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</style><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">The primary concern remains a persistent slab that sits on a stubborn persistent weak layer consisting of a crust, facets, and/or surface hoar. The layer continues to show a high degree of sensitivity to human triggers. Wide propagations and remote triggering remain a concern. In the thinner snowpack areas such as the Crowsnest and northern Elk Valley, the slab is typically 30-60cm thick. In thicker areas such as the Flathead and around Fernie, the slab typically varies in thickness from 70-150cm. </span><span class="s_AA239A9B">Check out the </span><a id='GoToAdded' href="http://blogs.avalanche.ca/category/southrockies/" target="_blank"><span class="s_9255B882">South Rockies Blog </span></a><span class="s_AA239A9B">for a new video discussing the persistent weak layer and the current avalanche problem. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">Variable winds have transported some of the surface snow, building wind slabs on leeward slopes. Strong SW winds are forecast to begin on Sunday and should result in new, touchy wind slab formation.  Large cornices remain a concern along ridge lines and threaten the slopes below. </span></p><p class="p_CC664AAA"><span class="s_3FE45715">South facing slopes have formed a sun crust on the snow surface. New surface hoar formation up to 4mm and near-surface faceting are also being reported. A weakness at the base of the snowpack may still exist in isolated areas of the region but triggering has become unlikely.</span></p>