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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-70 cm of storm snow has accumulated of the past few days. Recent strong winds from the south and west have redistributed this snow in exposed terrain forming touchy wind slabs. Weaknesses exist within this recent storm snow with reports of 'upside-down' conditions and easy shears within the top 70 cm. All this new snow is also bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February that includes sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60 cm of storm snow has typically accumulated of the past few days. Recent strong winds from the south and west have redistributed this snow in exposed terrain forming touchy wind slabs. Weaknesses exist within this recent storm snow with reports of 'upside-down' conditions and easy shears within the top 60 cm. All this new snow is also bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February that includes sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. A persistent weakness buried mid January is now down 80-150 cm and consists of buried surface hoar in sheltered areas, sun crust on south aspects, and/or faceted old snow. It has generally stabilized but may be sensitive to triggering in isolated areas where surface hoar is preserved. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">This and deeper persistent weaknesses remain concerns isolated to shallow snowpack areas where they lie closer to the surface. These layers are expected to get tested with the upcoming period of sustained warming, and if they wake up, very large avalanches are possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 45mm of precipitation fell over Thursday night and Friday, with periods of rain leading to diminished new snow amounts of around 15-25 cm accumulating at treeline elevations. A breakable rain crust can be found at varying depths within this new snow at treeline and below. This precipitation fell over the roughly 40cm of moist new snow recorded on Thursday, adding additional load to the 60-80cm of dry storm snow that accumulated in the region last weekend. Strong, shifting winds redistributed the previous storm's snow, forming wind slabs in exposed terrain. The combined accumulation of multiple storms' snow now overlies a variable old surface which included wind affected surfaces, a layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas, facets, and/or a thin sun crust. The bond between the earlier storm snow and this old surface is suspected to be improving. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable but isolated basal weaknesses may exist in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Friday night saw another 10-15cm accumulate in the south of the region, with only a trace elsewhere. This now lies above 15-30 cm of moist new snow that fell over the region on Thursday, which was mixed with periods of rain at lower elevations. These more recent accumulations overlie the 90cm of low density storm snow that we received last weekend. Strong shifting winds redistributed this previous storm snow in exposed terrain, forming wind slabs that are now obscured by the latest blanket of snow. All of this overlies a variable old surface which may include wind affected surfaces, facets, and/or a rain crust below around 1500 m. The poor bond at the interface between the older storm snow and the previous surface is suspected to be improving slowly.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In deeper areas, the snowpack appears to be well settled with only isolated concerns about the mid-December facet layer which was buried 50-100 cm deep prior to the weekend storm. In shallow snowpack areas and at lower elevations, the snowpack is weak, faceted, and has no structure. In these areas the snowpack's weakness may reach a tipping point as freezing levels rise steadily over the coming days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-80 cm of recent storm snow fell with moderate to strong southerly winds and formed variable wind slabs on northerly aspects. Inverted temperatures (warmer at higher elevations) made the slab problem worse. The new snow has buried a wide variety of old snow surfaces including stiff wind slab or wind affected snow at upper elevations, sun crust on steep southerly slopes, surface hoar (up to 10 mm) in sheltered locations. In sheltered ares where the recent storm snow is overlying surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals), you may see increased reactivity on this layer as the storm snow begins to settle into a more cohesive slab. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled (strong). However, there remain a number of facet and crust layers that are currently dormant but will require monitoring with additional loading (and warming early next week), especially in shallower, rocky areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An additional 20 + cm of snow fell Friday into Saturday on the Coquihalla with moderate to strong southwest winds; meanwhile, only 4cm fell in the Duffey Lake zone. This new snow added to the 65-80 cm (lower amounts in the north) of recent storm snow. Temperatures rose on Thursday afternoon, increasing the likelihood slab avalanches with the heavier snow on top of lighter, drier snow. All this storm snow is sitting on a wide variety of old snow surfaces including stiff wind slab or wind affected snow at upper elevations, sun crust on steep southerly slopes, surface hoar and surface facets in sheltered locations. The mid-December facets down 130-160 cm still remain a concern especially in shallower snowpack areas in the Duffey, Hurley and/ or South Chilcotins. These deeper weaknesses warrant monitoring, especially through periods of rapid loading. In southern areas (Coquihalla), the lower snowpack is reportedly well settled (stronger), than it is to the north.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow has begun to cover the widespread wind affected surfaces recently reported in exposed terrain. This includes scoured surfaces, sastrugi, and hard wind slabs. In areas sheltered from the wind, the surface snow now being buried was recently reported faceting with surface hoar developing in open areas. Below around 1100 m elevation, a rain crust can be found near the surface of the snowpack. Deeper in the snowpack, the mid-January surface hoar/facet layer is now typically down 70-100 cm. Recent observations suggest the layer has generally stabilized but isolated weaknesses may still exist, especially where buried surface hoar is still intact. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. The exceptions are areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A light snowfall in some parts of the region has given a thin cover to the widespread wind affected surfaces recently reported in exposed terrain. This includes scoured surfaces, sastrugi, and hard wind slabs. The new snow will contribute to wind slab formation in wind exposed areas. In areas sheltered from the wind, new snow has begun to cover faceted surface snow as well as surface hoar. Below around 1400 m elevation, a rain crust can be expected beneath the new snow. Deeper in the snowpack, several buried surface hoar layers can be found between 30-70 cm deep. Recent reports suggest these layers have generally stabilized but isolated weaknesses may still exist, especially where buried surface hoar is still intact. A generally stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. This basal weakness woke up during the last storm and produced numerous large avalanches which released on the ground. The layer is dormant for the time being but is expected to wake up with warming, heavy loading, or by the weight of a smaller avalanche stepping down.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60 cm of storm snow has typically accumulated of the past few days. Recent strong winds from the south and west have redistributed this snow in exposed terrain forming touchy wind slabs. Weaknesses exist within this recent storm snow with reports of 'upside-down' conditions and easy shears within the top 60 cm. All this new snow is also bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February that includes sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes.  The mid-December</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> surface hoar/facet persistent weakness that was buried mid-December can now be found down roughly 150 cm. This weak layer has become inactive in the south of the region, but may still be reactive in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount.  This layer is expected to get tested with the upcoming period of sustained warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of storm snow has accumulated of the past few days. Recent strong winds from the south and west have redistributed this snow in exposed terrain forming touchy wind slabs. Weaknesses likely exist within this recent storm snow and easy shears are expected within the top 50 cm. All this new snow is also bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February that includes old hard wind slabs and crusts as well as faceted snow and surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The persistent weakness buried mid-January is now down around a metre</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> and consists of buried surface hoar in sheltered areas, and/or widespread faceted old snow. It</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> has generally stabilized but may remain reactive in isolated areas where buried surface hoar is preserved. Another surface hoar/facet weakness buried mid-December can now be found over a metre in shallow snowpack areas.  These old weak layers are expected to get tested with the upcoming period of sustained warming, and if they wake up, very large avalanches are possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 20-30 cm of wet snow fell up to 1900m on Thursday and ended with a 1-2cm thick crust on all aspects below this elevation. Since then, up to 30cm additional snow has fallen (mostly near Nelson) and brings the recent storm snow total to 65-100cm, creating touchy storm slabs at all upper elevations and aspects. Snowfall amounts have been highest around Kootenay Pass. Slabs have been reported as very reactive to human triggers and are sitting on a variety of surfaces; including scoured surfaces in wind exposed terrain, surface hoar (size 2-3 mm) in sheltered locations, and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Snowpack tests near the Valhallas have given moderate, propagation-likely results down 50-70cms on the Feb 3rd interface. Areas with a shallower snowpack (less than 150 cm) have a generally weak snowpack structure with sugary facets near the ground. This includes shallow alpine slopes and most of the Rossland range. It is possible for storm slab avalanches to step-down to these deeper weak layers, resulting in large, destructive avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of new snow from yesterday and overnight. In the alpine, this new snow was picked up by the strong winds and redistributed as more windslab. The alpine is starting to look like its old self. Lots of bare ridges and crossloaded gullies or cornices. As can be expected, the wind has helped the cornices grow. In some cases these have fallen off and started avalanches within the new windslabs. Treeline is similar to yesterday, only the wind loading and cross loading is more pronounced. With the strong winds, the alpine/treeline borders are a bit blurry right now. The alpine windslab problem will be encountered at treeline elevations. Expect windslabs everywhere to be much harder than previous days. Below treeline still has a distinct &quot;upside down&quot; feel to it due to the weak mid-pack. Whumphing is still common and can propagate a long ways through the weaker layers. Think of this as you approach overhead terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had 15-25cm of (wet heavy) snow at treeline on Thursday into Friday, all sitting on 20-30 cm drier snow. This makes 50-70 cm of cumulative storm snow which is bonding well to a knife hard crust buried Feb 3rd. In the alpine, where all of the precipitation has fallen as snow, the storm slabs will remain touchy and possible to human trigger on Sunday. The mid and lower snowpack are settled and well bonded with the average snowpack depth at treeline 250-300 cm.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-60 cm of storm snow has accumulated of the past few days and is settling quickly due to the recent mild temperatures. Recent strong winds from the south and west have redistributed this snow in exposed terrain forming touchy wind slabs. Weaknesses may still exist within this recent storm snow with reports of 'upside-down' conditions and easy shears within the storm snow. All this new snow is also bonding poorly to the old interface from early February that includes sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60 cm of storm snow has typically accumulated of the past few days. Recent strong winds from the south and west have redistributed this snow in exposed terrain forming touchy wind slabs. Weaknesses exist within this recent storm snow with reports of 'upside-down' conditions and easy shears within the top 60 cm. The early February interface is now down 60-80 cm and includes sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. A persistent weakness buried mid January is now down 80-150 cm and consists of buried surface hoar in sheltered areas, sun crust on south aspects, and/or faceted old snow. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">This and deeper persistent weaknesses remain concerns isolated to shallow snowpack areas where they lie closer to the surface. These layers are expected to get tested with the upcoming period of sustained warming, and if they wake up, very large avalanches are possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong ridgetop winds have led to roughly 10 cm of wind scoured and pressed new snow at the surface, leaving very little in the way of ski penetration at treeline and above. Below around 1700 metres, the supportive, wind-affected snow gives way to a breakable rain crust. Beneath these variable surfaces lies an estimated metre of storm snow from storms over the past two weekends. The upper half of this layer was deposited as heavy, moist snow, while the lower half is considerably drier and less dense. This 'upside down' storm snow layer lies above a range of previous surfaces that includes wind affected surfaces, a layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas, facets, and/or a thin sun crust. The bond between this earlier storm snow and the old surface is suspected to be improving slowly while hard conditions at the current surface may be diminishing the effect of human triggering. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable but isolated basal weaknesses may exist in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Roughly 10 cm of new snow received late last week has been redistributed by strong southerly winds at upper elevations. Where it hasn't blown away, this new snow now lies above the 15-30 cm of moist snow that fell over the region on Thursday, which was mixed with periods of rain at lower elevations. Together, these more recent accumulations overlie the 90cm of low density storm snow that we received last weekend. Strong shifting winds redistributed this previous storm snow in exposed terrain, forming wind slabs over a variable old surface which includes wind affected surfaces, facets, and/or a rain crust below around 1500 m. The poor bond at the interface between this older storm snow and the previous surface is suspected to be improving slowly.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In deeper areas, the snowpack appears to be well settled with only isolated concerns about the mid-December facet layer which was buried 50-100 cm deep prior to the weekend storm. In shallow snowpack areas and at lower elevations, the snowpack is weak, faceted, and has no structure. In these areas the snowpack's weakness may reach a tipping point as temperatures rise over the coming days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-80 cm of recent storm snow fell with moderate to strong southerly winds and formed variable wind slabs on northerly aspects. Inverted temperatures (warmer at higher elevations) made the slab problem worse. The new snow has buried a wide variety of old snow surfaces including stiff wind slab or wind affected snow at upper elevations, sun crust on steep southerly slopes, surface hoar (up to 10 mm) in sheltered locations. In sheltered ares where the recent storm snow is overlying surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals), you may see increased reactivity on this layer as the storm snow begins to settle into a more cohesive slab. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled (strong). However, there remain a number of facet and crust layers (down 60-80cm in shallower areas) that are currently dormant but will require monitoring with additional loading (and warming early this week), especially in the aforementioned shallower, rocky areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An additional 20 + cm of snow fell Friday into Saturday on the Coquihalla with moderate to strong southwest winds; meanwhile, only 4cm fell in the Duffey Lake zone. This new snow added to the 65-80 cm (lower amounts in the north) of recent storm snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The main concern right now in the Duffey zone is lingering storm and wind slabs, which have given moderate resistant and sudden results (down 30-40cm) in recent snowpack tests. On the Coquihalla, a temperature crust can be found up to 1800m and significant wind effect occurred at upper treeline and alpine elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December facets down 130-160 cm still remain a concern especially in shallower snowpack areas in the Duffey, Hurley and/ or South Chilcotins. These deeper weaknesses warrant monitoring, especially with rapid warming next week. In southern areas (Coquihalla), the lower snowpack is reportedly well settled (stronger), than it is to the north.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Anywhere from 30-60 cm of new snow now lies on the surface, the product of a storm currently impacting the northwest coastal region. The new snow is burying widespread wind affected surfaces recently reported in exposed terrain, including scoured surfaces, sastrugi, and hard wind slabs. Faceting of surface snow was also taking place in the days before the storm as well as sun crust formation on steep solar aspects. In areas sheltered from the wind, the new snow may also bury 5-10 mm surface hoar. Below around 1100 m elevation, a rain crust can be found at or just below the new snow interface. Deeper in the snowpack, the mid-January surface hoar/facet layer is now down roughly 80-120 cm. Recent observations suggest the layer has generally stabilized but isolated weaknesses may still exist, mainly where buried surface hoar is still intact. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. The exceptions are areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A light snowfall over most of the region has given a thin cover to the widespread wind affected surfaces recently reported in exposed terrain. This includes scoured surfaces, sastrugi, and hard wind slabs. The new snow will contribute to wind slab formation in wind exposed areas. In areas sheltered from the wind, new snow will cover cover faceted surface snow as well as surface hoar. Below around 1400 m elevation, a rain crust can be expected beneath the new snow. Deeper in the snowpack, several buried surface hoar layers can be found between 30-70 cm deep. Recent reports suggest these layers have generally stabilized but isolated weaknesses may still exist, especially where buried surface hoar is still intact. A generally stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. This basal weakness woke up during the last storm and produced numerous large avalanches which released on the ground. The layer has recently been considered dormant but it may become active once again with progressive warming over the next few days. It may also be possible for a smaller avalanche to 'step down' to this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">40-60 cm of storm snow has typically accumulated of the past few days and is settling quickly due to the warm temperatures. Recent strong winds from the south and west have redistributed this snow in exposed terrain forming touchy wind slabs. Weaknesses may still exist within this recent storm snow with reports of 'upside-down' conditions and easy shears within the storm snow. All this new snow is also bonding poorly to the old interface from early February that includes sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid-December</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> surface hoar/facet persistent weakness can now be found down roughly 150 cm. This weak layer has become inactive in the south of the region, but may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount. This layer is expected to get tested with the upcoming period of sustained warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of storm snow has typically accumulated of the past few days and is settling quickly due to the warm temperatures. Recent strong winds from the south and west have redistributed this snow in exposed terrain forming touchy wind slabs. Weaknesses may still exist within this recent storm snow with reports of 'upside-down' conditions and easy shears within the storm snow. All this new snow is also bonding poorly to the old interface from early February </span><span class="s_3FE45715">that includes old hard wind slabs and crusts as well as faceted snow and surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The persistent weakness buried mid-January is now down around a metre</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> and consists of buried surface hoar in sheltered areas, and/or widespread faceted old snow. It</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> has generally stabilized but may remain reactive in isolated areas where buried surface hoar is preserved. Another surface hoar/facet weakness buried mid-December can now be found over a metre in shallow snowpack areas. These old weak layers are expected to get tested with the upcoming period of sustained warming, and if they wake up, very large avalanches are possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At the end of last week up to 30cm additional snow fell (mostly near Nelson) and brought the recent storm snow total to 65-100cm, creating touchy storm slabs at all upper elevations and aspects. Snowfall amounts have been highest around Kootenay Pass. Slabs have been reported as very reactive to human triggers and are sitting on a variety of surfaces; including scoured surfaces in wind exposed terrain, surface hoar (size 2-3 mm) in sheltered locations, and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Snowpack tests near the Valhallas have given moderate, propagation-likely results down 50-70cms on the Feb 3rd interface. Areas with a shallower snowpack (less than 150 cm) have a generally weak snowpack structure with sugary facets near the ground. This includes shallow alpine slopes and most of the Rossland range. It is possible for storm slab avalanches to step-down to these deeper weak layers, resulting in large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs dominate the Alpine and Treeline elevation bands. These slabs are found on all aspects, but the most recent loading pattern is from the SW loading up traditional lee and cross-loaded terrain and starting to strip windward slopes in the Alpine. As can be expected, the wind has helped the cornices grow and in some cases these have fallen off and started avalanches within the recent wind slabs. Below Treeline still has a distinct &quot;upside down&quot; feel to it due to the weak mid-pack. Whumphing is widespread and can propagate a long ways through the weaker layers. Think of this as you approach overhead terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow from late last week (15-25cm) has consolidated well at treeline and below. This makes 50-70 cm of cumulative storm snow which is bonding well to a knife hard crust buried Feb 3rd. In the alpine, where all of the precipitation has fallen as snow, the storm slabs have taken longer to settle out and still are a concern: Dig down to test the bond of the more recent snow layers. The mid and lower snowpack are settled and well bonded with the average snowpack depth at treeline 250-300 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow from Thursday and Friday is settling quickly due to the recent mild temperatures. The snow surface is expected to have undergoing some melting on Monday afternoon on sun exposed slopes. Recent strong winds from the south and west had redistributed the recent storm snow in exposed terrain forming touchy wind slabs. The early February weak layer is typically down 50-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow from Thursday and Friday is settling quickly due to the recent mild temperatures. The snow surface is expected to have undergoing some melting on Monday afternoon on sun exposed slopes. Recent strong winds from the south and west had redistributed the recent storm snow in exposed terrain forming touchy wind slabs. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The early February interface is now down 60-80 cm and includes sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. A persistent weakness buried mid January is now down 80-150 cm and the November crust is down around 200 cm. These d</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">eep persistent weaknesses appear to be waking up with the warmer temperatures and several avalanches have recently released up to 2 m deep. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong ridgetop winds have led to roughly 10 cm of wind scoured and pressed new snow at the surface, leaving very little in the way of ski penetration at treeline and above. Below around 1700 metres, the supportive, wind-affected snow gives way to a breakable rain crust. Beneath these variable surfaces lies an estimated metre of storm snow from storms over the past two weekends. The upper half of this layer was deposited as heavy, moist snow, while the lower half is considerably drier and less dense. This 'upside down' storm snow layer lies above a range of previous surfaces that includes wind affected surfaces, a layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas, facets, and/or a thin sun crust. The bond between this earlier storm snow and the old surface is suspected to be improving slowly while hard conditions at the current surface may be diminishing the effect of human triggering. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable but isolated basal weaknesses may exist in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Roughly 10 cm of new snow received late last week has been redistributed into wind slabs by strong southerly winds at upper elevations. Where it hasn't blown away, this new snow now lies above the 15-30 cm of moist snow that fell over the region on Thursday, which was mixed with periods of rain at lower elevations. Together, these more recent accumulations overlie the 90cm of low density storm snow that we received last weekend. Strong shifting winds redistributed this previous storm snow in exposed terrain, forming wind slabs over a variable old surface which includes wind affected surfaces, facets, and/or a rain crust below around 1500 m. The bond at the interface between this older storm snow and the previous surface is suspected to be improving slowly.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In deeper areas, the snowpack appears to be well settled with only isolated concerns about the mid-December facet layer which was buried 50-100 cm deep prior to the weekend storm. In shallow snowpack areas and at lower elevations, the snowpack is weak, faceted, and has no structure. In these areas the snowpack's weakness may reach a tipping point as warm temperatures persist over the coming days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-80 cm of storm snow fell last week with moderate to strong southerly winds - this formed variable wind slabs on northerly aspects. Inverted temperatures (warmer at higher elevations) made the slab problem worse and created layers that are still giving sudden results down 30, 40, and 60cms in snowpack tests. The new snow has buried a wide variety of old snow surfaces including stiff wind slab or wind affected snow at upper elevations, sun crust on steep southerly slopes, surface hoar (up to 10 mm) in sheltered locations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In sheltered ares where the recent storm snow is overlying surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals), you may see increased reactivity on this layer as the storm snow begins to settle into a more cohesive slab. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled (strong). However, there remain a number of facet and crust layers (down 60-80cm in shallower areas) that are currently dormant but will require monitoring with additional loading (and warming this week), especially in the aforementioned shallower, rocky areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last week we had 60-80cm storm snow (lower amounts in the north), which fell with moderate to strong southwest winds. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The main concern right now in the Duffey zone is lingering storm and wind slabs, which have given moderate resistant and sudden results (down 30-40cm and also 60-70cm) in recent snowpack tests (see above for more information). On the Coquihalla, a temperature crust can be found up to 1800m and significant wind effect occurred at upper treeline and alpine elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December facets down 130-160 cm still remain a concern especially in shallower snowpack areas in the Duffey, Hurley and/ or South Chilcotins. These deeper weaknesses warrant monitoring, especially with rapid warming next week. In southern areas (Coquihalla), the lower snowpack is reportedly well settled (stronger), than it is to the north.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Anywhere from 40-80 cm of new snow now lies on the surface, the product of a storm impacting the northwest coastal region over the past few days. Precipitation has been falling as wet snow or rain at lower elevations. The new snow has buried widespread wind affected surfaces recently reported in exposed terrain, including scoured surfaces, sastrugi, and hard wind slabs. Faceting of surface snow was also taking place in the days before the storm as well as sun crust formation on steep solar aspects. In areas sheltered from the wind, the new snow may also bury 5-10 mm surface hoar. Below around 1100 m elevation, a rain crust can be found at or just below the new snow interface. Deeper in the snowpack, the mid-January surface hoar/facet layer is now down roughly 80-120 cm. Recent observations suggest the layer has generally stabilized but isolated weaknesses may still exist, mainly where buried surface hoar is still intact. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. The exceptions are areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A light snowfall over most of the region has given a thin cover to the widespread wind affected surfaces recently reported in exposed terrain. This includes scoured surfaces, sastrugi, and hard wind slabs as well as a rain crust below about 1400 m. The new snow will contribute to wind slab formation in wind exposed areas while covering faceted surface snow as well as surface hoar in more sheltered areas. Deeper in the snowpack, several buried surface hoar layers can be found between 30-70 cm deep. Recent reports suggest these layers have generally stabilized but isolated weaknesses may still exist, especially where buried surface hoar is still intact. A generally stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. This basal weakness woke up during the last storm and produced numerous large avalanches which released on the ground. The layer has recently been considered dormant but it may become active once again with sustained warming over the coming days. It may also be possible for a smaller avalanche to 'step down' to this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow from Thursday and Friday is settling quickly due to the recent mild temperatures. The snow surface is expected to have undergoing some melting on Monday afternoon on sun exposed slopes. Recent strong winds from the south and west had redistributed the recent storm snow in exposed terrain forming touchy wind slabs. The early February weak layer is typically down 50-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid-December</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> surface hoar/facet persistent weakness can now be found down roughly 150 cm. This weak layer has become inactive in the south of the region, but may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount. This layer is expected to get tested during the current period of sustained warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow from Thursday and Friday is settling quickly due to the recent mild temperatures. The snow surface is expected to have undergoing some melting on Monday afternoon on sun exposed slopes. Recent strong winds from the south and west had redistributed the recent storm snow in exposed terrain forming touchy wind slabs. The early February weak layer is typically down 40-70 cm and includes old hard wind slabs and crusts as well as faceted snow and surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The persistent weakness buried mid-January is now down around 80-100 cm</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> and the</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> surface hoar/facet weakness buried mid-December is down 100-150 cm. These deep persistent weaknesses have the potential to wake up and become reactive with the warmer temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At the end of last week up to 30cm additional snow fell (mostly near Nelson) and brought the recent storm snow total to 65-100cm, creating touchy storm slabs at all upper elevations and aspects. Slabs were reported as very reactive to human triggers and are sitting on a variety of surfaces; including scoured surfaces in wind exposed terrain, surface hoar (size 2-3 mm) in sheltered locations, and sun crust on steep solar aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack tests near the Valhallas have given moderate, propagation-likely results down 50-70cms on the Feb 3rd interface. Areas with a shallower snowpack (less than 150 cm) have a generally weak snowpack structure with sugary facets near the ground. This includes shallow alpine slopes and most of the Rossland range. It is possible for storm slab avalanches to step-down to these deeper weak layers, resulting in large, destructive avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs dominate the Alpine and Treeline elevation bands. These slabs are found on all aspects, but the most recent loading pattern is from the SW loading up traditional lee and cross-loaded terrain and starting to strip windward slopes in the Alpine. Cornices have grown to a significant size and can be triggered by the forecast warmer temperatures, Below Treeline , rapid settlement of the snowpack was observed with the warmer temperatures. Whumphing is widespread and can propagate a long ways through the weaker layers. Think of this as you approach overhead terrain. Moist snow can be expected at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">The snow from late last week (15-25cm) has consolidated well at treeline and below. This makes 50-70 cm of cumulative storm snow which so far has been bonding well to a knife hard crust buried Feb 3rd. That said, recent snowpack tests near Cypress ski area gave sudden planar, propagation-likely results down 70cm on the Feb 3rd widespread crust layer. This may become a sliding layer on Wednesday with the heavy rain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">In the alpine, where all of the precipitation has fallen as snow, the storm slabs have taken longer to settle out and still are a concern: Dig down to test the bond of the more recent snow layers. The mid and lower snowpack are settled and well bonded with the average snowpack depth at treeline 250-300 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow from last week has settled rapidly due to the recent mild temperatures. The snow surface is expected to have undergoing melting on Tuesday afternoon on sun exposed slopes. Recent strong winds from the south and west had redistributed the recent storm snow in exposed terrain forming wind slabs. The early February weak layer is typically down 50-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. This layer has remained reactive recently and has been the main sliding layer for most of the recent slab avalanche activity. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow from last week has settling rapidly due to the recent mild temperatures. The snow surface is expected to have undergoing melting on Tuesday afternoon on sun exposed slopes. Recent strong winds from the south and west had redistributed the recent storm snow in exposed terrain forming wind slabs. The early February weak layer is typically down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. This layer has remained reactive recently and has been the main sliding layer for most of the recent slab avalanche activity. A persistent weakness buried mid January is now down 80-150 cm and the November crust is down around 200 cm. These d</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">eep persistent weaknesses appear to be waking up with the warmer temperatures and several avalanches have recently released up to 2 m deep. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong ridgetop winds have left surfaces wind-scoured and pressed leaving very little in the way of ski penetration at treeline and above. Below around 1700 metres you'll likely find a breakable rain crust. Beneath these variable surfaces lies an estimated metre of storm snow from storms over the past two weekends. The upper half of this layer was deposited as heavy, moist snow, while the lower half is considerably drier and less dense. This 'upside down' storm snow layer lies above a range of previous surfaces that includes wind affected surfaces, a layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas, facets, and/or a thin sun crust. The bond between this earlier storm snow and the old surface is suspected to be improving slowly while hard conditions at the current surface may be diminishing the effect of human triggering. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable but isolated basal weaknesses may exist in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Roughly 10 cm of new snow received late last week has been redistributed into wind slabs by strong southerly winds at upper elevations. Where it hasn't blown away, this new snow now lies above the 15-30 cm of dense snow that fell over the region on Thursday, which was mixed with periods of rain at lower elevations. Together, these more recent accumulations overlie the 90cm of low density storm snow that we received last weekend. Strong shifting winds redistributed this previous storm snow in exposed terrain, forming wind slabs over a variable old surface which includes wind affected surfaces, facets, and/or a rain crust below around 1500 m. The bond at the interface between this older storm snow and the previous surface is suspected to be improving slowly.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In deeper areas, the snowpack appears to be well settled with only isolated concerns about the mid-December facet layer which was buried 50-100 cm deep prior to the weekend storm. In shallow snowpack areas and at lower elevations, the mid to lower snowpack is weak, faceted, and has no structure. In these areas the snowpack's weakness may reach a tipping point as warm temperatures persist over the coming days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent warming and sunny conditions gave us a widespread sun crust on all but high northerly (and some westerly) aspects, where there is still some cold snow to be found. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-80 cm of storm snow fell last week with moderate to strong southerly winds - this formed variable wind slabs on northerly aspects. Changing temperatures during the storm made the slab problem worse and created layers that are still giving sudden results down 30, 40, and 60cms in snowpack tests. The new snow has buried a wide variety of old snow surfaces including stiff wind slab or wind affected snow at upper elevations, sun crust on steep southerly slopes, surface hoar (up to 10 mm) in sheltered locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In sheltered ares where the recent storm snow is overlying surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals), you may see increased reactivity on this layer as the storm snow begins to settle into a more cohesive slab. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled (strong). However, there remain a number of facet and crust layers (down 60-80cm in shallower areas) that are currently dormant but will require monitoring with additional loading (and warming this week), especially in the shallow, rocky areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent warming and sunny conditions gave us a widespread sun crust on all but high northerly (and some westerly) aspects, where there is still some cold snow to be found. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last week we had 60-80cm storm snow (lower amounts in the north), which fell with moderate to strong southwest winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The main concern in the Duffey zone is lingering storm and wind slabs, which have given moderate resistant and sudden results (down 30-40cm and also 60-70cm) in snowpack tests (see above for more information). On the Coquihalla, a temperature crust can be found up to 1800m and significant wind effect occurred at upper treeline and alpine elevations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December facets down 130-160 cm still remain a concern especially in shallower snowpack areas in the Duffey, Hurley and/ or South Chilcotins. These deeper weaknesses warrant monitoring, especially with rapid warming next week. In southern areas (Coquihalla), the lower snowpack is reportedly well settled (stronger), than it is to the north.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Anywhere from 40-80 cm of recent snowfall has fallen. Precipitation has been falling as wet snow or rain at lower elevations. The new snow overlies a variety of old surfaces which include wind slabs, facets, sun crusts on steep solar aspects and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered locations. Deeper in the snowpack, the mid-January surface hoar/facet layer is now down roughly 80-120 cm. Recent observations suggest the layer has generally stabilized but isolated weaknesses may still exist, mainly where buried surface hoar is still intact. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. The exceptions are areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A light snowfall over most of the region has given a thin cover to the widespread wind affected surfaces recently reported in exposed terrain. This includes scoured surfaces, sastrugi, and hard wind slabs as well as a rain crust below about 1400 m. The new snow will contribute to wind slab formation in wind exposed areas while covering faceted surface snow as well as surface hoar in more sheltered areas. Deeper in the snowpack, several buried surface hoar layers can be found between 30-70 cm deep. Recent reports suggest these layers have generally stabilized but isolated weaknesses may still exist, especially where buried surface hoar is still intact. A generally stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. This basal weakness woke up during the last storm and produced numerous large avalanches which released on the ground. The layer has recently been considered dormant but it may become active once again with sustained warming over the coming days. It may also be possible for a smaller avalanche to 'step down' to this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow from last week has settling rapidly due to the recent mild temperatures. The snow surface is expected to have undergoing melting on Tuesday afternoon on sun exposed slopes. Recent strong winds from the south and west had redistributed the recent storm snow in exposed terrain forming wind slabs. The early February weak layer is typically down 50-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. This layer has remained reactive recently and has been the main sliding layer for most of the recent slab avalanche activity. The mid-December</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> surface hoar/facet persistent weakness can now be found down roughly 150 cm. This weak layer has become inactive in the south of the region, but may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount. This layer is expected to get tested during the current period of sustained warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The storm snow from last week has settling rapidly due to the recent mild temperatures. The snow surface is expected to have undergoing melting on Tuesday afternoon on sun exposed slopes. Recent strong winds from the south and west had redistributed the recent storm snow in exposed terrain forming wind slabs. The early February weak layer is typically down 40-70 cm and includes hard old wind slabs, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. This layer has remained reactive recently and has been the main sliding layer for most of the recent slab avalanche activity. The persistent weakness buried mid-January is now down around 80-100 cm</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> and the</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> surface hoar/facet weakness buried mid-December is down 100-150 cm. These deep persistent weaknesses have the potential to wake up and become reactive with the current warm temperatures. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent warming and sunny conditions gave us a widespread sun crust on all but high northerly (and some westerly) aspects, where there is still some cold snow to be found. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At the end of last week up to 30cm additional snow fell (mostly near Nelson) and brought the recent storm snow total to 65-100cm, creating touchy storm slabs at all upper elevations and aspects. Slabs were reported as very reactive to human triggers and are sitting on a variety of surfaces; including scoured surfaces in wind exposed terrain, surface hoar (size 2-3 mm) in sheltered locations, and sun crust on steep solar aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack tests near the Valhallas have given moderate, propagation-likely results down 50-70cms on the Feb 3rd interface. Areas with a shallower snowpack (less than 150 cm) have a generally weak snowpack structure with sugary facets near the ground. This includes shallow alpine slopes and most of the Rossland range. It is possible for storm slab avalanches to step-down to these deeper weak layers, resulting in large, destructive avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The warm temperatures are helping the upper snowpack to settle and producing moist snow on steeper solar aspects.  At tree line 50-60cm of settled snow is overlying a facet layer that is about 70cm down producing hard test results.  The bottom quarter of the snowpack is weak and consists of facets, depth hoar and the early season crusts.  Expect continued wind transport for Wednesday especially on lee features and cross loaded gullies.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow from late last week (15-25cm) has consolidated well at treeline and below. This makes 50-70 cm of cumulative storm snow which so far has been bonding well to a knife hard crust buried Feb 3rd. That said, recent snowpack tests near the Cypress ski area gave sudden planar, propagation-likely results down 70cm on the Feb 3rd widespread crust layer. This may become a sliding layer on Wednesday with the heavy rain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the alpine, where the precipitation fell as snow, the storm slabs have taken longer to settle out and still are a concern: Dig down to test the bond of the more recent snow layers. The mid and lower snowpack are settled and well bonded with the average snowpack depth at treeline 250-300 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 cm fresh snow has fallen at higher elevations accompanied by strong southerly winds, while elsewhere the snow surface has become wet, loose and cohesionless from rain and previous sun-exposure. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. Recent strong winds from the south and west had redistributed the recent storm snow in exposed terrain forming wind slabs.  The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Flurries have resulted in light amounts of fresh snow at higher elevations, while elsewhere the snow surface has become wet, loose and cohesionless on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. Recent strong winds from the south and west had redistributed the recent storm snow in exposed terrain forming wind slabs. A persistent weakness buried mid January is now down 80-150 cm and the November crust is down around 200 cm. These d</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">eep persistent weaknesses appear to be waking up with the warmer temperatures and several avalanches have recently released up to 2 m deep. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">By Thursday morning, up to 20cm of new snow is expected with continued snowfall anticipated throughout the day. Extreme southwest winds are forecast to shift these accumulations into reactive storm slabs in exposed high elevation terrain, while rain is expected at lower elevations. Beneath the new snow, you'll find a mix of hard old wind slabs, melt-freeze crusts and moist snow from the recent warm spell. Some weaknesses may still exist within the 90cm of storm snow from last week; however, recent warming has likely helped strengthen these layers. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable but isolated basal weaknesses may exist in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Thursday morning, up to 8cm of new snow is expected with continued snowfall anticipated throughout the day. Extreme southwest winds are forecast to shift these accumulations into reactive wind slabs in exposed high elevation terrain, while rain is expected at lower elevations. Beneath the new snow, you'll find a mix of hard old wind slabs, melt-freeze crusts and moist snow from the recent warm spell. Some weaknesses may still exist within the 90cm of storm snow from last week; however, recent warming has likely helped to strengthen these layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In deeper areas, the mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled with only isolated concerns about the mid-December facet layer which comprises the bottom third of the snowpack. In shallow snowpack areas, this layer is weak, faceted, and has no structure. In these areas, snowpack test results and reports of whumpfing suggest large avalanches remain a concern at this interface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We had strong southerly winds and heavy rain to 1500m on Tuesday night (and rain to 2000m during the day Wednesday). This new rain (or snow higher up) sits on either wind slabs in the alpine or temperature crusts at treeline and below, especially on east and south aspects. Both of these surfaces will be good sliding layers for future snowfall. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled (strong). However, there remain a number of facet and crust layers (down 60-80cm in shallower areas) that are currently dormant but will require monitoring with additional loading (and warming this week), especially in the shallow, rocky areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the Duffey Lake area 25 cm of snow fell on Tuesday in to Wednesday. In the south (Coquihalla) we had moderate southerly winds and heavy rain above 1600m on Tuesday night (and rain to 2000m during the day Wednesday). This new rain (or snow higher up) sits on either wind slabs in the alpine or temperature crusts at treeline and below, especially on east and south aspects. Both of these surfaces will be good sliding layers for future snowfall. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December facets down 130-160 cm still remain a concern especially in shallower snowpack areas in the Duffey, Hurley and/ or South Chilcotins. These deeper weaknesses warrant monitoring, especially with the warming and extra loading this week. In southern areas (Coquihalla), the lower snowpack is reportedly well settled (stronger), than it is to the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Tuesday night and Wednesday, the region received approximately 30cm of new snow adding to the healthy amounts of storm snow from last weekend. Wind data in the Terrace area has been scarce, although I'd assume strong winds have likely shifted these accumulations into much deeper deposits in higher elevation terrain. Below about 1000m, rain has continued to saturate the snowpack. Up to about 90cm below the surface, you'll find a variety of old surfaces which were buried on February 10th. These include wind slabs, facets, sun crusts on steep solar aspects and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered locations. This interface has been reported to be most reactive at treeline where the surface hoar has been well-preserved. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. The exceptions are areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Tuesday night between 5 and 20cm of new snow fell. Wind data has been sparse, although I'm sure stronger winds have created deeper deposits in higher elevation lee terrain. Below around 1000m recent precipitation fell as rain and has saturated snow surfaces. About 30- 60cm below the surface, you may find surface hoar which was buried on February 10th. There is a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this surface hoar layer throughout the region. I'd continue to test for this layer before committing to any steeper terrain. A generally stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. This basal weakness woke up during the last storm and produced numerous large avalanches which released on the ground. The layer has recently been considered dormant but should be monitored, especially during periods of warmer temperatures. It may also be possible for a smaller avalanche to 'step down' to this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 10 cm fresh snow has fallen at higher elevations accompanied by strong southerly winds, while elsewhere the snow surface has become wet, loose and cohesionless from rain and previous sun-exposure. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. Recent strong winds from the south and west had redistributed the recent storm snow in exposed terrain forming wind slabs. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas. The mid-December</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> surface hoar/facet persistent weakness can now be found down roughly 150 cm. This weak layer has become inactive in the south of the region, but may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount. This layer is expected to get tested during the current period of sustained warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Flurries have resulted in light amounts of fresh snow at higher elevations, while elsewhere the snow surface has become wet, loose and cohesionless on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 40-70 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. Recent strong winds from the south and west had redistributed the recent storm snow in exposed terrain forming wind slabs. The persistent weakness buried mid-January is now down around 80-100 cm</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> and the</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> surface hoar/facet weakness buried mid-December is down 100-150 cm. These deep persistent weaknesses have the potential to wake up and become reactive with the current warm temperatures. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent warming and sunny conditions gave us a widespread sun crust on all but high northerly (and some westerly) aspects, where there is still some cold snow to be found. These will be excellent sliding surfaces for incoming new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At the end of last week up to 30cm additional snow fell (mostly near Nelson) and brought the recent storm snow total to 65-100cm, creating touchy storm slabs at all upper elevations and aspects. Slabs were reported as very reactive to human triggers and are sitting on a variety of surfaces; including scoured surfaces in wind exposed terrain, surface hoar (size 2-3 mm) in sheltered locations, and sun crust on steep solar aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack tests near the Valhallas have given moderate, propagation-likely results down 50-70cms on the Feb 3rd interface. Areas with a shallower snowpack (less than 150 cm) have a generally weak snowpack structure with sugary facets near the ground. This includes shallow alpine slopes and most of the Rossland range. It is possible for storm slab avalanches to step-down to these deeper weak layers, resulting in large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The warm temperatures are helping the upper snowpack to settle and producing moist snow on steeper solar aspects. At tree line 50-60cm of settled snow is overlying a facet layer that is about 70cm down producing hard test results. The bottom quarter of the snowpack is weak and consists of facets, depth hoar and the early season crusts. Expect continued wind transport for Wednesday especially on lee features and cross loaded gullies.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The 50-70 cm of snow from last week has been saturated by 100mm + of rain on Tuesday through Wednesday. So far, all has been bonding well to a knife hard crust buried Feb 3rd. That said, snowpack tests near the Cypress ski area on the weekend gave sudden planar, propagation-likely results down 70cm on the Feb 3rd widespread crust layer. This may become a sliding layer on Thursday with the continued rain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the alpine, where the precipitation fell as snow, the storm slabs have taken longer to settle out and still are a concern: Dig down to test the bond of the more recent snow layers, and to see how the rain is affecting it. The mid and lower snowpack are settled and well bonded with the average snowpack depth at treeline 250-300 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect to find 20-30 cm of fresh snow blown into touchy wind slabs at higher elevations, and wet and cohesionless rain-soaked snow at lower elevations, which should soon freeze into a solid crust. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect to find 15-20 cm of fresh snow blown into touchy wind slabs at higher elevations, and wet and cohesionless rain-soaked snow at lower elevations, which should soon freeze into a solid crust. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. A persistent weakness buried mid January is now down 80-150 cm and the November crust is down around 200 cm. These d</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">eep persistent weaknesses appear to be waking up with the warmer temperatures and several avalanches have recently released up to 2 m deep. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The region received 30-40 mm of precipitation on Thursday, which fell as rain in the valleys and as snow above 1500 m. The new snow should settle into a reactive storm slab at higher elevations. Beneath the new snow, you'll find a mix of hard old wind slabs, melt-freeze crusts and moist snow from the recent warm spell. Some weaknesses may still exist within the 90 cm of storm snow from last week; however, recent warming has likely helped strengthen these layers. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable but isolated basal weaknesses may exist in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region received 5-15 mm of precipitation on Thursday, which fell as rain in the valleys and as snow above 1800 m. Moderate to s</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">trong southwest winds are shifting these accumulations into reactive wind slabs in exposed high elevation terrain. Beneath the new snow, you'll find a mix of hard old wind slabs, melt-freeze crusts, and moist snow from the recent warm spell. Some weaknesses may still exist within the 90 cm of storm snow from last week; however, recent warming has likely helped to strengthen these layers. In deeper areas, the mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled with only isolated concerns about the mid-December facet layer which comprises the bottom third of the snowpack. In shallow snowpack areas, this layer is weak, faceted, and has no structure. In these areas, snowpack test results and reports of whumpfing suggest large avalanches remain a concern at this interface. </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/avcansouthrockies/videos/1350584585017033/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Watch this video from the South Rockies field team for some recent results on deeper facet layers.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A trace of new snow dusted the surface at treeline elevations over the day on Thursday, with wet flurries and rain continuing at lower elevations. This change follows rain which fell to 2000 m during the day on Wednesday. The mix of rain and new snow has landed on either wind slabs in the alpine or temperature crusts at treeline and below, especially on east and south aspects. Both of these surfaces will be good sliding layers for incoming snowfall.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. However, there remain a number of facet and crust layers (down 60-80cm in shallower areas) that are currently dormant but will require monitoring with additional loading (and warming this week), especially in the shallow, rocky areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the Duffey Lake area 25 cm of snow fell on Tuesday through to Thursday morning. Elevations below 1900 m saw mainly rain. In the south (Coquihalla) we had moderate southerly winds and heavy rain above 1600m on Tuesday night (and rain to 2000m during the day Wednesday). This rain (or snow higher up) landed on either wind slabs in the alpine or temperature crusts at treeline and below, especially on east and south aspects. Both of these surfaces will be good sliding layers for future snowfall. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December facets down 130-160 cm remain a concern especially in shallower snowpack areas in the Duffey, Hurley and/or South Chilcotins. These deeper weaknesses warrant renewed attention after considerable warming and extra loading this week. In southern areas (Coquihalla), the lower snowpack is reportedly well settled and stronger than it is to the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The region received another 10-20 cm of new snow on Thursday, adding to the healthy amounts of storm snow from last weekend. Strong winds likely shifted these accumulations into much deeper deposits at higher elevations. Below about 1000 m, rain has saturated and settled the snowpack. Beneath 70-100 cm of recent storm snow, you'll find a variety of old surfaces that were buried on February 10th. These include facets, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and well-developed surface hoar in sheltered locations. This interface has been reported to be most reactive at treeline where the surface hoar has been well-preserved. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. The exceptions are areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The region received another 5-10 cm of new snow on Thursday. Strong winds likely shifted these accumulations into deeper deposits at higher elevation lee terrain. Below about 1000 m, rain has saturated and settled the snowpack. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 30-60 cm below the surface, you may find surface hoar which was buried on February 10th. There is a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this surface hoar layer throughout the region. I'd continue to test for this layer before committing to any steeper terrain. A generally stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. This basal weakness woke up during the last storm and produced numerous large avalanches which released on the ground. The layer has recently been considered dormant but should be monitored, especially during periods of warmer temperatures. It may also be possible for a smaller avalanche to 'step down' to this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect to find 20-30 cm of fresh snow blown into touchy wind slabs at higher elevations, and wet and cohesionless rain-soaked snow at lower elevations, which should soon freeze into a solid crust. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas. The mid-December</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> surface hoar/facet persistent weakness can now be found down roughly 150 cm. It has become inactive in the south of the region, but may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect to find 10-15 cm of fresh snow blown into touchy wind slabs at higher elevations, and wet and cohesionless rain-soaked snow at lower elevations, which should soon freeze into a solid crust. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 40-70 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The persistent weakness buried mid-January is now down around 80-100 cm</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> and the</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> surface hoar/facet weakness buried mid-December is down 100-150 cm. These deep persistent weaknesses have the potential to wake up and become reactive with the current warm temperatures. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Upwards of 45 cm of new snow lies at the surface as of Thursday afternoon. Below the new snow, recent warming and sunny conditions gave us a widespread sun crust on all but high northerly (and some westerly) aspects, where there is still some cold snow to be found. These crusts will act as excellent sliding surfaces for our new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At the end of last week up to 30cm additional snow fell (mostly near Nelson), creating touchy storm slabs at all upper elevations and aspects. Slabs were reported as very reactive to human triggers and are sitting on a variety of surfaces; including scoured surfaces in wind exposed terrain, surface hoar (size 2-3 mm) in sheltered locations, and sun crust on steep solar aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack tests near the Valhallas have given moderate, propagation-likely results down 50-70cms on the Feb 3rd interface. Areas with a shallower snowpack (less than 150 cm) have a generally weak snowpack structure with sugary facets near the ground. This includes shallow alpine slopes and most of the Rossland range. It is possible for storm slab avalanches to step-down to these deeper weak layers, resulting in large, destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The warm weather has had a significant impact on the snowpack. Long term this will help, but for the time being the snowpack quality is marginal. Below treeline almost the entire snowpack is moist snow. The basal layers are still the dry facets that we've seen all year. Near treeline the snow has settled into a moist, dense layer that sits on the weak Feb 18th facets or hardslab from past wind events. Some whumphing and cracking was noted today, but the wet slab had more of a collapsing feel to it. The warm air hasn't reached the upper elevations yet. In upper treeline areas and alpine areas the surface snow has remained cool. Some wind transport was noted today, but not enough to create wind slabs.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain transitioned to light snowfall Thursday morning and deposited a trace of new snow on the surface. Below it, the 50-70 cm of snow we received last week was saturated by up to 140 mm of rain on Tuesday through Wednesday. So far, all has been bonding well to a knife hard crust buried Feb 3rd. Despite sudden planar results observed at this layer (down 70 cm) last weekend, instabilities at this interface are suspected to have largely subsided at this point. Exceptions to this assumption may exist in the alpine, where our most recent precipitation fell as snow. Here, storm slabs will have taken longer to settle out and may still harbour instability. To manage this uncertainty at higher elevations, dig down to test the bond of the more recent snow layers to see how the rain is affecting it. Aside from lingering upper snowpack concerns in the alpine, the mid and lower snowpack are settled and bonded at all elevations with the average snowpack depth at treeline around 250-300 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect to find 25-40 cm of fresh snow bonding poorly to buried surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into touchy wind slabs at higher elevations. At lower elevations the snow surface is wet and cohesionless and should soon freeze into a solid crust. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect to find 25-40 cm of fresh snow bonding poorly to buried surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into deep wind slabs at higher elevations. At lower elevations the snow surface is wet and cohesionless and should soon freeze into a solid crust. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. A persistent weakness buried mid January is now down 80-150 cm and the November crust is down around 200 cm.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-40 cm of recent snow can be found above 1900 m, while lower elevations have a combination of moist snow and rain crusts as freezing levels fluctuate. Moderate southwest winds have redistributed the new snow into wind slabs in exposed terrain at high elevations. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable, but isolated basal weaknesses may exist in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-20 cm of new wind affected snow can be found above 1800 m, while lower elevations will have a combination of moist snow and rain crusts as freezing levels fluctuate. Moderate southwest winds</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> have redistributed the new snow into reactive wind slabs in exposed terrain. Beneath the new snow, you'll find a mix of hard old wind slabs, melt-freeze crusts, and moist snow from the recent warm spell. The midpack consists of 50-100 cm of settled snow from last weeks storm. In deep snowpack areas, the lower snowpack appear to be well settled with only isolated concerns about the mid-December facet layer which comprises the bottom third of the snowpack. In shallow snowpack areas, this layer is weak and faceted. </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/avcansouthrockies/videos/1350584585017033/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Watch this video from the South Rockies field team for some recent test results on this layer.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 40cm of new snow has been affected by strong southerly winds to form reactive storm slabs over hard, wind-affected snow (and crust on solar aspects) above about 1900 metres. These storm slabs form our primary avalanche hazard. Below this elevation, heavy rain saturated our lower treeline and below treeline elevations, leaving refrozen crust on the surface between 1900 to about 1500 metres and moist snow at the surface below that elevation. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. However, there remain a number of facet and crust layers (down 60-80cm in shallower areas) that are currently dormant but will require monitoring, especially in shallow, rocky areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 40-60 cm of new snow lies on the surface at alpine elevations. The upper half (approximately) of this new snow is dry and has seen substantial wind effect. Heavy, moist snow forms the lower half. These accumulations lie above old wind slabs at alpine elevations. Below about 1900 metres most of the initial precipitation from the storm fell as rain. This means that between about 1700-1900 metres, the later, drier snow overlies rain soaked snow. Below about 1700 metres precipitation mainly fell as rain and soaked the upper snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December facets down 130-160 cm remain a concern, mainly in shallower snowpack areas in the Duffey, the Hurley, and the South Chilcotins. These deeper weaknesses warrant renewed attention after considerable warming and extra loading this week. In southern areas (Coquihalla), the lower snowpack is reportedly well settled and much stronger than it is to the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-25 cm of recent snow sits above a rain crust and moist settling storm snow. Strong winds earlier in the week formed deeper deposits in exposed high elevation terrain. The February 10th interface is now buried 60-80 cm deep and consists of facets, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and surface hoar in sheltered locations. This interface is likely gaining strength, but may still be reactive in isolated areas at treeline where the surface hoar has been well-preserved. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. The exceptions are areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10 cm of recent snow sits above a rain crust and moist settling storm snow. Strong winds earlier in the week formed deeper deposits in exposed high elevation terrain. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 30-60 cm below the surface, you may find surface hoar which was buried on February 10th. There is a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this surface hoar layer throughout the region. A generally stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. This basal weakness woke up during the last storm and produced numerous large avalanches which released on the ground. The layer has recently been considered dormant but should still be monitored.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect to find 25-40 cm of fresh snow bonding poorly to buried surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into deep wind slabs at higher elevations. At lower elevations the snow surface is wet and cohesionless and should soon freeze into a solid crust. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas. The mid-December</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> surface hoar/facet persistent weakness can now be found down roughly 150 cm. It has become inactive in the south of the region, but may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect to find 10-25 cm of fresh snow blown into deep wind slabs at higher elevations, and wet and cohesionless rain-soaked snow at lower elevations, which should soon freeze into a solid crust. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 40-70 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The persistent weakness buried mid-January is now down around 80-100 cm</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> and the</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> surface hoar/facet weakness buried mid-December is down 100-150 cm. These deep persistent weaknesses have the potential to wake up and become reactive with the current warm temperatures. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Upwards of 45 cm of new snow lies at the surface after Thursday's stormy weather. Below the new snow, a widespread sun crust exists on all but high northerly (and some westerly) aspects, where there is still some cold snow to be found. By the looks of Thursday's avalanche activity, this crust appears to have performed as an excellent sliding surface for our new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Beneath the crust, approximately 20-30cm of storm snow from late last week lies over our February 3rd interface. Now down approximately 60-100 cm, this interface comprises a variety of surfaces, including scoured surfaces in wind exposed terrain, surface hoar (size 2-3 mm) in sheltered locations, and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche control suggest that this layer remains reactive in some areas. The Bonnington Range appears to be one of these areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Areas with a shallower snowpack (less than about 150 cm) have a generally weak snowpack structure with sugary facets near the ground. This includes shallow alpine slopes and most of the Rossland range. In these areas it is possible for storm slab avalanches to step-down to these deeper weak layers, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-15cm of recent snow is now overlying a widespread temperature crust at lower elevations (up to 2000m) and likely up to 2400m on pure solar aspects. As you climb into the alpine this new snow has been blown into thin (20-30cm) thick storm slabs.  Field tests on Friday were showing these storm slabs to be unreactive to ski cutting but we werent willing to expose ourselves to larger slopes due to the weak faceteted basal layers down 100-120cm.  Warm temps are helping to settle out the snowpack and strengthen it but this process takes time.  We still have very little confidence in the stability of any large terrain feature and are continuing to limit our exposure to overhead terrain.  Good skiing was being found in sheltered areas at TL and below.  Field teams were not in alpine areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 20 cm of wet snow overlies a crust at treeline elevations and below. Below this crust, the 50-70 cm of snow we received last week is moist after being saturated with 140 mm of rain on Tuesday through Wednesday. So far, all has been bonding well to a knife hard crust buried February 3rd and previous instabilities at this interface are suspected to have largely subsided at this point. Exceptions to this assumption may exist in the alpine, where some of our recent precipitation fell as snow. Here, storm slabs will have taken longer to settle out and may still be unstable. To manage this uncertainty at higher elevations, dig down to test the bond of the more recent snow layers. Aside from lingering upper snowpack concerns in the alpine, the mid and lower snowpack are settled and bonded at all elevations with the average snowpack depth at treeline around 250-300 cm.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Expect to find 25-40 cm of fresh snow bonding poorly to buried surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into touchy wind slabs at higher elevations. Below 1500m a frozen rain crust is mostly supportive, but up to 1800m it can be breakable. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Expect to find 25-40 cm of fresh snow bonding poorly to buried surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into deep wind slabs at higher elevations. At 2000m and below a melt-freeze crust can be found on almost all elevations and aspects. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. A persistent weakness buried mid January is now down 80-150 cm and the November crust is down around 200 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect 10-20 cm of new snow on Sunday to form thin touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain. The new snow is burying 30 cm of settled storm snow at high elevations and a hard rain crust below 1900 m. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable, but isolated basal weaknesses may exist in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect light amounts of new snow on Sunday with moderate to strong southwest winds forming thin wind slabs in exposed terrain. The new snow sits above settled snow and hard rain crusts below 1900 m. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The midpack consists of 50-100 cm of settled snow from last week's storm. In deep snowpack areas, the lower snowpack appears to be well settled with only isolated concerns about the mid-December facet layer which comprises the bottom third of the snowpack. In shallow snowpack areas, this layer is weak and faceted. </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/avcansouthrockies/videos/1350584585017033/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Watch this video from the South Rockies field team for some recent test results on this layer.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Above around 1900 m elevation, 10-20 cm of heavy powder overlies the widespread mid-February melt-freeze crust, which extends as high as 2200 m. In the alpine, wind slabs and cornices were being reported on northerly aspects. Below around 1900 m, the surface crust is reported to be supportive to the weight of skier. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the Duffey above around 1800 m elevation, 20 cm of heavy powder overlies the widespread mid-February crust layer. Wind slabs and cornices are being reported in north facing alpine terrain. Below around 1800 m, the surface crust is reported to be supportive to the weight of a skier. Two surface hoar layers down 100 cm and 150 cm are still reactive in snowpack tests but would be very difficult to trigger without something heavy like a cornice fall or smaller avalanche stepping down.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Outflow winds are forming wind slabs on a variety of aspect in exposed terrain. A total of 15-25 cm of recent snow sits above a rain crust and moist settling storm snow. The February 10th interface is now buried 60-80 cm deep and consists of facets, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and surface hoar in sheltered locations. This interface is gaining strength, but may still be reactive in isolated areas at treeline where the surface hoar has been well-preserved. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled. The exceptions are shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10 cm of recent snow sits above a rain crust and settling storm snow. Strong winds earlier in the week formed deeper deposits in exposed terrain at higher elevations. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 30-60 cm below the surface, you may find surface hoar that was buried on February 10th. There's a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this layer throughout the region. A stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. This basal weakness woke up during the last storm and produced numerous large avalanches that released on the ground. The layer has recently been considered dormant but should still be monitored.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations expect to find 25-40 cm of fresh snow bonding poorly to buried surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into deep wind slabs near ridge crests. Below 1600m the moist snow has frozen to give a breakable (10cm thick in places) crust: Not much fun riding I'm afraid. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-90 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness can now be found down roughly 150 cm. It has become inactive in the south of the region, but may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Expect to find 10-25 cm of fresh snow blown into deep wind slabs at higher elevations, and moist snow or breakable crust below 1500m. Rapidly settling storm snow (40-60cm) from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 50-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The persistent weakness buried mid-January is now down around 80-100 cm and the surface hoar/facet weakness buried mid-December is down 100-150 cm. These deep persistent weaknesses have the potential to wake up and become reactive with the recent warm temperatures.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-40 cm of new snow overlies the mid-February crust layer.&nbsp; By the looks of Thursday's avalanche activity, this crust appears to have performed as an excellent sliding surface for our new snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Beneath the crust, approximately 20-30cm of storm snow from late last week lies over our February 3rd interface. Now down approximately 60-100 cm, this interface comprises a variety of surfaces, including scoured surfaces in wind exposed terrain, surface hoar (size 2-3 mm) in sheltered locations, and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Recent snowpack tests and avalanche control suggest that this layer remains reactive in some areas. The Bonnington Range appears to be one of these areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Areas with a shallower snowpack (less than about 150 cm) have a generally weak snowpack structure with sugary facets near the ground. This includes shallow alpine slopes and most of the Rossland range. In these areas it is possible for storm slab avalanches to step-down to these deeper weak layers, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-15cm of recent snow is now overlying a widespread temperature crust at lower elevations (up to 2000m) and up to 2400m on more solar aspects. As you climb into the alpine this new snow has been blown into thin (20-30cm) thick storm slabs. Field tests on Friday and Saturday were showing these new wind slabs to be unreactive to ski cutting but we werent willing to expose ourselves to larger slopes due to the weak faceteted basal layers down 100-120cm. Warm temps are helping to settle out the snowpack and strengthen it but this process takes time. We still have very little confidence in the stability of any large terrain feature and are continuing to limit our exposure to overhead terrain. Good skiing was being found in sheltered areas at TL and below. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the alpine, up to 25 cm of recent snow overlies the widespread mid-February rain crust. At lower elevations, the crust is likely on the surface and is expected to be supportive to the weight of a skier. Below the crust, the snowpack is likely moist or wet as a result of the heavy rain from last week. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had minor snowfall amounts (5-20cm) over the weekend with moderate southeasterly winds in some locations. Expect to find 25-40 cm of more recent snow bonding slowly to buried surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into touchy wind slabs at higher elevations. Below 1500m a frozen rain crust is mostly supportive, but up to 1800m it can be breakable. Storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had minor snowfall amounts (5-15cm) over the weekend with light winds. Expect to find 25-40 cm of fresh snow bonding slowly to buried surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into deep wind slabs at higher elevations. At 2000m and below a melt-freeze crust can be found on almost all elevations and aspects. Storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. A persistent weakness buried mid January is now down 80-150 cm and the November crust is down around 200 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light flurries will add to 20 cm of recent snow that is settling into a thin but reactive storm slab. This slab sits above a thick rain crust below 1900 m and a generally well settled snowpack. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light flurries will add to 5-10 cm of recent snow with moderate to strong southwest winds forming deeper deposits and wind slabs. The new snow sits above a thick rain crust below 1900 m. A stiff midpack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. This deep persistent weakness is primarily a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/avcansouthrockies/videos/1350584585017033/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Watch this video from the South Rockies field team for some recent test results on this layer.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, 20-30 cm of recent snow overlies the widespread mid-February melt-freeze crust, which extends as high as 2200 m and is up to 15 cm thick at treeline. The recent storm snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust. In the alpine, wind slabs and cornices were being reported on northerly aspects. Below around 2000 m, the crust is at or near the surface of the snowpack and is reported to be supportive to the weight of skier. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-20 cm of recent snow overlies the widespread mid-February crust layer. Wind slabs and cornices were being reported in high north facing alpine terrain. Below around 1800 m, the crust is at or near the snow surface and is reported to be solid and supportive to the weight of a skier. Two facet/surface hoar layers in the north of the region down 100 cm and 150 cm are still reactive in snowpack tests but would be very difficult to trigger without something heavy like a cornice fall or smaller avalanche stepping down. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Clear cold weather and shifting winds have created a variety of surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (15-25 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 10th can be found buried 30-60 cm deep at treeline elevations and has been reactive in some recent snowpack tests. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally settled and strong. The exception is shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Clear cold weather and shifting winds have created a variety of surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (5-10 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">surface hoar that was buried on February 10th may exist 30-60 cm below the surface, but there's a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this layer. A stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. Although possibly dormant, this basal weakness has the potential to produce very large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had minor snowfall amounts (5-20cm) over the weekend with light winds. At higher elevations expect to find 25-40 cm of more recent snow slowly bonding to buried surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into deep wind slabs near ridge crests. Below 1600m the moist snow has frozen to give a (sometimes) breakable (10cm thick in places) crust: Not much fun riding I'm afraid. Rapidly settling storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-90 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness can now be found down roughly 150 cm. It has become inactive in the south of the region, but may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had little change over the weekend with only about 3-5cm new snow. Expect to find 10-25 cm of more recent snow blown into deep wind slabs at higher elevations, and moist snow or breakable crust below 1500m. Settling snow (40-60cm) from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 50-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The persistent weakness buried mid-January is now down around 80-100 cm and the surface hoar/facet weakness buried mid-December is down 100-150 cm. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to wake up and become reactive with human triggers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, 30-40 cm of recent snow overlies a series of crust layers from mid-February. Recent reports suggest this snow is generally well bonded to the crust. On high north aspects, a layer of surface hoar from mid-February below the recent snow may still be reactive. In exposed terrain, recent southerly winds have scoured the new snow down to the crust and formed wind slabs in leeward features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The early-February interface is now down approximately 80-100 cm. This interface comprises a variety of surfaces, including scoured surfaces in wind exposed terrain, surface hoar (size 2-3 mm) in sheltered locations, and sun crust on steep solar aspects. This layer is still reactive to snowpack tests but is becoming difficult to trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 150 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with sugary facets near the ground. This includes shallow alpine slopes and most of the Rossland range. In these areas it is possible for storm slab avalanches to step-down to these deeper weak layers, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An average of 10-20cm of recent snow is now overlying a widespread temperature crust up to 2000m and up to 2400m on solar aspects.  In the Alpine, you can find thin storm slabs(up to 30cm thick).  Just below this temperature crust, there is a well settled upper snowpack still sitting on a weak faceted basal layer (down approx. 100-120cm).  This weak basal layer is still giving the forecasters little confidence in exposing ourselves to large terrain overhead.  Good skiing was found in open areas at treeline and below.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the alpine, up to 25 cm of recent snow overlies the widespread mid-February rain crust. Reports suggest this snow is well bonded to the crust. At lower elevations, the crust is likely on or near the surface of the snowpack and is expected to be supportive to the weight of a skier. Below the crust, the snowpack is likely moist or wet as a result of the heavy rain from last week. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had modest snowfall amounts (15-25cm) over the weekend with moderate southeasterly winds in some locations. Expect to find 35-50 cm of more recent snow bonding slowly to buried surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into touchy wind slabs at higher elevations. In some areas of the Monashees, snow pack tests are giving easy sudden planar results on southerly aspects around 2000m on the Feb 15th surface hoar layer (down 45cm) above a sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below 1500m a frozen rain crust is mostly supportive, but up to 1800m it can be breakable. Storm snow from last week is still bonding slowly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had minor snowfall amounts (5-20cm) over the weekend with moderate southeasterly winds in some locations. Expect to find 25-40 cm of fresh snow bonding slowly to buried surface hoar and/or a sun crust, and blown into deep wind slabs at higher elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At 2000m and below a melt-freeze crust can be found on almost all elevations and aspects. Storm snow from last week is still bonding poorly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A persistent weakness buried mid January is now down 80-150 cm and the November crust is down around 200 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecast snow and strong southwest winds are expected to add to the 30 cm of storm snow that already exists. This slab sits above a thick rain crust below 1900 m and a generally well settled snowpack. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Forecast new snow and wind may develop new storm slabs. These new storm slabs may add to the recent snow that sits above a thick rain crust below 1900 m. A stiff midpack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. This deep persistent weakness is primarily a concern in shallow snowpack areas.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/avcansouthrockies/videos/1350584585017033/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">Watch this video from the South Rockies field team for some recent test results on this layer.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-20 cm of new snow accumulated Sunday overnight. At higher elevations, the widespread mid-February melt-freeze crust is now typically down 30-60 cm. This crust extends as high as 2200 m and is up to 15 cm thick at treeline. The recent storm snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust. In the alpine, wind slabs and cornices were recently being reported on northerly aspects. Below around 1900 m, the crust is at or near the surface of the snowpack and is reported to be supportive to the weight of skier. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, 15-30 cm of recent snow overlies the widespread mid-February crust layer. Recent reports suggest this snow is well bonded to the crust.&nbsp; Wind slabs and cornices were recently being reported in high north facing alpine terrain. Below around 1800 m, the crust is at or near the snow surface and is reported to be solid and supportive to the weight of a skier. In the north of the region, a facet/surface hoar layer from early February down 60-100 cm is still reactive in snowpack tests but would be very difficult to trigger without something heavy like a cornice fall or smaller avalanche stepping down. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Overcast skies and a couple of cm of new snow has not changed the snowpack structure since the weekend. A new layer of surface hoar may have been buried overnight or early Monday morning. Clear cold weather and shifting winds have created a variety of surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (15-25 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 10th can be found buried 30-60 cm deep at treeline elevations and has been reactive in some recent snowpack tests. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally settled and strong. The exception is shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Clear cold weather and shifting winds have created a variety of surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (5-10 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">surface hoar that was buried on February 10th may exist 30-60 cm below the surface, but there's a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this layer. A stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. Although possibly dormant, this basal weakness has the potential to produce very large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had minor snowfall amounts (10-20cm) over the weekend with moderate southerly winds in some locations. At higher elevations expect to find 25-50 cm of more recent snow slowly bonding to buried surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into deep wind slabs near ridge crests. Below 1600m the moist snow has frozen to give a (sometimes) breakable (10cm thick in places) crust: Not much fun riding I'm afraid. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow from last week is still bonding slowly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 70-110 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness can now be found down roughly 150 cm. It has become inactive in the south of the region, but may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had little change over the weekend with only about 5-10cm new snow in most areas (20cm of low density snow near Blue River). Expect to find 15-25 cm of more recent snow blown into deep wind slabs at higher elevations. Lower down there's moist snow or supportive crust below 1700m. Settling snow (40-60cm) from last week is still bonding slowly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 50-80 cm and includes a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes, faceted snow, as well as surface hoar on sheltered open slopes. The persistent weakness buried mid-January is now down around 80-100 cm and the surface hoar/facet weakness buried mid-December is down 100-150 cm. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to wake up and become reactive with human triggers. (See MIN post above).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, 30-40 cm of recent snow overlies a series of crust layers from mid-February. Recent reports suggest this snow is generally well bonded to the crust. On high north aspects, a layer of surface hoar from mid-February may sit below the recent snow and may still be reactive. In exposed terrain, recent southerly winds have scoured the new snow down to the crust and formed wind slabs in leeward features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The early-February interface is now down approximately 80-100 cm. This interface comprises a variety of surfaces, including scoured surfaces in wind exposed terrain, surface hoar (size 2-3 mm) in sheltered locations, and sun crust on steep solar aspects. This layer is still reactive to snowpack tests but is becoming difficult to trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 150 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with sugary facets near the ground. This includes shallow alpine slopes and most of the Rossland range. In these areas it is possible for storm slab avalanches to step-down to these deeper weak layers, resulting in large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15cm of new snow in the past 24hrs, brings recent storm snow totals to 20 to 25cm at Treeline. The storm snow has minimal wind effect below 2500m, and overlies a temperature crust on all aspects below 2100m, and up to 2300m on solar aspects. Moist snow on solar aspects by early in the afternoon. Snow profile at Treeline today confirms a dense midpack overlying a very weak base. Snowpack stability tests indicate a concerning failure within the basal weak layers. Although these results were in the 'hard' range, the possibility for a full depth avalanche is very real.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30 cm of new snow accumulated Sunday overnight on the North Shore mountains. At higher elevations, the widespread mid-February rain crust is now likely down around 50 cm. Reports suggest the recent snow is well bonded to the crust. Below the crust, the snowpack is likely still moist or wet as a result of the heavy rain from last week. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had modest snowfall amounts (15-30cm) over the past several days, with moderate southeasterly winds in some locations. Expect to find 35-50 cm of more recent snow bonding slowly to buried Feb 15th surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into wind slabs at higher elevations. In some areas of the Monashees, snow pack tests are giving easy sudden planar results on southerly aspects around 2000m on the Feb 15th surface hoar layer (down 45cm) above a sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The sun is starting to pack a punch and can trigger loose snow avalanches mid-day. The sun is also creating a thin crust on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below 1500m a frozen rain crust is mostly supportive, but up to 1800m it can be breakable. Storm snow from last week is still bonding slowly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had minor snowfall amounts (5-20cm) over the past several days (and higher amounts in the south) with moderate southerly winds in some locations. Expect to find 25-40 cm of more recent snow bonding slowly to buried Feb 15th surface hoar and/or a sun crust, and blown into wind slabs at higher elevations. Storm snow from previous weeks is still bonding poorly to the Feb 3rd surface hoar / sun crust layer, which is now down 60-80 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At 2000m and below a melt-freeze crust can be found on almost all elevations and aspects. The sun is starting to pack a punch and can trigger loose snow avalanches mid-day. The sun is also creating a thin crust on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A persistent weakness buried mid January is now down 80-150 cm and the November crust is down around 180 cm. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to wake up and become reactive with human triggers. (See MIN post above).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is now 50-60 cm of storm snow that is expected to settle into a storm slab. This slab sits above a thick rain crust below 1900 m and a generally well settled snowpack. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Limestone ridge today there was 15 cm of new storm snow at 2100 metres elevation. The height of snow on the ground was 160 cm and the foot penetration was 20 cm. The December facets were down 70 cm at this location and produced hard sudden collapse compression test scores in snow profile tests. This elevation is above the extent of the recent rain crust that extends up to about 1900 metres. A deeply buried weak layer of facets (sugary snow) continues to be a concern in most areas of the region. If triggered this deep weak layer may result in very large avalanches down to near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, the widespread mid-February melt-freeze crust is now typically down 20-40 cm. This crust extends as high as 2200 m and is up to 15 cm thick at treeline. The recent storm snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust. Reports from Monday suggests the recent storm snow is now faceting with the current cold temperatures and new surface hoar is forming. In the alpine, wind slabs and cornices were previously being reported on high northerly aspects but these are expected to have gained considerable strength over the past couple days of cold temperatures. Below 1150 m, the snow surface was reported to be wet on Monday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, 10-30 cm of recent snow overlies the widespread mid-February crust layer. Recent reports suggest this snow is well bonded to the crust. Wind slabs and cornices were previously being reported in high north facing alpine terrain </span><span class="s_3FE45715">aspects but these are expected to have gained considerable strength over the past couple days of colder temperatures</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">. In the north of the region, a facet/surface hoar layer from early February down 60-100 cm was recently reactive in snowpack tests but would be very difficult to trigger without something heavy like a cornice fall or smaller avalanche stepping down. In the south of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Overcast skies and a couple of cm of new snow has not changed the snowpack structure since the weekend. A new layer of surface hoar may have been buried overnight or early Monday morning. Clear cold weather and shifting winds have created a variety of surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (15-25 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 10th can be found buried 30-60 cm deep at treeline elevations and has been reactive in some recent snowpack tests. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally settled and strong. The exception is shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of recent storm snow has been transported by the wind, and now sits on a variety of old surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (5-10 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">surface hoar that was buried on February 10th may exist 30-60 cm below the surface, but there's a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this layer. A stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. Although possibly dormant, this basal weakness has the potential to produce very large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had minor snowfall amounts totalling 10-30cm over the past several days, with moderate southerly winds in some locations. At higher elevations expect to find 25-50 cm of more recent snow slowly bonding to buried Feb 14th surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into wind slabs near ridge crests. Below 1600m the moist snow has frozen to give a (sometimes) breakable crust that is 10cm thick in places, making for tricky riding. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The sun is starting to pack a punch and can trigger loose snow avalanches mid-day. The sun is also creating a thin crust on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness can now be found down roughly 150 cm. It has become inactive in the south of the region, but may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had little change over past several days with 1-5cm new snow each day in most areas (and some spots receiving 15cm low density snow). Expect to find 15-35 cm of newer snow blown into wind slabs at higher elevations, most recently by some moderate southeast winds. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The sun is starting to pack a punch and can trigger loose snow avalanches mid-day. The sun is also creating a thin crust on steep southerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At lower elevations there's moist snow or supportive crust below 1700m. Settling snow (40-60cm) from last week is still bonding slowly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 50-80 cm. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried mid-January is now down around 80-100 cm and the surface hoar/facet weakness buried mid-December is down 100-150 cm. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to wake up and become reactive with human triggers. (See MIN post above).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, 30-50 cm of recent snow typically overlies a series of crust layers from mid-February. Recent reports suggest this snow is generally well bonded to the crust. On high north aspects, a layer of surface hoar from mid-February may sit below the recent snow and may still be reactive. In exposed terrain, recent southerly winds have scoured the new snow down to the crust and formed wind slabs in leeward features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The early-February surface hoar layer is now down approximately 80-100 cm. This layer was reactive during the warm storm last week but now appears to have gone dormant. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 150 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with a layer of sugary facets near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At Burstall Pass the recent snow has settled to 20cm with total depths approaching 2m. In places this new snow is a very soft slab that has been reactive in the past 24 hours. Beneath the new snow, the mid pack is well settled and gets progressively harder as you move down in the snowpack. The deeper layers are a mix of weak facets and depth hoar. There were repeatable failures(CTH22, SC) in the facet layer, down 50-70cm. This failure was difficult to initiate, however we expect this layer is weaker and easier to trigger in thin areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, the widespread mid-February rain crust is now down around 30-50 cm. Recent reports suggest the recent snow is well bonded to the crust. Below the crust, the snowpack is likely still moist or wet as a result of the heavy rain from last week.&nbsp; Moderate southerly wind during the storm may have formed wind slabs at ridge crests. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had modest snowfall amounts (15-30cm) over the past several days, with moderate southeasterly winds in some locations. Expect to find 35-50 cm of more recent snow bonding slowly to buried Feb 15th surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into wind slabs at higher elevations. In some areas of the Monashees, snow pack tests are giving easy sudden planar results on southerly aspects around 2000m on the Feb 15th surface hoar layer (down 45cm) above a sun crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The sun is starting to pack a punch and can trigger loose snow avalanches mid-day. The sun is also creating a thin crust on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below 1500m a frozen rain crust is mostly supportive, but up to 1800m it can be breakable. Storm snow from last week is still bonding slowly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 60-80 cm. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had minor snowfall amounts (10-25cm) over the past several days (and some higher amounts in the south) with moderate southerly winds in some locations. Expect to find 25-40 cm of more recent snow bonding slowly to buried Feb 15th surface hoar and/or a sun crust, and blown into wind slabs at higher elevations. Storm snow from previous weeks is still bonding poorly to the Feb 3rd surface hoar / sun crust layer, which is now down 60-80 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At 2000m and below a (supportive) melt-freeze crust can be found on almost all elevations and aspects. The sun is starting to pack a punch and can trigger loose snow avalanches mid-day. The sun is also creating a thin crust on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A persistent weakness buried mid January is now down 80-150 cm and the November crust is down around 180 cm. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to wake up and become reactive with human triggers. (See MIN post above).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is now 50-60 cm of storm snow that is expected to settle into a storm slab. This slab sits above a thick rain crust below 1900 m and a generally well settled snowpack. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas. These weak areas appear to be on north-northeast aspects in the alpine. If the winds shift direction over the next few days, watch for new wind loading on south-west aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Near Elkford on Wednesday there was 20 cm of storm snow above a melt/freeze crust that developed from the rain last weekend. The height of snow was 170 cm and there was about 100-120 cm of settled snow above the weak layer of sugary facets that developed during the cold spell in December. Snow profile tests resulted in a hard shear in this location where the facets were sitting on a hard wind crust. Recent slope testing did not show any results. Some loose snow had released naturally from steep unsupported terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, the widespread mid-February melt-freeze crust is now typically down 20-40 cm. This crust extends as high as 2200 m and is up to 15 cm thick at treeline. The recent storm snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust, but professionals in areas with deeper storm snow amounts are being cautious with this assumption. Reports from Monday also suggest that the storm snow is now faceting with the current cold temperatures and that new surface hoar is forming. Recent cornice failures have been reported on high northerly aspects but cornices are generally expected to have gained considerable strength over the past couple days of cold temperatures. Wind slabs at higher elevations are expected to diminish in reactivity over the coming days, but should be treated with continued caution while the potential for human triggering still exists.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, 10-30 cm of recent snow overlies the widespread mid-February crust layer. Recent reports suggest this snow is well bonded to the crust. Recent cornice and wind slab releases have been reported in high north facing alpine terrain, </span><span class="s_3FE45715">but both cornices and wind slabs are expected to have gained considerable strength over the past couple days of colder temperatures</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">. The potential for human triggering wind slabs will remain a concern over the short term. In the north of the region, a facet/surface hoar layer from early February down 60-100 cm was recently reactive in snowpack tests but would be very difficult to trigger without something heavy like a cornice fall or smaller avalanche stepping down. In the south of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Overcast skies and a couple of cm of new snow has not changed the snowpack structure since the weekend. A new layer of surface hoar may have been buried early Monday morning. Clear cold weather and shifting winds have created a variety of surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (15-25 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 10th can be found buried 30-60 cm deep at treeline elevations and has been reactive in some recent snowpack tests. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally settled and strong. The exception is shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of recent storm snow has been transported by the wind, and now sits on a variety of old surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (5-10 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">surface hoar that was buried on February 10th may exist 30-60 cm below the surface, but there's a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this layer. A stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. Although possibly dormant, this basal weakness has the potential to produce very large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had minor snowfall amounts each day for the past several days, totalling 20-40cm with moderate southerly winds in some locations. At higher elevations expect to find 25-50 cm of more recent snow slowly bonding to buried Feb 14th surface hoar and/or a crust, and blown into wind slabs near ridge crests. Below 1600m the moist snow has frozen to give a (sometimes) breakable crust that is 10cm thick in places, making for tricky riding.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The sun is starting to pack a punch and can trigger loose snow avalanches mid-day. The sun is also creating a thin crust on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas but may be faceted and weaker in shallower areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness can now be found down roughly 150 cm. It has become inactive in the south of the region, but may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had little change over past several days with 1-5cm new snow each day in most areas (and some spots receiving 15cm low density snow). Expect to find 15-35 cm of newer snow blown into wind slabs at higher elevations, most recently by some moderate southeast winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The sun is starting to pack a punch and can trigger loose snow avalanches mid-day. The sun is also creating a thin crust on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At lower elevations there's moist snow or supportive crust below 1700m. Settling snow (40-60cm) from last week is still bonding slowly to the previous snow surface from early February, which is now down 50-80 cm.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried mid-January is now down around 80-100 cm and the surface hoar/facet weakness buried mid-December is down 100-150 cm. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to wake up and become reactive with human triggers. (See MIN post above).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, 30-50 cm of recent snow overlies a series of crust layers from mid-February. Recent reports suggest this snow is generally well bonded to the crust. On high north aspects, a layer of surface hoar from mid-February may sit below the recent snow and may still be reactive. In exposed terrain, recent southerly winds have scoured the new snow down to the crust and formed wind slabs in leeward features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The early-February surface hoar layer is now down approximately 80-100 cm. This layer was reactive during the warm storm last week but now appears to have gone dormant. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 150 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with a layer of sugary facets near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We have up to 20cm of recent snow.  This snow has minimal wind effect below 2500m and overlies a temperature crust on all aspects below 2100m and up to 2300m on solar aspects.  A  strong mid to upper pack overlies a weak base at all elevations. The weak basal facets and depth hoar make up the bottom 70cm of the snowpack at all elevations which gives us little confidence in large terrain if an avalanche is triggered.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, the widespread mid-February rain crust is now down around 30-50 cm. Recent reports suggest the recent snow is well bonded to the crust. Below the crust, the snowpack is likely still moist or wet as a result of the heavy rain from last week. Moderate southerly wind during the storm may have formed wind slabs at ridge crests. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light flurries over the past few days have delivered 15-30 cm of low density snow. Expect to find isolated pockets with thicker wind deposits at higher elevations as well as sun crusts forming on steep south-facing slopes. The recent snow has buried the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Although reports suggest the snow is gradually bonding to this interface, it has produced some sudden snowpack test results and reactive ski cuts, suggesting it could potentially become a lingering persistent weak layer. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallower areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light flurries over the past few days have delivered 10-25 cm of low density snow. Expect to find isolated pockets with thicker wind deposits at higher elevations as well as sun crusts forming on steep south-facing slopes. The recent snow has buried the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow from previous weeks is still bonding poorly to the February 3rd surface hoar / sun crust layer, which is now down 60-80 cm. A persistent weakness buried mid January is about a metre deep and the November crust is about 1.5 metres deep. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to wake up and become reactive with human triggers. (See MIN post above).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is now 50-60 cm of storm snow that is expected to settle into a storm slab. This slab sits above a thick rain crust below 1900 m and a generally well settled snowpack. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas. These weak areas appear to be on north-northeast aspects in the alpine. If the winds shift direction over the next few days, watch for new wind loading on south-west aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the Crowsnest North on Thursday there was 15 cm of new snow, and 35 cm of recent storm snow above various old surfaces. The winds were reported to have been light from the west, and there was not a lot of evidence of wind transport. Near Elkford on Wednesday there was 20 cm of storm snow above a melt/freeze crust that developed from the rain last weekend. The height of snow was 170 cm and there was about 100-120 cm of settled snow above the weak layer of sugary facets that developed during the cold spell in December. Snow profile tests resulted in a hard shear in this location where the facets were sitting on a hard wind crust. Recent slope testing did not show any results. Some loose snow had released naturally from steep unsupported terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent cool temperatures have resulted in 3-5 mm surface hoar growth on the snow surface, as well as surface faceting. Melt-freeze crusts have been reported on steep solar aspects. Below the surface, roughly 20-40 cm of recent storm snow lies above the widespread mid-February melt-freeze crust. This crust extends as high as 2200 m and is up to 15 cm thick at treeline. The recent storm snow is reported to be bonding well to the crust, but professionals in areas with deeper storm snow amounts (up to 50cm) are being cautious with this assumption. Recent cornice failures have been reported on high northerly aspects but cornices are generally expected to have gained considerable strength over the past couple days of cold temperatures. Wind slabs at higher elevations are expected to diminish in reactivity over the coming days, but should be treated with continued caution while the potential for human triggering still exists.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 10cm of new snow fell in the south of the region on Thursday night. Elsewhere, the current snow surface consists of surface facets and surface hoar to 6 mm, as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Beneath the surface, 10-30 cm of recent snow overlies the widespread mid-February crust layer at higher elevations. Recent reports suggest this snow is well bonded to the crust. In the north of the region, a facet/surface hoar layer from early February down 60-100 cm remains reactive in snowpack tests but would be difficult to trigger without something heavy like a cornice fall or smaller avalanche stepping down. In the south of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Overcast skies and a couple of cm of new snow has not changed the snowpack structure since the weekend. A new layer of surface hoar may have been buried early Monday morning. Clear cold weather and shifting winds have created a variety of surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (15-25 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 10th can be found buried 30-60 cm deep at treeline elevations and has been reactive in some recent snowpack tests. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally settled and strong. The exception is shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of recent storm snow has been transported by the wind, and now sits on a variety of old surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (5-10 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">surface hoar that was buried on February 10th may exist 30-60 cm below the surface, but there's a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this layer. A stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. Although possibly dormant, this basal weakness has the potential to produce very large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light flurries over the past few days have delivered 20-40 cm of low density snow. Expect to find isolated pockets with thicker wind deposits at higher elevations as well as sun crusts forming on steep south-facing slopes. The recent snow has buried the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Although reports suggest the snow is gradually bonding to this interface, it has the potential to become a lingering persistent weak layer. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallower areas. The deep mid-December facet layer may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light flurries over the past few days have delivered 15-30 cm of low density snow. Expect to find isolated pockets with thicker wind deposits at higher elevations as well as sun crusts forming on steep south slopes. A supportive crust can be found at lower elevations (up to about 1700 m). Settling snow (40-60 cm) from last week is still bonding slowly to the early February surface hoar and facet interface. The persistent weakness from mid-January is now down about a metre and the weak facets buried in mid-December are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to wake up and become reactive with human triggers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At higher elevations, 30-50 cm of recent snow overlies a series of crust layers from mid-February. Recent reports suggest this snow is generally well bonded to the crust. On high north aspects, a layer of surface hoar from mid-February may sit below the recent snow and may still be reactive. In exposed terrain, recent southerly winds have scoured the new snow down to the crust and formed wind slabs in leeward features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The early-February surface hoar layer is now down approximately 80-100 cm. This layer was reactive during the warm storm last week but now appears to have gone dormant. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 150 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with a layer of sugary facets near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Flurries have left us with 5-10cm of new snow on the Spray and as much as 15cm closer to the divide. This new snow is settling fast on solar aspects at all elevations. On steep solar aspects there is a buried suncrust (feb 17th) down 20-30cm. Beneath this snow, the upper pack remains well settled with denser slabs as the 50cm depth is reached. Immediately below this settled upper pack is the much weaker basal layers. This layer varies between 30-50cm and is a dog's breakfast of crusts, facets and depth hoar. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Scattered convective flurries recently deposited up to 3cm of graupel on the snow surface in some areas of the South Coast. Below it, the snow surface is a mix of sun crust on solar aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. At higher elevations, the widespread mid-February rain crust is now down around 30-50 cm, below our recent storm snow. This recent snow is reportedly well bonded to the crust. The crust itself is supportive and roughly 20cm thick. Below the crust, the snowpack is still moist as a result of the heavy rain from last week. Moderate southerly wind during the storm may have formed wind slabs at ridge crests. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light flurries over the past few days have delivered 15-30 cm of low density snow. Expect to find isolated pockets with thicker wind deposits at higher elevations as well as sun crusts forming on steep south-facing slopes. The the mid-February interface is now buried 20-40 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Although recent reports suggest the snow is gradually bonding to this interface, it has produced some sudden snowpack test results and reactive ski cuts. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light flurries over the past few days delivered 10-25 cm of low density snow. Expect to find isolated pockets with thicker wind deposits at higher elevations as well as sun crusts forming on steep south-facing slopes. The recent snow has buried the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow from previous weeks is still bonding poorly to the February 3rd surface hoar / sun crust layer, which is now down 60-80 cm. A persistent weakness buried mid January is about a metre deep and the November crust is about 1.5 metres deep. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to wake up and become reactive with human triggers. (See MIN post above).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">There is now 50-60 cm of storm snow that is expected to settle into a storm slab. This slab sits above a thick rain crust below 1900 m and a generally well settled snowpack. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas. These weak areas appear to be on north-northeast aspects in the alpine. If the winds shift direction over the next few days, watch for new wind loading on south-west aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In Elk Valley North on Friday, there was 3cm of new snow and 18 cm of light dry recent storm snow. The mid-pack in this location was well settled, but the bottom third of the snowpack was weak facets. Snow profile tests produced a moderate compression test that released in a sudden planar fashion down 75 cm on the facetted crystals. In the Crowsnest North on Thursday there was 15 cm of new snow, and 35 cm of recent storm snow above various old surfaces. The winds were reported to have been light from the west, and there was not a lot of evidence of wind transport. Near Elkford on Wednesday there was 20 cm of storm snow above a melt/freeze crust that developed from the rain last weekend. The height of snow was 170 cm and there was about 100-120 cm of settled snow above the weak layer of sugary facets that developed during the cold spell in December. Snow profile tests resulted in a hard shear in this location where the facets were sitting on a hard wind crust. Recent slope testing did not show any results. Some loose snow had released naturally from steep unsupported terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Flurries over Thursday night deposited 1-5 cm of new snow on the surface. Moderate southwesterly winds accompanied the snowfall, making a small contribution to our upper elevation wind slab problem. Below our thin new snow accumulations, recent cool temperatures resulted in up to 5 mm surface hoar growth on the previous snow surface, as well as surface faceting. Sun crusts have also recently been reported to be forming on steep solar aspects. Below the new snow interface, roughly 20-40 cm of recent storm snow appears to be bonding well the widespread mid-February melt-freeze crust. This crust extends as high as 2200 m and is up to 15 cm thick at treeline. Below this crust the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Convective flurries have delivered a spotty 5-20 cm of new snow to the region over the past couple of days, with the greatest accumulations occurring in the south. Below the new snow, the previous snow surface consisted of surface facets and surface hoar to 6 mm, as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Beneath this new snow interface, 10-30 cm of recent snow overlies the widespread mid-February crust layer at higher elevations. Recent reports suggest this snow is well bonded to the crust. In the north of the region, a facet/surface hoar layer from early February down 60-100 cm remains reactive in snowpack tests and is suspected as the failure plane in at least one of two recent large persistent slab avalanches in the Hurley area. In the south of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Overcast skies and a couple of cm of new snow has not changed the snowpack structure since the weekend. A new layer of surface hoar may have been buried early Monday morning. Clear cold weather and shifting winds have created a variety of surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (15-25 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 10th can be found buried 30-60 cm deep at treeline elevations and has been reactive in some recent snowpack tests. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally settled and strong. The exception is shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of recent storm snow has been transported by the wind, and now sits on a variety of old surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (5-10 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">surface hoar that was buried on February 10th may exist 30-60 cm below the surface, but there's a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this layer. A stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. Although possibly dormant, this basal weakness has the potential to produce very large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light flurries over the past few days delivered 15-30 cm of low density snow. Expect to find isolated pockets with thicker wind deposits at higher elevations as well as sun crusts forming on steep south-facing slopes. The mid-February interface is now buried 20-40 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports suggest the snow is gradually bonding to this interface, but it has the potential to become a lingering persistent weak layer. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Blue River and Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light flurries over the past few days delivered 15-30 cm of low density snow. Expect to find isolated pockets with thicker wind deposits at higher elevations as well as sun crusts forming on steep south slopes. The recent snow has buried the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. The persistent weakness from mid-January is now down about a metre and the weak facets buried in mid-December are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to wake up and become reactive with human triggers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Solar radiation has created a sun crust on steep solar aspects while surface hoar has been observed at up to 15 mm on shaded aspects. Below these surfaces, 30-50 cm of recent snow overlies a (February 18) sun crust on solar aspects, with around 70 cm overlying a widespread (February 10) melt-freeze crust on shaded aspects. Recent variable winds have promoted wind slab formation in this storm snow on a range of aspects in wind-exposed terrain and in some areas scoured the new snow down to the crust. Below the wind effect, reports suggest the storm snow is generally well bonded to the underlying crust layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The early-February surface hoar layer is now down approximately 80-100 cm. This layer was reactive during the warm storm last week but now appears to have gone dormant. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 150 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with a layer of sugary facets near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storm snow has settled to an average of 20cm deep, with very little wind effect in most areas below 2500m. On steep solar aspects there is a buried suncrust (Feb 17th layer) down 20-30cm. Beneath this, the upper snowpack remains well settled with denser slabs as the 50cm depth is reached. The basal layers are alive and well and vary between 30-50cm thick, and is a dog's breakfast of crusts, facets and depth hoar. Snowpack stability tests today indicate a sudden collapse failure within the basal layers in the moderate range. These tests were done in a slightly shallower morainal feature, and indicate the possibility of full-depth avalanches if the &quot;sweet spot &quot; is triggered.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 15 cm of new snow fell over the South Coast region over Thursday night, with average new snow amounts closer to 5 cm. In some areas, the new snow overlies up to 3cm of recent graupel accumulation. Below the new snow and graupel, the previous snow surface is a mix of sun crust on solar aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. The new snow's bond to these surfaces will take some time to form. Older storm snow can be found below the new snow interface and it is reportedly well bonded to the widespread mid-February rain crust, now found down around 40-60 cm at higher elevations. The crust itself is supportive and roughly 20cm thick. Below the crust, the snowpack is still moist as a result of heavy rain from last week.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light flurries over the past few days have delivered 20-40 cm of low density snow. Expect to find isolated pockets with thicker wind deposits at higher elevations as well as sun crusts forming on steep south-facing slopes. The the mid-February interface is now buried 30-50 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports suggest the snow is bonding to this interface, although it has produced some sudden snowpack test results and reactive ski cuts. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light flurries over the past few days delivered 10-25 cm of low density snow. Expect to find isolated pockets with thicker wind deposits at higher elevations and sun crusts forming on south-facing slopes. The recent snow has buried the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Several deeper weak layers remain a concern including the February 3rd interface (50-80 cm deep) in the southern Purcells and the mid-January interface in the northern Purcells (about 100 cm deep). Basal facets may still be a reactive in shallow rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 to 40 cm of storm snow from Saturday night now rests upon the 50 to 60 cm of storm snow from last week. This 70 to 100 cm is likely settling into a storm slab in sheltered locations, and is almost certainly forming a wind slab in wind affected terrain. This slab sits above a thick rain crust below 1900 m and a generally well settled snowpack. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas. These weak areas appear to be on north-northeast aspects in the alpine. If the winds shift direction over the next few days, watch for new wind loading on south-west aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In Elk Valley North late last week, up to 20cm of light dry storm snow fell. The mid-pack in this location is well settled, but the bottom third of the snowpack is weak facets. Snow profile tests produced moderate compression tests that released suddenly down 75 cm on the facetted crystals. In the Crowsnest North late last week up to 35 cm of recent storm snow lies above various old surfaces. Near Elkford up to 20 cm of storm snow sits above a melt/freeze crust. Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above the weak layer of sugary facets that developed during the cold spell in December. Snow profile tests indicate hard shears in this location where the facets are sitting on a hard wind crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Flurries over the past couple of days have deposited 1-5 cm of new snow on the surface. Below any thin new snow accumulations, recent cool temperatures formed up to 5 mm surface hoar on the previous snow surface. The same low temperatures have been responsible for faceting at the snow surface and in the upper snowpack. Sun crusts exist beneath the skiff of new snow on steep solar aspects below about 1700 metres, with a more widespread temperature crust found below about 1500 metres. Below the new snow interface, roughly 20-40 cm of recent (faceting) storm snow appears to be bonding well the widespread mid-February melt-freeze crust. This crust extends as high as 2200 m and is up to 15 cm thick at treeline. Below this crust the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Convective flurries have delivered a spotty 5-20 cm of new snow to the region over the past couple of days, with the greatest accumulations occurring in the south. Below the new snow, the previous snow surface consisted of surface facets and surface hoar to 6 mm, as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Beneath the new snow interface, 10-30 cm of recent storm snow overlies the widespread mid-February crust layer at higher elevations. Reports suggest this snow is well bonded to the crust but has been undergoing faceting as a result of recent cold temperatures. In the north of the region, a facet/surface hoar layer from early February, down 60-100 cm, remains reactive in snowpack tests and is suspected as the failure plane in at least one of two recent large persistent slab avalanches in the Hurley area. In the south of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A recent addition of up to 5cm of new snow has not changed the snowpack structure since the weekend. A new layer of surface hoar may have been buried early Monday morning. Recent clear cold weather and shifting winds have created a variety of surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (15-25 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 10th can be found buried 30-60 cm deep at tree line elevations and has been reactive in some recent snowpack tests. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally settled and strong. The exception is shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of storm snow accumulating last week has been transported by the wind, and now sits on a variety of old surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (5-10 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">surface hoar that was buried on February 10th may exist 30-60 cm below the surface, but there's a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this layer. A stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. Although possibly dormant, this basal weakness has the potential to produce very large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light flurries over the past few days delivered 20-40 cm of low density snow. Expect to find isolated pockets with thicker wind deposits at higher elevations and sun crusts on steep south-facing slopes. The mid-February interface is now buried 30-50 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports suggest the snow is bonding to this interface. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer may still be lingering in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light flurries over the past few days delivered 15-30 cm of low density snow. Expect to find isolated pockets with thicker wind deposits at higher elevations as well as sun crusts on steep south slopes. The recent snow has buried the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Some lingering surface hoar layers from January are down about a metre and the weak facets buried in mid-December are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to wake up and become reactive with human triggers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Solar radiation has created a sun crust on steep solar aspects while surface hoar has been observed at up to 15 mm on shaded aspects. Below these surfaces, 30-50 cm of recent snow overlies a (February 18) sun crust on solar aspects, with around 70 cm overlying a widespread (February 10) melt-freeze crust on shaded aspects. Recent variable winds have promoted wind slab formation in this storm snow on a range of aspects in wind-exposed terrain and in some areas scoured the new snow down to the crust. Below the wind effect, reports suggest the storm snow is generally well bonded to the underlying crust layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The early-February surface hoar layer is now down approximately 80-100 cm. This layer was reactive during the warm storm last week but now appears to have gone dormant. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 150 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with a layer of sugary facets near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Not a lot of change in the last 24hrs. There has been no new snow and the snowpack has settled slightly in the last day. The winds did pick up today causing some snow transport in the alpine, but not enough to negatively impact the avalanche hazard. A buried suncrust is evident at low elevations and solar slopes up to 2200m. The basal layers remain the main concern and tend to be down 80-100cm from the surface.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 15 cm of new snow fell over the South Coast region over Thursday night, with average new snow amounts closer to 5 cm. In some areas, the new snow overlies up to 3cm of recent graupel accumulation. Below the new snow and graupel, the previous snow surface is a mix of sun crust on solar aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. The new snow's bond to these surfaces will take some time to form. Older storm snow can be found below the new snow interface and it is reportedly well bonded to the widespread mid-February rain crust, now found down around 40-60 cm at higher elevations. The crust itself is supportive and roughly 20cm thick. Below the crust, the snowpack is still moist as a result of heavy rain from last week.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Flurries delivered another 5-15 cm of low density snow on Saturday night, bring recent totals to 20-40 cm (with the largest amounts in the Monashees). A pulse of moderate winds from a variety of directions formed fresh wind slabs at higher elevations. The the mid-February interface is now buried 30-50 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer could develop into a persistent slab problem once the snow above it settles into a stiffer slab. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Flurries delivered another 2-5 cm of low density snow on Saturday night, bring recent totals from the last week up to 15-40 cm. A pulse of moderate winds from a variety of directions formed fresh thin wind slabs at higher elevations. The recent snow has buried the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Several deeper weak layers remain a concern including the February 3rd interface (40-80 cm deep) in the southern Purcells and the mid-January interface in the northern Purcells (about 100 cm deep). Basal facets may still be a reactive in shallow rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20 to 40 cm of cold, light density storm snow fell Saturday night. At this time, observations show very little wind activity. However, it won't take much more than a breeze to form wind slabs in exposed terrain over the next few days. This recent storm snow rests on an older wind/storm slab formed last week that is approximately 50 to 60 cm in depth which may still be sensitive to human triggering. This older slab sits above a thick rain crust below 1900 m and a generally well settled snowpack. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas. These weak areas appear to be on north-northeast aspects in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Saturday night the region picked up 2 to 20 cm, with the Castle area being the clear winner. This storm snow rests upon last weeks ageing storm slab. The mid-pack in this region is well settled, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets. Recent snow profile tests have produced failures with moderate input that released suddenly down 75 cm on the facetted crystals. In the Crowsnest North late last week up to 35 cm of recent storm snow lies above various old surfaces. Near Elkford up to 20 cm of old storm snow sits above a melt/freeze crust. Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above the weak layer of sugary facets that developed during the cold spell in December. Snow profile tests indicate hard shears in this location where the facets are sitting on a hard wind crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Flurries over the past couple of days have deposited 1-5 cm of new snow on the surface. Strong northwesterly winds on Sunday morning have redistributed this and other loose snow at the surface, likely forming a few thin new wind slabs in lee terrain. Below any new snow accumulations, recent cool temperatures formed up to 5 mm surface hoar on the previous snow surface. The same low temperatures have been responsible for faceting at the snow surface and in the upper snowpack. Sun crusts exist beneath the skiff of new snow on steep solar aspects below about 1700 metres, with a more widespread temperature crust found below about 1500 metres. Below the new snow interface, roughly 20-40 cm of recent (faceting) storm snow appears to be bonding well the widespread mid-February melt-freeze crust. This crust extends as high as 2200 m and is up to 15 cm thick at treeline. Below this crust the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and bonded.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Scattered flurries delivered a variable 10-35 cm of new snow to the region over Thursday to Saturday night, with the greatest accumulations occurring in the south of the region. Recent southwest winds have been noted blowing the new snow into wind slabs in lee terrain in the north of the region, leading to easy whumphing and cracking observed at ridgetop in the Duffey Lake area on Sunday. Below the new snow, the previous snow surface consisted of surface facets and surface hoar to 6 mm, as well as sun crust on steep solar aspects. Beneath the new snow interface, 10-30 cm of recent storm snow overlies the widespread mid-February crust layer, now down roughly 20-60 cm at higher elevations. Reports suggest this storm snow is well bonded to the crust but has been undergoing faceting as a result of recent cold temperatures. In the north of the region, a facet/surface hoar layer from early February, down 60-100 cm, remains reactive in snowpack tests and is suspected as the failure plane in at least one of two recent large persistent slab avalanches in the Hurley area. In the south of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A recent addition of up to 10 cm of new snow has not dramatically changed the snowpack structure, but Saturday night's storm buried a new layer of surface hoar. At this time it is unknown how well preserved this surface hoar is. Recent clear cold weather and shifting winds have created a variety of surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (15 to 25 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 10th can be found buried 30 to 60 cm deep at tree line elevations and has been reactive in some recent snowpack tests. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally settled and strong. The exception is shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10 to 20 cm of storm snow accumulating in the last week has been transported by the wind, and now sits on a variety of old surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (5 to 10 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">surface hoar that was buried on February 10th may exist 30 to 60 cm below the surface, but there's a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this layer. A stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. Although possibly dormant, this basal weakness has the potential to produce very large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Flurries delivered another 5-15 cm of low density snow on Saturday night, bring recent totals to 20-40 cm (with the largest amounts in the Monashees). A pulse of moderate winds from a variety of directions formed fresh wind slabs at higher elevations. The mid-February interface is now buried 30-50 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports suggest the snow is generally bonding to this interface. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer is still lingering in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A recent dusting of new snow came with moderate winds that has likely left thin reactive winds slabs at higher elevations. Light flurries over the past week have delivered a total of 15-30 cm of low density snow, while sun crusts have formed on steep south slopes. The recent snow has buried the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Some lingering surface hoar layers from January are down about a metre and the weak facets buried in mid-December are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to be reactive with human triggers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-20 cm of new snow accumulated in the region over Saturday night, burying recently formed sun crust on steep solar aspects as well as surface hoar that has been observed at up to 15 mm on shaded aspects. Below the new snow interface, 30-50 cm of recent storm snow overlies a (February 18) sun crust on solar aspects, with around 70 cm overlying a more widespread (February 10) melt-freeze crust on shaded aspects. Variable winds have promoted wind slab formation in this storm snow on a range of aspects in wind-exposed terrain and in some areas scoured it down to the above mentioned crusts. Below the wind effect, reports suggest the storm snow is generally well bonded to the underlying crust layers.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The early-February surface hoar layer is now down approximately 90-120 cm. This layer was reactive during the warm storm last week but now appears to have gone dormant. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 170 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with a layer of sugary facets near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The forecasters were up in the Black Prince area today digging a profile at tree line. There is about 50cm snow overlying a thin crust which is producing easy test results in our snow pit today. We also found that the bottom half of the snowpack consisted of facets and depth hoar. Upon more tests, we got the entire column to fail on the basal depth hoar 35cm off the ground. All in all, good skiing but it is difficult to travel on steeper slopes for the fact that if the slope is triggered at a weak spot, the entire snowpack could avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 5-20 cm of new snow from Thursday and Saturday lies on the surface in the region. Recent northerly winds are suspected to have redistributed some of the new snow into wind slabs in lee terrain at higher elevations. Below the new snow, the previous snow surface was a mix of sun crust on solar aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. The new snow's bond to these surfaces is beginning to strengthen, with snowpack tests producing resistant and inconsistent results on Saturday on the North Shore. The older storm snow found below the new snow interface is well bonded to the widespread mid-February rain crust, now down around 40-60 cm at higher elevations. The crust itself is supportive and roughly 20cm thick. Below the crust, the snowpack is still moist as a result of heavy rain in mid-February.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent flurries delivered 10-20 cm with some moderate winds forming thin wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations. The new snow has buried a sun crust and spotty surface hoar layer and will sluff easily in steep terrain. The the mid-February interface is now buried 30-50 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer could develop into a persistent slab problem once the snow above it settles into a stiffer slab. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent flurries delivered 5 cm of new snow to the northern part of the region and up to 15 cm in the southern part of the region. A pulse of moderate winds from a variety of directions formed fresh wind slabs at higher elevations. The mid-February interface is now buried 20-40 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Several deeper weak layers remain a concern including the February 3rd interface (40-80 cm deep) in the southern Purcells and the mid-January interface in the northern Purcells (about 100 cm deep). Basal facets may still be a reactive in shallow rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of cold, light density storm snow fell Saturday night with little wind. This recent storm snow rests on an older wind/storm slab that formed last week that is approximately 50 to 60 cm in depth and may still be sensitive to human triggering. This older slab sits above a thick rain crust below 1900 m and a generally well settled snowpack. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas. Smaller avalanches may have the potential to step down to those weaker layers waking up the deep persistent slab problem. These weak areas appear to be on north-northeast aspects in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of storm snow fell on Saturday night, with Castle Mountain being the clear winner. This storm snow sits on last weeks ageing storm slab. The mid-pack in this region is well settled, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets (sugary crystals). Recent snow profile tests have produced moderate failures that released suddenly down 75 cm on the facetted crystals. In the Crowsnest North late last week up to 35 cm of recent storm snow lies above various old surfaces. Near Elkford up to 20 cm of old storm snow sits above a melt/freeze crust. Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above the weak layer of sugary facets that developed during the cold spell in December. Snow profile tests indicate hard shears in this location where the facets are sitting on a hard wind crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong northerly winds have been redistributing 10-30cm of recent storm snow, into soft slabs as deep as 65 cm, which are poorly bonded to a weakening crust that extends into alpine elevations. In exposed alpine areas, winds have scoured down to this crust, which formed mid-February. Low temperatures have been responsible for faceting at the snow surface and in the upper snowpack. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-35 cm of recent snow (with the greatest accumulations in the Cascades) has been blown into touchy wind slabs by southwest an more recent northeasterly winds, which are bonding poorly to facets and buried surface hoar, as well as crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. Reports from the Duffy Lake area on Sunday include easy whumphing and cracking observed at ridge top. The widespread mid-February crust can be found down 20-60cm and seems to be well-bonded, although it has been faceting and weakening recently. In the northern part of the region, a facet/surface hoar weakness buried early February, is now down 60-100 cm and remains reactive in snowpack tests. It is also suspected as the failure plane in at least one of two recent large persistent slab avalanches in the Hurley Pass area. In the Cascades, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A recent addition of up to 10 cm of new snow has not dramatically changed the snowpack structure, but Saturday night's storm buried a new layer of surface hoar which will get buried deeper after tomorrows snowfall. At this time it is unknown how well preserved this surface hoar. A variety of surface conditions exist including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (15 to 25 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 10th can be found buried 30 to 60 cm deep at tree line elevations and has been reactive in some recent snowpack tests. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally settled and strong. The exception is shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of storm snow accumulating in the last week has been transported by the wind, and now sits on a variety of old surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, pockets of soft snow (5 to 10 cm deep), sun crusts, and surface hoar. A supportive rain crust exists below 1000 m. A layer of </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">surface hoar that was buried on February 10th may exist 30 to 60 cm below the surface, but there's a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this layer. A stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. Although possibly dormant, this basal weakness has the potential to produce very large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent flurries delivered 10-20 cm with some moderate winds forming thin wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations. The new snow has buried a sun crust and spotty surface hoar layer. The mid-February interface is now buried 30-50 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports suggest the snow is bonding to this interface. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer is still lingering in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New wind slabs have formed on a variety of aspects in alpine terrain thanks to shifting wind directions. Light flurries over the past week have delivered a total of 15-30 cm of low density snow, while sun crusts have formed on steep south slopes. The recent snow has buried the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Some lingering surface hoar layers from January are down about a metre and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10-20 cm adds to the 5-20 cm of snow from the weekend that buried a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes and large surface hoar shaded aspects. Below that a variety of aspect- and elevation-dependant crusts and buried surface hoar layers may be found in the upper snowpack, with the predominant mid-February surface hoar/sun crust weakness down 75-100 cm. Variable winds have formed fresh wind slabs on a range of aspects in wind-exposed terrain, and in some areas scoured down to the above mentioned crusts. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 170 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with a deep persistent weakness of facets near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">1cm of new snow overnight. Fresh thin wind slabs have formed at Treeline and above. A test profile in the Ten Bowl area today revealed a 165cm deep snowpit with the entire bottom 100cm consisting of very weak facets and depth hoar. Moderate compression test results were found down 25 to 30cm. Moderate to hard test results occurred down 60 to 70cm within the facets, indicating the possibility for an avalanche to step down to the weak basal layers. The current snowpack structure is very concerning, and despite the recent lack of natural avalanches human triggering of a very large avalanche is possible.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent northerly winds have likely redistributed 5-20 cm of recent storm snow into wind slabs in lee terrain at higher elevations. Below the new snow, the previous snow surface was a mix of sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. The bond to this previous surface is beginning to strengthen, with snowpack tests producing resistant and inconsistent results on Saturday on the North Shore. The widespread 20 cm thick mid-February rain crust, is now down around 40-60 cm at higher elevations. Below the crust, the snowpack is still moist as a result of heavy rain in mid-February.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Wednesday morning, new snow and extreme winds are expected to have formed fresh wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine</span><span class="s_1681A555">. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">About 30-50cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer could develop into a persistent slab problem once the snow above it settles into a stiffer slab. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Wednesday morning, new snow and extreme winds are expected to have formed fresh wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine. About 20-40 cm below the surface you'll likely find </span><span class="s_1681A555">t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Several deeper weak layers remain a concern including the February 3rd surface hoar layer (40-80 cm deep) in the southern Purcells, and the mid-January surface hoar layer in the northern Purcells (about 100 cm deep). Basal facets may still be a reactive in shallow rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 40 cm overnight!! Since Saturday a total of 93 cm of cold, light density storm snow has fallen with little wind effect. This new snow has buried a plethora of old snow surfaces including surface hoar, old wind slab and a sun crust on solar aspects. This new snow also sits on a thick rain crust below 1900 m and a generally well settled snowpack. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas. Smaller avalanches may have the potential to step down to those weaker layers waking up the deep persistent slab problem. These weak areas appear to be on north-northeast aspects in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 20 cm overnight bringing the recent storm snow totals up to 50 cm since Saturday. The new storm snow will likely be redistributed to leeward slopes, building fresh wind slabs. The mid-pack in this region is well settled, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets (sugary crystals). Recent snow profile tests have produced moderate failures that released suddenly down 75 cm on the facetted crystals. In the Crowsnest North up to 45 cm of recent storm snow lies above various old surfaces. Near Elkford up to 30 cm of old storm snow sits above a melt/freeze crust. Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above the weak layer of sugary facets that developed during the cold spell in December. Snow profile tests indicate hard shears in this location where the facets are sitting on a hard wind crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Previous winds have either deposited snow in lee areas, with a few stubborn wind slabs, or scoured down to a mid-February crust. Cold temperatures have faceted the top 20 cm of the snowpack where it wasn't wind hammered. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong. The forecast shift in the weather means new wind slabs and storm slabs will be forming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-35 cm of snow from the weekend is reportedly bonding poorly to facets and buried surface hoar, as well as crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. Reports from the Duffy Lake area on Sunday include easy whumphing and cracking observed at ridge top. The widespread mid-February crust can be found down 20-60cm and seems to be well-bonded, although is reportedly weakening. In the northern part of the region, a facet/surface hoar weakness buried early February, is now down 60-100 cm and remains reactive in snowpack tests. It is also suspected as the failure plane in at least one of two recent large persistent slab avalanches in the Hurley Pass area. In the Cascades (e.g. Coquihalla), the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong. Forecast new snow is likely to arrive with strong SW winds and warming temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow 10-20 cm has fallen and buried a new surface hoar layer. Im uncertain of how well preserved this layer is and if it is widespread. The new snow has also buried a variety of old surface conditions including isolated wind slabs, sun crusts, and facetted snow. At lower elevations (below 1000 m) a supportive rain crust exists. Deeper in the snowpack 30-60 cm down a layer of surface hoar was buried on February 10th at tree line elevations and continues to be reactive in some recent snowpack tests. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally settled and strong. The exception is shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow 5- 15 cm is slowly burying a plethora of old snow surfaces including isolated wind slabs and wind press, sun crusts, and surface hoar. The new snow may have a poor bond to these interfaces. A layer of surface hoar that was buried on February 10th may exist 30 to 60 cm below the surface, but there's a fair bit of uncertainty regarding the reactivity and distribution of this layer. A stiff mid pack sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. Although possibly dormant, this basal weakness has the potential to produce very large destructive avalanches especially in shallower snowpack areas. Below 1000 m a strong supportive rain crust exists</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Wednesday morning, new snow and extreme winds are expected to have formed fresh wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine.</span><span class="s_1681A555"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-February interface is now buried 30-50 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports suggest the snow is bonding to this interface. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer is still lingering in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">By Wednesday morning, new snow and extreme winds are expected to have formed fresh wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine About 30cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. The reactivity of this layer is unknown, but it's worth keeping an eye on as it gets loaded by more snow. Some lingering surface hoar layers from January are down about a metre and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow accumulations of 30 to 50 cm from the past few days are reported through the region with deepest amounts in eastern areas. Wind slabs have formed in exposed areas from shifting SW to NW winds. More snow and wind is forecast. Recent snow rests on a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes and large surface hoar shaded aspects. Below that are a variety crusts and thin surface hoar layers, depending on aspect and elevation, with the primary mid-pack feature being the mid-February surface hoar/sun crust down 75-100 cm. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 170 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with a deep persistent weakness of facets near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A flight around the area today gave us a good look at the snow conditions. In general we are still seeing a low elevation snowpack that is well settled up top, but weak deeper down. There are two apparent crusts in the top layers, but neither of which pose a problem yet.  This deep weakness is a widespread problem. Treeline and alpine elevations has had a few cm's of snow with not a lot of wind effect. Some transport was noted, but most of it was localized and of little consequence. At these upper elevations, the problem layers are down almost a meter. Some near surface slabs exist as do buried sun crusts on solar aspects. Unlike the low elevation, these crusts may be a concern in steep terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the 20 cm of recent snow, the previous snow surface was a mix of sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects with bonds beginning to strengthen. The widespread 20 cm thick mid-February rain crust, is now down around 40-60 cm at higher elevations. Below the crust, the snowpack is well settled and strong. Forecast incoming snow (starting Tuesday overnight) suggests at higher elevations there will be fresh wind slabs on north and east facing slopes, and when there is more than 20 cm of new snow also expect to find storm slabs on steeper slopes, even where wind protected.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wide-ranging 10-37 cm of new snow fell over the region over Tuesday night, with the greatest accumulations occurring in the eastern Monashees. The new snow has buried fairly widespread faceted surface snow as well as more isolated surface hoar to 4mm. A thin sun crust may exist below the new snow on steep solar aspects. About 40-80cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer could develop into a persistent slab problem once the snow above it settles into a stiffer slab. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of new snow fell over the region over Tuesday night, burying widely reported faceted surface snow as well as surface hoar recently reported at about 3mm on shaded aspects in some areas. About 25-55 cm below the surface you'll likely find </span><span class="s_1681A555">t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Several deeper weak layers remain a concern including the February 3rd surface hoar layer (40-80 cm deep) in the southern Purcells, and the mid-January surface hoar layer in the northern Purcells (about 100 cm deep). Basal facets may still be a reactive in shallow rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 36 cm overnight of low density storm snow with accumulations up to 93 cm since Saturday. Strong ridgetop winds are likely transporting the new snow onto leeward slopes, building thicker and stiffer slabs. This new snow continues to bury a plethora of old snow surfaces including surface hoar, old wind slab and a sun crust on solar aspects and it also sits above a thick rain crust below 1900 m. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas. These weak areas appear to be on north-northeast aspects in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 20 cm of low density storm snow arrived overnight bringing the recent snow totals up to 50 cm since Saturday. Strong southwesterly winds will likely transport the new snow onto leeward slopes, building thicker and stiffer slabs. The new snow may have a poor bond to previous old snow surfaces that primarily consist of stiff wind slabs, crusts and facets. The mid-pack in this region is generally well settled and strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets (sugary snow crystals). Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above the weak layer of sugary, rotten facets that developed mid- December. This remains a concern and should be on your radar especially when change is happening to the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">As of Wednesday morning, much of the region received 10-20cm of fresh snow accompanied by southwesterly winds, which has blanketed previously wind-affected surfaces (e.g. scoured crust, hard sastrugi, or stubborn wind slabs) in exposed areas, or around 20 cm of faceted snow in sheltered areas. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong. The forecast shift in the weather means new wind slabs and storm slabs will be forming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 15-25 cm of fresh snow adds to the 10-35 cm of snow from the weekend that is bonding poorly to facets and buried surface hoar, as well as crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. Reports from the Duffy Lake area on Sunday include easy whumphing and cracking at ridge top. The widespread mid-February crust can be found down 40-80cm and seems to be well-bonded, although is reportedly weakening. In the northern part of the region, a facet/surface hoar weakness buried early February, is now down around a metre and remains reactive in snowpack tests. It is also suspected as the failure plane in at least one of two recent large persistent slab avalanches in the Hurley Pass area. In the Cascades (e.g. Coquihalla), the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong. Forecast new snow is likely to arrive with strong SW winds and warming temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow 20-50 cm has buried a variety of old snow surfaces including surface hoar, facets, crusts, stiff wind slab and a melt/ freeze crust below 1600 m. The deeper storm snow amounts exist in the Shames/ Terrace area with less accumulations further North and East. The new snow will likely have a poor bond to these older surfaces. Deeper in the snowpack 60-90 cm down a layer of surface hoar was buried on February 10th at tree line elevations and continues to be reactive in some recent snowpack tests. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally settled and strong with the exception in shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow 5- 15 cm accompanied by strong- extreme SW winds is burying a plethora of old snow surfaces including isolated wind slabs and wind press, sun crusts, and surface hoar. The new snow may have a poor bond to these interfaces. At treeline elevations the average snowpack depths are 150-190 cm and a well consolidated mid-pack of approximately up to 100 cm sits above weak basal facets (sugary snow) near the ground. Recent snowpack testing has shown sudden results down 100 cm within the facetted snow. Although possibly a low probability for triggering the persistent slab exists, the consequence would be high as it has the potential to produce very large destructive avalanches especially in shallower snowpack areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of new snow fell over Tuesday night, with the greatest accumulations occurring in the Monashees just east of Revelstoke. The snowfall was accompanied by strong southerly winds, which promoted wind slab formation in lee terrain at upper elevations. The new snow has buried faceted surface snow as well as isolated surface hoar recently reported at up to 4mm in sheltered areas. A thin sun crust may exist below the new snow on steep solar aspects.</span><span class="s_1681A555"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-February interface is now buried 40-80 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports suggest the snow is bonding to this interface. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer is still lingering in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 10-15cm of new snow fell over the region Tuesday night, accompanied (and affected) by strong overnight winds. The new snow has buried faceted surface snow, as well as surface hoar recently reported in sheltered areas in some parts of the region. A thin sun crust may also exist below the new snow on steep solar aspects. About 40cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. The reactivity of this layer is unknown, but it's worth keeping an eye on as it gets loaded by more snow. Some lingering surface hoar layers from January are down about a metre and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10-20cm adds to the 30 to 50 cm from the past few days with deepest amounts in eastern areas. Wind slabs have formed in exposed areas from shifting SW to NW winds and more snow and wind is forecast. Recent snow rests on a sun crust on steep sun-exposed slopes and large surface hoar shaded aspects. Below that are a variety crusts and thin surface hoar layers, depending on aspect and elevation, with the primary mid-pack feature being the mid-February surface hoar/sun crust down 75-100 cm. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 170 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with a deep persistent weakness of facets near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The winds picked up last night and created new windslabs on north to south aspects. These start to show up at treeline and continue up to alpine elevations. In the high alpine the winds were/are strong enough to strip the snow completely. Lots of wind transport indicates that immediate lee terrain and cross loaded gullies will be primed. Treeline and below has felt the cold. Facetting has weakened existing slabs and has started to break down the various crusts from a week ago. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10-25cm of fresh snow adds to the 15-20 cm of recent snow, sitting on a mix of sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects with bonds beginning to strengthen. However, southwesterly winds have likely deposited deep and touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain. The widespread 20 cm thick mid-February rain crust, is now down around 50-60 cm at higher elevations. Below the crust, the snowpack is well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Ongoing snowfall has delivered a wide-ranging 25-60 cm of new snow to the region, with the greatest accumulations occurring in the Monashees. Moderate to strong southerly winds have accompanied the new snow, promoting wind slab formation in lee terrain at upper elevations. The new snow has buried widespread faceted surface snow as well as more isolated surface hoar to 4mm. A thin sun crust may exist below the new snow on steep solar aspects. About 50-100cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer could develop into a persistent slab problem once the snow above it settles into a stiffer slab. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Ongoing snowfall has delivered roughly 10-20 cm of new snow to the region, burying widely reported faceted surface snow as well as surface hoar recently reported at about 3mm on shaded aspects in some areas. Moderate to strong southerly winds have accompanied the new snow, promoting the formation of touchy wind slabs in lee areas at upper elevations. About 30-60 cm below the surface you'll likely find </span><span class="s_1681A555">t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Several deeper weak layers remain a concern including the February 3rd surface hoar layer (40-80 cm deep) in the southern Purcells, and the mid-January surface hoar layer in the northern Purcells (about 100 cm deep). Basal facets may still be reactive in shallow rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A metre of low density storm snow has fallen in the past week burying a variety of old now surfaces including surface hoar, facets (sugary snow), stiff wind slabs, sun crust on solar aspects and a widespread rain crust below 1900 m. The recent storm snow is reportedly showing a poor bond to these older snow surfaces. Strong winds from the SW are likely transporting the new snow onto leeward slopes, building thicker and stiffer slabs and promoting large cornice growth. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas. These weak areas appear to be on north-northeast aspects in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 17 cm of low density storm snow arrived overnight bringing the recent snow totals up to 67 cm in the past week. The new snow will likely have a poor bond to previous old snow surfaces that consist of stiff wind slabs, crusts and facets. Strong southwesterly winds is redistributing the new snow onto leeward slopes, building thicker and stiffer slabs. The mid-pack in this region is generally well settled and strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets (sugary snow crystals). Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above the weak layer of sugary, rotten facets that developed mid- December. This remains a concern and should be on your radar especially when change is happening to the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-50 low density fresh snow is bonding poorly to previously wind-affected surfaces (e.g. scoured crust, hard sastrugi, or stubborn wind slabs) in exposed areas, or around 20 cm of faceted snow in sheltered areas.  Strong southerly winds have scoured wind-exposed slopes and deposited deep drifts on lee aspects. A crust from mid-February is below all this, down around 50-70cm. Recent snowpack tests have been giving moderate sudden results in facets above this crust. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Much of the region received 30-50cm of fresh snow since the weekend, which has been blown into deep drifts by southerly winds and is bonding poorly to facets and buried surface hoar, as well as crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. The widespread mid-February crust is below all this. In the northern part of the region, a facet/surface hoar weakness buried early February, is now down around a metre and remains reactive in snowpack tests. It is also suspected as the failure plane in at least one of two recent large persistent slab avalanches in the Hurley Pass area. In the Cascades (e.g. Coquihalla), the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong. Forecast new snow is likely to arrive with strong SW winds and warming temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow 40-100 cm has buried a variety of old snow surfaces including surface hoar, facets, crusts, stiff wind slab and a melt/ freeze crust below 1600 m. The deeper storm snow amounts exist in the Shames/ Terrace area with less accumulations further North and East. The new snow will likely have a poor bond to these older surfaces. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally settled and strong with the exception in shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent low density storm snow up to 25 cm has fallen with surprisingly little wind effect. The new snow has buried a variety of old snow surfaces including stiff wind slabs, facets, crusts and surface hoar. The new snow may have a poor bond to these interfaces. At treeline elevations the average snowpack depths are 120-190 cm and a well consolidated mid-pack of approximately up to 100 cm sits above weak basal facets (sugary snow) near the ground. Recent snowpack testing has shown sudden easy results down 25 cm on a surface hoar layer and sudden hard results down 100 cm within the facetted snow. The deeper basal weakness remain a concern, especially from thin rocky start zones and shallower snowpack locations. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Ongoing snowfall has delivered a wide-ranging 15-45 cm of new snow to the region, with the greatest accumulations occurring in the Monashees. The snowfall has been accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds, which has promoted wind slab formation in lee terrain at upper elevations. The new snow has buried faceted surface snow as well as isolated surface hoar recently reported at up to 4mm in sheltered areas. A thin sun crust may exist below the new snow on steep solar aspects.</span><span class="s_1681A555"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-February interface is now buried roughly 50-90 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports suggest the snow is bonding to this interface. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer is still lingering in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Ongoing snowfall has already brought 15-30cm of new snow to the mountains, and more is on the way. The new snow has been accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds, which has promoted the formation of touchy wind slabs in lee terrain at upper elevations. The new snow has buried faceted surface snow, as well as surface hoar recently reported in sheltered areas in some parts of the region. A thin sun crust may also exist below the new snow on steep solar aspects. About 50cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. The reactivity of this layer is still being monitored, and it's worth keeping an eye on as it gets loaded by more snow. Some lingering surface hoar layers from January are down about a metre and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller storm slab avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-60cm in the past few days brings the total to 50-100cm since the weekend, which is bonding poorly to a sun crust on previously sun-exposed slopes, or facets and large surface hoar shaded aspects. Wind slabs have formed in exposed areas from shifting SW to NW winds and more snow and wind is forecast. A variety crusts and thin surface hoar layers, in the upper snowpack are becoming more of a concern with this increased load. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 170 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with a deep persistent weakness of facets near the ground.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Continued moderate to strong SW winds are building the wind slabs in the alpine and open areas at tree line.  Lee features and cross loaded gullies are very loaded and touchy.  With the forecasted snow and continued winds, the likelihood of triggering an avalanche is increasing.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A snow profile was dug today at tree line at Burstall Pass showing us that the lower half of the snowpack is weak consisting mostly of depth hoar.  Test results indicated failure in the depth hoar 75cm off the ground.  This is a concern as there is a well settled snowpack above this weak layer and if triggered from a weak spot, there could be a very large avalanche.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Much of the region received around 50cm of of fresh snow over the past couple of days, which is bonding poorly to a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. Fluctuating temperatures have likely resulted in weaknesses within this recent storm snow and southwesterly winds have likely deposited deep and touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain. The mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather since Tuesday night has delivered a wide-ranging 40-85 cm of new snow to the region, with the greatest accumulations occurring in the Monashees. Moderate to strong southerly winds have accompanied the new snow, promoting wind slab formation in lee terrain at upper elevations. The new snow has buried widespread faceted surface snow as well as more isolated surface hoar to 4mm. A thin sun crust may exist below the new snow on steep solar aspects. About 65-120cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer could develop into a persistent slab problem once the snow above it settles into a stiffer slab. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather since Tuesday night has delivered a wide ranging 10-30 cm of new snow to the region, burying widely reported faceted surface snow as well as surface hoar recently reported at about 3mm on shaded aspects in some areas. Moderate to strong southerly winds have accompanied the new snow, promoting the formation of touchy wind slabs in lee areas at upper elevations. About 30-70 cm below the surface you'll likely find </span><span class="s_1681A555">t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Several deeper weak layers remain a concern including the February 3rd surface hoar layer (40-90 cm deep) in the southern Purcells, and the mid-January surface hoar layer in the northern Purcells (about 100 cm deep). Basal facets may still be reactive in shallow rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A metre of low density storm snow has fallen in the past week. This new snow continues to settle into a denser slab which sits over a variety of old now surfaces including surface hoar, facets (sugary snow), stiff wind slabs, sun crust on solar aspects and a widespread rain crust below 1900 m. The recent storm snow is reportedly showing a poor bond to these older snow surfaces. Strong winds from the SW are redistributing some of the new snow onto leeward slopes, building thicker, stiffer slabs and promoting large cornice growth. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas. These weak areas appear to be on north-northeast aspects in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 14 cm of low density storm snow arrived overnight bringing the recent snow totals up to 80 cm in the past week. The new snow will likely have a poor bond to previous old snow surfaces that consist of stiff wind slabs, crusts and facets. Strong southwesterly winds is redistributing the new snow onto leeward slopes, building thicker and stiffer slabs. The mid-pack in this region is generally well settled and strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets (sugary snow crystals). Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above the weak layer of sugary, rotten facets that developed mid- December. This remains a concern and should be on your radar, especially with continued forecast snow and strong winds potentially overloading the weakness.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20 to 60cm of low density fresh snow is bonding poorly to previously wind-affected surfaces (e.g. scoured crust, hard sastrugi, or stubborn wind slabs) in exposed areas, or around 20cm of faceted snow in sheltered areas. Strong south/southwesterly winds have scoured wind-exposed slopes and deposited deep drifts on lee aspects. A crust from mid-February is below all this, down around 50 to 70cm. Recent snowpack tests have been giving moderate sudden results in facets above this crust. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Much of the region received 30 to 70cm of fresh snow this week, which has been blown into deep drifts by southerly winds and is bonding poorly to facets and buried surface hoar, as well as crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. The widespread mid-February crust is below all this. In the northern part of the region, a facet/surface hoar weakness buried early February, is now down around a metre and remains reactive in snowpack tests. It is also suspected as the failure plane in at least one of two recent large persistent slab avalanches in the Hurley Pass area. In the Cascades (e.g. Coquihalla), the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storm snow up 100 cm has buried a variety of old snow surfaces including surface hoar, facets, crusts, stiff wind slab and a melt/ freeze crust below 1600 m. The deeper storm snow amounts exist in the Shames/ Terrace area with less accumulations further North and East. The new snow will likely have a poor bond to these older surfaces. Below this layer, the snowpack is generally settled and strong with the exception in shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent low density storm snow up to 25 cm has fallen with surprisingly little wind effect. The new snow has buried a variety of old snow surfaces including stiff wind slabs, facets, crusts and surface hoar. The new snow may have a poor bond to these interfaces, especially in places where the slab is stiffer and more cohesive due to winds. At treeline elevations the average snowpack depths are 120-190 cm and a well consolidated mid-pack of approximately up to 100 cm sits above weak basal facets (sugary snow) near the ground. Recent snowpack testing has shown sudden easy results down 25 cm on a surface hoar layer and sudden hard results down 100 cm within the facetted snow. The deeper basal weakness remain a concern, especially from thin rocky start zones and shallower snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Ongoing snowfall has delivered a wide-ranging 30-65 cm of new snow to the region, with the greatest accumulations occurring in the Monashees. The snowfall has been accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds, which has promoted wind slab formation in lee terrain at upper elevations. The new snow has buried faceted surface snow as well as isolated surface hoar recently reported at up to 4mm in sheltered areas. A thin sun crust may exist below the new snow on steep solar aspects.</span><span class="s_1681A555"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The mid-February interface is now buried roughly 65-110 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports suggest the snow is bonding to this interface. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer is still lingering in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Ongoing snowfall has brought 30-50 cm of new snow to the mountains since Tuesday night, and more is on the way. The new snow has been accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds, which has promoted the formation of touchy wind slabs in lee terrain at upper elevations. The new snow has buried faceted surface snow, as well as surface hoar recently reported in sheltered areas in some parts of the region. A thin sun crust may also exist below the new snow on steep solar aspects. About 60-80cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Reports from Thursday suggested this layer became reactive at lower elevations where the rain crust is more prominent. Some lingering surface hoar layers from January are down about a metre and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller storm slab avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30 to 80cm of snow has fallen in the last week, which is bonding poorly to a sun crust on previously sun-exposed slopes, or facets and large surface hoar on shaded aspects. Wind slabs have formed in exposed areas from winds out of the NW and now SW, with continued snow and wind forecast for Friday night and Saturday. A variety of crusts and thin surface hoar layers in the upper snowpack are becoming more of a concern with this increased load. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 170 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with a deep persistent weakness of facets near the ground. There are a number of great MIN reports from Thursday and Friday here: http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15cm new snow overnight at treeline elevations. This initially came with moderate, gusty winds which faded away during the day today. That has given very soft storm slabs in exposed, immediate lee areas. There was some cracking today in freshly wind loaded areas, however the slabs weren't stiff enough to get going. Looking ahead, the winds aren't done yet, so more slab development is expected. As for the the alpine, storm slabs will be found on all lee (N-E aspects) slopes. They will become more and more active as the storm goes on. Likewise, cornices have grown throughout the day. Below treeline is not too concerning at the moment, but the additional load will add up. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mountains of the South Coast received 30 to 70 cm of snow Thursday night adding to the 50 cm accumulated over the last few days. This storm slab is bonding poorly to a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. Widespread whumphing and shooting cracks were reported at and below treeline on Friday. Fluctuating temperatures have likely resulted in weaknesses within this recent storm snow and southwesterly winds have likely formed deep and touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain. The mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather since Tuesday night has delivered a wide-ranging 65-120 cm of new snow to the region, with the greatest accumulations initially occurring in the Monashees and more recently in the eastern Selkirks. Moderate to strong southerly winds have accompanied the new snow, promoting touchy wind slab formation in lee terrain at upper elevations. The new snow has buried widespread faceted surface snow as well as more isolated surface hoar to 4mm. A thin sun crust may exist below the new snow on steep solar aspects. About 90-135cm below the surface you'll find the mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has been producing inconsistent and broken results in snowpack tests but recent avalanche activity suggests it is still an active failure plane, especially over the crust at lower elevations. It may well develop into a persistent slab problem as the snow above it settles into a stiffer slab. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather since Tuesday night has delivered a wide ranging 25-70 cm of new snow to the region, with the bulk of the new snow arriving over Friday night and blanketing localized pockets with up to 40 cm of new snow. The new snow has buried widely reported faceted surface snow as well as surface hoar reported at about 3mm on shaded aspects before the storm. Moderate to strong southerly winds have accompanied the new snow, promoting the formation of touchy wind slabs in lee areas at upper elevations. Now a highly variable 40-100 cm below the surface you'll likely find </span><span class="s_1681A555">t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Several deeper weak layers remain a concern including the February 3rd surface hoar layer (50-130 cm deep), and the mid-January surface hoar layer in the northern Purcells (about 130 cm deep). Basal facets may still be reactive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 20 cm of snow fell on Friday, bringing the three day storm total to roughly 80 cm and the weekly total to almost 150 cm. Strong southwest winds have extensively redistributed the snow and formed large brittle cornices. The new snow is rapidly settling into a denser slab which sits over a variety of old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, stiff wind slabs, sun crusts, and a rain crust below 1900 m. Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas and appear to isolated to north-northeast aspects in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 15 cm of new snow on Friday brings the three day total to 20-30 cm and the total from the past week to 40-80 cm. Strong southwesterly winds have redistributed the new snow onto leeward slopes, building thicker and stiffer slabs. The new snow will likely have a poor bond to the old snow interface that consists of stiff wind slabs, crusts, and facets. The mid-pack in this region is generally strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets (sugary snow crystals). Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above this weak layer of sugary, rotten facets that developed in December. This remains a concern and should be on your radar, especially with the recent loading from snow and wind.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds out of the south/southwest have taken the 20 to 70cm of recent storm snow and formed it into a reactive slab. Recent observations suggest this slab ranges from 20 to 100cm in depth throughout the region, but it could easily be twice that deep on lee features at and above treeline. This slab is currently bonding poorly to the old surface which includes scoured crust, hard sastrugi, stubborn wind slabs and up to 20cm of facets in sheltered areas. Just below this interface is the mid-February crust which remains active. This crust is 50 to 80cm below the surface on average, it should be easy to find and test in your profiles. Recent snowpack tests continue to show sudden results in facets above this crust. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds out of the south/southwest have taken the 30 to 70cm of recent storm snow and formed it into a reactive slab. Recent observations suggest this slab ranges from 15 to 100cm in depth throughout the region, but it could easily be twice that deep on lee features at and above treeline. This slab is currently bonding poorly to the old surface which includes scoured crust, hard sastrugi, stubborn wind slabs and up to 20cm of facets in sheltered areas. Just below this interface is the mid-February crust which remains active. This crust is 50 to 80cm below the surface on average, it should be easy to find and test in your profiles. Recent snowpack tests continue to show sudden results in facets above this crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the northern part of the region, a facet/surface hoar weakness buried early February, is now down around a metre and remains reactive in snowpack tests. It is also suspected as the failure plane in at least one of two recent large persistent slab avalanches in the Hurley Pass area. In the Cascades (e.g. Coquihalla), the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">60-80 cm of recent storm snow has buried a variety of old snow surfaces including surface hoar, facets, crusts, stiff wind slabs and a melt-freeze crust below 1600 m. The storm snow has been very reactive on this interface including widespread whumpfing and cracking in flat terrain. Below this interface the snowpack is generally settled and strong with the exception in shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent low density storm snow up to 25 cm has fallen with some wind effect at higher elevations. The new snow buried a variety of old snow surfaces including stiff wind slabs, facets, crusts and surface hoar. The new snow may have a poor bond to these interfaces, especially in places where the slab is stiffer and more cohesive due to winds. At treeline elevations the average snowpack depths are 120-190 cm and a well consolidated mid-pack of approximately up to 100 cm sits above weak basal facets (sugary snow) near the ground. Recent snowpack testing has shown sudden easy results down 25 cm on a surface hoar layer and sudden hard results down 100 cm within the faceted snow. The deeper basal weakness remain a concern, especially in thin rocky start zones and shallow snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wide-ranging 45-100 cm of new snow has blanketed the region since Tuesday night, with the greatest accumulations initially in the Monashees and more recently in the eastern Selkirks. The snowfall has been accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds, which has promoted touchy wind slab formation in lee terrain at upper elevations. The new snow has buried faceted surface snow as well as isolated surface hoar recently reported at up to 4mm in sheltered areas, as well as thin sun crust on steep solar aspects.</span><span class="s_1681A555"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The depth of the mid-February interface is now highly variable at anywhere from 70-140 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show a the bond to this interface becoming more variable as recent loading has encouraged more sudden snowpack test results and occasional skier triggered releases, especially over crust at lower elevations. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Ongoing snowfall has brought 45-70 cm of new snow to the region since Tuesday night. The new snow has been accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds, which has promoted the formation of touchy storm slabs in lee terrain at upper elevations. The new snow has buried faceted surface snow, as well as surface hoar reported in sheltered areas in some parts of the region previous to the storm. A thin sun crust may also exist below the new snow on steep solar aspects. About 75-100 cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Reports from Thursday suggested this layer became reactive at lower elevations where the rain crust is more prominent. Some lingering surface hoar layers from January are down about a metre and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller storm slab avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A wide-ranging 35 to 100cm of snow has fallen in the last week. The snowfall was initially accompanied by strong northwest winds, though these have since shifted to the SW. These winds have promoted the formation of touchy storm and wind slabs in lee areas at higher elevations. The new snow has been bonding poorly to a sun crust on previously sun-exposed slopes, as well as faceted surface snow and large surface hoar on shaded aspects. A variety of crusts and thin surface hoar layers in the upper snowpack have been an increasing concern as new snow and wind have loaded the upper snowpack. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 170 cm) generally have a weak snowpack structure with a deep persistent weakness of facets near the ground. There are a number of great MIN reports from Thursday and Friday here: http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We have had up to 50cm of snow in the alpine in the last few days. Wind associated with this snowfall is creating storm slabs in the alpine and open areas (in places, these wind slabs may be buried). Cross loaded features and lee pockets can have significantly more snow creating even deeper storm slabs. Cornices are growing and have the potential to wake up deeper layers if they break off. Human triggered avalanches are very likely right now. Sheltered and non-exposed areas can provide good skiing.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds out of the south/southwest have taken the 30 to 100cm of recent storm snow and formed it into a reactive slab. Recent observations suggest this slab ranges from 20 to 100cm in depth throughout the region, but it could easily be twice that deep on lee features at and above treeline. Fluctuating temperatures have likely resulted in weaknesses within this recent storm snow too. This slab is currently bonding poorly to the old surface that includes a sun crust on southerly aspects, and surface hoar on shaded aspects. Below this interface is the mid-February crust which may remain active. This crust has been reported to have facets above it, and should be easy to find and test in your profiles.&nbsp; The mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Just under a week of stormy weather has delivered a wide-ranging 65-120 cm of new snow to the region. Moderate to strong southerly winds accompanied the new snow, promoting touchy storm slab formation at all elevations. The new snow has buried widespread faceted surface snow, thin sun crust on steep solar aspects, as well as more isolated surface hoar to 4mm. About 90-135cm below the surface you'll find the mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has seen a recent increase in more sudden snowpack test results and has been identified as a failure plane in a number of recent avalanches. Its reactivity has been especially prominent over the crust at lower elevations. Any continuing activity at this interface will likely see it emerge as a persistent weak layer. Below it, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Just under a week of stormy weather has delivered a wide ranging 25-70 cm of new snow to the region, with the bulk of the new snow arriving over Friday night and blanketing localized pockets with up to 40 cm. The new snow has buried widely reported faceted surface snow as well as surface hoar reported at about 3mm on shaded aspects before the storm. Moderate to strong southerly winds accompanied the new snow, promoting the formation of touchy storm slabs at all elevations. Multiple reactive shears have recently been reported within this recent storm snow. Now roughly 40-90 cm below the surface you'll likely find </span><span class="s_1681A555">t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has produced easy results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep solar aspects. Several deeper weak layers also remain a concern, including the February 3rd surface hoar layer (50-130 cm deep), and the mid-January surface hoar layer in the northern Purcells (about 130 cm deep). Basal facets may still be reactive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 20 cm of snow fell on Friday, bringing the three day storm total to roughly 80 cm and the weekly total to over 120 cm. Strong southwest winds have extensively redistributed the snow and formed large brittle cornices. </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The new snow came in &quot;upside down&quot; (heavier, denser snow over lighter snow) and is rapidly settling into a slab which sits over a variety of old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, stiff wind slabs, sun crusts, and a rain crust below 1900 m. </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas and appear to isolated to north-northeast aspects in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 5-15 cm of new snow fell on Saturday-Sunday, bringing the total from the past week to 40-80 cm. Strong southwesterly winds redistributed the new snow onto leeward slopes, building thicker and stiffer slabs. The new snow will likely have a poor bond to the old snow interface that consists of stiff wind slabs, crusts, and facets. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-pack in this region is generally strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets (sugary snow crystals). Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above this weak layer of sugary, rotten facets that developed in December. This remains a concern and should be on your radar, especially with the recent loading from snow and wind.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds out of the south/southwest have taken the 25 to 75cm of recent storm snow and formed it into a reactive slab. Recent observations suggest this slab ranges from 20 to 100cm in depth throughout the region, but it could easily be twice that deep on lee features at and above treeline. This slab is bonding poorly to the late February persistent weak layer which includes scoured crust, hard sastrugi and up to 20cm of facets in sheltered areas. Just below this interface is the mid-February crust which remains active. This crust is 50 to 80cm below the surface on average, it should be easy to find and test in your profiles. Recent snowpack tests continue to show sudden results in facets above this crust. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Strong winds out of the south/southwest have taken the 30 to 70cm of recent storm snow and formed it into a reactive persistent slab. Recent observations suggest this slab ranges from 15 to 100cm in depth throughout the region, but it could easily be twice that deep on lee features at and above treeline. This slab is bonding poorly to the late February persistent weak layer which includes an old crust, hard sastrugi, and up to 20cm of facets in sheltered areas. Just below this interface is the mid-February crust. This crust is 50 to 100cm below the surface on average and was very active in the Coquihalla over the weekend with avalanches running naturally on it to size 3.5. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the northern part of the region, a facet/surface hoar weakness buried in early February is more than a meter below the snow surface. There were not any observations of avalanches running on this interface over the weekend, but it was reactive in snowpack tests as recently as last week.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 5-10cm of low density snow falling Saturday overnight into Sunday has brought recent storm snow totals to 60-85 cm. All this snow has buried a variety of old snow surfaces including surface hoar, facets, crusts, stiff wind slabs and a melt-freeze crust below 1600 m. The storm snow has been very reactive on this interface resulting in widespread whumpfing and cracking in flat terrain, and sudden, propagation-likely test results. </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below this interface the snowpack is generally settled and strong with the exception in shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had up to 6cm of snow Saturday overnight into Sunday, bringing recent storm snow totals to 15-45 cm. In some areas wind effect at higher elevations resulted in wind slabs on east and north aspects. The new snow buried a variety of old snow surfaces including stiff wind slabs, facets, crusts and surface hoar. The new snow may have a poor bond to these interfaces, especially in places where the slab is stiffer and more cohesive due to winds. </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline, the average snowpack depths are 120-190 cm and a well consolidated mid-pack of approximately up to 100 cm sits above weak basal facets (sugary snow) near the ground. Recent snowpack testing has shown sudden easy results down 25 cm on a surface hoar layer and sudden hard results down 100 cm within the faceted snow. The deeper basal weakness remain a concern, especially in thin rocky start zones and shallow snowpack locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Just under a week of stormy weather has blanketed the region in wide-ranging 45-100 cm of new snow. The snowfall has been accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds, which promoted the formation of touchy storm slabs at all elevations. The new snow has buried faceted surface snow as well as isolated surface hoar recently reported at up to 4mm in sheltered areas, as well as thin sun crust on steep solar aspects.</span><span class="s_1681A555"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The depth of the mid-February interface is now highly variable at anywhere from 70-140 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show a the bond to this interface becoming more variable as recent loading has encouraged more sudden snowpack test results and occasional skier triggered releases, especially over crust at lower elevations. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Just under a week of stormy weather has blanketed the region in 45-70 cm of new snow. The snowfall was accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds, which promoted the formation of touchy storm slabs at upper elevations. The new snow has buried faceted surface snow, thin sun crust on steep solar aspects, as well as surface hoar reported in sheltered areas in some parts of the region previous to the storm. About 75-100 cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports have suggested greater reactivity on this layer at lower elevations where the rain crust is more prominent. Professionals in the region have also warned that a 'threshold load' has been reached above this interface, particularly where it presents as a crust. Some lingering surface hoar layers from January are now down a metre or slightly more and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller storm slab avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A wide-ranging 35 to 100 cm of snow has fallen in the past week. The new snow is rapidly settling into a denser slab which sits over a variety of old interfaces including sun crusts, surface hoar, and weak faceted snow. Winds shifted from the northwest to the southwest during the storm, forming thicker deposits in lee areas at higher elevations. The new snow also has the potential to wake up the mid-February crust layer buried about a metre deep on solar aspects and at lower elevations. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 170 cm) generally have a deep persistent weakness of facets near the ground. </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/mountain-information-network/submissions/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">There are a number of great MIN reports from Thursday and Friday here.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm has ended and dropped up to 60cm of snow in the alpine.  Wind was associated with this storm creating storm slabs at ridge lines and lee features.  Cornices have grown with this last storm and have the potential to wake up deeper layers if they break off.  Sheltered and non-exposed areas are providing good skiing.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Over the weekend strong winds out of the south/southwest formed fresh wind slabs with the 75 to 170cm of snow that has fallen in the last week. Recent observations suggest this slab ranges from 20 to 100cm in depth throughout the region, but it could easily be twice that deep on lee features at and above treeline. We usually see rapid settlement and bonding on the coast, but this slab is still bonding poorly to the the late February persistent weak layer that is composed of a sun crust on southerly aspects, and surface hoar on shaded aspects. Below this interface is the mid-February crust which was active in a natural avalanche cycle on March 3rd. This crust has been reported to have facets above it.&nbsp; It should be easy to find and test in your profiles, look for it around 75 to 125cm below the surface.. The mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Just under a week of stormy weather has delivered a wide-ranging 65-120 cm of new snow to the region. Moderate to strong southerly winds accompanied the new snow, promoting touchy storm slab formation at all elevations. The new snow has buried widespread faceted surface snow, thin sun crust on steep solar aspects, as well as more isolated surface hoar to 4mm. About 90-135cm below the surface you'll find the mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has seen a recent increase in more sudden snowpack test results and has been identified as a failure plane in a number of recent avalanches. Its reactivity has been especially prominent over the crust at lower elevations. Any continuing activity at this interface will likely see it emerge as a persistent weak layer. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Just under a week of stormy weather has delivered a wide ranging 25-70 cm of new snow to the region, with the bulk of the new snow arriving over Friday night and blanketing localized pockets with up to 40 cm. The new snow has buried widely reported faceted surface snow as well as surface hoar reported at about 3mm on shaded aspects before the storm. Moderate to strong southerly winds accompanied the new snow, promoting the formation of touchy storm slabs at all elevations. Multiple reactive shears have recently been reported within this recent storm snow. Now roughly 40-90 cm below the surface you'll likely find </span><span class="s_1681A555">t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he mid-February interface which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has produced easy results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep solar aspects. Several deeper weak layers also remain a concern, including the February 3rd surface hoar layer (50-130 cm deep), and the mid-January surface hoar layer in the northern Purcells (about 130 cm deep). Basal facets may still be reactive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10-20 cm of snow fell on Sunday into Monday, bringing the weekly total to over 115 cm. Strong southwest winds have extensively redistributed the snow and formed large brittle cornices.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The new snow came in &quot;upside down&quot; (heavier, denser snow over lighter snow) and is rapidly settling into a slab which sits over a variety of old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, stiff wind slabs, sun crusts, and a rain crust below 1900 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas and appear to isolated to north-northeast aspects in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had another 15-25 cm of snow since Saturday, bringing the total from the past week to 50-80 cm. Strong southwesterly winds redistributed the new snow onto leeward slopes, building thicker and stiffer slabs. The new snow will likely have a poor bond to the old snow interface that consists of stiff wind slabs, crusts, and facets.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-pack in this region is generally strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets (sugary snow crystals). Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above this weak layer of sugary, rotten facets that developed in December. This remains a concern and should be on your radar, especially with the recent loading from snow and wind.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-20 cm of new snow on Sunday brings the typical storm total to 50-80 cm since last Wednesday. Strong south and southwest wind during the storm redistributed much of this snow in wind-exposed terrain forming wind slabs up to 150 cm thick. The new snow overlies the mid-February and late-February interfaces which may sit quite close together in the snowpack. The late-February interface consists of wind crust and hard sastrugi in wind-exposed terrain, and up to 20cm of facets in sheltered areas. The mid-February interface consists of a thick rain crust which extends into the lower alpine, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and in many places, a layer of facets overlying the crust. Recent observations suggest a poor bond between the recent snow and these weak layers. Below these layers, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of new snow on Sunday brings the typical storm total to 40-70 cm since last Wednesday in the north of the region and to over 1 m in the south of the region. Strong south and southwest wind during the storm redistributed much of this snow in wind-exposed terrain forming thick wind slabs. The new snow overlies the mid-February and late-February interfaces which may be close together in the snowpack. The late-February interface consists of wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain, sun crust on steep solar aspects, and up to 20cm of facets in sheltered areas. The mid-February interface consists of a thick rain crust which extends to at least treeline, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and in many places, a layer of facets overlying the crust. Recent observations suggest the late-February layer is most reactive in the north of region and the mid-February layer is most reactive in the south of the region. Below these layers, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had 5-10cm of low density snow falling for each of the past few days, which has brought recent storm snow totals to 65-90 cm. All this snow has buried a variety of old snow surfaces including surface hoar, facets, crusts, stiff wind slabs and a melt-freeze crust below 1600 m. </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow has been very reactive on this interface, resulting in widespread whumpfing and cracking in flat terrain. Moreover, we've had reports of sudden, propagation-likely test results down 50-85 cm on weak facets or the late-February crust / surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below this interface the snowpack is generally settled and strong with the exception in shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had up to 6cm of snow since Saturday, bringing recent storm snow totals to 15-45 cm. In some areas wind effect at higher elevations resulted in wind slabs on east and north aspects. The new snow buried a variety of old snow surfaces including stiff wind slabs, facets, crusts and surface hoar. The new snow may have a poor bond to these interfaces, especially in places where the slab is stiffer and more cohesive due to winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline, the average snowpack depths are 120-190 cm and a well consolidated mid-pack of approximately up to 100 cm sits above weak basal facets (sugary snow) near the ground. Recent snowpack testing has shown sudden easy results down 25 cm on a surface hoar layer and sudden hard results down 100 cm within the faceted snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The deeper basal weakness remain a concern, especially in thin rocky start zones and shallow snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Just under a week of stormy weather has blanketed the region in wide-ranging 45-100 cm of new snow. The snowfall has been accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds, which promoted the formation of touchy storm slabs at all elevations. The new snow has buried faceted surface snow as well as isolated surface hoar recently reported at up to 4mm in sheltered areas, as well as thin sun crust on steep solar aspects.</span><span class="s_1681A555"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The depth of the mid-February interface is now highly variable at anywhere from 70-140 cm deep, and is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show a the bond to this interface becoming more variable as recent loading has encouraged more sudden snowpack test results and occasional skier triggered releases, especially over crust at lower elevations. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Just under a week of stormy weather has blanketed the region in 45-70 cm of new snow. The snowfall was accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds, which promoted the formation of touchy storm slabs at upper elevations. The new snow has buried faceted surface snow, thin sun crust on steep solar aspects, as well as surface hoar reported in sheltered areas in some parts of the region previous to the storm. About 75-100 cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February interface, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports have suggested greater reactivity on this layer at lower elevations where the rain crust is more prominent. Professionals in the region have also warned that a 'threshold load' has been reached above this interface, particularly where it presents as a crust. Some lingering surface hoar layers from January are now down a metre or slightly more and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller storm slab avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10 cm on Sunday brings the typical weekly storm total to 40-70 cm. This snow is rapidly settling into a denser slab which sits over a variety of old interfaces including sun crusts, surface hoar, and weak faceted snow. Winds shifted from the northwest to the southwest during the storm, forming thicker deposits in lee areas at higher elevations. The new snow also has the potential to wake up the mid-February crust layer which is buried about a metre deep and exists on solar aspects and at lower elevations. Areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 1.5 m) generally have a deep persistent weakness of facets near the ground. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent storm snow totals now average 50cm at Treeline. Storm slabs have formed in lee and cross-loaded features in the Alpine and at Treeline and seem prime for human-triggering in many areas. Cornices are large and several failures have occurred in recent days. Extensive wind transport at ridge-crest.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of new snow on Sunday brings the typical storm total 1 m or more since last Wednesday. Strong south and southwest wind during the storm redistributed much of this snow in wind-exposed terrain forming thick wind slabs. The new snow overlies the late-February interface that is composed of a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. The recent snow appears to be bonding poorly to this layer and with the cold conditions, the weakness is expected to persist longer than normal for the region. Below this interface is the thick mid-February crust/facet layer which woke up during the natural avalanche cycle on Friday. Below this crust, the mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wide-ranging 65-120 cm of fresh snow has fallen in the past week, which is bonding poorly to widespread faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as more isolated small buried surface hoar. Moderate to strong southerly winds have formed touchy slabs at all elevations with multiple weaknesses within and under this recent storm snow. A persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down about 90-135cm and composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has seen a recent increase in more sudden snowpack test results and has been identified as a failure plane in a number of recent avalanches. Its reactivity has been especially prominent over the crust at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wide ranging 40-100 cm of fresh snow has fallen in the past week, which is bonding poorly to weak faceted snow and small surface hoar. Moderate to strong southerly winds have formed touchy slabs at all elevations with multiple weaknesses within and under this recent storm snow. Below this is </span><span class="s_1681A555">t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he persistent weakness buried mid-February, which is now down 60-120 cm and composed of a thick rain crust up to about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has produced easy results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects. Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February (70-130 cm deep), and mid-January (over a metre deep primarily in the northern Purcells ). Basal facets may still be reactive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another day, another 10-20 cm of snow falling: The weekly total now stands at roughly 130 cm. At times, strong southwest winds have extensively redistributed the snow and formed large brittle cornices.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the weekend the new snow came in &quot;upside down&quot; (heavier, denser snow over lighter snow) and is rapidly settling into a slab which sits over a variety of old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, stiff wind slabs, sun crusts, and a rain crust below 1900 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas and appear to isolated to north-northeast aspects in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had daily snowfalls of 5-10cm since Saturday, bringing the total from the past week to 50-80 cm. At times, strong southwesterly winds redistributed the new snow onto leeward slopes, building thicker and stiffer slabs. The new snow will likely have a poor bond to the old snow interface that consists of stiff wind slabs, crusts, and facets.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-pack in this region is generally strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets (sugary snow crystals). Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above this weak layer of sugary, rotten facets that developed in December. This remains a concern and should be on your radar, especially with the recent loading from snow and wind.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 10-15 cm Monday overnight brings the typical storm accumulation in the past week to 60-100 cm. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong south and southwest wind during the storm redistributed much of this snow in wind-exposed terrain forming wind slabs up to 150 cm thick. This recent snow has settled into a slab that overlies the mid-February and late-February interfaces which may sit quite close together in the snowpack. The late-February interface consists of wind crust and hard sastrugi in wind-exposed terrain, and up to 20cm of facets in sheltered areas. The mid-February interface consists of a thick rain crust which extends into the lower alpine, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, surface hoar in sheltered areas, and in many places, a layer of facets overlying the crust. Recent observations suggest a poor bond between the recent snow and these weak layers. Below these layers, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 10-15 cm Monday overnight brings the typical storm accumulation in the past week to 50-70 cm in the north of the region and to over 1 m in the south of the region. Strong south and southwest wind during the storm redistributed much of this snow in wind-exposed terrain forming thick wind slabs. The new snow overlies the mid-February and late-February interfaces which may be close together in the snowpack. The late-February interface consists of wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain, sun crust on steep solar aspects, and facets and surface hoar in sheltered areas. The mid-February interface consists of a thick rain crust which extends to at least treeline, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and in many places, a layer of facets overlying the crust. Recent observations suggest the late-February layer is most reactive in the north of region and the mid-February layer is most reactive in the south of the region. Below these layers, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had 5-10cm of low density snow falling for each of the past few days, which has brought recent storm snow totals to 70-100 cm. All this snow has buried a variety of old snow surfaces including surface hoar, facets, crusts, stiff wind slabs and a melt-freeze crust below 1600 m.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm snow remains very reactive on this interface, resulting in widespread whumpfing and cracking in flat terrain. Moreover, we've had reports of sudden, propagation-likely test results down 50-85 cm on weak facets or the late-February crust / surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below this interface the snowpack is generally settled and strong with the exception in shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had up to 10cm of snow since Saturday, bringing recent storm snow totals to 15-45 cm. In some areas wind effect at higher elevations resulted in wind slabs on east and north aspects. The new snow buried a variety of old snow surfaces including stiff wind slabs, facets, crusts and surface hoar. The new snow may have a poor bond to these interfaces, especially in places where the slab is stiffer and more cohesive due to winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline, the average snowpack depths are 120-190 cm and a well consolidated mid-pack of approximately up to 100 cm sits above weak basal facets (sugary snow) near the ground. Recent snowpack testing has shown sudden easy results down 25 cm on a surface hoar layer and sudden hard results down 100 cm within the faceted snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The deeper basal weakness remain a concern, especially in thin rocky start zones and shallow snowpack locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wide-ranging 45-100 cm of fresh snow has fallen in the past week, which is bonding poorly to faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects. The snowfall has been accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds, which promoted the formation of touchy storm slabs at all elevations. The persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down 70-140 cm, and is composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show a the bond to this interface becoming more variable as recent loading has encouraged more sudden snowpack test results and occasional skier triggered releases, especially over crust at lower elevations. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">45-70 cm of new snow fell in the past week, which is bonding poorly to faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as surface hoar in sheltered areas in some parts of the region. The snowfall was accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds, which promoted the formation of touchy storm slabs at upper elevations. About 75-100 cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February persistent weakness, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports have suggested greater reactivity on this layer at lower elevations where the rain crust is more prominent. Professionals in the region have also warned that a 'threshold load' has been reached above this interface, particularly where it presents as a crust. Some lingering surface hoar layers from January are now down a metre or slightly more and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller storm slab avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10-15 cm on Monday brings the typical storm accumulation in the past week to 50-80 cm. This snow has settled into a slab that sits over the late-February interface which includes sun crust, surface hoar, and weak faceted snow. Strong southwest wind over the weekend redistributed some of this storm snow forming thicker deposits in leeward terrain at higher elevations. The thick mid-February crust layer is now down 80-120 cm and exists on solar aspects and at lower elevations. This layer appears to have gone dormant but is still a concern which could wake up in the future with heavy loading or a major warming event.&nbsp; In most deeper snowpack areas, the snowpack is well settled and stable below this crust layer.&nbsp; However, areas with a shallow snowpack (less than around 1.5 m) have a lingering basal weakness at the bottom of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable new snow amounts overnight with some areas getting up to 10cm. Variable wind effect in Alpine and open areas at Treeline. Cornices are large and several failures have occurred in recent days. The mid-pack remains supportive, but the basal weak layer persist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 30-70 cm of snow fell in the North Shore mountains on Tuesday bringing the typical storm accumulation in the past week to 100-200 cm. Recent winds have been from a variety of directions and wind slabs should be expected on all aspects. The recent snow overlies the late-February interface that is composed of a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. The recent snow appears to be bonding poorly to this layer and with the cold conditions, the weakness is expected to persist longer than normal for the region. Below this interface is the thick mid-February crust/facet layer which woke up during the natural avalanche cycle on Friday but now appears to be dormant. Below this crust, the mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60-100cm of settled storm snow from the past week is bonding poorly to faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as more isolated small buried surface hoar. Southerly winds have formed touchy slabs at all elevations with multiple weaknesses within and under this recent storm snow. A persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down about 90-135cm and composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has seen a recent increase in more sudden snowpack test results and has been identified as a failure plane in a number of recent avalanches. Its reactivity has been especially prominent over the crust at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wide ranging 50-100 cm of fresh snow has fallen in the past week, which is bonding poorly to weak faceted snow and small surface hoar. Southerly winds have formed touchy slabs at all elevations with multiple weaknesses within and under this recent storm snow. The persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down 60-120 cm and composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has produced easy results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects. Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February (80-140 cm deep), and mid-January (over a metre deep primarily in the northern Purcells ). Basal facets may still be reactive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another day, another 10-15 cm of snow falling: The weekly total now stands at roughly 130 cm. At times, strong southwest winds have extensively redistributed the snow and formed large brittle cornices.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the weekend the new snow came in &quot;upside down&quot; (heavier, denser snow over lighter snow) and is rapidly settling into a slab which sits over a variety of old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, stiff wind slabs, sun crusts, and a rain crust below 1900 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Isolated basal weaknesses may still exist in shallow snowpack areas and appear to isolated to north-northeast aspects in the alpine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had daily snowfalls of 5-15cm since Saturday, bringing the total from the past week to 50-80 cm. At times, strong southwesterly winds redistributed the new snow onto leeward slopes, building thicker and stiffer slabs. The new snow will likely have a poor bond to the old snow interface that consists of stiff wind slabs, crusts, and facets.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-pack in this region is generally strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets (sugary snow crystals). Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above this weak layer of sugary, rotten facets that developed in December. This remains a concern and should be on your radar, especially with the recent loading from snow and wind.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to strong southwest wind Tuesday night redistributed the most recent storm snow forming new wind slabs in leeward terrain at higher elevations. Another 10-15 cm on Tuesday brings the typical storm accumulation in the past week to 60-100 cm. This snow has settled into a slab that sits over the </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">mid-February weak layer which consists of facets and/or surface hoar overlying a thick crust. In wind loaded terrain, this layer may be down 150 cm or more. Recent observations suggest this layer is still reactive and capable of producing wide propagations if triggered. We have been in an incremental loading scenario over the past week and this layer has not yet been fully tested. Expect it to wake up during the storm on Friday. Below the crust layer, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 10-20 cm on Tuesday brings the typical storm accumulation in the past week to 50-70 cm in the north of the region and to over 1 m in the south of the region. Strong south and southwest wind during the storm redistributed much of this snow in wind-exposed terrain forming thick wind slabs. The new snow overlies the mid-February and late-February interfaces which may be close together in the snowpack. The late-February interface consists of wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain, sun crust on steep solar aspects, and facets and surface hoar in sheltered areas. The mid-February interface consists of a thick rain crust which extends to at least treeline, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and in many places, a layer of facets overlying the crust. Recent observations suggest the late-February layer is most reactive in the north of region and the mid-February layer is most reactive in the south of the region. Below these layers, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Tuesday night the region received between 5-40cm of new snow with the greatest accumulations occurring in the south of the region. Southwest winds are expected to have redistributed this new snow forming fresh wind slabs in exposed lee terrain.  70-120 cm below the surface you'll find a variety of old surfaces which were buried in late February. These surfaces include surface hoar, facets, crusts, stiff wind slabs and a melt-freeze crust below 1600 m. The overlying slab remains very reactive on this interface which was buried in late February, resulting in widespread whumpfing and cracking in flat terrain. Moreover, we've had reports of sudden, propagation-likely test results on weak facets or the late-February crust / surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below this interface the snowpack is generally settled and strong with the exception in shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally light accumulations of low density snow have occurred in recent days. In some areas wind effect at higher elevations has resulted in wind slabs on east and north aspects. About 25cm below the surface, you may find a variety of old snow surfaces including stiff wind slabs, facets, crusts and surface hoar. The new snow may have a poor bond to these interfaces, especially in places where the slab is stiffer and more cohesive due to winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> At treeline, the average snowpack depths are 120-190 cm and a well consolidated mid-pack of approximately up to 100 cm sits above weak basal facets (sugary snow) near the ground. Recent snowpack testing has shown sudden easy results down 25 cm on a surface hoar layer and sudden hard results down 100 cm within the faceted snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The deeper basal weakness remain a concern, especially in thin rocky start zones and shallow snowpack locations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-25 cm of fresh snow has added to the 40-80cm of settled storm snow from the past week, which is bonding poorly to faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects. The snowfall has been accompanied by southerly winds, which promoted the formation of touchy storm slabs at all elevations. The persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down 60-120 cm, and is composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show a the bond to this interface becoming more variable as recent loading has encouraged more sudden snowpack test results and occasional skier triggered releases, especially over crust at lower elevations. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">45-70 cm of new snow fell in the past week, which is bonding poorly to faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as surface hoar in sheltered areas in some parts of the region. The snowfall was accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds, which promoted the formation of touchy storm slabs at upper elevations. About 60-120 cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February persistent weakness, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports have suggested greater reactivity on this layer at lower elevations where the rain crust is more prominent. Professionals in the region have also warned that a 'threshold load' has been reached above this interface, particularly where it presents as a crust. Some lingering surface hoar layers from January are now down a metre or slightly more and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller storm slab avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10-15 cm on Tuesday night brings the typical storm accumulation in the past week to 50-80 cm. This snow has settled into a slab that sits over the late-February interface which includes sun crust, surface hoar, and weak faceted snow. Moderate to strong southwest wind Tuesday night redistributed the most recent storm snow forming new wind slabs in leeward terrain at higher elevations. The thick mid-February crust layer is now down 80-120 cm and exists on solar aspects and at lower elevations. This layer appears to have gone dormant but is still a concern which could wake up in the future with heavy loading or a major warming event. In most deeper snowpack areas, the snowpack is generally well settled and stable below this crust layer. However, some areas have a lingering basal weakness at the bottom of the snowpack. This is especially prevalent in shallow snowpack areas (less than ~150 cm).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Trace to 3cm of new snow in the past 24hrs. Variable wind effect in Alpine and open areas at Treeline. Cornices are large and several failures have occurred in recent days. The mid-pack remains supportive, but the basal weak layer persist.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 25-50 cm of snow fell in the North Shore mountains on Tuesday bringing the typical storm accumulation in the past week to 100-200 cm. Recent winds have been from a variety of directions and wind slabs should be expected on all aspects. This recent snow overlies the late-February interface that is composed of a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. An observation on Wednesday suggests this layer has gained a lot of strength since the weekend.&nbsp; However, conservative choices are still recommended until we are sure this layer has become unreactive.&nbsp; We could be in a low probability, high consequence scenario where very large avalanche are still possible in isolated areas. Below this interface, the mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60-100cm of settled storm snow from the past week is bonding poorly to faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as more isolated small buried surface hoar. Southerly winds have formed touchy slabs at all elevations with multiple weaknesses within and under this recent storm snow. A persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down about 90-135cm and composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has seen a recent increase in more sudden snowpack test results and has been identified as a failure plane in a number of recent avalanches. Its reactivity has been especially prominent over the crust at lower elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 50-100cm of settled storm snow is bonding poorly to weak faceted snow and small surface hoar on sheltered shady slopes, and/or a thin crust on southerly aspects. Southerly winds have formed touchy slabs at all elevations with multiple weaknesses within and under this recent storm snow. The persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down 60-120 cm and composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has produced easy results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects. Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February (80-140 cm deep), and mid-January (over a metre deep primarily in the northern Purcells ). Basal facets may still be reactive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">By Friday morning expect 10-15cm of new snow with lots more falling throughout the day. Strong southwest winds are expected to shift these accumulations into much deeper deposits in exposed lee terrain. The overall storm total for the last week or so now stands at roughly 80-130 cm. At times, strong southwest winds have extensively redistributed the snow forming large brittle cornices. In some areas the recent storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab which sits over a variety of old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, stiff wind slabs, sun crusts, and a rain crust below 1900 m. Little is known about the reactivity of this interface which was buried in the middle of February. Until we get a better feel for it, I'd assume it has potential for large and destructive avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Isolated basal facets still exist in shallow snowpack areas and can produce destructive full-depth avalanches. Likely triggers include intense storm loading, a cornice fall, or strong solar radiation.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Friday morning expect 6-12cm of new snow with lots more falling throughout the day. Strong southwest winds are expected to shift these accumulations into much deeper deposits in exposed lee terrain.</span><span class="s_1681A555"> </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the past week we've had daily snowfalls of 5-15cm bringing the storm total to 50-90 cm. In some areas, the resulting slab may have a poor bond to the old snow interface which consists of stiff wind slabs, crusts, and facets.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-pack in this region is generally strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets (sugary snow crystals). Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above this weak layer of sugary, rotten facets that developed in December. This remains a concern and should be on your radar, especially with the recent loading from snow and wind.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate to strong southwest wind over Tuesday and Wednesday have redistributed the most recent storm snow and formed new wind slabs in leeward terrain at higher elevations. Another 10-15 cm on Tuesday brought the typical storm accumulation in the past week to 60-100 cm. This snow has settled into a slab that sits over the </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">mid-February weak layer which consists of facets and/or surface hoar overlying a thick crust. In wind loaded terrain, this layer may be down 150 cm or more. Recent observations suggest this layer is still reactive and capable of producing wide propagations if triggered. We have been in an incremental loading scenario over the past week and this layer has not yet been fully tested. Expect it to wake up during the storm on Friday. Below the crust layer, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 10-25 cm of new snow from Wednesday brings the typical storm accumulation in the past week to 55-80 cm in the north of the region and to well over a metre in the south of the region. Strong south and southwest wind during the storm redistributed much of this snow in wind-exposed terrain, forming thick wind slabs. The new snow overlies the mid-February and late-February interfaces which may be close together in the snowpack. The late-February interface consists of wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain, sun crust on steep solar aspects, and facets and surface hoar in sheltered areas. The mid-February interface consists of a thick rain crust which extends to at least treeline, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and in many places, a layer of facets overlying the crust. Recent observations suggest the late-February layer is most reactive in the north of region and the mid-February layer is most reactive in the south of the region. Below these layers, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Tuesday night the region received between 5-40cm of new snow with the greatest accumulations occurring in the south of the region. Southwest winds and more recent easterly winds are expected to have redistributed this new snow forming fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects. 70-150 cm below the surface you'll find a variety of old surfaces which were buried in late February. These weak surfaces, which remain the primary concern in the region, include surface hoar, facets, stiff wind slabs and a melt-freeze crust below 1600 m. The overlying slab remains reactive on this interface, with ongoing reports of whumpfing in flat terrain. Moreover, we've had reports of sudden, propagation-likely test results on this layer. Below this interface the snowpack is generally settled and strong, with the exception being shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets remain an ongoing concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally light daily amounts of low density snow have fallen in recent days. Strong and variable winds have likely formed wind slabs on a variety of aspects in exposed terrain. These daily accumulations have incrementally loaded a weak interface which was buried in February. This buried layer includes stiff wind slabs, facets, crusts and surface hoar. The overlying slab may have a poor bond to these interfaces, especially in areas where the slab may be stiffer and more cohesive due to winds. At treeline, the average snowpack depths are 120-190 cm and a well consolidated mid-pack of approximately up to 100 cm sits above weak basal facets (sugary snow) near the ground. The deeper basal weakness remain a concern, especially in thin rocky start zones and shallow snowpack locations.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 50-100cm of settled storm snow from the past week is bonding poorly to faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects. Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow. The persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down 60-120 cm, and is composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show a the bond to this interface becoming more variable as recent loading has encouraged more sudden snowpack test results and occasional skier triggered releases, especially over crust at lower elevations. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-80cm of settled storm snow from the past week is bonding poorly to faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as surface hoar in sheltered areas in some parts of the region. Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow. Previous southerly and more recent northerly winds have loaded lee aspects with particularly deep and touchy wind slabs. About 60-120 cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February persistent weakness, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports have suggested greater reactivity on this layer at lower elevations where the rain crust is more prominent. Professionals in the region have also warned that a 'threshold load' has been reached above this interface, particularly where it presents as a crust. Some lingering surface hoar layers from January are now down a metre or slightly more and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller storm slab avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 15-20 cm over Tuesday and Wednesday has brought the typical storm accumulation in the past week to 55-85 cm. This snow has settled into a slab that sits over the late-February interface which includes sun crust, surface hoar, and weak faceted snow. Moderate to strong southwest wind over Tuesday night redistributed the most recent storm snow, forming new wind slabs in leeward terrain at higher elevations. The thick mid-February crust layer is now down 80-120 cm and exists on solar aspects and at lower elevations. This layer appears to have gone dormant but is still a concern which could wake up in the future with heavy loading or a major warming event. In most deeper snowpack areas, the snowpack is generally well settled and stable below this crust layer. However, some areas have a lingering basal weakness at the bottom of the snowpack. This is especially prevalent in shallow snowpack areas (less than ~150 cm).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind effected snow in the alpine.  Cornices are large and if they fail, they can wake up the deeper layers.  The weakest part of the snowpack is still the basal facets and depth hoar.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 15-30 cm of snow fell in the North Shore mountains on Wednesday, bringing the typical storm accumulation in the past week to 115-230 cm. Recent winds have been from a variety of directions and wind slabs should be expected on all aspects; some may exist below less wind affected new snow accumulations. This recent snow overlies the late-February interface that is composed of a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. An observation on Wednesday suggests this layer has gained a lot of strength since the weekend. However, conservative choices are still recommended until we are sure this layer has become unreactive. We could be in a low probability, high consequence scenario where very large avalanche are still possible in isolated areas. Substantial snowfall and warming in the forecast are two factors that may promote increasing reactivity at this interface over the weekend. the Below this interface, the mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 20-25cm of fresh snow has added to the 60-100cm of settled storm snow from the past week, which is bonding poorly to faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as more isolated small buried surface hoar. Southerly winds have formed touchy slabs with multiple weaknesses within and under this recent storm snow at all elevations . A persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down about 90-135cm and composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This and deeper persistent weaknesses has seen a recent increase in more sudden snowpack test results and has been identified as a failure plane in a number of recent avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 15-20cm of fresh snow has added to the 40-80cm of settled recent storm snow is bonding poorly to weak faceted snow and small surface hoar on sheltered shady slopes, and/or a thin crust on southerly aspects. Southerly winds have formed touchy slabs at all elevations with multiple weaknesses within and under this recent storm snow. The persistent weakness buried mid-February is lurking down 70-120 cm and composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has produced easy results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects. Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February (around a metre deep), and mid-January (well over a metre deep primarily in the northern Purcells). The november crust and basal facets are still sensitive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Friday's storm delivered about 25 cm of heavy snow that settled into a touchy slab thanks to mild temperatures and moderate winds. The overall storm total since the start of the month now stands at roughly 70-120 cm. At times, strong southwest winds have extensively redistributed the snow forming large brittle cornices. An interface consisting of surface hoar, facets, stiff wind slabs, sun crusts, and a rain crust below 1900 m was buried in the middle of February. Little is known about the reactivity of this interface, but it may have the potential for large and destructive avalanches. Isolated basal facets still exist in shallow snowpack areas and can produce destructive full-depth avalanches. Likely triggers include intense storm loading, a cornice fall, or strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Friday's storm delivered about 15-30 cm of heavy snow that settled into a touchy slab thanks to mild temperatures and moderate winds. Strong southwest winds are expected to shift these accumulations into much deeper deposits in exposed lee terrain.</span><span class="s_1681A555"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The overall storm total since the start of the month now stands at roughly 50-90 cm. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">In some areas, the resulting slab may have a poor bond to the old snow interface which consists of stiff wind slabs, crusts, and facets. The mid-pack in this region is generally strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets (sugary snow crystals). Approximately 100-120 cm of settled snow sits above this weak layer of sugary, rotten facets that developed in December. This remains a concern and should be on your radar, especially with the recent loading and upcoming warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 20-30 cm of new snow fell over Thursday night, bringing typical storm accumulation from the past week to 80-130 cm. Moderate to strong southwest wind over Tuesday and Wednesday ramped up to extreme over Thursday night. These winds have increasingly redistributed our recent storm snow and formed touchy new storm slabs in lee terrain at higher elevations. The recent storm snow has settled into a slab that sits over the </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">mid-February weak layer which consists of facets and/or surface hoar overlying a thick crust. In wind loaded terrain, this layer may be down 180 cm or more. Recent observations suggest this layer is still reactive and capable of producing wide propagations if triggered. We have been in an incremental loading scenario over the past week and this layer will continue to be tested as new snow continues to accumulate. Below the crust layer, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 15-25 cm of new snow over Thursday night has brought typical storm accumulations from the past week to 70-105 cm in the north of the region and to well over a metre in the south of the region. Recent and ongoing south to southwest winds have redistributed much of this snow in wind-exposed terrain, forming touchy wind and storm slabs. The above mentioned storm snow overlies the mid-February and late-February interfaces, which may be close together in the snowpack. The late-February interface consists of wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain, sun crust on steep solar aspects, and facets and surface hoar in sheltered areas. The mid-February interface consists of a thick rain crust which extends to at least treeline, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and in many places, a layer of facets overlying the crust. Recent observations suggest the late-February layer is most reactive in the north of region while the mid-February layer is most reactive in the south of the region. Below these layers, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New storm slabs will build over the weekend, with strong winds forming extra thick slabs in exposed terrain. The new snow will fall on wind affected surfaces and cold low density snow from last week's storm. An interface buried about 50-80 cm deep remains the primary concern in the region, which includes surface hoar, facets, stiff wind slabs, and a melt-freeze crust below 1600 m. The overlying slab remains reactive on this interface, with ongoing reports of whumpfing in flat terrain. Moreover, we've had reports of sudden, propagation-likely test results on this layer. The lower snowpack is strong, with the exception being shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw where basal facets are an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Generally light daily amounts of low density snow have fallen in recent days. Strong and variable winds have likely formed wind slabs in exposed terrain. These daily accumulations have incrementally loaded a weak interface which was buried in February. This buried layer includes stiff wind slabs, facets, crusts and surface hoar. The overlying slab may have a poor bond to these interfaces, especially in areas where the slab may be stiffer and more cohesive due to winds. At treeline, the average snowpack depths are 120-190 cm and a well consolidated mid-pack of approximately up to 100 cm sits above weak basal facets (sugary snow) near the ground. The deeper basal weakness remain a concern, especially in thin rocky start zones and shallow snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 15-25cm of fresh snow has added to the 50-100cm of settled storm snow from the past week, which is bonding poorly to faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects. Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow. The persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down 60-120 cm, and is composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show a the bond to this interface becoming more variable as recent loading has encouraged more sudden snowpack test results and occasional skier triggered releases, especially over crust at lower elevations. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-15cm of fresh snow adds to the 40-80cm of settled storm snow from the past week that is bonding poorly to faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as surface hoar in sheltered areas in some parts of the region. Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow. Previous southerly and more recent northerly winds have loaded lee aspects with particularly deep and touchy wind slabs. About 60-120 cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February persistent weakness, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Professionals in the region have also warned that a 'threshold load' has been reached above this interface, particularly where it presents as a crust. Some lingering surface hoar weaknesses from January are now down over a metre and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller storm slab avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 10-15 cm over Tuesday and Wednesday has brought typical storm accumulations from the past week to 65-100 cm. This snow has settled into a slab that sits over the late-February interface which includes sun crust, surface hoar, and weak faceted snow. Recent and ongoing moderate to strong southwest winds have redistributed much of the recent storm snow into touchy storm and wind slabs in leeward terrain, particularly at higher elevations. The thick mid-February crust layer is now down 90-135 cm and exists on solar aspects and at lower elevations. This layer appears to have gone dormant but is still a concern which could wake up in the future with heavy loading or a major warming event. In most deeper snowpack areas, the snowpack is generally well settled and stable below this crust layer. However, some areas have a lingering basal weakness at the bottom of the snowpack. This is especially prevalent in shallow snowpack areas (less than ~200 cm).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15cm low density new snow over the past 24hrs.  Evidence of moderate winds at upper elevations but TL and lower no wind affect noted. Wind slabs in Alpine terrain are beginning to settle but the weak basal layers and recent large avalanches are causing us to be reluctant to step into bigger alpine terrain.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 15-20 cm of new snow fell in the North Shore mountains over Thursday night, bringing the typical storm accumulation in the past week to 130-200 cm. Our most recent winds have been from the south, but previous winds were more variable and formed wind slabs on all aspects below our most recent new snow accumulations. Mid storm layers in the upper snowpack have recently produced moderate, resistant results in snowpack tests. Below the recent storm snow, you'll find the late-February interface. This layer is composed of a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent snowpack tests of this layer have produced variable results with occasional sudden fracture character. With this in mind, conservative choices are still recommended until there is higher confidence in this layer becoming unreactive. We could still be in a low probability, high consequence scenario where very large avalanches remain possible in isolated areas. Substantial snowfall and warming in the forecast are two factors that may promote increasing reactivity at this interface over the weekend. the Below this interface, the mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Around 25-40cm of fresh snow has fallen over the past two days (with moderate southerly winds) and has added to the 60-100cm of settled storm snow from the past week. Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">All this new snow is bonding slowly to faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down 90-135 cm, and is composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">This and deeper persistent weaknesses have seen a recent increase in more sudden snowpack test results and has been identified as a failure plane in a number of recent avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 20-30cm of fresh snow in the past two days has added to the 40-80cm of settled recent storm snow. Southerly winds have formed touchy slabs at upper elevations with multiple weaknesses within and under this recent storm snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this snow is bonding poorly to weak faceted snow and small surface hoar on sheltered shady slopes, and/or a thin crust on southerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried mid-February is lurking down 70-120 cm and composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has produced easy results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February (around a metre deep), and mid-January (well over a metre deep primarily in the northern Purcells). The november crust and basal facets are still sensitive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures from an alpine inversion have rapidly settled the most recent 40 cm of storm snow. Southwest winds over the past few weeks formed large cornices on alpine ridges. March has delivered regular storms with roughly 80-120 cm of snow sitting above crust and facet interfaces from February. Little is known about the reactivity of these interfaces, although no recent avalanches have been reported on these layers. Isolated basal facets still exist in shallow snowpack areas and can produce destructive full-depth avalanches. Possible triggers for these deeper weak layers include cornice falls, rapid warming, or strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures from an alpine inversion have rapidly settled the most recent 20-30 cm of storm snow. March has delivered regular storms with roughly 50-90 cm of snow sitting above crust and facet interfaces from February. In some areas the snow above these interfaces may have a poor bond. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-pack in this region is generally strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak sugary facets roughly 1-1.5 metres deep. This remains a concern and should be on your radar, especially with the recent loading and upcoming warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Stormy weather over the past week has brought 80-130 cm of recent snow to the region. Moderate to extreme southwest to southeast winds have redistributed much of this storm snow over the same time period and formed touchy new storm slabs in lee terrain at higher elevations. The combination of wind and warming temperatures has seen the storm snow settle into a slab that sits over the </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">mid-February weak layer. This layer consists of facets and/or surface hoar overlying a thick crust. In wind loaded terrain, this layer may be down 180 cm or more. Recent observations suggest this layer is still reactive and capable of producing wide propagations if triggered. We have been in an incremental loading scenario over the past week where as this layer gradually heals, it is continually tested as new snow and wind load the snowpack. Below the crust layer, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A week of stormy weather has brought 70-105 cm of recent snow to the north of the region and well over a metre to the south. Recent south to southwest winds have redistributed much of this snow in wind-exposed terrain, forming touchy wind and storm slabs. The above mentioned storm snow overlies the mid-February and late-February interfaces, which may be close together in the snowpack. The late-February interface consists of wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain, sun crust on steep solar aspects, and facets and surface hoar in sheltered areas. The mid-February interface consists of a thick rain crust which extends to at least treeline, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and in many places, a layer of facets overlying the crust. Recent snowpack observations and avalanche activity suggest the late-February layer is most reactive in the north of region while the mid-February layer may remain reactive in the south of the region. Below these layers, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect 20-30 cm of fresh snow on Sunday and thicker, stiffer, and more reactive deposits in lee terrain. The new snow will bury older lingering wind slabs formed by recent outflow winds. The load of the new snow will stress a weak </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">interface buried about 50-80 cm deep composed of </span><span class="s_3FE45715">facets, crust, and surface hoar. This layer has produced avalanches and alarming snowpack test results on a daily basis for the past week. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is strong, with the exception of basal facets in shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Expect 10-15 cm of fresh snow on Sunday. Moderate southwest winds will form thicker, stiffer, and more reactive deposits in lee terrain. The new snow will also bury older lingering wind slabs on a variety of aspects. Light amounts of daily snowfall have incrementally loaded a weak interface that was buried in February. This buried layer includes facets, crusts and surface hoar about 30-50 cm deep. The overlying slab may have a poor bond to these interfaces, especially in areas where the slab may be stiffer and more cohesive due to winds. A well consolidated mid-pack sits above weak basal facets (sugary snow) near the ground. The deeper basal weakness remain a concern in thin rocky start zones and shallow snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 25-40cm of fresh snow has fallen over the past two days (with light to moderate southerly winds) and has added to the 50-100cm of settled storm snow from the past week. Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this new snow is bonding slowly to faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down 80-120 cm, and is composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show the bond to this interface becoming more variable. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-15cm of fresh snow (with some moderate southerly winds) each of the past two days adds to the 40-80cm of settled storm snow from the past week. Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow; moreover, all this recent snow is bonding poorly to faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as surface hoar in sheltered areas in some parts of the region.  </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 60-120 cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February persistent weakness, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Professionals in the region have also warned that a 'threshold load' has been reached above this interface, particularly where it presents as a crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some lingering surface hoar weaknesses from January are now down over a metre and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller storm slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A week of stormy weather has brought 65-100 cm of recent snow to the region. Recent moderate to strong southwest winds have redistributed much of the recent storm snow into touchy storm and wind slabs in leeward terrain, particularly at higher elevations. Aside from wind effect, time and warming temperatures have allowed the storm snow to settle into a slab that sits over the late-February interface. This layer is composed of sun crust, surface hoar, and weak faceted snow. The thick mid-February crust layer is now down 90-135 cm and exists on solar aspects and at lower elevations. This layer appears to have gone dormant but is still being tracked for its potential to be woken up by the warming event forecast for early next week. In most deeper snowpack areas, the snowpack is generally well settled and stable below this crust layer. However, some areas have a lingering basal weakness at the bottom of the snowpack. This is especially prevalent in shallow snowpack areas (less than ~200 cm).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate to strong SW winds have contributed to new, alpine windslabs on N-S aspects. Fortunately these are easy to spot and predict in terms of location. In terms of &quot;triggerability&quot;, it felt as though these could be easily triggered in steep, convex terrain. Treeline also had these slabs, however they were limited to wind exposed areas. For the deeper layers, the situation is still the same as it has been. To make a long story short, the deeper layers are widespread and very difficult, if not impossible to trust. Below treeline the warm temps made for moist, sticky snow that will form a thin crust overnight.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A week of stormy weather has brought 130-200 cm of recent snow to the south coast mountains. Rising freezing levels have seen the most recent precipitation fall as rain below about 1000 metres. Recent southerly winds have redistributed the new snow into touchy storm slabs at higher elevations and mid storm layers in the upper snowpack have recently produced moderate, resistant results in snowpack tests. Below the recent storm snow, you'll find the late-February interface. This layer is composed of a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent snowpack tests of this layer have produced variable results with occasional sudden fracture character. With this in mind, conservative choices are still recommended until there is higher confidence in this layer becoming unreactive. There is a possibility of a low probability, high consequence scenario where very large avalanches remain possible in isolated areas. Substantial snowfall and warming in the forecast are two factors that may promote increasing reactivity at this interface over the weekend. the Below this interface, the mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Around 40-60cm of fresh snow has fallen over the past three days (with light to moderate southerly winds) and has added to the 50-100cm of settled storm snow from the past week. Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">All this new snow is bonding slowly to faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down 80-140 cm, and is composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show the bond to this interface becoming more variable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 20-40cm of fresh snow in the past three days has added to the 40-80cm of settled recent storm snow. Southerly winds have formed touchy slabs at upper elevations with multiple weaknesses within and under this recent storm snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this snow is bonding poorly to weak faceted snow and small surface hoar on sheltered shady slopes, and/or a thin crust on southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried mid-February is lurking down 70-120 cm and composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has produced easy results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February (around a metre deep), and mid-January (well over a metre deep primarily in the northern Purcells). The november crust and basal facets are still sensitive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures have rapidly settled the most recent 40 cm of storm snow, with moist snow below 1600 m. Southwest winds over the past few weeks formed large cornices on alpine ridges. March has delivered regular storms with roughly 80-120 cm of snow sitting above crust and facet interfaces from February. Little is known about the reactivity of these interfaces, although no recent avalanches have been reported on these layers. Isolated basal facets still exist in shallow snowpack areas and can produce destructive full-depth avalanches. Possible triggers for these deeper weak layers include cornice falls, rapid warming, or strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures have rapidly settled the 20-30 cm of recent storm snow. Wind slabs continue to develop in exposed treeline and alpine terrain. March has delivered regular storms with roughly 50-90 cm of snow sitting above crust and facet interfaces from February. In some areas the snow above these interfaces may have a poor bond. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-pack in this region is generally strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak sugary facets roughly 1-1.5 metres deep. This remains a concern and should be on your radar, especially with the recent loading and ongoing warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another 20-30 cm of new snow can be expected to accumulate into touchy storm slabs on the surface by Monday afternoon. This new snow will overlie wind affected surfaces as well as recently formed storm slabs and wind slabs that may remain reactive to human triggering. Below the wind affected surface, stormy weather over the past week brought 80-150 cm of recent snow that sits over the </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">mid-February weak layer. This layer consists of facets and/or surface hoar overlying a thick crust. In wind loaded terrain, this layer may be down 200 cm or more. Recent observations suggest that it is still reactive and capable of producing wide propagations if triggered. We remain in an ongoing incremental loading scenario where even as this layer gradually heals, it is continually tested as new snow and wind load the snowpack. Below the crust layer, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A week of stormy weather has brought 80-120 cm of recent snow to the north of the region and roughly 150 cm to the south. Recent south to southwest winds have redistributed much of this snow in wind-exposed terrain, forming touchy wind and storm slabs. The above mentioned storm snow overlies the mid-February and late-February interfaces, which may be close together in the snowpack. The late-February interface consists of wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain, sun crust on steep solar aspects, and facets and surface hoar in sheltered areas. The mid-February interface consists of a thick rain crust which extends to at least treeline, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and in many places, a layer of facets overlying the crust. Recent snowpack observations and avalanche activity suggest the late-February layer is most reactive in the north of region while the mid-February layer may be becoming unreactive in the south of the region. Below these layers, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Monday morning storm snow totals may reach 40-80 cm with deeper deposits in lee terrain. Rising temperatures will make the storms slabs very reactive. The new snow will also stress a weak </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">interface from February composed of </span><span class="s_3FE45715">facets, crust, and surface hoar </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">buried over a metre deep</span><span class="s_3FE45715">. This layer has produced avalanches and alarming snowpack test results on a regular basis for the past week. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is strong, with the exception of basal facets in shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm snow totals may reach 20-40 cm by Monday morning with deeper deposits in lee terrain. Rising temperatures will make reactive storms slabs. A weak interface that was buried in late February may finally have enough snow above it to form a reactive slab. The interface is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar that may be 40-80 cm deep. There's some uncertainty about the distribution and reactivity of this interface. A well consolidated mid-pack sits above weak basal facets (sugary snow) near the ground. The deeper basal weakness remain a concern in thin rocky start zones and shallow snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 40-60cm of fresh snow has fallen over the past three days (with light to moderate southerly winds) and has added to the 50-100cm of settled storm snow from the past week. Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this new snow is bonding slowly to faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down 80-140 cm, and is composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show the bond to this interface becoming more variable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had 5-15cm of fresh snow (with moderate southerly winds) each of the past three days, which adds to the 40-80cm of settled storm snow from the past week. Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent moderate to strong southerly winds have created touchy wind slabs at treeline and above. All this recent snow is bonding poorly to faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as surface hoar in sheltered areas in some parts of the region. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 80-120 cm below the surface you'll likely find the mid-February persistent weakness, which is composed of a thick rain crust up to about 1700 m, sun crusts on steep solar aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Professionals in the region have also warned that a 'threshold load' has been reached above this interface, particularly where it presents as a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Some lingering surface hoar weaknesses from January are now down over a metre and the weak mid-December facets are down about 1.5 metres. These deep persistent weaknesses still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller storm slab avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A week of stormy weather has brought 70-120 cm of recent snow to the region. Recent moderate to strong southwest winds have redistributed much of the recent storm snow into touchy storm and wind slabs in leeward terrain, particularly at higher elevations. Aside from wind effect, time and warming temperatures have allowed the storm snow to settle into a slab that sits over the late-February interface. This layer is composed of sun crust, surface hoar, and weak faceted snow. The thick mid-February crust layer is now down 90-135 cm and exists on solar aspects and at lower elevations. This layer appears to have gone dormant but is still being tracked for its potential to be woken up by the warming event forecast for early next week. In most deeper snowpack areas, the snowpack is generally well settled and stable below this crust layer. However, some areas have a lingering basal weakness at the bottom of the snowpack. This is especially prevalent in shallow snowpack areas (less than ~200 cm).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Windslabs are being encountered in Alpine areas and in isolated areas such as steep crossloaded gullies at treeline.  The biggest concern is the weak basal layers that exist throuhgout the region.  These layers just simply cannot be trusted and all larger features should just be avoided until we go through a few solid melt freeze cycles.  Thin melt freeze crusts are being found on Solar aspects up to 2400m.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of new snow can be expected to accumulate into touchy storm slabs on the surface at higher elevations by Monday afternoon. Below the surface, last week's stormy weather brought 130-200 cm of recent snow to the South Coast mountains. Below all the recent storm snow, you'll find the late-February interface. This layer is composed of a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. Our supportive surface crust is likely to prevent triggering this layer at treeline and below, but this interface may remain reactive at alpine elevations. Although triggering this layer may be unlikely, doing so would produce a very large and destructive avalanche. Substantial snowfall and warming in the forecast are two factors that may promote reactivity at this interface on Monday. Below this interface, the mid and lower snowpack appear to be well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 40-60cm of fresh snow has fallen over the past four days (with light to moderate southerly winds). Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warming temperatures on Sunday into Monday has resulted in moist (read: heavy) surface snow up to 1800m in most areas, and unstable snow below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this new snow is bonding slowly to faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down 80-140 cm, and is composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show the bond to this interface becoming more variable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 20-50cm of fresh snow in the past four days has added to the 40-80cm of settled recent storm snow. Southerly winds have formed touchy slabs at upper elevations with multiple weaknesses within and under this recent storm snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warming temperatures on Sunday into Monday has resulted in moist (read: heavy) surface snow up to 1800m in most areas, and some unstable snow below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this snow is bonding poorly to weak faceted snow and small surface hoar on sheltered shady slopes, and/or a thin crust on southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried mid-February is lurking down 70-120 cm and composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has produced easy results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February (around a metre deep), and mid-January (well over a metre deep primarily in the northern Purcells). The november crust and basal facets are still sensitive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A warm wet storm will form fresh slabs at higher elevations while rain with fall below treeline. Strong winds will load lee features and continue to grow large cornices on alpine ridges. March has delivered regular storms with roughly 80-120 cm of snow sitting above crust and facet interfaces from February. Little is known about the distribution and reactivity of these interfaces. Isolated basal facets still exist in shallow snowpack areas and can produce destructive full-depth avalanches. Possible triggers for these deeper weak layers include cornice falls, rapid warming, or strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warm, wet, and windy storm will form fresh wind slabs at higher elevations while rain with fall below treeline. March has delivered regular storms with roughly 50-90 cm of snow sitting above crust and facet interfaces from February. In some areas the snow above these interfaces may have a poor bond. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-pack in this region is generally strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak sugary facets roughly 1-1.5 metres deep. This remains a concern and should be on your radar, especially with the recent loading and ongoing warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Roughly 10 cm of new, wind affected snow lies over temperature affected surfaces below about 1700 metres over and wind affected surfaces at treeline and above. Below the surface, a wide-ranging 30-150 cm of layered recent storm snow has settled into a slab over the mid-February interface. In heavily wind affected areas this interface may present at the snow surface or as deep as 200 cm. With 5-20 cm of faceted, sugary snow above it, this mid-February layer continues to produce easy, sudden results in snowpack tests and remains a primary stability concern. We remain in an ongoing incremental loading scenario where even as this layer slowly heals, it is continually tested as new snow and wind load the snowpack. Below the crust layer, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A week of stormy weather has brought 80-120 cm of recent snow to the north of the region and roughly 150 cm to the south. Recent south to southwest winds have redistributed much of this snow in wind-exposed terrain, forming storm slabs and wind slabs on the surface. More recent accumulations have proven especially reactive over a sun crust found down roughly 30 cm on solar aspects in the north of the region. The above mentioned storm snow overlies the mid-February and late-February interfaces, which lie relatively close together in the snowpack. The late-February interface consists of wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain, sun crust on steep solar aspects, and facets and surface hoar in sheltered areas. The mid-February interface consists of a thick rain crust which extends to at least treeline, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and in many places, a layer of facets overlying the crust. Recent snowpack observations and avalanche activity suggest both of these layers remain reactive in the north of region but may now be unreactive in the south of the region. Below these layers, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm slabs will continue to grow on Tuesday with another 20-40 cm of snow and strong winds in the forecast. This comes in the wake of Sunday's 30-60 cm storm. The overall results will be widespread touchy storm slabs at higher elevations and unstable wet snow at lower elevations. The storm snow is also stressing a weak </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">interface from February composed of </span><span class="s_3FE45715">facets, crust, and surface hoar </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">buried over a metre deep</span><span class="s_3FE45715">. Given the recent activity on this layer before the storm, it should be very reactive during this storm. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is strong, with the exception of basal facets in shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 5-15 cm and strong winds will continue to build storm slabs after Sunday's storm delivered 15-30 cm. Warm temperatures will make touchy slabs at higher elevations and unstable wet snow at lower elevations. A weak interface that was buried in late February may finally have enough snow above it to form a reactive slab. The interface is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar and may be 40-80 cm deep. There's uncertainty about the distribution and reactivity of this interface. The mid-pack is well consolidated and sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. The deeper basal weakness remain a concern in thin rocky start zones and shallow snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 40-60cm of fresh snow has fallen over the past four days (with light to moderate southerly winds). Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warming temperatures on Sunday into Monday has resulted in moist (read: heavy) surface snow up to 1800m in most areas, and unstable snow below treeline. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this new snow is bonding slowly to faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried mid-February is now down 80-140 cm, and is composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show the bond to this interface becoming more variable.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A week of stormy weather has brought 70-120 cm of storm snow to the region. Recent moderate to strong southwest winds have redistributed much of this storm snow into touchy slabs at all elevations. A recently formed melt-freeze crust may now be found down 10-15 cm on all aspects up to about 1800 metres, and likely higher on solar aspects. Aside from wind effect, time and warming temperatures have allowed the above mentioned storm snow to settle into a slab that sits over the late-February interface. This layer is composed of sun crust, surface hoar, and weak faceted snow and continues to produce easy, sudden results in snowpack tests. The thick mid-February crust layer is now down 90-135 cm and exists on solar aspects and at lower elevations. This layer appears to have gone dormant but is still being tracked for its potential to be woken up by the current warming event. In most deeper snowpack areas, the snowpack is generally well settled and stable below this crust layer. However, some areas have a lingering basal weakness at the bottom of the snowpack. This is especially prevalent in shallow snowpack areas (less than ~200 cm).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 5cm of new snow fell in the past 24hrs. Wind slabs are present at Treeline and above on all aspects and seem sensitive to human-triggering. Forecasters observed isolated cracking in steep and unsupported convex roles at Treeline today. The biggest concern is the weak basal layers that exist throughout the region. These layers just simply cannot be trusted and all larger features should just be avoided until we go through a few solid melt freeze cycles. Thin melt freeze crusts are being found on solar aspects up to 2400m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy rain has saturated the upper snowpack at all but high alpine elevations after roughly 50mm of precipitation fell over Sunday night and Monday morning. Any new snow that may have accumulated at high alpine elevations is likely to remain reactive to human triggering over the short term. At higher elevations, lingering potential may exist for loading from rain or snow to promote reactivity at the late February interface, roughly 1.5 metres deep. This layer is composed of a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. An avalanche on this layer would be large and very destructive. No concerns exist below this interface and the snowpack at treeline and below is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 50-80cm of fresh snow has fallen over the past several days (with light to moderate southerly winds). Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warming temperatures on Sunday into Monday has resulted in moist (read: heavy) surface snow up to 2100m in most areas, and unstable wet snow below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this new snow is bonding slowly to faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 80-140 cm, and is composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show the bond to this interface slowly improving.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E1FB2360">Around 20-50cm of fresh snow in the past several days has fallen with light to moderate southwest winds. These winds have formed touchy slabs at upper elevations with multiple weaknesses within and under this recent storm snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E1FB2360">Warming temperatures on Sunday into Monday has resulted in moist (read: heavy) surface snow up to 2000m in most areas, and some unstable snow below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E1FB2360">All this snow is bonding poorly to weak faceted snow and small surface hoar on sheltered shady slopes, and/or a thin crust on southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E1FB2360">The persistent weakness buried mid-February is lurking down 70-120 cm and composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 2000 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. This layer has produced easy results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_E1FB2360">Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February (around a metre deep), and mid-January (well over a metre deep primarily in the northern Purcells). The november crust and basal facets are still sensitive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A warm wet storm will form fresh slabs at higher elevations while rain will fall below treeline. Strong winds will load lee features and continue to grow large cornices on alpine ridges. March has delivered regular storms with roughly 80-120 cm of snow sitting above crust and facet interfaces from February. Little is known about the distribution and reactivity of these interfaces. Isolated basal facets still exist in shallow snowpack areas and can produce destructive full-depth avalanches. Possible triggers for these deeper weak layers include cornice falls, rapid warming, or strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warm, wet, and windy storm will form fresh wind slabs at higher elevations while rain with fall below treeline. March has delivered regular storms with roughly 50-90 cm of snow sitting above crust and facet interfaces from February. In some areas the snow above these interfaces may have a poor bond. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-pack in this region is generally strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak sugary facets roughly 1-1.5 metres deep. This remains a concern and should be on your radar, especially with the recent loading and ongoing warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Tuesday, freezing levels reached at least 2200 m and rain was reported to at least 2000 m. As temperatures drop on Wednesday, a new surface crust is expected to be widespread. The mid-February crust/facet layer is now typically down 80-120 cm. In wind loaded terrain, it may as deep as 200 cm. With 5-20 cm of faceted, sugary snow above it, this mid-February crust layer continues to produce easy, sudden results in snowpack tests and remains an ongoing concern. Below the crust layer, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Tuesday, freezing levels reached at least 2100 m. As temperatures drop on Wednesday, a new surface crust is expected to be widespread and the snowpack is expected to gain considerable strength. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north of the region, the February weak layers are now down 80-120 cm. The layer of buried surface hoar has recently produced a few persistent slab avalanches. The crust/facet layer appears to be gaining strength but may also still be reactive in isolated areas. In the Coquihalla area, the crust/facet layer is down well over 1 m and appears to have gone dormant. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm slabs continue to develop above 1100 metres. These storm slabs are deep 30-60 cm, with much deeper areas where the wind has transported the snow. Below 1100 metres the snow is moist or wet. The overall results will be widespread touchy storm slabs at higher elevations and unstable wet snow at lower elevations. The storm snow is also stressing a weak </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">interface from February composed of </span><span class="s_3FE45715">facets, crust, and surface hoar </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">buried over a metre deep</span><span class="s_3FE45715">. Given the recent activity on this layer before the storm, it should be very reactive during this storm. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The lower snowpack is strong, with the exception of basal facets in shallow snowpack areas around Bear Pass and Ningunsaw.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm slabs continue to build with each pulse of snow and wind. Warm temperatures will make touchy slabs at higher elevations and unstable wet snow at lower elevations. A weak interface that was buried in late February may finally have enough snow above it to form a reactive slab. The interface is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar and may be 40-80 cm deep. There's uncertainty about the distribution and reactivity of this interface. The mid-pack is well consolidated and sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. The deeper basal weakness remain a concern in thin rocky start zones and shallow snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 40-60cm of fresh snow has fallen over the past several days (with light to moderate southerly winds). Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warming temperatures on Sunday into Monday has resulted in moist (read: heavy) surface snow up to 2100m in most areas, and unstable wet snow below treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this new snow is bonding slowly to faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 80-140 cm, and is composed of a thick rain crust as high as about 1800 m, sun crusts on steep southerly aspects, and spotty surface hoar on shaded aspects. Recent reports show the bond to this interface slowly improving.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the region near Valemount.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warming temperatures on Monday afternoon destabilized the snowpack, resulting in a widespread natural avalanche cycle below treeline. Use extra caution for the time being in what is normally a 'safer' elevation band. Surface snow up to 2000m is moist (read: heavy).</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had 5-15cm of fresh snow (with moderate to strong southerly winds) each of the past several days. Touchy storm slabs can be found at all elevations with weaknesses within and under this recent snow.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent moderate to strong southerly winds have created reactive wind slabs at treeline and above. All this recent snow is bonding slowly to faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as surface hoar in sheltered areas in some parts of the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">About 80-120 cm below the surface you may find the mid-February persistent weakness. Professionals in the region have also warned that a 'threshold load' has been reached above this interface, particularly where it presents as a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deep persistent weaknesses (over 1.5 metres down) still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller slab avalanches, especially with the warming temperatures or solar inputs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Tuesday, freezing levels reached 2200 m or higher. The snow surface was reported to be moist above 2000 m and wet below 2000 m. High elevation rain is expected to continue on Wednesday and will continue to destabilize the snowpack. Prolonged high elevation rain has the potential to wake up deeply buried weak layers in the snowpack. The late-February interface is now down 70-120 cm. This layer is composed of sun crust, surface hoar, and weak faceted snow and continues to produce easy, sudden results in snowpack tests. The thick mid-February crust layer is now down 90-135 cm and exists on solar aspects and at lower elevations. This layer had gone dormant but will be tested during this storm. In most deeper snowpack areas, the snowpack is generally well settled and stable below this crust layer. However, some areas have a lingering basal weakness at the bottom of the snowpack. This is especially prevalent in shallow snowpack areas of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 4 cm of snow in the past 24hrs.  Wind slabs are present at tree line and above on all aspects and are primed for human triggering.  A large recent avalanche cycle in Banff National Park with avalanches going to the deeper layers have the forecasters concerned with the warming temperatures and strong solar radiation.  The deeper layer of concern is the bottom 90cm of the snowpack which is comprised of depth hoar and facets.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy rain has saturated the upper snowpack at all but high alpine elevations after roughly 50mm of precipitation fell over Sunday night and Monday morning. Any new snow that may have accumulated at high alpine elevations is likely to remain reactive to human triggering over the short term. At higher elevations, lingering potential may exist for loading from rain or snow to promote reactivity at the late February interface, roughly 1.5 metres deep. This layer is composed of a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. An avalanche on this layer would be large and very destructive. No concerns exist below this interface and the snowpack at treeline and below is generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60-90cm of new snow has fallen at upper elevations over the past several days and has been redistributed by light to moderate southerly wind. Warm temperatures on Sunday through Tuesday has resulted in moist and/or wet surface snow on all aspects up to 2100m. The new snow sits on top of faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects. The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 80-140 cm, and is composed of weak facetted crystals on a thick rain crust as high as about 1800m and facets on sun crust on steep southerly aspects. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60-90cm of new snow has fallen at upper elevations over the past several days and has been redistributed by light to moderate southerly wind. Warm temperatures on Sunday through Tuesday has resulted in moist and/or wet surface snow on all aspects up to 2100m. The new snow sits on top of faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects. The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 70-120 cm, and is composed of weak facetted crystals on a thick rain crust as high as about 2000m and facets on sun crust on steep southerly aspects. This layer has produced easy results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects. Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February and mid-January (primarily in the northern Purcells). The november crust and basal facets are still reactive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Heavy rain to mountain tops has soaked the upper snowpack and caused rapid settlement of the recent storm snow. The surface has been reported to be wet to at least 1800 metres, and moist to 2000 metres or higher. The forecast brief drop in freezing levels in the early morning may not have much effect on the snowpack when the daytime warmth brings the freezing level back up. Isolated basal facets still exist in shallow snowpack areas and can produce destructive full-depth avalanches. Possible triggers for these deeper weak layers include cornice falls, rapid warming, or strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warm, wet, and windy storm will form fresh wind slabs at higher elevations while rain will fall below treeline. March has delivered regular storms with roughly 50-90 cm of snow sitting above crust and facet interfaces from February. In some areas the snow above these interfaces may have a poor bond. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-pack in this region is generally strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak sugary facets roughly 1-1.5 metres deep. This remains a concern and should be on your radar, especially with the recent loading and ongoing warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Tuesday, freezing levels reached at least 2200 m and rain was reported to at least 2000 m. As temperatures dropped on Wednesday, a new surface crust has formed at higher elevations. The new snowfall on Thursday will bury this crust layer and strong winds are expected for form new wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-February crust/facet layer is now typically down 80-120 cm and in wind loaded terrain, it may as deep as 200 cm. With a thick layer of weak faceted snow above it, this crust layer was producing easy, sudden results in snowpack tests prior to the warming event. The layer is expected to gain strength with the cooler temperatures but there is a lot of uncertainty as to how long this layer will remain reactive. Below the crust layer, the mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Tuesday, freezing levels reached at least 2100 m. In the Coquihalla, rain has been reported to the mountain tops. As temperatures drop over the next couple days, a widespread crust is expected to form and the snowpack is expected to gain considerable strength. New snow on Thursday will accumulate over this crust and strong wind is expected to form new wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">In the north of the region, the February weak layers are now down 80-120 cm. The layer of buried surface hoar has recently produced a few persistent slab avalanches. The crust/facet layer appears to be gaining strength but may also still be reactive in isolated areas. In the Coquihalla area, the crust/facet layer is down well over 1 m and appears to have gone dormant. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm slabs continue to develop above 1100 metres. These storm slabs are deep 30-60 cm, with much deeper areas where the wind has transported the snow. Below 1100 metres the snow is moist or wet. The overall results will be widespread touchy storm slabs at higher elevations and unstable wet snow at lower elevations. The storm snow is also stressing a weak </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">interface from February composed of </span><span class="s_3FE45715">facets, crust, and surface hoar </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">buried over a metre deep</span><span class="s_3FE45715">. Given the recent activity on this layer before the storm, it should be very reactive during this storm. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm slabs continue to build with each pulse of snow and wind. Warm temperatures will make touchy slabs at higher elevations and unstable wet snow at lower elevations. A weak interface that was buried in late February may finally have enough snow above it to form a reactive slab. The interface is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar and may be 40-60 cm deep. There's uncertainty about the distribution and reactivity of this interface. The mid-pack is well consolidated and sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. The deeper basal weakness remains a concern in thin rocky start zones and shallow snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 50-80cm of new snow has fallen at upper elevations over the past several days and has been redistributed by light to moderate southerly wind. Warm temperatures on Sunday through Tuesday has resulted in moist and/or wet surface snow on all aspects up to 2100m. The new snow sits on top of faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects. The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 80-140 cm, and is composed of weak facetted crystals on a thick rain crust as high as about 1800m and facets on sun crust on steep southerly aspects. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the Monashees near Valemount.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the south of the region, surface snow up to 2000m is moist or wet. There has been 5-15cm of fresh snow with moderate to strong southerly winds each of the past several days creating storm slabs and wind slabs tree line and above. This recent new snow sits on faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as surface hoar in sheltered areas in some parts of the region. Approximately 80-120 cm below the surface you may find the mid-February persistent weakness. Professionals in the region have warned that the load above this layer has reached a critical amount, particularly where it presents as a crust. Deep persistent weaknesses in the lower third of the snowpack still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller slab avalanches, especially with the warming air temperatures and/or intense sunshine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Tuesday and Wednesday, freezing levels reached 2200 m or higher. A report from Tuesday suggested the snow surface was moist above 2000 m and wet below 2000 m. A report from Wednesday says the rain has penetrated up to 40 cm deep into the snowpack. As temperatures drop on Thursday, a widespread crust layer is expected to form on the surface. The exception to this will likely be sun exposed slopes where solar radiation is expected to continue to destabilize the snowpack.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The late-February interface is now down 70-120 cm. This layer is composed of sun crust, surface hoar, and weak faceted snow and was producing easy, sudden results in snowpack tests in observation prior to the rain event. The thick mid-February crust layer is now down 90-135 cm and exists on solar aspects and at lower elevations. This layer had gone dormant but will be tested during this storm. In most deeper snowpack areas, the snowpack is generally well settled and stable below this crust layer. However, some areas have a lingering basal weakness at the bottom of the snowpack. This is especially prevalent in shallow snowpack areas of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10 to 15cm of new snow above 2300m and rain below this elevation. The snowpack is settling rapidly. A widespread natural avalanche cycle is on-going (see Avalanche Activity Discussion). The mid-pack remains dense and the basal layers remain weak. Up to 100cm of depth hoar and facets make up the base of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Heavy rain has saturated the upper snowpack well into the alpine. As temperatures drop, a widespread crust layer is expected to form.  New snow on Thursday will bury this crust and strong alpine wind is expected to form wind slabs.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The late February weak layer is now down 1.5 m or more in the snowpack and is now expected to have become unreactive. This layer is composed of a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects. The snowpack is generally well settled and strong below this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60-100cm of new snow has fallen at upper elevations over the past several days and has been redistributed by moderate to strong southerly wind. Warm temperatures on Sunday through Wednesday has resulted in moist and/or rain saturated snow on all aspects up to 2100m. There may now be a weak surface crust found between 1300 and 2100m. The snowpack below approximately 1300m is reported to be isothermic. The new snow sits on top of faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in shelteredTue areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects. The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 80-140 cm, and is composed of weak facetted crystals on a thick rain crust as high as about 1800m and facets on sun crust on steep southerly aspects. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Around 60-90cm of new snow has fallen at upper elevations over the past several days and has been redistributed by moderate southerly wind. Warm temperatures on Sunday through Tuesday has resulted in moist and/or rain saturated snow on all aspects up to 2100m. The new snow sits on top of faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects. The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 90-140cm, and is composed of weak facetted crystals on a thick rain crust as high as about 2000m and facets on sun crust on steep southerly aspects. This layer has produced easy results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects. Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February and mid-January (primarily in the northern Purcells). The november crust and basal facets are still reactive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Heavy rain to mountain tops has soaked the upper snowpack and caused rapid settlement of the recent storm snow. The surface has been reported to be wet to at least 1800 metres, and moist to 2000 metres or higher. A brief drop in freezing levels over Thursday night may not have much of a stabilizing effect on the snowpack, especially as daytime warmth brings the freezing level back up on Friday. Isolated basal facets still exist in shallow snowpack areas and can produce destructive full-depth avalanches. Possible triggers for these deeper weak layers include cornice falls, rapid warming, or strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A warm, wet, and windy storm will form fresh wind slabs at higher elevations while rain will fall below treeline. March has delivered regular storms and roughly 50-90 cm of snow has accumulated above the crust and facet interfaces from February. In some areas the snow above these interfaces may have a poor bond. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-pack in this region is generally strong, but the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak sugary facets roughly 1-1.5 metres deep. This remains a real concern, especially after the recent loading and with ongoing warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">By Friday morning expect 20-30 cm of recent snow sitting above a widespread </span><span class="s_3FE45715">layer of wet snow up to about 2200 m. The wet snow layer is likely turning into a crust and may become a weak layers as storm snow accumulates. Strong south winds are likely forming thicker slabs in the lee of exposed terrain. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-February crust/facet layer is now typically down 80-120 cm and in wind loaded terrain, it may be as deep as 200 cm. With a thick layer of weak faceted snow above it, this crust layer was producing easy, sudden results in snowpack tests prior to the warming event. The layer is expected to gain strength with the cooler temperatures but there is a lot of uncertainty as to how long this layer will remain reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">By Friday morning expect 10-20 cm of recent snow sitting above a widespread layer of wet snow up to about 2100 m. The wet snow layer is likely turning into a crust and may become a weak layer as storm snow accumulates. Strong south winds are likely forming wind slabs in the lee of exposed terrain, which may bond poorly to the crust. In the north of the region, the February weak layers are now down 80-120 cm. The layer of buried surface hoar has recently produced a few persistent slab avalanches. The crust/facet layer appears to be gaining strength but may also still be reactive in isolated areas. In the Coquihalla area, the crust/facet layer is down well over 1 m and appears to have gone dormant. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent stormy weather has blanketed the region with storm slabs that are approximately 30-60 cm deep, with much deeper areas where the wind has transported the recent snow. As these slabs have formed a bond to the surface, ongoing winds and light new snow accumulations have seen our primary hazard transition to wind slabs. At treeline and above, new snow and wind have been loading and stressing a weak </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">interface from February composed of </span><span class="s_3FE45715">facets, crust, and surface hoar </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">buried over a metre deep</span><span class="s_3FE45715">. This layer was active prior to the storm and remains an ongoing concern. After below zero temperatures on Wednesday night, a surface crust has likely formed over moist or wet snow previously reported at 1100 metres and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">As our recent snow has formed a bond to the surface, ongoing winds and light new snow amounts have seen wind slabs emerge as the primary avalanche problem in the region. At lower elevations, below zero temperatures on Wednesday night likely led to a surface crust forming over previously reported moist or wet snow. At higher elevations where new snow has been accumulating, a weak interface that was buried in late February may finally have enough snow above it to form a reactive slab. The interface is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar and may be 40-60 cm deep. There's uncertainty about the distribution and reactivity of this interface. The mid-pack is well consolidated, but sits above weak sugary snow near the ground. This deeper basal weakness remains an ongoing concern in thin rocky start zones and in shallow snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 60-100cm of new snow has fallen at upper elevations over the past several days and has been redistributed by moderate to strong southerly wind. Warm temperatures on Sunday through Wednesday has resulted in moist and/or rain saturated snow on all aspects up to 2100m. There may now be a weak surface crust found between 1300 and 2100m. The snowpack below approximately 1300m is reported to be isothermic. The new snow sits on top of faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects. The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 80-140 cm, and is composed of weak facetted crystals on a thick rain crust as high as about 1800m and facets on sun crust on steep southerly aspects. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the Monashees near Valemount.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the south of the region, surface snow up to 2000m has been moist or wet and with gradually cooling weather there may be a thin surface crust from between 1200 and 2000m. At upper elevations there has been 5-15cm of fresh snow with moderate to strong southerly winds each of the past several days creating storm slabs and wind slabs tree line and above. This recent new snow sits on faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as surface hoar in sheltered areas in some parts of the region. Approximately 80-120 cm below the surface you may find the mid-February persistent weakness. Professionals in the region have warned that the load above this layer has reached a critical amount, particularly where it presents as a crust. Deep persistent weaknesses in the lower third of the snowpack still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller slab avalanches, especially with the warming air temperatures and/or intense sunshine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">After several days of heavy rain, dropping freezing levels have left a thick rain crust up to about 2200 m. At higher elevations, large amounts of storm snow likely exist. At lower elevations, the rain has soaked the upper snowpack up to 50 cm deep. Several deeper weak layers were tested during the storm including the late-February facet / surface hoar interface (70-120 cm deep), the mid-February crust (90-130 cm deep), and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas. These layers may remain reactive a bit longer as the snowpack gradually cools off.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30cm of new snow in the last 48hrs. This snow came in quickly and came to rest on rain soaked snow at low elevations and a warm snowpack at higher elevations. This made for an immediate storm slab that was touchy and widespread. Today, that slab has settled and become less reactive. The other chapter to the story is the rapid loading from the new snow. The snowpack was forced to adjust quickly which created another avalanche cycle at treeline and above. The deeper trouble layers are not taking to this adjustment well. The natural cycle is tapering, but the snowpack is still extremely touchy. Winds are picking up today which is adding to the wind slabs and cornice development.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 20 cm of new snow fell on Thursday which now sits above a widespread layer of wet snow that is gradually turning into a crust. Moderate south winds are likely forming wind slabs in the lee of exposed terrain, which may bond poorly to the crust. The late-February weak layer is about 1.5 m deep and is likely now unreactive in most areas. This layer is composed of a sun crust on southerly aspects and surface hoar on shaded aspects.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Around 30-50cm of new snow has fallen at upper elevations over the past few days and has been redistributed by moderate to strong southerly wind. End result: touchy storm slabs and wind slabs at treeline and above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Warm temperatures on Sunday through Wednesday has resulted in moist and/or rain saturated snow on all aspects up to 2100m. Thanks to clear skies on Thursday night, there may now be a weak surface crust found between 1300 and 2100m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 80-140 cm, and is composed of weak facetted crystals on a thick rain crust as high as about 1800m and facets on sun crust on steep southerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 30-50cm of new snow has fallen at upper elevations over the past several days and has been redistributed by moderate southerly wind. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures on Sunday through Tuesday has resulted in moist and/or rain saturated snow on all aspects up to 2100m. The new snow sits on top of faceted snow as well as isolated small surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 90-140cm, and is composed of weak facetted crystals on a thick rain crust as high as about 2000m and facets on sun crust on steep southerly aspects. This layer has produced easy-moderate results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February and mid-January (primarily in the northern Purcells). The november crust and basal facets are still reactive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm of new snow fell over Thursday night. Below it, recent heavy rain to mountain tops has soaked the upper snowpack and caused rapid settlement of our recent storm snow. Below freezing temperatures since the rain event have refrozen the wet snow into a crust, which has been reported to be supportive above about 1700 metres. The existence of this crust may not have much of a stabilizing effect on the snowpack, especially as freezing levels rise again on Friday through Saturday. Isolated basal facets still exist in shallow snowpack areas and can produce destructive full-depth avalanches. Possible triggers for these deeper weak layers include cornice falls, sustained warming, or storm slab avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An unexpected 15 cm of new snow fell over the south of the region on Thursday night, with a trace to 5 cm accumulating in most of the region. Below the new snow, recent warm, wet, and windy weather has formed fresh wind slabs at higher elevations while saturating the snowpack with rain below treeline. The rain soaked snow has refrozen into a crust that may be supportive at higher elevations. Regular snowfall throughout early March has seen roughly 50-90 cm of snow accumulate above the crust and facet interfaces from February. In some areas this storm snow may have a poor bond to these interfaces. Aside from that uncertainty, the mid-pack in the region is generally strong. With that said, the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak sugary facets roughly 1-1.5 metres deep. The potential for full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remains a real concern, especially as ongoing loading and warming continue to stress the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow amounts on Saturday will range from 20-30 cm with thicker deposits in the lee of exposed terrain. The recent storm snow sits above a widespread rain crust up to about 2200 m that will be 30-50 cm deep. Some reports indicate the snow is bonding well to the crust, but this may not be the case everywhere. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-February crust/facet layer is now 80-120 cm deep and may be up to 200 cm deep in wind loaded terrain. This layer was reactive prior to last week's warming event, but now there's a lot of uncertainty as to how long it will remain reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow amounts will vary throughout the region with 40 cm or more around the Coquihalla and 15-30 cm in northern areas. Thicker deposits will form in the lee of exposed terrain. The recent storm snow sits above a widespread rain crust up to about 2100 m that will be 30-50 cm deep. Recent reports from the northern part of the region indicate the snow is poorly bonded to the crust, creating a potential sliding layer. In the north of the region, the February weak layers are 80-120 cm deep. The buried surface hoar layer has recently produced a few persistent slab avalanches. The crust/facet layer appears to be gaining strength, but may still be reactive in isolated areas. In the Coquihalla area, the crust/facet layer is down over 1 m and appears to have gone dormant. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-20 cm of new snow accumulated over Thursday night and has been blown into touchy wind slabs by strong southerly winds. Below the new snow, about a week of stormy weather has blanketed the region with approximately 30-60 cm of recent snow, with much deeper areas where the wind has transported this snow. As this storm slab has bonded to the surface, ongoing winds and light new snow accumulations have seen our primary avalanche hazard transition to wind slabs. At treeline and above, new snow and wind have been loading and stressing a weak interface from February composed of facets, crust, and surface hoar buried over a metre deep. This layer was active prior to the storm and remains an ongoing concern. A non-supportive surface crust has formed over moist or wet snow at 1100 metres and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and above, ongoing winds have been redistributing recent storm snow and light new snow amounts into wind slabs in lee terrain. New snow amounts taper with elevation and lie over a supportive crust at about 1300 metres and below. At higher elevations, the recent snow is incrementally loading a weak interface that was buried in late February. The interface is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar and may be 40-60 cm deep. There's uncertainty about the distribution and reactivity of this interface, but it recently proved reactive under skier traffic in the north of the region. The mid-pack is well consolidated, but sits above weak, sugary snow near the ground. This deeper basal weakness remains an ongoing concern in thin rocky start zones and in shallow snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Around 30-50cm of new snow has fallen at upper elevations over the past few days and has been redistributed by moderate to strong southerly wind. End result: touchy storm slabs and wind slabs at treeline and above.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures on Sunday through Wednesday has resulted in moist and/or rain saturated snow on all aspects up to 2100m. Thanks to clear skies on Thursday night, there may now be a weak surface crust found between 1300 and 2100m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 80-140 cm, and is composed of weak facetted crystals on a thick rain crust as high as about 1800m and facets on sun crust on steep southerly aspects. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and stable in deeper snowpack areas, but may be weak and faceted in shallow areas. The deep mid-December facet layer still lingers in the northern part of the Monashees near Valemount.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the south of the region, surface snow up to 2000m has been moist or wet, and with cooling weather there may be a thin surface crust between 1200 and 2000m. At upper elevations there has been 25-55cm of fresh snow in the past two days with moderate to strong southerly winds creating storm slabs and wind slabs tree line and above. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This recent new snow sits on faceted snow, thin sun crust on steep southerly aspects, as well as surface hoar in sheltered areas in some parts of the region. Approximately 100-140 cm below the surface you may find the mid-February persistent weakness. Professionals in the region have warned that the load above this layer has reached a critical amount, particularly where it presents as a crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deep persistent weaknesses in the lower third of the snowpack still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller slab avalanches, especially with the warming temperatures and/or intense sunshine.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A juicy storm will start as snow on Friday night and switch to rain in the morning to form very touchy storm slabs at high elevations and unstable wet snow at lower elevations. Extreme southwest winds will have a dramatic effect on all exposed terrain and likely form touchy cornices. The storm is burying a rain crust that exists up to about 2200 m. Several deeper weak layers were tested during last week's storm including the late-February facet / surface hoar interface (70-120 cm deep), the mid-February crust (90-130 cm deep), and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas. These layers may remain reactive with additional loading and warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No new snow has fallen in the region today. The winds however have been moderate to strong in the alpine and have helped to build the windslabs. The re-distribution has caused localized loading in lee areas. An already stressed snowpack is struggling to support the new load. The cooler temps and cloud cover today helped to minimize the sun's effect and keep the surface snow cool. The principle concern at all elevations and aspects is still the deep, basal weak layers. The windslabs are a problem in themselves, but the bigger issue is the slabs' ability to trigger the deeper layers. Cornices are another large trigger that will almost certainly initiate a deep avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect 20-30 cm of new snow by Saturday morning with rising freezing levels creating unstable storm slabs. The recent storm snow sits above a widespread rain crust that will be 30-50 cm deep. Some reports indicate the snow is bonding well to this crust, but that may not be the case everywhere.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">Heavy wet snow (15-20 cm in 12 hours) and moderate southerly winds started late Friday and continued through Saturday. Temperatures also warmed up significantly with rain up to 2200m. The end result: Widespread storm slabs and wind slabs at treeline and above with significant cornice growth as well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">This storm snow (totals of 30-70cm) sits on older windslabs (or soft slabs) at treeline and above. Below 1800m, the new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust from last week's warm storm, and reports so far are that the new snow is bonding well to the old crust. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 90-140cm, and is composed of weak facetted crystals on a thick rain crust as high as about 2000m and facets on sun crust on steep southerly aspects. This layer has produced easy-moderate results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February and mid-January (primarily in the northern Purcells). The november crust and basal facets are still reactive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Stormy weather on Saturday has been forming storm slabs at high alpine elevations while rain continues to saturate the snowpack at treeline and below. Below the new snow accumulations, recent heavy rain to mountain tops soaked the upper snowpack and caused rapid settlement of our recent storm snow. Below freezing temperatures since the rain event have refrozen the wet snow into a crust, which has been reported to be supportive above about 1700 metres. This crust will deteriorate at all elevations where rain is occurring before gradually reforming as temperatures cool again on Saturday night. Isolated basal facets still exist in shallow snowpack areas and can produce destructive full-depth avalanches. Possible triggers for these deeper weak layers include cornice falls and storm slab avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light new snow accumulations over Thursday and Friday have been redistributed into touchy wind slabs in alpine terrain while rain has soaked the snowpack at treeline and below, breaking down a recently formed rain crust at lower elevations. Below the new snow and crust, regular snowfall throughout early March saw roughly 50-90 cm of snow accumulate above the crust and facet interfaces from February. In some areas this storm snow may have a poor bond to these interfaces. Aside from that uncertainty, the mid-pack in the region is generally strong. With that said, the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak sugary facets roughly 1-1.5 metres deep. The potential for full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remains a real concern, especially as ongoing loading and warm temperatures continue to stress the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30 cm of storm snow now sits above a widespread rain crust up to 2200 m. Thicker wind slabs and large cornices likely exist in alpine terrain. Reports suggest the storm snow is generally well bonded to the crust, and cooling temperatures should help stabilize the upper snowpack. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-February crust/facet layer is now 80-120 cm deep and may be up to 200 cm deep in wind loaded terrain. This layer was reactive prior to recent warming events, but now there's some uncertainty as to how long it will remain reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow amounts on Saturday totalled roughly 40 cm around Coquihalla and Allison Pass and 30 cm around Duffey Lakes. Freezing levels reached roughly 1400 m, resulting in rain and/or wet snow at lower elevations. Thicker wind slabs and large cornices likely exist in alpine terrain. The storm snow sits above a widespread rain crust up to about 2100 m, but the snow will likely form a good bond to this crust. In the north of the region, the February weak layers are 80-120 cm deep and include a buried surface hoar layer that recently produced a few persistent slab avalanches and a crust/facet layer that appears to be gaining strength. In the southern parts of the region, the lower snowpack is generally stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">A steady supply of new snow over Thursday and Friday has been blown into touchy wind slabs by strong southeast to southwest winds at higher elevations. Below the new snow, the previous week of stormy weather delivered approximately 30-60 cm of recent snow, with much deeper areas where the wind transported this snow. At treeline and above, new snow and wind have been loading and stressing a weak interface from February composed of facets, crust, and surface hoar buried over a metre deep. This layer was active prior to the storm and remains an ongoing concern. A non-supportive surface crust has formed over moist or wet snow at 1100 metres and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and above, ongoing winds have been redistributing recent storm snow and light new snow amounts into wind slabs in lee terrain. New snow amounts taper with elevation and lie over a supportive crust (March 14) at about 1300 metres and below. This crust has been observed at higher elevations in the Smithers area, and wind slabs have proven especially reactive where they sit above it. At higher elevations, wind redistribution is incrementally loading a weak interface that was buried in late February. The interface is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar and may be 40-60 cm deep. There's uncertainty about the distribution and reactivity of this interface, but it recently proved reactive under skier traffic in the north of the region. The mid-pack is well consolidated, but sits above weak, sugary snow near the ground. This deeper basal weakness remains an ongoing concern in thin rocky start zones and in shallow snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the south of the region, heavy snow (25 cm in 10 hours) and strong winds (gusts over 60 Km/hr) started late Friday and continued through Saturday. Temperatures also warmed up significantly. The end result: Widespread storm slabs and wind slabs at treeline and above with significant cornice growth as well. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this new snow sits on older windslabs (or soft slabs) at treeline and above. Below 1800m, the new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust from last week's warm storm, and reports so far are that the new snow is bonding well to the old crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 100-140 cm below the surface you may find the mid-February persistent weakness. Professionals in the region have warned that the load above this layer has reached a critical amount, particularly where it presents as a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deep persistent weaknesses in the lower third of the snowpack still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller slab avalanches, especially with the warming temperatures and/or intense sunshine early next week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow totals in the north (Wells, Sugar Bowl) have been half to one-third of those in the south and avalanche danger is likely one step lower. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain has soaked the upper snowpack for a second time in a week. This time all the way to mountain tops. Cooling temperatures will gradually form a rain crust on the surface, but expect a thick layer of moist snow in the upper snowpack for some time. This heavy snow will stress a number of deeper weak layers including the late-February facet / surface hoar interface (70-120 cm deep), the mid-February crust (90-130 cm deep), and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain fell through the day up to an elevation of 2200m. The snowpack is isothermal at lower elevations. Wind slabs are present in Alpine and Treeline areas on all aspects but localized additional loading has been noted on lee features. Cornices are large and sagging. Extensive avalanche activity has occurred over the last few days, that has all stepped down to the basal weaknesses resulting in large destructive avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm delivered 20-30 cm of wet snow in alpine terrain and rain elsewhere. The wet snow will freeze and stabilize the snowpack in all but the highest terrain where isolated storm slabs may sit above a rain crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Heavy snow (15-20 cm in 12 hours) and moderate southerly winds started late Friday and continued all through Saturday. Temperatures also warmed up significantly with rain up to 2100m. The end result: Widespread reactive storm slabs and wind slabs at treeline and above with significant cornice growth as well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This storm snow (totals of 40-70cm) sits on older windslabs (or soft slabs) at treeline and above. Below 1800m, the new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust from last week's warm storm, and reports so far are that the new snow is bonding well to the old crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 90-140cm, and is composed of weak facetted crystals on a thick rain crust as high as about 2000m and facets on sun crust on steep southerly aspects. This layer has produced easy-moderate results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February and mid-January (primarily in the northern Purcells). The november crust and basal facets are still reactive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Stormy weather on Saturday formed fresh storm slabs at high alpine elevations while rain once again saturated the snowpack at lower alpine elevations and below. Lower temperatures have since formed a roughly 10 cm thick crust at the rain soaked surface, which will tend to break down with daytime warming at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Isolated basal facets still exist in shallow snowpack areas and still carry the potential to produce destructive full-depth avalanches. Possible triggers for these deeper weak layers include cornice falls and storm slab avalanches, which may trigger naturally with daytime warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light new snow accumulations over Thursday and Friday were redistributed into touchy wind slabs in alpine terrain while rain soaked the snowpack at treeline and below. Lower temperatures have since formed a crust at the rain soaked surface, which will tend to break down with daytime warming at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Below the new snow and crust, regular snowfall throughout early March saw roughly 50-90 cm of snow accumulate above the crust and facet interfaces from February. In some areas this storm snow may have a poor bond to these interfaces. Aside from that uncertainty, the mid-pack in the region is generally strong. With that said, the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak sugary facets roughly 1-1.5 metres deep. The potential for full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remains a real concern, with potential triggers including wind slab or cornice releases that may initiate naturally with intense solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30 cm of storm snow now sits above a widespread rain crust up to 2200 m. Thicker wind slabs and large cornices likely exist in alpine terrain. Reports suggest the storm snow is generally well bonded to the crust, and cooling temperatures should help stabilize the upper snowpack. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-February crust/facet layer is now 80-120 cm deep and may be up to 200 cm deep in wind loaded terrain. This layer was reactive prior to recent warming events, but now there's some uncertainty as to how long it will remain reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Storm snow amounts from Saturday totalled roughly 40 cm around Coquihalla and Allison Pass and 30 cm around Duffey Lakes. Freezing levels reached roughly 1400 m, resulting in rain and/or wet snow at lower elevations. Thicker wind slabs and large cornices likely exist in alpine terrain. The storm snow sits above a widespread rain crust up to about 2100 m, but the snow will likely form a good bond to this crust. In the north of the region, the February weak layers are 80-120 cm deep and include a buried surface hoar layer that recently produced a few persistent slab avalanches and a crust/facet layer that appears to be gaining strength. In the southern parts of the region, the lower snowpack is generally stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's stormy weather delivered approximately 40-70 cm of new snow over the week. Strong southeast and more recent southwest winds have been redistributing this snow into touchy wind slabs on a range of aspects at higher elevations. At treeline and above, new snowfall and wind loading have been stressing a weak interface from February composed of facets, crust, and surface hoar buried over a metre deep. This layer has seen a recent decline in reactivity in the south of the region but remains an ongoing concern. It remains quite active and presents a more serious concern in the north of the region. A non-supportive surface crust has formed over moist or wet snow at 1100 metres and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">At treeline and above, ongoing winds have been redistributing recent storm snow and light new snow amounts into wind slabs in lee terrain. New snow amounts taper with elevation and lie over a supportive crust (March 14) at about 1300 metres and below. This crust has been observed at higher elevations in the Telkwa area, and wind slabs have proven especially reactive where they sit above it. At higher elevations, wind redistribution is incrementally loading a weak interface that was buried in late February. The interface is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar and may be 40-60 cm deep. There's still some uncertainty around the distribution and reactivity of this interface, but it has proven reactive under skier traffic in the north of the region. The mid-pack is well consolidated, but sits above weak, sugary snow near the ground. This deep basal weakness remains an ongoing concern in thin rocky start zones and in shallow snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Heavy wet snow (15-20 cm in 12 hours) and strong to extreme southerly winds started late Friday and continued through Saturday. Temperatures also warmed up significantly. The end result: Widespread storm slabs and wind slabs at treeline and above with significant cornice growth as well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this storm snow (totals of 40-80cm above 1600m) sits on older windslabs (or soft slabs) at treeline and above. Below 1800m, the new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust from last week's warm storm, and reports so far are that the new snow is bonding well to the old crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 100-140 cm below the surface you may find the late-February persistent weakness / crust interface. This layer has woken up from time to time as smaller avalanches still have to potential to 'step down' and trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The deep mid-December facet layer (and November raincrust) still linger at the bottom of the snowpack and are the suspected culprit (running to ground) in a Glacier National Park avalanche. </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ParksMountainSafety/photos/a.1122932427756745.1073741905.145133538869977/1250972184952768/?type=3&amp;theater" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">See here for the spooky picture.</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the south of the region, heavy snow (25 cm in 10 hours) and strong south-west winds (gusts over 60 Km/hr) started late Friday and continued through Saturday. Temperatures also warmed up significantly. The end result: widespread storm slabs and wind slabs at treeline and above with significant cornice growth as well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this new storm snow (30- 60cm) sits on older windslabs (or soft slabs) at treeline and above. Below 1800m, the new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust from last week's warm storm, and reports so far are that the new snow is bonding well to the old crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 100-140 cm below the surface you may find the mid-February persistent weakness. Professionals in the region have warned that the load above this layer has reached a critical amount, particularly where it presents as a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deep persistent weaknesses in the lower third of the snowpack still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller slab avalanches, especially with the warming temperatures and/or intense sunshine on Monday.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow totals in the north (Wells, Sugar Bowl) have been half to one-third of those in the south and avalanche danger is likely one step lower.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain has soaked the upper snowpack for a second time in a week. This time all the way to mountain tops. Cooling temperatures will have formed a rain crust on the surface, but expect a thick layer of moist snow in the upper snowpack for some time. This heavy snow will stress a number of deeper weak layers including the late-February facet / surface hoar interface (70-120 cm deep), the mid-February crust (90-130 cm deep), and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain turned to snow overnight with as much as 12cm of new snow at Treeline elevations with strong West winds. Further wind slab development on all aspects. Natural avalanche activity continued today up to size 3.0 with most slides stepping down to the basal layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Saturday's storm delivered 20-30 cm of wet snow in alpine terrain and rain elsewhere. The wet snow will freeze and stabilize the snowpack in all but the highest terrain where isolated storm and or wind slabs may sit above a rain crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">We had heavy snow (or rain up to 2000m in places) and strong to extreme southerly winds during the weekend's storm. Temperatures also warmed up significantly. The end result: Widespread storm slabs and wind slabs at treeline and above, with significant cornice growth as well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The most recent storm snow (totals of 20-50cm) sits on older windslabs (or soft slabs) at treeline and above. Below 1800m, the new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust from last week's warm storm, and reports so far are that the new snow is bonding well to the old crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 90-140cm, and is composed of weak facetted crystals on a thick rain crust as high as about 2000m and facets on sun crust on steep southerly aspects. This layer has produced easy-moderate results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February and mid-January (primarily in the northern Purcells). The november crust and basal facets are still reactive in shallow, rocky start zones.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Stormy weather on Saturday formed fresh storm slabs at high alpine elevations while rain once again saturated the snowpack at lower alpine elevations and below. Lower temperatures have since formed a roughly 5-10 cm thick crust at the rain soaked surface, which tends to break down with daytime warming at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Isolated basal facets still exist in shallow snowpack areas and still carry the potential to produce destructive full-depth avalanches. Possible triggers for these deeper weak layers include cornice falls and storm slab avalanches, which may trigger naturally with daytime warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light recent snow accumulations have been redistributed into wind slabs in alpine terrain while rain recently soaked the snowpack at treeline and below. Lower temperatures have since formed a crust at the rain soaked surface, which will tend to deteriorate with daytime warming. Below the new snow and crust, regular snowfall throughout early March saw roughly 50-90 cm of snow accumulate above the crust and facet interfaces from mid and late February. In some areas this storm snow may have a poor bond to these interfaces. Aside from that uncertainty, the mid-pack in the region is generally strong. With that said, the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak sugary facets roughly 1-1.5 metres deep. The potential for full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remains a real concern, with potential triggers including wind slab or cornice releases as well as forecast warming and rain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect an additional 10-15cm of new snow through the day today to add to the 30 cm of storm snow from last weekend, which sits above a widespread rain crust up to 2200m. Thicker wind slabs and large cornices likely exist in alpine terrain. Reports suggest the storm snow is generally well bonded to the crust, and cooling temperatures should help stabilize the upper snowpack. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-February crust/facet layer is now 80-120 cm deep and may be up to 200 cm deep in wind loaded terrain. This layer was reactive prior to recent warming events, but now there's some uncertainty as to how long it will remain reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect another 5-10cm of snow at upper elevations to add to the storm snow amounts from last weekend which totalled roughly 40 cm around Coquihalla and Allison Pass and 30 cm around Duffey Lakes. Freezing levels reached roughly 1400 m at that time, resulting in rain and/or wet snow at lower elevations. Thicker wind slabs and large cornices likely exist in alpine terrain. The storm snow sits above a widespread rain crust up to about 2100 m, but the snow will likely form a good bond to this crust. In the north of the region, the February weak layers are 80-120 cm deep and include a buried surface hoar layer that recently produced a few persistent slab avalanches and a crust/facet layer that appears to be gaining strength. In the southern parts of the region, the lower snowpack is generally stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Clear skies have formed sun crust at the surface on solar aspects over much of the region. Below the surface, last week's stormy weather delivered approximately 40-70 cm of new snow over the week. Winds since the storm have been shifting between southeast and southwest, redistributing this snow into touchy wind slabs on a range of aspects at higher elevations. Recent observations have described a touchy rain crust layer buried approximately 40 cm deep within the storm snow. At treeline and above, new snowfall and wind loading have been stressing a weak interface from late February composed of facets, crust, and surface hoar buried over a metre deep. Recent reports suggest that this layer may remain active in the south of the region. It is substantially more active and presents a more serious concern in the north of the region. A non-supportive surface crust has formed over moist or wet snow at 1100 metres and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent solar radiation has formed a sun crust on the surface of solar aspects throughout much of the region. Below the surface, southwest to southeast winds have been redistributing recent storm snow and light new snow amounts into wind slabs on a range of aspects at treeline and above. New snow amounts taper with elevation and lie over a supportive crust (March 14) at about 1300 metres and below. This crust has been observed at higher elevations in the Telkwa area, and wind slabs have proven especially reactive where they sit above it. At higher elevations, wind redistribution has been incrementally loading a weak interface that was buried in late February. The interface is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar and may be 40-60 cm deep. There's still some uncertainty around the distribution and reactivity of this interface, but it has proven reactive under skier traffic in the north of the region. The mid-pack is well consolidated, but sits above weak, sugary snow near the ground. This deep basal weakness remains an ongoing concern in thin rocky start zones and in shallow snowpack locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the south of the region, we had heavy snow and strong south-west winds (gusts over 60 Km/hr) during the weekend's storm. Temperatures also warmed up significantly. The end result: widespread storm slabs and reactive wind slabs at treeline and above, with significant cornice growth as well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this new storm snow (30- 60cm) sits on older windslabs (or soft slabs) at treeline and above. Below 1900m, the new snow sits on a melt-freeze crust from last week's warm storm, and reports so far are that the new snow is bonding well to the old crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 100-140 cm below the surface you may find the mid-February persistent weakness. Professionals in the region have warned that the load above this layer has reached a critical amount, particularly where it presents as a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deep persistent weaknesses in the lower third of the snowpack still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller slab avalanches, especially if the sun comes out in full force.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow totals in the north (Wells, Sugar Bowl) have been half to one-third of those in the south and avalanche danger is likely one step lower.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weekend rain soaked the upper snowpack for a second time in a week. This time all the way to mountain tops. Cooling temperatures will have formed a 10-30cm rain crust on the surface. In parts of the region there may now be a thin layer of new snow sitting on top of the crust. Below the crust expect to see moist or wet snow. The late-February facet / surface hoar interface (70-120 cm deep), the mid-February crust (90-130 cm deep), and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas may still be present at upper elevations and may still be reactive and become a concern as surface crusts break down with daytime warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread wind slabs in the alpine on all aspects. Moist snow on solar aspects. Well settled upper snowpack below 2200m due to recent rain followed by cold temps. Temp crust below tree line. Still seeing Na to size 3.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last weekend's storm delivered 20-30 cm of wet snow in alpine terrain and rain elsewhere. The wet snow has frozen and stabilized the snowpack in all but the highest terrain where isolated storm and or wind slabs may sit above a rain crust. High freezing level and continued precipitation over the coming days will start to break down the recent crust formation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We had heavy snow (or rain up to 2000m in places) and strong to extreme southerly winds during the weekend's storm. Temperatures also warmed up significantly. The end result: Widespread storm slabs and wind slabs at treeline and above, with significant cornice growth as well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The most recent storm snow (totals of 20-50cm) sits on older windslabs (or soft slabs) at treeline and above. Below 1800m, the new (very moist) snow sits on a melt-freeze crust from last week's warm storm, and reports so far are that the new snow is bonding well to the old crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The persistent weakness buried late-February is now down 90-140cm, and is composed of weak facetted crystals on a thick rain crust as high as about 2000m and facets on sun crust on steep southerly aspects. This layer has produced easy-moderate results in recent snowpack tests and has proven especially reactive on steep southerly aspects.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Several deeper persistent weaknesses also remain a concern, including surface hoar buried early-February and mid-January (primarily in the northern Purcells). The november crust and basal facets are still reactive in shallow, rocky start zones.</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_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate amounts of alpine snow will form wind slabs at higher elevations on Tuesday night. Meanwhile at lower elevations, rain will once again soak the snowpack. A thick rain crust has formed near the surface at all elevations, but tends to break down with daytime warming at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Isolated basal facets exist in shallow snowpack areas and still have the potential to produce destructive full-depth avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light amounts of alpine snow will form wind slabs in the alpine on Tuesday night. Meanwhile at lower elevations, light rain will soak the snowpack once again. Recent rain and sun have left a variety of crusts that are thicker and most supportive in open south facing terrain. Below the new snow and crusts, roughly 50-90 cm of snow sits above the February crust and facet interfaces. In some areas there may still be a poor bond to these interfaces. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect an additional 10-15cm of new snow through the day today to add to the 30 cm of storm snow from last weekend, which sits above a widespread rain crust up to 2200m. Thicker wind slabs and large cornices likely exist in alpine terrain. Reports suggest the storm snow is generally well bonded to the crust, and cooling temperatures should help stabilize the upper snowpack. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-February crust/facet layer is now 80-120 cm deep and may be up to 200 cm deep in wind loaded terrain. This layer was reactive prior to recent warming events, but now there's some uncertainty as to how long it will remain reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect another 10-15cm of snow at upper elevations to add to the storm snow amounts from last weekend which totalled roughly 40 cm around Coquihalla and Allison Pass and 30 cm around Duffey Lakes. Freezing levels reached roughly 1400 m at that time, resulting in rain and/or wet snow at lower elevations. Thicker wind slabs and large cornices likely exist in alpine terrain. The storm snow sits above a widespread rain crust up to about 2100 m, but the snow has likely formed a good bond to this crust. In the north of the region, the February weak layers are 80-120 cm deep and include a buried surface hoar layer that recently produced a few persistent slab avalanches and a crust/facet layer that appears to be gaining strength. In the southern parts of the region, the lower snowpack is generally stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect fresh wind slabs to form in the lee of exposed terrain as unsettled weather brings small amounts of new snow and strong southwest winds. Storm snow from last week is continuing to settle and get redistributed by predominately southerly winds. It may be reactive above a touchy 40 cm deep rain crust. At treeline and above, recent loading has stressed a 1 m deep weak interface composed of facets, crust, and surface hoar from late February. Recent reports suggest this layer is still reactive throughout the region, especially in the north. A non-supportive surface crust has formed over moist or wet snow at 1100 m and below.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Incoming winds and light flurries will transport snow in exposed terrain to form fresh wind slabs. Recent snow continues to settle, with amounts tapering with elevation. At lower elevations, the recent snow sits above a supportive rain crust (March 14). This crust has also been observed at higher elevations in the Telkwa area, and wind slabs have proven especially reactive where they sit above it. At higher elevations, wind has incrementally loaded a weak interface that was buried in late February. The interface is composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar and may be 40-60 cm deep. There's still some uncertainty around the distribution and reactivity of this interface, but it has been reactive under skier traffic in the north of the region. Weak, sugary snow near the ground continues to be a concern in thin rocky areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the south of the region, we had heavy snow and strong south-west winds (gusts over 60 Km/hr) during the weekend's storm. Temperatures also warmed up significantly. The end result: widespread storm slabs and reactive wind slabs at treeline and above, with significant cornice growth as well.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All this new storm snow (30- 60cm) sits on older wind slabs (or soft slabs) at treeline and above. Below 1900m, the new (moist) snow sits on a melt-freeze crust from last week's warm storm, and reports so far are that the new snow is bonding well to the old crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 100-140 cm below the surface you may find the mid-February persistent weakness. Professionals in the region have warned that the load above this layer has reached a critical amount, particularly where it presents as a crust.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Deep persistent weaknesses in the lower third of the snowpack still have the potential to react to human triggers or smaller slab avalanches, especially if the sun comes out in full force.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow totals in the north (Wells, Sugar Bowl) have been half to one-third of those in the south and avalanche danger is likely one step lower.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weekend rain soaked the upper snowpack for a second time in a week. This time all the way to mountain tops. Cooling temperatures will have formed a 10-30cm rain crust on the surface. In parts of the region there may now be a thin layer of new snow sitting on top of the crust. Below the crust expect to see moist or wet snow. The late-February facet / surface hoar interface (70-120 cm deep), the mid-February crust (90-130 cm deep), and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas may still be present at upper elevations and may still be reactive and become a concern as surface crusts break down with daytime warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There is a temperature crust from the recent rain event up to 2250m. This has made travel below tree line very easy for going uphill and a little interesting for going downhill. A snow pit profile dug at Burstall Pass on Tuesday indicates a generally well settled snowpack sitting on 125cm of facets and depth hoar which has a four finger resistance. It is like putting something dense overtop of a bunch of &quot;pick up sticks&quot;. Above 2300m in the alpine, there was either a soft slab approximately 20cm thick or widespread wind slab which is reactive to snow pit tests. Many slopes  that have not avalanched look primed for human triggering.&nbsp; Good skiing can be found on moderate angled slopes in the alpine with no overhead hazard and sheltered areas at tree line.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last weekend's storm delivered 20-30 cm of wet snow in alpine terrain and rain elsewhere. That wet snow has frozen and bonded to the previous surface in all but the highest terrain where isolated storm and or wind slabs may sit above a rain crust. High freezing level and continued precipitation over the coming days will start to break down the recent crust formation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-25 cm of new snow overlies a thick rain crust which formed over the weekend. The crust has been reported up to around 2000 m and has been reported to be supportive to skiers between 1500 and 1900 m. Alpine wind has recently been strong from a variety of directions and has formed wind slabs on all aspects. Large cornices are also reported on northerly aspects in the alpine. The rain crust which formed last week is now down 40-50 cm and generally seems to be well bonded to the surrounding snow. The February weak layers are down 100-150 cm and woke up during the recent storm cycle with many avalanches stepping down. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches stepped down to these layer recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Wednesday, moist snow was reported as high as 2200 m on north aspects and 2400 m on south aspects.  The snowpack is reported to be rain soaked below around 1800 m.  At higher elevations, there is upwards of a metre of recent storm snow and there still may be weakness within or below this snow.  Recent strong wind from a variety of directions has formed wind slabs on all aspects in exposed terrain in the alpine. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Large cornices are also expected on northerly aspects in the alpine. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The February crust/facet layer is now down around 90-150 cm and has been reactive with several avalanches recently releasing on it. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light precipitation has delivered about 15 cm of heavy snow at higher elevations, while rain soaked has the snow below about 1800 m. The new snow has fallen on a thick rain crust that has capped the snowpack at all elevations. Daytime warming and sunlight tend to break down the crust in some areas, but it remains frozen on northerly alpine terrain. Isolated basal facets exist in shallow snowpack areas and still have the potential to produce destructive full-depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light precipitation has delivered 5-10 cm of heavy snow at higher elevations, while rain soaked has the snow below about 2000 m. Recent rain and sun have left a variety of crusts that are thicker and most supportive in open south facing terrain. Below the new snow and crusts, roughly 50-90 cm of snow sits above the February crust and facet interfaces. In some areas there may still be a poor bond to these interfaces. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Tuesday the freezing level reached 2000+m. This turned the last weekend's storm snow moist and subsequently froze in the overnight period. 10-15cm of new snow at upper elevations now sits above. A rain crust which formed last week is now buried 30-50cm. Thicker wind slabs and large cornices likely exist in alpine terrain. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid-February crust/facet layer may still be found at the upper end of tree-line into the alpine and is 80-120 cm deep and may be up to 200 cm deep in wind loaded terrain. This layer was reactive prior to recent warming events, but now there's some uncertainty as to how long it will remain reactive.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Tuesday the freezing level reached 2000+m. A subsequent freezing may have created a thin crust. 10-15cm of snow at upper elevations may now sit on this crust. Thicker wind slabs and large cornices likely exist in alpine terrain. A widespread thick rain crust forming last week up to 2100m is now approximately 40-60cm below the surface. In the north of the region, the February weak layers are 80-120 cm deep and include a buried surface hoar layer that recently produced a few persistent slab avalanches and a crust/facet layer that appears to be gaining strength. In the southern parts of the region, the lower snowpack is generally stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Fresh wind slabs are forming in the lee of exposed terrain as unsettled weather brings small amounts of new snow and moderate southwest winds. Storm snow from last week is continuing to settle and get redistributed by predominately southerly winds. Old wind slabs may be reactive above a 40 cm deep rain crust. At treeline and above, recent loading has stressed a 50-100 cm deep weak interface composed of facets, crust, and surface hoar from late February. Recent reports suggest this layer is still reactive throughout the region, especially in the north.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Unsettled weather with moderate winds is redistributing snow in exposed terrain. Mild temperatures have promoted the settlement of recent snow into a 20-60 cm thick slab above a crust interface. Recent reports suggest the bond to the crust is poor and has formed a reactive slab. Weak sugary snow near the ground has been a dormant instability, but it may still be possible to trigger in steep rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of new snow typically overlies the thick rain crust which formed over the weekend. The crust has been reported up to around 2000 m and has been reported to be supportive to skiers between 1500 and 1900 m. Alpine wind has recently been strong from a variety of directions and has formed wind slabs on all aspects. Large cornices are also reported on northerly aspects in the alpine. The rain crust which formed last week is now down 40-60 cm and generally seems to be well bonded to the surrounding snow. The February weak layers are down 100-150 cm and woke up during the recent storm cycle with many avalanches stepping down. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches stepping down to these layer recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">40-60 cm of recent storm snow typically overlies the mid-March crust in the south of the region, with smaller amounts in the north.  Recent strong winds from a variety of directions formed wind slabs in exposed terrain.  On Wednesday, the snow surface was reported to be moist to around 1900 m.  The mid-February crust/facet layer is now typically down 100-140 cm and has recently been reactive with many avalanches stepping down to it.  </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weekend rain soaked the upper snowpack for a second time in a week all the way to mountain tops. Subsequent cooling temperatures then formed a 10-30cm rain crust. In many parts of the region above the 1500m there may now be 10-15cm of new snow sitting on top of the crust. Below the crust expect to see moist or wet snow. The late-February facet / surface hoar interface (70-120 cm deep), the mid-February crust (90-130 cm deep), and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas may still be present at upper elevations and may still be reactive and become a concern as surface crusts break down with daytime warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 15cm of recent snow overlies a supportive crust layer. Above 2200m this crust begins to deteriorate. In Alpine and Treeline wind slabs are found on all aspects, but expect deeper deposits on lee and cross-loaded features. The lower 125cm of the snowpack consists of facets and depth hoar. This critical weakness will persist for the rest of the season.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Wednesday there was heavy rain up to approximately 1400m. The rain has fallen on already moist or wet snow sitting above a strong and well settled snowpack. In the highest elevation terrain expect storm and or wind slabs to be sitting above a a strong rain crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of new snow overlies a thick rain crust which formed over the weekend. The crust has been reported as high as 2000 m and has been reported to be supportive to skiers between 1500 and 1900 m. Alpine wind has recently been strong from a variety of directions and wind slabs are expected on all aspects in wind exposed terrain. Large cornices are also reported on northerly aspects in the alpine. The rain crust which formed last week is now down 40-50 cm and generally seems to be well bonded to the surrounding snow. The February weak layers are down 100-150 cm and woke up during the recent storm cycle with many avalanches stepping down. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Melt-freeze conditions are being reported below 2100-2200 m elevation with widespread crust being reported on Thursday. Recent strong wind from a variety of directions has formed wind slabs on all aspects in exposed terrain in the high alpine. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Large cornices are also expected on northerly aspects in the alpine. At lower elevations, there are a couple rain crusts in the upper snowpack. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The February crust/facet layer is now down around 90-150 cm and has been reactive with several avalanches recently releasing on it. It is expected to be most reactive in the alpine where the snowpack remains dry. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light precipitation has delivered 15-25 cm of heavy snow at higher elevations, while rain soaked has the snow below about 1800 m. The new snow has fallen on a thick rain crust that has capped the snowpack at all elevations. Daytime warming and sunlight tend to break down the crust in some areas, but it remains frozen on northerly alpine terrain. Isolated basal facets exist in shallow snowpack areas and still have the potential to produce destructive full-depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light precipitation has delivered 5-10 cm of heavy snow at higher elevations, while rain soaked has the snow below about 2000 m. Recent rain and sun have left a variety of crusts that are thicker and most supportive in open south facing terrain. Below the new snow and crusts, roughly 50-90 cm of snow sits above the February crust and facet interfaces. In some areas there may still be a poor bond to these interfaces. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">After 25 cm of new snow blanketed the region on Wednesday night, roughly 35-40 cm of new snow lies over a crust that formed over last week's storm snow. This crust exists at about 2000 metres and lower. Beneath the previous storm snow, an older rain crust that formed last week is now buried about 55-75cm deep. The mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of treeline and into the alpine. This interface is now 100-140 cm deep and may be over 200 cm deep in wind loaded terrain. Although there is growing uncertainty about how much longer it will remain reactive, continued caution is warranted as new snow and wind continue to load the upper snowpack and stress deeper layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Tuesday the freezing level reached 2000+m. A subsequent freezing may have created a thin crust. 15-25cm of snow at upper elevations may now sit on this crust. Thicker wind slabs and large cornices likely exist in alpine terrain. A widespread thick rain crust forming last week up to 2100m is now approximately 40-60cm below the surface. In the north of the region, the February weak layers are 90-130 cm deep and include a buried surface hoar layer that recently produced a few persistent slab avalanches and a crust/facet layer that appears to be gaining strength. In the southern parts of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are generally stable.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Fresh wind slabs and cornices are forming in the lee of exposed terrain as unsettled weather brings small amounts of new snow and moderate winds. Recent warming and sun have likely left a crust on solar aspects and below 1000 m. Snow may still be poorly bonded to a 40 cm deep crust and surface hoar interface from mid-March, however, the late-February interface has been the more troublesome persistent layer. It's composed of facets, crust, and surface hoar roughly 50-100 cm deep and is still reactive throughout the region, especially in shallower areas around Stewart and Bear Pass.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Unsettled weather with moderate winds is redistributing snow in exposed terrain. Recent warming and sun have likely left a crust on solar aspects and below 1300 m. Recent snow has settled into a 20-60 cm thick slab above an older crust interface. Recent reports suggest the bond to the crust is poor and has resulted in a reactive slab. Weak sugary snow near the ground has been a dormant instability, but it may still be possible to trigger in steep rocky terrain.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-25 cm of new snow typically overlies the thick rain crust which formed over the weekend. The crust has been reported as high as 2000 m and has been reported to be supportive to skiers between 1500 and 1900 m. Alpine wind has recently been strong from a variety of directions and has formed wind slabs on all aspects. Large cornices are also reported on northerly aspects in the alpine. The rain crust which formed last week is now down 50-60 cm and generally seems to be well bonded to the surrounding snow. The February weak layers are down 100-150 cm and woke up during the recent storm cycle with many avalanches stepping down. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A new sun crust is being reported on solar aspects. Below treeline, the snowpack is expected to be undergoing daily melt-freeze. At higher elevations, the mid-March crust is down 40-60 cm in the south of the region and shallower in the north. Recent strong winds from a variety of directions formed wind slabs in exposed terrain. The mid-February crust/facet layer is now typically down 100-140 cm and has recently been reactive with many avalanches stepping down to it. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last weekend rain soaked the upper snowpack for a second time in a week all the way to mountain tops. Subsequent cooling temperatures then formed a 10-30cm rain crust. In many parts of the region above the 1500m there may now be 15-20cm of new snow sitting on top of the crust. Below the crust expect to see moist or wet snow. The late-February facet / surface hoar interface (70-120 cm deep), the mid-February crust (90-130 cm deep), and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas may still be present at upper elevations and may still be reactive and become a concern as surface crusts break down with daytime warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 10cm of recent snow overlies a supportive crust layer. Above 2200m this crust begins to deteriorate. In Alpine and Treeline wind slabs are found on all aspects, but expect deeper deposits on lee and cross-loaded features.&nbsp; Moist snow is found on solar aspects from the strong solar radiation. The lower 125cm of the snowpack consists of facets and depth hoar. This critical weakness will persist for the rest of the season.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 5 cm of new snow lies on the surface at about 1400 metres and below. This new snow lies over moist or wet snow sitting above a strong and well settled snowpack. In the highest elevation terrain, new snow amounts are likely closer to 10 cm. At these elevations, the new snow contributes to storm and/or wind slabs sitting above a a strong rain crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of new snow overlies a rain crust below around 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west directions and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large cornices are also reported on northerly aspects in the alpine. The rain crust which formed last week is now down 40-50 cm and generally seems to be well bonded to the surrounding snow. The February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during the recent storm cycle with many avalanches stepping down. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of new snow overlies a widespread crust below around 2100 m and higher on solar aspects. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west aspects and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large cornices are also reported in the alpine and appear to be largest on northerly aspects. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">At lower elevations, there are a couple rain crusts in the upper snowpack. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The February crust/facet layer is now down around 90-150 cm and has been reactive with several avalanches recently releasing on it. It is expected to be most reactive in the alpine where the snowpack remains dry. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light precipitation has delivered 15-25 cm of heavy snow at higher elevations, while rain has soaked the snow below about 1800 m. The new snow is bonding well to a thick rain crust that has capped the snowpack at all elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Daytime warming and sunlight tend to break down the crust in some areas, but it remains frozen on northerly alpine terrain. Isolated basal facets exist in shallow snowpack areas and still have the potential to produce destructive full-depth avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the past two days we've had 5-15 cm of heavy snow at higher elevations, which sits on a thick hard crust that is quite solid above 1700m. In some locations winds have been strong from the southwest, creating wind slabs on northerly aspects, and isolated features at treeline. </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain has soaked the snow below about 2000 m. Recent rain and sun have left a variety of crusts that are thicker and most supportive in open south facing terrain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow and crusts, roughly 50-90 cm of snow sits above the February crust and facet interfaces. In some areas there may still be a poor bond to these interfaces. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">After another 15 cm of new snow fell over the region on Thursday night, roughly 50 cm of wind affected new snow now lies above a crust that formed over last week's storm snow. This crust exists at about 2000 metres and lower. Beneath the previous storm snow, an older rain crust that formed last week is now buried about 70-90 cm deep. The mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of treeline and into the alpine. This interface is now 115-155 cm deep and may be over 220 cm deep in wind loaded terrain. Although there is growing confidence in this layer becoming dormant, continued caution is warranted while our newly formed storm slabs remain reactive. A big enough storm slab or cornice release in the right location may have the potential to coax this layer into reacting.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steady light snowfalls over the week have deposited 20-30 cm of heavily wind affected new snow at upper elevations. Periodic rises in freezing levels to 2000 metres or higher over the same time period have been setting up a series of crust layers (March 20, 22, 23) within the upper snowpack at lower elevations and on solar aspects. A more widespread thick rain crust (March 15) exists up to 2100m and is now buried approximately 45-70cm below the surface. In the north of the region, the February weak layers are 100-140 cm deep and include a buried surface hoar layer that recently produced a few persistent slab avalanches and a crust/facet layer that appears to be gaining strength. In the southern parts of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Fresh wind slabs and cornices are forming in the lee of exposed terrain as unsettled weather has brought small amounts of new snow and moderate winds. </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent warming and sun have likely left a crust on solar aspects and below 1000 m. </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow may still be poorly bonded to a 40 cm deep crust and surface hoar interface from mid-March, however, the late-February interface has been the more troublesome persistent layer. It's composed of facets, crust, and surface hoar roughly 50-100 cm deep and is still reactive throughout the region, especially in shallower areas around Stewart and Bear Pass.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Unsettled weather with moderate winds is redistributing snow in exposed terrain. </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent warming and sun have likely left a crust on solar aspects and below 1300 m. Recent snow has settled into a 20-60 cm thick slab above an older crust interface. Recent reports suggest the bond to the crust is poor and has resulted in a reactive slab. </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Weak sugary snow near the ground has been a dormant instability, but it may still be possible to trigger in steep rocky terrain.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of new snow overlies a rain crust below around 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west directions and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large cornices are also reported on northerly aspects in the alpine. The rain crust which formed last week is now down 50-60 cm and generally seems to be well bonded to the surrounding snow. The February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during the recent storm cycle with many avalanches stepping down. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-30 cm of new snow overlies a rain crust at lower elevations or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west directions and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large cornices are also reported and expected to be biggest on northerly aspects in the alpine. T</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he mid-March crust is down 40-60 cm in the south of the region and shallower in the north. The mid-February crust/facet layer is now typically down 100-150 cm and has recently been reactive with many avalanches stepping down to it. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Roughly 20-30 cm of snow from the past few days lies over a widespread rain crust that exists at all elevations. Periodic high freezing levels and solar exposure have formed a series of thin crusts in this upper snowpack at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moist or wet snow exists below the widespread rain crust. The late-February facet / surface hoar interface (70-120 cm deep), the mid-February crust (90-130 cm deep), and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas may still be present at upper elevations and may still be reactive and become a concern as surface crusts break down with daytime warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10cm of recent snow is overlying a widespread temperature crust that can be found up to 2300m.  Strong winds and recent new snow have created windslabs in Alpine terrain and isolated areas at treeline such as ridgelines and gullies.  Moderate sheers were being noted down 30-40cm at the interface with the recent snow.  Below this the midpack is well settled but the weak facetted base is still very pronounced and producing hard sheers that are very sudden in nature.  Moist snow was being observed below 2000m later in the day on Friday. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wide ranging 5 -25 cm of new snow covered the region over Thursday night. Below 1400 metres, this new snow lies over moist or wet snow sitting above a strong and well settled snowpack. In the highest elevation terrain, more of our recent precipitation fell as snow rather than rain. The resulting combination of recent and new snow means that much thicker storm slabs can be found at high elevations. These storm slabs sit above a a strong rain crust. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of new snow overlies a rain crust below around 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west directions and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large cornices are also reported on northerly aspects in the alpine. The rain crust which formed last week is now down 40-50 cm and generally seems to be well bonded to the surrounding snow. The February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during the recent storm cycle with many avalanches stepping down. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of new snow overlies a widespread crust below around 2100 m and higher on solar aspects. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west aspects and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large cornices are also reported in the alpine and appear to be largest on northerly aspects. At lower elevations, there are a couple rain crusts in the upper snowpack. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The February crust/facet layer is now down around 90-150 cm and has been reactive with several avalanches recently releasing on it. It is expected to be most reactive in the alpine where the snowpack remains dry. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm on Friday-Saturday had some intense convective activity which brought locally heavy snowfall (or graupel) and storm totals of 15-30cm. Winds became moderate westerly at ridge top with lots of transport. </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow at the middle of last week delivered 15-25 cm of heavy snow at higher elevations, while rain soaked the snow below about 1800 m. The new snow is bonding variably to a thick rain crust that capped the snowpack at all elevations: In some areas the recent snow is showing signs of significant propagation and peeling off the crust with the additional loading of the latest storm snow (see Avalanche Summary above).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Isolated basal facets exist in shallow snowpack areas and still have the potential to produce destructive full-depth avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the past few days we've had 10-25 cm of heavy snow at higher elevations, which sits on a thick hard crust that is quite solid above 1700m. In some locations winds have been strong from the southwest, creating wind slabs 10-50cm thick on northerly aspects, and isolated features at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain from last week soaked the snow below about 2000 m. Recent rain and sun have left a variety of crusts that are thicker and most supportive in open south facing terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow and crusts, roughly 50-90 cm of snow sits above the February crust and facet interfaces. In some areas there may still be a poor bond to these interfaces. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">After another 25 cm of new snow fell over the region on Thursday night through Friday, roughly 50 cm of wind affected new snow now lies above a crust that formed over last week's storm snow. This crust exists at about 2000 metres and lower. Beneath the previous storm snow, an older rain crust that formed last week is now buried about 80-100 cm deep. The mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of treeline and into the alpine. This interface is now 125-165 cm deep and may be over 230 cm deep in wind loaded terrain. Although there is growing confidence in this layer becoming dormant, continued caution is warranted while our newly formed storm slabs remain triggerable. A big enough storm slab or cornice release in the right location may have the potential to coax this layer into reacting.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steady light snowfalls over the week have deposited 25-45 cm of heavily wind affected new snow at upper elevations. Periodic rises in freezing levels to 2000 metres or higher over the same time period have been setting up a series of crust layers (March 20, 22, 23) within the upper snowpack at lower elevations and on solar aspects. A more widespread thick rain crust (March 15) exists up to 2100m and is now buried approximately 45-70cm below the surface. In the north of the region, the February weak layers are 100-140 cm deep and include a buried surface hoar layer as well as a crust/facet layer that appear to be gaining strength. In the southern parts of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Fresh storm slabs and cornices are forming in the lee of exposed terrain as yet another March storm has brought 5-15cm of new snow (20cm near Stewart) and moderate southwest winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This recent snow sits on a crust on solar aspects and below 1000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow may still be poorly bonded to a 40 cm deep crust and surface hoar interface from mid-March, however, the late-February interface has been the more troublesome persistent layer. It's composed of facets, crust, and surface hoar roughly 70-140 cm deep and is still reactive throughout the region, especially in shallower areas around Stewart and Bear Pass.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Unsettled weather, and 5-12cm new snow with moderate winds is redistributing snow in exposed terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent warming and sun have likely left a crust on solar aspects and below 1300 m (reportedly breakable crust below 1000m). Recent snow has settled into a 20-60 cm thick slab above an older crust interface. Recent reports suggest the bond to the crust is poor and has resulted in a reactive slab.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Weak sugary snow near the ground has been a dormant instability, but it may still be possible to trigger in steep rocky terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-50 cm of new snow overlies a rain crust below around 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west directions and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large cornices are also reported on northerly aspects in the alpine. The rain crust which formed last week is now down 50-60 cm and generally seems to be well bonded to the surrounding snow. The February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during the recent storm cycle with many avalanches stepping down. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">15-40 cm of new snow overlies a rain crust at lower elevations or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west directions and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large cornices are also reported and expected to be biggest on northerly aspects in the alpine. T</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he mid-March crust is down 40-60 cm in the south of the region and shallower in the north. The mid-February crust/facet layer is now typically down 100-150 cm and has recently been reactive with many avalanches stepping down to it. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">After 20-25 cm of new snow fell over the region on Friday, roughly 40-50 cm of snow now lies over a widespread rain crust that exists at all elevations. Periodic high freezing levels and solar exposure have formed a series of thin crusts that exist within this upper snowpack at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moist or wet snow exists below the widespread rain crust. The late-February facet / surface hoar interface (90-140 cm deep), the mid-February crust (110-150 cm deep), and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas may still be present at upper elevations and may still be reactive and become a increasing concern with daytime warming.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15cm overnight on Friday and another 4-5cm of snow throughout the day on Saturday combined with moderate westerly winds at higher elevations is creating new windslabs along ridgelines and in crossloaded features in alpine and treeline terrain.  These new windslabs are overlying a settled midpack that is overlying a very weak facetted base in most areas.  Thin weak areas are the likely areas where one may trigger the deeper instabilities and cause a large destructive avalanche.  Natural avalanche activity has began to taper off but many slopes are still primed for a large avalanche.  Use caution around terrain that has not yet released.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wide ranging 15-45 cm of new snow covered the region over Thursday and Friday night. Below 1400 metres, this new snow lies over moist or wet snow sitting above a strong and well settled snowpack. Much thicker and more reactive storm slabs are likely to be found at higher elevations. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-50 cm of snow has now accumulated over the past week which overlies a rain crust below around 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west directions and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large cornices are also reported in the alpine. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally well bonded and stable. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of snow has now accumulated over the past week which overlies a widespread crust below around 2100 m and higher on solar aspects. On steep solar aspects, a new sun crust is also being reported.  Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west aspects and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large cornices are also reported in the alpine. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally well bonded and stable. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 90-150 cm and has been reactive with several avalanches recently releasing on it. It is expected to be most reactive in the alpine where the snowpack remains dry. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches.  Heavy triggers like cornices and explosives continue to sporadically trigger deep weaknesses in the snowpack as recently as Saturday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm on Friday-Saturday had some intense convective activity which brought locally heavy snowfall (or graupel) and storm totals of 15-35cm. Winds became moderate westerly at ridge top with lots of transport.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow at the middle of last week delivered 15-25 cm of heavy snow at higher elevations, while rain soaked the snow below about 1800 m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All the recent snow (now a layer roughly 40cm thick) is bonding variably to the hard (March 21st) rain crust (10cm thick) that capped the snowpack at all elevations: In some areas the recent snow is showing signs of significant propagation and peeling off the crust with the additional loading of the latest storm snow (see Avalanche Summary above).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Isolated basal facets exist in shallow snowpack areas and still have the potential to produce destructive full-depth avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the past few days we've had 10-30 cm of heavy snow at higher elevations, which sits on a thick hard crust that is quite solid above 1700m. In some locations winds have been strong from the southwest, creating wind slabs 10-50cm thick on northerly aspects, and isolated features at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain from last week soaked the snow below about 2000 m. Recent rain and sun have left a variety of crusts that are thicker and most supportive in open south facing terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow and crusts, roughly 50-90 cm of snow sits above the February crust and facet interfaces. In some areas there may still be a poor bond to these interfaces. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Stormy weather over the end of last week brought roughly 50 cm of wind affected new snow to the region. At about 2000 metres and below, this new snow lies above a crust (March 22) that formed over last week's storm snow. Beneath this older storm snow, an older rain crust that was buried around March 15 is now about 80-100 cm deep. The mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of treeline and into the alpine. This interface is now generally 125-165 cm deep but may present at the surface or up to 250 cm deep in heavily wind affected terrain. Although there is growing confidence in this layer becoming dormant, continued caution is warranted while our recently formed storm slabs remain triggerable. A big enough storm slab or cornice release in the right location may have the potential to coax this layer or the shallower March 15 crust layer into reacting.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steady light snowfalls over last week deposited 25-45 cm of heavily wind affected new snow to the region. Periodic rises in freezing levels to 2000 metres or higher over the same time period have been setting up a series of crust layers (March 20, 22, 23) within the upper snowpack at lower elevations and on solar aspects. A more widespread thick rain crust (March 15) exists up to 2100m and is now buried approximately 45-70cm below the surface. In the north of the region, the February weak layers are 100-140 cm deep and include a buried surface hoar layer as well as a crust/facet layer that appear to be gaining strength. In the southern parts of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Fresh storm slabs (up to 40cm thick) developed at treeline and above, while cornices grew larger during another March storm: Weekend totals brought 10-20cm of new snow and moderate southwest / southeast winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This recent snow sits on a crust on solar aspects and below 1000 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow may still be poorly bonded to a 40 cm deep crust and surface hoar interface from mid-March, however, the late-February interface has been the more troublesome persistent layer. It's composed of facets, crust, and surface hoar roughly 70-140 cm deep and is still reactive throughout the region, especially in shallower areas around Stewart and Bear Pass. See the Avalanche Summary above for a good example of this persistent problem re-awakening. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable and unsettled weather has given 5-15cm of new snow in the past few days. Winds have been moderate southerly, and sufficient to transport snow in exposed terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent warming and sun have likely left a crust on solar aspects and below 1300 m (reportedly breakable crust below 1000m). Snow from the past week or so has settled into a 20-60 cm thick slab above an older crust interface. Reports suggest the bond to the crust is poor and has resulted in a reactive slab, in addition to weaknesses down 30-35cm within the storm snow itself (giving sudden planar results in snowpack tests). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Weak sugary snow near the ground has been a dormant instability, but it may still be possible to trigger in steep rocky terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-50 cm of snow has now accumulated over the past week which overlies a rain crust below around 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west directions and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large cornices are also reported in the alpine. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally well bonded and stable. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of snow has now accumulated over the past week which overlies a rain crust at lower elevations or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west directions and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large cornices are also reported in the alpine. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now expected to generally be well bonded and stable. At higher elevations, the February crust/facet layer is down 100-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls also stepped down to these layers recently resulting in some very large full depth avalanches. Heavy triggers like cornices and explosives continue to sporadically trigger deep weaknesses in the snowpack as recently as Saturday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Stormy weather over the past week brought roughly 40-50 cm of snow to the region. Periodic high freezing levels and solar exposure over the same period formed a series of crusts (March 19-24) that exist within this upper snowpack at lower elevations and on solar aspects. The new snow and series of crusts lie over a more widespread (March 14) rain crust that exists at all elevations. Moist or wet snow exists below this rain crust. The late-February facet / surface hoar interface (90-140 cm deep), the mid-February crust (110-150 cm deep), and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas may still be present at upper elevations. Overlying crusts have been noted acting as a bridge over these layers and any remaining reactivity is likely limited to high alpine locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">7-17cm HN and up to 30cm over the past two days. Wind affect in alpine areas but much more isolated at TL and below. New snow settling rapidly with warm temps and steep solar aspects becoming moist by 10:30am. Good skiing can be found on non-solar aspects and sheltered areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A wide ranging 15-45 cm of new snow fell over the region at the end of the past week. Below 1400 metres, this new snow is likely forming a good bond to moist snow sitting above a strong and well settled snowpack. Much thicker and potentially more reactive storm slabs are likely to be found at higher elevations. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-50 cm of snow has now accumulated over the past week which overlies a rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west directions and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large, fragile cornices are also reported along ridgelines. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally well bonded and stable. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of snow has now accumulated over the past week which overlies a widespread crust below around 2100 m and higher on solar aspects. On steep solar aspects, a new sun crust is also being reported. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west aspects and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large cornices are also reported in the alpine. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally well bonded and stable. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 90-150 cm and has been reactive with several avalanches recently releasing on it. It is expected to be most reactive in the alpine where the snowpack remains dry. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches. Heavy triggers like cornices and explosives continue to sporadically trigger deep weaknesses in the snowpack as recently as Saturday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The storm on Friday-Saturday had some intense convective activity which brought locally heavy snowfall (or graupel) and storm totals by Monday of 20-45cm. Winds at times were moderate westerly at ridge top with lots of transport.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snowpack tests have shown some reactivity in the storm snow layer (down 20-30cms) and also on the March 21st crust (down 40-60cm, giving propagation-likely test results).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">All the recent snow (now a layer roughly 40-60cm thick) is bonding variably to the hard (March 21st) rain crust (10cm thick) that capped the snowpack at all elevations: In some areas the recent snow is showing signs of significant propagation and peeling off the crust with the additional loading of the latest storm snow (see Avalanche Summary above).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below 1600m (or on slopes facing the sun) the snow surface typically becomes moist in the afternoon with daytime heating / solar input. Depending on cloud cover, a (breakable) crust forms overnight. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Isolated basal facets exist in shallow snowpack areas and still have the potential to produce destructive full-depth avalanches.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the past few days we've had 10-30 cm of heavy snow at higher elevations, which sits on a thick hard crust that is quite solid above 1700m. In some locations winds have been strong from the southwest, creating wind slabs 10-50cm thick on northerly aspects, and isolated features at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain from last week soaked the snow below about 2000 m. Recent rain and sun have left a variety of crusts that are thicker and most supportive in open south facing terrain.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow and crusts, roughly 50-90 cm of snow sits above the February crust and facet interfaces. In some areas there may still be a poor bond to these interfaces.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Forecast stormy conditions are expected to add to the recent storm slabs. At about 2000 metres and below, the storm snow lies above a crust (March 22) that formed last week. Beneath this older storm snow, an older rain crust that was buried around March 15 is now about 80-100 cm deep. The mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of treeline and into the alpine. This interface is now generally 125-165 cm deep but may present at the surface or up to 250 cm deep in heavily wind affected terrain. Although there is growing confidence in this layer becoming dormant, continued caution is warranted while our recently formed storm slabs remain triggerable. A big enough storm slab or cornice release in the right location may have the potential to coax this layer or the shallower March 15 crust layer into reacting.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steady light snowfalls over last week deposited 25-45 cm of heavily wind affected new snow to the region. Periodic rises in freezing levels to 2000 metres or higher over the same time period have been setting up a series of crust layers (March 20, 22, 23) within the upper snowpack at lower elevations and on solar aspects. A more widespread thick rain crust (March 15) exists up to 2100m and is now buried approximately 45-70cm below the surface. In the north of the region, the February weak layers are 100-140 cm deep and include a buried surface hoar layer as well as a crust/facet layer that appear to be gaining strength. In the southern parts of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm slabs (up to 40cm thick) developed at treeline and above, while cornices grew larger during another March storm: Weekend totals brought 10-20cm of new snow and moderate southwest / southeast winds.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow may still be poorly bonded to a 40 cm deep crust and surface hoar interface from mid-March; however, the late-February interface has been the more troublesome persistent layer. It's composed of facets, crust, and surface hoar roughly 70-140 cm deep and is still reactive throughout the region, especially in shallower areas around Stewart and Bear Pass. See the Avalanche Summary above for surprising examples of this persistent problem re-awakening.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable and unsettled weather has given 5-15cm of new snow in the past few days. Winds have been moderate to STRONG southerly, but most exposed surfaces are either heavily scoured or wind-pressed firm by now.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent warming and sun have likely left a crust on solar aspects and below 1300 m (reportedly breakable crust below 1000m). Snow from the past week or so has settled into a 20-60 cm thick slab above an older crust interface. Reports suggest the bond to the crust is poor and has resulted in a reactive slab, in addition to weaknesses down 30-35cm within the storm snow itself (giving sudden planar results in snowpack tests).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Weak sugary snow near the ground has been a dormant instability, but it may still be possible to trigger in steep rocky terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-50 cm of snow has now accumulated over the past week which overlies a rain crust below around 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west directions and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large, fragile cornices are also reported in the alpine. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally well bonded and stable. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">20-40 cm of snow has now accumulated over the past week which overlies a rain crust at lower elevations or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from south through west directions and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large, fragile cornices are also reported in the alpine. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now expected to generally be well bonded and stable. At higher elevations, the February crust/facet layer is down 100-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls also stepped down to these layers recently resulting in some very large full depth avalanches. Heavy triggers like cornices and explosives continue to sporadically trigger deep weaknesses in the snowpack as recently as Saturday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Stormy weather over the past week brought roughly 40-50 cm of snow to the region. Periodic high freezing levels and solar exposure over the same period formed a series of crusts (March 19-24) that exist within this upper snowpack at lower elevations and on solar aspects. The new snow and series of crusts lie over a more widespread (March 14) rain crust that exists at all elevations. Moist or wet snow exists below this rain crust. The late-February facet / surface hoar interface (90-140 cm deep), the mid-February crust (110-150 cm deep), and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas may still be present at upper elevations. Overlying crusts have been noted acting as a bridge over these layers and any remaining reactivity is likely limited to high alpine locations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Up to 30cm of new snow in the last three days. Wind effect was observed in the alpine, on lee features and cross loaded gullies. Moist snow was felt below 1900m and it is settling rapidly with warm temps. Good skiing can be found on shady aspects and sheltered areas. Numerous pits were dug in many areas of our forecast area and the most relevant observation was the weakness of the bottom 100cm of the snowpack (mostly facets and depth hoar). </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is expected at alpine elevations tonight and tomorrow. Freezing levels are uncertain, so there may be new snow at treeline, or it may be mostly rain. Areas that receive new snow and wind are expected to further develop new storm slabs. Rain soaked snow at lower elevations may fail as loose wet avalanches on steep convex rolls or steep creek banks and cut blocks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of recent storm snow has fallen at upper elevations. This now brings 30-70 cm of accumulated snow over the past week which overlies a rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally well bonded. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10 cm of recent snow has fallen at upper elevations and caps a sun crust on solar aspects. This brings 20-40 cm of accumulated snow over the past week. This recent snow overlies a widespread crust below 2300 m and higher on solar aspects. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from the SW and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large, fragile cornices also exist along ridgelines. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally well bonded. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 90-150 cm and has been reactive with several avalanches recently releasing on it. It is expected to be most reactive in the alpine where the snowpack remains dry. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_1681A555">Warm temperatures on Monday (up to +4 Celsius at treeline) have left a 1-2cm thick breakable crust at most elevations, capped with a few centimeters of light snow. </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_1681A555"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the past several days we've had 10-30 cm of heavy snow at higher elevations, which sits on a thick hard crust that is quite solid above 1700m. In some locations winds have been strong from the southwest, creating wind slabs 10-50cm thick on northerly aspects, and isolated features at treeline.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain from last week soaked the snow below about 2000 m. Recent rain and sun have left a variety of crusts that are thicker and most supportive in open south facing terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Below the new snow and crusts, roughly 50-90 cm of snow sits above the February crust and facet interfaces. In some areas there may still be a poor bond to these interfaces.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern, and may be triggered by large loads (eg: cornice fall) or warm temperatures (eg: full exposure to the sun). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Continued light to moderate snowfall is expected to add to the recent storm slabs. 2000m and below, the storm snow lies above a crust that formed last week. A rain crust that was buried around March 15 is now 80-100 cm deep. The mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of tree line and into the alpine. This interface is generally 120-170 cm deep but may be present nearer to the surface in wind scoured areas. Although there is growing confidence that this layer is becoming dormant, a storm slab or cornice release in the right location may have the potential to trigger any of the deeply buried weak layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steady light snowfalls over last week accumulated 30-55cm of heavily wind affected new snow in the region. Freezing levels to 2000m or higher and intermittent sun over the same time period created a variety of crust layers within the upper snowpack at lower elevations and on solar aspects. A thick rain crust forming in Mid-March up to 2100m is down 45-70cm below the surface. In the north of the region, the February persistent weak layers may still be found and are down 100-140cm. They include a buried surface hoar layer as well as a crust/facet layer. In the southern parts of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've seen light snowfall and steady light to moderate winds over the past several days. Weekend totals brought 10-20cm of new snow and moderate southwest / southeast winds. Consequently, storm slabs (up to 40cm thick) developed at treeline and above. Cornices have also grown larger with the steady winds and regular, small amounts of snow. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Seasonal spring temperatures mean the snow has been moist below ~1200m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snow may still be poorly bonded to a 40 cm deep crust and surface hoar interface from mid-March; however, the late-February interface has been the more troublesome persistent layer. It's composed of facets, crust, and surface hoar roughly 70-140 cm deep and is still reactive throughout the region, especially in shallower areas around Stewart and Bear Pass. See the Avalanche Summary above for surprising examples of this persistent problem re-awakening.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Variable and unsettled weather has given 5-20cm of new snow in the past few days. Winds have been moderate to STRONG south though westerly, and many exposed surfaces are either heavily scoured or wind-pressed firm. That said, there have been some reports of wind slabs forming on northeast aspects in the south of the region. </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent warming and sun have likely left a crust on solar aspects and below 1300 m (reportedly breakable crust below 1000m). Snow from the past week or so has settled into a 20-60 cm thick slab above an older crust interface. Reports suggest the bond to the crust is poor and has resulted in a reactive slab, in addition to weaknesses down 30-35cm within the storm snow itself (giving sudden planar results in snowpack tests).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Weak sugary snow near the ground has been a dormant instability, but it may still be possible to trigger in steep rocky terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of new storm snow has fallen at upper elevations. This now brings 30-70 cm of accumulated snow over the past week which overlies the mid-March rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally well bonded. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20 cm of recent storm snow has fallen at upper elevations. This now brings 30-70 cm of accumulated snow over the past week which overlies a rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally bonded. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Unsettled weather over the past week has brought roughly 40-50 cm of snow to the region. Periodic high freezing levels and solar exposure over the same period formed a variety crusts within the storm snow at both lower elevations and on solar aspects. This all overlies a rain crust that formed mid-March at all elevations. At upper elevations, above 2100m approximately, the late and mid-February persistent weak layers (100-150cm down) and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas may still exist. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Up to 5cm of new snow in the past 24hrs. In sheltered areas there is now 25cm of low density snow overlying previous surfaces. On solar aspects there are now various buried crusts. Strong winds today led to further wind slab development in the Alpine and isolated areas at Treeline. Easy shears were observed down 10 and 25cm. The snow was moist this afternoon below 1900m. The middle of the snowpack is generally well settled and dense, while the base of the snowpack consists of over 100cm of depth hoar and facets. Natural avalanche activity has tapered off, but the structure of the snowpack continues to cause concern to forecasters for &quot;low probability, high consequence&quot; avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Additional new snow is expected at alpine elevations tonight and tomorrow. The freezing level is uncertain on Wednesday. Expect to see a mix of rain and snow at tree line and snow in the alpine. This new snow at upper elevations has been redistributed by moderate to strong southwest wind and is sitting on a well settled lower snowpack. Rain below tree line will continue to soak an already moist and/or wet lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow has accumulated at upper elevations and is reactive. This now brings 30-70 cm of accumulated snow over the past week which overlies a rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally well bonded. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10 cm of recent snow has fallen at upper elevations and caps a sun crust on solar aspects. This brings 20-40 cm of accumulated snow over the past week. This recent snow overlies a widespread crust below 2300 m and higher on solar aspects. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from the SW and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large, fragile cornices also exist along ridgelines. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally well bonded. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 90-150 cm and has been reactive with several avalanches recently releasing on it. It is expected to be most reactive in the alpine where the snowpack remains dry. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25 cm of new snow overnight and another 10 during the day on Wednesday have developed storm slabs in the alpine that are 30-50 cm thick near Fernie. In the Corbin area, there was a total of 25cm in the last 24 hours. Storm snow is not bonding well to crusts in the alpine and at treeline. Below 1600 metres the snow is moist or wet. Deeply buried facets may spring to life due to the added load of the storm slabs, and the possibility of strong solar radiation over the next couple of days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">A few more cm of new snow overnight, combined with gusty southwest winds has developed new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. Over the past several days we've had 10-30 cm of heavy snow at higher elevations, which sits on a thick hard crust that is quite solid above 1700m. Below the new snow and crusts, roughly 50-90 cm of snow sits above the February crust and facet interfaces. In some areas there may still be a poor bond to these interfaces. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern, and may be triggered by large loads (eg: cornice fall) or warm temperatures (eg: full exposure to the sun). </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">Continued light to moderate snowfall over the past few days has accumulated 30-60cm of storm snow that has been redistributed by predominantly southwest and southeast winds. 2000m and below, the storm snow lies above a crust that formed last week. A rain crust that was buried mid March is now 90-120 cm deep. The mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of tree line and into the alpine. This interface is generally 120-170 cm deep but may be present nearer to the surface in wind scoured areas. Although there is growing confidence that this layer is becoming dormant, a storm slab or cornice release in the right location may have the potential to trigger any of the deeply buried weak layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steady light snowfalls over the last week have accumulated 40-60cm of new snow in the region. Freezing levels to 2000m or higher and intermittent sun over the same time period created a variety of&nbsp; thin crust layers within the upper snowpack at lower elevations and on solar aspects. A thick rain crust forming in Mid-March up to the 2100m elevation is down 50-80cm below the surface. In the north of the region, the February persistent weak layers may still be found and are down 100-140cm. They include a buried surface hoar layer as well as a crust/facet layer. In the southern parts of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm slabs continue to develop in the alpine and at treeline. Warm daytime temperatures have created moist snow at treeline and wet snow below treeline. The February 21st persistent weak layer continues to be a concern for triggering large avalanches. This combination of crust and weak facets is now down 100-150 cm, and may be triggered by light additional loads in shallow weak spots adjacent to large terrain features. The snow below treeline may become weak and release as loose wet avlanches or wet slabs in steep unsupported terrain features. Spring conditions may change quickly, especially if the sun pops out during the day and warms the slab above the weak layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light snow combined with moderate southwest winds has developed wind slabs in the alpine and in some exposed treeline locations. Periods of sun and high daytime freezing levels have developed crusts below treeline and on sun exposed terrain at all elevations. The snow may be moist or wet below treeline during the warmest part of the day. The deep persistent weak layer of facets and/or a crust that were buried early in the winter are still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of new storm snow has fallen at upper elevations. This now brings 30-70 cm of accumulated snow over the past week which overlies the mid-March rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally well bonded. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow has fallen at upper elevations. This now brings 30-70 cm of accumulated snow over the past week which overlies a rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At lower elevations, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack which are now generally bonded. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Unsettled weather over the past week has brought roughly 50-80 cm of snow to the region. Periodic high freezing levels and solar exposure over the same period formed a variety crusts within the storm snow at both lower elevations and on solar aspects. This all overlies a rain crust that formed mid-March at all elevations. At upper elevations, above 2100m approximately, the late and mid-February persistent weak layers (100-150cm down) and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas may still exist. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Another 5 to 10cm of new snow in the past 24hrs. In sheltered areas there is now an average of 30cm of low density snow overlying previous surfaces. On solar aspects there are now various buried crusts. Wind slabs are present in the Alpine and isolated areas at Treeline. Moist snow up to 2200m late in the day. The middle of the snowpack is generally well settled and dense, while the base of the snowpack consists of over 100cm of depth hoar and/or facets. Natural avalanche activity has tapered off, but the structure of the snowpack continues to cause concern to forecasters for &quot;low probability, high consequence&quot; avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The last 48 hours has seen very heavy amounts of precipitation. The freezing level hovered around tree line during that time. Reports from the region have been few and far between, however it can be expected that 70-100cm of snow has fallen at upper elevations. The new snow would have been redistributed by moderate to strong southwest wind and is sitting on a well settled lower snowpack. Rain below tree line has soaked an already moist and/or wet lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of recent storm snow has accumulated at upper elevations. The new snow is dry up high and moist from 1800 m and below. This now brings 80-120 cm of accumulated snow which overlies a rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 150-190 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches. These layers remain a concern during this stormy period ending with warmer temperatures and sunshine. The snowpack does not adjust well to change, and these deeper weak layers should remain on your radar through the forecast period. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of recent snow has fallen at upper elevations and caps a sun crust on solar aspects. This brings 40-60 cm of accumulated snow over the past week. This recent snow overlies a widespread crust below 2300 m and higher on solar aspects. Alpine wind has recently been strong mainly from the SW and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large, fragile cornices also exist along ridgelines. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and has been reactive with several avalanches recently releasing on it. It is expected to be most reactive in the alpine where the snowpack remains dry. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches. These layers remain a concern during this stormy period ending with warmer temperatures and sunshine. The snowpack does not adjust well to change, and these deeper weak layers should remain on your radar through the forecast period. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm slabs continue to grow at higher elevations. Another 10-15 cm by Thursday morning has made the recent storm total near Fernie 50-70 cm. In the Corbin area, there was a total of 25cm on Wednesday. Storm snow is not bonding well to crusts in the alpine and at treeline. Below 1800 metres the snow is moist or wet. The recent storm snow may be sitting on a crust that developed just before the new snow arrived. This crust may act as a smooth sliding surface when the sun heats the storm slab. Deeply buried facets may spring to life due to the added load of the storm slabs, and the possibility of strong solar radiation over the next couple of days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Thursday in Crowsnest North, the sun was strong in the morning and solar aspects became moist up into the alpine. There was still some dry snow on north aspects in the alpine. A few more cm of new snow overnight, combined with gusty southwest winds has developed new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline.&nbsp; The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern, and may be triggered by large loads like cornice falls, or strong solar radiation on a clear day. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A series of snowfalls over the early part of the week accumulated 30-60cm of storm snow that has been redistributed by predominantly southwest and southeast winds. 2000m and below, the storm snow lies above a crust that formed last week. A rain crust that was buried mid March is now 90-120 cm deep. The mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of tree line and into the alpine. This layer is generally 120-170 cm deep but may be present nearer to the surface in wind scoured areas. Although there is growing confidence that this layer seems to be becoming dormant, a storm slab or cornice release in the right location may have the potential to trigger any of the deeply buried weak layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steady light snowfalls over the last week have accumulated 40-60cm of new snow in the region. Freezing levels to 2000m or higher and intermittent sun over the same time period created a variety of thin crust layers within the upper snowpack at lower elevations and on solar aspects. A thick rain crust forming in Mid-March up to the 2100m elevation is down 50-80cm below the surface. In the north of the region, the February persistent weak layers may still be found and are down 100-140cm. They include a buried surface hoar layer as well as a crust/facet layer. In the southern parts of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm slabs continue to develop in the alpine and at treeline. Warm daytime temperatures have created moist snow at treeline and wet snow below treeline. The February 21st persistent weak layer continues to be a concern for triggering large avalanches. This combination of crust and weak facets is now down 100-150 cm, and may be triggered by light additional loads in shallow weak spots adjacent to large terrain features. The snow below treeline may become weak and release as loose wet avalanches or wet slabs in steep unsupported terrain features. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light snow combined with moderate southwest winds has developed wind slabs in the alpine and in some exposed treeline locations. Periods of sun and high daytime freezing levels have developed crusts below treeline and on sun exposed terrain at all elevations. The snow may be moist or wet below treeline during the warmest part of the day. The Mid-February crust and facet layer was reported to be down 75-90 cm in the Houston Telkwas sled area on Wednesday. The deep persistent weak layer of facets and/or a crust that were buried early in the winter are still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack. This </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions%2Fcbf29455-1552-459e-99e5-ed1409cc3933" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> found the deep weak layer strengthening in the Telkwas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of recent storm snow has accumulated at upper elevations. The new snow is dry up high and moist from 1800 m and below. This now brings 80-120 cm of accumulated snow which overlies a rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 150-190 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches. These layers remain a concern during this stormy period ending with warmer temperatures and sunshine. The snowpack does not adjust well to change, and these deeper weak layers should remain on your radar through the forecast period. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of recent storm snow has fallen at upper elevations. The new snow is dry up high and moist from 1800 m and below. This now brings 40-90 cm of accumulated snow which overlies a rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches. These layers remain a concern during this stormy period ending with warmer temperatures and sunshine. The snowpack does not adjust well to change, and these deeper weak layers should remain on your radar through the forecast period. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A series of snowfalls throughout the past week accumulated roughly 60-90 cm of new snow in the region. Periodic high freezing levels and solar exposure over the same period formed a variety crusts within the storm snow at both lower elevations and on solar aspects. This all overlies a rain crust that formed mid-March at all elevations. At upper elevations, above 2100m approximately, the late and mid-February persistent weak layers (100-150cm down) and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas may still exist. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Convective squalls continue to give us 5-10cm/day but these amount can vary by the drainage and also taper rapidly at lower elevations. Windslabs are being observed in Alpine areas along ridgelines and in open terrain. These slabs are 20-30cm thick and are reactive to a skiers weight. At treeline the windslab are very isolated and more stubborn to trigger. Moist snow was observed on Solar aspects up to 2600m and on all aspects below 2100m.&nbsp; Expect to encounter crusts in the upper snowpack on all aspects at lower elevations and on solar aspects up to 2600m. Despite no recent avalanche activity on the deeper weak layers, we consider the consequences of a large avalanche before committing to a slope. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Tuesday and Wednesday saw very heavy amounts of precipitation. The freezing level hovered around tree line during that time, however it can be expected that 70-100cm of snow fell at upper elevations. The new snow would have been redistributed by moderate to strong southwest wind and is sitting on a well settled lower snowpack. Rain below tree line has soaked an already moist and/or wet lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of recent storm snow has accumulated at upper elevations. The new snow is dry up high and moist from 1800 m and below. This now brings 80-120 cm of accumulated snow which overlies a rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 150-190 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches. These layers remain a real concern while touchier storm slabs and cornices continue to present the risk of acting as triggers for deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of recent snow has fallen at upper elevations and has buried a sun crust on solar aspects. This brings 40-60 cm of accumulated snow over the past week. This recent snow overlies a widespread crust below 2300 m and higher on solar aspects. Alpine wind has recently been strong, mainly from the southwest, and has loaded leeward slopes in exposed terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Large, fragile cornices also exist along ridgelines. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and has been reactive with several avalanches recently releasing on it. It is expected to be most reactive in the alpine where the snowpack remains dry. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches. These layers remain a real concern while touchier wind slabs, storm slabs and cornices continue to present the risk of acting as a trigger for deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm slabs in the alpine received a big punch of solar radiation on Friday. Sheltered slopes may continue to be dry and may not be well bonded to the old surface. At treeline and below the snow is moist or wet, and may not get a good re-freeze overnight before another forecast warm day with high freezing levels. The deep persistent weak layer of facets and crust that was buried early in the winter may &quot;wake-up&quot; due to this prolonged warming and recent loading. This deep problem is difficult to forecast, and the best strategy may be to avoid large terrain features until the snowpack cools and adjusts to the recent inputs (ie loading, sun, wind, and temperature fluctuations).</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Friday, the sun was strong at higher elevations and the surface snow became moist or wet in the Elk Valley North. Castle Mountain reported 26 cm of new snow overnight, that I suspect must have settled rapidly due to the strong sun and high freezing levels. On Thursday in Crowsnest North, the sun was strong in the morning and solar aspects became moist up into the alpine. There was still some dry snow on north aspects in the alpine. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern, and may be triggered by large loads like cornice falls, or strong solar radiation on a clear day. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A series of snowfalls over the early part of the week accumulated 30-60cm of storm snow that has been redistributed by predominantly southwest and southeast winds. 2000m and below, the storm snow lies above a crust that formed last week. All this sits above a melt freeze crust that was buried mid March . The mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of tree line and into the alpine. This layer is generally 120-170 cm deep but may be present nearer to the surface in wind scoured areas. Although there is growing confidence that this layer seems to be becoming dormant, a storm slab or cornice release in the right location may have the potential to trigger any of the deeply buried weak layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Steady light snowfalls over the last week have accumulated 40-60cm of new snow in the region. Freezing levels to 2000m or higher and intermittent sun over the same time period created a variety of thin crust layers within the upper snowpack at lower elevations and on solar aspects. All this sits on a melt freeze crust formed March 21 up to the 2100m elevation. In the north of the region, the February persistent weak layers may still be found in the alpine and are down 100-140cm. They include a buried surface hoar layer as well as a crust/facet layer. In the southern parts of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm slabs continue to develop in the alpine and at treeline. Warm daytime temperatures have created moist snow at treeline and wet snow below treeline. The February 21st persistent weak layer continues to be a concern for triggering large avalanches. This combination of crust and weak facets is now down 100-150 cm, and may be triggered by light additional loads in shallow weak spots adjacent to large terrain features. The snow below treeline may become weak and release as loose wet avalanches or wet slabs in steep unsupported terrain features. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light snow combined with moderate southwest winds has developed wind slabs in the alpine and in some exposed treeline locations. Periods of sun and high daytime freezing levels have developed crusts below treeline and on sun exposed terrain at all elevations. The snow may be moist or wet below treeline during the warmest part of the day. The Mid-February crust and facet layer was reported to be down 75-90 cm in the Houston Telkwas sled area on Wednesday. The deep persistent weak layer of facets and/or a crust that were buried early in the winter are still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack. This </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions%2Fcbf29455-1552-459e-99e5-ed1409cc3933" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> found the deep weak layer strengthening in the Telkwas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-50 cm of recent storm snow has accumulated at upper elevations. The new snow is dry up high and moist from 1800 m and below. This now brings 80-120 cm of accumulated snow which overlies a rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 150-190 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches. These layers remain a real concern while touchier storm slabs and cornices continue to present the risk of acting as a trigger for deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of recent storm snow has fallen at upper elevations. The new snow is dry up high and moist from 1800 m and below. This now brings 40-90 cm of accumulated snow which overlies a rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches. These layers remain a real concern while touchier wind slabs, storm slabs and cornices continue to present the risk of acting as triggers for deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A series of snowfalls throughout the past week accumulated roughly 60-90 cm of moist new snow in the region. Periodic high freezing levels and solar exposure over the same period has formed a variety crusts within and/or on the surface of the storm snow up to 2000m. This all overlies a rain crust that was buried on March 21 up into the alpine. This crust is reported to be recently reactive to heavy loads. At upper elevations, above 2100m approximately, the late and mid-February persistent weak layers (100-150cm down) and basal facets in shallow snowpack areas may still exist. There is no recent information on the presence or reactivity of these persistent layers. For this reason it would be prudent to investigate their presence if traveling in the highest alpine areas of the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">5-10 cm came in from last night's storm. This new snow settled and quickly bonded as the temps warmed up today. On south aspects and low elevations, the new snow lies on an existing crust and on more polar aspects it rests on drier snow. There was evidence of ongoing wind transport and new windlslabs at treeline and above with a widespread distribution. By early afternoon, any solar aspect had moist snow with some pinwheeling and wet rock from melting.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Tuesday and Wednesday saw very heavy amounts of precipitation. The freezing level hovered around tree line during that time, however it can be expected that 70-100cm of snow fell at upper elevations. The new snow would have been redistributed by moderate to strong southwest wind and is sitting on a well settled lower snowpack. Rain below tree line has soaked an already moist and/or wet lower snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 10 cm of new snow fell over Friday night and Saturday morning, burying a temperature crust at about 1900 metres and below as well as sun crust all the way into the alpine on most solar aspects. The new snow brings recent storm snow totals at upper elevations to 40-60 cm. This storm snow is dry up high and moist at 1800 m and below. 90-130 cm of accumulated snow now overlies a rain crust below 2000 m and sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations.</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8"> </span><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 150-190 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches. These layers remain a real concern while touchier wind slabs, storm slabs, and cornices continue to present the risk of acting as triggers for deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10 cm of new snow fell over Friday night and Saturday morning, burying temperature crusts below about 1900 metres and sun crusts on most solar aspects at all elevations. The new snow brings recent storm snow totals at upper elevations to 50-60 cm. This snow overlies a widespread crust below 2300 m and higher on solar aspects. New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and has been reactive with several avalanches recently releasing on it. It is expected to be most reactive in the alpine where the snowpack remains dry. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have stepped down to these layers recently resulting in very large avalanches. These layers remain a concern while touchier wind slabs and cornices continue to present the risk of acting as triggers for deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10cm of new snow is sitting on the newly developed March 31st melt-freeze crust. This crust has been reported to be knife hard  and 5cm thick at higher elevations, tapering down to pencil hard and 3cm thick at 1200 metres. The earlier March crust is now down 40-100 cm. The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, but they did not become reactive during the latest period of warm weather, rain, and strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">On Friday, the sun was strong at higher elevations and the surface snow became moist or wet in the Elk Valley North. Castle Mountain reported 26 cm of new snow overnight, that I suspect must have settled rapidly due to the strong sun and high freezing levels. On Thursday in Crowsnest North, the sun was strong in the morning and solar aspects became moist up into the alpine. There was still some dry snow on north aspects in the alpine. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern, and may be triggered by large loads like cornice falls, or strong solar radiation on a clear day. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-25 cm of new snow from Friday night overlies a widespread new crust which exists on all aspects below 1800 m and into the alpine on sun exposed aspects. Below around 2000 m, there may be multiple old crusts in the upper snowpack including the late-March crust which is now typically down 60-80 cm. The persistent mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of treeline and into the alpine. This layer is generally 120-170 cm deep but may be closer to the surface in wind scoured areas. Although there is growing confidence that this layer has generally gone dormant, a storm slab or cornice release in the right location may have the potential to trigger any of the deeply buried weak layers in the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A new crust has formed on all aspects below 1800 m and on all sun exposed slopes. Dry snow is being reported on north aspects in the alpine where 40-60 cm has accumulated over the past week. On sun exposed slopes and at lower elevations, several crusts likely exist in the upper snowpack. In the north of the region, the February persistent weak layers may still be found in the alpine and are down 100-140cm. They include a buried surface hoar layer as well as a crust/facet layer. In the southern parts of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Storm slabs continue to develop in the alpine and at treeline. Warm daytime temperatures have created moist snow at treeline and wet snow below treeline. In the Shames area on Friday there was 12 cm of moist storm snow above the most recent melt-freeze crust. The top 40-60 cm of the snowpack at 1200 metres was reported to be moist, and the late February layer was down 118 cm producing moderate sudden collapse shears. The late February persistent weak layer continues to be a concern for triggering large avalanches. This combination of crust and weak facets is now down 100-150 cm, and may be triggered by light additional loads in shallow weak spots adjacent to large terrain features. The snow below treeline may become weak and release as loose wet avalanches or wet slabs in steep unsupported terrain features. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light snow combined with moderate southwest winds has developed wind slabs in the alpine and in some exposed treeline locations. Periods of sun and high daytime freezing levels have developed crusts below treeline and on sun exposed terrain at all elevations. The snow may be moist or wet below treeline during the warmest part of the day. The Mid-February crust and facet layer was reported to be down 75-90 cm in the Houston Telkwas sled area on Wednesday. The deep persistent weak layer of facets and/or a crust that were buried early in the winter are still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack. This </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions%2Fcbf29455-1552-459e-99e5-ed1409cc3933" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> found the deep weak layer strengthening in the Telkwas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">About 10 cm of new snow fell over Friday night and Saturday morning, burying a temperature crust at about 1900 metres and below as well as sun crust all the way into the alpine on most solar aspects. The new snow brings recent storm snow totals at upper elevations to 40-60 cm. This storm snow is dry up high and moist at 1800 m and below. 90-130 cm of accumulated snow now overlies a rain crust below 2000 m and sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 150-190 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches. These layers remain a real concern while touchier wind slabs and cornices continue to present the risk of acting as a trigger for deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of recent storm snow has fallen at upper elevations. The new snow is dry up high and moist at 1800 m and below. This now brings 40-90 cm of accumulated snow which overlies a rain crust below 2000 m or a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. New wind slabs are developing on leeward slopes and behind terrain features and large, fragile cornices exist along ridgelines. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 120-150 cm and woke up during last week's storm with many avalanches stepping down to them. The deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack and a few avalanches and cornice falls have also stepped down to these layers last week resulting in some very large full depth avalanches. These layers remain a real concern while more reactive wind slabs and cornices continue to present the risk of acting as triggers for deeper weaknesses.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The new snow on Saturday likely buries a widespread sun crust which is expected to have formed on Friday. This crust caps 60-90 cm of moist snow that has accumulated over the past week in the region. Periodic high freezing levels and solar exposure over the past week has formed a variety crusts in the upper snowpack below around 2000m. This all overlies a rain crust that was buried on March 21 which extends into the alpine. This crust was recently reactive to heavy triggers and several avalanches released on it during the recent solar cycle. At elevations above around 2100m, the February persistent weak layers may still be lingering down around 100-150cm and weak basal facets may still be lingering in shallow snowpack areas. These layers appear to have gone dormant but isolated avalanches could still have the potential to step down in the right conditions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There was a minimal freeze overnight and light snow (rain at lower elevations) was falling throuhgout the day although accumulations were limited.  Winds did increase out of the west and as a result we can expect the windslab problem to be a bit more widespread in alpine areas.  Overall the mid-pack of the snowpack is fairly strong but its sitting overtop of a weak sugary basal layer that is up to 50cm thick in some areas.  Thin areas are places to avoid where you may be able to trigger this weakness.  At this time of year, the quality of the freeze overnight as well as the temperature and input of solar radiation can have a profound impact on stability.  If there is a poor freeze overnight expect stability to decrease quickly as temperatures warm up.  Pay close attention to the aspect you are travelling on and what is overhead.  Steep solar aspects will decrease in stability quickly as the sun comes out so start early and finish early.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack observations have been very limited and confidence is low. Freezing levels reached around 1500 m on Saturday with light rain at lower elevations and new snow up high. Sun on Thursday and Friday likely formed a melt-freeze crust on all sun exposed slopes. Dry snow may still exist on the highest north facing slopes in the alpine. Tuesday and Wednesday saw very heavy amounts of precipitation. The freezing level hovered around tree line during that time, however it can be expected that 70-100cm of snow fell at the highest elevations. The new snow would have been redistributed by moderate to strong southwest wind and is sitting on a well settled lower snowpack. Rain below treeline has soaked the snowpack which is expected to be isothermal. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of new snow now overlies a crust below about 2100 metres (higher on solar aspects) and moist snow below about 1800 metres. Below the new snow interface, storms over the past week brought 40-60 cm of snow to the region. Several other crusts as well as moist snow are likely to exist within this storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the storm formed wind slabs on leeward slopes as well as fragile cornices along ridgelines. 90-130 cm of accumulated snow now overlies a more widespread rain crust below 2000 m and sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 160 cm to over 2 metres and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases continue to be reported and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of new snow now overlies temperature crusts below about 1900 metres and sun crust all the way into the alpine on solar aspects. This precipitation fell as rain below about 1600 metres. Below the new snow interface, storms over the past week brought 40-60 cm of snow to the region. Several other crusts as well as moist snow are likely to exist within this storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the storm formed wind slabs on leeward slopes as well as fragile cornices along ridgelines. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Expect a wide range of new snow amounts on Monday morning. A total of 5-25 cm of snow could sit above a mixture of crusts and moist snow surfaces that formed during the recent warm and sunny weather. The thick supportive crust was reported to break down below 1600 m with daytime warming on Sunday. The earlier March crust is now down 40-100 cm. The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, but they did not become reactive during the latest period of warm weather, rain, and strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Expect a wide range of new snow amounts on Monday morning. The new snow will sit above a mixture of crusts and moist snow surfaces that formed with the recent warm temperatures and solar radiation. Wind slabs are a possible at higher elevations, where the warming effect has been less dramatic. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern, and may be triggered by large loads like cornice falls, or strong solar radiation on a clear day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A widespread surface crust is being reported on all aspects and elevations except for north facing terrain in the alpine. Below around 2000 m, there may be multiple old crusts in the upper snowpack including the late-March crust which is now typically down 60-80 cm. In high north facing terrain, there may be 20-30 cm of new snow which accumulated Friday and Saturday. Recent strong alpine wind from the south has formed wind slabs in the alpine. The persistent mid-February crust/facet layer can still be found at the upper end of treeline and into the alpine. This layer is generally 120-170 cm deep but may be closer to the surface in wind scoured areas. Although there is growing confidence that this layer has generally gone dormant, a wind slab or cornice release in the right location may have the potential to trigger any of the deeply buried weak layers in the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A widespread crust is expected to have formed on all aspects and elevations except for high north facing slopes. Recent strong winds from the south have formed wind slabs in the alpine and have added load to cornices. On sun exposed slopes and at lower elevations, several crusts likely exist in the upper snowpack. In the north of the region, the February persistent weak layers may still be found in the alpine and are down 100-140cm. They include a buried surface hoar layer as well as a crust/facet layer. In the southern parts of the region, the mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30 cm of recent storm snow is settling at higher elevations. Warm daytime temperatures and sun are creating moist snow at treeline and wet snow below treeline, with reports of 40-60 cm of moist snow at 1200 m around Shames. The late February persistent weak layer continues to be a concern for triggering large avalanches. This combination of crust and weak facets is now down 100-150 cm, and may be triggered by light loads in shallow weak spots. The snow below treeline may become weak and release as loose wet avalanches or wet slabs in steep unsupported terrain features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Light snow combined with moderate southwest winds has developed wind slabs in the alpine and in some exposed treeline locations. Periods of sun and high daytime freezing levels have developed crusts below treeline and on sun exposed terrain at all elevations. The snow may be moist or wet below treeline during the warmest part of the day. The February crust and facet layer was reported to be down 75-90 cm in the Houston Telkwas sled area on Wednesday. The deep persistent weak layer of facets and/or a crust that were buried early in the winter are still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack. This </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://www.avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions%2Fcbf29455-1552-459e-99e5-ed1409cc3933" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">MIN report</span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B"> found the deep weak layer strengthening in the Telkwas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of new snow now overlies a crust below about 2200 metres on (higher on solar aspects) and moist snow below about 1700 metres. Below the new snow interface, storms over the past week brought 40-60 of snow to the region. Several other crusts as well as moist snow are likely to exist within this storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the storm formed wind slabs on leeward slopes as well as fragile cornices along ridgelines. 90-130 cm of accumulated snow now overlies a more widespread rain crust below 2000 m and sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 160-200 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's stormy weather brought up to 40 cm of snow to upper elevations. This storm snow overlies a rain crust below about 2000 metres and a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Several other temperature and or solar crusts are likely to exist within the storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the snowfall formed wind slabs on leeward slopes and promoted the growth of large, fragile cornices along ridgelines. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down about 120-150 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations. Cornices and wind slabs are also weakened by these warming effects and have the potential to trigger deeply buried weak layers if they release.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The region is expected to be entering a period of widespread melt-freeze conditions on all aspects and elevations except for high north facing terrain where the surface snow is expected to remain dry. In high elevation shaded terrain, incremental loading over the past week has formed storm slabs. At lower elevations and on sun exposed slopes, there are likely several crust layers in the upper snowpack. A rain crust which was buried on March 21 and extends into the alpine is now down 60-80 cm. This crust was recently reactive to heavy triggers and several avalanches released on it during the solar cycle last week. At elevations above around 2100m, the February persistent weak layers may still be lingering down around 100-150cm and weak basal facets may still be lingering in shallow snowpack areas. These layers appear to have gone dormant but isolated avalanches could still have the potential to step down in the right conditions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 15cm of new snow fell at Treeline in the past 24hrs. This new snow amount varies from valley to valley, and tends to taper to only a few cm's at lower elevations. Wind slabs are present in Alpine terrain, but are more isolated or absent at Treeline elevations. By early in the afternoon the snow was turning moist at lower elevations and despite the cloudy skies, solar aspects received some heat today. As previously reported the mid-pack remains dense and strong, but the basal layers are very weak consisting of anywhere between 50 and 100cm of facets sitting on the ground. Forecasters still have low confidence for traveling in large Alpine terrain, unless there has been widespread previous avalanching.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack observations have been very limited and confidence is low. A widespread crust is now expected on all aspects and elevations except for north facing terrain in the alpine. Where dry snow still exists, recent strong southerly winds have likely formed wind slabs. At lower elevations, recent rain has likely saturated the snowpack which is expected to have become isothermal below the surface crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of recent snow now overlies a crust below about 2100 metres (higher on solar aspects) and moist snow below about 1800 metres. Below the new snow interface, storms over the past week brought 40-60 cm of snow to the region. Several other crusts as well as moist snow are likely to exist within this storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the storm formed wind slabs on leeward slopes as well as fragile cornices along ridgelines. 90-130 cm of accumulated snow now overlies a more widespread rain crust below 2000 m and sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 160 cm to over 2 metres and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases continue to be reported and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of recent snow now overlies temperature crusts below about 1900 metres and sun crust all the way into the alpine on solar aspects. This precipitation fell as rain below about 1600 metres. Below the new snow interface, storms over the past week brought 40-60 cm of snow to the region. Several other crusts as well as moist snow are likely to exist within this storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the storm formed wind slabs on leeward slopes as well as fragile cornices along ridgelines. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Daytime warming will create moist surfaces, especially on southerly aspects. 10-20 cm of recent dry snow can be found on northerly aspects above 1700 m. Elsewhere the surface snow is experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle, forming thick supportive crusts overnight and moist snow during the day. The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, and did not become reactive during the latest period of warm weather, rain, and strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Daytime warming will create moist surfaces, especially on southerly aspects. 20-30 cm of recent dry snow can be found on northerly aspects above roughly 2000 m. Elsewhere the surface snow is experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle, forming thick supportive crusts overnight and moist snow during the day. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern, and may be triggered by large loads like cornice falls, or strong solar radiation on a clear day.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread melt-freeze conditions are expected on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. On all aspects below around 2000 m and higher on sun exposed slopes, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack including the late-March rain crust which is now typically down 60-80 cm. In high north facing terrain, 20-40 cm of storm snow accumulated over the weekend. Recent strong alpine wind from the south has redistributed this new snow and formed wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline which may overlie a crust. Large cornices exist primarily on north aspects in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Widespread melt-freeze conditions are expected on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. Recent strong winds from the south have formed wind slabs in the alpine and have added load to cornices. On sun exposed slopes and at lower elevations, several crusts likely exist in the upper snowpack which are generally well bonded. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30 cm of recent storm snow is settling at higher elevations. Thick supportive crusts are forming overnight below 1300 m and deteriorating throughout the day with warming. The snow below treeline may become weak and release as loose wet avalanches in steep unsupported terrain features. The late February persistent weak layer continues to be a concern for triggering large avalanches. This combination of crust and weak facets is now down 100-150 cm, and may be triggered by light loads in shallow weak spots.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 20 cm of dry snow may exist on northern aspects above 1300 m, with isolated wind slabs in exposed terrain. Periods of sun and high daytime freezing levels have developed crusts below treeline and on sun exposed terrain at all elevations. The snow may be moist or wet below treeline during the warmest part of the day. The February crust and facet layer was reported to be down 75-90 cm in the Houston Telkwas sled area. The deep persistent weak layer of facets and/or a crust that were buried early in the winter are still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of recent snow now overlies a crust below about 2200 metres on (higher on solar aspects) and moist snow below about 1700 metres. Below the new snow interface, storms over the past week brought 40-60 of snow to the region. Several other crusts as well as moist snow are likely to exist within this storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the storm formed wind slabs on leeward slopes as well as fragile cornices along ridgelines. 90-130 cm of accumulated snow now overlies a more widespread rain crust below 2000 m and sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 160-200 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's stormy weather brought up to 40 cm of snow to upper elevations. This storm snow overlies a rain crust below about 2000 metres and a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Several other temperature and or solar crusts are likely to exist within the storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the snowfall formed wind slabs on leeward slopes and promoted the growth of large, fragile cornices along ridgelines. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down about 120-150 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations. Cornices and wind slabs are also weakened by these warming effects and have the potential to trigger deeply buried weak layers if they release.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The region is expected to have entered a period of widespread melt-freeze conditions on all aspects and elevations except for high north facing terrain where the surface snow is expected to remain dry. In high elevation terrain, recent strong southwest winds and new snowfall has formed wind slabs in leeward features. At lower elevations and on sun exposed slopes, there are likely several well bonded crust layers in the upper snowpack. A rain crust which was buried on March 21 extends into the alpine is now down 60-80 cm. This crust was the bed surface for several avalanches during the solar cycle at the end of last week. At elevations above around 2100m, the February persistent weak layers may still be lingering down around 100-150cm and weak basal facets may still be lingering in shallow snowpack areas. These deep weak layers appear to have gone dormant but an isolated avalanche or cornice fall still has the potential to step down in the right conditions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 10cm of new snow at Treeline in the past 24hrs, with much less at lower elevations. This snow was turning moist on solar aspects by late morning, and by tomorrow morning should be frozen into another in a series of previously formed crusts on these solar slopes. On polar aspects between 20 and 30cm of dry snow is currently on the surface, but buried crusts are found at lower elevations. Wind slabs are widespread in the Alpine on all aspects, but are more isolated at Treeline. Not much natural avalanche activity has occurred with these wind slabs, but many areas like ripe for human-triggering. As previously reported the mid-pack remains dense and strong, but the basal layers are very weak consisting of anywhere between 50 and 100cm of facets sitting on the ground. Forecasters still have low confidence for traveling in large Alpine terrain, unless there has been widespread previous avalanching.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack observations have been very limited and confidence is low. A widespread crust is now expected on all aspects and elevations except for north facing terrain in the alpine. Where dry snow still exists, recent strong southerly winds have likely formed wind slabs. At lower elevations, recent rain events have likely saturated the snowpack which is expected to be isothermal below the surface crust. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-30 cm of recent snow now overlies a crust below about 2100 metres (higher on solar aspects) and moist snow below about 1800 metres. Below the new snow interface, storms over the past week brought 40-60 cm of snow to the region. Several other crusts as well as moist snow are likely to exist within this storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the storm formed wind slabs on leeward slopes as well as fragile cornices along ridgelines. 90-130 cm of accumulated snow now overlies a more widespread rain crust below 2000 m and sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 160 cm to over 2 metres and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases continue to be reported and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of recent snow now overlies temperature crusts below about 1900 metres and sun crust all the way into the alpine on solar aspects. This precipitation fell as rain below about 1600 metres. Below the new snow interface, storms over the past week brought 40-60 cm of snow to the region. Several other crusts as well as moist snow are likely to exist within this storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the storm formed wind slabs on leeward slopes as well as fragile cornices along ridgelines. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack has entered a daily melt-freeze cycle. Hard crusts form overnight and become moist surface snow during the heat of the day. The exception is north-facing alpine terrain, where dry snow and isolated wind slabs may exist. The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, but have not been reactive for a few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack has entered a daily melt-freeze cycle. Hard crusts form overnight and become moist surface snow during the heat of the day. The exception is north-facing alpine terrain, where about 20 cm of dry snow and isolated wind slabs may exist. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness could be possible with a heavy trigger such as a cornice fall.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Widespread melt-freeze conditions are expected on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. On all aspects below around 2000 m and higher on sun exposed slopes, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack including the late-March rain crust which is now typically down 60-80 cm. Expect to see another 10-20cm of new snow from Tuesday night sitting on the old snow surfaces above the 1300m elevation band. Moderate alpine wind from the south will have redistributed this new snow and formed additional wind slabs in the alpine and at tree line which may overlie a crust. Large cornices exist primarily on north aspects in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15cm of new snow falling at upper elevations Tuesday night into Wednesday is sitting on a widespread melt-freeze crust on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. Recent strong winds from the south have formed new wind slabs in the alpine and have added load to cornices. On sun exposed slopes and at lower elevations, several crusts likely exist in the upper snowpack which are generally well bonded. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds and 20-40 cm of new snow will form fresh storm slabs above 1200 m. At lower elevations, rain will weaken the snow and release loose wet avalanches in steep unsupported terrain features. On shaded aspects above 1300 m, the new snow is burying 20-30 cm of old storm snow. Elsewhere, a mixture of crusts and moist snow surfaces exist from recent melt-freeze cycles. The late February persistent weak layer continues to be a concern for triggering large avalanches. This combination of crust and weak facets is now down 100-150 cm. Recent snowpack tests at the May Creek area found moderate sudden results on the layer on a east aspect around 1200 m. The layer could still be triggered by light loads in shallow weak spots.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds with light amounts of new snow will form fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain. Rain and warm temperatures up to 1400 m will soften the snow at lower elevations. Crusts may be found at higher elevations, particularly on sun-exposed slopes. The February crust and facet layer was reported to be down 75-90 cm in the Houston Telkwas sled area. The deep persistent weak layer of facets and/or a crust that were buried early in the winter are still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-20 cm of recent snow now overlies a crust below about 2200 metres (higher on solar aspects) and moist snow below about 1700 metres. Below the new snow interface, storms over the past week brought 40-60 cm of snow to the region. Several other crusts as well as moist snow are likely to exist within this storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the storm formed wind slabs on leeward slopes as well as fragile cornices along ridgelines. 90-130 cm of accumulated snow now overlies a more widespread rain crust below 2000 m and sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations</span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down 160-200 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Last week's stormy weather brought up to 40 cm of snow to upper elevations. This storm snow overlies a rain crust below about 2000 metres and a sun crust on solar aspects at higher elevations. Several other temperature and or solar crusts are likely to exist within the storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the snowfall formed wind slabs on leeward slopes and promoted the growth of large, fragile cornices along ridgelines. At higher elevations, the February weak layers are down about 120-150 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations. Cornices and wind slabs are also weakened by these warming effects and have the potential to trigger deeply buried weak layers if they release.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The region is expected to have entered a period of widespread melt-freeze conditions on all aspects and elevations except for high north facing terrain where the surface snow is expected to remain dry. In high elevation terrain, recent strong southwest winds and new snowfall has formed wind slabs in leeward features. At lower elevations and on sun exposed slopes, there are likely several well bonded crust layers in the upper snowpack. A rain crust which was buried on March 21 extends into the alpine is now down 60-80 cm. This crust was the bed surface for several avalanches during the solar cycle at the end of last week. At elevations above around 2100m, the February persistent weak layers may still be lingering down around 100-150cm and weak basal facets may still be lingering in shallow snowpack areas. These deep weak layers appear to have gone dormant but an isolated avalanche or cornice fall still has the potential to step down in the right conditions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A clear and cold night brought a good surface freeze to the snowpack overnight, but that changed quickly on steep solar aspects where snow was moist by late morning. Solar aspects have a variety of buried crusts, whereas polar aspects above 2100m have an average of 20cm of dry snow sitting on a variety of previous surfaces. Wind slabs are present everywhere in the Alpine except in sheltered features. Not much natural avalanche activity has occurred with these wind slabs, but many areas like ripe for human-triggering. As previously reported the mid-pack remains dense and strong, but the basal layers are very weak consisting of anywhere between 50 and 100cm of facets sitting on the ground. Forecasters still have low confidence for traveling in large Alpine terrain, unless there has been widespread previous avalanching.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack observations have been very limited and confidence is low. A weather system arriving Tuesday night is expected to bring mix of rain and snow. In the highest elevations within the region there may be as much as 50cm of snow accumulation. This more than likely sits on a widespread crust on all aspects and elevations except for north facing terrain in the alpine.  At lower elevations, rain will saturate an already wet snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is forecast to develop new storm slabs in the alpine and at treeline. These new storm slabs are developing above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts on solar aspects in the alpine, and all aspects at treeline. In some areas the new snow may hide some lingering wind slabs that are left from the last stormy period. The biggest problem lately has been large and fragile cornices that have regularly fallen off naturally with loading from wind, or due to warming from direct sun or daytime heating. The February weak layers are down about 160-200 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers have been released with large triggers like cornice falls, and they may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation or from heavy loading from storm snow. Expect cornices to experience new fragile growth during the next few stormy days.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">10-15 cm of recent snow now overlies temperature crusts below about 1900 metres and sun crust all the way into the alpine on solar aspects. This precipitation fell as rain below about 1600 metres. Below the new snow interface, storms over the past week brought 40-60 cm of snow to the region. Several other crusts as well as moist snow are likely to exist within this storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the storm formed wind slabs on leeward slopes as well as fragile cornices along ridgelines. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack has entered a daily melt-freeze cycle. Hard crusts form overnight and become moist surface snow during the heat of the day. The exception is north-facing alpine terrain, where dry snow and isolated wind slabs may exist. The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, but have not been reactive for a few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack has entered a daily melt-freeze cycle. Hard crusts form overnight and become moist surface snow during the heat of the day. The exception is north-facing alpine terrain, where about 20 cm of recent dry snow and isolated wind slabs may exist. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, but this deep persistent weakness has not been reactive for a few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">20-30cm of new snow at upper elevations sits on widespread melt-freeze crusts on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. On all aspects below 2000 m and higher on sun exposed slopes, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack. Moderate to strong alpine wind from the south will have redistributed this new snow and formed additional wind slabs in the alpine and at tree line which may overlie a crust. Large overhanging cornices exist primarily on north aspects in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Anywhere from 5 to 15cm of new snow is sitting on a widespread melt-freeze crust on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. Recent strong winds from the south have formed new wind slabs in the alpine and have added load to cornices. On sun exposed slopes and at lower elevations, several crusts likely exist in the upper snowpack which are generally well bonded. Both the mid February persistent weak layers and November deep persistent weak layer seem to have become reactive to heavy loads (cornice falls and/or large explosives triggers) at upper elevations in the northern part of the region near the Duffey Lakes and Birkenhead Lake.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Touchy wind slabs exist as higher elevations, as Tuesday night's storm delivered 15-20 cm of snow above 1000 m with strong to extreme winds. Extensive wind affect is expected in exposed terrain. An overnight freeze will likely form a crust at lower elevations that will deteriorate with the heat of the day. It may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche on the late February persistent weak layer. This combination of weak facets and crusts is buried 100-150 cm deep. Recent snowpack tests found moderate sudden results on the layer in the May Creek area on an east aspect around 1200 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds with light amounts of snow formed fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain on Wednesday. Elevations below about 1200 m are experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle. Hard crusts form overnight and become moist during the heat of the day. Hard crusts may be found at higher elevations, particularly on slopes that were sun-exposed. The February crust and facet layer is 75-90 cm deep in the Houston Telkwas sled area and the deep persistent weak facet layer is still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is forecast to develop new storm slabs in the alpine and at treeline. These new storm slabs are developing above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts on solar aspects in the alpine, and all aspects at treeline. In some areas the new snow may hide some lingering wind slabs that are left from the last stormy period. The biggest problem lately has been large and fragile cornices that have regularly fallen off naturally with loading from wind, or due to warming from direct sun or daytime heating. The February weak layers are down about 160-200 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers have been released with large triggers like cornice falls, and they may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation or from heavy loading from storm snow. Expect cornices to experience new fragile growth during the next few stormy days.</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">New snow is forecast to develop new storm slabs in the alpine and at treeline. These new storm slabs are developing above a mix of old surfaces, that include melt-freeze crusts on solar aspects in the alpine, and all aspects at treeline. In some areas the new snow may hide some lingering wind slabs that are left from the last stormy period. The biggest problem lately has been large and fragile cornices, that have regularly fallen off naturally with loading from wind, or due to warming from direct sun or daytime heating. The February weak layers are down about 120-150 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers have been released with large triggers like cornice falls, and they may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation or from heavy loading from storm snow. Expect cornices to experience new fragile growth during the next few stormy days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The region is expected to have entered a period of widespread melt-freeze conditions on all aspects and elevations except for high north facing terrain where the surface snow is expected to remain dry. In high elevation terrain, recent strong southwest winds and new snowfall has formed wind slabs in leeward features. At lower elevations and on sun exposed slopes, there are likely several well bonded crust layers in the upper snowpack. A rain crust which was buried on March 21 extends into the alpine is now down 60-80 cm. This crust was the bed surface for several avalanches during the solar cycle at the end of last week. At elevations above around 2100m, the February persistent weak layers may still be lingering down around 100-150cm and weak basal facets may still be lingering in shallow snowpack areas. These deep weak layers appear to have gone dormant but an isolated avalanche or cornice fall still has the potential to step down in the right conditions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A clear and cold night brought a good surface freeze to the snowpack overnight, but that changed quickly on steep solar aspects where snow was moist by late morning. Solar aspects have a variety of buried crusts, whereas polar aspects above 2100m have an average of 20cm of dry snow sitting on a variety of previous surfaces. Wind slabs are present everywhere in the Alpine except in sheltered features. Not much natural avalanche activity has occurred with these wind slabs, but many areas like ripe for human-triggering. As previously reported the mid-pack remains dense and strong, but the basal layers are very weak consisting of anywhere between 50 and 100cm of facets sitting on the ground. Forecasters still have low confidence for traveling in large Alpine terrain, unless there has been widespread previous avalanching.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack observations have been very limited and confidence is low. The latest storm Tuesday night through Wednesday brought a mix of rain and snow. In the highest elevations within the region there may be as much as 50cm of snow accumulation. This more than likely sits on a widespread crust on all aspects and elevations except for north facing terrain in the alpine. At lower elevations, rain has saturated an already wet snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is forecast to continue developing new storm slabs in the alpine and at treeline on Friday. These new storm slabs are developing above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts on solar aspects in the alpine, and all aspects at treeline. In some areas the new snow may hide some lingering wind slabs that are left from the last stormy period. The biggest problem lately has been large and fragile cornices that have regularly fallen off naturally with loading from wind, or due to warming from direct sun or daytime heating. The February weak layers are down about 160-200 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers have been released with large triggers like cornice falls, and they may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation or from heavy loading from storm snow. Expect cornices to experience new fragile growth on Friday.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow amounts have begun to bury melt-freeze crusts that exist on the snow surface on all aspects below about 2200 metres and all the way into the alpine on solar aspects. Isolated surface hoar may be found below the new snow on shaded aspects at high elevations. Below the new snow interface, storms from last week brought 40-60 cm of snow to the region. Several other crusts as well as moist snow are likely to exist within this storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Moderate to strong southwest winds during and since the storm formed wind slabs on leeward slopes as well as fragile cornices along ridgelines. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as solar radiation and warming temperatures begin to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate rainfall is expected at least up to treeline on Friday. Rain falling on a warm snowpack has the potential to produce loose wet avalanches in any steep terrain. At higher elevations, new snow and wind will form fresh wind slabs and cornices will grow bigger. The snowpack is well settled and transitioning into spring conditions. The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, but have not been reactive for a few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moderate rainfall is expected at least up to treeline on Friday. Rain falling on a warm snowpack has the potential to produce loose wet avalanches in any steep terrain. At higher elevations, new snow and wind will form fresh wind slabs and cornices will grow bigger. The snowpack is well settled and transitioning into spring conditions. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, but this deep persistent weakness has not been reactive for a few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">25-40cm of new snow at upper elevations sits on widespread melt-freeze crusts on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. On all aspects below 2000 m and higher on sun exposed slopes, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack. Moderate to strong alpine wind from the south will have redistributed this new snow and formed additional wind slabs in the alpine and at tree line which may overlie a crust. Large overhanging cornices exist primarily on north aspects in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Anywhere from 10 to 20cm of new snow is sitting on a widespread melt-freeze crust on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. Recent strong winds from the south have formed new wind slabs in the alpine and have added load to cornices. On sun exposed slopes and at lower elevations, several crusts likely exist in the upper snowpack which are generally well bonded. Both the mid February persistent weak layers and November deep persistent weak layer seem to have become reactive to heavy loads (cornice falls and/or large explosives triggers) at upper elevations in the northern part of the region near the Duffey Lakes and Birkenhead Lake.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Touchy wind slabs may still exist at higher elevations, as Wednesday's storm delivered 15-20 cm of snow above 1000 m with strong to extreme winds. Extensive wind affect is expected in exposed terrain. An overnight freeze will likely form a crust at lower elevations that will deteriorate with the heat of the day. A weak layer of facets and crusts is buried 100-150 cm deep. The layer has been unreactive recently, but a heavy trigger such as a cornice fall or intense warming may still be able to trigger it.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong winds with light amounts of snow formed fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain on Wednesday. Elevations below about 1300 m are experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle. Hard crusts form overnight and become moist during the heat of the day. Hard crusts may be found at higher elevations, particularly on slopes that were sun-exposed. The February crust and facet layer is 70-90 cm deep in the Houston Telkwas sled area and a deep persistent faceted weak layer is still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack in all areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow is forecast to continue developing new storm slabs in the alpine and at treeline on Friday. These new storm slabs are developing above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts at treeline and below and on solar aspects in the alpine. In some areas the new snow may hide some lingering wind slabs that are left from the last stormy period. The biggest problem lately has been large and fragile cornices that have regularly fallen off naturally with loading from wind, or due to warming from direct sun or daytime heating. The February weak layers are down about 160-200 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers have been released with large triggers like cornice falls, and they may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation or from heavy loading from storm snow. Expect cornices to experience new fragile growth during the next few stormy days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snowfall will continue over Thursday night, combining with moderate south winds to form new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. These new wind slabs are developing above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts below about 1900 metres and on solar aspects in the alpine. In some areas the new snow may hide some lingering wind slabs that are left from the last stormy period. The biggest problem lately has been large and fragile cornices that have been releasing naturally with loading from wind, or due to warming from direct sun or daytime heating. The February weak layers are down about 120-150 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers have recently produced large avalanches with heavy triggers like cornice falls, and they may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation or from heavy loading from storm snow. Cornices will be building fragile new growth during the next few stormy days.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The region is expected to have entered a period of widespread melt-freeze conditions on all aspects and elevations except for high north facing terrain where the surface snow is expected to remain dry. In high elevation terrain, recent strong southwest winds and new snowfall has formed wind slabs in leeward features. At lower elevations and on sun exposed slopes, there are likely moist or wet snow sitting on top of several well bonded crust layers in the upper snowpack. A rain crust which was buried on March 21 extends into the alpine is now down 60-80 cm. This crust was the bed surface for several avalanches during the solar cycle at the end of last week. At elevations above around 2100m, the February persistent weak layers may still be lingering down around 100-150cm and weak basal facets may still be lingering in shallow snowpack areas. These deep weak layers appear to have gone dormant but an isolated avalanche or cornice fall still has the potential to step down in the right conditions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain up to 2300m on Thursday with light flurries above this elevation. There was a very minimal freeze overnight on Wednesday and as a result, the top 10-20cm of the snow is wet. Above 2300m there is a widespread crust on solar aspects up to 2600m. Northern aspects are still holding dry snow but we have certainly transitioned into the time wherein if you want dry snow, you must be on a true north aspect. The windslabs seem to be only found in isolated alpine areas but we are still getting moderate sudden collapse sheers in the basal facets down 150-180cm. Pin wheeling was observed on all aspects up to 2500m so ski quality is taking a turn for the worse. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack observations have been very limited and confidence is low. The latest series of storms have brought mostly rain and wet snow to the only the uppermost elevations within the region. In these highest elevations within the region there may be as much as 80cm of snow accumulation. This more than likely sits on a widespread crust on all aspects and elevations except for north facing terrain in the alpine. At lower elevations, rain has saturated an already wet snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30-40 cm of new snow has formed fresh storm slabs on the surface after Thursday and Friday's snowfall. These new storm slabs developed above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts at treeline and below and on solar aspects in the alpine. In addition to storm slab formation, the new snow has also contributed to fragile new cornice growth. Cornices have been a primary avalanche problem in the past week, with recent reports of cornices falling off naturally with loading from wind, or due to warming from direct sun or daytime heating. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers have recently produced large avalanches with large triggers like cornice falls, and they may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Light new snow amounts and moderate winds (mainly from the south) have formed fresh wind slabs on the snow surface at higher elevations. The new snow has buried melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below about 2200 metres and in the high alpine on solar aspects. Isolated surface hoar may be found below the new snow on shaded aspects at high elevations. Below the new snow interface, last week's storms brought 40-60 cm of snow to the region. Several other crusts as well as moist snow are likely to exist within this storm snow, mainly at lower elevations and on solar aspects. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as warming temperatures continue to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_1681A555">The freezing level on Friday was hovering around 2200m in most areas. Slight cooling overnight coupled with mostly cloudy skies will likely result in the formation of a thin surface crust that will break down during the day on Saturday. At higher elevations, new snow and wind have likely formed small wind slabs and cornices remain large and looming. The snowpack is well settled and continues to transition into a spring snowpack. The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, but have not been reactive for a few weeks.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">The freezing level on Friday was hovering around 2200m in most areas. Slight cooling overnight coupled with mostly cloudy skies will likely result in the formation of a thin surface crust that will break down during the day on Saturday. At higher elevations, new snow and wind have likely formed small wind slabs and cornices remain large and looming. The snowpack is well settled and continues to transition into a spring snowpack.</span><span class="s_3FE45715"> The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, but this deep persistent weakness has not been reactive for a few weeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-50cm of new snow at upper elevations sits on widespread melt-freeze crusts that exist on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. On all aspects below 2000 m and higher on sun exposed slopes, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack. Moderate to strong alpine wind from the south will have redistributed the new snow and formed additional wind slabs in the alpine and at tree line. Large overhanging cornices exist primarily on north aspects in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Anywhere from 15-25cm of new snow is sitting on a widespread melt-freeze crust that exists on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. Recent strong winds from the south have formed new wind slabs in the alpine and have added load to cornices. On sun exposed slopes and at lower elevations, several crusts likely exist in the upper snowpack which are generally well bonded. Both the mid February persistent weak layers and November deep persistent weak layer seem to have become reactive to heavy loads (cornice falls and/or large explosives triggers) at upper elevations in the northern part of the region near Duffey and Birkenhead Lakes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15 cm of new snow with light to moderate southerly winds are forecast for Saturday.  This will form small wind slabs in lee features. The new snow will likely be sitting on hard surfaces created by strong winds earlier in the week. A weak layer of facets and crusts are buried 100-150 cm down. The layer has been unreactive recently, but a heavy trigger such as a cornice fall or intense warming may still have the potential to trigger it.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">5-10 cm of new snow with light to moderate southerly winds are forecast for Saturday. This will form small wind slabs in lee features. The new snow will likely be sitting on hard surfaces created by strong winds earlier in the week.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B"> Elevations below about 1300 m are experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle. The February crust and facet layer is 70-90 cm deep in the Houston Telkwas sled area and a deep persistent faceted weak layer is still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack in all areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 20-40 cm of new snow has formed fresh storm slabs on the surface after Thursday and Friday's snowfall. These new storm slabs have developed above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts at treeline and below and on solar aspects in the alpine. In addition to storm slab formation, the new snow has also contributed to fragile new cornice growth. Cornices have been a primary avalanche problem in the past week, with recent reports of cornices breaking off naturally with loading from wind, or due to warming from direct sun or daytime heating. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers have recently produced large avalanches with large triggers like cornice falls, and they may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent light snowfall combined with moderate winds (mainly from the southwest) to form new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. These new wind slabs have been developing above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts below about 1900 metres and on solar aspects in the alpine. In some areas the new snow may hide some lingering wind slabs that are left from the last stormy period. Cornices have been a primary avalanche problem in the past week, with recent reports of cornices breaking off naturally with loading from wind, or due to warming from direct sun or daytime heating. The February weak layers are down about 120-150 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers have recently produced large avalanches with heavy triggers like cornice falls, and they may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A series of Pacific frontal systems have passed through the region in past few days accumulating 15-25cm of moist new snow tree line and above. In high elevation terrain, recent moderate southwest winds and new snowfall has formed wind slabs in leeward features. At lower elevations and on sun exposed slopes, there are likely moist or wet snow sitting on top of several well bonded crust layers in the upper snowpack. A rain crust which was buried on March 21 extends into the alpine is now down 60-80 cm. This crust was the bed surface for several avalanches during the solar cycle at the end of last week. At elevations above around 2100m, the February persistent weak layers may still be lingering down around 100-150cm and weak basal facets may still be lingering in shallow snowpack areas. These deep weak layers appear to have gone dormant but an isolated avalanche or cornice fall still has the potential to step down in the right conditions.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Rain continued on friday up to 2500m and continued light flurries above this elevation. There was a very minimal freeze overnight on thursday and as a result, the top 10-30cm of the snow is wet.  Above 2300m there is a widespread crust on solar aspects up to 2600m. Northern aspects are still holding dry snow but we have certainly transitioned into the time wherein if you want dry snow, you must be on a true north aspect and high into the alpine. The windslabs seem to be only found in isolated alpine areas but we are still getting moderate sudden collapse sheers in the basal facets down 150-180cm. Pin wheeling was observed on all aspects up to 2500m so ski quality is taking a turn for the worse. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack observations have been very limited and confidence is low. The latest series of storms are expected to have brought wet snow to only the uppermost elevations within the region. In these highest elevations there may be as much as 100+cm of new snow accumulation. This more than likely sits on a widespread crust on all aspects and elevations except for north facing terrain in the alpine. At lower elevations, rain has saturated an already wet snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30-40 cm of new snow has formed fresh storm slabs on the surface after a series of storms over the end of the week. These new storm slabs developed above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts at treeline and below and on solar aspects in the alpine. In addition to storm slab formation, the new snow has also contributed to fragile new cornice growth. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March. They remain a concern and may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate to strong winds have been redistributing new snow into wind slabs on a range of aspects at higher elevations. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. The new snow has buried melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below about 2200 metres and in the high alpine on solar aspects. Isolated surface hoar may be found below the new snow on shaded aspects at high elevations. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and these deeply buried weaknesses remain a serious concern as warming temperatures continue to penetrate the snowpack at increasingly higher elevations.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_1681A555">10-15 cm of new snow and moderate southwesterly winds have created thin wind slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops. Cornices are large, looming, and best avoided. The snowpack is well settled and continues to transition into a spring snowpack, </span><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">becoming isothermal at treeline in some areas and below treeline in most areas</span><span class="s_1681A555">. The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, but these deep persistent weaknesses have not been reactive for several weeks. However, rapid warming of the snowpack or a large trigger, like a cornice, could trigger this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_A8FEC758">10 cm of new snow with strong, southerly winds have created small wind slabs in lee features below alpine ridgetops. A surface crust up to 2300 m. will break down with daytime warming. Cornices remain large, looming, and are best avoided. The snowpack is well settled and continues to transition into a spring snowpack, becoming isothermal at treeline in some areas and below treeline in most areas. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, but this deep persistent weakness has not been reactive for several weeks. However, a large trigger, like a cornice, or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">30-50cm of new snow from the last week at upper elevations sits on widespread melt-freeze crusts that exist on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. On all aspects below 2000 m and higher on sun exposed slopes, there may be multiple crust layers in the upper snowpack. Moderate to strong alpine wind from the south will have redistributed the new snow and formed additional wind slabs in the alpine and at tree line. Large overhanging cornices exist primarily on northerly aspects in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Anywhere from 15-25cm of new snow is sitting on a widespread melt-freeze crust that exists on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. Recent moderate winds from the south have formed new wind slabs in the alpine and have added load to cornices. On sun exposed slopes and at lower elevations, several crusts likely exist in the upper snowpack which are generally well bonded. Both the mid February persistent weak layers and November deep persistent weak layer seemed to have become reactive to heavy loads (cornice falls and/or large explosives triggers) earlier in the week at upper elevations in the northern part of the region near Duffey and Birkenhead Lakes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_A8FEC758"> </span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_A8FEC758">10-15 cm of new snow on Saturday with light to moderate southerly winds may have created small wind slabs on lee features below ridgetops. The new snow will likely be sitting on hard surfaces created by strong winds earlier in the week. A weak layer of facets and crusts are buried 100-150 cm down. The layer has been unreactive recently, but rapid warming of the snowpack or a large trigger, such as a cornice, may still have the potential to trigger it.</span></p><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_1681A555">5-10 cm of new snow on Saturday with light southerly winds may have created small wind slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops. The new snow will likely be sitting on hard surfaces created by strong winds earlier in the week. Elevations below roughly 1300 m are experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle and the snowpack is likely isothermal. The February crust and facet layer is 70-90 cm deep in the Houston Telkwas sled area and a deep persistent faceted weak layer is still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack in all areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30-40 cm of new snow has formed fresh storm slabs on the surface after a series of storms over the end of the week. These new storm slabs have developed above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts at treeline and below and on solar aspects in the alpine. In addition to storm slab formation, the new snow has also contributed to fragile new cornice growth. Below the new snow, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. They remain a concern and may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate to strong winds have been redistributing new snow from the past few days into wind slabs on a range of aspects in the alpine and at treeline. These new wind slabs have developed above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts below about 1900 metres and on solar aspects in the alpine. Below the new snow, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 120-150 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. They remain a concern and may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A series of Pacific frontal systems have passed through the region in the latter half of last week accumulating 15-25cm of moist new snow tree line and above. In high elevation terrain, recent moderate southerly winds and new snowfall has formed wind slabs in leeward features. At lower elevations and on sun exposed slopes, there is likely moist or wet snow sitting on top of several well bonded crust layers in the upper snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Last night saw up to 7cm of new snow across the forecast region. Higher temperatures than expected today quickly settled that new snow. In general, the snowpack lost 2cm in height, but lower elevations likely lost more than that. Late afternoon heat made for moist snow up to 2300m, and higher on solar aspects. Despite the warm weather, snow was wind blown in the alpine. Pockets of windslabs will continue to grow as the winds keep up. The new slabs will be somewhat random in terms of aspect and location. Winds appeared to be variable. A few cornice collapses were noted today with cornice growth ongoing.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowpack observations have been very limited and confidence is low. The latest series of storms are expected to have brought wet snow to only the uppermost elevations within the region. In these highest elevations there may be as much as 100+cm of new snow accumulation. This more than likely sits on a widespread crust on all aspects and elevations except for north facing terrain in the alpine. At lower elevations, rain has saturated an already wet snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Roughly 30-40 cm of new snow has blanketed upper elevations of the region after a series of storms over the end of the week. The new snow sits above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts at treeline and below and on solar aspects in the alpine. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. Yet another deep release was reported in the region on Saturday. This activity, although growing more sporadic, is keeping these layers an ongoing concern. They may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate to strong winds have redistributed new snow into wind slabs on a range of aspects at higher elevations. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. The new snow has buried melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below about 2200 metres and in the high alpine on solar aspects. Isolated surface hoar may be found below the new snow on shaded aspects at high elevations. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and early April, keeping these layers an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Since Saturday morning, 10-17 cm of new snow has fallen at treeline and above. This new snow sits on a very hard crust up to 1400m (on north aspects) and up to 1700m (on south aspects). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate southwesterly winds have created wind slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops. Cornices are large, looming, and best avoided. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is well settled and continues to transition into a spring snowpack, becoming isothermal at treeline in some areas and below treeline in most areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, but these deep persistent weaknesses have not been reactive for several weeks. That said, rapid warming of the snowpack or a large trigger, like a cornice, could trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Saturday into Sunday, 5-15cm of new snow fell above treeline with southerly winds. Small wind slabs have formed in lee features below alpine ridgetops. The new snow fell on a firm crust up to 2100m (on north aspects) and 2400m (on south aspects), and may slide easily on this layer.&nbsp; </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices remain large, looming, and are best avoided. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is well settled and continues to transition into a spring snowpack, becoming isothermal at treeline in some areas and below treeline in most areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, but this deep persistent weakness has not been reactive for several weeks. That said, a large trigger like a cornice, or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snow in the last few days built wind slabs, primarily on northerly aspects at alpine and treeline elevations. They should stabilize quickly with warm temperatures but isolated wind slabs behind ridges and similar terrain may linger. Expect multiple crusts in the upper snowpack, especially on southerly facing (sunny) slopes. Thin crusts with facets above are possible; southerly aspects are complex and hard to forecast. Personally, I'd try to avoid them until corn season. Finally cornices are large and remain a concern: yesterday's fatal accident near Lions Bay illustrates the danger of them breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Anywhere from 15-25cm of new snow is sitting on a widespread melt-freeze crust that exists on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. Recent moderate winds from the south have formed new wind slabs in the alpine and have added load to cornices. On sun exposed slopes and at lower elevations, several crusts likely exist in the upper snowpack which are generally well bonded. Both the mid February persistent weak layers and November deep persistent weak layer seemed to have become reactive to heavy loads (cornice falls and/or large explosives triggers) earlier in the week at upper elevations in the northern part of the region near Duffey and Birkenhead Lakes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Small amounts of new snow (up to 8cm) fell on Saturday with light to moderate southerly winds. The new snow will likely be sitting on hard surfaces created by strong winds earlier in the week, or melt-freeze crusts below 1400m. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer of facets and crusts from late February are buried 100-120 cm down. The layer has been unreactive recently and has a variable distribution. That said, rapid warming of the snowpack or a large trigger, such as a cornice, may still have the potential to trigger it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Small amounts of new snow (3-5cm) fell on Saturday. Winds were light to moderate (south through northeast) and may have created small wind slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops. The new snow will likely be sitting on hard surfaces created by strong winds earlier in the week. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Elevations below roughly 1300 m are experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle and the snowpack is likely isothermal. The February crust and facet layer is 70-90 cm deep in the Houston Telkwas sled area and a deep persistent faceted weak layer is still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack in all areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">30-40 cm of new snow blanketed the region after a series of storms over the end of last week. The new snow buried a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts at treeline and below and on solar aspects in the alpine. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. They remain an ongoing concern and may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate to strong winds redistributed new snow from the past few days into wind slabs on a range of aspects in the alpine and at treeline. These wind slabs have developed above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts below about 1900 metres and on solar aspects in the alpine. Fragile new cornice growth also developed along ridgelines over the course of the week. Below the new snow, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 120-150 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. They remain a concern and may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In high elevation terrain, recent moderate southerly winds and new snowfall has formed wind slabs in leeward features. At lower elevations and on sun exposed slopes, there is likely moist or wet snow sitting on top of several well bonded crust layers in the upper snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">10-15cm of snow over the past 24hr from convective flurries.  On solar aspects there are a few different crusts in the upper snowpack down 10-30cm as a result of the warm temperatures.  These crusts can be found up to 2700m on solar aspects and 2100m and below on all aspects.  On more northern aspects the recent snow has seen some isolated wind affect along ridgelines in the alpine but generally, the winds have been light.  Watch for isoalted windslabs along ridgelines.  Deep down the basal facets are still lurking producing moderate sudden collapse sheers.  Despite it starting to look like spring, the snowpack in the alpine is still very much winter like.  Remember any slope that hasnt released still has the potential to run on these basal facets resulting in a large avalanche.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Saturday's cold stormy weather brought snow to the mountains as low as 800m. It's still winter up high! Sunday was a calmer and dryer day but isolated lingering wind slabs remain a concern. At lower elevations, rain has saturated an already wet snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-10 cm of new snow has added to the 30-40 cm of recent snow that blanketed upper elevations of the region late last week. The recent snow sits above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts at treeline and below and on solar aspects in the alpine. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. Yet another deep release was reported in the region on Saturday. This activity, although growing more sporadic, is keeping these layers an ongoing concern. They may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate to strong winds have redistributed new snow into wind slabs on a range of aspects at higher elevations. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. The new snow has buried melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below about 2200 metres and in the high alpine on solar aspects. Isolated surface hoar may be found below the new snow on shaded aspects at high elevations. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and early April, keeping these layers an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Since Saturday morning, 10-25 cm of new snow has fallen at treeline and above. The sun on Monday made snow surfaces moist and should stabilize quickly after an overnight refreeze. This new snow sits on a very hard crust up to 1400m (on north aspects) and up to 1700m (on south aspects).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moderate southwesterly winds have created wind slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops. Cornices are large, looming, and best avoided.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snowpack is well settled and continues to transition into a spring snowpack, becoming isothermal at treeline in some areas and below treeline in most areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, but these deep persistent weaknesses have not been reactive for several weeks. That said, rapid warming of the snowpack or a large trigger, like a cornice, could trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the past few days, 10-25cm of new snow fell above treeline with southerly winds. Small wind slabs have formed in lee features below alpine ridgetops. The new snow fell on a firm crust up to 2100m (on north aspects) and 2400m (on south aspects), and may slide easily on this layer. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices remain large, looming, and are best avoided.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is well settled and continues to transition into a spring snowpack, becoming isothermal at treeline in some areas and below treeline in most areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, but this deep persistent weakness has not been reactive for several weeks. That said, a large trigger like a cornice, or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent snow in the last few days built wind slabs, primarily on northerly aspects at alpine and treeline elevations. They should stabilize quickly with warm temperatures but isolated wind slabs behind ridges and similar terrain may linger. Expect multiple crusts in the upper snowpack, especially on southerly facing (sunny) slopes. Thin crusts with facets above are possible making southerly aspects complex and harder to forecast. Cornices are large and remain a concern: yesterday's fatal accident near Lions Bay illustrates the danger of them breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger. Sunshine and solar radiation can quickly weaken snow on solar facing slopes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Anywhere from 15-25cm of new snow is sitting on a widespread melt-freeze crust that exists on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north facing terrain. Previous moderate winds from the south formed wind slabs in the alpine and added load to cornices. Cornices remain but windslabs have likely bonded. On sun exposed slopes and at lower elevations, several crusts likely exist in the upper snowpack which are generally well bonded. Both the mid February persistent weak layers and November deep persistent weak layer remain reactive to heavy loads (cornice falls and/or large explosives triggers) at upper elevations in the northern part of the region near Duffey and Birkenhead Lakes.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Small amounts of new snow (up to 10cm) fell in the past few days with light to moderate southerly winds. The new snow will likely be sitting on hard surfaces created by strong winds last week, or melt-freeze crusts below 1400m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Sunny breaks and warmer temperatures on Monday has likely left a supportive temperature crust on all aspects up to treeline. North facing alpine slopes reportedly have up to 10cm dry powder, on a firm crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A weak layer of facets and crusts from late February are buried 100-120 cm down. The layer has been unreactive recently and has a variable distribution. That said, rapid warming of the snowpack or a large trigger, such as a cornice, may still have the potential to trigger it.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Small amounts of new snow (3-5cm) fell in the past three days. Winds were light to moderate (south through northeast) and may have created small wind slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops. The new snow will likely be sitting on hard surfaces created by strong winds last week.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Elevations below roughly 1300 m are experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle and the snowpack is likely isothermal. The February crust and facet layer is 70-90 cm deep in the Houston Telkwas sled area and a deep persistent faceted weak layer is still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack in all areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">5-15 cm of new snow added to the 30-40 cm of recent snow from a series of storms over the end of last week. The recent snow buried a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts at treeline and below and on solar aspects in the alpine. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. They remain an ongoing concern and may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate to strong winds redistributed new snow from the past few days into wind slabs on a range of aspects in the alpine and at treeline. These wind slabs have developed above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts below about 1900 metres and on solar aspects in the alpine. Fragile new cornice growth also developed along ridgelines over the course of the week. Below the new snow, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 120-150 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. They remain a concern and may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In exposed high elevation terrain, recent moderate southerly winds and new snowfall have formed wind slabs in leeward features. At lower elevations and on sun exposed slopes, there is likely moist or wet snow sitting on top of several well bonded crust layers in the upper snowpack. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">An additional 10cm of new snow at Treeline overnight. This sits on a supportive crust on solar aspects and on all aspects below 2100m. On sheltered polar aspects above 2100m recent snow falls now sit at 25 to 30cm, which sluffs easily with ski cutting in steep terrain. Isolated pockets of wind slab were observed in the Alpine. Surface snow was moist by late morning on direct solar aspects at 2500m, and at lower elevations moist snow was observed on all aspects. The basal facets are still lurking and have produced moderate sudden collapse shears in recent stability tests. Despite it starting to look like spring, the snowpack in the Alpine is still very much winter like. Remember any slope that hasn't yet released has the potential to fail deep in the snowpack resulting in a large avalanche. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Saturday's cold stormy weather brought snow to the mountains as low as 800m. Temperatures have warmed slightly but freezing level near 1200m Sunday and Monday means it's still winter up high! Anywhere from 5 to 15 cm of snow fell within the region on Sunday &amp; Monday. With mostly light winds there may be pockets of isolated wind slabs at higher elevations. The depth of recent new snow taper with elevation. At lower elevations, rain has saturated an already wet snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow is 30-50 cm including the snow that fell late lat week. The recent snow sits above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts at treeline and below and on solar aspects in the alpine. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. Yet another deep release was reported in the region on Saturday. This activity, although growing more sporadic, is keeping these layers an ongoing concern. They may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate to strong winds have redistributed new snow into wind slabs on a range of aspects at higher elevations. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. The new snow has buried melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below about 2200 metres and in the high alpine on solar aspects. Isolated surface hoar may be found below the new snow on shaded aspects at high elevations. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and early April, keeping these layers an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Since Saturday morning, 15-30 cm of new snow has fallen at treeline and above. The sun on Monday &amp; Tuesday made snow surfaces moist and unstable during the day, but it should stabilize quickly after an overnight refreeze. This new snow sits on a very hard crust up to 1400m (on north aspects) and up to 1700m (on south aspects).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Moderate southwesterly winds have created wind slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops. Cornices are large, looming, and best avoided.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring snowpack, becoming isothermal at treeline in some areas and below treeline in most areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, but these deep persistent weaknesses have not been reactive for several weeks. That said, rapid warming of the snowpack or a large trigger, like a cornice, could trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the past few days, 15-30cm of new snow fell above treeline with southerly winds. </span><span class="s_1681A555">The sun on Monday &amp; Tuesday made snow surfaces moist and unstable during the day, but it should stabilize quickly after an overnight refreeze (in most areas forming a crust on all aspects up to 2300m).</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices remain large, looming, and are best avoided.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The mid snowpack is well settled and continues to transition into a spring snowpack, becoming isothermal at treeline in some areas and below treeline in most areas.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, but this deep persistent weakness has not been reactive for several weeks. That said, a large trigger like a cornice, or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The forecast snow and wind on Wednesday is expected to create fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and above. Expect multiple crusts in the upper snowpack, especially on southerly facing (sunny) slopes. Thin crusts with facets above are possible making southerly aspects complex and harder to forecast. Cornices are large and remain a concern: Saturday's fatal accident near Lions Bay illustrates the danger of them breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger. Solar radiation is a common cause of cornice failure and can also quickly trigger loose wet avalanches when new snow sees the sun for the first time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The forecast snow and wind on Wednesday is expected to create fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and above. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">On sun exposed slopes and at lower elevations, several crusts likely exist in the upper snowpack which are generally well bonded. Both the mid February persistent weak layers and November deep persistent weak layer remain reactive to heavy loads (cornice falls and/or large explosives triggers) at upper elevations in the northern part of the region near Duffey and Birkenhead Lakes. </span><span class="s_1681A555">Cornices are large and remain a concern: Saturday's fatal accident near Lions Bay illustrates the danger of them breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger. Solar radiation is a common cause of cornice failure and can also quickly trigger loose wet avalanches when new snow sees the sun for the first time.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Small amounts of new snow (up to 10cm) fell at higher elevations in the past few days with light to moderate southerly winds. The new snow will likely be sitting on hard surfaces created by strong winds last week, or melt-freeze crusts below 1400m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Sunny breaks and warmer temperatures on Sunday &amp; Monday has likely left a supportive temperature crust on all aspects up to treeline. North facing alpine slopes reportedly have up to 10cm dry powder, on a firm crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">A weak layer of facets and crusts from late February are buried 100-120 cm down. The layer has been unreactive recently and has a variable distribution. That said, rapid warming of the snowpack or a large trigger, such as a cornice, may still have the potential to trigger it.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Small amounts of new snow (3-10cm) fell in the past three days. Winds were light to moderate (south through northeast) and may have created small wind slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops. The new snow will likely be sitting on hard surfaces created by strong winds last week.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Elevations below roughly 1300 m are experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle and the snowpack is likely isothermal. The February crust and facet layer is 70-90 cm deep in the Houston Telkwas sled area and a deep persistent faceted weak layer is still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack in all areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow is now 30-60 cm including the snow from the end of last week. The recent snow buried a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts at treeline and below and on solar aspects in the alpine. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. They remain an ongoing concern and may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate to strong winds redistributed new snow from the past few days into wind slabs on a range of aspects in the alpine and at treeline. These wind slabs have developed above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts below about 1900 metres and on solar aspects in the alpine. Fragile new cornice growth also developed along ridgelines over the course of the week. Below the new snow, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 120-150 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. They remain a concern and may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow and wind will create fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above. The new snow will be prone to sliding in steep terrain where it is sitting on a crust; especially when daytime warming causes it to transition from dry to moist snow. </span><span class="s_1681A555">Cornices are large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail. Additionally, cornices present a falling hazard and should be given a wide berth while traveling on ridgetops.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">No significant new snow last night, only a light dusting in the southern part of the forecast region. Cold dry snow still exists in the high alpine and northern aspects. A significant melt freeze crust is on all aspects up to 2300m, and higher on solar aspects. The cloud cover and cooler temps today helped keep the crust frozen and supportive everywhere except for the valley bottoms. Moist snow by mid afternoon. Tests today revealed no significant shears at treeline elevations, however expect to still find the Dec facets near the bottom of the snow and potentially reactive to human triggering in thin areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-25 mm of precipitation is forecast to fall as snow above roughly 1200 m and as rain below. This means snow in the alpine, rain/snow at treeline, and rain below treeline. Strong southeast winds are expected to accompany the storm and create fresh wind slabs on lee features in the alpine which may be reactive to human triggers. The mix of rain and snow at treeline elevations may create the possibility of loose wet avalanches. Below treeline, rain has saturated an already wet, isothermic snowpack. Cornices are large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail. Additionally, cornices present a falling hazard and should be given a wide berth while traveling on ridgetops.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow is 30-50 cm including the snow that fell late lat week. The recent snow sits above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts at treeline and below and on solar aspects in the alpine. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. Yet another deep release was reported in the region on Saturday. This activity, although growing more sporadic, is keeping these layers an ongoing concern. They may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate to strong winds have redistributed new snow into wind slabs on a range of aspects at higher elevations. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. The new snow has buried melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below about 2200 metres and in the high alpine on solar aspects. Isolated surface hoar may be found below the new snow on shaded aspects at high elevations. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and early April, keeping these layers an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Moist new snow falling on the weekend has been redistributed by moderate southerly winds at upper elevations. This sits on a well developed crust layer that formed up to 1400m on all aspects except south where it formed up to 1700m. The snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring melt/freeze regime. Below 1300m the snowpack may be moist or wet through its entire thickness. In the alpine cornices continue to grow large and ever more overhanging. </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">15-30cm of moist new snow accumulating over the weekend above treeline has been redistributed by southerly winds. Cornices remain large, looming, and are best avoided. The mid snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring melt/freeze regime. Expect the entire thickness of the snowpack to be moist or wet at lower elevations. At upper elevations, the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, however there still is uncertainty to this layer's reactivity. That being said, a heavy load like a cornice fall or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15 cm of new snow with moderate to strong winds from a variety of directions have created fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and above. Numerous crusts exist in the upper snowpack, especially on solar aspects. Cornices are large and remain a concern: Saturday's fatal accident near Lions Bay illustrates the danger of them breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger. Expect small loose dry avalanches in steep terrain where the new snow is sitting on a crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The forecast snow and wind on Wednesday is expected to create fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and above. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">On sun solar aspects and at lower elevations, numerous crusts exist in the upper snowpack which are generally well bonded. </span><span class="s_1681A555">Cornices are large and remain a concern: Saturday's fatal accident near Lions Bay illustrates the danger of them breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger.&nbsp; </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10cm of new snow has fallen at higher elevations in the past few days and has now been redistributed by moderate to strong east and southeast winds. At upper elevations the new snow is likely sitting on a hard wind crust created by strong winds last week. At the tree line elevation, warming and re freezing earlier in the week has likely has created a melt freeze crust. Below tree line the surface snow is likely a mix crusts at the upper end of the elevation band to moist or wet snow throughout the entire thickness of the snowpack at the lower portions of the elevation band.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">A weak layer of facets sitting on a crust buried late February is buried 100-120cm. This layer has been unreactive recently and has a variable distribution. That said, rapid warming of the snowpack or a large trigger, such as a cornice, may still have the potential to trigger it.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 5-10cm of new snow has fallen in the previous few days. Variable light to moderate wind switching from south to east has redistributed this new snow at upper elevations. This new snow is likely sitting on a hard wind crust created by strong winds last week. Elevations below roughly 1300m are experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle and the snowpack is likely moist or wet throughout its entire thickness. A persistent weak layer buried late February may be found down approximately 70-100cm and a deep persistent weak layer is still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack in all areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent storm snow is now 30-60 cm including the snow from the end of last week. The recent snow buried a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts at treeline and below and on solar aspects in the alpine. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. They remain an ongoing concern and may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate to strong winds redistributed new snow from the past few days into wind slabs on a range of aspects in the alpine and at treeline. These wind slabs have developed above a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts below about 1900 metres and on solar aspects in the alpine. Fragile new cornice growth also developed along ridgelines over the course of the week. Below the new snow, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. The February weak layers are now down about 120-150 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. They remain a concern and may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow and shifting wind directions have created fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects at Treeline and above. The new snow will be prone to sliding in steep terrain where it is sitting on a crust. </span><span class="s_1681A555">Cornices are large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Between 0 and 5cm of new snow at Treeline in the past 25hrs. Isolated pockets of wind slab have been observed in the Alpine on lee and cross-loaded terrain features. The snowpack is settling with the recent warm temperatures. Buried crust are found on all aspects up to 2300m, with numerous layers of crust on solar aspects up to at least 2700m. Moist snow at lower elevations by mid-afternoon. Basal layers remain weak and are still a concern in larger terrain features.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-25 mm of precipitation is forecast to fall as snow above roughly 1200 m and as rain below on Wednesday. This means snow in the alpine, rain/snow at treeline, and rain below treeline. Strong southeast winds are expected to accompany the storm and create fresh wind slabs on lee features in the alpine which may be reactive to human triggers. The mix of rain and snow at treeline elevations may create the possibility of loose wet avalanches. Below treeline, rain has saturated an already wet, isothermic snowpack. Cornices are large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail. Additionally, cornices present a falling hazard and should be given a wide berth while traveling on ridgetops.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm slab is now 20-30 cm deep, and the snow arrived with east or southeast winds. The wind is forecast to change to the west, and this may result in reverse loading. This new now is sitting on the 30-50 cm of recent snow from the past week. The new and recent snow are covering a mix of old surfaces, including several crusts on all aspects at treeline and below, and on solar aspects in the alpine. Cornices continue to be reported to be large and fragile, and the have released naturally on a regular basis. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. Yet another deep release was reported in the region on Saturday. This activity, although growing more sporadic, is keeping these layers an ongoing concern. They may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent moderate to strong winds have redistributed new snow into wind slabs on a range of aspects at higher elevations. Fragile new cornice growth also occurred along ridgelines over the course of the week. The new snow has buried melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below about 2200 metres and in the high alpine on solar aspects. Isolated surface hoar may be found below the new snow on shaded aspects at high elevations. Below the new snow interface, a number of storm snow and crust layers that formed over mid to late March appear to be well bonded. At higher elevations, t</span><span class="s_AA239A9B">he February crust/facet layer is now down around 130-150 cm and t</span><span class="s_3FE45715">he deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These layers were active during a storm in mid-March and produced some very large avalanches. Occasional deep releases were also reported in late March and early April, keeping these layers an ongoing concern.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20cm of new snow fell at upper elevations Wednesday night. Thursday during the day the precipitation fell as rain up to 2000m making the snow surface moist or wet. This adds to moist new snow from the previous weekend and all sits on a well developed crust layer that formed up to 1400m on all aspects except south where it formed up to 1700m. The snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring melt/freeze regime. Below 1300m the snowpack may be moist or wet through its entire thickness. In the alpine cornices continue to grow large and ever more overhanging. </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">15-30cm of moist new snow falling throughout the last week above treeline has been redistributed by south and southeast winds. Cornices remain large and continue to become more overhanging. The middle of the snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring melt/freeze regime. Expect the entire thickness of the snowpack to be moist or wet at lower elevations. At upper elevations, the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, however there still is uncertainty to this layer's reactivity. That being said, a heavy load like a cornice fall or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-25 cm of new snow with moderate to strong winds from a variety of directions have created fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and above. Numerous crusts exist in the upper snowpack, especially on solar aspects. Cornices are large and remain a concern: Saturday's fatal accident near Lions Bay illustrates the danger of them breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger. Expect small loose dry avalanches in steep terrain where the new snow is sitting on a crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Relatively light amounts of recent snow have created wind slabs in the immediate lee of exposed terrain features at treeline and above. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">On sun solar aspects and at lower elevations, numerous crusts exist in the upper snowpack which are generally well bonded. </span><span class="s_1681A555">Cornices are large and remain a concern: Saturday's fatal accident near Lions Bay illustrates the danger of them breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 10cm of new snow has fallen at higher elevations earlier in the week and has now been redistributed by moderate to strong east and southeast winds. At upper elevations the new snow is likely sitting on a hard wind crust created by strong winds last week. At the tree line elevation, warming and re freezing earlier in the week has likely has created a melt freeze crust. Below tree line the surface snow is likely a mix crusts at the upper end of the elevation band to moist or wet snow throughout the entire thickness of the snowpack at the lower portions of the elevation band.</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">Approximately 5-10cm of new snow has fallen earlier in the week. Variable light to moderate wind switching from south to east has redistributed this new snow at upper elevations. This new snow is likely sitting on a hard wind crust created by strong winds last week. Elevations below roughly 1300m are experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle and the snowpack is likely moist or wet throughout its entire thickness. A persistent weak layer buried late February may be found down approximately 70-100cm and a deep persistent weak layer is still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack in all areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The new storm slab is 20-30 cm deep and arrived with east or southeast winds in most areas. The winds are forecast to change to the west, and this may result in some reverse loading and new wind slabs on several aspects. This new snow is sitting on another 30-60 cm of recent snow from the past week. The recent snow buried a mix of old surfaces that include melt-freeze crusts on all aspects at treeline and below, and on solar aspects in the alpine. Cornices are reported to be large and fragile, and reports of natural cornice falls continue on a regular basis. The February weak layers are now down about 170-220 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. They remain an ongoing concern and may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow and east winds have developed new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. These wind slabs are expected to continue to develop, and may result in reverse loading when the winds change and become westerly. Below the new snow, expect to find a series of crusts on solar aspects due to the recent diurnal melt-freeze cycle before the most recent storm. Cornices are reported to be large and fragile and continue to fall off naturally on a regular basis. The February weak layers are now down about 120-150 cm and the deep mid-December facet layer and November rain crust both still linger near the bottom of the snowpack. These deep weak layers produced large avalanches with cornice falls and other heavy triggers in late March and early April. They remain a concern and may be more likely to fail on southerly aspects during periods of strong solar radiation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">New snow and shifting wind directions have created fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects at Treeline and above. The new snow will be prone to sliding in steep terrain where it is sitting on a crust. </span><span class="s_1681A555">Cornices are large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Another 5-10 cm last night and this morning. By mid morning it was already moist below treeline, and by mid day it was moist up to 2200m on all aspects. The underlying crusts are evident on all aspects up to 2100m. By 2200m they are more prevalent on solar aspects. In terms of thickness, below treeline has a 30-40cm crust and the treeline crust is 5-15cm depending on aspect. The weak basal layers are still found with probing and are as widespread as always. The heat really hasn't had much affect in the alpine in terms of stabilizing the mid to lower layers.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">There's approximately 20-30 cm of new snow at elevations above 1200 m, with plenty of rain-soaked snow below. The new snow and accompanying southeast winds have set up slab avalanche conditions, particularly on the downwind (northerly and northeasterly) side of ridges and summits. Cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail. Additionally, cornices present a falling hazard and should be given a wide berth while traveling on ridgetops.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">Recent snow and wind have formed wind slabs in the alpine on a variety of aspects caused by shifting wind directions. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices are large, looming, and the primary concern due to their potential to trigger large avalanches on facets at the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Recent snow and wind have formed wind slabs in the alpine on a variety of aspects caused by shifting wind directions. Cornices are large, looming, and the primary concern due to their potential to trigger large avalanches failing on facets at the bottom of the snowpack.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20cm of moist new snow fell at upper elevations Wednesday night. Thursday during the day the precipitation fell as rain up to 2000m making the snow surface moist or wet. Subsequent overnight cooling has created thin surface crusts up to 2100m. All this adds to moist new snow from the previous weekend and sits on a well developed crust layer that formed up to 1400m on all aspects except south where it formed up to 1700m. The snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring melt/freeze regime. Below 1300m the snowpack may be moist or wet through its entire thickness. In the alpine cornices continue to grow large and ever more overhanging. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist new snow falling last week above tree line has been redistributed by south and southeast winds. Cornices remain large and continue to become more overhanging. The middle of the snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring melt/freeze regime. Expect the entire thickness of the snowpack to be moist or wet at lower elevations. At upper elevations, the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, however there still is uncertainty to this layer's reactivity. That being said, a heavy load like a cornice fall or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">We've had 20-40 cm of recent storm snow above 1500m. Winds were moderate to strong from a variety of directions and have created fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and above. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">On Sunday the sun will come out in full force - it's a good time to remember that cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail (especially when warmed by the sun). </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">The fatal accident near Lions Bay a week ago illustrates the danger of cornices breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Relatively light amounts of recent snow (5-15 cm in the past two days) and moderate southerly winds have created wind slabs in the immediate lee of exposed terrain features at treeline and above. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">On Sunday the sun will come out in full force - it's a good time to remember that cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail (especially when warmed by the sun). The fatal accident near Lions Bay a week ago illustrates the danger of cornices breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow at upper elevations from last week has been redistributed east and southeast winds. This may be sitting on a variety of old surfaces including hard wind crusts in exposed terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. At the tree line elevation, warming and re freezing earlier in the week has likely has created melt freeze crusts. Below tree line the surface snow is likely a mix of crusts at the upper end of the elevation band to moist or wet snow throughout the entire thickness of the snowpack at the lower portions of the elevation band.</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 snow falling last week has been redistributed by south and east wind at upper elevations. This is likely sitting on a hard wind crust in exposed alpine areas and sun crust on aspects facing the sun. Elevations below 1300m roughly are experiencing a daily melt-freeze cycle and the snowpack is likely moist or wet throughout its entire thickness. A persistent weak layer buried late February may be found down approximately 70-100cm and a deep persistent weak layer is still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack in all areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Recent snow and wind have formed wind slabs in the alpine on a variety of aspects caused by shifting wind directions. Cornices are large, looming, and the primary concern due to their potential to trigger large avalanches failing on facets at the bottom of the snowpack.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Recent snow and wind have formed wind slabs in the alpine on a variety of aspects caused by shifting wind directions. Cornices are large, looming, and the primary concern due to their potential to trigger large avalanches failing on facets at the bottom of the snowpack.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">This region experienced a wide variation in snowfall amounts on Thursday - most areas saw 5-10 cm of wet heavy snow above 1600m; however, the Rossland Range was the 'bulls eye' for enhanced convective snowfall and received upwards of 35cm!</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The snow and shifting wind directions created fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects at Treeline and above. The new snow will be prone to sliding in steep terrain where it is sitting on a crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Cornices are large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Only a skiff of new snow over the past 24hrs.  Of note the winds were howling (aka strong) out of the SW at higher elevations.  Widespread snow transport was observed in alpine terrain and as a result new windslabs were forming at higher elevations on lee aspects.  Temperatures remained somewhat cool but we did see some moist snow later in the afternoon on solar aspects.  On Thursday the warm temps had moist snow up to 2400m on all aspects.  As a result, surface crusts should be expected in most areas making the skiing challenging. Dry powder snow is pretty much only likely in high alpine areas on North aspects.  On solar aspects, crusts are bing observed up to 2700m. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Over the past two days there's been approximately 20-30 cm of new snow at elevations above 1200 m, with plenty of rain-soaked snow below. The new snow and accompanying southeast winds have set up slab avalanche conditions, particularly on the downwind (northerly and northeasterly) side of ridges and summits. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Sunday the sun will come out in full force - it's a good time to remember that cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail (especially when warmed by the sun). Additionally, cornices present a falling hazard and should be given a wide berth while traveling on ridgetops.</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">Cornices are large, looming, and the primary concern due to their potential to trigger large avalanches failing on facets at the bottom of the snowpack. Convective showers and moderate southwesterly winds have formed small wind slabs on lee features below ridgetops. Solar radiation is a common trigger for loose wet avalanching in steep terrain, especially when new snow gets heated by the sun for the first time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Cornices are large, looming, and the primary concern due to their potential to trigger large avalanches failing on facets at the bottom of the snowpack. Convective showers and moderate southwesterly winds have formed small wind slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops. Solar radiation is a common trigger for loose wet avalanching in steep terrain, especially when new snow gets heated by the sun for the first time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 20cm of moist new snow fell at upper elevations Wednesday night. Thursday during the day the precipitation fell as rain up to 2000m making the snow surface moist or wet. Subsequent overnight cooling has created thin surface crusts up to 2100m. All this adds to moist new snow from the previous weekend and sits on a well developed crust layer. The snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring melt/freeze regime. Below 1300m the snowpack may be moist or wet through its entire thickness. In the alpine cornices continue to grow large and ever more overhanging. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Moist new snow falling last week above tree line has been redistributed by south and southeast winds. Cornices remain large and continue to become more overhanging. The middle of the snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring melt/freeze regime. Expect the entire thickness of the snowpack to be moist or wet at lower elevations. At upper elevations, the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, however there still is uncertainty to this layer's reactivity. That being said, a heavy load like a cornice fall or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">We've had 20-30 cm of settling storm snow above 1500m. Winds were moderate to strong from a variety of directions and have created fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and above. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">On Sunday the sun will come out in full force - it's a good time to remember that cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail (especially when warmed by the sun). The fatal accident near Lions Bay a week ago illustrates the danger of cornices breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger. </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">Relatively light amounts of recent snow (10-20 cm in the past three days) have created wind slabs in the immediate lee of exposed terrain features at treeline and above. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">On Sunday the sun will come out in full force - it's a good time to remember that cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail (especially when warmed by the sun). The fatal accident near Lions Bay a week ago illustrates the danger of cornices breaking off, and the large avalanches they can trigger.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">New snow at upper elevations from last week has been redistributed by winds switching from southwest to east and back again. This may be sitting on a variety of old surfaces including hard wind crusts in exposed terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. At the tree line elevation, warming and refreezing earlier in the week has created melt freeze crusts. Below tree line the surface snow is likely a mix of crusts at the upper end of the elevation band to moist or wet snow throughout the entire thickness of the snowpack at the lower portions of the elevation band.</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 snow falling last week has been redistributed by south and east wind at upper elevations. This is likely sitting on a hard wind crust in exposed alpine areas and sun crust on aspects facing the sun. Lower elevations are experiencing a melt-freeze cycle and the snowpack is likely moist or wet throughout its entire thickness. A deep persistent weak layer is still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack in all areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Cornices are large, looming, and the primary concern due to their potential to trigger large avalanches failing on facets at the bottom of the snowpack. Convective showers and moderate southwesterly winds have formed small wind slabs on lee features below ridgetops. Solar radiation is a common trigger for loose wet avalanching in steep terrain, especially when new snow gets heated by the sun for the first time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555"> Cornices are large, looming, and the primary concern due to their potential to trigger large avalanches failing on sugary facets near the bottom of the snowpack. Convective snow showers and moderate southwesterly winds have formed small wind slabs below alpine ridgetops. Solar radiation is a common trigger for loose wet avalanching in steep terrain, especially when new snow gets heated by the sun for the first time.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">This region experienced a wide variation in snowfall amounts on Thursday - most areas saw 5-10 cm of wet heavy snow above 1600m; however, the Rossland Range was the 'bulls eye' for enhanced convective snowfall and received upwards of 35cm! An additional 5-10cm of snow fell above 1500m on Friday. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">The snow and shifting wind directions created fresh wind slabs on a variety of aspects at Treeline and above. The new snow will be prone to sliding in steep terrain where it is sitting on a crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Cornices are large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few cm of snow overnight and throughout the day on Saturday.  This came with strong winds and cool temps and prompted a return to winter.  This snow is overlying widespread crusts on on aspects up to 2200m and on solar aspects up to 2700m.  New windslabs are being encountered in Alpine terrain or N through east aspects as a result of strong winds over the past few days.  Solar aspects have also been blow down to the previous crust in alpine terrain.  100-140cm of settled snow is overlying the weak basal facets.  Moderate to hard sheers persist in these basal facets and are sudden collapse in nature.  There is no hit of the snowpack starting to go isothermal in most areas.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Over the past three days there's been 10-40 cm of new snow at elevations above 1200 m, with plenty of rain-soaked snow below. The new snow and accompanying southeast winds have set up slab avalanche conditions, particularly on the downwind (northerly and northeasterly) side of ridges and summits. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_1681A555">Storm slab and wind slab instabilities are expected to settle rapidly with temperatures near zero. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_DDF6C5E8">On Sunday the sun will come out in full force - it's a good time to remember that cornices remain large in some areas and could trigger large avalanches when they fail (especially when warmed by the sun). Additionally, cornices present a falling hazard and should be given a wide berth while traveling on ridgetops.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Between 30 and 45cm of new snow has fallen in the past few days. I'd expect reactive storm slabs to exist in wind-exposed terrain or in places where the recent storm snow has a weak bond with a crust which formed in late November and can be found around 60cm below the surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Another feature in the snowpack is a 3-5 cm thick crust which was formed around Halloween and can be found approximately 100cm down at treeline elevations. This layer is generally thought to be stubborn to trigger; however, it may be worth investigating if your travel plans involve large triggers on big, steep, unsupported terrain.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 200+cm in the alpine, 100-180cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">We currently have very limited snowpack observations within this region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Last week, the November 23rd crust formed as temperatures cooled and the rain-soaked snow surface froze. Since then, 20-60cm of snow has fallen at treeline and above with moderate to strong southwest winds, creating storm slabs sitting on a crust. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Two other layers have been reported in the snowpack: 1) The Halloween crust (down 100cm at treeline elevations) and 2) The November 10th surface hoar / facets (down 80cm at treeline elevations). We have very little information on how reactive these layers are. In fact, we currently have very limited snowpack observations within this entire region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 150+cm in the alpine, 100-150cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 40 cm of accumulated storm snow has fallen on the crust that formed last week. The buried crust is supportive and approximately 10 cm thick. It extends from 1600 m to mountain top elevations on all aspects. Reports indicate that the recent storm snow may have a poor bond to the crust. Ridgetop winds are likely redistributing the new snow above treeline and possibly forming wind slabs on leeward slopes and terrain features. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 60-80 cm while a deeper snowpack exists in the alpine. The snowpack remains highly variable in regards to aspect and elevation.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack remains highly variable with very little information regarding snowpack structure within the region. Average snowpack depths at upper elevations range from 60-110 cm with scoured snow surfaces on southwesterly slopes and deeper pockets of wind slab on northeasterly slopes. Below the surface exists a series of crusts that were buried near the end of November approximately 40 cm and 70 cm down. Deeper in the snowpack a third crust from the end of October exists as a &quot;facet/crust&quot; combo and has been identified as a potential sliding interface where snowpack testing North of the region (Kananaskis Country) is proving hard but sudden collapse results. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 40-60 cm new snow now sits on top of a rain crust (or multiple crusts) that formed during the recent wet weather. Strong (southerly) winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack depths are typically around 150 cm in sheltered treeline locations, although deeper (and shallower) spots certainly exist on account of the strong winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 30-40 cm new snow now sits on top of a rain crust that formed during the recent wet weather. The crust is reported to be thick (15 cm) below treeline and thin (2 cm) in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Strong southerly winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Stubborn wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Treeline snow depths are approximately 100 cm throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent accumulated storm snow amounts are from 100-130cm and sit on a supportive 5-10 cm thick crust that was buried a week ago. The new snow seems to be settling quickly, however; deeper deposits of wind slab may be found on leeward slopes. Digging deeper in the snowpack exists a crust/facet combo buried at the end of October. This crust may exist anywhere from 90 cm-150 cm down. Recent snowpack test results are showing hard compression tests with sudden collapse results. I would keep this on my radar through the weekend to see how the snowpack adjusts to the new load. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Alpine snow surfaces are likely wind affected with the average snowpack depths 80 cm -140 cm at treeline elevations, and up to 160 cm in the alpine. Approximately 30-50 cm of recent snow now overlies two crusts that were buried near the end of November. Reports indicate that these crusts extend well into the alpine and seem to be supportive to rider traffic. Below these crusts is a well settled mid pack that sits on the late October crust close to the base of the snowpack at all elevations. This late October &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; is widespread and has been very reactive to rider triggers producing large avalanches.</span><span class="s_AA239A9B" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Between 30 and 45cm of new snow has fallen in the past few days. I'd expect reactive storm slabs to exist in wind-exposed terrain or in places where the recent storm snow has a weak bond with a crust which formed in late November and can be found around 60cm below the surface.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Another feature in the snowpack is a 3-5 cm thick crust which was formed around Halloween and can be found approximately 100cm down at treeline elevations. This layer is generally stubborn to trigger; however, I'd be increasingly cautious of it in the north of the region where it may remain reactive. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 200+cm in the alpine, 100-180cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">We currently have very limited snowpack observations within this region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Up to 40cm of new snow has fallen in the past few days. At higher elevations, southerly winds (gusting strong at times) likely redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Below the recent storm snow you may find a couple of crusts which formed as a result of last week's rain. That said, little is known about the reactivity of these crusts or the elevation bands at which you're likely to find them. A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which formed around November 11th and can be found approximately 120cm down at treeline elevations. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 200+cm in the alpine, 100-180cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. We currently have very limited snowpack observations within this region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758"> </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">20 - 40cm of new snow has fallen in the past week. At higher elevations, south through west winds (gusting strong at times) redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Below the recent storm snow you'll likely find a couple of widespread crusts which formed as a result of last week's rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Late November's rain really shrunk the snowpack and has transitioned much of the snowpack from dry to moist snow. The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 100-170cm in the alpine, 50-100cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">We currently have very limited snowpack observations within this region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">In the alpine the winds have blown the available snow around and in some places exposed the crust, and in others, lee areas have been filled in. From our experiences, the Nov 26th crust is widespread up to 2600m. We haven't been above that elevation, but its thought the crust extends well into the alpine. The blown in areas are wind slabs of various densities. Some areas are very soft slabs, and others are dense and more reactive to skier triggering. Treeline is a similar story, however the crust is consistently buried below 50cm of snow. Total snow height at treeline is 130-140cm The crust is very solid and currently bridging the weaker lower layers. Interestingly, today's snow pit had moist snow from ground up to the base of the November crusts. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">50-70 cm of new snow overlies a crust at treeline elevations. Winds were moderate from the south east, resulting in reactive slabs, especially on lee features. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Travel in many places is rugged below treeline, with many open creeks, alder and other early season hazards, although things should be improving with recent new snow. Expect snow depths of around 20 cm at 800 m and around 160 cm at 1200 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_1681A555">Friday night's storm delivered anywhere from 10-25 cm of new snow. Total amounts of snow over the past few days varies from 30-70 cm, with even deeper deposits at higher elevations. In most areas the new snow sits above crusts left over from the warm rainy weather in late November. Some snowpack tests indicate a weak bond between the storm snow and the crusts, which warrants extra caution in big, steep, unsupported terrain. The average snow depth is over 200 cm in the alpine, 100-180 cm at treeline, and decreases rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent storms delivered 20-40 cm, with deeper wind deposits at higher elevations. The new snow sits above various crusts and moist snow left over from the warm weather in late November. Two deeper layers have been reported including the November 10 surface hoar layer down 80 cm and the Halloween crust down 100 cm. Information on the reactivity of these layers is limited. The average snow depth is over 150 cm in the alpine, 80-150 cm at treeline, and decreases rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 50 cm of accumulated storm snow has fallen on the crust that formed a week ago. The buried crust is supportive and approximately 10 cm thick. It extends from 1600 m to mountain top elevations on all aspects. Lots of uncertainty exists with the new snow sticking to the crust. Winds are likely redistributing the new snow above treeline and possibly forming wind slabs on leeward slopes and terrain features. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 60-80 cm while a deeper snowpack exists in the alpine. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack remains highly variable with very little information regarding snowpack structure within the region. Average snowpack depths at upper elevations range from 60-110 cm with scoured snow surfaces on southwesterly slopes and deeper pockets of wind slab on northeasterly slopes. Below the surface exists a series of crusts that were buried near the end of November approximately 40 cm and 70 cm down. Deeper in the snowpack a third crust from the end of October exists as a &quot;facet/crust&quot; combo and has been identified as a potential sliding interface where snowpack testing North of the region (Kananaskis Country) is proving hard but sudden collapse results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 40-60 cm new snow now sits on top of a rain crust (or multiple crusts) that formed during the wet weather at the end of November. Strong (southerly) winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The main areas of concern are lee (northerly) and cross-loaded features in the alpine and treeline elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack depths are typically around 150 cm in sheltered treeline locations, although deeper (and shallower) spots certainly exist on account of the strong winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 30-50 cm of new snow now sits on top of a rain crust that formed during the wet weather in late November. The crust is reported to be thick (15 cm) below treeline and thin (2 cm) in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">On Saturday, moderate southeast winds in the south (Coquihalla) were reported, whilst moderate southwest winds were reported in the north (Duffey lake zone). The take home message is that southerly winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Stubborn wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Treeline snow depths are approximately 110 cm throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent accumulated storm snow amounts are from 100-130 cm and seem to be settling quickly with average snowpack depths 100-150 cm at treeline elevations. Deeper deposits of wind slab may be found on leeward slopes. This storm snow now sits above a 5-10 cm thick crust that was buried a week ago. Digging down 90-160 cm exists a crust/facet combo buried at the end of October. Recent snowpack test results are showing hard compression tests with sudden collapse results. I would keep this on my radar through the weekend to see how the snowpack adjusts to the new load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Alpine snow surfaces are likely wind affected with average snowpack depths 80 cm -140 cm at treeline elevations, and up to 160 cm in the alpine. Approximately 30-50 cm of recent snow now overlies two crusts that were buried near the end of November. Reports indicate that these crusts extend well into the alpine. Below these crusts exists a well settled mid pack overlying the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This late October &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; is widespread and has been reactive to rider triggers producing large avalanches.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Friday night's storm delivered anywhere from 5-25 cm of new snow. Total amounts of snow over the past few days varies from 30-60 cm, with even deeper deposits at higher elevations. In most areas the new snow sits above crusts left over from the warm rainy weather in late November. Some snowpack tests indicate a weak bond between the storm snow and the crusts, which warrants extra caution in big, steep, unsupported terrain. The average snow depth is over 200 cm in the alpine, 100-180 cm at treeline, and decreases rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent snowfall amounts vary throughout the region with roughly 20 cm in the north and up to 60 cm in the southeast of the region near Blue River. At higher elevations, southerly winds likely redistributed the new snow and formed wind slabs on lee features. Below the recent storm snow you may find crusts that formed during the rain events in late November. Little is known about depth, distribution, or reactivity of these crusts. Reports suggest the snow depth is over 200 cm in the alpine, 100-150 cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">30 - 50cm of new snow has fallen in the past week. At higher elevations, south through west winds (gusting strong at times) redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Below the recent storm snow you'll likely find a couple of widespread crusts which formed as a result of last week's rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Late November's rain really shrunk the snowpack and has transitioned much of the snowpack from dry to moist snow. The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 100-170cm in the alpine, 50-100cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">We currently have very limited snowpack observations within this region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">15-20cm of recent snow over the past 36hrs with only light winds at the upper elevations.  Windslabs continue to build in the upper snowpack along immediate lees as well as gullied terrain and there have also been a number of loose dry avalanches up to sz 1.  The nov crust is now down 60-80cm and although we are seeing no results on this layer, we are closely watching it for future development.  The oct crust is now down close to 100-120cm and is producing moderate to hard sheers in a weaker facet layer below the crust.  Lots of snow is currently available for transport so winds will be critical to watch over the next 24hrs. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Significant amounts of storm snow fell over the past two days, with 50-80 cm of new snow accumulating. That said, the snow appears to be bonding well to a crust (down 70-90cm at treeline elevations) and stabilizing rapidly. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">During the storms, instabilities have generally been short-lived and limited to layers down 20-30cm in the storm snow, or specific lee (northerly) features which saw rapid loading due to south (east) winds. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Travel has improved below treeline, however, there are still open creeks, alder and other early season hazards. Expect snow depths of around 50 cm at 800 m and around 200 cm at 1200 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow from last week's storms is settling and getting redistributed by northwest winds. Roughly 30-70 cm of recent snow sits above various crusts from the warm weather in late November. Reports suggest the snow is bonding to the crusts so far, but there's potential for this layer to develop into a bigger problem in the near-future. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow from last week's storms is settling and getting redistributed by westerly winds. Roughly 20-40 cm of recent snow sits above various crusts from the warm weather in late November. Two deeper layers may be found in the snowpack, including the November 10 surface hoar and the Halloween crust (80 to 100 cm deep). The late November crust is the most likely of these layers to develop into a problem in the near future. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 50 cm of accumulated storm snow has fallen on the crust that formed a week ago. The buried crust is supportive and approximately 10 cm thick. It extends from 1600 m to mountain top elevations on all aspects. Lots of uncertainty exists with the new snow sticking to the crust. Winds are likely redistributing the new snow above treeline and possibly forming wind slabs on leeward slopes and terrain features. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 60-80 cm while a deeper snowpack exists in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack remains highly variable with very little information regarding snowpack structure within the region. Average snowpack depths at upper elevations range from 60-110 cm with scoured snow surfaces on southwesterly slopes and deeper pockets of wind slab on northeasterly slopes. Below the surface exists a series of crusts that were buried near the end of November approximately 40 cm and 70 cm down. Deeper in the snowpack a third crust from the end of October exists as a &quot;facet/crust&quot; combo and has been identified as a potential sliding interface where snowpack testing North of the region (Kananaskis Country) is proving hard but sudden collapse results.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 40-60 cm of snow from late last week now sits on top of a rain crust (or multiple crusts) that formed during the wet weather at the end of November. Strong (southerly) winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The main areas of concern are lee (northerly) and cross-loaded features in the alpine and tree line elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack depths are typically around 150 cm in sheltered tree line locations, although deeper (and shallower) spots certainly exist on account of the strong winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 30-50 cm of new snow now sits on top of a rain crust that formed during the wet weather in late November. The crust is reported to be thick (15 cm) below treeline and thin (2 cm) in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Southerly winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Stubborn wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Tree line snow depths are approximately 110 cm throughout the region.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recent accumulated storm snow amounts are from 100-130 cm and seem to be settling quickly with average snowpack depths 100-150 cm at treeline elevations. Deeper deposits of wind slab may be found on leeward slopes. This storm snow now sits above a 5-10 cm thick crust that was buried a week ago. Digging down 90-160 cm exists a crust/facet combo buried at the end of October. Recent snowpack test results are showing hard compression tests with sudden collapse results. I would keep this on my radar through the weekend to see how the snowpack adjusts to the new load.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Alpine snow surfaces are likely wind affected with average snowpack depths 80 cm -140 cm at treeline elevations, and up to 160 cm in the alpine. Approximately 30-50 cm of recent snow now overlies two crusts that were buried near the end of November. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden planar results at this crust interface. These crusts are widespread and extend well into the alpine. Below these crusts exists a well settled mid pack overlying the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This late October &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; is widespread and has been reactive to rider triggers. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow from last week's storms is settling and getting redistributed by northwest winds. Roughly 30-70 cm of recent snow sits above various crusts from the warm weather in late November. Reports suggest the snow is bonding to the crusts so far, but there's potential for this layer to develop into a bigger problem in the near-future. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold weather has maintained the low density snow from last week's storms, with the exception of wind affected terrain at higher elevations. Fresh snow amounts vary throughout the region with roughly 20 cm in the north and up to 60 cm in the southeast of the region near Blue River. Below the recent storm snow you may find crusts that formed during the rain events in late November. Little is known about depth, distribution, or reactivity of these crusts. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">30 - 50cm of new snow has fallen in the past week. At higher elevations, south through west winds (gusting strong at times) redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Below the recent storm snow you'll likely find a couple of widespread crusts which formed as a result of late November's rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 100-170cm in the alpine, 50-100cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">We currently have very limited snowpack observations within this region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">A few additional cm of new snow overnight and generally light winds except above 2900m where some snow transport was observed. So far the upper snowpack is continuing to settle and we are not seeing any results on the Nov CRs. A weak layer of facetted crystals is being observed below the Halloween crust that is continuing to produce moderate to hard results deeper in the snowpack. In alpine terrain you should expect to encounter pocket of windslabs 30-50cm thick along ridgelines, below cliff faces and along cross loaded slopes. Use caution in these areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Late last week through to Saturday we saw significant storm snow totals, on the order of 80-100cm in the North Shore mountains. That said, all the new snow appears to be bonding well to a crust (down 80-100cm at tree line elevations) and stabilizing rapidly. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Travel has improved below tree line, but there are still open creeks, alder and other early season hazards. Expect snow depths of around 60 cm at 800 m and around 200 cm at 1200 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow from last week's storms is settling and getting redistributed into fresh wind slabs by northwest winds. Roughly 30-70 cm of recent snow sits above various crusts from the warm weather in late November. Most reports suggest the snow is bonding to the crusts so far, but there's potential for this layer to develop into a problem in the future. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow from last week's storms is settling and getting redistributed into fresh wind slabs by northwest winds. Roughly 20-40 cm of recent snow sits above various crusts from the warm weather in late November. Two deeper layers may be found in the snowpack, including the November 10 surface hoar and the Halloween crust (80 to 100 cm deep). The late November crust is the most likely of these layers to develop into a problem in the future. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up to 50 cm of accumulated storm snow has fallen on the crust that formed a week ago. The buried crust is supportive and approximately 10 cm thick. It extends from 1600 m to mountain top elevations on all aspects. Lots of uncertainty exists with the new snow sticking to the crust. Winds are likely redistributing the new snow above treeline and possibly forming wind slabs on leeward slopes and terrain features. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 60-80 cm while a deeper snowpack exists in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack remains highly variable with very little information regarding snowpack structure within the region. Average snowpack depths at upper elevations range from 60-110 cm with scoured snow surfaces on southwesterly slopes and deeper pockets of wind slab on northeasterly slopes. Below the surface exists a series of crusts that were buried near the end of November approximately 40 cm and 70 cm down. Deeper in the snowpack a third crust from the end of October exists as a &quot;facet/crust&quot; combo and has been identified as a potential sliding interface where snowpack testing North of the region (Kananaskis Country) has yielded hard but sudden results on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 40-60 cm of snow from late last week now sits on top of a rain crust (or multiple crusts) that formed during the wet weather at the end of November. Strong (southerly) winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">For the most part, the riding in the region consists of 20-30cm of low density snow that is right-side up (the snow gets more dense as you go deeper into the snowpack). The main areas of concern are lee (down wind) north facing and cross-loaded features in the alpine and tree line elevation bands. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Snowpack depths are typically around 150 cm in sheltered tree line locations, although deeper (and shallower) spots certainly exist on account of the strong winds.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 30-50 cm of snow from last week sits on top of a rain crust that formed during the wet weather in late November. The crust is reported to be thick (15 cm) below treeline and thin (2 cm) in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Southerly winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Stubborn wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Tree line snow depths are approximately 110 cm throughout the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths in the region are roughly 100-150 cm at treeline elevations. This means that our recent accumulated storm snow (100-130 cm) forms the vast majority of our existing snowpack. Strong winds (mainly southwest) over the course of the storm developed deep deposits of wind slab on leeward slopes. The recent snow seems to be settling quickly and sits above a 5-10 cm thick crust that was buried a week ago. The crust/facet interface that was buried at the end of October can now be found 90-160 cm deep. Recent snowpack test results are showing hard compression tests with sudden collapse results on this interface. The strength of these two deep weak layers will be an increasing concern as the snowpack is forced to adjust under continued loading and forecast rapid warming.</span></p>
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</style><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. Alpine snow surfaces are likely wind affected. Below the surface, approximately 30-50 cm of recent snow now overlies two crusts that were buried near the end of November. These crusts are widespread and extend well into the alpine. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results at these crust interfaces. Below these crusts, we have a well settled midpack overlying the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This late October &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; is widespread and has been reactive to rider and remote triggers. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow from last week's storms is settling and getting redistributed into fresh wind slabs by northwest winds. Roughly 30-60 cm of recent snow sits above various crusts from the warm weather in late November. Reports suggest the snow is bonding to the crusts so far, but there's potential for this layer to develop into a problem in the future. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Cold weather has preserved low density snow from last week's storms, with the exception of wind affected terrain at higher elevations. Recent snowfall amounts vary throughout the region, with roughly 20 cm in the north and up to 60 cm in the southeast of the region near Blue River. Below the recent storm snow you may find crusts that formed during rain events in late November. Little is known about depth, distribution, or reactivity of these crusts. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">30 - 50cm of new snow has fallen in the past week. At higher elevations, south through west winds (gusting strong at times) redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on lee features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Below the recent storm snow you'll likely find a couple of widespread crusts (2 to 5 cm thick) which formed as a result of late November's rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 100-170cm in the alpine, 50-100cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">We currently have very limited snowpack observations within this region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Pockets of wind slab ranging from 30 to 50cm thick are present in Alpine areas in lee and cross-loaded features. At the moment these slabs do not extend far down-slope, but this will change as winds increase. The November crust layers are buried between 50 and 70cm at Treeline and do not appear particularly active, but are certainly worth keeping an eye on. The basal layers of the snowpack are made up of a mix of crusts from October and facets. These layers continue to show moderate to hard results in snowpack stability tests. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Late last week through to Saturday we saw significant storm snow totals, on the order of 80-100cm in the North Shore mountains. That said, all the new snow appears to be bonding well to a crust (down 80-100cm at tree line elevations) and stabilizing rapidly. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Travel has improved below tree line, but there are still open creeks, alder and other early season hazards. Expect snow depths of around 60 cm at 800 m and around 200 cm at 1200 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is about to experience a big change with a week of warm sunny weather ahead. Intense warming is expected on steep south-facing slopes, while dry snow may persist on north-facing slopes. Snow from last week's storms has been redistributed into fresh wind slabs by northwest winds. Roughly 40-80 cm of recent snow sits above crusts from the warm weather in late November. Most reports suggest the snow is bonding to the crusts so far, but there's potential for this layer to become reactive with the intense warming. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Snow from last week's storms is settling and getting redistributed into fresh wind slabs by northwest winds. Roughly 20-40 cm of recent snow sits above various crusts from the warm weather in late November. Two deeper layers may be found in the snowpack, including the November 10 surface hoar and the Halloween crust (80 to 100 cm deep). The late November crust is the most likely of these layers to develop into a problem in the future. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Recent winds have been redistributing loose snow at higher elevations and forming wind slabs on leeward slopes and terrain features. Below the surface, 40-60 cm of accumulated storm snow now sits above the crust that formed a week ago. The buried crust is supportive and approximately 25 cm thick. It extends from 1600 m to mountain top elevations on all aspects. The bond of our recent storm snow to this crust is expected to be strengthening gradually and it has produced hard, resistant results in recent snowpack tests. Below this interface, the snowpack is moist to ground. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 60-80 cm while a deeper snowpack exists in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths at upper elevations in the region range from 60-110 cm. Snow surfaces have been scoured on southwesterly slopes and deeper pockets of wind slab likely exist on northeasterly slopes. Below the surface, the two crusts that were buried near the end of November can now be found approximately 40 cm and 70 cm down. Deeper in the snowpack a third crust from the end of October exists as a &quot;facet/crust&quot; combo and has been identified as a potential sliding interface. Snowpack testing in the adjacent Kananaskis Country forecast region has yielded hard but sudden results on this layer.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 40-60 cm of snow from late last week now sits on top of a rain crust (or multiple crusts) that formed during the wet weather at the end of November. The snow appears to be bonding well to the crust with no avalanche activity reported recently on this layer.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Up high, the main concern has been winds (first from the south, and more recently from the north) that have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. The take-home message is that wind slabs can be found on many aspects at higher elevations - including some southerly aspects, which is an unusual pattern. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Other than steep south facing slopes, much of the riding in the region consists of 20-30cm of low density snow that is right-side up (the snow gets more dense as you go deeper into the snowpack). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Approximately 30-50 cm of snow from last week sits on top of a rain crust that formed during the wet weather in late November. The crust is reported to be thick (15 cm) below treeline and thin (2 cm) in the alpine. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Southerly winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Stubborn wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and lee features, primarily in the south of the region (Coquihalla area). </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Tree line snow depths are approximately 110 cm throughout the region.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths in the region are roughly 100-150 cm at treeline elevations. This means that our recent accumulated storm snow (100-130 cm) forms the vast majority of our current snowpack. Strong winds (mainly southwest) over the course of the storm developed deep deposits of wind slab on leeward slopes. The recent snow seems to be settling quickly and sits above a 5-10 cm thick crust that was buried just over a week ago. The crust/facet interface that was buried at the end of October can now be found 90-160 cm deep. Recent snowpack test results have shown hard but sudden results on this interface. The strength of these two deep weak layers will be an increasing concern as the snowpack is forced to adjust to forecast rapid warming.</span></p>
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</style><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.) Wind effect from recent strong southwest to northwest winds extended down into treeline elevations and resulted in fairly extensive wind slab formation. Below the wind-affected surface, approximately 30-50 cm of recent snow now overlies two crusts that were buried near the end of November. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Recent snowpack tests have shown sudden results at these crust interfaces. Below these crusts, we have a well settled midpack overlying the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; is widespread and has been reactive to rider and remote triggers. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is about to experience a big change with a week of warm sunny weather ahead. Intense warming is expected on steep south-facing slopes, while dry snow may persist on north-facing slopes. Snow from last week's storms has been redistributed into fresh wind slabs by northwest winds. Roughly 40-80 cm of recent snow sits above crusts from the warm weather in late November. Most reports suggest the snow is bonding to the crusts so far, but there's potential for this layer to become reactive with the intense warming. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">The snowpack is about to experience a big change with a week of warm sunny weather ahead. Widespread melting is expected, with the most intense warming on steep south-facing slopes. Warming could potentially impact deeper layers including a combination of crusts that formed during rain events in November. Little is known about the depth, distribution, or reactivity of these crusts. Wind slabs formed at higher elevations over the past week and will likely continue to be reactive. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">30 - 50cm of new snow has fallen in the past week. At higher elevations, north west winds redistributed the snow, forming wind slabs on down wind (lee) features.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">Below the recent storm snow you'll likely find a couple of widespread crusts (2 to 5 cm thick) which formed as a result of late November's rain. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 100-170cm in the alpine, 50-100cm at tree line, and decreasing rapidly below tree line where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_A8FEC758">We currently have very limited snowpack observations within this region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">The recent NW winds have started to create windslabs on lee features and extent down the slope. Some wind pressed snow was observed on the windward aspects. Evidence of moderate wind loading was observed on cross loaded features in the alpine. The November crust layers are buried between 50 and 70cm. The basal layers of the snowpack are made up of a mix of crusts from October along with facets. These layers continue to show moderate to hard results in snowpack stability tests. The upper snowpack will change and become denser when the warm weather rolls in creating a slab on top of the November raincrust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Late last week through to Saturday we saw significant storm snow totals, on the order of 80-100cm in the North Shore mountains. That said, all the new snow appears to be bonding well to a crust (down 80-100cm at tree line elevations) and stabilizing rapidly. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Travel has improved below tree line, but there are still open creeks, alder and other early season hazards. Expect snow depths of around 60 cm at 800 m and around 200 cm at 1200 m.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B"> </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Intense warming will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Isolated wind slabs may be found behind ridges and ribs. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried crust layers which formed during November's rainfall. On the whole these crusts have been showing reasonable bonding in snowpack and slope tests. Below treeline, the snowpack is shallow--look out for early season hazards like open creeks and tree stumps.</span><span class="s_1681A555" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently formed wind slabs are gaining strength, but can still be found in the lee of ridges and terrain breaks. Intense warming will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried crust layers. 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_AA239A9B">Recent shifting winds have been redistributing loose snow at higher elevations, crossloading and forming wind slabs on a wide range of aspects at treeline and above. Below the surface, 40-60 cm of accumulated storm snow now sits above the crust that formed a week ago. The buried crust is supportive and approximately 30 cm thick. It extends from 1600 m to mountain top elevations on all aspects. The bond of our recent storm snow to this crust is expected to be strengthening and it has produced hard, resistant results in recent snowpack tests. Below this interface, the snowpack is moist to ground. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 60-80 cm while a deeper snowpack exists in the alpine.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Average snowpack depths at upper elevations in the region range from about 50-100 cm. Shifting winds over the past few days have extended wind slab formation to a wide range of aspects at treeline and above. Below the surface, 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>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Dramatic warming will cause widespread melting of the surface snow, especially on south-facing slopes. Crusts may form overnight, but will melt quickly in the mornings. The 40-60 cm of storm snow that fell last week is rapidly settling and bonding well to the late November rain crusts. Up high, shifting winds (first from the south, and more recently from the north) have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Dramatic warming will cause widespread melting of the surface snow, especially on south-facing slopes. Crusts may form overnight, but will melt quickly in the mornings. The 30-50 cm of storm snow that fell last week is rapidly settling above the late November rain crust. The crust is reported to be thick (15 cm) below treeline and thin (2 cm) in the alpine. Southerly winds have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas. Stubborn wind slabs have formed near ridge crests and lee features, primarily in the south of the region (Coquihalla area). 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">Snowpack depths in the region range from approximately 140 to 190 cm at treeline elevations. Recent strong winds (mainly southwest) have redistributed surface snow into deep deposits of wind slab on leeward slopes. A layer of large surface hoar that was recently observed in the Shames area is now buried about 15 cm below the surface. Information on the distribution and reactivity of this layer is limited. Below it, storm snow received over last week is gradually settling above a 5-10 cm thick crust (November 23) down roughly 70-100cm. 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. Below it, the basal snowpack is a mix of weaker, sugary snow. Both the late October crust and basal snowpack remain ongoing concerns as they continue to produce hard but sudden snowpack test results. </span></p>
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</style><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.) Wind effect from recent strong southwest to northwest winds penetrated down into treeline elevations and resulted in fairly extensive wind slab formation. Below the wind-affected surface, approximately 30-50 cm of recent snow now overlies two crusts that were buried near the end of November. These crusts are widespread and extend into the alpine. Although recent snowpack tests have shown hard results at these crust interfaces, observations have been limited. Below these crusts, a well settled midpack overlies the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; is widespread and has been reactive to rider and remote triggers. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Intense warming will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Isolated wind slabs may be found behind ridges and ribs. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried crust layers which formed during November's rainfall. On the whole these crusts have been showing reasonable bonding in snowpack and slope tests. Below treeline, the snowpack is shallow--look out for early season hazards like open creeks and tree stumps.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Intense warming is melting upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried weak layers which formed during November's rainfall. We have limited information about the nature of these buried crusts. </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_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dramatic warming will cause widespread melting of the surface snow, especially on south-facing slopes. Crusts may form overnight, but will melt quickly in the mornings. 30 - 50 cm of new snow has fallen in the past week. At higher elevations, northwest winds redistributed the snow, forming wind slabs on downwind (lee) features. Below the recent storm snow you'll likely find a couple of widespread crusts (2 to 5 cm thick) which formed as a result of late November's rain. The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 100-170 cm in the alpine, 50-100 cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Overnight alpine winds have continued to reverse load south aspects and strip the northwest sides. Windslabs are now on most aspects and extending below ridgelines. They are also found near the bottoms of large alpine cliffs. Treeline has seen little change as temperatures and winds have remained steady. At both elevations, the crusts are the main concern. However, limited avalanche activity suggests the crusts are still intact and generally well bonded.  </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm weather is melting the snow surface all the way to the top of the highest mountains. Crusts may form overnight, but will melt quickly in the morning. The 80-100 cm of storm snow that fell last week is rapidly settling and bonding to a buried crust. Travel has improved below treeline, but there are still open creeks, alder, and other early season hazards. Expect snow depths around 200 cm at 1200 m and 60 cm at 800 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Intense warming will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Isolated wind slabs may be found behind ridges and ribs. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried crust layers which formed during November's rainfall. On the whole, these crusts have been showing reasonable bonding in snowpack and slope tests. There has been the odd isolated exception, and a cautious approach is a good idea while temperatures are skyrocketing. Below treeline, the snowpack is shallow--look out for early season hazards like open creeks and tree stumps.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715"> Intense warming will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried crust layers. Recently formed wind slabs are gaining strength, but may still be found in the lee of ridges and terrain breaks. 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_AA239A9B">Solar and temperature crusts are expected to have formed on the surface at higher elevations on Thursday. Below the surface, recent shifting winds redistributed loose snow at higher elevations, crossloading and forming wind slabs on a wide range of aspects at treeline and above. Below this wind effect, roughly 30-60 cm of storm snow now sits above the crust that was buried on November 26. The buried crust is supportive and approximately 30 cm thick. It extends from 1600 m to mountain top elevations on all aspects. The bond of our recent storm snow to this crust is expected to be strengthening and it has produced hard, resistant results in recent snowpack tests. Below this interface, 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">Average snowpack depths at upper elevations in the region range from about 50-100 cm. Solar and temperature crusts are expected to have formed on the surface at higher elevations on Thursday. Below the surface, shifting winds over the past few days extended wind slab formation to a wide range of aspects at treeline and above. 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>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dramatic warming and clear skies have caused widespread melting of the surface snow, especially on south-facing slopes. Crusts may form overnight but they will melt quickly in the mornings. Surface hoar is growing at and near treeline in shady locations and during the nights, but it may melt with the warm temperatures. The 40-60 cm of storm snow that fell last week is rapidly settling and generally bonding well to the late-November rain crusts. At high elevations, shifting winds (first from the south, and more recently from the north) have blown snow around in exposed areas creating drifts and scoured areas.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_384D933F"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Warm temperatures are rapidly settling the snowpack. Expect widespread melting of the surface snow, especially on south-facing slopes. Crusts may form overnight, but will melt quickly in the mornings. Lingering wind slabs may be found in the alpine, but are trending towards being unreactive. The snow has formed a strong bond to the late November rain crust which is now 30-50 cm deep. 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">Snowpack depths in the region range from approximately 140 to 190 cm at treeline elevations. Solar and temperature crusts are expected to have formed on the wind-affected surface at higher elevations on Thursday. A layer of large surface hoar that was recently observed in the Shames area is now buried about 15 cm below the surface. Information on the distribution and reactivity of this layer is limited. Below it, storm snow received over last week is gradually settling above a 5-10 cm thick crust (November 23) down roughly 70-100cm. 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. Below it, the basal snowpack is a mix of weaker, sugary snow.</span></p>
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</style><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.) Solar and temperature crusts are expected to have formed on the wind-affected surface at higher elevations on Thursday. Below the surface, 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 midpack overlies the late October crust near the base of the snowpack. This &quot;crust/facet combo&quot; is widespread and has been reactive to rider and remote triggers and has produced recent sudden snowpack test results. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Intense warming will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. 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. There has been the odd isolated exception, and a cautious approach is a good idea while temperatures are skyrocketing. 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">Intense warming is melting upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried weak layers which formed during November's rainfall. We have limited information about the nature of these buried crusts, but tests in the south of the region suggest they are 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_384D933F"><span class="s_3FE45715">Dramatic warming will cause widespread melting of the surface snow, especially on south-facing slopes. Crusts may form overnight, but will melt quickly in the mornings. The warm weather has settled the snowpack and likely improved the bond to the 30-50 cm deep rain crust from late November. Some wind affected snow exists at higher elevations, and could potentially still be reactive above this crust.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs are most noticeable near ridgeline and extending down the slope on most aspects due to the recent winds. Today was warm and sunny, thus making the snow moist on solar aspects and turning into a crust once the sun went away. The November crusts are still a concern, mostly in shallow areas. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm weather is melting the snow surface to the top of the highest mountains. Crusts may form overnight, but will melt quickly in the morning. The 80-100 cm of storm snow that fell last week is rapidly settling and bonding to a buried crust. Travel has improved below treeline, but there are still open creeks, alder, and other early-season hazards. Expect snow depths around 200 cm at 1200 m and 60 cm at 800 m.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warming temperatures will melt and weaken 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 crust layers which formed during November's rainfall. 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. </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">Warm temperatures up high will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried crust layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently formed wind slabs are gaining strength, but may still be found in the lee of ridges and terrain breaks. </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_AA239A9B">Solar and temperature crusts are expected to have formed on the surface at higher elevations over the past two days. Below the surface, recent shifting winds redistributed loose snow at higher elevations, crossloading and forming wind slabs on a wide range of aspects at treeline and above. Below this wind effect, roughly 30-60 cm of storm snow is expected to be bonding well to the underlying crust that was buried on November 26. This crust is approximately 30 cm thick and extends from 1600 m to mountain top elevations on all aspects. Below this capping 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">Average snowpack depths at upper elevations in the region range from about 50-100 cm. Solar and temperature crusts are expected to have formed on the surface at higher elevations over the past two days. Below the surface, recent shifting winds extended wind slab formation to a wide range of aspects at treeline and above. 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>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air temperatures and clear skies have caused melting of the surface snow on south-facing slopes at higher elevations. Crusts may form overnight and may re-melt during the day. Surface hoar up to 10 mm and near-surface faceting have been noted at and near treeline in shady locations. The recent snow from last week is settling and generally bonding well to the late-November rain crusts. Lingering wind slabs on all aspects may be found in the alpine but are trending towards being unreactive.&nbsp; Cornices may be weakening with the warm air temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air temperature and clear skies have caused melting of the surface snow on solar aspects, which have been freezing into a crust during the nights. In shady slopes, surface hoar to 20 mm and near-surface faceting have been observed around treeline and in the alpine. Lingering wind slabs on all aspects may be found in the alpine but are trending towards being unreactive. </span><span class="s_3FE45715">Cornices may be weakening with the warm air temperatures.&nbsp; </span><span class="s_3FE45715">The recent snow has formed a strong bond to the late November rain crust which is now 30-50 cm deep. 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">Snowpack depths in the region remain below seasonal, with recent heavy wind effect creating variable depths of around 110 to 190 cm at treeline elevations in the Shames area. Solar and temperature crusts now exist on the majority of the the surface and surface hoar was observed developing on sheltered aspects above the valley cloud in the Bear Pass area on Thursday. Another layer of large surface hoar that was recently observed in the Shames area is now buried about 15 cm below the surface. Information on the distribution and reactivity of this layer is limited. Below it, storm snow received last week is gradually settling above a 5-10 cm thick crust (November 23) down roughly 70-100cm. 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. Below it, the basal snowpack is a mix of weaker, sugary snow.</span></p>
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</style><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.) Solar and temperature crusts are expected to have formed on the wind-affected surface at higher elevations on Thursday. Below the surface, 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 midpack 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>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Daytime warming will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. 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">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">Daytime warming is melting upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried weak layers which formed during November's rainfall. We have limited information about the nature of these buried crusts, but tests in the south of the region suggest they are 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">Warm air temperatures and clear skies have caused melting of the surface snow on south-facing slopes. Crusts may form overnight but should melt quickly in the mornings. The warm weather has settled the snowpack and may be improving the bond to the 30-50 cm deep rain crust from late November, but there are still limited observations of this layer. Lingering wind slabs may exist at higher elevations but are trending towards being unreactive. Cornices may be weakening with the warm air temperatures.</span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Wind slabs are most noticeable near ridgeline and extending down the slope on most aspects due to the recent winds. Today was warm and sunny, thus making the snow moist on solar aspects and turning into a crust once the sun went away. The November crusts are still a concern, mostly in shallow areas.  Surface hoar is developing in lower elevations.  This will be yet another layer to pay attention to. </span></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm weather is melting 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. 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><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warming temperatures will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, on isolated steep sunny slopes. </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 during November's rainfall. 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. </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>
<style type="text/css">
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm temperatures up high will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried crust layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently formed wind slabs are gaining strength, but may still be found in the lee of ridges and terrain breaks. </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_AA239A9B">Solar and temperature crusts are expected to have formed on some surfaces over the past few days. In shaded higher elevation terrain where surface snow remained cold and unconsolidated, recent shifting winds redistributed loose snow forming stiff wind slabs on a wide range of aspects at treeline and above. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Roughly 30-60 cm below the surface you'll likely find a hard crust that was buried on November 26. 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_AA239A9B">Solar and temperature crusts are expected to have formed on some surfaces over the past few days. In shaded higher elevation terrain where surface snow remained cold and unconsolidated, recent shifting winds redistributed loose snow forming stiff wind slabs on a wide range of aspects at treeline and above. </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 air temperatures and clear skies have created surface crusts on south-facing slopes at higher elevations. Moderate wind speeds from the south may have produced new localized wind slabs on northerly lee features.  Wind slabs are expected to be found in areas without surface crusts, where loose snow was available to be transported by the wind.  Surface hoar up to 10 mm and near-surface faceting have been noted at and near treeline in shady locations.  The snow from last week is settling and generally bonding well to the late-November rain crusts.  Cornices may be weakening with the continuing warm air temperatures.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air temperatures and clear skies have created surface crusts on south-facing slopes at higher elevations. Moderate wind speeds from the south may have produced new localized wind slabs on northerly lee features.  Wind slabs are expected to be found in areas without surface crusts, where loose snow was available to be transported by the wind.  In shady slopes, surface hoar to 20 mm and near-surface faceting have been observed around treeline and in the alpine.  Cornices may be weakening with the warm air temperatures.  The recent snow has formed a strong bond to the late November rain crust which is now 30-50 cm deep. Treeline snow depths are approximately 1 m throughout the region.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Up to 5mm of rain fell in the Skeena corridor on Friday night. At higher elevations I suspect snow fell and was shifted by strong winds into wind slabs in lee terrain. In the Bear Pass area where temperatures were cooler, around 15cm of new snow fell down to near valley bottom. These accumulations overlie melt freeze crusts and possibly surface hoar.</span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Another layer of large surface hoar that was recently observed in the Shames area is now buried about 15 cm below the surface. Information on the distribution and reactivity of this layer is limited. Below it, storm snow received last week is gradually settling above a 5-10 cm thick crust (November 23) down roughly 70-100cm. 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">The base of the snowpack is reported to be a mix of facets and melt-freeze 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_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.) Solar and temperature crusts are expected to have formed on the wind-affected surface at higher elevations on Thursday. Below the surface, 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>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Daytime warming will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried crust layers which formed in November and October. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">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">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">Daytime warming is melting upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried weak layers which formed during November's rainfall. We have limited information about the nature of these buried crusts, but tests in the south of the region suggest they are 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 to strong winds from the west and northwest at higher elevations may be forming new wind slabs in southerly and easterly lee features.  These wind slabs may sit above lingering wind slabs from the past week.  The warm air temperatures and clear skies from the past few days have caused melting of the surface snow on south-facing slopes. Crusts may form overnight but should melt quickly in the mornings if clear skies prevail.  Surface hoar to 30 mm has been observed along with near-surface faceting in the top 20 cm of the snowpack.  Beneath this, the warm weather has settled the snowpack and may be improving the bond to the 30-50 cm deep rain crust from late November, but there are still limited observations of this layer. On ridges, cornices may be weakening with the warm air temperatures.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_AA239A9B">Significant surface hoar growth in low areas in the last 36-48 hours. It is found up to 2100m, and in some cases it is very large(20-30mm). Luckily the warmer temperatures above haven't allowed it to grow in the alpine or treeline areas. The warmth has also settled the treeline and alpine snow considerably. Non-polar aspects have settled snow, while steep solar aspects have moist snow and/or sun crusts in steeper areas by mid afternoon. The various crusts seem to be hanging in there with limited degradation in the last while. An alpine snow pit today had test results showing a good bond among the various layers. Wind prone areas still have a wind slab that may react to a skier's/rider's weight.</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. 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">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 during November's rainfall. 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">On steep sunny slopes, warm temperatures up high will melt and weaken upper snowpack layers. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried crust layers. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Recently formed wind slabs are gaining strength, but 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_AA239A9B">Stiff wind slabs exist 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_AA239A9B">Roughly 30-60 cm below the surface you'll likely find a hard crust that was buried on November 26. 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">Stiff wind slabs exist on a wide range of aspects in alpine and exposed treeline terrain. On sheltered treeline and below treeline slopes, 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">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 air temperatures and clear skies have created surface crusts on south-facing slopes at higher elevations. The crusts may break down over the day with sunny conditions.  Moderate wind speeds from the south may have produced localized wind slabs on northerly lee features.  Surface hoar up to 10 mm and near-surface faceting have been noted in shady locations.  The snow from last week is settling and generally bonding well to the late-November rain crusts.  Cornices may be weakening with the continuing warm air temperatures.</span><span class="s_3FE45715" /></p>
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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Warm air temperatures and sunny skies have created surface crusts on southerly slopes, which may melt with warm air temperatures and under sunny skies.  North slopes were also affected in areas where cloudy skies prevailed on Sunday, due to the greenhouse effect.  It appears that this mostly occurred in the northern half of the region.  For the southern half of the region, northerly slopes likely remained cold.  Moderate wind speeds from the south may have produced localized wind slabs on northerly lee features. In shady slopes, surface hoar to 20 mm and near-surface faceting have been observed around treeline and in the alpine.&nbsp; Cornices may be weakening with the warm air temperatures. The recent snow has formed a strong bond to the late November rain crust, which is now 30-50 cm deep. Treeline snow depths are approximately 1 m throughout the region.</span></p>