past 48 hours. Thanks to the winds, I would anticipate extensive scouring and redistribution of the recent storm snow at all elevation bands with dense storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features. Impressive cornice growth is also expected to have occurred.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 150cm below the surface you'll find a crust that was buried mid-January and is present at all elevations. This crust is thin on northerly aspects and up to 3 cm thick on solar aspects. Most reports suggest an improving bond at this interface, but the load of the new snow may tip the balance and reactivate this layer in isolated terrain. Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Monday morning expect about 30-60 cm of snow to have fallen in the past 48 hours. Thanks to the winds, I would anticipate redistribution of the recent storm snow at all elevation bands with storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 40-90cm below the surface you'll likely find the most recent crust that was buried mid-January. This crust exists on almost all aspects and elevations with the exception of northerly aspects above 1850 m and has produced moderate to hard, sudden results in recent snowpack tests.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath this crust the mid and lower snowpack layers including the mid-December and late-November crust layers continue to produce hard, sudden results in snowpack tests in the northern part of the region and may still be a concern for step-down potential.</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">Recent stormy weather has gradually brought about 40 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow has buried widespread temperature crusts as well as more isolated surface hoar at mid elevations - both the product of last week's inversion conditions. Storm slabs have been particularly reactive where surface hoar exists as well as at higher elevations where shifting winds have promoted slab formation on a variety of aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Professionals have been monitoring a few layers in the upper snowpack, including crusts and surface hoar layers buried 40-80 cm below the surface. Although these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests, only one recent report exists of a persistent slab releasing over the late December weak layer. These layers are a greater concern in the north of the region. The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent light snowfalls have gradually brought about 20-30 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow has buried a temperature crust that likely exists well into the alpine. There are also reports of more isolated pockets of surface hoar beneath the new snow at lower alpine and treeline elevations. This surface hoar is noted in our avalanche activity discussion for having produced numerous storm slab releases in a localized area after the storm ended. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow interface, deeper weak layers in the snowpack include a few crusts and surface hoar layers that formed in early January and December. Most recent reports suggest the snow is well bonded to these layers, but recent persistent slab activity over a surface hoar and facet 'combo' at low elevations suggests that a dangerous persistent slab problem may be developing as the mid and upper snowpack consolidate into a stiffer slab over this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60 cm of storm snow and new forecasted snow for Sunday sits on a newly formed crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported up to 2100 m and possibly higher. The recent snow fell with strong southwesterly winds, producing wind slabs in lee features.  Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 50 to 90 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, and signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking.  Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 90 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 200 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we now have three active weak layers that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-50 cm of storm snow sits on a newly formed crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). Prior to the storm the crust was reportedly widespread; high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. The mid-January surface hoar is up to 10 mm and reported at all elevation bands. The new snow fell with strong southwesterly winds, producing wind slabs in lee features. Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 30 to 70 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects and found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as whumpfs and cracking. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 40 to 100 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is complex with several buried weak layers of concern that remain reactive and have produced several recent, large and destructive avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 20-40 cm of storm snow now covers the most recent crust/surface hoar layer that was buried mid-January. This crust can be found on solar aspects while surface hoar has been buried on shaded aspects above 1600m. Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 50-90 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 100-140 cm below the surface and continues to produce sudden snowpack test results. This spooky layer is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Yet another day of strong winds coupled with as much as 25cm of snow in the past few days has led to continued wind slab development in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. At 2250m and below there are now 3 layers of buried surface hoar, which is very unusual for the Rockies. These are referred to as the Jan 18th, Jan 6th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers, down 25, 50 and 100cm respectively. Recent snowpack stability tests indicate that all these layers are reactive, with the Jan 6th and Dec 15th layers the most concerning as there is now sufficient overlying slab to be an avalanche problem. The November crust layers are still on our radar, but still do not appear to be reactive at the moment.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Above 1000m about 80 cm of new snow has fallen with over 100cm of new snow at higher elevations. Strong to extreme winds have redistributed the new snow into deep and dense storm slabs. This storm snow now covers a crust that was buried on January 17th. Below this crust the snowpack is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we have three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50 to 80 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). The crust is widespread, except possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and is likely present at all elevation bands. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is buried 70 to 100 cm. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Yet another persistent weak layer buried mid-December is 100 to 150 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 150 to 200 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-50 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size and at all elevation bands. The recent snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs and cornices in lee features.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is buried 50 to 80 cm, present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 60 to 100 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 40 cm of new snow has buried a new layer of feathery surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) as well as sun crust on solar aspects. Moderate to strong winds have been encouraging slab formation over this interface at higher elevations and continuously loading loose snow into deeper slabs in lee areas. The winds have also been also building up cornices along ridges. A thin rain crust may be present about 15cm below the snow surface at 1800 m and lower. This crust likely forms the new snow interface at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the new snow, a number of buried weak layers have been very concerning over the past couple of weeks. A layer of surface hoar from early January is around 60 cm below the surface and the unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 100 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets that developed late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. All of these layers produced large, destructive avalanches in the last two weeks. Recent observations suggest that reactivity at these layers remains a real concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of new snow from recent stormy weather has buried both a new layer of feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas as well as sun crust on solar aspects. Moderate to strong winds have been scouring away the new snow on southwest aspects while continuously loading and building wind slabs in lee areas.</span><span class="s_E6FD2046"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the new snow, Previous southwest winds formed wind slabs that are now buried in lee terrain at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Down about 60-80 cm, weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sun crust from mid-December is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Deeper in the snowpack, another weak early-season layer of rain crust and sugary facets exists. This deeper layer is the most concerning persistent weakness in the South Rockies. It is expected to be particularly sensitive to triggering in variable-depth snowpack areas in the alpine. Slabs may still fail on these layers under the weight of a person, a machine, or large wind slab release. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent slab problems are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are across the region are similarly variable, but typically shallower in the east.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has been pummeled by heavy snowfall and extreme southerly winds. By Monday morning the 48 hour snowfall totals were just over 100cm. Thanks to extreme southeast winds, I would anticipate extensive scouring and redistribution of the recent storm snow at all elevation bands with dense storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features. Impressive cornice growth is also expected to have occurred.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 150cm below the surface you'll find a crust that was buried mid-January and is present at all elevations. This crust is thin on northerly aspects and up to 3 cm thick on solar aspects. Most reports suggest an improving bond at this interface, but the load of the new snow may tip the balance and reactivate this layer in isolated terrain. Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Monday morning the 48 hour snowfall totals were around 60cm in the Duffey/ Tenquille areas. Thanks to strong to extreme southwest winds, I would anticipate redistribution of the recent storm snow at all elevation bands with storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features. Further south in Coquihalla area, 48 hour storm totals were closer to 35 cm and winds were much lighter.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-120cm below the surface you'll likely find a few crusts that were buried during the first few weeks of January. Due to limited observations, not much is known about the current reactivity of these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack includes the mid-December crust layer. I'd expect an improving bond at this interface; however, the load of the new snow may tip the balance and reactivate this layer in isolated terrain - particularly in the north of the region where it's shown prolonged reactivity in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Stormy weather since the middle of last week has gradually brought about 50-60 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow has buried widespread temperature crusts as well as more isolated surface hoar at mid elevations - both the product inversion conditions early last week. Areas harbouring surface hoar are an increasing concern as the overlying storm snow gradually consolidates into a slab above it. This surface hoar is more likely to exist in sheltered areas at lower elevations. At alpine and upper treeline elevations, shifting winds fed with consistent snowfall have been promoting slab formation on a variety of aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Professionals have been monitoring a few layers in the mid snowpack, including crusts and surface hoar layers buried 70-130 cm below the surface. Although these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests, only one recent report exists of a persistent slab releasing over the late December weak layer. These layers are a greater concern in the north of the region. The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent light snowfalls have gradually brought about 20-30 cm of new snow to the region. The new snow has buried a temperature crust that exists well into the alpine. There are also reports of more isolated pockets of surface hoar beneath the new snow at lower alpine and treeline elevations. While its distribution is uncertain, this surface hoar remains an ongoing concern as the overlying storm snow settles into a slab above it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow interface, deeper weak layers in the snowpack include a few crusts and surface hoar layers that formed in early January and December. Most recent reports suggest the snow is well bonded to these layers, but recent persistent slab activity over a surface hoar and facet 'combo' at low elevations suggests that a dangerous persistent slab problem may be developing as the mid and upper snowpack consolidate into a stiffer slab over this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-80 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at treeline elevations and possibly higher. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 80 to 100 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, and signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is generally 150 to 200 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). The crust was reportedly widespread; high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. The mid-January surface hoar is up to 10 mm and reported at all elevation bands. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 30 to 70 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects and found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with easy to moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as whumpfs and cracking. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 40 to 100 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Since last Friday between 15 and 30cm of new snow fell with the greatest accumulations occurring in the Kootenay Pass area. Moderate to locally strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into reactive storm slabs in exposed lee terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30 - 50 cm of storm snow now covers the most recent crust/surface hoar layer that was buried mid-January. This crust can be found on solar aspects while surface hoar has been buried on shaded aspects above 1600m. Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 50-90 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 100-140 cm below the surface. This spooky layer still produces &quot;sudden&quot; test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline . </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. </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">Several days of very strong winds has led to widespread wind slab conditions in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. These are found on all aspects except west, where the winds have stripped the windward slopes down to bare rock. At 2250m and below there are now 3 layers of buried surface hoar. These are referred to as the Jan 18th, Jan 6th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers, down 25, 50 and 100cm respectively. Recent snowpack stability tests indicate that all these layers are reactive, with the Jan 6th and Dec 15th layers the most concerning as there is now sufficient overlying slab to be an avalanche problem. The November and October crusts deeper in the snowpack are being tracked but remain inactive at the moment.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In recent days the region was pummeled by heavy precipitation with the rain line hovering around 800m. As of Monday morning, the 48 hour precipitation totals were up to 130mm on the North Shore mountains with closer to 60mm falling north of the Fraser Valley. Strong to extreme winds have redistributed the new snow into deep, dense and potentially destructive storm slabs while rain has saturated the snowpack at lower elevations. The reactivity of the new storm slabs is likely to vary greatly depending on elevation/ temperature and orientation to wind. In general, I would expect the touchiest conditions to exist in exposed, higher elevation terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, we have three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60 to 90 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). The crust is widespread, except possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and is likely present at all elevation bands. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is buried 70 to 110 cm. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Yet another persistent weak layer buried mid-December is 100 to 150 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 150 to 200 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-60 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size and at all elevation bands. The recent snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs and cornices in lee features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is buried 50 to 80 cm, present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 60 to 100 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 40-60 cm of storm snow now covers a layer of feathery surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) as well as sun crust on solar aspects that was buried mid-January. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A thin rain crust may be present about 15cm below the snow surface at 1800 m and lower. This crust likely forms the new snow interface at lower elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-January interface lie a number of very concerning buried weak layers. A layer of surface hoar from early-January is around 80 cm below the surface and the unstable weak layer from mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 120 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets that developed late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. All of these layers have produced recent large, destructive avalanches and remain a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow now covers both a new layer of feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas as well as sun crust on solar aspects buried mid-January, and about 50 cm below the surfaces lies the early-January surface hoar layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60-80 cm below the surface a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sun crust buried mid-December is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Deeper in the snowpack, another weak early-season layer of rain crust and sugary facets buried late-November exists. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are also variable across the region and typically thinner in northern areas than in areas to the south.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has been pummeled by heavy snowfall and extreme southerly winds. By Tuesday morning the 72 hour snowfall totals were just over 100cm. Thanks to extreme southeast winds, I would anticipate extensive scouring and redistribution of the recent storm snow at all elevation bands with dense storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features. Impressive cornice growth is also expected to have occurred.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 150cm below the surface you'll find a crust that was buried mid-January and is present at all elevations. This crust is thin on northerly aspects and up to 3 cm thick on solar aspects. Most reports suggest an improving bond at this interface, but the load of the new snow may tip the balance and reactivate this layer in isolated terrain. Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Tuesday morning the 72 hour snowfall totals were around 60cm in the Duffey/ Tenquille areas. Thanks to strong to extreme southwest winds, I would anticipate redistribution of the recent storm snow at all elevation bands with storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features. Further south in Coquihalla area, 72 hour storm totals were closer to 35 cm and winds were much lighter.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-120cm below the surface you'll likely find a few crusts that were buried during the first few weeks of January. Due to limited observations, not much is known about the current reactivity of these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack includes the mid-December crust layer. I'd expect an improving bond at this interface; however, the load of the new snow may tip the balance and reactivate this layer in isolated terrain - particularly in the north of the region where it's shown prolonged reactivity in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 40-60 cm of recent storm snow covers widespread temperature crusts as well as more isolated surface hoar at mid elevations that were buried mid-January. Areas where surface hoar has been recently buried are an increasing concern as the overlying storm snow gradually consolidates into a slab above it. This surface hoar is more likely to exist in sheltered areas at lower elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Professionals have been monitoring a few layers in the mid snowpack, including crusts and surface hoar layers that were buried early-January, late-December, and mid-December and can now be found 70-130 cm below the surface. Although these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests, only one recent report exists of a persistent slab releasing over the late-December weak layer. These layers are a greater concern in the north of the region. The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent light snowfalls have gradually brought about 20-40 cm of new snow to the region. This new snow has buried the mid-January interface which features a crust that exists well into the alpine and isolated pockets of surface hoar at lower alpine and treeline elevations. While its distribution is uncertain, this surface hoar remains an ongoing concern as the overlying storm snow settles into a slab above it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the mid-January interface, deeper weak layers in the snowpack include crusts and surface hoar layers that were buried in early-January and mid-December. Most recent reports suggest the old snow is well bonded to these layers, but recent persistent slab activity over a surface hoar and facet 'combo' at low elevations suggests that a dangerous persistent slab problem may be developing as the mid and upper snowpack consolidate into a stiffer slab over this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-80 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at treeline elevations and possibly higher. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 80 to 100 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, and signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking.  Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is generally 150 to 200 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread; high elevation north is likely one of the few crust-free zones. The mid-January surface hoar is up to 10 mm and reported at all elevation bands. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 30 to 70 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects and found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with easy to moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as whumpfs and cracking. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 40 to 100 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Since last Friday, 15-30cm of new snow fell with the greatest accumulations occurring in the Kootenay Pass area. Moderate to locally strong southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into reactive storm slabs in exposed lee terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30 - 50 cm of storm snow now covers the most recent crust/surface hoar layer that was buried mid-January. This crust can be found on solar aspects while surface hoar has been buried on shaded aspects above 1600m. Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 50-90 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 100-140 cm below the surface. This spooky layer still produces &quot;sudden&quot; test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline . </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few cm's of new snow fell last night. With a week of very strong winds wind slabs are widespread in alpine and treeline terrain and have snuck themselves into open areas below treeline. Expect to find hard slabs in the alpine and a mix of hard and soft slabs everywhere else, except where the winds have stripped the snow down to bare rock. Cornices have grown significantly in the past few days and are now very large and looming. At 2250m and below there are 3 layers of buried surface hoar. These are referred to as the Jan 18th, Jan 6th and Dec 15th surface hoar layers, down 25, 50 and 100cm respectively. All of these layers appear reactive at the moment. The deeply buried November and October crusts are being tracked and may come alive in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In recent days the region was pummeled by heavy precipitation with the rain line hovering around 800m. As of Tuesday morning, the 72 hour precipitation totals were up to 130mm on the North Shore mountains with closer to 60mm falling north of the Fraser Valley. Strong to extreme winds have redistributed the new snow into deep, dense and potentially destructive storm slabs while rain has saturated the snowpack at lower elevations. The reactivity of the new storm slabs is likely to vary greatly depending on elevation/ temperature and orientation to wind. In general, I would expect the touchiest conditions to exist in exposed, higher elevation terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">70 to 100 cm of storm snow sits on a layer of crust and/or surface hoar from mid-January. The crust is widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and is likely present at all elevation bands. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is buried 70 to 110 cm deep. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Yet another persistent weak layer buried mid-December is 100 to 150 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 150 to 200 cm deep. While generally considered dormant, occasional activity has shown that it may react in alpine areas where it is less deeply buried.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-60 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size and at all elevation bands. The recent snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs and cornices in lee features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is buried 50 to 80 cm, present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 60 to 100 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 40-60 cm of storm snow now covers a layer of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) as well as sun crust on solar aspects that was buried mid-January. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-January interface lie a number of very concerning buried weak layers. A layer of surface hoar from early-January is buried 90-110 cm below the surface. A weak layer buried mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 120-160 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets that developed late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. All of these layers have produced recent large, destructive avalanches and remain a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow now covers both a new layer of feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas as well as sun crust on solar aspects buried mid-January, and about 30-50 cm below the surfaces lies the early-January surface hoar layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60-80 cm below the surface a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sun crust buried mid-December is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Near the base of the snowpack the weak early-season layer of rain crust and sugary facets buried late-November exists. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are also variable across the region and typically thinner in northern areas than in areas to the south.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region has been pummeled by heavy snowfall and extreme southerly winds. 20 cm of new snow on Wednesday morning continues to be redistributed by strong southeasterly winds. Last weekend's storm likely created dense storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features. Impressive cornice growth is also expected to have occurred.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 180cm below the surface you'll find a crust that was buried mid-January and is present at all elevations. This crust is thin on northerly aspects and up to 3 cm thick on solar aspects. Most reports suggest an improving bond at this interface, but the load of the new snow may tip the balance and reactivate this layer in isolated terrain. Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 cm of new snow on Wednesday morning brings recent storm totals to 60-80cm. Moderate southerly winds continue to redistribute the new snow. Last weekend's strong to extreme southeasterly ridgetop winds likely created dense storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features at treeline and above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">50-120cm below the surface you'll likely find a few crusts that were buried during the first few weeks of January. Due to limited observations, not much is known about the current reactivity of these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack includes the mid-December crust layer. I'd expect an improving bond at this interface; however, the load of the new snow may tip the balance and reactivate this layer in isolated terrain - particularly in the north of the region where it's shown prolonged reactivity in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 40-80 cm of recent storm snow covers a widespread crust as well as surface hoar in isolated areas at mid elevations that were buried mid-January. This surface hoar is more likely to exist in sheltered areas at treeline and below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Professionals have also been monitoring a few mid-pack layers within the snowpack including a crust and surface hoar layer that was buried early-January and now lies 60-100 cm below the surface, and a similar layer buried mid-December that now lies 80-120 cm below the surface. Both of these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests producing moderate to hard, sudden results and have produced recent large, natural avalanches particularly in northern areas of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent light snowfalls have gradually brought about 20-40 cm of new snow to the region. This new snow has buried the mid-January interface which features a crust that exists well into the alpine and isolated pockets of surface hoar in sheltered areas at lower alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the mid-January interface, deeper weak layers in the snowpack include crusts and surface hoar layers that were buried late-December and mid-December and now lie 50-60 cm below the surface. Recent persistent slab activity over a surface hoar and facet 'combo' at low elevations suggests that a dangerous persistent slab problem may be developing as the mid and upper snowpack consolidate into a stiffer slab over this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of storm snow sits on a layer of crust and/or surface hoar from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at treeline elevations and possibly higher. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 80 to 100 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, and signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is generally 150 to 200 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-70 cm of storm snow sits on a layer of crust and/or surface hoar from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is up to 10 mm is size and has been reported at all elevation bands. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is found 40 to 90 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects and found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with easy to moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as whumpfs and cracking with skier traffic. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 40 to 100 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-25cm of new snow brings recent storm snow total to approximately 45-60 cm which has been redistributed by strong southerly winds. This overlies the most recent crust and surface hoar (weak feathery crystals) layer that was buried mid-January. This crust can be found on solar aspects while the surface hoar has been buried on shaded aspects above 1600m. Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 70-100 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 100-130 cm below the surface. This spooky layer still produces &quot;sudden&quot; test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline . </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light flurries were falling throuhgout the day on Wednesday but there was very little accumulations by 1600.  Not much is changing out there right now.  Widespread windslabs in the alpine should be expected and these windslabs even extend down into treeline in some areas.  At treeline and below there are a few surface hoar layers in the top 1m of the snowpack that skiers need to be aware of.  Being down less than 1m, they are within the realm of skier triggerring.  Use caution in unskied areas, and in steeper or unsupported slopes.  THe Nov crust is also a basal layer that we are starting to see sporadic activity on these days.  Treat large alpine features with caution. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In recent days the region was pummeled by heavy precipitation with the rain line hovering around 800m. 20cm of new snow is being redistributed by moderate southerly ridgetop winds. The reactivity of the new storm slabs is likely to vary greatly depending on elevation/ temperature and orientation to wind. In general, I would expect the touchiest conditions to exist in exposed, higher elevation terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">70 to 100 cm of storm snow sits on a layer of crust and/or surface hoar from mid-January. The crust is widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and is likely present at all elevation bands. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is buried 70 to 110 cm deep. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Yet another persistent weak layer buried mid-December is 100 to 150 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 150 to 200 cm deep. While generally considered dormant, occasional activity has shown that it may react in alpine areas where it is less deeply buried.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of new snow brings recent storm snow totals to 60-80 cm which overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer (mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size and at all elevation bands. The recent snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs and cornices in lee features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is buried 50 to 80 cm, present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 60 to 100 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60-80 cm of storm snow now covers a layer of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) as well as sun crust on solar aspects that was buried mid-January. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-January interface lie a number of very concerning buried weak layers. A layer of surface hoar from early-January is buried 90-110 cm below the surface. A weak layer buried mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 120-160 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets that developed late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. All of these layers have produced recent large, destructive avalanches and remain a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow now covers both a new layer of feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas as well as sun crust on solar aspects buried mid-January, and about 30-50 cm below the surfaces lies the early-January surface hoar layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60-80 cm below the surface a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sun crust buried mid-December is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Near the base of the snowpack the weak early-season layer of rain crust and sugary facets buried late-November exists. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are also variable across the region and typically thinner in northern areas than in areas to the south.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-40 cm of new snow on Thursday morning  brings recent storm totals to around 170 cm which continues to be redistributed by strong southeasterly winds. Last weekend's storm likely created dense storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features. Impressive cornice growth is also expected to have occurred.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">200-250 cm below the surface you'll find a crust that was buried mid-January and is present at all elevations. This crust is thin on northerly aspects and up to 3 cm thick on solar aspects. Most reports suggest an improving bond at this interface, but the load of the new snow may tip the balance and reactivate this layer in isolated terrain. Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of new snow on Thursday morning brings recent storm totals to 60-90cm. Moderate southerly winds continue to redistribute the new snow. Last weekend's strong to extreme southeasterly ridgetop winds likely created dense storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features at treeline and above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">90-120cm below the surface you'll likely find a few crusts that were buried during the first few weeks of January. Due to limited observations, not much is known about the current reactivity of these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack includes the mid-December crust layer. I'd expect an improving bond at this interface; however, the load of the new snow may tip the balance and reactivate this layer in isolated terrain - particularly in the north of the region where it's shown prolonged reactivity in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 50-80 cm of recent storm snow covers a widespread crust as well as surface hoar in isolated areas at mid elevations that were buried mid-January. This surface hoar is more likely to exist in sheltered areas at treeline and below and has produced easy, sudden results in recent snowpack tests on northerly aspects between 1300-1450 m in areas north of Terrace.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Professionals have also been monitoring a few mid-pack layers within the snowpack including a crust/ surface hoar layer that was buried early-January and now lies 60-100 cm below the surface, and a similar layer buried mid-December that now lies 80-120 cm below the surface. Both of these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests producing moderate to hard, sudden results and have produced recent large, natural avalanches particularly in northern areas of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent light snowfalls have gradually brought from 20-60 cm of new snow across the region. This new snow has buried the mid-January interface which features a crust that exists well into the alpine and isolated pockets of surface hoar in sheltered areas at lower alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the mid-January interface, deeper weak layers in the snowpack include crusts and surface hoar layers that were buried late-December and mid-December and now lie 50-80 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent persistent slab activity over a surface hoar and facet 'combo' at low elevations suggests that a dangerous persistent slab problem may be developing as the mid and upper snowpack consolidate into a stiffer slab over this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of storm snow sits on a layer of crust and/or surface hoar from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at treeline elevations and possibly higher. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 80 to 100 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, and signs of instability such as whumpfs and cracking. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is generally 150 to 200 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that professionals are currently monitoring. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30-70 cm of storm snow sits on a layer of crust and/or surface hoar buried mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is up to 10 mm is size and has been reported at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is found 40 to 90 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects and found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with easy to moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as whumpfs and cracking with skier traffic. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 40 to 100 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack in this region is currently being described as &quot;Complex&quot; and &quot;Spooky&quot;.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-30cm of new snow brings recent storm snow total to approximately 55-70 cm which has been redistributed by strong southerly winds. Currently, the primary layer of concern was buried in mid-January and is down around 60-90cm. It is composed of a mixture of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) and/or a crust. This layer has been reactive to snowpack tests on all aspects and elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 100-120 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 120-150 cm below the surface. This layer still produces &quot;sudden&quot; test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline . </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 20cm of snow over the past 24hrs at treeline elevations.  Winds continue out of the west into the moderate range with occasional gusts into the strong range.  This recent snow is burying and adding additional load to the previous windslabs that were overlying a weak facetted layer known as the dec 15th down around 1m.  At treeline and below there are a few surface hoar layers of concern within the top 1m of the snowpack.  Dec 15th SH is down generally 1m, Jan 6th down around 70cm and Jan 18th down 35cm (all depths approx).  These layers are slowly becomming more reactive as successive snow loads bury them.  This is a good time to stick to conservative terrain and let the snowpack adjust to this new load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10cm of new snow is being redistributed by moderate southerly ridgetop winds. The reactivity of the new storm slabs is likely to vary greatly depending on elevation/ temperature and orientation to wind. In general, I would expect the touchiest conditions to exist in exposed, higher elevation terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">70 to 100 cm of storm snow sits on a layer of crust and/or surface hoar from mid-January. The crust is widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and is likely present at all elevation bands. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is buried 70 to 110 cm deep. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and a sun crust on steep solar aspects and is present at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs, cracking and avalanches. Yet another persistent weak layer buried mid-December is 100 to 150 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 150 to 200 cm deep. While generally considered dormant, occasional activity has shown that it may react where it is less deeply buried.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-100 cm recent storm snow overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer (from mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size and at all elevation bands. The recent snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs and cornices in lee features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs, cracking and avalanches. Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 60 to 100 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60-80 cm of settled storm snow now covers a layer of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and sun crust on solar aspects, that was buried mid-January. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-January interface lie a number of very concerning buried weak layers. A layer of surface hoar from early-January is buried 90-110 cm below the surface. A weak layer buried mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 120-160 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets that developed late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack and is now buried 200-250 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of these layers remain active and have produced recent large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Amounts vary across the region however, about 20-50 cm of recent storm snow now covers both a new layer of feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas as well as sun crust on solar aspects buried mid-January, and about 30-60 cm below the surfaces lies the early-January surface hoar layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60-80 cm below the surface a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sun crust buried mid-December is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Near the base of the snowpack the weak early-season layer of rain crust and sugary facets buried late-November exists. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are also variable across the region and typically thinner in northern areas than in areas to the south.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20 cm of new snow on Thursday morning brings recent storm totals to around 60-80 cm which continues to be redistributed by strong southeasterly winds. Last weekend's storm created dense storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features. Impressive cornice growth has also been observed on the lee side of ridgetops. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">200-250 cm below the surface you'll find a crust that was buried early January and is present at all elevations. Below this there is another crust which was buried in mid-December. Recent explosive control work has triggered storm slab avalanches that have then &quot;stepped-down&quot; to both of these crusts, resulting in very large avalanches running full path. Although these layers are over 200 cm beneath the snow surface, a large trigger such as a falling cornice or a smaller human triggered avalanche could very likely &quot;step-down&quot; to these layers resulting in very large and destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 cm of new snow on Friday morning brings recent storm totals to 70-100cm. Moderate southerly winds continue to redistribute the new snow. Last weekend's strong to extreme southeasterly ridgetop winds likely created dense storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features at treeline and above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">90-120cm below the surface you'll likely find a few crusts that were buried during the first few weeks of January. Due to limited observations, not much is known about the current reactivity of these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack includes the mid-December crust layer. The load of the new snow may tip the balance and reactivate this layer in isolated terrain - particularly in the north of the region where it's shown prolonged reactivity in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 50 cm of recent storm snow covers a widespread crust as well as surface hoar in isolated areas at mid elevations that were buried mid-January. This surface hoar is more likely to exist in sheltered areas at treeline and below and has produced easy, sudden results in recent snowpack tests on northerly aspects between 1300-1450 m in areas north of Terrace.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Professionals have also been monitoring a few mid-pack layers within the snowpack including a crust/ surface hoar layer that was buried early-January and now lies 60-100 cm below the surface, and a similar layer buried mid-December that now lies 80-120 cm below the surface. Both of these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests producing moderate to hard, sudden results and have also produced recent large, natural avalanches in northern parts of the region near Bear Pass.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent light snowfalls have gradually brought 20-60 cm of new snow across the region. This new snow has buried the mid-January interface which features a crust that exists well into the alpine and isolated pockets of surface hoar in sheltered areas at lower alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the mid-January interface, deeper weak layers in the snowpack include crusts and surface hoar layers that were buried late-December and mid-December and now lie 50-80 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent persistent slab activity over a surface hoar and facet 'combo' buried in at low elevations in December suggests that a persistent slab problem may be developing as the mid and upper snowpack consolidate into a stiffer slab over this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at treeline elevations and possibly higher. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 80 to 100 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters and signs of instability such as whumpfs, cracking and avalanches. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. A rain crust buried in November is generally 150 to 200 cm deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that professionals are monitoring. Recent storm snow has been shifted by winds to form wind slabs and cornices.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Down about 30-70 cm is a crust and/or surface hoar layer buried mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is up to 10 mm is size and has been reported at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is found 40 to 120 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects and found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with easy to moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as whumpfs and cracking with skier traffic. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 40 to 100 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack in this region is currently being described as &quot;Complex&quot; and &quot;Spooky&quot;.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 cm of new snow brings recent storm snow total to approximately 65-110 cm which has been redistributed by moderate southerly winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, the primary layer of concern was buried in mid-January and is down around 60-90cm. It is composed of a mixture of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) and/or a crust. Numerous recent natural avalanches to size 2.5 have been reported on this sensitive layer and human triggering large, destructive avalanches on this layer remains likely.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 100-120 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 120-150 cm below the surface. This layer still produces &quot;sudden&quot; test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline . </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Lots of tricky layers out there at the moment. At first they seem confusing, but thinking of them from an elevation perspective helps. They are all on our radar as problems and they all have potential to produce large avalanches. Here's the run down:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Alpine- We have the Dec 15th facet layer as the main trouble maker and some surface windslabs that are lingering. The 15th layer is down 80-120cm and has been responsible for several slides in the last week.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Treeline- The Dec 15, Jan 6th surface hoar layer, Jan 18th surface hoar layer are all present. They are down about 85, 65 &amp; 45cm respectively. Some avalanches have been noted on the 6th, and tests show failures on all 3 layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below Treeline- Basically the same as treeline, but a lack of snow load and/or a slab property above the layers prevents them from being as big a problem. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The ski quality is actually quite good in mellow, treeline terrain. Alpine features have been windloaded and look plump at the moment.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-35cm of new snow is being redistributed by moderate southerly ridgetop winds. The reactivity of the new storm slabs is likely to vary greatly depending on elevation/ temperature and orientation to wind. In general, I would expect the touchiest conditions to exist in exposed, higher elevation terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Some areas in the Monashees received significantly more snow (30cm +) than was forecast on Saturday, resulting in a widespread natural avalanche cycle in the afternoon. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Elsewhere in the region, 70 to 100 cm of storm snow sits on a layer of crust and/or surface hoar from mid-January. The crust is widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is buried 70 to 110 cm deep. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs, cracking and avalanches. Yet another persistent weak layer buried mid-December is 100 to 150 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 150 to 200 cm deep. While generally considered dormant, occasional activity has shown that it may react where it is less deeply buried.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-100 cm recent storm snow overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer (from mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size, at all elevation bands. The recent snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs and cornices in lee features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential, as well as other signs of instability such as whumpfs, cracking and avalanches. Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 60 to 100 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60-90 cm of settled storm snow now covers a layer of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and sun crust on solar aspects, that was buried mid-January. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-January interface lie a number of very concerning buried weak layers. A layer of surface hoar from early-January is buried 90-110 cm below the surface. A weak layer buried mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 120-160 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets buried late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack and is now up to 200-250 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of these layers remain active and have produced recent large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Amounts vary across the region however, about 20-50 cm of recent storm snow now covers both a new layer of feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas as well as sun crust on solar aspects buried mid-January, and about 30-60 cm below the surfaces lies the early-January surface hoar layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60-80 cm below the surface a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sun crust buried mid-December is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Near the base of the snowpack the weak early-season layer of rain crust and sugary facets buried late-November exists. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are also variable across the region and typically thinner in northern areas than in areas to the south.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20 cm of new snow on Saturday morning brings recent storm totals to around 80-100 cm which continues to be redistributed by strong southeasterly winds which are creating dense storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features. Impressive cornice growth has also been observed on the lee side of ridgetops. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">200-250 cm below the surface you'll find a crust that was buried early January and is present at all elevations. Below this there is another crust which was buried in mid-December. Recent explosive control work has triggered storm slab avalanches that have then &quot;stepped-down&quot; to both of these crusts, resulting in very large avalanches running full path. Although these layers are over 200 cm beneath the snow surface, a large trigger such as a falling cornice or a smaller human triggered avalanche could very likely &quot;step-down&quot; to these layers resulting in very large and destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 cm of new snow on Friday morning brings recent storm totals to 80-110cm. This weekend's storm will likely create dense storm slabs lurking in lee and cross-loaded features at treeline and above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">90-120cm below the surface you'll likely find a few crusts that were buried during the first few weeks of January. Due to limited observations, not much is known about the current reactivity of these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack includes the mid-December crust layer. The load of the new snow may tip the balance and reactivate this layer in isolated terrain - particularly in the north of the region where it's shown prolonged reactivity in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 50 cm of recent storm snow covers a widespread crust as well as surface hoar in isolated areas at mid elevations that were buried mid-January. Surface hoar is more likely to exist in sheltered areas at treeline and below with crust elsewhere. This interface has produced easy, sudden results in recent snowpack tests in the Shames area and also recent avalanche activity at upper treeline and alpine elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Professionals have also been monitoring a few mid-pack layers within the snowpack including a crust/ surface hoar layer that was buried early-January and now lies 60-100 cm below the surface, and a similar layer buried mid-December that now lies 80-120 cm below the surface. Both of these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests producing moderate to hard, sudden results and have also produced recent large, natural avalanches in northern parts of the region near Bear Pass.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent light snowfalls have gradually brought 20-60 cm of new snow across the region. This new snow has buried the mid-January interface which features a crust that exists well into the alpine and isolated pockets of surface hoar in sheltered areas at lower alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the mid-January interface, deeper weak layers in the snowpack include two separate crust and surface hoar layers that were buried late-December and mid-December and now lie 50-80 cm below the surface. In the past week these deeper layers have produced hard but sudden results in recent snowpack tests as well as recent large avalanches triggered from a distance.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at treeline elevations and possibly higher. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 80 to 100 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters and signs of instability such as whumpfs, cracking and avalanches. Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. A rain crust buried in November is generally 150 to 200 cm deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack in this region is currently being described as &quot;Complex&quot; and &quot;Spooky&quot;.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 cm of new snow brings recent storm snow total to approximately 75-100 cm which has been redistributed by moderate southerly winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, the primary layer of concern was buried in mid-January and is down around 60-90cm. It is composed of a mixture of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) and/or a crust. Numerous recent natural avalanches to size 2.5 have been reported on this sensitive layer and human triggering large, destructive avalanches on this layer remains likely.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 100-120 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 120-150 cm below the surface. This layer still produces &quot;sudden&quot; test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline . </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Flurries continued overnight and throughout today. Amounts added up to about 5cm, bit with settlement the overall storm totals haven't changed much. 20cm seems to be the average for overall new snow at treeline. In today's area (Purple Knob area) the Jan 6th surface hoar was down 65 and much more reactive in tests compared to the last few days. In tests, it failed with only moderate pressure(CTM12, SP). We didn't travel into the alpine today, but believe there is ongoing wind slab development on N to E aspects. As for the other trouble layers, we didn't see any results on them today, but they are still concerning.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25cm of new snow is being redistributed by strong southwesterly ridgetop winds creating fresh storm slabs reactive to human triggers. Below the most recent storm snow there is a crust at treeline and below. The reactivity of the new storm slabs is likely to vary greatly depending on elevation/ temperature and orientation to wind. In general, I would expect the touchiest conditions to exist in exposed, higher elevation terrain. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds at times, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 70-110 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at treeline elevations and possibly higher. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 100 to 140 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 120 to 170 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 50-80 cm of recent storm snow overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer (from mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size, at all elevation bands. The recent snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs and cornices in lee features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack (down 60-90 cm), a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 70 to 110 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60-100cm of settled storm snow now covers a layer of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and sun crust on solar aspects, that was buried mid-January. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-January interface lie a number of very concerning buried weak layers. A layer of surface hoar from early-January is buried 90-110 cm below the surface. A weak layer buried mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 120-160 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets buried late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack and is now up to 200-250 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of these layers remain active and have produced recent large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Amounts vary across the region however, about 20-50 cm of recent storm snow now covers both a new layer of feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas as well as sun crust on solar aspects buried mid-January, and about 30-60 cm below the surfaces lies the early-January surface hoar layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60-80 cm below the surface a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sun crust buried mid-December is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Near the base of the snowpack the weak early-season layer of rain crust and sugary facets buried late-November exists. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are also variable across the region and typically thinner in northern areas than in areas to the south.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 10-20 cm of new snow on Sunday morning brings recent storm totals to around 90-120 cm. This snow continues to be redistributed by strong southeasterly winds, creating dense storm slabs in lee and cross-loaded features. Impressive cornice growth has also been observed on the lee side of ridgetops. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust that was buried in early January is buried 200-250cm below the surface at all elevations. Below this there is another crust which was buried in mid-December. Recent explosive control work has triggered storm slab avalanches that have &quot;stepped down&quot; to both of these crusts, resulting in very large avalanches running full path. Although these layers are over 200 cm beneath the snow surface, continued potential exists for large triggers such as a falling cornice or a smaller human triggered avalanche to &quot;step-down&quot; to these layers. This would result in a very large and destructive avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 10 cm of new snow on Sunday morning brings recent storm totals to 90-120cm. Moderate to strong south winds have been redistributing each day's accumulations into dense storm slabs in lee and cross-loaded features at treeline and above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">90-120cm below the surface you'll likely find a few crusts that were buried during the first few weeks of January. Due to limited observations, not much is known about the current reactivity of these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack includes the mid-December crust layer. The load of the new snow may tip the balance and reactivate this layer in isolated terrain - particularly in the north of the region where it has shown prolonged reactivity in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 50cm of recent storm snow covers a widespread crust as well as surface hoar in isolated areas at mid elevations that were buried mid-January. Surface hoar is more likely to exist in sheltered areas at treeline and below with crust elsewhere. This interface has produced easy, sudden results in recent snowpack tests in the Shames area and also recent avalanche activity at upper treeline and alpine elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Professionals have also been monitoring a few mid-pack layers within the snowpack including a crust/ surface hoar layer that was buried early-January and now lies 60-100 cm below the surface, and a similar layer buried mid-December that now lies 80-120 cm below the surface. Both of these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests producing moderate to hard, sudden results and have also produced recent large, natural avalanches in northern parts of the region near Bear Pass.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent light snowfalls have gradually brought 20-60 cm of new snow across the region. This new snow lies over a crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below, there are two separate crust and/or surface hoar layers that were buried late-December and mid-December. They are 50-80 cm below the surface. In the past week these deeper layers have produced hard but sudden results in snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring. The recent storm snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs in lee features at treeline and alpine elevations and in open areas below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 60-90 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at treeline elevations and possibly higher. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 90 to 120 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters and signs of instability such as whumpfs, cracking and avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that professionals are monitoring. Recent storm snow has been blown around by winds to form wind slabs and cornices.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) Down about 30-70 cm is a crust and/or surface hoar layer buried mid-January. The surface hoar is up to 10 mm in size, found at all elevation bands and very reactive on north east aspects between 1900-2600m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is found 40 to 120 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects and found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters with easy to moderate loads and high propagation potential. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 100 to 160 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 200 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/ce27b9f4-fa23-4689-8641-894e6f483672" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">See here for a good summary of snowpack test results</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack in this region is currently being described as &quot;Complex&quot; and &quot;Spooky&quot;.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 10-20cm of new snow over Sunday night brings recent storm snow total to approximately 85-120 cm. Moderate southerly winds have been redistributing this new snow into storm slabs for several days.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Currently, the primary layer of concern was buried in mid-January and is down around 70-100cm. It is composed of a mixture of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) and/or a crust. Numerous recent natural avalanches to size 2.5 have been reported on this sensitive layer and human triggering large, destructive avalanches on this layer remains likely.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 110-130 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 120-150 cm below the surface. This layer still produces &quot;sudden&quot; test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline . </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Lost happening at different elevations.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At tree line (below 2250m) and below tree line, there is the Jan 6 surface hoar layer that is quite visible in the snowpack. Today, our test results  on this layer were in the hard range but we expect that to vary depending on the valley.  The one thing that is consistent with this layer is that the test results always show it to be sudden planar (clean sheer and pops). Something to keep an eye out as well with the snow arriving on Monday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above 2250m, the Jan 6 surface hoar layer is more or less is gone.  However the Dec 15 surface hoar layer is down about 80cm.  And here is where it gets interesting.  We have seen some larger avalanches go on this layer and then quiet down. On Monday Jan 29, the forecast is for about 20cm with 55 km/h winds.  That means more wind slabs and more load on this layer which is likely to tip the odds for more avalanche activity.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy rainfall is set to soak the upper snowpack at most elevations over Sunday night and Monday. High alpine elevations in areas like Sky Pilot and the Chehalis Range may see thick new storm slabs develop over the same time period. Below these variable surface conditions, storm snow totals from the past week have reached 110-180 cm and strong southerly ridgetop winds during the storm have been redistibuting each day's snow into storm slabs at all elevations. The touchiest conditions will be likely to exist in exposed, higher elevation terrain, however heavy rain may also destabilize more recent storm slabs at lower elevations and will certainly promote loose wet avalanches in steeper terrain. The crust that exists beneath all our recent snow accumulations is likely to have now formed a solid bond to the overlying snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-35 cm of storm snow fell Sunday into Monday and temperatures warmed up to -1 at tree line.</span><span class="s_E6FD2046"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The snow fell with strong south winds at times, producing wind slabs in lee features at tree line and alpine elevations and in open areas below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow sits on a complex snowpack and there are three active weak layers that professionals are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 70-110 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 100 to 140 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 120 to 170 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 60-90 cm of recent storm snow overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer (from mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size, at all elevation bands. The recent snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs and cornices in lee features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack (down 70-100 cm), a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 80 to 120 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A rain crust buried in November is 100 to 150 cm deep and is likely dormant for the time being.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is possibly moist snow or a crust on the snow surface up to 1700m as a result of a high freezing level on Monday through Monday night. About 60-100cm of settled storm snow now covers a layer of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and sun crust on solar aspects, that was buried mid-January. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Beneath the mid-January interface lie a number of very concerning buried weak layers. A layer of surface hoar from early-January is buried 90-110 cm below the surface. A weak layer buried mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 120-160 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets buried late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack and is now up to 200-250 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of these layers remain active and have produced recent large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust has more than likely formed on the surface of the snow with the warm temperatures and/or rain experienced on Monday. About 20-50 cm of recent snow now covers both a new layer of feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas as well as sun crust on solar aspects buried mid-January, and about 30-60 cm below the surfaces lies the early-January surface hoar layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60-80 cm below the surface a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sun crust buried mid-December is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. Near the base of the snowpack the weak early-season layer of rain crust and sugary facets buried late-November exists. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are also variable across the region and typically thinner in northern areas than in areas to the south.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 30-40 cm of new snow from Sunday through Monday brings recent storm totals to around 110-160 cm. This snow continues to be redistributed by extreme southeasterly winds, creating dense storm slabs in lee and cross-loaded features. Impressive cornice growth has also been observed on the lee side of ridgetops. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A crust that was buried in early January is buried 230-280cm below the surface at all elevations. Below this there is another crust which was buried in mid-December. Recent explosive control work has triggered storm slab avalanches that have &quot;stepped down&quot; to both of these crusts, resulting in very large avalanches running full path. Although these layers are over 200 cm beneath the snow surface, large triggers such as a falling cornice or a smaller human triggered avalanche do carry a risk of &quot;stepping-down&quot; to these layers. This risk should be diminishing as temperatures cool over the coming days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another approximately 20 cm of new snow from Sunday through Monday morning brought recent storm totals to 110-140cm. Rising freezing levels delivered much of this precipitation as rain below about 1300 metres. Where new snow accumulated, continued strong south winds have once again redistributed it into dense storm slabs in lee and cross-loaded features at treeline and above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">From 110-140 cm below the surface you'll likely begin find a few crusts that were buried during the first few weeks of January. Due to limited observations, not much is known about the current reactivity of these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack includes the more well-documented mid-December crust layer. Persistent slab avalanche activity from late last week suggests that heavy triggers like a large storm slab or cornice release may carry the risk of triggering this layer in isolated terrain - particularly in the north of the region where it has shown prolonged reactivity in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">60-80cm of snow covers a widespread crust as well as surface hoar in isolated areas at mid elevations that were buried mid-January. Surface hoar is more likely to exist in sheltered areas at treeline and below with crust elsewhere. This weak layer has produced easy, sudden results in snowpack tests late last week in the Shames area and also recent avalanche activity at upper treeline and alpine elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Professionals have also been monitoring a few mid-pack layers within the snowpack including a crust/ surface hoar layer that was buried early-January and now lies 70-120 cm below the surface, and a similar layer buried mid-December that now lies 100-140 cm below the surface. Both of these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests producing moderate to hard, sudden results and have also produced recent large, natural avalanches in northern parts of the region near Bear Pass.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-70cm of snow lies over a crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and tree line elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below, there are two separate crust and/or surface hoar layers that were buried late-December and mid-December. They are 50-80 cm below the surface. In the past week these deeper layers have produced hard but sudden results in snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-35 cm of storm snow fell Sunday into Monday and temperatures warmed up to -1 at tree line. The new snow sits on a complex snowpack and there are three active weak layers that professionals are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 80-110 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 110 to 140 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters and signs of instability such as whumpfs, cracking and avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 120 to 170 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. </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 snowpack in this region is currently being described as &quot;Complex&quot; and &quot;Spooky&quot;.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 10-20cm of new snow over Sunday night brings recent storm snow total to approximately 85-120 cm. Rising temperatures delivered much of this precipitation as rain below about 1300 metres. Where it fell as snow, moderate southerly winds have again been redistributing it into touchy new storm slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Aside from storm slab instabilities, the primary layer of concern from mid-January and is buried around 80-110cm deep. It is composed of a mixture of weak surface hoar and/or a crust. Numerous recent natural avalanches to size 2.5 have been reported on this sensitive layer and human triggering large, destructive avalanches on this layer remains likely.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 110-130 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 120-150 cm below the surface. This layer still produces &quot;sudden&quot; test results and is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline . </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface, and may co-exist with facets. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Strong to extreme West winds have created fresh wind slabs in all Alpine and Treeline terrain in lee and cross-loaded terrain. At Treeline and below several buried weak layers exist. These are surface hoar layers buried 30, 50 and 80cm on average. All these weak layers are producing sudden planar shears with the Dec 15th layer down 80cm being perhaps the most concerning. Recent avalanche activity has been observed to step down to this Dec 15th layer creating large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy rainfall soaked the upper snowpack at most elevations over Sunday night and Monday. High alpine elevations in areas like Sky Pilot and the Chehalis Range may have seen thick new storm slabs develop over the same time period. Below these elevation-dependant surface conditions, storm snow totals from the past week reached 110-180 cm. The crust that exists beneath these recent snow accumulations is likely to have now formed a solid bond to the overlying snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of snow fell from Sunday through to Tuesday and temperatures warmed up to -1 at tree line on Monday. Winds were strong to extreme from the south, building cornices and creating wind slabs on lee (down wind) slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow sits on a complex snowpack and there are three active weak layers that professionals are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 70-110 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 100 to 140 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 120 to 170 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large differences in storm snow totals were observed in the region on Monday into Tuesday: values ranged from 2 to 32cm!!! Overnight winds were strong to extreme from the south west and temperatures spiked to -3 at tree line. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 60-100 cm of recent storm snow overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer (from mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size, at all elevation bands. The recent snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs and cornices in lee features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack (down 70-100 cm), a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 80 to 120 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</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 snowfall was accompanied with strong gusty winds, leaving touchy slabs in the alpine and large fragile cornices. Warm temperatures on Monday left moist snow and crusts up to 1700 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 60-80 cm of settled storm snow now covers a layer of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and sun crust on solar aspects, that was buried mid-January. Beneath the mid-January interface lie a number of very concerning buried weak layers. A layer of surface hoar from early-January is buried 90-110 cm below the surface. A weak layer buried mid-December (predominantly surface hoar and/or a sun crust) is around 120-160 cm below the surface at treeline and below treeline elevations. A rain crust with sugary facets buried late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack and is now up to 200-250 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of these layers remain active and have produced recent large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15 cm of fresh snow and strong winds have formed wind slabs in exposed terrain and fragile cornices along ridgetops. Warm temperatures on Monday left moist snow and crusts up to about 1700 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 20-50 cm of recent snow covers a layer of feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas and a sun crust on solar aspects that was buried in mid-January. About 30-60 cm below the surfaces lies the early-January surface hoar layer. About 60-80 cm below the surface a weak layer of feathery surface hoar crystals and/or sun crust buried in mid-December is found at treeline and below treeline elevations. A weak layer of rain crusts and sugary facets buried in late-November exists near the base of the snowpack. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are also variable across the region and typically thinner in northern areas than in areas to the south.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Monday's continuing storm brought another 30-40 cm of new snow to the surface above about 1600 metres with depths that increase with elevation. At higher elevations, extreme southerly winds have been scouring the new snow from windward aspects and forming deep deposits and cornices in leeward terrain. Including the new snow, storm snow totals since mid-January have reached about 170 cm. Where they haven't been blown away by the wind, these accumulations sit on a crust from mid-January that shows good signs of bonding to the overlying snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Other deeper layers in the snowpack include a crust that was buried in early January (now 230-280 cm below the surface) and another crust which was buried in mid-December. Although explosive control work triggered storm slab avalanches that &quot;stepped down&quot; to both of these crusts last week, they are expected to have formed an improved bond with the overlying snow in most areas. With that said, a heavy trigger like a cornice release may still carry the risk of stepping down to deeper layers on isolated features where winds have created more variable snowpack depths and brought these layers closer to the surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Monday's continuing storm brought 20-40 cm of new snow to the surface above about 1700 metres with depths that increase with elevation. The greatest accumulations occurred in the south of the region. The snowpack at lower elevations is now capped by a new rain crust and only light new snow amounts. At higher elevations, strong southerly winds have been redistributing the new snow deep deposits and cornices in leeward terrain. Including the new snow, storm snow totals since mid-January have reached about 150 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this depth, you'll begin find a few crusts that were buried during the first few weeks of January. Due to limited observations, not much is known about the current reactivity of these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack includes the more well-documented mid-December crust layer. Persistent slab avalanche activity from the Whistler area late last week suggests that heavy triggers like a large storm slab or cornice release may carry the risk of triggering this layer in isolated terrain - particularly in the north of the region where it has shown prolonged reactivity in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Heavy snowfall in the Terrace area has delivered over 50 cm of new snow at the time of publishing (4 pm Tuesday), with another 10-20 cm possible by Wednesday afternoon. With this much new snow, storm slabs will be very touchy.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">60-100 cm of snow now covers a widespread layer that was buried in mid-January. This layer is primarily a crust, while surface hoar may be found in sheltered areas at treeline and below. Last week this weak layer produced sudden results in the Shames area and avalanche activity at upper treeline and alpine elevations. Professionals have also been monitoring a few deeper layers including a 100-140 cm deep crust / surface hoar layer that was buried in early-January, and a similar layer buried in mid-December that now lies 120-150 cm below the surface. Both of these layers have been reactive in recent snowpack tests and produced large natural avalanches in northern parts of the region near Bear Pass.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is generally strong, with the exception of areas around Stewart and further north where a basal crust and facets exist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds have built wind slabs in exposed terrain. 30-60 cm of snow lies over a crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below, there are two crust and/or surface hoar layers that were buried in late-December and mid-December. They are 50-80 cm below the surface. In the past week these deeper layers have produced hard but sudden results in snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-90 cm of snow fell from Sunday through to Tuesday and temperatures warmed up to -1 at tree line on Monday. Winds were strong to extreme from the south, building cornices and creating wind slabs on lee (down wind) slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow sits on a complex snowpack and there are three main weak layers that professionals are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 80-110 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 110 to 140 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters and signs of instability such as whumpfs, cracking and avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 120 to 170 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</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">25-40 cm of storm snow fell from Sunday through to Tuesday and temperatures spiked to -2 at tree line in the south of the region (and +2 near Barkerville) on Monday afternoon. The new snow sits on a complex snowpack and there are three active weak layers we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) Down about 40-80 cm is a crust and/or surface hoar layer buried mid-January. The surface hoar is up to 10 mm in size, found at all elevation bands and very reactive on north east aspects between 1900-2600m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is found 50 to 100 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. It has been most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/ee9d5ef2-3539-4eb4-8d5a-8c9c15691c24" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">See here for a good summary of snowpack test results</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms have brought around 100 cm of snow to the region over the last couple of weeks. Rising temperatures delivered some of the most recent precipitation as rain below about 1300 metres on Monday. Where it fell as snow, strong southwest winds have again redistributed it into touchy new wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Aside from wind slab instabilities at the surface, the primary layer of concern from mid-January and is buried beneath all the storm snow at 80-110cm deep. It is composed of a mixture of weak surface hoar and/or a crust. Numerous recent natural avalanches to size 2.5 have been reported on this sensitive layer and human triggering large, destructive avalanches on this layer remains likely.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 110-130 cm deep. Several recent avalanches have stepped down to this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 120-150 cm below the surface. This layer has continued to produce step down releases and &quot;sudden&quot; test results. It is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline . </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30cm of new snow on the road and 15cm up high. Sustained alpine winds and snow have combined to create new wind slabs in the alpine and treeline. These will be reactive in their own right, but the larger worry is the rapid loading of the deeper weak layers. The Jan 6th layer is now down almost a meter at treeline. This will put the Dec 15 layer down 120-140cm. Cornices have also seen some significant growth in the last 24hrs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow amounts have begun to accummulate on the refrozen snow surface after heavy rainfall soaked the upper snowpack at most elevations over Sunday night and Monday. High alpine elevations in areas like Sky Pilot and the Chehalis Range may have seen thick new storm slabs develop over the same time period. Below these elevation-dependant surface conditions, storm snow totals from the past week reached 110-180 cm. The crust that exists beneath these recent snow accumulations is expected to have formed a solid bond to the overlying snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60 to 110 cm of snow fell between Sunday and Tuesday night.  On Monday temperatures warmed up to -1 C at tree line. Winds were strong to extreme from the south, building cornices and creating wind slabs on lee (down wind) slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow sits on a complex snowpack and there are three active weak layers that professionals are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 70 to 110 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 100 to 140 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 120 to 170 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large differences in storm snow totals were observed in the region on Monday into Tuesday: values ranged from 2 to 32cm!!! Overnight winds were strong to extreme from the southwest and temperatures spiked to -3 C at tree line. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 60-100 cm of recent storm snow overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer (from mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size, at all elevation bands. The recent snow fell with strong south winds, producing wind slabs and cornices in lee features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack (down 70-100 cm), a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 80 to 120 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</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 snowfall was accompanied with strong gusty winds, leaving touchy slabs in the alpine and large fragile cornices. Warm temperatures on Monday left moist snow and crusts up to 1700 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For the past month we have seen regular avalanche activity on multiple weak layers. A layer of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and sun crust on solar aspects was buried mid-January and is now 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 90-110 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar and is now buried 120-160 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack and is up to 200-250 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom line is the snowpack structure in this region is weak. Human triggering is most likely on the shallower weak layers, but any avalanche has the potential to step down to deeper layers and become much larger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The most recent snowfall was accompanied with strong gusty winds, leaving touchy slabs in the alpine and large fragile cornices. Warm temperatures on Monday left moist snow and crusts up to about 1700 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 20-50 cm of recent snow covers a weak layer that was buried in mid-January. It is composed of feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas and a sun crust on solar aspects. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 30-60 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar and is now buried 60-80 cm deep. Finally, a weak layer of rain crusts and sugary facets buried in late-November exists near the base of the snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are also variable across the region and typically thinner in northern areas than in areas to the south.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Monday's continuing storm brought another 30-40 cm of new snow to the surface above about 1600 metres with depths that increase with elevation. At treeline and below light amounts of recent snow now overlie a melt-freeze crust. At higher elevations, extreme southerly winds have scoured the new snow from windward aspects and formed deep deposits and cornices in leeward terrain. Including the new snow, storm snow totals since mid-January have reached about 170 cm. Where they haven't been blown away by the wind, these accumulations sit on a crust from mid-January that shows good signs of bonding to the overlying snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Other deeper layers in the snowpack include a crust that was buried in early January (now 230-280 cm below the surface) and another crust which was buried in mid-December. Although explosive control work triggered storm slab avalanches that &quot;stepped down&quot; to both of these crusts last week, they are expected to have formed an improved bond with the overlying snow in most areas. With that said, a heavy trigger like a cornice release may still carry the risk of stepping down to deeper layers on isolated features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Monday's continuing storm brought 20-40 cm of new snow to the surface above about 1700 metres with depths that increase with elevation. The greatest accumulations occurred in the south of the region, and the snowpack at lower elevations is now capped by a new rain crust and only light new snow amounts. At higher elevations, strong southerly winds have redistributed the new snow forming deep deposits and cornices in leeward terrain. Storm snow totals since mid-January have reached about 150 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this depth, you'll likely find a few crusts that were buried during the first few weeks of January. Due to limited observations, not much is known about the current reactivity of these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack includes the more well-documented mid-December crust layer. Persistent slab avalanche activity from the Whistler area late last week suggests that heavy triggers like a large storm slab or cornice release may carry the risk of triggering this layer in isolated terrain - particularly in the north of the region where it has shown prolonged reactivity in snowpack tests.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Westerly winds and ongoing flurries are likely building fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain. This sits above 50 cm of settling snow from Tuesday's storm, which is likely still reactive to human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer buried in mid-January remains a concern and is now 60-100 cm deep. In most areas this layer is a crust, but it may also be surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. Prior to the storm, this layer produced sudden snowpack test results in the Shames area and avalanche activity at upper treeline and alpine elevations. Professionals have also been monitoring another two crust / surface hoar layer that were buried in mid-December and early January that are now 100-150 cm deep. These layers were most recently active in northern parts of the region near Bear Pass.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds have built wind slabs in exposed terrain. 30-60 cm of snow lies over a crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another two crust / surface hoar layers that formed in December are buried 50-80 cm below the surface. These layers produced sudden results in recent snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60 to 120 cm of snow fell between Sunday and Tuesday night.  On Monday temperatures warmed up to -1 C at tree line. Winds have been strong to extreme from the south which has built cornices and formed wind slabs on lee (down wind) slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow sits on a complex snowpack and there are three main weak layers that professionals are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 80 to 110 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 110 to 140 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Snowpack tests show sudden fracture characters and signs of instability such as whumpfs, cracking and recent avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 120 to 170 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</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 to 50 cm of storm snow fell between Sunday and Tuesday night. Temperatures spiked to -2 C at tree line in the south of the region (and +2 C near Barkerville) on Monday afternoon. The new snow sits on a complex snowpack and there are three active weak layers we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) Down about 40-80 cm is a crust and/or surface hoar layer buried mid-January. The surface hoar is up to 10 mm in size, found at all elevation bands and very reactive on north east aspects between 1900-2600m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is found 50 to 100 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. It has been most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/ee9d5ef2-3539-4eb4-8d5a-8c9c15691c24" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">See here for a good summary of snowpack test results</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms have brought around 100 cm of snow to the region over the last couple of weeks. On Monday the recent precipitation fell as rain below about 1300 metres. Where it fell as snow, strong southwest winds have again redistributed it into touchy wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Aside from wind slab instabilities at the surface, the primary layer of concern from mid-January is buried beneath all the storm snow at 80-110cm deep. It is composed of a mixture of weak surface hoar and/or a crust. Numerous recent natural avalanches to size 2.5 have been reported on this sensitive layer and human triggering large, destructive avalanches on this layer remains likely.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 110-130 cm deep. Several recent avalanches have stepped down to this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 120-150 cm below the surface. This layer has continued to produce step down releases and &quot;sudden&quot; test results. It is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present below treeline . </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Two laminated crusts created by rain events in late November lay just below the mid-December interface. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> The new snow load from the last few days is very apparent. In valley bottom there was widespread whumphing and settling. Some would radiate out for 30-40m and shaking small trees as they went. As one moves up in elevation, the storm snow decreases. Treeline hasn't seen a lot of change and the snowpack appears to have handled the new load OK. No cracking or whumphing, which was a surprise. The alpine has seen a lot of wind and there are widespread slabs on N-E aspects. Forecasters weren't brave enough to venture too close to start zones, but its thought they are stiff enough and touchy enough to be a problem.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy rainfall soaked the upper snowpack at most elevations over Sunday night and Monday. High alpine elevations in areas like Sky Pilot and the Chehalis Range may have seen thick new storm slabs develop over the same time period. Below these elevation-dependant surface conditions, storm snow totals from the past week reached 110-180 cm. The crust that exists beneath these recent snow accumulations is likely to have now formed a solid bond to the overlying snow.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60 to 110 cm of snow fell between Sunday and Tuesday night. On Monday temperatures warmed up to -1 C at tree line. Winds were strong to extreme from the south, building cornices and creating wind slabs on leeward slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow sits on a complex snowpack and there are three active weak layers that professionals are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 70 to 110 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. This has been the most active failure plane for recent large avalanches in the Columbias.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 100 to 140 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 120 to 170 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large differences in storm snow totals (2-32cm) were observed in the region on Monday into Tuesday. Overnight winds were strong to extreme from the southwest and temperatures spiked to -3 C at tree line. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-100 cm of recent storm snow overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer (from mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size, at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (down 70-100 cm), a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 80 to 200 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line and features prominently in recent avalanche reports.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect waves of fresh snow over the next few days as storm snow accumulates. So far, about 40 cm of low density snow sits above a breakable crust up to 1700 m. Stay aware of the condition of the new snow. Mostly low density powder is expected, but could become heavy if it warms up. Also watch for slab development in wind affected areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For the past month we have seen regular avalanche activity on multiple deep weak layers. A layer of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and sun crust on solar aspects was buried mid-January and is now 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 90-110 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar and is now buried 120-160 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack and is up to 200-250 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom line is the snowpack structure in this region is weak. Human triggering is most likely on the shallower weak layers, but any avalanche has the potential to step down to deeper layers and become much larger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect waves of fresh snow over the next few days as storm snow accumulates. The distribution will be spotty, as some areas already have 30 cm and others nothing. Stay aware of the condition of the new snow. Mostly low density powder is expected, but could become heavy if it warms up. Also watch for slab development in wind affected areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 20-50 cm of recent snow covers a weak layer that was buried in mid-January. It is composed of feathery surface hoar in sheltered areas and a sun crust on solar aspects. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 30-60 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar and is now buried 60-80 cm deep. Finally, a weak layer of rain crusts and sugary facets buried in late-November exists near the base of the snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread. Snowpack depths are also variable across the region and typically thinner in northern areas than in areas to the south.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Thursday morning 10-15 cm of new snow had fallen and was redistributed by strong southerly winds into fresh wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. At lower treeline and below, generally light amounts of snow now overlie a melt-freeze crust which formed during last Monday's warm storm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow adds to the 170cm of snow that fell during the last few weeks of January. These series of storms were accompanied by strong to extreme winds which resulted in extensive scouring and impressive cornice growth in upper elevation terrain. These accumulations sit on a crust from mid-January which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, it has the potential to &quot;wake-up&quot; with a large trigger such as a cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Thursday morning 5-10 cm of new snow had fallen and was redistributed by light to moderate southerly winds into soft wind slabs in exposed lee terrain. At lower treeline and below, generally light amounts of snow now overlie a melt-freeze crust which formed during last Monday's warm storm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow adds to the 80-150cm of snow that fell during the last few weeks of January. These series of storms were accompanied by strong to extreme winds which resulted in extensive scouring and impressive cornice growth in upper elevation terrain. These accumulations sit on a crust from mid-January which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, it has been sensitive to skier triggering in at last one recent avalanche in the north of the region (see Avalanche Activity Discussion for details).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this crust lies another widespread crust which was buried at the beginning of January. This crust is thought to be generally gaining strength but has continued to show reactivity in the Duffey area.</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">Fresh snow will continue to accumulate the next few days. Areas around Terrace have already seen over 60 cm the past few days. Warm temperatures are promoting the settlement of new snow, while westerly winds are blowing snow around in exposed areas and forming touchy slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer buried in mid-January remains a concern and is now 60-100 cm deep. In most areas this layer is a crust, but it may also be surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. This layer has produced a few human triggered avalanches throughout the region over the past week, and may become more reactive as it adjusts to the weight of the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In thinner snowpack areas (north and inland), deeper crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December and early January may still be a concern. They are over 100 cm below the surface, but may be triggerable from thin spots.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds have built wind slabs in exposed terrain. 30-60 cm of snow lies over a crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another two crust / surface hoar layers that formed in December are buried 50-80 cm below the surface. These layers produced sudden results in recent snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60 to 120 cm of snow fell between Sunday and Tuesday night. On Monday temperatures warmed to -1 C at tree line. Winds have been strong to extreme from the south which has built cornices and formed wind slabs on lee (down wind) slopes.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow sits on a complex snowpack with several active weak layers:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 80 to 110 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 110 to 140 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 120 to 170 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line. This layer has produced numerous recent very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A fourth crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for several recent large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">During the last few weeks of January, storms brought around 100 cm of snow to the region. On Monday precipitation fell as rain below about 1300 metres and a near-surface crust may exist in some areas below treeline. Where more recent precipitation fell as snow, southwest winds may have formed touchy wind slabs in high elevation lee terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The critical instabilities, however, are buried well below the surface. A mixture of weak surface hoar and/or a crust from mid-January is buried beneath all the storm snow at 80-110cm deep. Numerous recent avalanches to size 2.5 have been reported on this layer and large, destructive avalanches at this interface remain a concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 110-130 cm deep. Several recent avalanches have stepped down to this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 120-150 cm below the surface. This layer has continued to produce step down releases and &quot;sudden&quot; test results. It is most pronounced at treeline, but is also present 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_AA239A9B"> We had an extensive look around k-country today by helicopter, dug several pits and did not see any avalanche activity.  There is evidence of a lot of wind slab in the alpine and tree line. The January 6 surface hoar layer is down around 60-70cm and is still producing moderate test results but not as widespread as previous.  The December 15 SH is still very obvious in the snowpack and is found about 90cm down but in general not producing test results in our snow pits. The big concern though is that this interface is weak and if anything is triggered in the upper snowpack, it would likely step down to the Dec 15 layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Thursday morning, between 10 and 25cm of new snow had fallen. In areas where winds were strong, new wind slabs likely exist. At treeline and below, the new snow overlies either a crust or moist snow from Monday's rain event. In high alpine areas like Sky Pilot and the Chehalis Range the new snow overlies thick storm slabs which developed during the stormy weather at the end of January.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A thick crust exists up to 180cm below the surface, although a strong bond is expected at this interface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 to 30 cm of new snow fell Thursday and Friday. This rests on up to a meter of new snow that fell last week which has settled into a slab aided by a warming event on Monday the 29th and strong to extreme southerly winds on January 29th and 30th. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Three active weak layers are now quite deep in our snowpack:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 70 to 140 cm of snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 130 to 175 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried up to 200 cm below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large differences in storm snow totals (2-32cm) were observed in the region on Monday into Tuesday. On Monday night winds were strong to extreme from the southwest and temperatures spiked to -3 C at tree line. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The current snowpack is complex, with three active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-100 cm of snow overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer (from mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size, at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (down 70-100 cm), a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 80 to 200 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line and features prominently in recent avalanche reports.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect waves of fresh snow over the next few days as storm snow accumulates. Stay aware of the condition of the new snow. Mostly low density powder is expected, but could become heavy if it warms up. Also expect slab development in wind affected areas. The new snow sits above a breakable crust up to 1700 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For the past month we have seen regular avalanche activity on multiple deep weak layers. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and a sun crust on solar aspects and is now 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 90-110 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 120-160 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack and up to 200-250 cm deep. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom line is the snowpack structure in this region is weak. Human triggering is most likely on the shallower weak layers, but any avalanche has the potential to step down to deeper layers and become much larger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect waves of fresh snow over the next few days as storm snow accumulates. The distribution will be spotty, as some areas already have 30 cm and others nothing. Stay aware of the condition of the new snow. Mostly low density powder is expected, but could become heavy if it warms up. Strong winds will promote slab development in exposed terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack in this region is weak, with a number of concerning weak layers. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects and a sun crust on solar aspects was and is now 30-50 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 40-60 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 60-80 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Friday morning only 3-5cm of new snow had fallen overnight as temperatures warmed up to +1 at tree line. Winds, however, were strong to extreme from the south (gusting to 121 Km/hr at the peak of Whistler) and created fresh wind slabs in exposed downwind (lee) terrain. At lower treeline and below, generally light amounts of snow now overlie a melt-freeze crust which formed during last Monday's warm storm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow adds to the 170cm of snow that fell during the last few weeks of January. These series of storms were accompanied by strong to extreme winds which resulted in extensive scouring and impressive cornice growth in upper elevation terrain. These accumulations sit on a crust from mid-January which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, it has the potential to &quot;wake-up&quot; with a large trigger such as a cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-7 cm of new snow fell Thursday overnight into Friday. Temperatures warmed up to near 0 degrees at tree line and it was raining at Coquihalla Pass on Friday afternoon. In the alpine, winds were moderate to strong from the west in the Duffey zone, creating soft wind slabs in exposed down wind (lee) terrain. At lower treeline and below, warm temperatures (and rain in many locations) have created heavy snow and tough riding conditions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow adds to the 80-150cm of snow that fell during the last few weeks of January. These series of storms were accompanied by strong to extreme winds which resulted in extensive scouring and impressive cornice growth in upper elevation terrain. These accumulations sit on a crust from mid-January which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, it has been sensitive to skier triggering in at last one recent avalanche in the north of the region (see Avalanche Activity Discussion for details).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this crust lies another widespread crust which was buried at the beginning of January. This crust is thought to be generally gaining strength but has continued to show reactivity in the Duffey area.</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">Fresh snow will continue to accumulate the next few days. In some areas up to a metre of storm snow has already accumulated over the past week. Warm temperatures are promoting the settlement of new snow, while westerly winds are blowing snow around in exposed areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer buried in mid-January remains a concern and is now 60-100 cm deep. In most areas this layer is a crust, but it may also be surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. This layer produced a few human triggered avalanches throughout the region over the past week, and may remain reactive as it adjusts to the weight of the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In thinner snowpack areas (north and inland), deeper crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December and early January may still be a concern. They are buried over 100 cm below the surface, but may be triggerable from thin spots.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Fresh snow will continue to accumulate the next few days. 20-30 cm has already accumulated since Thursday. Warm temperatures are promoting the settlement of new snow, while westerly winds are blowing snow around in exposed areas and forming touchy slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-70 cm of snow lies over a crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and treeline elevations. Another two crust / surface hoar layers that formed in December are buried 60-90 cm below the surface. These layers produced sudden results in recent snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 to 50 cm of new snow fell Thursday and Friday. This rests on up to a meter of new snow that fell last week which has settled into a slab aided by a warming event on Monday the 29th and strong to extreme southerly winds on January 29th and 30th. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Four active weak layers are now quite deep in our snowpack:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 80 to 160 cm of storm snow sits on a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The mid-January surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 150 to 175 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried up to 200 cm below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for very large recent avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Not a lot of snow last night. Some stations had a cm or 2, but nothing significant. What was interesting today was seeing, and feeling the wind arrive. Especially in the northern portion of the region. There are definitely new wind slabs in the alpine &amp; treeline areas on N-S aspects. The first question to ask now is: How will the load shift and will this change initiate a natural cycle? We suspect it will in the alpine, but treeline will likely remain in the human triggering range only.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">As of Friday morning, rain had begun to soak the 7-13 cm of snow that had fallen overnight. Wind slabs may remain in areas where winds were strong on Wednesday and Thursday. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At treeline and below, the new (saturated) snow overlies either a crust or moist snow from Monday's rain event. In high alpine areas like Sky Pilot and the Chehalis Range the new snow overlies thick storm slabs which developed during the stormy weather at the end of January.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are well consolidated with no significant layers of concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 30 cm of new snow fell over Thursday and Friday. This rests on up to a meter of storm snow from last week which has settled into a slab aided by a warming event on Monday the 29th and strong to extreme southerly winds on January 29th and 30th. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This recent snow overlies three active weak layers that are now buried deeply in our snowpack:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 70 to 140 cm of snow now sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. This layer is the primary weak layer of concern in the South Columbias and remains well within the range of human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 130 to 175 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried up to 200 cm below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 10-20 cm of new snow fell over Thursday night and Friday, bringing recent storm snow totals to a rather variable 15-50 cm. This storm snow overlies a complex and generally weak snowpack structure with three active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">70-120 cm of snow overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer (from mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10-30 mm in size and exists at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (down about 80-130 cm), a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 90 to 200 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line and features prominently in recent avalanche reports.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow conditions are highly variable depending on the position of the Arctic front. The Fernie area experienced warm temperatures Saturday morning followed by a sudden drop to frigid temperatures in the afternoon. The results was a new surface crust below 1800 m. Areas closer to the divide likely stayed cold with low density snow. Higher elevations throughout the region stayed cold and windy, allowing the growth of touchy wind slabs and cornices.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For the past month there has been regular avalanche activity on multiple deep weak layers. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and a sun crust on solar aspects and is 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is 90-110 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 120-160 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom line is the snowpack structure is weak. Human triggering is most likely on the shallower weak layers, but any avalanche has the potential to step down to deeper layers and become much larger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An upslope storm delivered lots of cold low density snow east of the divide on Saturday (20-30 cm). The distribution of new snow is highly variable, and so are the surface snow conditions. The western parts of the region in BC were relatively warm with less snow, while areas in Alberta and around the divide were much colder and windier which likely formed touchy wind slabs in open terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack in this region is weak, with a number of concerning weak layers. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects and a sun crust on solar aspects was and is now 30-50 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 40-60 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 60-80 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the past two days 7-12 cm of new snow has fallen as temperatures warmed up to +2 at tree line on Saturday afternoon. Winds, however, were strong to extreme from the south, creating fresh wind slabs in exposed downwind (lee) terrain. At lower treeline and below, generally light amounts of snow or rain now overlie a melt-freeze crust which formed during last Monday's warm storm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow adds to the 170cm of snow that fell during the last few weeks of January. These series of storms were accompanied by strong to extreme winds which resulted in extensive scouring and impressive cornice growth in upper elevation terrain. These accumulations sit on a crust from mid-January which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, it has the potential to &quot;wake-up&quot; with a large trigger such as a cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">7-12 cm of new snow has fallen near tree line in the past two days. Temperatures warmed up to near 0 degrees at tree line and it was raining at Coquihalla Pass on Saturday afternoon. In the alpine, winds were moderate to strong from the west, creating soft wind slabs in exposed down wind (lee) terrain. At lower treeline and below, warm temperatures (and rain in many locations) have created heavy snow and tough riding conditions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow adds to the 80-150cm of snow that fell during the last few weeks of January. These series of storms were accompanied by strong to extreme winds which resulted in extensive scouring and impressive cornice growth in upper elevation terrain. These accumulations sit on a crust from mid-January which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, it has been sensitive to skier triggering in at last one recent avalanche in the north of the region (see Avalanche Activity Discussion for details).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this crust lies another widespread crust which was buried at the beginning of January. This crust is thought to be generally gaining strength but has continued to show reactivity in the Duffey area.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The region received up to a metre of snow over the past week, but warm temperatures have promoted settlement and reduced this amount to 50-70 cm. Westerly winds are blowing snow around in exposed areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer buried in mid-January is 60-100 cm below the surface and remains a concern. In most areas this layer is a crust, but it may also be surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. This layer produced a few human triggered avalanches throughout the region over the past week, and may remain reactive as it adjusts to the weight of the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In thinner snowpack areas (north and inland), deeper crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December and early January may still be a concern. They are buried over 100 cm below the surface, but may be triggerable from thin spots.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Fresh snow will continue to accumulate the next few days. 30-50 cm has already accumulated since Thursday. The snow has mostly fallen as low density powder, but may have settled in some areas that experience a brief period of warming on Friday. Westerly winds are likely blowing snow around in exposed terrain and forming touchy slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-70 cm of snow lies over a crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and treeline elevations. Another two crust / surface hoar layers that formed in December are buried 60-90 cm below the surface. These layers produced sudden results in recent snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Approximately 30 cm of new snow fell with moderate to strong winds over Thursday night and Friday, bringing recent storm snow totals to 50-80 cm. This snow rests on up to a meter of older storm snow which has settled into a slab (aided by recent wind and warming events) above the mid-January weak layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Four active weak layers are now quite deep in our snowpack:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 80 to 160 cm of storm snow sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 180 to 200 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 200 cm or more below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for very large recent 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">15-25 cm of new snow fell over the region over Thursday night and Friday, bringing recent storm snow totals to 40-80 cm. This snow sits on an unstable snowpack with three active weak layers we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) The first layer is found beneath the recent storm snow and is formed of a crust and/or surface hoar layer that was buried in mid-January. The surface hoar is up to 10 mm in size, found at all elevation bands and has been very reactive on north through east aspects between 1900-2600 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is found 60 to 120 cm below the surface. This layer has been reported as the most active persistent weak layer during a recent natural avalanche cycle that took place in the region. It has also been the most reactive to recent explosives control.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 110 to 160 cm deep. It has been most problematic at and below tree line. Many avalanches that failed at shallower weak layers 'stepped down' to this interface during the recent avalanche cycle and in recent explosives control.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow totals over the past two days are approximately 15-30cm. Winds were gusting moderate at times and created fresh wind slabs on a wide range of aspects at upper elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Critical instabilities are buried well below the surface: </span><a href="https://youtu.be/fGxjbXDLrK8" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">See this video for a summary of conditions near Nelson.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A mixture of weak surface hoar and/or a crust from mid-January is buried beneath all the storm snow at 80-110cm deep. Numerous recent avalanches to size 2.5 have been reported on this layer and large, destructive avalanches at this interface remain a concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 110-130 cm deep. Several recent avalanches have stepped down to this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 120-150 cm below the surface. This layer has continued to produce step down releases and &quot;sudden&quot; test results. It is most pronounced at tree line, but is also present below tree line . </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At the moment, there is 40 of new snow from the past couple of days. So far this storm has brought 20cm of cold, low density snow at treeline elevations. Alpine elevations had some wind affect today, but treeline was surprisingly calm. A profile at the top of Tryst Chutes had the Dec 15th down 115cm, Jan 6th down105cm &amp; the Jan 18th down 90cm. The test results were mixed. We had one test fail with sudden results from a moderate load (CTM12 SP). This was notable and concerning as if failed on the dec 15th layer. The other test had slightly better results, but still concerning. In this test, it failed with a heavier load (ECTP22 on the Jan 6th). The take home point: there is still huge uncertainty within the snowpack. A failure on any of those layers will be a big avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain and warm temperatures on Friday into Saturday have soaked the 7-13 cm of snow which fell late Thursday. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Isolated wind slabs may remain at the highest elevations where winds were strong on Wednesday and Thursday. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At treeline and below, the new (saturated) snow overlies either a crust or moist snow from Monday's rain event. In high alpine areas like Sky Pilot and the Chehalis Range the new snow overlies thick storm slabs which developed during the stormy weather at the end of January.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are well consolidated with no significant layers of concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another round of snowfall began on Sunday morning and 20 cm or more of new snow is expected to accumulate on the surface by Monday morning. This is adding to about a metre of recent storm snow which has settled into a slab (aided by recent wind and warming events) above the mid-January weak layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Four active weak layers are now quite deep in our snowpack:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) About 80 to 150 cm of snow now sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. This layer is the primary weak layer of concern in the South Columbias and remains well within the range of human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 130 to 175 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried in mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried up to 200 cm below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms have produced variable new snow accumulations of 20-50 cm. This snow overlies a complex and generally weak snowpack structure with three active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">70-120 cm of snow overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer (from mid-January). The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly at high elevations on north aspects. The surface hoar is 10-30 mm in size and exists at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (down about 80-130 cm), a persistent weak layer known as the early-January layer is present at all elevation bands, and composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another persistent weak layer that was buried mid-December is 90 to 200 cm deep and consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination. It is most problematic at and below tree line and features prominently in recent avalanche reports.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow conditions are highly variable depending on the position of the Arctic front. The Fernie area experienced warm temperatures Saturday morning followed by a sudden drop to frigid temperatures in the afternoon. The results was a new surface crust below 1800 m. Areas closer to the divide likely stayed cold with low density snow. Higher elevations throughout the region stayed cold and windy, allowing the growth of touchy wind slabs and cornices.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For the past month there has been regular avalanche activity on multiple deep weak layers. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and a sun crust on solar aspects and is 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is 90-110 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 120-160 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom line is the snowpack structure is weak. Human triggering is most likely on the shallower weak layers, but any avalanche has the potential to step down to deeper layers and become much larger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An upslope storm has delivered lots of cold low density snow east of the divide on Saturday and Sunday (20-40 cm). The distribution of new snow is highly variable, and so are the surface snow conditions. The western parts of the region in BC were relatively warm with less snow, while areas in Alberta and around the divide were much colder and windier which likely formed touchy wind slabs in open terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack in this region is weak, with a number of concerning weak layers. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects and a sun crust on solar aspects is now 30-50 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 40-60 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 60-80 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the past two days 7-12 cm of new snow has fallen. Temperatures were steady near +1 at tree line on Sunday afternoon. Winds, however, have been consistently strong from the south, creating fresh wind slabs in exposed downwind (lee) terrain. At lower treeline and below, generally light amounts of snow or rain now overlie a melt-freeze crust which formed during Monday's warm storm from a week ago.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow adds to the 170cm of snow that fell during the last few weeks of January. These series of storms were accompanied by strong to extreme winds which resulted in extensive scouring and impressive cornice growth in upper elevation terrain. These accumulations sit on a crust from mid-January which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, it has the potential to &quot;wake-up&quot; with a large trigger such as a cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall totals are highly variable. In the south, up to 25cm of snow fell in the alpine, while tree line elevations saw 10-15cm and temperatures near 0 degrees on Sunday afternoon. In the north, new snow totals were 10-15cm in the alpine, and rapidly decreasing below 1800m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine, winds were moderate to strong from the south / east (Coquihalla) and moderate from the south / west (Duffey zone), creating fresh wind slabs in exposed down wind (lee) terrain. At lower treeline and below, warm temperatures (and rain in many locations) have created heavy snow and tough riding conditions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow adds to the 80-150cm of snow that fell during the last few weeks of January. These series of storms were accompanied by strong to extreme winds which resulted in extensive scouring and impressive cornice growth in upper elevation terrain. These accumulations sit on crusts from early and mid-January which generally show signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, they been sensitive to skier triggering in at last one recent avalanche in the north of the region (see Avalanche Activity Discussion for details).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The weekend storm produced up to 35 cm of new snow, the region has now received up to a metre of snow over the past week, but warm temperatures have promoted settlement and reduced this amount to 50-70 cm. Westerly winds are forming fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer buried in mid-January is 60-100 cm below the surface and remains a concern. In most areas this layer is a crust, but it may also be surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. This layer produced a few human triggered avalanches throughout the region over the past week, and may remain reactive as it adjusts to the weight of the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In thinner snowpack areas (north and inland), deeper crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December and early January may still be a concern. They are buried over 100 cm below the surface, but may be triggerable from thin spots.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-50 cm has already accumulated since Thursday. The snow has mostly fallen as low density powder, but may have settled in some areas that experience a brief period of warming on Friday. Westerly winds are likely blowing snow around in exposed terrain and forming touchy slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-70 cm of snow lies over a crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and treeline elevations. Another two crust / surface hoar layers that formed in December are buried 60-90 cm below the surface. These layers produced sudden results in recent snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another round of snowfall began on Sunday morning and 15-20 cm of new snow is expected to accumulate on the surface by Monday. This is adding to 80-160 cm of recent storm snow which has settled into a slab (aided by recent wind and warming events) above the mid-January weak layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Four active weak layers are now quite deep in our snowpack:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 80 to 160 cm of storm snow sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, with the possible exception of high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported at tree line elevations and possibly higher. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is 180 to 200 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 200 cm or more below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for very large recent 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">Another round of snowfall began on Sunday morning and 10-15 cm of new snow is expected to accumulate on the surface by Monday. This is adding to 40-80 cm of recent storm snow that sits over an unstable snowpack with three active weak layers we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) The first layer is found beneath the recent storm snow and is formed of a crust and/or surface hoar layer that was buried in mid-January. The surface hoar is up to 10 mm in size, found at all elevation bands and has been very reactive on north through east aspects between 1900-2600 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is found 60 to 120 cm below the surface. This layer was reported as the most active persistent weak layer during a recent natural avalanche cycle that took place in the region. It was also very reactive to recent explosives control.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination is buried 110 to 160 cm deep. It has been most problematic at and below tree line. Many avalanches that failed at shallower weak layers 'stepped down' to this interface during the recent avalanche cycle and explosives control.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is about 40cm of snow from this most recent storm.  In the alpine and tree line, this storm snow is reactive to skier traffic as a slab on lee features.  In the Commonwealth area, the Jan. 6th surface hoar was found at 2350m was about 100cm down from the top.  This layer produced variable results from easy to hard but was very planar in nature. Some reverse loading from recent North winds was noticed; which means that some of the south aspects have more snow than usual. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain and warm temperatures throughout the weekend saturated the upper snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At treeline and below, approximately 20cm of wet snow overlies either a crust or moist snow from Monday's rain event a week ago. In high alpine areas like Sky Pilot and the Chehalis Range the more recent (saturated) snow has refrozen into a solid crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are well consolidated with no significant layers of concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 100-200 cm of snow from the past two weeks has formed a storm slab and wind slabs in lee features, which sit over an unstable snowpack.  There are four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 80 to 150 cm of storm snow sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported up to tree line elevations and possibly higher.  This layer is the primary weak layer of concern in the South Columbia’s and remains within the depth range of human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January persistent weak layer is 120 to 170 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 150 to 200 cm below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for recent very large avalanches.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms have produced variable new snow accumulations of 20-50 cm. Strong winds have produced wind slabs in lee features. This snow overlies a complex and generally weak snowpack structure with four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 70 to 110 cm of snow overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size and exists at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January persistent weak layer is 80 to 130 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another weak layer, which has recently produced very large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Surface snow conditions are highly variable depending on the position of the Arctic front. The Fernie area experienced warm temperatures Saturday morning followed by a sudden drop to frigid temperatures in the afternoon. The results was a new surface crust below 1700 m. Areas closer to the divide likely stayed cold with low density snow. Higher elevations throughout the region stayed cold and windy, allowing the growth of touchy wind slabs and cornices.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For the past month there has been regular avalanche activity on multiple deep weak layers. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and a sun crust on solar aspects and is 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is 90-110 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 120-160 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom line is the snowpack structure is weak. Human triggering is most likely on the shallower weak layers, but any avalanche has the potential to step down to deeper layers and become much larger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An upslope storm has delivered lots of cold low density snow east of the divide since Saturday (20-40 cm). The distribution of new snow is highly variable, and so are the surface snow conditions. The western parts of the region in BC were relatively warm with less snow, while areas in Alberta and around the divide were much colder and windier which likely formed touchy wind slabs in open terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack in this region is weak, with a number of concerning weak layers. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects and a sun crust on solar aspects is now 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 70-90 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 100-150 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We've had small amounts of new snow over the past several days. Temperatures had been above zero at tree line for much of the weekend, but dropped to more seasonal values on Monday. Winds, however, have been consistently strong from the south (east), creating reactive wind slabs in exposed downwind (lee) terrain. At lower treeline and below, generally light amounts of snow or rain now overlie a melt-freeze crust which formed during Monday's warm storm from a week ago.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow adds to the 170cm of snow that fell during the last few weeks of January. These series of storms were accompanied by strong to extreme winds which resulted in extensive scouring and impressive cornice growth in upper elevation terrain. These accumulations sit on a crust from mid-January which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, it has the potential to &quot;wake-up&quot; with a large trigger such as a cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall totals are highly variable. In the south, up to 40cm of snow fell in the alpine over the past two days, while tree line elevations saw 10-20cm and temperatures near 0 degrees on Monday afternoon. In the north, new snow totals were 15-20cm in the alpine, and rapidly decreasing below 1800m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine, winds were moderate to strong from the south / east (Coquihalla) and moderate from the south / west (Duffey zone), creating fresh wind slabs in exposed down wind (lee) terrain. At lower treeline and below, warm temperatures (and rain in many locations) have created heavy snow and tough riding conditions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow adds to the 80-150cm of snow that fell during the last few weeks of January. These series of storms were accompanied by strong to extreme winds which resulted in extensive scouring and impressive cornice growth in upper elevation terrain. These accumulations sit on crusts from early and mid-January which generally show signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, they been sensitive to skier triggering in at last one recent avalanche in the north of the region (see Avalanche Activity Discussion for details).</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">Another 15-25 cm of new snow since Sunday morning brings settled storm snow accumulations to 50-80 cm over the past week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer buried in mid-January is 100-140 cm below the surface and remains a concern. In most areas this layer is a crust, but it may also be surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. This layer produced a few human triggered avalanches throughout the region over the past week, and may remain reactive as it adjusts to the weight of the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In thinner snowpack areas (north and inland), deeper crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December and early January may still be a concern. They are buried over 150 cm below the surface, but may be triggerable from shallow spots.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 30-50 cm of storm snow has accumulated since Thursday. The snow has mostly fallen as low density powder, but may have settled in some areas that experience a brief period of warming on Friday. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January now lies 60-100 cm below the surface. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another two crust / surface hoar layers that formed in December are buried 80-120 cm below the surface. These layers produced sudden results in recent snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 100-200 cm of storm snow from the past two weeks has formed a widespread storm slab and wind slabs in lee features, which sit over an unstable snowpack.  There are four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 80 to 150 cm of snow sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported up to tree line elevations and possibly higher.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January persistent weak layer is 120 to 170 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 200 cm or more below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for recent very large avalanches.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 40-100 cm of storm snow from the past two weeks has formed a slab that sits over an unstable snowpack.  There are three active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) The first layer is found beneath the recent storm snow and is formed of a crust and/or surface hoar layer that was buried in mid-January. The surface hoar is up to 10 mm in size, found at all elevation bands and has been very reactive on north through east aspects between 1900-2600 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is found 60 to 120 cm below the surface. This layer was reported as the most active persistent weak layer during a recent natural avalanche cycle that took place in the region. It was also very reactive to recent explosives control.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consisting of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is 100 to 180 cm deep. It has been most problematic at and below tree line. Many avalanches that failed at shallower weak layers 'stepped down' to this interface during the recent avalanche cycle and explosives control.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Each of the past three days has seen locally heavy snowfall (eg: 15cm in 5 hours at Kootenay Pass on Sunday) coupled with moderate to strong winds at upper elevations. Storm snow totals vary from 25-50 cm and the winds created reactive wind slabs at tree line and above (see Avalanche Summary above). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Critical instabilities are buried well below the surface: </span><a href="https://youtu.be/fGxjbXDLrK8" target="_blank"><span class="s_B5813F7D">See this video for a summary of conditions near Nelson.</span></a><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A mixture of weak surface hoar and/or a crust from mid-January is buried beneath all the storm snow at 90-120cm deep. Numerous recent avalanches to size 2.5 have been reported on this layer and large, destructive avalanches at this interface remain a concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 120-140 cm deep. Several recent avalanches have stepped down to this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 130-160 cm below the surface. This layer has continued to produce step down releases and &quot;sudden&quot; test results. It is most pronounced at tree line, but is also present below tree line . </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">Another 15cm of new snow brings recent storm snow totals to between 50 and 60cm. This has fallen with relatively little wind effect in the southern part of the forecast area, but more wind effect is evident up north. In the Alpine fresh wind slabs have formed on all aspects. A large natural avalanche cycle occurred over the last 24hrs associated with these fresh wind slabs. In some cases, avalanches stepped down to deeper weak layers such as the Jan 6 surface hoar and the Dec 15 surface hoar/sun crust/facet layer, producing large to very large avalanches. Forecasters continue to monitor multiple buried weak layers between 50 and 150cm down into the snowpack. In addition, the November crusts layers have recently become active in a few isolated avalanches in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain and warm temperatures throughout the weekend saturated the upper snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">At treeline and below, approximately 20cm of wet snow overlies either a crust or moist snow from Monday's rain event a week ago. In high alpine areas like Sky Pilot and the Chehalis Range the more recent (saturated) snow has refrozen into a solid crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are well consolidated with no significant layers of concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of snow could accumulate on Wednesday. This overlies 100-200 cm of storm snow from the past two weeks that has formed widespread storm slabs and wind slabs in lee features, which sit over an unstable snowpack. There are four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 80 to 150 cm of storm snow sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported up to tree line elevations and possibly higher. This layer is the primary weak layer of concern and remains within the depth range of human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January persistent weak layer is 120 to 170 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 150 to 200 cm below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for recent very large avalanches.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of snow could accumulate in the region on Wednesday.  This overlies storm and wind slabs from previous storms with strong winds.  These storm and wind slabs overly a complex and generally weak snowpack structure with four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 70 to 110 cm of snow overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size and exists at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January persistent weak layer is 80 to 130 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands.  Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another weak layer, which has recently produced very large, destructive avalanches.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The Fernie area experienced warm temperatures Saturday morning followed by a sudden drop to frigid temperatures in the afternoon. The results was a new surface crust that is now buried 20-50 cm at elevations below 1700 m. Areas closer to the divide likely stayed cold with low density snow. Higher elevations throughout the region stayed cold and windy, allowing the growth of touchy wind slabs and cornices.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For the past month there has been regular avalanche activity on multiple deep weak layers. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and a sun crust on solar aspects and is 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is 90-110 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 120-160 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom line is the snowpack structure is weak. Human triggering is most likely on the shallower weak layers, however a release near the surface also has the potential to step down to deeper layers and become a much larger avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An upslope storm has delivered lots of cold low density snow east of the divide since Saturday (20-40 cm). The distribution of new snow is highly variable, and so are the surface snow conditions. The western parts of the region in BC were relatively warm with less snow, while areas in Alberta and around the divide were much colder and windier which likely formed touchy wind slabs in open terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack in this region is weak, with a number of concerning weak layers. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects and a sun crust on solar aspects is now 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 70-90 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 100-150 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">We've had small amounts of new snow over the past several days. Winds, however, have been consistently strong from the south (east), forming reactive wind slabs in exposed downwind (lee) terrain. Snow surfaces vary with wind pressed, scoured or 10 cm of fresh, low density snow in the alpine. Treeline and below treeline a melt-freeze crust exists with moist snow below 1500 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow adds to the 170 cm of snow that fell during the last few weeks of January. These series of storms were accompanied by strong to extreme winds which resulted in extensive scouring and impressive cornice growth in upper elevation terrain. These accumulations sit on a crust from mid-January which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, it has the potential to &quot;wake-up&quot; with a large trigger such as a cornice fall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall totals are highly variable. In the south, up to 40cm of snow fell in the alpine over the past three days, while tree line elevations saw 10-20cm. In the north, new snow totals were 15-20cm in the alpine, and rapidly decreasing below 1800m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the alpine, winds were moderate to strong from the south / east (Coquihalla) and moderate from the south / west (Duffey zone), creating fresh wind slabs in exposed downwind (lee) terrain. At lower treeline and below, warm temperatures (and rain in many locations) have created heavy snow and tough riding conditions.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new snow adds to the 80-150cm of snow that fell during the last few weeks of January. These series of storms were accompanied by strong to extreme winds which resulted in extensive scouring and impressive cornice growth in upper elevation terrain. These accumulations sit on crusts from early and mid-January which generally show signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, a week ago they were sensitive to human triggering. With forecast snowfall and strong winds this deeper instability may wake up initiation large and destructive avalanches.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 20-25 cm of new snow since Sunday morning brings settled storm snow accumulations to 50-80 cm over the past week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A freezing rain crust, 5-20 cm thick, was buried early February and can be found 10-40 cm below the surface on all aspects up to 1400 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer buried  in mid-January is 100-140 cm below the surface and remains a concern. In most areas this layer is a crust, but it may also be surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. This layer produced a few human triggered avalanches throughout the region over the past week, and may remain reactive as it adjusts to the weight of the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In thinner snowpack areas (north and inland), deeper crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December and early January may still be a concern. They are buried over 150 cm below the surface, but may be triggerable from shallow spots.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 30-50 cm of storm snow has accumulated since last Thursday. The snow has mostly fallen as low density powder, but may have settled in some areas that experience a brief period of warming on Friday. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January now lies 60-100 cm below the surface. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another two crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December are now 80-120 cm below the surface. These layers produced sudden results in recent snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of snow could accumulate in the region on Wednesday.  This overlies 100-200 cm of storm snow from the past two weeks that has formed widespread storm slabs as well as wind slabs in lee features, which sit over an unstable snowpack.  There are four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 80 to 150 cm of snow sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported up to tree line elevations and possibly higher.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January persistent weak layer is 120 to 170 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 200 cm or more below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for recent very large avalanches.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of snow could accumulate in the region by Wednesday afternoon.  This overlies 40-100 cm of storm snow from the past two weeks that has formed a slab that sits over an unstable snowpack.  There are three active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) The first layer is buried around 70 to 100 cm and is formed of a crust and/or surface hoar layer that was buried in mid-January. The surface hoar is up to 10 mm in size, found at all elevation bands and has been very reactive on north through east aspects between 1900-2600 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is found 60 to 120 cm below the surface. This layer was reported as the most active persistent weak layer during a recent natural avalanche cycle that took place in the region. It was also very reactive to recent explosives control.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is 100 to 180 cm deep. It has been most problematic at and below tree line.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_EBE90460">Recent storm snow totals vary from 25-50 cm and the winds created reactive wind slabs at tree line and above. Forecast storm snow amounts vary but the region will see significant amounts by Thursday, adding stress to the underlying and very complex snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_EBE90460">Deeper in the snowpack, surface hoar and/or a crust from mid-January is buried beneath all the storm snow at 90-120cm deep. This interface has been reactive and this interface remains a concern. Below this layer lies a second crust/surface hoar interface buried early-January that is now 120-140 cm deep. Recent avalanches have stepped down to this layer and it should remain on your radar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_EBE90460">The mid-December surface hoar layer is buried 130-170 cm below the surface. This layer has continued to produce step down releases and &quot;sudden&quot; test results. It is most pronounced at tree line and below treeline and has remains reactive especially in steeper, unsupported convex terrain features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent HST has settled to 40-50cm.  Wind slabs are present on all aspects in the alpine.  Jan 6 SH was found down 90cm at 2000m with no results; yet it was very reactive one valley over two days ago.  We have low confidence in adventuring into big terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A mix of rain and snow will fall on a variety of old snow surfaces including crusts and moist snow at lower elevations. In high alpine areas like Sky Pilot and the Chehalis Range the more recent (saturated) snow has refrozen into a solid crust which means that the forecast snow will likely have a poor bond to the crust. At lower elevations rain amounts will saturate the snow surfaces further.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid and lower snowpack are well consolidated with no significant layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 50 and 100 cm of snow may accumulate by Thursday afternoon, with the most in the west of the region. This overlies 100-200 cm of snow from the past two weeks that has formed storm and wind slabs, which sits on an unstable snowpack. There are four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 80 to 150 cm of storm snow sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported up to tree line elevations and possibly higher. This layer is the primary weak layer of concern and remains within the depth range of human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January persistent weak layer is 120 to 170 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 150 to 200 cm below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for recent very large avalanches.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Between 30 and 70 cm of snow could accumulate with this storm by Thursday afternoon, with the most in the southwest of the region. This new snow overlies preexisting storm and wind slabs. All of this overlies a complex and generally weak snowpack structure with four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 70 to 110 cm of snow overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is 10 to 30 mm in size and exists at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January persistent weak layer is 80 to 130 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden fracture characters with moderate loads and high propagation potential.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 100 to 150 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another weak layer, which has recently produced very large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow covers two crusts that formed late January and early February and are now buried 20-40 cm below the surface at elevations below 1700 m in the Fernie area. At higher elevations and in exposed areas at treeline winds have formed reactive wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For the past month there has been regular avalanche activity on multiple weak layers in the mid and lower snowpack. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and a sun crust on solar aspects and is 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is 90-110 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 120-160 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The bottom line is the snowpack structure is weak. Human triggering is most likely on the shallower weak layers, however a release near the surface also has the potential to step down to deeper layers and become a much larger avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An upslope storm has delivered lots of cold low density snow east of the divide since the weekend (20-40 cm). The distribution of new snow is highly variable, and so are the surface snow conditions. The western parts of the region in BC were relatively warm with less snow, while areas in Alberta and around the divide were much colder and windier which has formed wind slabs in open terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack in this region is weak, with a number of concerning weak layers. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects and a sun crust on solar aspects is now 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 70-90 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 100-150 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow up to 10 cm and consistently strong winds from the south east have formed reactive wind slabs in exposed leeward terrain. Below this is a variety of old snow surfaces including wind pressed, scoured or fresh, low density snow in the alpine. Treeline and below treeline a melt-freeze crust exists with moist snow below 1500 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An average of 170 cm of settled snow now sits on the mid-January crust which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, it has the potential to &quot;wake-up&quot; with a large trigger such as a cornice fall. Cornices are large and fragile and demand respect. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_EBE90460">Recent snowfall totals are highly variable. In the south, up to 20 cm of new snow fell bringing the alpine totals up to 40 cm since the weekend. In the north, new snow totals are half that and rapidly decreasing below 1800m. This new snow sits on old wind slabs in alpine locations and has buried a crust at treeline. At lower treeline and below elevations, warm temperatures (and rain in many locations) have created heavy snow conditions. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_EBE90460">This new snow adds to the 80-150 cm mid pack that sits above the mid- January crust, which generally shows signs of bonding. I would still remain suspect of this deeper layer, especially now, with additional load stressing the snowpack. Large fragile cornices could also act as a trigger on the slope below. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wednesday's storm delivered another 20-30 cm of new snow during the day, and a mix of rain and freezing rain for areas west of Terrace, bringing storm snow totals of over 100 cm in the last 10 or 12 days.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Beneath the storm snow lies a 5-20 cm thick crust that was buried early February and can be found 40-90 cm below the surface on all aspects up to 1400 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer buried in mid-January is 120-150 cm below the surface and remains a concern. In most areas this layer is a crust, but it may also be surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. This layer produced a few human triggered avalanches throughout the region over the past week, and may remain reactive as it adjusts to the weight of the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In thinner snowpack areas (north and inland), deeper crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December and early January may still be a concern. They are buried over 150 cm below the surface, but may be triggerable from shallow spots.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wednesday's storm delivered about 15 cm of new snow during the day bringing storm snow totals to 40-80 cm since last Thursday which has mostly formed well settled upper snowpack layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January now lies 50-90 cm below the surface. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another two crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December are now 90-130 cm below the surface. These layers produced sudden results in recent snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 80 cm of snow could accumulate in the region by Thursday afternoon. This overlies 100-200 cm of storm snow from the past two weeks that has formed widespread storm slabs as well as wind slabs in lee features. All of this sits on an unstable snowpack. There are four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 80 to 150 cm of snow sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar is 5 to 20 mm in size and was reported up to tree line elevations and possibly higher.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January persistent weak layer is 120 to 170 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 200 cm or more below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for recent very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 70 cm of snow could accumulate with the storm by Thursday afternoon. This overlies 50-100 cm of storm snow from the past two weeks that has formed a slab that sits over an unstable snowpack. There are four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) The first layer is buried around 70 to 100 cm and is formed of a crust and/or surface hoar layer that was buried in mid-January. The surface hoar is up to 10 mm in size, found at all elevation bands and has been very reactive on north through east aspects between 1900-2600 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January persistent weak layer is found 60 to 120 cm below the surface. This layer was reported as the most active persistent weak layer during a recent natural avalanche cycle that took place in the region. It was also very reactive to recent explosives control.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is 100 to 180 cm deep. It has been most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another layer that could reactive with additional load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_EBE90460">Up to 20 cm of new storm snow accompanied by strong winds adds stress to the upper snowpack. This now brings 90-140 cm of settled snow over two surface hoar/ crust layers that were formed early to mid-January. Digging deeper 160-200 cm sits the mid-December surface hoar layer. All of these persistent weak layers lurk within the snowpack and continue to be reactive, producing large and destructive avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_EBE90460">Near the base of the snowpack exists a crust/ facet interface which could be triggered by a step down avalanche, cornice failure, thin to thick spot triggering by people or reaching its threshold with new load from above. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_EBE90460">The snowpack is extremely complex and requires respect and diligence at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last night we received more wind than expected. Lots of wind transport involving the storm snow. The winds were out of the north and as such, the new wind slabs are on NE-SW aspects. Temperatures also crept up today to near 0C. This has made for increased slab development as the snow bonded quickly. These new slabs are at all elevations, and all aspects when the older wind slabs are taken into account. The weak layers are much deeper now and very stressed. Some crowns from today were almost 2m deep.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A mix of rain and snow fell on a variety of old snow surfaces including crusts and moist snow at lower elevations. In high alpine areas like Sky Pilot and the Chehalis Range the more recent (saturated) snow has refrozen into a solid crust and the new snow may have a poor bond to that crust. At lower elevations snow surfaces are moist/ wet and have become unstable. The mid and lower snowpack are well consolidated with no significant layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30-40 cm of snow fell during Wednesday's storm. 130-240 cm storm snow totals from the past two weeks have now consolidated into a deep slab over four active weak layers:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 130 to 240 cm of storm snow sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is widespread, with the exception of high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar was reported up to tree line and possibly higher. This layer is our primary weak layer of concern, partially for remaining nearest to the depth range of human triggering.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January persistent weak layer is 160 to 260 cm deep. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 170 to 280 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for recent very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that choosing simple terrain free of overhead hazard is the best avoidance strategy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 20-30 cm of new snow fell during Wednesday's storm and buried preexisting storm and wind slabs. Collectively this storm snow overlies a complex and generally weak snowpack structure with four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 90 to 140 cm of snow now overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar exists at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January persistent weak layer is 100 to 160 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 120 to 180 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another weak layer, which has recently produced very large, destructive avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that choosing simple terrain free of overhead hazard is the best avoidance strategy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wednesday night's warm temperatures and fluctuating freezing levels brought light cover of new snow (5 cm) and 15 mm of rain up to 1700 m, with deeper snow accumulations at higher elevations. A temperature drop during the day on Thursday has formed a new surface crust up to 1700 m, and winds have redistributed the new snow at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the snow surface two more crusts that formed late January and early February and are now buried 20-40 cm below 1700 m in the Fernie area. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For the past month there has been regular avalanche activity on multiple weak layers in the mid and lower snowpack. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and a sun crust on solar aspects and is 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is 90-110 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 120-160 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the base 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">Wednesday storm has delivered another 15-30 cm of snow bring storm snow totals to 40-80 cm over the past week. The distribution of this new snow is highly variable. The western parts of the region in BC were relatively warm with less snow, while areas in Alberta and around the divide were much colder and windier.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack in this region is weak, with a number of concerning weak layers. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects and a sun crust on solar aspects is now 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 70-90 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 100-150 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces vary from aspect to elevation showing crusts, wind pressed and scoured conditions. In the alpine 5-15 cm of recent snow, accompanied by strong winds from the southeast have formed reactive wind slabs in leeward terrain and large looming cornices exist, they are fragile and demand respect. Treeline and below treeline elevations a melt-freeze crust has formed.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">An average of 170 cm of settled snow now sits on the mid-January crust which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, it has the potential to &quot;wake-up&quot; with a large trigger such as a cornice fall. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below this, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall totals are highly variable. In the south, up to 40 cm of new snow fell bringing the alpine totals up to 60 cm since the weekend. In the north, new snow totals are half that and rapidly decreasing below 1800m. This new snow sits on old wind slabs in alpine locations and has buried a crust at treeline. At lower treeline and below elevations, warm temperatures and rain have saturated the upper snowpack. A solid surface crust will likely form with forecast cooler temperatures. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This new snow adds to the 80-150 cm mid pack that sits above the mid- January crust, which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, I would remain suspect of this deeper layer as the snowpack adjusts to the new load. Large, looming cornices exist, they are fragile and demand respect. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wednesday's storm delivered another 30-50 cm of new snow, and a mix of rain and freezing rain for areas west of Terrace, bringing storm snow totals of over 100 cm in the last 10 or 12 days for the Terrace area. Northern areas have seen about 50-70 cm of recent storm snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Beneath the storm snow lies a 5-20 cm thick crust that was buried early February and can be found 60-110 cm below the surface on all aspects up to 1400 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer buried in mid-January is 120-150 cm below the surface and remains a concern. In most areas this layer is a crust, but it may also be surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. This layer produced a few human triggered avalanches throughout the region over the past week, and may remain reactive as it adjusts to the weight of the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In thinner snowpack areas (north and inland), deeper crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December and early January may still be a concern as well. They are buried over 150 cm below the surface, but may still be triggerable from shallow spots.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wednesday's storm delivered between 15-50 cm of new snow totals to 40-100 cm since last Thursday with areas near Smithers and south seeing higher snowfall amounts than areas to the north. This storm snow seems to have formed a well settled upper snowpack. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January now lies about 100 cm below the surface. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and treeline elevations. Recent snowpack tests produced hard, sudden results on weak, sugary snow crystals associated with this crust in the Smithers area, indicating that this is still a layer of concern to watch for.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another two crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December are now 100-150 cm below the surface. These layers produced sudden results in recent snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">25-70 cm of new snow fell during Wednesday's storm. In some areas this buried a new layer of surface hoar present on all aspects and elevations. The new snow adds to 100-200 cm of storm snow from the past two weeks, which sits on an unstable snowpack with four other active weak layers:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 150 to 270 cm of snow sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar was reported up to tree line elevations and possibly higher.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January weak layer is 170 to 300 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 200 cm or more below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for recent very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that choosing simple terrain free of overhead hazard is the best avoidance strategy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 30-40 cm of new snow fell during Wednesday's storm. This adds to 50-100 cm of storm snow from the past two weeks that has formed a slab over an unstable snowpack. There are four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) Around 80 to 140 cm deep, you'll find a layer of crust and/or surface hoar that was buried in mid-January. The surface hoar is found at all elevation bands, and has been especially reactive on north through east aspects between 1900-2600 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January surface hoar layer is found 90 to 160 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is 120 to 200 cm deep. It has been most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another weak layer lingering near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Each of the above layers have maintained a trend of producing notable avalanche activity and concerning snowpack test results for the past couple of weeks. The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that choosing simple terrain is the best avoidance strategy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snow accumulations vary showing 10-30 cm across the region adding more load and stress to the upper snowpack. This now brings 90-140 cm of settled snow over two surface hoar/ crust layers that were formed early to mid-January. Digging deeper 160-200 cm sits the mid-December surface hoar layer and near the base of the snowpack exists a crust/ facet interface which could be triggered by a large load like a step down avalanche or cornice failure.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">These persistent weak layers lurk within the snowpack and continue to be reactive, producing large and destructive avalanches. The snowpack is extremely complex and requires respect and diligence at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack has been rapidly loaded with 30-40cm of snow.  This is dramatically compounded by the fact that wind was associated with this storm which translates to wind loaded pockets in the alpine and in lee features.  Expect this additional load of new snow and wind deposited snow to have a great effect on the buried weak layers.  This will mean that whatever slope that has not slid, will be primed for </span><span class="s_2823317B">HUMAN TRIGGERING</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> and will likely step down to a deeper layer creating large avalanches.  These weak layers that we have been talking about for a long time are primed for avalanching and are found at the following depths:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">-Jan 18 surface hoar approx. 130cm down from the surface</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">-January 6 surface hoar approx. 150cm down from the surface and</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">-December 15 interface approx 180cm down from the surface</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">-November crusts approx.  210cm down from the surface</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_1681A555">Rain over the past few days has saturated snow surfaces and only higher alpine elevations were lucky enough to get snow. With a forecast cooling trend, the upper snowpack will likely lock up as a firm crust. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 300 cm of well settled snow with no significant layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent accumulations of 30-40 cm have formed reactive new storm slabs on the surface throughout the region. 130-240 cm storm snow totals from the past two weeks have now consolidated into a deep slab over four active weak layers:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 130 to 240 cm of storm snow sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is widespread, with the exception of high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar was reported up to tree line and possibly higher. This layer is our primary weak layer of concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January persistent weak layer is 160 to 260 cm deep. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 170 to 280 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for recent very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that choosing simple terrain free of overhead hazard is the best avoidance strategy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent accumulations of 20-30 cm have formed reactive new storm slabs on the surface throughout the region,</span><span class="s_E6FD2046"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">burying pre-existing storm and wind slabs. Collectively, this storm snow overlies a complex and generally weak snowpack structure with four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 90 to 140 cm of snow now overlies a crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is reportedly widespread, except for possibly high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar exists at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January persistent weak layer is 100 to 160 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 120 to 180 cm deep. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another weak layer, which has recently produced very large, destructive avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that choosing simple terrain free of overhead hazard is the best avoidance strategy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Wednesday night's warm temperatures and fluctuating freezing levels brought light cover of new snow (5 cm) and 15 mm of rain up to 1700 m, with deeper snow accumulations at higher elevations. A temperature drop during the day on Thursday has formed a new surface crust up to 1700 m, and winds have redistributed the new snow (5-14 cm into Friday) at higher elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the snow surface two more crusts that formed late January and early February and are now buried 20-40 cm below 1700 m in the Fernie area. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For the past month there has been regular avalanche activity on multiple weak layers in the mid and lower snowpack. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and a sun crust on solar aspects and is 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is 90-110 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 120-160 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the base 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">We've seen 20-40cm of snow fall in the past two days, bringing storm snow totals to 50-90 cm over the past week. The distribution of this new snow is highly variable. The western parts of the region in BC were relatively warm with less snow, while areas in Alberta and around the divide were much colder and windier, with Thursday's overnight temperatures of -25 Celsius near Castle mountain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack in this region is weak, with a number of concerning weak layers. A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects and a sun crust on solar aspects is now 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 70-90 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 100-150 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces vary from aspect to elevation showing crusts, wind pressed and scoured conditions. In the alpine 5-15 cm of recent snow, accompanied by strong winds from the southeast have formed reactive wind slabs up to 30 cm thick in leeward terrain. Large, fragile cornices exist on ridgelines and could trigger an avalanche on the slope below if they fail. Treeline and below treeline elevations a melt-freeze crust has formed.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On average 180 cm of settled snow now sits on the mid-January crust which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, it has the potential to &quot;wake-up&quot; with a large trigger such as a cornice fall. Below this, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall totals are highly variable. In the south, up to 40 cm of new snow fell bringing the alpine totals up to 60 cm this week. In the north, new snow totals are half that and rapidly decreasing below 1800m. This new snow sits on old wind slabs in alpine locations and has buried a crust at treeline. At lower treeline and below elevations, warm temperatures and rain have saturated the upper snowpack. A solid surface crust will likely form with forecast cooler temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the surface, 80-150 cm down in the mid pack sits the mid- January crust. It generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, I would remain suspect of this deeper layer while the snowpack adjusts to the new load. Thinner snowpack areas may have a higher likelihood of&nbsp; an avalanche failing on this layer. Large, looming cornices exist, they are fragile and demand respect.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wednesday's storm delivered another 30-50 cm of new snow, and a mix of rain and freezing rain for areas west of Terrace, bringing storm snow totals of over 100 cm in the last 10 or 12 days for the Terrace area. Northern areas have seen about 50-70 cm of recent storm snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Beneath the storm snow lies a 5-20 cm thick crust that was buried early February and can be found 60-110 cm below the surface on all aspects up to 1400 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer buried in mid-January is 120-150 cm below the surface and remains a concern. In most areas this layer is a crust, but it may also be surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and below. This layer produced a few human triggered avalanches throughout the region over the past week, and may remain reactive as it adjusts to the weight of the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In thinner snowpack areas (north and inland), deeper crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December and early January may still be a concern as well. They are buried over 150 cm below the surface, but may still be triggerable from shallow spots.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wednesday's storm delivered between 15-50 cm of new snow, bringing totals to 40-100 cm over the past week. Areas near Smithers and farther south saw higher snowfall amounts than areas to the north. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January now lies about 100 cm below the surface. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and treeline elevations. Recent snowpack tests produced hard, sudden results on weak, sugary snow crystals associated with this crust in the Smithers area, indicating that this is still a layer of concern to watch for.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another two crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December are now 100-150 cm below the surface. These layers produced sudden results in recent snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent accumulations of 25-70 cm have formed reactive new storm slabs on the surface throughout the region.</span><span class="s_E6FD2046"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">In some areas the new snow has buried a new layer of surface hoar. About 150-250 cm of storm snow from the past two weeks now overlies an unstable snowpack with four other active weak layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) 150 to 250 cm of snow sits on the crust and/or surface hoar layer from mid-January. The crust is widespread, except for possibly high elevation north aspects. The surface hoar was reported up to tree line elevations and possibly higher.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) The early-January weak layer is 170 to 270 cm below the surface. It is composed of surface hoar on sheltered slopes as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects and is found at all elevation bands.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is buried 200 cm or more below the surface. It is most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another failure plane responsible for recent very large avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that choosing simple terrain free of overhead hazard is the best avoidance strategy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent accumulations of 30-40 cm have formed reactive new storm slabs on the surface throughout the region. This adds to 50-100 cm of storm snow from the past two weeks that has settled into a thick slab over an unstable snowpack. There are four active weak layers that we are monitoring:</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">1) Around 80 to 140 cm deep, you'll find a layer of crust and/or surface hoar that was buried in mid-January. The surface hoar is found at all elevations and has been especially reactive on north through east aspects between 1900-2600 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">2) Deeper in the snowpack, the early-January surface hoar layer is found 90 to 160 cm below the surface. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">3) Another weak layer buried mid-December consists of a facet/surface hoar/crust combination, which is 120 to 200 cm deep. It has been most problematic at and below tree line.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">4) A crust/facet layer from late November is yet another weak layer lingering near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Each of the above layers have maintained a trend of producing notable avalanche activity and concerning snowpack test results for the past couple of weeks. The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that choosing simple terrain is the best avoidance strategy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow accumulations vary, showing 10-45cm across the region at upper elevations. Below 1800 m a surface crust exists. The new snow in the alpine has been redistributed to leeward slopes from strong northwest winds. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This now brings 1- 2 m of settled snow sitting on three significant surface hoar/ crust layers that were formed early to mid-January, and back in December. Near the base of the snowpack a crust/ facet interface exists and will likely haunt us all season. These persistent weak layers that lurk within the snowpack are reactive, producing large and destructive avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is extremely complex and requires respect and diligence at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Solar radiation played a big role on friday as the sun is beginning to have enough punch to begin to make the snow moist on steep solar aspects later in the day.  The solar input triggerred rapid settlement and avalanche activity up to sz 3 on solar aspects.  We are still dealing with a complex, reactive snowpack at this time.  Wind slabs in the upper snowpack as well as the deep persistent problems are our major concerns at this time.  The recent snow is overloading the myriad of weak layers that we currently have within the snowpack and causing widespread large destructive avalanches.  Many of the weak layers are 100-150cm deep so evaluating them in field tests is challenging.  This weekend will be a good time to stay out of avalanche terrain and minimize your exposure to overhead hazards.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain over the past few days has saturated snow surfaces and only higher alpine elevations were lucky enough to get snow. With forecast cold temperatures, the upper snowpack will likely lock up as a firm crust. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 300 cm of well settled snow with no significant layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large cornices are looming. Moderate north to north-westerly winds have shifted 30-40 cm recent storm snow into wind slabs on lee slopes. This adds to an existing storm slab 1-2.5 m deep from the last couple of weeks accumulation. Some solar effect was observed on Friday and sun crusts or moist snow may be found, depending on the time of day.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several persistent weak layers make up a troublesome snowpack which is not tolerating the recent load. In the top 1.5-2.5 m of the snowpack, two surface hoar/ crust layers buried in January can be found. Expect to find one or other of these on all aspects and elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (around 200 cm deep) is a facet/crust/surface hoar layer from December, most prevalent at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack is a crust/facet combo, most likely to be triggered from thin spots in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of these layers have produced large avalanches recently. The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that avoidance through choosing simple terrain is the best strategy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm recent storm snow may have been shifted into wind slabs on slopes lee to recent south-west through north-west winds. Fragile cornices can be found in some areas. Sun crusts or moist snow may be found on solar aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several persistent weak layers make up a troublesome snowpack which is not tolerating the recent load. In the top 1-2 m of the snowpack, two surface hoar/ crust layers buried in January can be found. Expect to find one or other of these on all aspects and elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (around 200 cm deep) is a facet/crust/surface hoar layer from December, most prevalent at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack is a crust/facet combo, most likely to be triggered from thin spots in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of these layers have produced large avalanches recently. The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that avoidance through choosing simple terrain is the best strategy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow totals from last week vary from 5-20cm above 1700m, thanks to redistribution from north east through to more recent south west winds. Below 1700m, rain on Wednesday formed a thick crust and capped the snow pack. That said, avalanche hazard remains elevated below tree line due to the possibility of large avalanches running full path from higher elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">For the past month there has been regular avalanche activity on multiple weak layers in the mid and lower snowpack. A layer buried mid January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects (especially prominent from 1400-1900 m) and a sun crust on solar aspects and is 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early January is 90-110 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 120-160 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late November is near the base of the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The take home message is that several weak layers are still active and deserve a lot of respect. The solution is to stick to conservative terrain while avoiding all overhead hazard. </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">20-40cm of snow fell on Wednesday into Thursday, bringing storm snow totals to 50-90 cm over the past week. The distribution of this new snow is highly variable. The western parts of the region in BC were relatively warm with less snow, while areas in Alberta and around the divide were much colder and windier. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The lower snowpack in this region is weak, with a number of concerns: A layer buried mid-January is composed of surface hoar on sheltered aspects and a sun crust on solar aspects is now 60-80 cm deep. Another surface hoar layer from early-January is buried 70-90 cm deep. A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar is 100-150 cm deep. Finally, a rain crust with sugary facets buried in late-November is near the bottom of the snowpack. Although the snowpack structure is variable across the region, these persistent weak layers are generally widespread.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The take home message is that several weak layers are still active and deserve a lot of respect. The solution is to stick to conservative terrain while avoiding all overhead hazard. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E6FD2046"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow surfaces vary from aspect to elevation showing crusts, wind pressed and scoured conditions. In the alpine 5-15 cm of recent snow, accompanied by strong winds from the southeast have formed reactive wind slabs up to 30 cm thick in leeward terrain, while wind-protected areas still hold unconsolidated, cold snow. At treeline and below treeline elevations a melt-freeze crust has formed up to 1900 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On average 180 cm of settled snow now sits on the mid-January crust which generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, it has the potential to &quot;wake-up&quot; with a large trigger such as a cornice fall. Below this, the snowpack is thought to be generally strong and well-settled.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall totals are highly variable. In the south, up to 40 cm of new snow fell bringing the alpine totals up to 60 cm this week. In the north, new snow totals are half that and rapidly decrease below 1800m. This new snow remains unconsolidated in wind-sheltered, shaded areas at upper elevations but has formed wind slabs in open areas at treeline and above, and scoured areas at ridge crests..  At lower elevations 5-10 cm of new snow covers a thick crust, while a surface crust is present on solar aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Below the snow surface, 80-150 cm down in the mid pack sits the mid- January crust. It generally shows signs of bonding to the overlying snow; however, I would remain suspect of this deeper layer while the snowpack adjusts to the new load. Thinner snowpack areas may have a higher likelihood of an avalanche failing on this layer. Large, looming cornices exist, they are fragile and demand respect.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong north west winds picked up on Saturday, redistributing last week's storm snow and creating fresh wind slabs at higher elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wednesday's storm delivered another 30-50 cm of new snow, and a mix of rain and freezing rain for areas west of Terrace, bringing storm snow totals of over 100 cm in the last 2 weeks for the Terrace area. Northern areas have seen about 50-70 cm of recent storm snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Beneath the storm snow lies a 5-20 cm thick crust that was buried early February and can be found 60-110 cm below the surface on all aspects up to 1400 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer buried in mid-January is 120-150 cm below the surface and remains a concern. In most areas this layer is a crust, but it may also be surface hoar in sheltered areas at tree line and below. This layer produced a few human triggered avalanches throughout the region over the past week, and may remain reactive as it adjusts to the weight of the new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In thinner snowpack areas (north and inland), deeper crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December and early January may still be a concern. They are buried over 150 cm below the surface, but could still be reactive and triggered from shallow spots.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong north west winds picked up on Saturday, redistributing last week's storm snow and creating fresh wind slabs at higher elevations. A strong inversion also set up with tree line temperatures near 0 degrees.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wednesday's storm delivered between 15-50 cm of new snow, bringing totals to 40-100 cm over the past week. Areas near Smithers and farther south saw higher snowfall amounts than areas to the north. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A crust and/or weak feathery surface hoar layer buried in mid-January now lies about 100 cm below the surface. The crust exists well into the alpine and the surface hoar can be found in sheltered areas in the lower alpine and tree ine elevations. Recent snowpack tests produced hard, sudden results on weak, sugary snow crystals associated with this crust in the Smithers area, indicating that this is still a layer of concern to watch for.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another two crust / surface hoar layers that were buried in December are now 100-150 cm below the surface. These layers produced sudden results in recent snowpack tests and have been the suspected weak layer in recent large remotely (from a distance) triggered avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong north to north-westerly winds have shifted 25-70 cm recent storm snow into wind slabs on lee slopes. This adds to an existing storm slab up to 1-2.5 m deep from the last couple of weeks accumulation. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several persistent weak layers make up a troublesome snowpack which is not tolerating the recent load. In the top 1.5-2.5 m of the snowpack, two surface hoar layers buried in January can be found. Expect to find one or other of these on all aspects and elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (around 200 cm deep) is a facet/crust/surface hoar layer from December, most prevalent at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack is a crust/facet combo, most likely to be triggered from thin spots in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of these layers have produced large avalanches recently. The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that avoidance through choosing simple terrain is the best strategy.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong north to north-westerly winds have loaded lee slopes with 30-40 cm recent storm snow. This adds to an existing storm slab up to 1m deep from the last couple of weeks accumulation. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several persistent weak layers make up a troublesome snowpack which is not tolerating the recent load. In the top 1-1.5 m of the snowpack, two surface hoar layers buried in January can be found. The shallower of the two has been particularly reactive on north to east aspects above 1900 m, but expect to find one or other of these on all aspects and elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (120-200 cm deep) is a facet/crust/surface hoar layer from December, most prevalent at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack is a crust/facet combo, most likely to be triggered from thin spots in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of these layers have produced large avalanches recently. The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that avoidance through choosing simple terrain is the best strategy.</span><span class="s_E6FD2046" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow accumulations from the past week vary from 10-45cm across the region at upper elevations. In the alpine this new snow has been redistributed to leeward slopes from strong northwest winds. Below 1800 m, up to 5 cm of low density snow covers a thin crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">This now brings 1- 2 m of settled snow sitting on three significant surface hoar/ crust layers that were formed early to mid-January, and back in December. Near the base of the snowpack a crust/ facet interface exists and will likely haunt us all season. These persistent weak layers that lurk within the snowpack are reactive, producing large and destructive avalanches. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is extremely complex and requires respect and diligence at this time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Winds and temperatures are causing the upper snowpack to settle.  As it settles we are beginning to see natural avalanche activity begin to decrease but conditions are perfect for human triggerring.  Wind slabs should be expected in the upper snowpack in the Alpine and isolated areas at treeline.  These slabs are up to 40cm thick and on all aspects due to reverse loading.  Any slab that initiates in the upper snowpack is likely to step down to any one of the lower wear layers.  These layers include the Jan 18th and 6th surface hoar layers down being found below 2400m down around 1m+ and the Dec15th facet interface down 150cm being found all the way up and into the alpine.  Stick to conservative terrain and minimize your exposure to overhead areas.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Rain over the past few days has saturated snow surfaces and only higher alpine elevations were lucky enough to receive a light cover of new snow. With the arrival of cold temperatures, the upper snowpack has locked up as a firm crust. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 300 cm of well settled snow with no significant layers of concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Large cornices may be found. Moderate north to north-westerly winds have shifted 30-40 cm recent storm snow into wind slabs on lee slopes. This adds to an existing storm slab 1-2.5 m deep from the last couple of weeks accumulation. Sun crusts or moist snow may be found, depending on the time of day.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several persistent weak layers make up a troublesome snowpack. In the top 1.5-2.5 m of the snowpack, two surface hoar/ crust layers buried in January can be found. Expect to find one or other of these on all aspects and elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (around 200 cm deep) is a facet/crust/surface hoar layer from December, most prevalent at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack is a crust/facet combo, most likely to be triggered from thin spots in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of these layers have produced large avalanches recently. The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that avoidance through choosing simple terrain is the best strategy.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-60 cm recent storm snow may have been shifted into wind slabs on slopes lee to recent south-west through north-west winds. Fragile cornices can be found in some areas. Sun crusts or moist snow may be found on solar aspects and a firm or breakable temperature crust may be found below about 1700 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Several persistent weak layers make up a troublesome snowpack which is not tolerating the recent load. In the top 1-2 m of the snowpack, two surface hoar/ crust layers buried in January can be found. Expect to find one or other of these on all aspects and elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Deeper in the snowpack (around 200 cm deep) is a facet/crust/surface hoar layer from December, most prevalent at and below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Near the base of the snowpack is a crust/facet combo, most likely to be triggered from thin spots in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">All of these layers have produced large avalanches recently. The wide distribution and ongoing reactivity of these layers suggests that avoidance through choosing simple terrain is the best strategy.</span></p>