15-20cm of new snow sits on a solid rain crust at all elevations. New wind slabs may develop in south through east facing terrain near ridge crests. The total snow depth is around 120-130cm near treeline.
Snow depths are variable throughout  the region. In the alpine there is 170- 250cm. At treeline depths vary from 130-150cm. Sunday's warm, moist storm combined with strong southwesterly winds created stiff wind slabs on north through east facing slopes.  Winds shifted to the North Wednesday creating a reverse load.  Now there are a wide variety of windslabs at and above treeline on all aspects.Conditions are primed for human triggered avalanches at and above treeline due to weak sugary snow at the ground combined with tricky wind slabs.  The upper snowpack is tightening up forming a stronger mid-pack,  but if an avalanche is triggered in the upper layers or initiated from a shallower spot in the snowpack it could step down to weak basal facets at the ground creating large and unmanageable avalanches with very high consequences.
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with significantly deeper deposits on wind-loaded features.At treeline and above 10-15 cm windslabs have been reacting easily to the weight of a skier and were growing in size and stiffness with increasing winds throughout thursday. These windslabs are the primary concern in the upper snowpack and the problem will become more complicated with reverse loading as the wind shifts from moderate/southwest to strong/northerly at the start of the forecast period. As far as I know, the mid-pack is fairly well consolidated; however, the lower snowpack is still a concern. A crust/facet combo near the ground that was highly reactive last week should still be on your radar. Although no recent natural activity has been reported, this weakness may be reactive to the weight of a skier in steep, rocky terrain and will most likely become a consistent performer with the next significant storm. Any activity on this layer would most likely be deep and destructive.The region as a whole is data-sparse and extremely variable in terms of snowpack structure. Any reports from the field are highly valued. Any observations can be sent to: forecaster@avalanche.ca
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. Regardless, slopes at higher elevations have been large enough to run down to terrain located well below treeleine. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with deposits of up to 400 cms on wind-loaded features.Although not widespread, reports suggest that strong to extreme winds in some parts of the region have stripped west aspects of snow creating wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded aspects in the alpine and at treeline. Many of these new windslabs could be sitting on the reactive October rain crust located a few centimetres above the ground. This rain crust may have weak, overlying facets and is widespread in the alpine and isolated in its distribution at treeline in some parts of the region and non-existent in others.The 'take home' message is that the region as a whole is data-sparse and extremely variable in terms of snowpack structure. When heading into avalanche terrain, do so gradually and take the time to gather terrain-specific information. Any reports from the field are highly valued. Any observations can be sent to: forecaster@avalanche.ca
We are dealing with a complex and somewhat unusual snowpack for the South Coast. Around Whistler there are several different persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack including a layer of depth hoar right near the base of the snowpack and at least two distinct crust/facet combinations between 50-100cm above the ground. Recent storms have dumped up to 200cm of snow on top of the weak underlying snowpack. This new load resulted in many large avalanches during the storm and several large to very large human or explosive triggered avalanches shortly after the storm. Keep in mind that rain followed by cooler temperatures have helped to stabilize the snowpack at and below treeline. The greatest concern is with slopes above 1900m that have not recently avalanched. This is not the classic coastal instability where you can charge hard a few days after the storm. Be patient and realize that a large avalanche may become more difficult to trigger over time, but the consequences of a deep release could be devastating.
Up higher, wind slabs and lingering storm snow instabilities still exist. There is a solid rain crust, down 15-30cm below 1800m, which has greatly reduced the likelihood of avalanches at lower elevations. A surface hoar layer has been observed down approximately 45cm in the Duffey Lake area. A facet layer near the base of the snowpack continues to give sudden collapse, ("drops") results in snowpack tests. Continued caution is recommended in shallow snowpack areas (lots of rocks or small trees poking through), especially on sun exposed slopes if the sun has any kick, and on any slope that has not recently released.
Very strong SW-NW winds may wreak havoc on the snowpack creating scoured areas and soft or hard wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gullies or terrain features. Coastal areas are reporting a very deep and strong snowpack - at or near record levels for this time of year. A buried surface hoar layer may be found down 100-150cm near Terrace, but there is no recent information on the presence and sensitivity of this layer.
New hard and soft wind slabs are likely well into treeline due to very strong W-SW winds on Thursday. The average snowpack depth at treeline is over 200cm. The mid and lower snowpack are generally quite strong. Watch for clues of instability like whumpfs or shooting cracks, and if observed back off any steeper objectives.
Expect to find around 200cm of snow near treeline. In the alpine there's either more or less depending on local wind patterns. I suspect last weekend's storm snow is settling into place and gaining strength. The snow and wind that occurred over the last few day will have created pockets of touchy windslab that will be lingering on lee and cross-loaded features at treeline and in the alpine; forecast strong N'ly winds may reverse & complicate the pattern with E through S facing slopes building new ones. I don't know much about the mid-pack but I suspect it's building strength. Closer to the ground is the early November surface hoar; somewhere around 50 cm above ground or 150 cm below the surface. It may be difficult to trigger this layer but has a sudden planar characteristic. I also suspect a lingering rain crust down there. It's still November (just barely), so we only have a teenage snowpack at best: variable, unpredicable, maybe moody.  I suggest giving the snowpack a few days to reveal its secrets.
Expect to find around 180cm of snow near treeline. In the alpine there's either more or less depending on local wind patterns. I suspect last weekend's storm snow is settling into place and gaining strength. The snow and wind that occurred over the last few day will have created pockets of touchy windslab that will be lingering on lee and cross-loaded features at treeline and in the alpine; forecast strong N'ly winds may reverse & complicate the pattern on south aspects building new wind slabs. I suspect that the mid-pack is building strength. Closer to the ground is the early November surface hoar; somewhere around 50 cm above ground or 130 cm below the surface. It may be difficult to trigger this layer but has a sudden planar characteristic. I also suspect a lingering rain crust down there. It's still November (just barely), so we only have a teenage snowpack at best: variable, unpredicable, maybe moody.  I suggest giving the snowpack a few days to reveal its secrets.
Sunday's big system produced but a few centimeters of snow with freezing levels rising to 1800m.  A rain crust is now present below 1800m.  Winds were strong from the southwest during the storm forming wind slabs on north through east facing terrain.  Generally there is about 150-200cm in the alpine.  Treeline depths are between 50 -150cms.Recent snow pack observations are indicating the late October rain crust is present in the alpine elevations and down approximately 120cm. This crust is said to be up to 5mm in thickness with predominate faceting below it. For the moment the crust seems to be bridging over the facets below, with a well settled midpack above.
15-20cm of new snow sits on a solid rain crust at all elevations. There is a thin sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The total snow depth is around 120-130cm near treeline.
We are dealing with a complex and somewhat unusual snowpack for the South Coast. Around Whistler there are several different persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack including a layer of depth hoar right near the base of the snowpack and at least two distinct crust/facet combinations between 50-100cm above the ground. Recent storms have dumped up to 200cm of snow on top of the weak underlying snowpack. All this new snow is making it less likely to trigger the deeper weaknesses, but if you do hit the sweet spot the resulting avalanche could have very serious consequences. The greatest concern is with complex, rocky slopes above 1900m that have not recently avalanched.
Strong upper level winds have created wind slabs and scoured areas in exposed terrain, primary on NE-SE aspects. There is a solid rain crust, down 15-30cm below 1800m, which has greatly reduced the likelihood of avalanches at lower elevations. A surface hoar layer has been observed down approximately 45cm in the Duffey Lake area. A facet layer near the base of the snowpack continues to give sudden collapse ("drops") results in snowpack tests. Continued caution is recommended in shallow snowpack areas (lots of rocks or small trees poking through), especially on sun exposed slopes if the sun has any kick, and on any slope that has not recently released.
Very strong SW-NW winds may wreak havoc on the snowpack creating scoured areas and soft or hard wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gullies or terrain features. Coastal areas are reporting a very deep and strong snowpack - at or near record levels for this time of year. A buried surface hoar layer may be found down 100-150cm near Terrace, but there is no recent information on the presence and sensitivity of this layer.
Very strong W-SW winds have probably wreaked havoc in any exposed terrain. Expect to find scoured areas, sastrugi, and hard or stiff wind slabs. The average snowpack depth at treeline is over 200cm. The mid and lower snowpack are generally quite strong. Watch for clues of instability like whumpfs or shooting cracks, and if observed back off any steeper objectives.
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with significantly deeper deposits on wind-loaded features.At treeline and above 10-30 cm windslabs have been reacting easily to the weight of a skier. They were also growing in size and stiffness with increasing winds throughout thursday. These touchy windslabs are the primary concern in the upper snowpack and the problem will become more complicated with stiffening and redistribution as the wind shifts from moderate/southwest to northerly on friday. As far as I know, the mid-pack is fairly well consolidated; however, the lower snowpack is still a concern. A crust/facet combo near the ground that was highly reactive last week should still be on your radar. Although no recent natural activity has been reported, this weakness may be reactive to the weight of a skier in steep, rocky terrain and will most likely become a consistent performer with the next significant storm. Any activity on this layer would most likely be deep and destructive.The region as a whole is data-sparse and extremely variable in terms of snowpack structure. Any reports from the field are highly valued. Any observations can be sent to: forecaster@avalanche.ca
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. Regardless, slopes at higher elevations have been large enough to run down to terrain located well below treeline. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with deposits of up to 400 cms on wind-loaded features.Reports suggest that strong to extreme winds in a few parts of the region have stripped west aspects of snow creating wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded aspects in the alpine and at treeline. Many of these new windslabs could be sitting on the reactive October rain crust located a few centimetres above the ground. This rain crust may have weak, overlying facets and is widespread in the alpine and isolated in its distribution at treeline. This is a classic low probability-high consequence scenario where the snow may have been gaining strength, but the consequence of an full-depth avalanche could still be disastrous.It`s worth noting that while the crust-facet combo has been an issue in some areas, it seems to be non-existent in others parts of the region.The 'take home' message is that the region as a whole is data-sparse and extremely variable in terms of snowpack structure. When heading into avalanche terrain, do so gradually and take the time to gather terrain-specific information. Check-out the CAC Field Team`s observations from the Harvey Pass area in our South Rockies discussion forum.Your reports from the field are also highly valued. Any observations can be sent to: forecaster@avalanche.ca
Expect to find around 200cm of snow near treeline. In the alpine there's either more or less depending on local wind patterns. I suspect last weekend's storm snow is settling into place and gaining strength. The snow and wind that occurred over the last few days will have created pockets of touchy windslab that will be lingering on lee and cross-loaded features at treeline and in the alpine; forecast  northerly winds may reverse & complicate the pattern with E through S facing slopes building new ones. A rain crust that developed on November 27th is about 20-35 cms below the surface (elevation dependant). It`s about 2 cms thick at 1700m and is reportedly 'bullet-proof' closer to valley bottom. No activity has been reported yet on this crust, but it's something to keep on your radar. Closer to the ground is the early November surface hoar; somewhere around 50 cm above ground or 150 cm below the surface. It may be difficult to trigger this layer but has a sudden planar characteristic. I also suspect a lingering rain crust down there. It's still November (just barely), so we only have a teenage snowpack at best: variable, unpredicable, maybe moody.  I suggest giving the snowpack a few days to reveal its secrets.
Expect to find around 180cm of snow near treeline. In the alpine there's either more or less depending on local wind patterns. I suspect last weekend's storm snow is generally settling into place and gaining strength. The snow and wind that occurred earlier in the week will have created pockets of touchy windslab that will be lingering on lee and cross-loaded features at treeline and in the alpine Forecast northerly winds may stiffen the existing slab or even create a reverse loading pattern if wind values are high enough. I suspect that the mid-pack is building strength. Closer to the ground is the early November surface hoar; somewhere around 50 cm above ground or 130 cm below the surface. It may be difficult to trigger this layer but has a sudden planar characteristic. I also suspect a lingering rain crust down there. It's still November (just barely), so we only have a teenage snowpack at best: variable, unpredictable, maybe moody.  I suggest giving the snowpack a few days to reveal its secrets.
As we head into the weekend, backcountry travelers need to remain vigilant in the hunt for wind slabs. The strong to extreme southerly winds that persisted on Sunday have formed wind slabs on lee slopes, and terrain features. Winds are now blowing out of the north creating new wind slabs on reverse slopes. The snow depth is currently 200 - 250cm in the alpine. An early November surface hoar layer is buried around 150cm down. Triggering this layer is difficult, but test results continue to show sudden planer shears meaning that this layer has energy and wants to propagate. This is the classic low probability/high consequence avalanche problem.  Mid-November storms produced a widespread avalanche cycle on this layer.On Thursday Nov. 24th we received reports from the Southern Selkirks of a widespread avalanche cycle.  Large avalanches released near the ground on several aspects.  The majority of these observations were from north-east facing slopes.  This was likely the result of an early season rain crust that until last week was bridging over weak basal facets at the ground.  Last weekend's storms pushed it to the breaking point resulting in an avalanche cycle.  Very little is known about this rain crust, especially when it comes to distribution.  Is it limited to the Southern Selkirks, or is it more widespread?Last weekend's warm storm deposited 40-60cm's of snow which has been pretty heavy at all but the highest alpine elevations as freezing levels rose to 1800m. Rain also fell 1500m and below leaving us with a rain crust. Mid week up to 30cm fell on top of this rain crust. this crust.  We'll need to watch for faceting above and below this crust as we move forward.
Snow depths are quite variable through the region. In the alpine there is 170- 250cm. At treeline there is anywhere from 130-150cm. Sunday's warm, moist storm combined with strong southwesterly winds created stiff wind slabs on north-east slopes. Changing winds through the weekend at ridgetop and treeline will redistribute snow, forming new wind slabs on southerly aspects. The upper snowpack is tightening up forming a stronger mid-pack. A highlighted concern for the Purcells was the mid-November storms that created a heavy slab over a weak basal faceted base. The Purcells saw a significant cycle of large avalanches running full depth as a result. (The Lizard Range also saw very similar results all failing on the weak basal layers.) Conditions are ripe for human triggered avalanches, starting as a wind slab that could step down to  weak basal facets (sugary snow) producing large destructive avalanches with high consequence.
Sunday's big system produced but a few centimeters of snow with freezing levels rising to 1800m. A rain crust is now present below 1800m which may be a layer to watch as it get buried. The main concern in the upper part of the snowpack is wind slabs.  Earlier in the week treeline and alpine winds were strong from the south-southwest. Winds have switched and are now blowing from the north-west. With Tuesday's new snow to transport, you can expect to find stiff wind slabs on many aspects, cross loading, and deeper stiffer pockets lee of terrain features. My guess is that the good riding with quality pow turns will be in sheltered locations that were unexposed to wind. Generally there is about 150-200cm in the alpine. Treeline depths are between 50 -150cms. Recent snow pack observations are indicating the late October rain crust is present in the alpine elevations and down approximately 120cm. This crust is said to be up to 5mm in thickness with predominate faceting below it. For the moment the crust seems to be bridging over the facets below, with a well settled midpack above.
Let's call it 200 cms of snow at the upper boundary of the treeline. There is some variability, so you may find more or less depending on the drainage that you are exploring. If there is 150 cms or less at the treeline-alpine interface elevation, then you are in an area that we would consider having a shallow snowpack. If there is more than 250 cms at this interface, then you are in area with a deep snowpack. Areas with a shallower snowpack are more likely to have a weaker sugary base layer near the ground that may result in large avalanches once this layer has been triggered. Shallow areas may also be more likely to have a weak surface hoar layer about 50 cms above the ground that could be triggered by skiers and riders. Avalanches triggered on this layer could also be quite large, and may propagate across large features. Most reports that we have in this region discuss the widespread wind slab problem in the alpine and at the treeline interface.  The wind has come from several different directions, and has been strong enough to re-distribute the snow into hard stiff wind slabs at higher open elevations. The wind slab may be softer as you descend into the trees, but still likely to be triggered.
Snow depths are quite variable through the region. In the alpine there is 170- 250cm. At treeline there is anywhere from 130-150cm. Sunday's warm, moist storm combined with strong southwesterly winds created stiff wind slabs on north-east slopes. Changing winds through the weekend at ridgetop and treeline will redistribute snow, forming new wind slabs on southerly aspects. The upper snowpack is tightening up forming a stronger mid-pack. A highlighted concern for the Purcells was the mid-November storms that created a heavy slab over a weak basal faceted base. The Purcells saw a significant cycle of large avalanches running full depth as a result. (The Lizard Range also saw very similar results all failing on the weak basal layers.) Conditions are ripe for human triggered avalanches, starting as a wind slab that could step down to  weak basal facets (sugary snow) producing large destructive avalanches with high consequence.
Very strong SW-NW winds may wreak havoc on the snowpack creating scoured areas and soft or hard wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gullies or terrain features. Coastal areas are reporting a very deep and strong snowpack which is at or near record levels for this time of year. A buried surface hoar layer may be found down 100-150cm near Terrace, but there is no recent information on the presence and sensitivity of this layer.
Very strong W-SW winds have probably wreaked havoc in any exposed terrain. Expect to find scoured areas, sastrugi, and hard or stiff wind slabs. The average snowpack depth at treeline is over 200cm. The mid and lower snowpack are generally quite strong. Watch for clues of instability like whumpfs or shooting cracks, and if observed back off any steeper objectives.
Let's call it 200 cms of snow at the upper boundary of the treeline. There is some variability, so you may find more or less depending on the drainage that you are exploring. If there is 150 cms or less at the treeline-alpine interface elevation, then you are in an area that we would consider having a shallow snowpack. If there is more than 250 cms at this interface, then you are in area with a deep snowpack. Areas with a shallower snowpack are more likely to have a weaker sugary base layer near the ground that may result in large avalanches once this layer has been triggered. Shallow areas may also be more likely to have a weak surface hoar layer about 50 cms above the ground that could be triggered by skiers and riders. Avalanches triggered on this layer could also be quite large, and may propagate across large features. Most reports that we have in this region discuss the widespread wind slab problem in the alpine and at the treeline interface.  The wind has come from several different directions, and has been strong enough to re-distribute the snow into hard stiff wind slabs at higher open elevations. The wind slab may be softer as you descend into the trees, but still likely to be triggered.
A rain crust is now present below 1800m which may be a layer to watch as it get buried. The main concern in the upper part of the snowpack is wind slabs.  Earlier in the week treeline and alpine winds were strong from the south-southwest. Winds have switched and are now blowing from the north-west. With Tuesday's new snow to transport, you can expect to find stiff wind slabs on many aspects, cross loading, and deeper stiffer pockets lee of terrain features. My guess is that the good riding with quality pow turns will be in sheltered locations that were unexposed to wind. Generally there is about 150-200cm in the alpine. Treeline depths are between 50 -150cms. Recent snow pack observations are indicating the late October rain crust is present in the alpine elevations and down approximately 120cm. This crust is said to be up to 5mm in thickness with predominate faceting below it. For the moment the crust seems to be bridging over the facets below, with a well settled midpack above.
15-20cm of new snow sits on a solid rain crust at all elevations. There is a thin sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The total snow depth is around 120-130cm near treeline.
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with significantly deeper deposits on wind-loaded features.At treeline and above 10-30 cm windslabs were reacting easily to the weight of a skier before the weekend. These windslabs are the primary concern in the upper snowpack and the problem may become more complicated with stiffening and redistribution as the wind shifts from moderate/southwest to northerly this weekend As far as I know, the mid-pack is fairly well consolidated; however, the lower snowpack is still a concern. A crust/facet combo near the ground that was highly reactive last week should still be on your radar. Although no recent natural activity has been reported, this weakness may be reactive to the weight of a skier in steep, rocky terrain and will most likely become a consistent performer with the next significant storm. Any activity on this layer would most likely be deep and destructive.The region as a whole is data-sparse and extremely variable in terms of snowpack structure. Any reports from the field are highly valued. Any observations can be sent to: forecaster@avalanche.ca
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. Regardless, slopes at higher elevations have been large enough to run down to terrain located well below treeline. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with deposits of up to 400 cms on wind-loaded features.Reports suggest that strong to extreme winds in a few parts of the region have stripped west aspects of snow creating wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded aspects in the alpine and at treeline. Many of these new windslabs could be sitting on the reactive October rain crust located a few centimetres above the ground. This rain crust may have weak, overlying facets and is widespread in the alpine and isolated in its distribution at treeline. This is a classic low probability-high consequence scenario where the snow may have been gaining strength, but the consequence of an full-depth avalanche could still be disastrous.It`s worth noting that while the crust-facet combo has been an issue in some areas, it seems to be non-existent in others parts of the region.The 'take home' message is that the region as a whole is data-sparse and extremely variable in terms of snowpack structure. When heading into avalanche terrain, do so gradually and take the time to gather terrain-specific information. Check-out our CAC Field Team`s observations from the Harvey Pass area in our South Rockies discussion forum.Your reports from the field are also highly valued. Any observations can be sent to: forecaster@avalanche.ca
Moderate to strong winds from different directions have hit the region over the past 2 days. As a result pockets of windslab may still be lingering on various aspects at treeline and in the alpine. Deeper in the snowpack we are dealing with a complex and somewhat unusual snowpack for the South Coast. Around Whistler there are persistent weak layers deep in the snowpack including a layer of depth hoar right near the base of the snowpack and at least two distinct crust/facet combinations between 50-100cm above the ground. Recent storms have dumped up to 200cm of snow on top of the weak underlying snowpack. Time has allowed the overlying snow to gain strength making it less likely to trigger the deeper weaknesses, but if you do hit the sweet spot the resulting avalanche could have very serious consequences. The greatest concern is with complex, rocky slopes above 1900m that have not recently avalanched.
Wind slabs probably still exist in lee and crossloaded terrain. Use increased caution on steep, sun-exposed slopes during forecast warming periods.There is a solid rain crust, down 15-30cm below 1800m, which has greatly reduced the likelihood of avalanches at lower elevations.A surface hoar layer has been observed down approximately 45cm in the Duffey Lake area and more is growing on the current snow surface. A facet layer near the base of the snowpack continues to give sudden collapse ("drops") results in snowpack tests. These layers have not produced any avalanches that I am aware of, but it makes sense to keep them on your radar.Continued caution is recommended in shallow, unsupported snowpack areas (lots of rocks or small trees poking through), especially on sun exposed slopes if the sun has any kick.
Expect to find around 200cm of snow near treeline. In the alpine there's either more or less depending on local wind patterns. I suspect last weekend's storm snow is settling into place and gaining strength. The snow and wind that occurred over the last few days will have created pockets of touchy windslab that will be lingering on lee and cross-loaded features at treeline and in the alpine. Forecast northerly winds may stiffen the current wind slab and/or redistribute surface snow creating new ones. A rain crust that developed on November 27th is about 20-35 cms below the surface (elevation dependant). It`s about 2 cms thick at 1700m and is reportedly 'bullet-proof' closer to valley bottom. Some reactivity has been observed on this layer below treeline.Closer to the ground is the early November surface hoar; somewhere around 50 cm above ground or 150 cm below the surface. It may be difficult to trigger this layer but has a sudden planar characteristic. I also suspect a lingering rain crust down there. Finally, 2 cms of light snow fell on November 2nd burying a layer of surface hoar. It's not an issue at this point, but it's something to keep on your radarIt's still November (just barely), so we only have a teenage snowpack at best: variable, unpredictable, maybe moody.  I suggest giving the snowpack a few days to reveal its secrets.
15-20cm of new snow sits on a solid rain crust at all elevations. There is a thin sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The total snow depth is around 120-130cm near treeline.
Let's call it 200 cms of snow at the upper boundary of the treeline. There is some variability, so you may find more or less depending on the drainage that you are exploring. If there is 150 cms or less at the treeline-alpine interface elevation, then you are in an area that we would consider having a shallow snowpack. If there is more than 250 cms at this interface, then you are in area with a deep snowpack. Areas with a shallower snowpack are more likely to have a weaker sugary base layer near the ground that may result in large avalanches once this layer has been triggered. Shallow areas may also be more likely to have a weak surface hoar layer about 50 cms above the ground that could be triggered by skiers and riders. Avalanches triggered on this layer could also be quite large, and may propagate across large features. Most reports that we have in this region discuss the widespread wind slab problem in the alpine and at the treeline interface.  The wind has come from several different directions, and has been strong enough to re-distribute the snow into hard stiff wind slabs at higher open elevations. The wind slab may be softer as you descend into the trees, but still likely to be triggered.
Snow depths are quite variable through the region. In the alpine there is 170- 250cm. At treeline there is anywhere from 130-150cm. Sunday's warm, moist storm combined with strong southwesterly winds created stiff wind slabs on north-east slopes. Changing winds through the weekend at ridgetop and treeline will redistribute snow, forming new wind slabs on southerly aspects. The upper snowpack is tightening up forming a stronger mid-pack. A highlighted concern for the Purcells was the mid-November storms that created a heavy slab over a weak basal faceted base. The Purcells saw a significant cycle of large avalanches running full depth as a result. (The Lizard Range also saw very similar results all failing on the weak basal layers.) Conditions are ripe for human triggered avalanches, starting as a wind slab that could step down to  weak basal facets (sugary snow) producing large destructive avalanches with high consequence.
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with significantly deeper deposits on wind-loaded features.At treeline and above 10-30 cm wind slabs were reacting easily to the weight of a skier before the weekend. These wind slabs are the primary concern in the upper snowpack and the problem may become more complicated with stiffening and redistribution as the wind shifts from moderate/southwest to northerly this weekend As far as I know, the mid-pack is fairly well consolidated; however, the lower snowpack is still a concern. A crust/facet combo near the ground that was highly reactive last week should still be on your radar. Although no recent natural activity has been reported, this weakness may be reactive to the weight of a skier in steep, rocky terrain and will most likely become a consistent performer with the next significant storm. Any activity on this layer would most likely be deep and destructive.The region as a whole is data-sparse and extremely variable in terms of snowpack structure. Any reports from the field are highly valued. Any observations can be sent to: forecaster@avalanche.ca
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. Regardless, slopes at higher elevations have been large enough to run down to terrain located well below treeline. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with deposits of up to 400 cms on wind-loaded features.Reports suggest that strong to extreme winds in a few parts of the region have stripped west aspects of snow creating wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded aspects in the alpine and at treeline. Many of these new windslabs could be sitting on the reactive October rain crust located a few centimetres above the ground. This rain crust may have weak, overlying facets and is widespread in the alpine and isolated in its distribution at treeline. This is a classic low probability-high consequence scenario where the snow may have been gaining strength, but the consequence of an full-depth avalanche could still be disastrous. Its worth noting that while the crust-facet combo has been an issue in some areas, it seems to be non-existent in others parts of the region. The 'take home' message is that the region as a whole is data-sparse and extremely variable in terms of snowpack structure. When heading into avalanche terrain, do so gradually and take the time to gather terrain-specific information. Check-out our CAC Field Team`s observations from the Harvey Pass area in our South Rockies discussion forum. Your reports from the field are also highly valued. Any observations can be sent to: forecaster@avalanche.ca
Moderate to strong winds from different directions have hit the region over the past 2 days. As a result pockets of windslab may still be lingering on various aspects at treeline and in the alpine. Deeper in the snowpack we are dealing with a complex and somewhat unusual snowpack for the South Coast. Around Whistler there are persistent weak layers deep in the snowpack including a layer of depth hoar right near the base of the snowpack and at least two distinct crust/facet combinations between 50-100cm above the ground. Recent storms have dumped up to 200cm of snow on top of the weak underlying snowpack. Time has allowed the overlying snow to gain strength making it less likely to trigger the deeper weaknesses, but if you do hit the sweet spot the resulting avalanche could have very serious consequences. The greatest concern is with complex, rocky slopes above 1900m that have not recently avalanched.
Wind slabs probably still exist in lee and crossloaded terrain. Use increased caution on steep, sun-exposed slopes during forecast warming periods.There is a solid rain crust, down 15-30cm below 1800m, which has greatly reduced the likelihood of avalanches at lower elevations.A surface hoar layer has been observed down approximately 45cm in the Duffey Lake area and more is growing on the current snow surface. A facet layer near the base of the snowpack continues to give sudden collapse ("drops") results in snowpack tests. These layers have not produced any avalanches that I am aware of, but it makes sense to keep them on your radar.Continued caution is recommended in shallow, unsupported snowpack areas (lots of rocks or small trees poking through), especially on sun exposed slopes if the sun has any kick.
Very strong SW-NW winds may wreak havoc on the snowpack creating scoured areas and soft or hard wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded gullies or terrain features. Coastal areas are reporting a very deep and strong snowpack which is at or near record levels for this time of year. A buried surface hoar layer may be found down 100-150cm near Terrace, but there is no recent information on the presence and sensitivity of this layer.
Very strong W-SW winds have probably wreaked havoc in any exposed terrain. Expect to find scoured areas, sastrugi, and hard or stiff wind slabs. The average snowpack depth at treeline is over 200cm. The mid and lower snowpack are generally quite strong. Watch for clues of instability like whumpfs or shooting cracks, and if observed back off any steeper objectives.
Expect to find around 200cm of snow near treeline. In the alpine there's either more or less depending on local wind patterns. I suspect last weekend's storm snow is settling into place and gaining strength. The snow and wind that occurred over the last few days will have created pockets of touchy windslab that will be lingering on lee and cross-loaded features at treeline and in the alpine. Forecast northerly winds may stiffen the current wind slab and/or redistribute surface snow creating new ones. A rain crust that developed on November 27th is about 20-35 cms below the surface (elevation dependant). It's about 2 cms thick at 1700m and is reportedly 'bullet-proof' closer to valley bottom. Some reactivity has been observed on this layer below treeline.Closer to the ground is the early November surface hoar; somewhere around 50 cm above ground or 150 cm below the surface. It may be difficult to trigger this layer but has a sudden planar characteristic. I also suspect a lingering rain crust down there.Finally, 2 cms of light snow fell on November 2nd burying a layer of surface hoar. It's not an issue at this point, but it's something to keep on your radarIt's still November (just barely), so we only have a teenage snowpack at best: variable, unpredictable, maybe moody.  I suggest giving the snowpack a few days to reveal its secrets.
Let's call it 200 cms of snow at the upper boundary of the treeline. There is some variability, so you may find more or less depending on the drainage that you are exploring. If there is 150 cms or less at the treeline-alpine interface elevation, then you are in an area that we would consider having a shallow snowpack. If there is more than 250 cms at this interface, then you are in area with a deep snowpack. Areas with a shallower snowpack are more likely to have a weaker sugary base layer near the ground that may result in large avalanches once this layer has been triggered. Shallow areas may also be more likely to have a weak surface hoar layer about 50 cms above the ground that could be triggered by skiers and riders. Avalanches triggered on this layer could also be quite large, and may propagate across large features. Most reports that we have in this region discuss the widespread wind slab problem in the alpine and at the treeline interface.  The wind has come from several different directions, and has been strong enough to re-distribute the snow into hard stiff wind slabs at higher open elevations. The wind slab may be softer as you descend into the trees, but still likely to be triggered.
A rain crust is now present below 1800m which may be a layer to watch as it get buried. The main concern in the upper part of the snowpack is wind slabs.  Earlier in the week treeline and alpine winds were strong from the south-southwest. Winds have switched and are now blowing from the north-west. With Tuesday's new snow to transport, you can expect to find stiff wind slabs on many aspects, cross loading, and deeper stiffer pockets lee of terrain features. My guess is that the good riding with quality pow turns will be in sheltered locations that were unexposed to wind. Generally there is about 150-200cm in the alpine. Treeline depths are between 50 -150cms. Recent snow pack observations are indicating the late October rain crust is present in the alpine elevations and down approximately 120cm. This crust is said to be up to 5mm in thickness with predominate faceting below it. For the moment the crust seems to be bridging over the facets below, with a well settled midpack above.
15-20cm of soft snow sits on a solid rain crust at all elevations. Warm temperatures and sun-exposure are creating wet surface snow in the afternoon, especially on south facing slopes, which is subsequently freezing into a crust overnight. The total snow depth is around 120-130cm near treeline.
Surface hoar has been forming over the last few clear and cold nights. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. I expect that the surface hoar will no longer be present on aspects that have developed the sun-crust. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. The windslab has become less reactive to human triggers; however avalanches up to size 2.0 are still possible due to this problem. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the early November buried surface hoar layer. This layer is buried down about 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to release, and less likely to give clean and fast shears (Sudden Planar). If an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive. Some areas also have a weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.
We suspect that surface hoar may be growing during the clear cold weather that has dominated over the past few days. Some steep south facing slopes may have developed a thin sun-crust. Windslabs continue to be a concern in the Purcells. Strong winds last week developed unstable slabs of transported snow on steep terrain in the alpine and at treeline. Snow depths are quite variable through the region. In the alpine there is 170- 250cm. At treeline there is anywhere from 130-150cm.The upper snowpack is tightening up forming a stronger mid-pack. A highlighted concern for the Purcells was the mid-November storms that created a heavy slab over a weak basal faceted base, resulting in a significant cycle of large avalanches running full depth.
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with significantly deeper deposits on wind-loaded features.A crust/facet combo near the ground that was highly reactive last week should still be on your radar. Although no recent natural activity has been reported, this weakness may be reactive to the weight of a skier in steep, rocky terrain and could be a performer with the next significant storm. Any activity on this layer would most likely be deep and destructive.
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. Regardless, slopes at higher elevations have produced avalanches large enough to run down to terrain located well below treeline.  In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with deposits of up to 400 cm on wind-loaded features.Reports suggest that strong to extreme winds in a few parts of the region have stripped west aspects of snow creating wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded aspects in the alpine and at treeline. Many of these new windslabs could be sitting on the reactive October rain crust located a few centimetres above the ground. This rain crust may have weak, overlying facets and is widespread in the alpine and isolated in its distribution at treeline. This is a classic low probability-high consequence scenario where the snow may have been gaining strength, but the consequence of a full-depth avalanche could be disastrous. It's worth noting that while the crust-facet combo has been an issue in some areas, it seems to be non-existent in others parts of the region. The 'take home' message is that the region as a whole is data-sparse and extremely variable in terms of snowpack structure. When heading into avalanche terrain, do so gradually and take the time to gather terrain-specific information. Check-out our CAC Field Team`s observations from the Harvey Pass area in our South Rockies discussion forum. Your reports from the field are also highly valued. Any observations can be sent to: forecaster@avalanche.ca
Surface hoar is growing, surface snow is faceting, and pockets of weak wind slab may still be lingering on various aspects at and above treeline. Warm alpine temperatures and sun-exposure are creating wet surface snow in the afternoon, especially on south facing slopes, which is subsequently freezing into a crust overnight. Last weekends rain crust is down 20-40cm and extends up to treeline elevations. Basal depth hoar with an associated crust is prevalent in thin snowpack areas, and especially problematic where it is overlying summer firn. Above that, and down 1-2m, are two more crusts mixed with facets, depth hoar, and surface hoar. Time has allowed the overlying snow to gain strength making it less likely to trigger the deeper weaknesses, but if you do hit the sweet spot, such as a shallow area, the resulting avalanche could have very serious consequences.
New surface hoar is growing, surface snow is faceting, and wet surface snow on south facing slopes is freezing into a crust overnight. In wind-exposed areas, expect to find a variable mix of hard wind slab, scoured areas, and sastrugi. The prominent feature in the upper snowpack is a thick rain crust from last weekend, which extends well into treeline elevations. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Basal depth hoar probably lurks in thin snowpack areas.
Hard and soft wind slabs formed by recent moderate to strong westerly winds are lurking on isolated lee features in treeline and alpine areas. Warm temperatures and sun-exposure, and subsequent freezing, formed a surface crust especially on southerly aspects. New surface hoar growth was observed on shady aspects at and below treeline. Surface hoar buried at the end of last week was observed down 20-40 cm in sheltered treeline areas. Widespread glide cracks have opened up in some areas.
Expect to find scoured areas, sastrugi, and hard or stiff wind slabs in exposed terrain. Warm temperatures and sun-exposure is melting the surface snow, and subsequent freezing will likely form a hard crust, especially on southerly aspects. Surface hoar is probably growing on sheltered shady slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally quite strong.
Surface hoar has been forming over the last few clear and cold nights. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. I expect that the surface hoar will no longer be present on aspects that have developed the sun-crust. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. The windslab has become less reactive to human triggers; however avalanches up to size 2.0 are still possible due to this problem. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the early November buried surface hoar layer. This layer is buried down about 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to release, and less likely to give clean and fast shears (Sudden Planar). If an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive. Some areas also have a weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.
There have been a few observations of a SH layer buried just beneath the snow surface.  This SH layer is 3-6mm in size and is buried 1-4cm down.  It could still get wiped out with the right winds or temperatures, but, it's worth keeping in the back of our minds.  With continued high pressure and low temps forecasted mid-week, conditions will once again be primed for SH development.  At this time, it would be a good exercise to get out and see if you've got surface hoar below the snow surface in your favorite riding areas.  A rain crust is present just below the snow surface below 1800m which is something we'll need to watch.  The main concern at the moment are lingering wind slabs, but, I suspect they're losing energy by the day.My guess is that the good riding with quality pow turns will be in sheltered locations that were not exposed to wind. Generally there is about 150-200cm in the alpine. Treeline depths are between 50 -150cms. Recent snow pack observations are indicating the late October rain crust is present in the alpine elevations and down approximately 120cm. This crust is said to be up to 5mm in thickness with predominate faceting below it. For the moment the crust seems to be bridging over the facets below, with a well settled 1F - P midpack above.
Surface hoar has been forming over the last few clear and cold nights. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. I expect that the surface hoar will no longer be present on aspects that have developed the sun-crust. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. The windslab has become less reactive to human triggers; however avalanches up to size 2.0 are still possible due to this problem. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the early November buried surface hoar layer. This layer is buried down about 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to release, and less likely to give clean and fast shears (Sudden Planar). If an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive. Some areas also have a weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.
15-20cm of faceting snow sits on a solid rain crust at all elevations. Recent warm temperatures and sun-exposure resulted in a surface crust on steep south aspects. The total snow depth is around 120-130cm near treeline.
Surface hoar has been forming over the last few clear and cold nights. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. I expect that the surface hoar will no longer be present on aspects that have developed the sun-crust. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. The windslab has become less reactive to human triggers; however avalanches up to size 2.0 are still possible due to this problem. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the early November buried surface hoar layer. This layer is buried down about 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to release, and less likely to give clean and fast shears (Sudden Planar). If an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive. Some areas also have a weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.
I wrote this on Monday, but I am going to leave it in here again today. There is not much change taking place. Previous problems are healing slowly, and I don't think it is cold enough to cause much facet growth in the base layers. We suspect that surface hoar may be growing during the clear cold weather that has dominated over the past few days. Some steep south facing slopes may have developed a thin sun-crust. Windslabs continue to be a concern in the Purcells. Strong winds last week developed unstable slabs of transported snow on steep terrain in the alpine and at treeline. Snow depths are quite variable through the region. In the alpine there is 170- 250cm. At treeline there is anywhere from 130-150cm.The upper snowpack is tightening up forming a stronger mid-pack. A highlighted concern for the Purcells was the mid-November storms that created a heavy slab over a weak basal faceted base, resulting in a significant cycle of large avalanches running full depth.
Surface hoar is growing, surface snow is faceting, and pockets of weak wind slab may still be lingering on various aspects at and above treeline.Warm temperatures and sun-exposure likely resulted in a surface crust on steep south aspects. Last weekends rain crust is down 20-40cm and extends up to treeline elevations. Basal depth hoar with an associated crust is prevalent in thin snowpack areas, and especially problematic where it is overlying summer firn. Above that, and down 1-2m, are two more crusts mixed with facets, depth hoar, and surface hoar. Time has allowed the overlying snow to gain strength making it less likely to trigger the deeper weaknesses, but if you do hit the sweet spot, such as a shallow area, the resulting avalanche could have very serious consequences.
Surface hoar continues to grow and is getting really big below treeline. Low density surface snow is faceting on shady low elevation slopes and getting pretty crusty on sun-exposed treeline slopes. Total treeline snowpack depth is 150-180cm but wind-exposed areas are highly variable with scoured areas and deep drifts. Recent observations from wind scoured alpine slope in the Duffey Lake area include inconsistent hard sudden compression test results down 70cm on buried surface hoar, and just off the ground in facets. On a more sheltered westerly aspect moderate to hard sudden shears were observed down 40-50cm and 70cm on rounding facets. A lightly buried thick rain crust extends into treeline elevations.
Overnight rain up to 1000m in the north, and alpine elevations in the south, likely melted surface hoar, settled surface facets, and froze into a crust. Glide cracks are opening and cornices are weakening.
Expect to find scoured areas, sastrugi, and hard or stiff wind slabs in exposed terrain. Recent warm temperatures and sun-exposure likely resulted in a surface crust, especially on southerly aspects. Surface hoar is probably growing on sheltered shady slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally quite strong.
Surface hoar has been forming over the last few clear and cold nights. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. I expect that the surface hoar will no longer be present on aspects that have developed the sun-crust. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. The windslab has become less reactive to human triggers; however avalanches up to size 2.0 are still possible due to this problem. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the early November buried surface hoar layer. This layer is buried down about 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to release, and less likely to give clean and fast shears (Sudden Planar). If an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive. Some areas also have a weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.
Surface hoar has been forming over the last few clear and cold nights. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. I expect that the surface hoar will no longer be present on aspects that have developed the sun-crust. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. The windslab has become less reactive to human triggers; however avalanches up to size 2.0 are still possible due to this problem. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the early November buried surface hoar layer. This layer is buried down about 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to release, and less likely to give clean and fast shears (Sudden Planar). If an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive. Some areas also have a weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with significantly deeper deposits on wind-loaded features.A crust/facet combo near the ground that was highly reactive last week has settled down for the time being.  But, there are a few places where I suspect you could still get into a tangle with it, mainly areas with a shallow snowpack.  If you do manage to wake this layer up, it would produce a large destructive avalanche as evidenced in the accident in the So. Rockies last weekend.  (See that Fx for more details.)  You can avoid this avalanche problem by avoiding areas where the snowpack is thin & weak, places where you can see rocks and small tree's poking through the snow.  Tackling slopes that are steep and rocky is a bit of a roll of the dice right now.  While the chances of triggering something are low, if you do, it's going to have very serious consequences!
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. Regardless, slopes at higher elevations have produced avalanches large enough to run down to terrain located well below treeline.  In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with deposits of up to 400 cm on wind-loaded features.Reports suggest that strong to extreme winds in a few parts of the region have stripped west aspects of snow creating wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded aspects in the alpine and at treeline. Many of these new windslabs could be sitting on the reactive October rain crust located a few cms above the ground. This rain crust may have weak, overlying facets and is widespread in the alpine and isolated in its distribution at treeline. This is a classic low probability-high consequence scenario where the snow may have been gaining strength, but the consequence of a full-depth avalanche could be disastrous. It's worth noting that while the crust-facet combo has been an issue in some areas, it seems to be non-existent in others parts of the region. The 'take home' message is that the region as a whole is data-sparse and extremely variable in terms of snowpack structure. When heading into avalanche terrain, do so gradually and take the time to gather terrain-specific information. Check-out our CAC Field Team`s observations from the Harvey Pass area in our South Rockies discussion forum. Your reports from the field are also highly valued. Any observations can be sent to: forecaster@avalanche.ca
Some great observations came our way today.  While there are a few players in the snowpack, none of them seem to be doing anything at the moment.  A rain crust is present just below the snow surface below 1800m.  The crust, in combination with cool temperatures, has really settled things out at & below treeline.  My main concern is the odd lingering windslab still scratching out a living in the alpine.  But, I know that this is less & less of an issue every day.  I'm thinking about bringing the Alpine Danger down to Low on Thursday.  In order to do that, I need a few more observations/feedback.  If you're out & about please drop me a line & let me know what you're seeing: forecaster@avalanche.caThe snowpack sounds pretty well organized at the moment.  A bit of soft fist snow can be found in upper elevations with a good tight midpack consisting of more dense snow below.  The alpine is holding 150-200cm.  Treeline depths are between 50 -150cm. Recent snowpack observations indicate that the late October rain crust is present in the alpine elevations and down approximately 120cm. This crust is said to be up to 5mm in thickness with faceting below it. For the moment the crust seems to be bridging over the facets below, with a well settled 1F - P midpack above.
Ground roughness is again anchoring the snowpack, and only smooth open slopes at high elevations are capable of producing avalanches. 10-15cm of faceting snow sits on a solid rain crust at all elevations. Recent warm temperatures and sun-exposure resulted in a surface crust on steep south aspects. The total snow depth is around a metre at higher elevations.
The Surface Hoar continues to grow due to the clear and cold nights. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. I expect that the surface hoar will no longer be present on aspects that have developed the sun-crust. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. The windslab has become less reactive to human triggers; however avalanches up to size 2.0 are still possible due to this problem. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the early November buried surface hoar layer. This layer is buried down about 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to release, and less likely to give clean and fast shears (Sudden Planar). If an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive. Some areas also have a weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.
I wrote this on Monday, but I am going to leave it in here again today. There is not much change taking place. Previous problems are healing slowly, and I don't think it is cold enough to cause much facet growth in the base layers. We suspect that surface hoar may be growing during the clear cold weather that has dominated over the past few days. Some steep south facing slopes may have developed a thin sun-crust. Windslabs continue to be a concern in the Purcells. Strong winds last week developed unstable slabs of transported snow on steep terrain in the alpine and at treeline. Snow depths are quite variable through the region. In the alpine there is 170- 250cm. At treeline there is anywhere from 130-150cm.The upper snowpack is tightening up forming a stronger mid-pack. A highlighted concern for the Purcells was the mid-November storms that created a heavy slab over a weak basal faceted base, resulting in a significant cycle of large avalanches running full depth.
Surface hoar is growing, surface snow is faceting, and pockets of weak wind slab may still be lingering on various aspects in the alpine.Warm temperatures and sun-exposure likely resulted in a surface crust on steep south aspects. Last weekends rain crust is down 20-40cm and extends up to treeline elevations. Basal depth hoar with an associated crust is prevalent in thin snowpack areas, and especially problematic where it is overlying summer firn. Above that, and down 1-2m, are two more crusts mixed with facets, depth hoar, and surface hoar. Recent compression tests in a shallow snowpack area produced moderate sudden collapse results on this deep persistent weakness. Time has allowed the overlying snow to gain strength making it less likely to trigger the deeper weaknesses, but if you do hit the sweet spot, such as a shallow area, the resulting avalanche could have very serious consequences.
Surface hoar continues to grow and is getting really big on shady slopes below treeline, but steep sun-exposed slopes are pretty crusty. The thick rain crust from last weekend extends up to 1800m and is buried by 10-15cm of faceted snow. Total treeline snowpack depth is 150-180cm but wind-exposed areas are highly variable with scoured areas and deep 3+ metre drifts. Recent observations from wind scoured alpine slope in the Duffey Lake area include inconsistent hard sudden compression test results down 70cm on buried surface hoar, and just off the ground in facets. On a more sheltered westerly aspect moderate to hard sudden shears were observed down 40-50cm and 70cm on rounding facets.
Alpine areas are wind-blasted with soured areas and deep drifts on all aspects. Overnight rain up to 1100m in the north, and alpine elevations in the south, likely melted surface hoar, settled surface facets, and froze crust. Glide cracks are opening and cornices are weakening.
Expect to find scoured areas, sastrugi, and hard or stiff wind slabs in exposed terrain. Recent warm temperatures and sun-exposure likely resulted in a surface crust, especially on southerly aspects. Surface hoar is probably growing on sheltered shady slopes. The mid and lower snowpack are generally quite strong.
There is some chance that there will be an area of above freezing temperatures in the alpine on Friday. There is some warm air on the coast that may move inland far enough to effect the Cariboos. If the warm air does make it into this region, there may be a short period on Friday when the avalanche danger is higher than forecast. Surface hoar has been forming over the last few clear and cold nights. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. I expect that the surface hoar will no longer be present on aspects that have developed the sun-crust. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. The windslab has become less reactive to human triggers; however avalanches up to size 2.0 are still possible due to this problem. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the early November buried surface hoar layer. This layer is buried down about 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to release, and less likely to give clean and fast shears (Sudden Planar). If an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive. Some areas also have a weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.
Surface hoar has been forming over the last few clear and cold nights. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. I expect that the surface hoar will no longer be present on aspects that have developed the sun-crust. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. The windslab has become less reactive to human triggers; however avalanches up to size 2.0 are still possible due to this problem. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the early November buried surface hoar layer. This layer is buried down about 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to release, and less likely to give clean and fast shears (Sudden Planar). If an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive. Some areas also have a weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.
Some great observations have come our way recently.  While there are a few players in the snowpack, none of them seem to be doing anything at the moment.  A rain crust is present just below the snow surface below 1800m.  The crust, in combination with cool temperatures, has really settled things out at & below treeline.  My main concern is the odd lingering windslab still scratching out a living in the alpine.  But, I know that this is less & less of an issue every day.  I'm thinking about bringing the Alpine Danger down to Low for the weekend.  In order to feel comfortable with that I need some more feedback/observations.  If you're out & about please drop me a line & let me know what you're seeing: forecaster@avalanche.caThe snowpack sounds pretty well organized at the moment.  A bit of soft fist snow can be found in upper elevations with a good tight midpack consisting of more dense snow below.  The alpine is holding 150-200cm.  Treeline depths are between 50 -150cm. Recent snowpack observations indicate that the late October rain crust is present in the alpine elevations and down approximately 120cm. This crust is said to be up to 5mm in thickness with faceting below it. For the moment the crust seems to be bridging over the facets below, with a well settled 1F - P midpack above.
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with significantly deeper deposits on wind-loaded features.A crust/facet combo near the ground that was highly reactive last week has settled down for the time being.  But, there are a few places where I suspect you could still get into a tangle with it, mainly areas with a shallow snowpack.  If you do manage to wake this layer up, it would produce a large destructive avalanche as evidenced in the accident in the So. Rockies last weekend.  (See that Fx for more details.)  You can avoid this avalanche problem by avoiding areas where the snowpack is thin & weak, places where you can see rocks and small tree's poking through the snow.  Tackling slopes that are steep and rocky is a bit of a roll of the dice right now.  While the chances of triggering something are low, if you do, it's going to have very serious consequences!
We're off to a good start for early December with upper elevation snow depths that average a meter.    It's been about 10 days since our last significant storm and since that time the snowpack has suffered an unrelenting barrage of wind from around the compass rose.  Wind exposed terrain is now a mixed bag of wind effected snow that varies from old hard windslabs to fresh small windslabs and everything in between.  To travel safely at & above treeline you need to be able to recognize and avoid these potentially dangerous windslabs.  This is the first part of the avalanche problem.  Folks with extensive experience and education should be able to manage this hazard.Getting a little lower in the snowpack reveals some ugliness.  A raincrust sits above large striated facets (sugar snow) on the ground.  This is the classic Rockies house of cards setup that professionals throughout the region are concerned about.  While there hasn't been any activity reported on this layer for the last few days, the potential for large full depth avalanches remains a concern for backcountry travelers.  Triggering an avalanche in this weak layer will result in a large & destructive avalanche that will likely be unsurvivable.  This problem will not go away anytime soon.  If I was putting together plans for the weekend I'd be combing through my terrain atlas (google earth) looking for slopes around treeline that are protected from wind.  Once you're out in the field stay off of terrain features that are thin and weak.  Rock's and/or tree's poking out of the snow are a good indication of thin weak snow.  It's good practice to avoid terrain that is steep and rocky in general right now.  Remember, it's only December and our snowpack needs some time to mature before we even start thinking about the bigger more committing terrain.
Ground roughness is again anchoring the snowpack, and only smooth open slopes at high elevations are capable of producing avalanches. 10-15cm of faceting snow sits on a solid rain crust at all elevations. Recent warm temperatures and sun-exposure resulted in a surface crust on steep south aspects. The total snow depth is around a metre at higher elevations.
The Surface Hoar continues to grow due to the clear and cold nights. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. I expect that the surface hoar will no longer be present on aspects that have developed the sun-crust. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. The windslab has become less reactive to human triggers; however avalanches up to size 2.0 are still possible due to this problem. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the early November buried surface hoar layer. This layer is buried down about 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to release, and less likely to give clean and fast shears (Sudden Planar). If an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive. Some areas also have a weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.
There is not much change taking place. Previous problems are healing slowly. The overnight temperatures have been colder than I thought on the east slope, and they have probably been causing some depth hoar development, and some surface facetting. We suspect that surface hoar may be growing during the clear cold weather that has dominated over the past few days. Some steep south facing slopes may have developed a thin sun-crust. Windslabs continue to be a concern in the Purcells. Strong winds last week developed unstable slabs of transported snow on steep terrain in the alpine and at treeline. Snow depths are quite variable through the region. In the alpine there is 170- 250cm. At treeline there is anywhere from 130-150cm.The upper snowpack is tightening up forming a stronger mid-pack. A highlighted concern for the Purcells was the mid-November storms that created a heavy slab over a weak basal faceted base, resulting in a significant cycle of large avalanches running full depth.
Basal depth hoar with an associated crust is prevalent in thin snowpack areas, and especially problematic where it is overlying summer firn. Above that, and down 1-2m, are two more crusts mixed with facets, depth hoar, and surface hoar.  The overlying snow has recently settled and stiffened and the facets have started to round and strengthen, but recent compression tests in a shallow snowpack area produced moderate sudden collapse results on this deep persistent weakness. The snow surface is wind hammered in wind-exposed areas, crusty on sun-exposed slopes, and faceted powder with large surface hoar on shady sheltered slopes. A thick rain crust is down 20-40cm and extends up to treeline elevations.
5cm of overnight snow in the Coquihalla has buried a thick layer of surface hoar on most sheltered and shady slopes, but no new snow further north means it's still on the surface. This surface hoar may be sitting on a crust in sun and wind exposed areas making it especially touchy as soon as a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab forms. The thick rain crust from last weekend extends up to 1800m and is buried by 10-15cm of faceted snow. Snow pack depths and surface condition are highly variable in wind-exposed areas. Recent observations from wind scoured alpine slope in the Duffey Lake area include inconsistent hard but sudden compression test results down 70cm on buried surface hoar, and just off the ground in facets. On a more sheltered westerly aspect moderate to hard sudden shears were observed down 40-50cm and 70cm on rounding facets.
Light amounts of new snow has buried large surface hoar sitting on a 5-20cm thick melt freeze crust that extends into alpine elevation in the south, and around 1000m in the north. A strong temperature  gradient in the top 30cm is causing faceting below the surface crust. This surface hoar/crust/facet combination could become particularly touchy once a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab forms. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.
For the most part the snow surface is some sort of hard crust or wind-sculpted snow, which probably has surface hoar growing on it and facets forming beneath it. The mid and lower snowpack are generally quite strong.
Surface hoar has been forming over the last few clear and cold nights. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. I expect that the surface hoar will no longer be present on aspects that have developed the sun-crust. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. The windslab has become less reactive to human triggers; however avalanches up to size 2.0 are still possible due to this problem. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the early November buried surface hoar layer. This layer is buried down about 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to release, and less likely to give clean and fast shears (Sudden Planar). If an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive. Some areas also have a weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.
Surface hoar has been forming over the last few clear and cold nights. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on steeper south aspects. I expect that the surface hoar will no longer be present on aspects that have developed the sun-crust. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. The windslab has become less reactive to human triggers; however avalanches up to size 2.0 are still possible due to this problem. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the early November buried surface hoar layer. This layer is buried down about 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to release, and less likely to give clean and fast shears (Sudden Planar). If an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive. Some areas also have a weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack.
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with significantly deeper deposits on wind-loaded features.A crust/facet combo near the ground that was highly reactive last week has settled down for the time being.  But, there are a few places where I suspect you could still get into a tangle with it, mainly areas with a shallow snowpack.  If you do manage to wake this layer up, it would produce a large destructive avalanche as evidenced in the accident in the So. Rockies last weekend.  (See that Fx for more details.)  You can avoid this avalanche problem by avoiding areas where the snowpack is thin & weak, places where you can see rocks and small tree's poking through the snow.  Tackling slopes that are steep and rocky is a bit of a roll of the dice right now.  While the chances of triggering something are low, if you do, it's going to have very serious consequences!
We're off to a good start for early December with upper elevation snow depths that average a meter.    It's been about 10 days since our last significant storm and since that time the snowpack has suffered an unrelenting barrage of wind from around the compass rose.  Wind exposed terrain is now a mixed bag of wind effected snow that varies from old hard windslabs to fresh small windslabs and everything in between.  To travel safely at & above treeline you need to be able to recognize and avoid these potentially dangerous windslabs.  This is the first part of the avalanche problem.  Folks with extensive experience and education should be able to manage this hazard.Getting a little lower in the snowpack reveals some ugliness.  A raincrust sits above large striated facets (sugar snow) on the ground.  This is the classic Rockies house of cards setup that professionals throughout the region are concerned about.  While there hasn't been any activity reported on this layer for the last few days, the potential for large full depth avalanches remains a concern for backcountry travelers.  Triggering an avalanche in this weak layer will result in a large & destructive avalanche that will likely be unsurvivable.This problem will not go away anytime soon.  If I was putting together plans for the weekend I'd be combing through my terrain atlas (google earth) looking for slopes around treeline that are protected from wind.  Once you're out in the field stay off of terrain features that are thin and weak.  Rock's and/or tree's poking out of the snow are a good indication of thin weak snow.  It's good practice to avoid terrain that is steep and rocky in general right now.  Remember, it's only December and our snowpack needs some time to mature before we even start thinking about the bigger more committing terrain.
Some great observations have come our way recently.  While there are a few players in the snowpack, none of them seem to be doing anything at the moment.  A rain crust is present just below the snow surface below 1800m.  The crust, in combination with cool temperatures, has really settled things out at & below treeline.  My main concern is the odd lingering windslab still scratching out a living in the alpine.  But, I know that this is less & less of an issue every day.  I'm thinking about bringing the Alpine Danger down to Low for the weekend.  In order to feel comfortable with that I need some more feedback/observations.  If you're out & about please drop me a line & let me know what you're seeing: forecaster@avalanche.caThe snowpack sounds pretty well organized at the moment.  A bit of soft fist snow can be found in upper elevations with a good tight midpack consisting of more dense snow below.  The alpine is holding 150-200cm.  Treeline depths are between 50 -150cm. Recent snowpack observations indicate that the late October rain crust is present in the alpine elevations and down approximately 120cm. This crust is said to be up to 5mm in thickness with faceting below it. For the moment the crust seems to be bridging over the facets below, with a well settled 1F - P midpack above.
Ground roughness is again anchoring the snowpack, and only smooth open slopes at high elevations are capable of producing avalanches. 10-15cm of faceting snow sits on a solid rain crust at all elevations. Recent warm temperatures and sun-exposure resulted in a surface crust on steep south aspects. The total snow depth is around a metre at higher elevations.
The Surface Hoar continues to grow due to the clear and cold nights and the cold temperatures are also promoting near surface facetting. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the November 7 surface hoar layer. This layer is buried 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to trigger, but if an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be large and destructive.
Surface hoar continues to grow and the cold weather is penetrating into the upper snowpack giving near surface facetting. Steep south facing slopes may have developed a thin sun-crust. Windslabs continue to lurk in lee areas in the alpine and open treeline. Snow depths are quite variable through the region with 130-150cm in the alpine. There is still concern for triggering the weak basal facets/depth hoar, as these layers have shown sudden collapse results in stability test in shallow areas.
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with significantly deeper deposits on wind-loaded features.A crust/facet combo near the ground that was highly reactive last week has settled down for the time being.  But, there are a few places where I suspect you could still get into a tangle with it, mainly areas with a shallow snowpack.  If you do manage to wake this layer up, it would produce a large destructive avalanche as evidenced in the accident in the So. Rockies last weekend.  (See that Fx for more details.)  You can avoid this avalanche problem by avoiding areas where the snowpack is thin & weak, places where you can see rocks and small tree's poking through the snow.  Tackling slopes that are steep and rocky is a bit of a roll of the dice right now.  While the chances of triggering something are low, if you do, it's going to have very serious consequences!
Mixed forms (rounding facets/rounding depth hoar) with an associated crust are prevalent in thin snowpack areas, and  have been especially problematic where it is overlying summer firn. Above that, and down 1-2m, are two more crusts combined with more mixed forms and surface hoar.  The overlying snow has recently settled and stiffened and the weak interfaces have also started to strengthen. The snow surface is wind hammered in wind-exposed areas, crusty on sun-exposed slopes, and faceted powder with large surface hoar on shady sheltered slopes. A thick rain crust is down 20-40cm and extends up to treeline elevations.
5cm of snow fell in the Coquihalla a few nights ago and has buried a thick layer of surface hoar on most sheltered and shady slopes, but no new snow further north means it's still on the surface. This surface hoar may be sitting on a crust in sun and wind exposed areas making it especially touchy as soon as a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab forms. The thick rain crust from last weekend extends up to 1800m and is buried by 10-15cm of faceted snow. Snow pack depths and surface condition are highly variable in wind-exposed areas. Surface hoar buried 70 cms below the surface has been gaining strength, and just off the ground facets have been doing the same.
Light amounts of new snow have buried large surface hoar sitting on a 5-20cm thick melt freeze crust that extends into alpine elevation in the south, and around 1000m in the north. A strong temperature  gradient in the top 30cm is causing faceting below the surface crust. This surface hoar/crust/facet combination could become particularly touchy once a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab forms. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.Friday night's forecast strong winds and snow is expected to create new storm/windslabs on lee aspects.
For the most part the snow surface is some sort of hard crust or wind-sculpted snow, which probably has surface hoar growing on it and facets forming beneath it. The mid and lower snowpack are generally quite strong. If snowfall and wind materialize for friday night, a new wind/storm slab will exist in the alpine and perhaps down to treeline.
Some areas have seen a trace of new snow (less than 5cm), but beyond this the region has seen little change. Surface hoar continues to grow in sheltered locations and the cold temperatures are penetrating the upper snowpack to promote near surface facetting. There is some sun crust formation on steep south through west aspects. Hard windslabs linger in the alpine and open treeline locations but are softening due to the facetting phenomena. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. The early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. It is buried 100-150 cms and stability tests show that this layer is getting harder to trigger. However, if an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive.
Some areas have seen a trace of new snow (less than 5cm), but beyond this the region has seen little change. Surface hoar continues to grow in sheltered locations and the cold temperatures are penetrating the upper snowpack to promote near surface facetting. There is some sun crust formation on steep south through west aspects. Hard windslabs linger in the alpine and open treeline locations but are softening due to the facetting phenomena. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load.The early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. It is buried 100-150 cms and stability tests show that this layer is getting harder to trigger. However, if an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive.
We're off to a good start for early December with upper elevation snow depths that average a meter.    It's been almost two weeks since our last significant storm and since that time the snowpack has suffered an unrelenting barrage of wind from around the compass rose.  Wind exposed terrain is now a mixed bag of wind effected snow that varies from old hard windslabs to fresh small windslabs and everything in between.  To travel safely at & above treeline you need to be able to recognize and avoid these potentially dangerous windslabs.  This is the first part of the avalanche problem.  Getting a little lower in the snowpack reveals some ugliness.  A raincrust sits above large striated facets (sugar snow) on the ground.  This is the classic Rockies house of cards setup that professionals throughout the region are concerned about.  With numerous recent avalanches failing in this layer in the Rockies recently the chance of a large full depth avalanche remains a concern for backcountry travelers this weekend.  Triggering an avalanche in this weak layer will result in a large & destructive avalanche that will likely be unsurvivable.This problem will not go away anytime soon.  If I was putting together plans for the weekend I'd be combing through my terrain atlas (google earth) looking for slopes around treeline that are protected from wind.  Once you're out in the field stay off of terrain features that are thin and weak.  Rock's and/or tree's poking out of the snow are a good indication of thin weak snow.  It's good practice to avoid terrain that is steep and rocky in general right now.  Remember, it's only December and our snowpack needs some time to mature before we even start thinking about the bigger more committing terrain.
Great observations continue to come our way.  Cold clear nights are generating surface hoar growth in the region & while not a concern right now, it will be interesting to see what happens before the next storm.  Will the surface hoar persevere or be wiped out by pre-frontal winds?  It could get lively out there when we turn the faucet back on next week.There are a few players in the snowpack, but it's pretty quiet at the moment.  I feel like we need a fresh load (new snow) before we'll see any significant avalanche activity.Getting into the snowpack, a rain crust is present just under the snow surface below 1800m.  Digging reveals a pretty well organized snowpack.  A bit of soft fist snow can be found in upper elevations with a good tight midpack consisting of more dense snow below.  The alpine is holding 150-200 cm.  Treeline depths are between 50 -150 cm. Recent snowpack observations indicate that the late October rain crust is present in the alpine elevations and down approximately 120cm. This crust is said to be up to 5mm in thickness with faceting below it. For the moment the crust seems to be bridging over the facets below, with a well settled 1F - P midpack above.  If you're out & about please drop me a line & let me know what you're seeing: forecaster@avalanche.ca
Ground roughness is again anchoring the snowpack, and only smooth open slopes at high elevations are capable of producing avalanches. 10-15cm of faceting snow sits on a solid rain crust at all elevations. Recent warm temperatures and sun-exposure resulted in a surface crust on steep south aspects. The total snow depth is around a metre at higher elevations.
The Surface Hoar continues to grow due to the clear and cold nights and the cold temperatures are also promoting near surface facetting. Expect to find a sun-crust that has formed in the alpine on south through west aspects. Wind slabs persist in the alpine and in large openings at treeline. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load. There is still some concern associated with the November 7 surface hoar layer. This layer is buried 100-150 cms. Tests are showing that this layer is getting harder to trigger, but if an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be large and destructive.
Surface hoar continues to grow and the cold weather is penetrating into the upper snowpack giving near surface facetting. Steep south facing slopes may have developed a thin sun-crust. Windslabs continue to lurk in lee areas in the alpine and open treeline. Snow depths are quite variable through the region with 130-150cm in the alpine. There is still concern for triggering the weak basal facets/depth hoar, as these layers have shown sudden collapse results in stability test in shallow areas.
Snowfall accumulations have not been sufficient to create an avalanche problem below treeline where the snowpack sits at about 30-60cms. In the alpine, and at treeline the snowpack depth generally sits anywhere from 80-120cm with significantly deeper deposits on wind-loaded features.A crust/facet combo near the ground that was highly reactive last week has settled down for the time being.  But, there are a few places where I suspect you could still get into a tangle with it, mainly areas with a shallow snowpack.  If you do manage to wake this layer up, it would produce a large destructive avalanche as evidenced in the accident in the So. Rockies last weekend.  (See that Fx for more details.)  You can avoid this avalanche problem by avoiding areas where the snowpack is thin & weak, places where you can see rocks and small tree's poking through the snow.  Tackling slopes that are steep and rocky is a bit of a roll of the dice right now.  While the chances of triggering something are low, if you do, it's going to have very serious consequences!
At the base of the snowpack mixed forms (rounding facets/rounding depth hoar) with an associated crust are prevalent, and have been especially problematic where it is overlying summer firn. Above that, and down 1-2m, are two more crusts combined with more mixed forms and surface hoar.  The overlying snow has recently settled and stiffened and the weak interfaces have also gained strength. The snow surface is wind hammered in wind-exposed areas, crusty on sun-exposed slopes, and faceted powder with large surface hoar on shady sheltered slopes. A thick rain crust is down 20-40cm and extends up to treeline elevations.
5cm of snow fell in the Coquihalla a few nights ago and has buried a thick layer of surface hoar on most sheltered and shady slopes, but no new snow further north means it's still on the surface. This surface hoar may be sitting on a crust in sun and wind exposed areas making it especially touchy as soon as a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab forms. The thick rain crust from last weekend extends up to 1800m and is buried by 10-15cm of faceted snow. Snow pack depths and surface condition are highly variable in wind-exposed areas. Surface hoar buried 70 cms below the surface has been gaining strength, and just off the ground facets have been doing the same.
Between 10 and 20 cms of snow combined with strong to extreme westerly winds arrived on friday night.In some parts of the region, light amounts of new snow had previously buried large surface hoar that was sitting on a 5-20cm thick melt freeze crust. This crust extends into alpine elevations in the south, and around 1000m in the north. A strong temperature gradient in the top 30cm was reported to be faceting snow below the surface crust.  The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.At this point I have a few concerns: Because of the intensity of friday night/saturday morning's winds, the surface hoar may have been destroyed in some areas, but probably still exists in others. This makes it difficult to track now that the new snow is hiding it. As well, with the higher winds the distribution of the new wind slab may be less predictable and you are likely to find loading lower on the slope than usual. The new slab will also have varying propagation characteristics. For example, in areas where it is wind-affected and stiff, it will be likely to slide; however, you might not see the same reactivity at lower elevations or on the eastern fringe of the region where there may not have been as much wind.Regardless of all the speculation, there has been moderate snowfall with a ton of wind and it's sitting on a melt-freeze crust in a major portion of the region. There is also more on the way on monday, so you can expect widespread reactive windslabs for the the forecast period.
2cms of snow fell with minimal wind in the Smithers area on friday night. For the most part the new snow is on some sort of hard crust or wind-sculpted snow, which probably has surface hoar growing on it and facets forming beneath it. The mid and lower snowpack are generally quite strong. There may have been more new snow and wind to the west, but data streams are extremely sparse. If you have any info from the field, we would love to hear from you. Write to us at forecaster@avalanche.ca
Some areas have seen a trace of new snow (less than 5cm), but beyond this the region has seen little change. Surface hoar continues to grow in sheltered locations and the cold temperatures are penetrating the upper snowpack to promote near surface facetting. There is some sun crust formation on steep south through west aspects. Hard windslabs linger in the alpine and open treeline locations but are softening due to the facetting phenomena. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load.The early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. It is buried 100-150 cms and stability tests show that this layer is getting harder to trigger. However, if an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive.
Some areas have seen a trace of new snow (less than 5cm), but beyond this the region has seen little change. Surface hoar continues to grow in sheltered locations and the cold temperatures are penetrating the upper snowpack to promote near surface facetting. There is some sun crust formation on steep south through west aspects. Hard windslabs linger in the alpine and open treeline locations but are softening due to the facetting phenomena. Some areas have a rain-crust below treeline from the 28th of November that has been buried by about 20 cms of snow. This rain-crust may be developing facets, and could become a layer of interest after it is buried by more of a load.The early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. It is buried 100-150 cms and stability tests show that this layer is getting harder to trigger. However, if an avalanche does release on this layer, it is likely to be very large and destructive.
Great observations continue to come into the office.On the surface, cold clear nights are generating some very significant surface hoar development.  I'm hearing reports of SH varying in size from 3mm to as much as 40mm with an average around 12mm.  Wow!  It looks like we get a few dribs and drabs of snow next week which will likely preserve at least some of this surface hoar.  It's too early to say where it will be a factor, but the writing is on the wall.Generally speaking, we're looking at a pretty bomber snowpack.  Yes, there are some basal weaknesses on the ground but these are being well bridged by the strong mid-pack.  Sure, there's a chance that you could activate these weaknesses in an area where the pack is going from thick to thin.  (Steep terrain, especially near rock outcroppings.)  But, the overall avalanche danger for the area is low.  See the forecasters' blog for a heads up discussion on low danger.The alpine snowpack is 150-200 cm, dropping to treeline you'll find depths of 50-150cm.If you're out & about please drop me a line & let me know what you're seeing:forecaster@avalanche.ca
We're off to a good start for early December with upper elevation snow depths that average a meter.    It's been almost two weeks since our last significant storm and since that time the snowpack has suffered an unrelenting barrage of wind from around the compass rose.  Wind exposed terrain is now a mixed bag of wind effected snow that varies from old hard windslabs to fresh small windslabs and everything in between.  To travel safely at & above treeline you need to be able to recognize and avoid these potentially dangerous windslabs.  This is the first part of the avalanche problem.Getting a little lower in the snowpack reveals some ugliness.  A raincrust sits above large striated facets (sugar snow) on the ground.  This is the classic Rockies house of cards setup that professionals throughout the region are concerned about.  With numerous recent avalanches failing in this layer in the Rockies recently the chance of a large full depth avalanche remains a concern for backcountry travelers this weekend.  Triggering an avalanche in this weak layer will result in a large & destructive avalanche that will likely be unsurvivable.This problem will not go away anytime soon.  If I was putting together plans this weekend I'd be combing through my terrain atlas (google earth) looking for slopes around treeline that are protected from wind.  Once you're out in the field stay off of terrain features that are thin and weak.  Rock's and/or tree's poking out of the snow are a good indication of thin weak snow.  It's good practice to avoid terrain that is steep and rocky in general right now.  Remember, it's only December and our snowpack needs some time to mature before we even start thinking about the bigger more committing terrain.
Ground roughness is again anchoring the snowpack, and only smooth open slopes at high elevations are capable of producing avalanches. 10-15cm of faceting snow sits on a solid rain crust at all elevations. Recent warm temperatures and sun-exposure resulted in a surface crust on steep south aspects. The total snow depth is around a metre at higher elevations.
3-5cm of new snow has fallen in the past couple of days. This overlies surface hoar (as large as 20mm in protected areas), surface facets, the odd old windslab and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). The new snow has fallen with limited winds effect. All of these newly buried surfaces are good sliding interfaces; all that's lacking is a large enough load. As more snow arrives and/or the wind picks up (as per the forecast) the avalanche danger will increase. Due to the slow, incremental increase in load (dribs and drabs of new snow and sporadic winds), this increase in danger is difficult to pinpoint and could be very site specific.In some locations there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m. Some faceting has been observed around the crust; definitely worth remembering this one.The early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
Around 3cm of new snow has fallen in the past couple of days. This overlies surface hoar (as large as 10mm in protected areas), surface facets, the odd old windslab and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). The new snow has fallen with limited winds effect. All of these newly buried surfaces are good sliding interfaces; all that's lacking is a large enough load. As more snow arrives and/or the wind picks up (as per the forecast) the avalanche danger will increase. Due to the slow, incremental increase in load (dribs and drabs of new snow and sporadic winds), this increase in danger is difficult to pinpoint and could be very site specific. Snow depths are quite variable through the region with 130-150cm in the alpine. There is still concern for triggering the weak basal facets/depth hoar, as these layers have shown sudden collapse results in stability test in shallow areas.
At the base of the snowpack mixed forms (rounding facets/rounding depth hoar) with an associated crust are prevalent, and have been especially problematic where it is overlying summer firn. Above that, and down 1-2m, are two more crusts combined with more mixed forms and surface hoar.  The overlying snow has recently settled and stiffened and the weak interfaces have also gained strength. The snow surface is wind hammered in wind-exposed areas, crusty on sun-exposed slopes, and faceted powder with large surface hoar on shady sheltered slopes. A thick rain crust is down 20-40cm and extends up to treeline elevations.
5cm of snow fell in the Coquihalla a few nights ago and has buried a thick layer of surface hoar on most sheltered and shady slopes. 2cm of snow fell on saturday night burying the same layer in the Duffey Lake area. This surface hoar may be sitting on a crust in sun and wind exposed areas making it especially touchy as soon as a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab forms. The thick rain crust from last weekend extends up to 1800m and is buried by 10-15cm of faceted snow. Snow pack depths and surface condition are highly variable in wind-exposed areas. Surface hoar buried 70 cms below the surface has gained strength, and just off the ground facets have been doing the same.
Between 10 and 20 cms of snow combined with strong to extreme westerly winds arrived on friday night.In some parts of the region, light amounts of new snow had previously buried large surface hoar that was sitting on a 5-20cm thick melt freeze crust. This crust extends into alpine elevations in the south, and around 1000m in the north. A strong temperature gradient in the top 30cm was reported to be faceting snow below the surface crust.The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. At this point I have a few concerns: Because of the intensity of friday night/saturday morning's winds, the surface hoar may have been destroyed in some areas, but probably still exists in others. This makes it difficult to track now that the new snow is hiding it. As well, with the higher winds the distribution of the new wind slab may be less predictable and you are likely to find loading lower on the slope than usual. The new slab will also have varying propagation characteristics. For example, in areas where it is wind-affected and stiff, it will be likely to slide; however, you might not see the same reactivity at lower elevations or on the eastern fringe of the region where there may not have been as much wind. Regardless of all the speculation, there has been moderate snowfall with a ton of wind and it's sitting on a melt-freeze crust in a major portion of the region. With monday's forecast weather you can expect reactive windslab development in many parts of the region for the forecast period.
2cms of snow fell with minimal wind in the Smithers area on friday night with an additional 1 cm on saturday night. For the most part the new snow is on some sort of hard crust or wind-sculpted snow, which probably has surface hoar growing on it and facets forming beneath it. The mid and lower snowpack are generally quite strong. There may have been more new snow and wind to the west, but data streams are extremely sparse. If you have any info from the field, we would love to hear from you. Write to us at forecaster@avalanche.ca
Up to 10cm of new snow has fallen in the past couple of days. This overlies surface hoar (as large as 10mm in protected areas), surface facets, the odd old windslab and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). The new snow has fallen with limited winds effect. All of these newly buried surfaces are good sliding interfaces; all that's lacking is a large enough load. As more snow arrives and/or the wind picks up (as per the forecast) the avalanche danger will increase. Due to the slow, incremental increase in load (dribs and drabs of new snow and sporadic winds), this increase in danger is difficult to pinpoint and could be very site specific.In some locations there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m. Some faceting has been observed around the crust; definitely worth remembering this one.The early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
Up to 5cm of new snow has fallen in the past couple of days. This overlies surface hoar (as large as 10mm in protected areas), surface facets, the odd old windslab and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). The new snow has fallen with limited winds effect. All of these newly buried surfaces are good sliding interfaces; all that's lacking is a large enough load. As more snow arrives and/or the wind picks up (as per the forecast) the avalanche danger will increase. Due to the slow, incremental increase in load (dribs and drabs of new snow and sporadic winds), this increase in danger is difficult to pinpoint and could be very site specific.In some locations there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m. Some faceting has been observed around the crust; definitely worth remembering this one.The early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
Great observations continue to come into the office.On the surface, cold clear nights are generating some very significant surface hoar development.  I'm hearing reports of SH varying in size from 3mm to as much as 40mm with an average around 12mm.  Wow!  It looks like we get a few dribs and drabs of snow next week which will likely preserve at least some of this surface hoar.  It's too early to say where it will be a factor, but the writing is on the wall.Generally speaking, we're looking at a pretty bomber snowpack.  Yes, there are some basal weaknesses on the ground but these are being well bridged by the strong mid-pack.  Sure, there's a chance that you could activate these weaknesses in an area where the pack is going from thick to thin.  (Steep terrain, especially near rock outcroppings.)  But, the overall avalanche danger for the area is low.  See the forecasters' blog for a heads up discussion on low danger.The alpine snowpack is 150-200 cm, dropping to treeline you'll find depths of 50-150cm.If you're out & about please drop me a line & let me know what you're seeing:forecaster@avalanche.ca
5 -10 cm of snow fell Sunday (111211) under light winds.  Going forward, things are going to get interesting as this new snow fell on surface hoar (SH) crystals that average 10mm in size.  This is almost the perfect recipe for a SH problem as most of the SH is likely well preserved under the new snow.  This is a minor issue for the short term, but, this could be a significant player in the long term.  If you're headed out into the field, I'd love to hear where you're seeing the surface hoar.  I'd also be psyched to know if it's standing up or lying down.  Thanks in advance for the observations.Upper elevation snow depths average a meter.  Photos from the field show that the alpine is just barely open to travel in most places.  The mountains look good from afar, but it's far from good above treeline where the snowpack is still pretty thin.It's been almost two weeks since our last significant storm and since that time the snowpack has suffered an unrelenting barrage of wind from around the compass rose leaving the snow wind damaged throughout most of the region.  The saving grace for ski quality has been the cold temperatures which have faceted the upper 20 cm of the snowpack making for fun & fast skiing. The Rockies are home to a nasty raincrust /facet combo near the ground.  This is the classic house of cards setup that professionals throughout the region are concerned about.  With numerous recent avalanches failing in this layer in the Rockies recently the chance of a large full depth avalanche remains a concern.  Triggering an avalanche in this weak layer will result in a large & destructive avalanche that will likely be unsurvivable.Stay conservative in your terrain selection and give the steep rocky slopes a miss, as these are the kinds of slopes where the weaknesses near the ground could still be triggered by the weight of a skier or sledder.
Looking around the region snow depths in the alpine are between 80 - 120 cm, dropping below treeline snow depths are between 30- 60cm.  A crust/facet combo exists at the ground, but there hasn't been any activity in the region on this layer since early December.   While the layer seems to be dormant for the moment, I suspect it will perform once we add some new load to it.  It's been around two weeks since the last storm and since that time there's been wind from around the compass.  At this point even strong winds are unlikely to have much of an effect on avalanche hazard as the fetches have been stripped bare.  It's going to take more load in the form of new snow to see much of a change in avalanche conditions. More snow is going to bring on a new set of problems.  Cold clear nights have built up surface hoar throughout the region.  This crystal, although beautiful, can present a very tricky avalanche hazard.  Our only real hope for avoiding a surface hoar avalanche problem is big winds or very warm temperatures before the next storm event.  Without that, the region will likely enter a lively avalanche cycle as soon as it begins to snow with any gusto.For the moment, things are pretty quiet in the area.  A tight and well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground and the faceting mechanism continues to eat at the snow surface making for fast & fun skiing.The caveat here is that you could still find a place to trigger a large avalanche.  To do this, you'd need to find a place where you could influence the weak snow at the ground with your weight.  You see, in most places the tight mid-pack is keeping your weight off of the weak snow at the ground.  As you move through terrain, think about avoiding areas with a thin & weak snowpack.  You'll find these weak zones near rock outcroppings, especially in steep rocky terrain above treeline.We welcome your observations, please send them to: forecaster@avalanche.ca
Ground roughness is again anchoring the snowpack, and only smooth open slopes at high elevations are capable of producing avalanches. 10-15cm of faceting snow sits on a solid rain crust at all elevations. Recent warm temperatures and sun-exposure resulted in a surface crust on steep south aspects. The total snow depth is around a metre at higher elevations.
3-5cm of new snow has fallen in the past couple of days. This overlies surface hoar (as large as 20mm in protected areas), surface facets, the odd old windslab and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). The new snow has fallen with limited winds effect. All of these newly buried surfaces are good sliding interfaces; all that's lacking is a large enough load. As more snow arrives and/or the wind picks up (as per the forecast) the avalanche danger will increase. Due to the slow, incremental increase in load (dribs and drabs of new snow and sporadic winds), this increase in danger is difficult to pinpoint and could be very site specific.In some locations there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m. Some faceting has been observed around the crust; definitely worth remembering this one.The early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
Around 3cm of new snow has fallen in the past couple of days. This overlies surface hoar (as large as 10mm in protected areas), surface facets, the odd old windslab and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). The new snow has fallen with limited winds effect. All of these newly buried surfaces are good sliding interfaces; all that's lacking is a large enough load. As more snow arrives and/or the wind picks up (as per the forecast) the avalanche danger will increase. Due to the slow, incremental increase in load (dribs and drabs of new snow and sporadic winds), this increase in danger is difficult to pinpoint and could be very site specific. Snow depths are quite variable through the region with 130-150cm in the alpine. There is still concern for triggering the weak basal facets/depth hoar, as these layers have shown sudden collapse results in stability test in shallow areas.
5cm of snow fell in the Coquihalla a few nights ago and has buried a thick layer of surface hoar on most sheltered and shady slopes. 2cm of snow fell on saturday night burying the same layer in the Duffey Lake area. This surface hoar may be sitting on a crust in sun and wind exposed areas making it especially touchy as soon as a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab forms. The thick rain crust from last weekend extends up to 1800m and is buried by 10-15cm of faceted snow. Snow pack depths and surface condition are highly variable in wind-exposed areas. Surface hoar buried 70 cms below the surface has gained strength, and just off the ground facets have been doing the same.
New snow and wind over the next 32 hrs will add an additional load to the current snowpack. The upper snowpack consists of a variety of snow surfaces. The region did receive up to 20cm of snow early in weekend which produced sluffing in steeper terrain features. It also buried a variety of snow surfaces including surface hoar, a melt freeze crust, and facets (sugary snow). Most operations in the region have reported large surface hoar (feathery type snow crystal) that is sitting on a thick melt-freeze crust. This crust is up to 20cm in thickness and extends up to alpine elevations in the south, and around 1000m in the north.  A strong temperature gradient in the top 30cm was reported to be faceting snow below the surface crust. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. My main concerns are new wind slab formation on lee slopes. With the strong ridge top winds you can expect some wind slabs lower on slopes, or found in unsuspecting places. Storm slabs may also be an issue if they reach threshold over the weak buried snow surfaces. They can run fast, and far.
Up to 5 cm of new snow fell on Sunday night. Over the weekend a few cm's of snow fell.The snowpack surfaces are variable. For the most part all aspects between 900m-2000m have a hard melt freeze crust.  This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones. This may be a suspect layer of concern as when future storms with significant snow and wind arrive. Above this crust surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary crystals) are forming. This exists at treeline and below treeline elevations. The recent winds in the alpine have destroyed the surface hoar eliminating one problem but creating a wind slab problem. These wind slabs are in the immediate lee of features, with easy shears and cracking being reported. The midpack seems to be well settled and strong. Thanks to those who have sent in field observations. If you have any info from the field, we would love to hear from you. Write to us at forecaster@avalanche.ca
10-20cm of new snow has fallen in the past couple of days. This overlies surface hoar (as large as 10mm in protected areas), surface facets, the odd old windslab and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). The new snow has fallen with limited winds effect. All of these newly buried surfaces are good sliding interfaces; all that's lacking is a large enough load. As more snow arrives and/or the wind picks up (as per the forecast) the avalanche danger will increase. Due to the slow, incremental increase in load (dribs and drabs of new snow and sporadic winds), this increase in danger is difficult to pinpoint and could be very site specific.In some locations there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m. Some faceting has been observed around the crust; definitely worth remembering this one.The early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
5-10cm of new snow has fallen in the past couple of days. This overlies surface hoar (as large as 10mm in protected areas), surface facets, the odd old windslab and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). The new snow has fallen with limited winds effect. All of these newly buried surfaces are good sliding interfaces; all that's lacking is a large enough load. As more snow arrives and/or the wind picks up (as per the forecast) the avalanche danger will increase. Due to the slow, incremental increase in load (dribs and drabs of new snow and sporadic winds), this increase in danger is difficult to pinpoint and could be very site specific.In some locations there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m. Some faceting has been observed around the crust; definitely worth remembering this one.The early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
Looking around the region snow depths in the alpine are between 80 - 120 cm, dropping below treeline snow depths are between 30- 60cm.  A crust/facet combo exists at the ground, but there hasn't been any activity in the region on this layer since early December.   While the layer seems to be dormant for the moment, I suspect it will perform once we add some new load to it.  It's been around two weeks since the last storm and since that time there's been wind from around the compass.  At this point even strong winds are unlikely to have much of an effect on avalanche hazard as the fetches have been stripped bare.  It's going to take more load in the form of new snow to see much of a change in avalanche conditions.More snow is going to bring on a new set of problems.  Cold clear nights have built up surface hoar throughout the region.  This crystal, although beautiful, can present a very tricky avalanche hazard.  Our only real hope for avoiding a surface hoar avalanche problem is big winds or very warm temperatures before the next storm event.  Without that, the region will likely enter a lively avalanche cycle as soon as it begins to snow with any gusto.For the moment, things are pretty quiet in the area.  A tight and well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground and the faceting mechanism continues to eat at the snow surface making for fast & fun skiing.The caveat here is that you could still find a place to trigger a large avalanche.  To do this, you'd need to find a place where you could influence the weak snow at the ground with your weight.  You see, in most places the tight mid-pack is keeping your weight off of the weak snow at the ground.  As you move through terrain, think about avoiding areas with a thin & weak snowpack.  You'll find these weak zones near rock outcroppings, especially in steep rocky terrain above treeline. We welcome your observations, please send them to: forecaster@avalanche.ca
5 -10 cm of snow fell Sunday (111211) under light winds.  Going forward, things are going to get interesting as this new snow fell on surface hoar (SH) crystals that average 10mm in size.  This is almost the perfect recipe for a SH problem as most of the SH is likely well preserved under the new snow.  This is a minor issue for the short term, but, this could be a significant player in the long term.  If you're headed out into the field, I'd love to hear where you're seeing the surface hoar.  I'd also be psyched to know if it's standing up or lying down.  Thanks in advance for the observations.Upper elevation snow depths average a meter.  Photos from the field show that the alpine is just barely open to travel in most places.  The mountains look good from afar, but it's far from good above treeline where the snowpack is still pretty thin.It's been almost two weeks since our last significant storm and since that time the snowpack has suffered an unrelenting barrage of wind from around the compass rose leaving the snow wind damaged throughout most of the region.  The saving grace for ski quality has been the cold temperatures which have faceted the upper 20 cm of the snowpack making for fun & fast skiing.The Rockies are home to a nasty raincrust /facet combo near the ground.  This is the classic house of cards setup that professionals throughout the region are concerned about.  With numerous recent avalanches failing in this layer in the Rockies recently the chance of a large full depth avalanche remains a concern.  Triggering an avalanche in this weak layer will result in a large & destructive avalanche that will likely be unsurvivable.Stay conservative in your terrain selection and give the steep rocky slopes a miss, as these are the kinds of slopes where the weaknesses near the ground could still be triggered by the weight of a skier or sledder.
The snow surface is wind hammered in windward and exposed areas, a strong melt-freeze crust on solar aspects, and dry faceted powder with large surface hoar on shady sheltered slopes. A thick rain crust is down 20-40cm and extends up to treeline elevations. The midpack consists of recently settled snow where the weak interfaces have gained strength. Down 100-200cm are two more crusts combined with a mixture of surface hoar. The base of the snowpack consists of mixed forms (rounding facets/rounding depth hoar) with an associated crust are prevalent, and have been especially problematic where it is overlying summer firn.
On the surface, cold clear nights are generating some very significant surface hoar development.  I'm hearing reports of SH varying in size from 3mm to as much as 40mm with an average around 12mm.  Wow!  It looks like we get a few dribs and drabs of snow next week which will likely preserve at least some of this surface hoar.  It's too early to say where it will be a factor, but the writing is on the wall.Generally speaking, we're looking at a pretty bomber snowpack.  Yes, there are some basal weaknesses on the ground but these are being well bridged by the strong mid-pack.  Sure, there's a chance that you could activate these weaknesses in an area where the pack is going from thick to thin.  (Steep terrain, especially near rock outcroppings.)  But, the overall avalanche danger for the area is low.  See the forecasters' blog for a heads up discussion on low danger.The alpine snowpack is 150-200 cm, dropping to treeline you'll find depths of 50-150cm.If you're out & about please drop me a line & let me know what you're seeing:forecaster@avalanche.ca
Ground roughness is again anchoring the snowpack, and only smooth open slopes at high elevations are capable of producing avalanches. 10-15cm of faceting snow sits on a solid rain crust on shady slopes, but exposed slopes have a thick hard surface crust. The total snow depth is around a metre at higher elevations.
Up to 10cm of new snow has fallen since the 10th of December. This overlies surface hoar, surface facets, old windslabs and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). Winds have been sporadic in this period, with some strong northerlies intermingled with the more dominant light to moderate westerlies. There are isolated new soft slabs in immediate lee locations and some surface sluffing in more protected areas where the surface hoar is more prominent. Moving forward, the avalanche danger will increase as the load increases (either by new snow or wind). Be locally aware of changes and if obvious signs of instability are present (cracking, whumphing, recent activity on adjacent slopes) or rapid loading is taking place (heavy snowfall or strong winds) then scale down your terrain choices accordingly.Deeper in the snowpack there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m and some faceting (weakening) has been observed around the crust. Deeper still, the early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
5-10cm of new snow has fallen since the 10th of December. This overlies surface hoar, surface facets, old windslabs and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). Winds have been sporadic in this period, creating isolated new soft slabs in immediate lee locations. Moving forward, the avalanche danger will increase as the load increases (either by new snow or wind). Be locally aware of changes and if obvious signs of instability are present (cracking, whumphing, recent activity on adjacent slopes) or rapid loading is taking place (heavy snowfall or strong winds) then scale down your terrain choices accordingly. Snow depths are quite variable through the region with 130-150cm in the alpine. There is still concern for triggering the weak basal facets/depth hoar, as these layers have shown sudden collapse results in stability test in shallow areas.
Up to 15cms of new snow fell Sunday-Monday. Under the new snow sits surface hoar up to 10mm in size. I think the surface hoar can only be found in sheltered areas. The strong winds that have been ripping through the region has probably kept the SH in check at upper elevations, or exposed areas at treeline. This is a minor issue for the short term, but could be a significant player in the long term; this is the layer to watch. It may not be reactive with 15cm, or will it? With drips and drabs in the forecast it makes it difficult to predict if, and/or when this layer may fail and create an avalanche cycle. Looking around the region snow depths in the alpine are between 80 - 120 cm, dropping below treeline snow depths are between 30- 60cm.  A tight and well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists at the ground, but there hasn't been any activity in the region on this layer since early December.  While the layer seems to be dormant for the moment, it may perform again if a significant load is added. It looks like this will be unlikely in the near future, but something to keep in the back of your mind. There is potential to trigger this deeper instability from a shallow, weak area. When riding a slope try to avoid thin spots like small trees, shrubs or rock outcrops. These may react as trigger points, and initiate the deeper instability.
Up to 15cm of new snow fell Sunday through Monday.Under this new snow sits surface hoar up to 10mm in size. I think the surface hoar can only be found in sheltered areas. The strong wind that has been ripping through the region has probably kept the SH in check at upper elevations, or exposed areas at treeline.  This is a minor issue for the short term, but, this could be a significant player in the long term. This will be a layer to watch. It may not be reactive with 15cm, or will it? With drips and drabs in the forecast it makes it difficult to predict if, and/or when this layer may fail and create an avalanche cycle. The snowpack depth is still variable through the region. In upper elevations there are reports of up to a meter. The top part consisting of firm wind slabs, surface hoar, and facetted (sugary) snow. Below that the mid pack seems to be holding strong. We are still concerned with the weak basal layers (rain crusts, facets) that exist at the bottom of the pack. The snowpack overall is still pretty thin. With numerous avalanches failing on this layer in the Rockies proves that there is still a chance for full depth avalanches to occur. When riding a slope try to avoid thin spots like small trees, shrubs or rock outcrops. These may react as trigger points, and initiate a deeper instability.
The snow surface is wind hammered in exposed areas, a strong melt-freeze crust on solar aspects, and dry faceted powder with large surface hoar on shady sheltered slopes. A thick crust is down 20-40cm at treeline and below. Deep persistent weakness appear to be dormant, but we can't rule out triggering from shallow areas just yet. Recent snowpack tests in the Whistler area produced sudden results on an old and isolated midpack surface hoar weakness. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more snowpack discussion and good advice.
Large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a hard crust on sun-exposed slopes, may have been buried in the past week by very light amounts of new snow. Since then new surface hoar formed and loose surface snow continued to facet. A thick hard rain crust down 10-30cm can be found as high as treeline elevations. Snow pack depths and surface condition are highly variable in wind-exposed areas. The upper and mid snowpack is generally well consolidated, but basal facets and depth hoar near the ground gave recently produced hard but sudden compression test results at a shallow alpine site in the Duffy Lake area. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more snowpack discussion and good advice.
The southern part of the region has received up to 40cm of new snow (Kasiks, Terrace areas) and less snowfall to the north. This is forming storm slabs at all elevations. This new snow is being blown around by strong southwest winds creating new wind slabs on lee slopes. The upper snowpack consists of a variety of weak snow surfaces (surface hoar, melt-freeze crusts, and facetted snow) which are currently being buried. Once these layers reach their threshold natural and rider triggered avalanches will occur. Most operations in the region have reported large surface hoar (feathery type snow crystal) that is sitting on a thick melt-freeze crust. This crust is up to 20cm in thickness and extends up to alpine elevations in the south, and around 1000m in the north.  A strong temperature gradient in the top 30cm was reported to be faceting snow below the surface crust.The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.
Up to 20cm new snow has fallen on a variety of snow surfaces including surface hoar, melt-freeze crusts and facetted snow. For the most part all aspects between 900m-2000m have a hard melt freeze crust.  This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones. This may be a suspect layer of concern as when future storms with significant snow and wind arrive. Above this crust surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary crystals) are forming. This exists at treeline and below treeline elevations. The recent winds in the alpine have destroyed the surface hoar eliminating one problem but creating a wind slab problem. These wind slabs are in the immediate lee of features, with easy shears and cracking being reported. The midpack seems to be well settled and strong. Thanks to those who have sent in field observations. If you have any info from the field, we would love to hear from you. Write to us at forecaster@avalanche.ca
Up to 20cm of new snow has fallen since the 10th of December. This overlies surface hoar, surface facets, old windslabs and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). Winds have been sporadic in this period, with some strong northerlies intermingled with the more dominant light to moderate westerlies. There are isolated new soft slabs in immediate lee locations and some surface sluffing in more protected areas where the surface hoar is more prominent. Moving forward, the avalanche danger will increase as the load increases (either by new snow or wind). Be locally aware of changes and if obvious signs of instability are present (cracking, whumphing, recent activity on adjacent slopes) or rapid loading is taking place (heavy snowfall or strong winds) then scale down your terrain choices accordingly.Deeper in the snowpack there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m and some faceting (weakening) has been observed around the crust. Deeper still, the early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
Up to 15cm of new snow has fallen since the 10th of December. This overlies surface hoar, surface facets, old windslabs and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). Winds have been sporadic in this period, with some strong northerlies intermingled with the more dominant light to moderate westerlies. There are isolated new soft slabs in immediate lee locations and some surface sluffing in more protected areas where the surface hoar is more prominent. Moving forward, the avalanche danger will increase as the load increases (either by new snow or wind). Be locally aware of changes and if obvious signs of instability are present (cracking, whumphing, recent activity on adjacent slopes) or rapid loading is taking place (heavy snowfall or strong winds) then scale down your terrain choices accordingly.Deeper in the snowpack there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m and some faceting (weakening) has been observed around the crust. Deeper still, the early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
Large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes, is now lightly buried in some locations and should continue to get incrementally buried over the forecast period. Assuming the structure of this current snow surface is preserved long enough for a sufficiently thick and cohesive slab to bury it, then a highly unstable situation should develop. Particularly where surface hoar and/or faceted crystals are associated with a weak crust. Generally speaking the longer surface snow is exposed to the elements before it gets burred, the more likely it is to become a serious problem given favorable conditions for slab development. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceting. Recent easy test results on basal facets and depth hoar necessitates caution on wind-exposed slopes with highly variable snowpack depths, where this deep persistent weakness could be triggered from a shallow spot. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.
Ground roughness is again anchoring the snowpack, and only smooth open slopes at high elevations are capable of producing large avalanches. New snow is burying patches of large surface hoar and/or 10-15cm of faceted sitting on a solid rain crust on shady slopes. However on exposed slopes, new snow is burying a hard crust, with may have patches of large surface hoar sitting on it. Regardless, as soon as a sufficiently cohesive slab forms, this new snow will probably initially bond poorly to the previous snow surface whatever it is.
Up to 10cm of new snow has fallen since the 10th of December. This overlies surface hoar, surface facets, old windslabs and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). Winds have been sporadic in this period, with some strong northerlies intermingled with the more dominant light to moderate westerlies. There are isolated new soft slabs in immediate lee locations and some surface sluffing in more protected areas where the surface hoar is more prominent. Moving forward, the avalanche danger will increase as the load increases (either by new snow or wind). Be locally aware of changes and if obvious signs of instability are present (cracking, whumphing, recent activity on adjacent slopes) or rapid loading is taking place (heavy snowfall or strong winds) then scale down your terrain choices accordingly.Deeper in the snowpack there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m and some faceting (weakening) has been observed around the crust. Deeper still, the early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
5-10cm of new snow has fallen since the 10th of December. This overlies surface hoar, surface facets, old windslabs and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). Winds have been sporadic in this period, creating isolated new soft slabs in immediate lee locations. Moving forward, the avalanche danger will increase as the load increases (either by new snow or wind). Be locally aware of changes and if obvious signs of instability are present (cracking, whumphing, recent activity on adjacent slopes) or rapid loading is taking place (heavy snowfall or strong winds) then scale down your terrain choices accordingly. Snow depths are quite variable through the region with 130-150cm in the alpine. There is still concern for triggering the weak basal facets/depth hoar, as these layers have shown sudden collapse results in stability test in shallow areas.
Up to 15cms of new snow fell early in the week. Under the new snow sits surface hoar up to 10mm in size. The surface hoar can only be found in sheltered areas. The strong winds that have been ripping through the region has kept the SH in check at upper elevations, or exposed areas at treeline. This is a minor issue for the short term, but could be a significant player in the long term; this is the layer to watch. It may not be reactive with 15cm, or will it? Looks like we could see up to another 30cm by the weekend. Will this be the tipping point? I bet there is a good chance we'll reach the threshold of our buried weak layers. With light to moderate accumulations in the forecast it makes it difficult to predict if, and/or when these layers could fail and initiate an avalanche cycle. Looking around the region snow depths in the alpine are between 80 - 120 cm, dropping below treeline snow depths are between 30- 60cm.  A tight and well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists at the ground, but there hasn't been any activity in the region on this layer since early December.  While the layer seems to be dormant for the moment, it may perform again if a significant load is added. It looks like this will be unlikely in the near future, but something to keep in the back of your mind. There is potential to trigger this deeper instability from a shallow, weak area. When riding a slope try to avoid thin spots like small trees, shrubs or rock outcrops. These may react as trigger points, and initiate the deeper instability. Check out our new Forecaster Blog post on incremental loading patterns. Click the tab to the left of the page.
Up to 15cm of new snow fell earlier in the week. Beneath this new snow sits surface hoar up to 10mm in size. The surface hoar can only be found in sheltered areas. The strong wind that has been ripping through the region has kept the SH in check at upper elevations and exposed areas at treeline.  This is a minor issue for the short term, but could be a significant player in the long term; this will be a layer to watch. It may not be reactive with 15cm, or will it? With drips and drabs in the forecast it makes it difficult to predict if, and/or when this layer may fail and initiate an avalanche cycle. The snowpack depth is still variable through the region. In upper elevations there are reports of up to a meter. The surfaces consist of firm wind slabs, surface hoar, and facetted (sugary) snow. Below the surface the mid pack seems to be holding strong. We are still concerned with the weak basal layers (rain crusts, facets) that exist at the bottom of the pack. The snowpack overall is still pretty thin. With numerous avalanches failing on this layer in the Rockies proves that there is still a chance for full depth avalanches to occur. When riding a slope try to avoid thin spots like small trees, shrubs or rock outcrops. These may react as trigger points, and initiate a deeper instability.There is a new Forecaster Blog Post today. It discusses "Dribs and Drabs" how incremental loading patterns will effect our snowpack. Please click the tab at page left.
Large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes, is now lightly buried in some locations and should continue to get incrementally buried over the forecast period. Assuming the structure of this current snow surface is preserved long enough for a sufficiently thick and cohesive slab to bury it, then a highly unstable situation should develop. Particularly where surface hoar and/or faceted crystals are associated with a weak crust. Generally speaking the longer surface snow is exposed to the elements before it gets burred, the more likely it is to become a serious problem. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted. Basal facets and depth hoar necessitate caution on wind-exposed slopes with highly variable snowpack depths, where this deep persistent weakness could be triggered from a shallow spot. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.
Large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes, is now lightly buried in some locations and should continue to get incrementally buried over the forecast period. Assuming the structure of this current snow surface is preserved long enough for a sufficiently thick and cohesive slab to bury it, then a highly unstable situation should develop. Particularly where surface hoar and/or faceted crystals are associated with a weak crust. Generally speaking the longer surface snow is exposed to the elements before it gets burred, the more likely it is to become a serious problem given favorable conditions for slab development. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.
The southern part of the region has received up to 50cm of new snow (Kasiks, Terrace areas) and less snowfall to the north. This is forming storm slabs at all elevations. This new snow is being blown around by strong southwest winds creating new wind slabs on lee slopes. Buried beneath the new snow sits a variety of weak snow surfaces (surface hoar, melt-freeze crusts, and facetted snow). This crust is up to 20cm in thickness and extends up to alpine elevations in the south, and around 1000m in the north.  The surface hoar growing on the crust was sized up to 10mm. A strong temperature gradient in the top 30cm was reported to be faceting snow below the surface crust. These layers have met their threshold and widespread avalanche activity has occurred. Here's hopes that this surface hoar will get cleaned out in most places. The crust may stick around and create a new sliding surface for Fridays snowfall. If freezing levels do rise to 1700m on Friday we may see rain and new crust formation Saturday when the temperatures drop back down the the valley.The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.
Up to 20cm new snow has fallen on a variety of snow surfaces including surface hoar, melt-freeze crusts and facetted snow. For the most part all aspects between 900m-2000m have a hard melt freeze crust.  This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones. This may be a suspect layer of concern as when future storms with significant snow and wind arrive. Above this crust surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary crystals) are forming. This exists at treeline and below treeline elevations. The recent winds in the alpine have destroyed the surface hoar eliminating one problem but creating a wind slab problem. These wind slabs are in the immediate lee of features, with easy shears and cracking being reported. The midpack seems to be well settled and strong. Thanks to those who have sent in field observations. If you have any info from the field, we would love to hear from you. Write to us at forecaster@avalanche.ca
Up to 20cm of new snow has fallen since the 10th of December. This overlies surface hoar, surface facets, old windslabs and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). Winds have been sporadic in this period, with some strong northerlies intermingled with the more dominant light to moderate westerlies. There are isolated new soft slabs in immediate lee locations and some surface sluffing in more protected areas where the surface hoar is more prominent. Moving forward, the avalanche danger will increase as the load increases (either by new snow or wind). Be locally aware of changes and if obvious signs of instability are present (cracking, whumphing, recent activity on adjacent slopes) or rapid loading is taking place (heavy snowfall or strong winds) then scale down your terrain choices accordingly.Deeper in the snowpack there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m and some faceting (weakening) has been observed around the crust. Deeper still, the early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
Up to 15cm of new snow has fallen since the 10th of December. This overlies surface hoar, surface facets, old windslabs and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). Winds have been sporadic in this period, with some strong northerlies intermingled with the more dominant light to moderate westerlies. There are isolated new soft slabs in immediate lee locations and some surface sluffing in more protected areas where the surface hoar is more prominent. Moving forward, the avalanche danger will increase as the load increases (either by new snow or wind). Be locally aware of changes and if obvious signs of instability are present (cracking, whumphing, recent activity on adjacent slopes) or rapid loading is taking place (heavy snowfall or strong winds) then scale down your terrain choices accordingly.Deeper in the snowpack there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m and some faceting (weakening) has been observed around the crust. Deeper still, the early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
Large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes, is now lightly buried in most locations and should continue to get incrementally buried over the forecast period. Assuming the structure of this current snow surface is preserved long enough for a sufficiently thick and cohesive slab to bury it, then a highly unstable situation should develop. Particularly where surface hoar and/or faceted crystals are associated with a weak crust. Generally speaking the longer surface snow is exposed to the elements before it gets burred, the more likely it is to become a serious problem. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted. Recent easy test results on basal facets and depth hoar necessitates caution on wind-exposed slopes with highly variable snowpack depths, where this deep persistent weakness could be triggered from a shallow spot. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.
Ground roughness is again anchoring the snowpack, and only smooth open slopes at high elevations are capable of producing avalanches. Pockets of reactive wind slab may be found in exposed lee terrain near ridge crests. The 15cm of new snow will probably initially bond poorly to the previous snow surface that consisted of surface hoar, a crust, or facetted snow sitting on a crust, especially with more snow and rising temperatures on Friday morning.
Another 5-10 cms in the region brings the new storm snow up to 5-20 cms. This overlies surface hoar, surface facets, old windslabs and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). Winds have been sporadic in this period, with some strong northerlies intermingled with the more dominant light to moderate westerlies. There are isolated new soft slabs in immediate lee locations and some surface sluffing in more protected areas where the surface hoar is more prominent. Moving forward, the avalanche danger will increase as the load increases (either by new snow or wind). Be locally aware of changes and if obvious signs of instability are present (cracking, whumphing, recent activity on adjacent slopes) or rapid loading is taking place (heavy snowfall or strong winds) then scale down your terrain choices accordingly.Deeper in the snowpack there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m and some faceting (weakening) has been observed around the crust. Deeper still, the early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
Not much change yet in the Purcells, 5-10 cms of snow across he region in the past few days. This overlies surface hoar, surface facets, old windslabs and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). Winds have been sporadic in this period, creating isolated new soft slabs in immediate lee locations. Moving forward, the avalanche danger will increase as the load increases (either by new snow or wind). Be locally aware of changes and if obvious signs of instability are present (cracking, whumphing, recent activity on adjacent slopes) or rapid loading is taking place (heavy snowfall or strong winds) then scale down your terrain choices accordingly. Snow depths are quite variable through the region with 130-150cm in the alpine. There is still concern for triggering the weak basal facets/depth hoar, as these layers have shown sudden collapse results in stability test in shallow areas.
Up to 20cms of snow sits on surface hoar up to 10mm in size. The surface hoar can only be found in sheltered areas. The strong winds that have been ripping through the region has kept the SH in check at upper elevations, or exposed areas at treeline. As more snow trickles in Friday and into Saturday this is the layer to watch. It may not be reactive with 20cm, or will it? Will this be the tipping point? With light to moderate accumulations in the forecast it makes it difficult to predict if, and/or when these layers could fail and initiate an avalanche cycle. Looking around the region snow depths in the alpine are between 80 - 150 cm, dropping below treeline snow depths are between 30- 60cm.  A tight and well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists at the ground, but there hasn't been any activity in the region on this layer since early December.  While the layer seems to be dormant for the moment, it may perform again if a significant load is added. It looks like this will be unlikely in the near future, but something to keep stashed in the back of your head. There is potential to trigger this deeper instability from a shallow, weak area. When riding a slope try to avoid thin spots like small trees, shrubs or rock outcrops. These may react as trigger points, and initiate the deeper instability. Check out our new Forecaster Blog post on incremental loading patterns. Click the tab to the left of the page.
Up to 15cm of new snow fell earlier in the week. Beneath this new snow sits surface hoar up to 10mm in size. The surface hoar can only be found in sheltered areas. The strong wind that has been ripping through the region has kept the SH in check at upper elevations and exposed areas at treeline.  This is a minor issue for the short term, but could be a significant player in the long term; this will be a layer to watch. It may not be reactive with 15cm, or will it? With drips and drabs in the forecast it makes it difficult to predict if, and/or when this layer may fail and initiate an avalanche cycle. The snowpack depth is still variable through the region. In upper elevations there are reports of up to a meter. The surfaces consist of firm wind slabs, surface hoar, and facetted (sugary) snow. Below the surface the mid pack seems to be holding strong. We are still concerned with the weak basal layers (rain crusts, facets) that exist at the bottom of the pack. The snowpack overall is still pretty thin. With numerous avalanches failing on this layer in the Rockies proves that there is still a chance for full depth avalanches to occur. When riding a slope try to avoid thin spots like small trees, shrubs or rock outcrops. These may react as trigger points, and initiate a deeper instability.There is a new Forecaster Blog Post today. It discusses "Dribs and Drabs" how incremental loading patterns will effect our snowpack. Please click the tab at page left.
Large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes, is now lightly buried in some locations and should continue to get incrementally buried over the forecast period. Assuming the structure of this current snow surface is preserved long enough for a sufficiently thick and cohesive slab to bury it, then a highly unstable situation should develop. Particularly where surface hoar and/or faceted crystals are associated with a weak crust. Generally speaking the longer surface snow is exposed to the elements before it gets burred, the more likely it is to become a serious problem. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted. Basal facets and depth hoar necessitate caution on wind-exposed slopes with highly variable snowpack depths, where this deep persistent weakness could be triggered from a shallow spot. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.
Large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes, is now lightly buried in some locations and should continue to get incrementally buried over the forecast period. Assuming the structure of this current snow surface is preserved long enough for a sufficiently thick and cohesive slab to bury it, then a highly unstable situation should develop. Particularly where surface hoar and/or faceted crystals are associated with a weak crust. Generally speaking the longer surface snow is exposed to the elements before it gets burred, the more likely it is to become a serious problem given favorable conditions for slab development. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.
The southern part of the region has received up to 50cm of new snow (Kasiks, Terrace areas) and less snowfall to the north. This is forming storm slabs at all elevations. This new snow is being blown around by strong southwest winds creating new wind slabs on lee slopes. Buried beneath the new snow sits a variety of weak snow surfaces (surface hoar, melt-freeze crusts, and facetted snow). This crust is up to 20cm in thickness and extends up to alpine elevations in the south, and around 1000m in the north.  The surface hoar growing on the crust was sized up to 10mm. A strong temperature gradient in the top 30cm was reported to be faceting snow below the surface crust. These layers have met their threshold and widespread avalanche activity has occurred. Here's hopes that this surface hoar will get cleaned out in most places. The crust may stick around and create a new sliding surface for Fridays snowfall. If freezing levels do rise to 1700m on Friday we may see rain and new crust formation Saturday when the temperatures drop back down the the valley.The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.
New surface hoar crystals have formed up to 5mm in size and sits on the recent 20cm of storm snow which is slowly settling. The storm snow we received earlier this week sits on a variety of old weak snow surfaces including surface hoar, melt-freeze crusts and facetted snow (SH/CR/FC). For the most part all aspects between 900m-2000m have a hard melt freeze crust.  This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones. This is the layer of concern as we receive more snow and wind Friday and Saturday. Above this crust surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary crystals) are preserved. This exists at treeline and below treeline elevations. The recent winds in the alpine have destroyed the surface hoar eliminating one problem but creating a wind slab problem. These wind slabs are in the immediate lee of features, sitting on the SH/CR/FC combo. They are reactive and rider triggered avalanches are likely. The midpack seems to be well settled and strong. Thanks to those who have sent in field observations. If you have any info from the field, we would love to hear from you. Write to us at forecaster@avalanche.ca
Large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes, is now lightly buried in most locations and should continue to get incrementally buried over the forecast period. Assuming the structure of this current snow surface is preserved long enough for a sufficiently thick and cohesive slab to bury it, then a highly unstable situation should develop. Particularly where surface hoar and/or faceted crystals are associated with a weak crust. Generally speaking the longer surface snow is exposed to the elements before it gets burred, the more likely it is to become a serious problem. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted. Recent easy test results on basal facets and depth hoar necessitates caution on wind-exposed slopes with highly variable snowpack depths, where this deep persistent weakness could be triggered from a shallow spot. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.
Up to 35cm of new snow has fallen since the 10th of December. This overlies surface hoar, surface facets, old windslabs and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). Winds have been sporadic in this period, with some strong northerlies intermingled with the more dominant light to moderate westerlies. There are new soft slabs on lee features.Deeper in the snowpack there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m and some faceting (weakening) has been observed around the crust. Deeper still, the early November surface hoar remains a layer of concern. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche. Moving forward, the avalanche danger will rise as the load increases and as the slabs harden. Friday's forecast snow and wind should be the start of this.
Up to 20cm of new snow has fallen since the 10th of December. This overlies surface hoar, surface facets, old windslabs and sun crusts (on steep south through west aspects). Winds have been sporadic in this period, with some strong northerlies intermingled with the more dominant light to moderate westerlies. There are isolated new soft slabs in immediate lee locations and some surface sluffing in more protected areas where the surface hoar is more prominent. Moving forward, the avalanche danger will increase with the forecast weather. Be locally aware of changes. If obvious signs of instability are present (cracking, whumphing, recent activity on adjacent slopes) or rapid loading is taking place (heavy snowfall or strong winds) then scale down your terrain choices accordingly.Deeper in the snowpack there is a rain crust buried between 20-35cm.  This crust extends as high as 2200m and some faceting (weakening) has been observed around the crust. Deeper still, the early November surface hoar should still be on your radar. Buried 100-150cm it is unlikely to trigger, but consequences of triggering would be a large (up to size 3.0) destructive avalanche.
The new snow load is building faster in the northern ranges of the interior than it is in the southern and eastern ranges. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. Large surface hoar and near surface facets are widespread above various crusts and hard wind slabs. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. Tests show that it is getting harder to pull the snowpack apart at this interface. We may still see this layer become active again if we get the right combination of load and warm temperatures. Going down deeper, we still need to consider the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. If this deeply buried beast wakes up, we may see very large avalanches in high alpine north and northeast aspects.
Up to 15cm of new snow fell earlier in the week. Beneath this new snow sits surface hoar up to 10mm in size. The surface hoar can only be found in sheltered areas. The strong wind that has been ripping through the region has kept the SH in check at upper elevations and exposed areas at treeline.  This is a minor issue for the short term, but could be a significant player in the long term; this will be a layer to watch. It may not be reactive with 15cm, or will it? With drips and drabs in the forecast it makes it difficult to predict if, and/or when this layer may fail and initiate an avalanche cycle. The snowpack depth is still variable through the region. In upper elevations there are reports of up to a meter. The surfaces consist of firm wind slabs, surface hoar, and facetted (sugary) snow. Below the surface the mid pack seems to be holding strong. We are still concerned with the weak basal layers (rain crusts, facets) that exist at the bottom of the pack. The snowpack overall is still pretty thin. With numerous avalanches failing on this layer in the Rockies proves that there is still a chance for full depth avalanches to occur. When riding a slope try to avoid thin spots like small trees, shrubs or rock outcrops. These may react as trigger points, and initiate a deeper instability.Take a look at the Forecaster Blog. There's a post discussing "Dribs and Drabs" - how incremental loading patterns will effect our snowpack.
The new snow load is building faster in the northern ranges of the interior than it is in the southern and eastern ranges. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. Large surface hoar and near surface facets are widespread above various crusts and hard wind slabs. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. Tests show that it is getting harder to pull the snowpack apart at this interface. We may still see this layer become active again if we get the right combination of load and warm temperatures. Going down deeper, we still need to consider the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. If this deeply buried beast wakes up, we may see very large avalanches in high alpine north and northeast aspects.
The new snow load is building faster in the northern ranges of the interior than it is in the southern and eastern ranges. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. Large surface hoar and near surface facets are widespread above various crusts and hard wind slabs. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. Tests show that it is getting harder to pull the snowpack apart at this interface. We may still see this layer become active again if we get the right combination of load and warm temperatures. Going down deeper, we still need to consider the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. If this deeply buried beast wakes up, we may see very large avalanches in high alpine north and northeast aspects.
Ground roughness is anchoring the snowpack at lower areas, limiting the possibility of slab avalanches to smooth open slopes at high elevations. However, the 20 cm of new snow that has fallen over the past 48 hours means loose snow avalanches are a possibility in all steep terrain. The new snow is bonding poorly to the previous snow surface that consisted of surface hoar, a crust, or facetted snow sitting on a crust.
The new snow load is building faster in the northern ranges of the interior than it is in the southern and eastern ranges. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. Large surface hoar and near surface facets are widespread above various crusts and hard wind slabs. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. Tests show that it is getting harder to pull the snowpack apart at this interface. We may still see this layer become active again if we get the right combination of load and warm temperatures. Going down deeper, we still need to consider the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. If this deeply buried beast wakes up, we may see very large avalanches in high alpine north and northeast aspects. In areas with a shallow snowpack, the weak basal layer of facets will be a concern with any added load.
Up to 20cms of snow sits on surface hoar up to 10mm in size. The surface hoar can only be found in sheltered areas. The strong winds that have been ripping through the region have destroyed the surface hoar in many exposed areas. However, this leads to a problem with variability. Looking around the region snow depths in the alpine are between 80 - 150 cm, dropping below treeline, snow depths are between 30- 60cm.  A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists at the ground, but there hasn't been any activity in the region on this layer since early December.  While the layer seems to be dormant for the moment, it may perform again if a significant load is added. It looks like this will be unlikely in the near future, but something to keep stashed in the back of your head. There is potential to trigger this deeper instability from a shallow, weak area. Check out our new Forecaster Blog post on incremental loading patterns. Click the tab to the left of the page.
Large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes, are now lightly buried in some locations and should continue to get buried over the forecast period. Assuming the structure of this current snow surface is preserved long enough for a sufficiently thick and cohesive slab to bury it, then a highly unstable situation should develop. Particularly where surface hoar and/or faceted crystals are associated with a weak crust. Generally speaking the longer surface snow is exposed to the elements before it gets burred, the more likely it is to become a serious problem. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted. Basal facets and depth hoar necessitate caution on wind-exposed slopes with highly variable snowpack depths, where this deep persistent weakness could be triggered from a shallow spot. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.
Large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes, are now lightly buried in some locations and should continue to get incrementally buried over the forecast period. Assuming the structure of this current snow surface is preserved long enough for a sufficiently thick and cohesive slab to bury it, then a highly unstable situation should develop (particularly where surface hoar and/or faceted crystals are associated with a weak crust).  The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.
The southern part of the region has received up to 60-80cm of snow over the past 5 days (Kasiks, Terrace areas) and less snowfall to the north. This is forming storm slabs at all elevations. This new snow is being blown around by strong southwest winds creating new wind slabs on lee slopes. Buried beneath the new snow sits a variety of weak snow surfaces (surface hoar, melt-freeze crusts, and facetted snow). This crust is up to 20cm in thickness and extends up to alpine elevations in the south, and around 1000m in the north.  The surface hoar growing on the crust was sized up to 10mm. A strong temperature gradient in the top 30cm was reported to be faceting snow below the surface crust. These layers have met their threshold, and while widespread avalanche activity has occurred lots more is expected with the forecast weather. Forecast rain for lower elevations will probably mean further weakening of the snowpack for the short term and another rain crust (sliding layer) for the future. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.
A few centimetres of new snow and surface hoar crystals are sitting on the less recent 20cm of storm snow which fell earlier in the week. This storm snow we received earlier this week sits on a variety of old weak snow surfaces including surface hoar, melt-freeze crusts and facetted snow. For the most part all aspects between 900m-2000m have a hard melt freeze crust.  This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones. This is the layer of concern as we receive more snow and wind Friday and Saturday. Above this crust surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary crystals) may be preserved. This exists at treeline and below treeline elevations. The recent winds in the alpine seem to have destroyed the surface hoar in exposed areas eliminating that problem but creating a wind slab problem. These wind slabs are in the immediate lee of features, sitting on the SH/CR/FC combo. They are reactive and rider triggered avalanches are likely. The midpack seems to be well settled and strong. Thanks to those who have sent in field observations. If you have any info from the field, we would love to hear from you. Write to us at forecaster@avalanche.ca
Large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes, is now lightly buried in most locations. At present this near-surface layer poses little hazard except in very specific areas where wind slabs have developed above it. However, looking ahead, once this weak layer becomes buried by around 40 cm of sufficiently cohesive snow, a highly unstable situation will develop. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted. Recent easy test results on basal facets and depth hoar necessitates caution on wind-exposed slopes with highly variable snowpack depths, where this deep persistent weakness could be triggered from a shallow spot. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.
Warm temperatures and rain has consolidated the recent 20cm or so of new snow. The snow surface is now generally stable. With a cooling trend, the snow surface will transition from soft and moist to hard and icy, further locking everything up. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well consolidated and strong.
A cold front is expected to move through the interior on Saturday night. This trailing cold front will follow in the wake of the warm air that we saw on Saturday and is forecast to bring another 10 cm by Sunday morning to the North and West regions of the Monashees and Cariboos. Less snow is forecast for the South and East areas of the Selkirks and Purcells. Freezing levels are expected to fall back to valley bottoms as cold air and moderate to strong Northwest winds move over the interior. Sunday is expected to be mostly dry but probably still overcast. Clearer and colder weather should be across the interior on Monday. The next Pacific system is expected to start moving in from the coast on Tuesday. It is a little early to determine intensity and timing for the next system.
A cold front is expected to move through the interior on Saturday night. This trailing cold front will follow in the wake of the warm air that we saw on Saturday and is forecast to bring another 10 cm by Sunday morning to the North and West regions of the Monashees and Cariboos. Less snow is forecast for the South and East areas of the Selkirks and Purcells. Freezing levels are expected to fall back to valley bottoms as cold air and moderate to strong Northwest winds move over the interior. Sunday is expected to be mostly dry but probably still overcast. Clearer and colder weather should be across the interior on Monday. The next Pacific system is expected to start moving in from the coast on Tuesday. It is a little early to determine intensity and timing for the next system.
A significant wind event early on Saturday has redistributed snow, scouring west-facing slopes and depositing highly variable wind slabs on east-facing slopes. In more sheltered locations, snowpack observations indicate that two upper layers of surface hoar from mid-December may exist in the upper snowpack: one lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface, the other approximately 40 cm. The upper layer has been reacting readily to snowpack tests, with sudden, "pop" results and clean shears. The slightly lower layer seems more resistant and harder to initiate. Despite the easy results in snowpack tests, ski cutting has not been effective at getting these layers to move. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists at the ground, but there hasn't been any activity in the region on this layer since early December.
A significant wind event early on Saturday has redistributed snow, scouring west-facing slopes and depositing highly variable wind slabs on east-facing slopes. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate this layer was blown around before it was buried and can only be found in isolated, sheltered locations. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists at the ground. This layer was responsible for some large releases earlier on in the season. However, there hasn't been any activity on this layer since early December and confidence is growing that it is gaining strength.
The early December dry spell left us large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes. They are now buried by soft slabs and more recent wind-transported moist snow and will continue to get an increased load over the forecast period. Assuming the structure of the old snow surface is preserved long enough for a sufficiently thick and cohesive slab to bury it, then a highly unstable situation should develop. Particularly where surface hoar and/or faceted crystals are associated with a weak crust. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted. Basal facets and depth hoar necessitate caution on wind-exposed slopes with highly variable snowpack depths, where this deep persistent weakness could be triggered from a shallow spot. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.
The December dry spell left us with large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes. They are now buried by soft slabs and more recently wind-transported moist snow and should continue to get incrementally buried with saturday night's forecast weather. Assuming the structure of the old snow surface is preserved long enough for a sufficiently thick and cohesive slab to bury it, then a highly unstable situation should develop (particularly where surface hoar and/or faceted crystals are associated with a weak crust).  The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice for managing incremental loading.
The southern part of the region has received up to 70-90cm of snow over the past 5 days (Kasiks, Terrace areas) and less snowfall to the north. This has formed storm slabs at all elevations. This new snow has been blown around by strong southwest winds creating new wind slabs on lee slopes. Buried beneath the new snow sits a variety of weak snow surfaces (surface hoar, melt-freeze crusts, and facetted snow). This crust is up to 20cm in thickness and extends up to alpine elevations in the south, and around 1000m in the north.  The surface hoar growing on the crust was sized up to 10mm. A strong temperature gradient in the top 30cm was also reported to be faceting snow below the surface crust. These layers have met their threshold, and while widespread avalanche activity has occurred lots more is expected with monday's forecast weather. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.
About 15 centimetres of new snow and surface hoar crystals are sitting on the less recent 20cm of storm snow which fell earlier in the week. This storm snow we received earlier this week sits on a variety of old weak snow surfaces including surface hoar, melt-freeze crusts and facetted snow. For the most part all aspects between 900m-2000m have a hard melt freeze crust.  This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones. This is the layer of concern at the moment. Above this crust surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary crystals) may be preserved. The recent winds in the alpine seem to have destroyed the surface hoar in exposed areas in the alpine eliminating that problem but creating a wind slab problem. In short, the upper snowpack is variable and a cautious approach is required as new slabs continue to form over the buried weak layers. The midpack seems to be well settled and strong.
A cold front is expected to move through the interior on Saturday night. This trailing cold front will follow in the wake of the warm air that we saw on Saturday and is forecast to bring another 10 cm by Sunday morning to the North and West regions of the Monashees and Cariboos. Less snow is forecast for the South and East areas of the Selkirks and Purcells. Freezing levels are expected to fall back to valley bottoms as cold air and moderate to strong Northwest winds move over the interior. Sunday is expected to be mostly dry but probably still overcast. Clearer and colder weather should be across the interior on Monday. The next Pacific system is expected to start moving in from the coast on Tuesday. It is a little early to determine intensity and timing for the next system.
Some areas of the North Columbia received up to 30 cm overnight. Strong southwest winds and warm temperatures have created wind slabs on North through East aspects in the alpine and at treeline. The new snow load is building faster in the northern ranges of the interior than it is in the southern and eastern ranges. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. Large surface hoar and near surface facets are widespread above various crusts and hard wind slabs. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. Tests show that it is getting harder to pull the snowpack apart at this interface. We may still see this layer become active again if we get the right combination of load and warm temperatures. Going down deeper, we still need to consider the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. If this deeply buried beast wakes up, we may see very large avalanches in high alpine north and northeast aspects.
10-15 cm low density snow sits above a weak layer of well developed surface hoar.  At present, the snow above this weak layer is not sufficiently deep and has not yet consolidated into a cohesive slab to set up the structure required for slab avalanches. Bear in mind, however, as more snow is added to the snowpack and the processes of settlement the uppre snowpack, the more likely slab avalanches become. We typically see dangerous slab avalanches start to occur when the depth to the weak layer reaches approximately 40 cm. Below the surface issues, the mid pack is strong. The basal snowpack layers are faceted. However, we have not had reports of instabilities affecting the lower layers in this area.
Recent warm temperatures and rain has consolidated the recent 20cm or so of new snow. The snow surface is now generally stable. At higher elevations on shady aspects, the snow surface is crusty and hard. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well consolidated and strong.
Some areas of the North Columbia received up to 30 cm on Saturday. The North and West Monashee received an additional 20 cm on Saturday night.  Strong southwest winds and warm temperatures have created wind slabs on North through East aspects in the alpine and at treeline.  The storm slab at treeline is approaching 50 cms and has been reported as very reactive to human triggers. The East and South ranges of the Interior Mountains have been much drier. The storm slab in the Purcells is closer to 20 cm in most places.The new snow load is building faster in the northern ranges of the interior than it is in the southern and eastern ranges. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. Large surface hoar and near surface facets are widespread above various crusts and hard wind slabs. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. Tests show that it is getting harder to pull the snowpack apart at this interface. We may still see this layer become active again if we get the right combination of load and warm temperatures. Going down deeper, we still need to consider the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. If this deeply buried beast wakes up, we may see very large avalanches in high alpine north and northeast aspects
The new snow load is building faster in the northern ranges of the interior than it is in the southern and eastern ranges. The Purcell has been getting less snow in the recent storms than the Selkirks. The fast moving waves of precipitation brought about 20 cm to some areas in 4 or 5 hours overnight into Sunday morning. There was a period of above freezing temperatures at treeline on the Rockies side of Kicking Horse Pass that may have also affected the treeline areas of the northern Purcell. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. Large surface hoar and near surface facets are widespread above various crusts and hard wind slabs. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. Tests show that it is getting harder to pull the snowpack apart at this interface. We may still see this layer become active again if we get the right combination of load and warm temperatures. Going down deeper, we still need to consider the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. If this deeply buried beast wakes up, we may see very large avalanches in high alpine north and northeast aspects. In weaker shallower areas, there is a layer of weak facetted crystals at the ground that has not been active since the early December dry spell. This layer may also "wake up" with additional load from new snow and wind.
A significant wind event on Saturday redistributed a lot of snow, scouring west-facing slopes and depositing highly variable wind slabs on east-facing slopes. In more sheltered locations, snowpack observations indicate that two upper layers of surface hoar from mid-December exist in the upper snowpack: one lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface, the other approximately 40 cm. The upper layer has been reacting readily to snowpack tests, with sudden, "pop" results and clean shears. The slightly lower layer seems more resistant and harder to initiate. Despite the easy results in snowpack tests, ski cutting has not been effective at getting these layers to move. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists close to the ground.
A significant wind event on Saturday redistributed snow, scouring west-facing slopes and depositing highly variable wind slabs on east-facing slopes. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate this layer was blown around before it was buried and can only be found in isolated, sheltered locations. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists at the ground. This layer was responsible for some large releases earlier on in the season. However, there hasn't been any activity on this layer since early December and confidence is growing that it is gaining strength.
The early December dry spell left us with weak, large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes. They are now buried about 30cm down by soft slabs from last week and more recent (friday to saturday night) wind-transported moist snow. With rain occurring up to 1800m over the last few days, some of these weak layers may have dissolved below treeline where a rain crust has now formed creating a potential weak layer for the future. At higher elevations, a cohesive and touchy windslab now exists and still over-rides these weaknesses. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted at base of the snowpack. Avalanche activity on any basal layers is highly unlikely at this time.Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.
The early December dry spell left us with weak, large surface hoar and faceted powder on sheltered shady slopes, and a surface crust on sun-exposed slopes. They are now buried about 15-20cm down by soft slabs from last week and more recent (friday-saturday night) wind-transported moist snow. With rain occurring up to 1800m over the last few days, some of these weak layers may have dissolved below treeline where a rain crust has now formed creating a potential weak layer for the future. At higher elevations, a cohesive and touchy windslab now exists and still over-rides these weaknesses. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but faceted at base of the snowpack. Avalanche activity on any basal layers is highly unlikely at this time.Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for more general snowpack discussion and good advice.
The southern part of the region has received up to 70-90cm of snow over the past week (Kasiks, Terrace areas) and less snowfall to the north. This has formed storm slabs at all elevations. This new snow has been blown around by strong southwest winds creating new wind slabs on lee slopes. Buried beneath the new snow sits a variety of weak snow surfaces (melt-freeze crust, surface hoar above the crust and facetted snow below the crust) that are a result of rain and then the early December dry spell. This crust is up to 20cm in thickness and extends up to alpine elevations in the south, and around 1000m in the north.  The surface hoar growing on the crust was sized up to 10mm. Widespread avalanche activity has occurred throughout many parts of the region and the surface hoar may have been cleaned-out as a result. In more snow-deprived parts of the region, more incremental loading is taking place and these weak layers are gradually reaching their threshold.The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.On monday an intense frontal system is forecast for the region (see weather forecast). Expect significant further wind and storm slab development.
Over the past week the region has received approximately 40cm of snow that now sits on a variety of weak snow surfaces (melt-freeze crust, surface hoar above the crust and facetted snow below the crust) that are a result of rain and then the early December dry spell.  This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones up to 2000m.  The recent winds in the alpine seem to have destroyed the surface hoar in exposed areas in the alpine possibly eliminating that issue, but creating a wind slab problem. In short, the upper snowpack is variable and showing easy shears in test results. A cautious approach is required as monday's forecast calls for new slabs to  continue to form over the buried weak layers. The midpack seems to be well settled and strong.
We are still getting limited information from this region, more operators will be reporting next week. It looks like the Cariboos did not get as much snow as the Monashee. Some areas of the North Columbia received up to 30 cm on Saturday. The North and West Monashee received an additional 20 cm on Saturday night.  Strong southwest winds and warm temperatures have created wind slabs on North through East aspects in the alpine and at treeline.  The storm slab at treeline is approaching 50 cms and has been reported as very reactive to human triggers. The East and South ranges of the Interior Mountains have been much drier. The storm slab in the Purcells is closer to 20 cm in most places.The new snow load is building faster in the northern ranges of the interior than it is in the southern and eastern ranges. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. Large surface hoar and near surface facets are widespread above various crusts and hard wind slabs. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. Tests show that it is getting harder to pull the snowpack apart at this interface. We may still see this layer become active again if we get the right combination of load and warm temperatures. Going down deeper, we still need to consider the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. If this deeply buried beast wakes up, we may see very large avalanches in high alpine north and northeast aspects.
Some areas of the North Columbia received up to 30 cm on Saturday. The North and West Monashee received an additional 20 cm on Saturday night.  Strong southwest winds and warm temperatures have created wind slabs on North through East aspects in the alpine and at treeline.  The storm slab at treeline is approaching 50 cms and has been reported as very reactive to human triggers. The East and South ranges of the Interior Mountains have been much drier. The storm slab in the Purcells is closer to 20 cm in most places.The new snow load is building faster in the northern ranges of the interior than it is in the southern and eastern ranges. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. Large surface hoar and near surface facets are widespread above various crusts and hard wind slabs. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. Tests show that it is getting harder to pull the snowpack apart at this interface. We may still see this layer become active again if we get the right combination of load and warm temperatures. Going down deeper, we still need to consider the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. If this deeply buried beast wakes up, we may see very large avalanches in high alpine north and northeast aspects.
10-15 cm low density snow sits above a weak layer of well developed surface hoar.  At present, the snow above this weak layer is not sufficiently deep and has not yet consolidated into a cohesive slab to set up the structure required for slab avalanches. Bear in mind, however, as more snow is added to the snowpack and the processes of settlement the uppre snowpack, the more likely slab avalanches become. We typically see dangerous slab avalanches start to occur when the depth to the weak layer reaches approximately 40 cm. Below the surface issues, the mid pack is strong. The basal snowpack layers are faceted. However, we have not had reports of instabilities affecting the lower layers in this area.
New snow and wind may be resulting in fresh wind slabs below exposed ridge crests and in cross-loaded gullies. Warm temperatures and rain over the weekend has consolidated the previous 20cm or so of storm snow. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well consolidated and strong.
A north-south split exists in this region at present as a result of the track of recent storms. Northern and western areas have seen up to 50 cm of recent storm snow, while areas further south have seen more like 20cm. This storm slab is reported to be upside-down, which means higher density snow sits on top of less dense snow. The storm slab sits above a well developed surface hoar layer from mid December, which has been reacting readily to snowpack tests and ski cutting. Additionally, remote-triggered avalanches have been reported on this layer, indicating it has a high potential for fracture propagation. All this info points to the same thing: Where the storm slab is sufficiently thick (in the order of 40 cm) and cohesive, conditions are ripe for slab avalanches.   Lower in the snowpack, the mid-layers are well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to wake up with a really big storm or very heavy loads (such as a sled airing off a cornice). These include a surface hoar layer from early November, a crust/facet combo from October and the interface on steep glaciated terrain with snow that did not melt over the summer.
A significant wind event on Saturday redistributed a lot of snow, scouring west-facing slopes and depositing highly variable wind slabs on east-facing slopes. In more sheltered locations, snowpack observations indicate that two upper layers of surface hoar from mid-December exist in the upper snowpack: one lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface, the other approximately 40 cm. The upper layer has been reacting readily to snowpack tests, with sudden, "pop" results and clean shears. The slightly lower layer seems more resistant and harder to initiate. Ski cutting is just beginning to become effective at getting these layers to move. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists close to the ground but needs heavy triggers to get it to move.
A significant wind event on Saturday redistributed snow, scouring west-facing slopes and depositing highly variable wind slabs on east-facing slopes. Current winds are from the northwest, so expect fresh wind slabs to develop on southeast facing slopes. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate this layer was blown around before it was buried and can only be found in isolated, sheltered locations. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists at the ground. This layer was responsible for some large releases earlier on in the season. However, there hasn't been any activity on this layer since early December and confidence is growing that it is gaining strength.
In exposed treeline and alpine areas touchy thin wind slabs are bonding poorly to a crust that formed after Saturday's warm temperatures and rain, and cornices are growing. Recent compression tests on a wind-loaded alpine slope produced easy to moderate sudden collapse results down 65cm presumably on last week's surface facets and/or surface hoar. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but facets may be lurking at base of the snowpack in shallow alpine areas.
5-10cm of recent snow in the Duffy Lake area, and 10-20cm in Coquihalla Pass, overlies a variety of surfaces including a 1cm melt-freeze crust below approximately 1850m, and well settled old storm snow in sheltered sites or wind crust in exposed areas above 1850m. Buried surface hoar persists down 15-20cm and recently gave easy shears in the Duffy Lake area. It is widespread and up to 25mm near valley bottom, becoming less prevalent and smaller with elevation and disappearing completely as you approach treeline. Locally deep and weak wind slabs are lurking and cornices are sensitive.
10-15 cm low density snow sits above a weak layer of large surface hoar and/or facets, with and associated crust on sun-exposed slopes.  At present, the snow above this weak layer is not sufficiently deep or cohesive for large slab avalanches. We typically see dangerous slab avalanches start to occur when the depth to the weak layer reaches approximately 40cm. Below these potential near surface issues, the mid pack is strong. The basal snowpack layers are faceted, however, we have not received any recent reports of associated instabilities.
The Purcell region has been getting less snow in the recent storms than the Selkirks. This means in most areas we have not reached critical threshold on a layer of large surface hoar and near surface facets that was buried mid-December. An exception to this is in the Dogtooth range, where avalanches to size 2 have been releasing on this layer. In most areas the mid-December surface hoar layer currently lies about 20cm below the snow surface. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. Lower in the snowpack, the mid-layers are well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to wake up with a really big storm or very heavy loads. These include a surface hoar layer from early November, a crust/facet combo from October and the interface on steep glaciated terrain with snow that did not melt over the summer.
The forecast region continues to get slammed by snow, wind and fluctuating freezing levels. The southern part of the region has received a meter + of new snow over the past week (Kasiks, Terrace areas). Locations to the north are seeing a lot of weather with a little less snow accumulations. Storm slabs are continuing to form at all elevations throughout the forecast region. This new snow has been blown around by strong southwest winds creating new wind slabs on lee slopes. Buried beneath the new snow sits a variety of weak snow surfaces (melt-freeze crust, surface hoar above the crust and facetted snow below the crust) that are a result of rain and then the early December dry spell. This crust is up to 20cm in thickness and extends up to alpine elevations in the south, and around 1000m in the north.  The surface hoar growing on the crust was sized up to 10mm. I suspect the surface hoar has been cleaned out in most locations during the past storm cycles. I'm sure it still exists in some locations; especially where snowfall amounts have been less.  With more forecast snow and wind these layers may reach their threshold.  If they have, you can expect re-loading to occur on the bed surfaces.The mid and lower snowpack continue to be well settled and strong.
Monday the region has received snow amounts from 5cm-15ms. It continues to snow into Tuesday accompanied by strong southwest winds. Storm snow and wind slabs are forming. There could be up to 50cms total from last week's snowfall and  the current snowfall loading the weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack. These weak layers are the December 12th surface hoar/crust/facet combo. Observations made suggest there is facetting above and below the crust. The crust being a result from rain in the early December dry spell.  This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones up to 2000m. In short, the upper snowpack is variable and showing easy shears in test results. The midpack seems to be well settled and strong.
Some areas of the North Columbia (Cariboos) received up to 30 cm on Saturday then another 5-10cm overnight Sunday. The North and West Monashees received an additional 20 cm on Saturday night.  Strong southwest winds and warm temperatures have created wind slabs on North through East aspects in the alpine and at treeline.  The storm slab sits between 50-80 cms and has been been naturally reactive. This layer is very touchy and rider triggers are likely. The East and South ranges of the North Columbias have been much drier. The new snow load continues to build faster in the northern ranges than in the southern and eastern ranges. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. Large surface hoar and near surface facets are widespread above various crusts and hard wind slabs. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer that sits around 120-150cms down. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. Tests show that it is getting harder to pull the snowpack apart at this interface. We may still see this layer become active again if we get the right combination of load and warm temperatures. The midpack is well settled. Going down deeper sits the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. At this point the interface remains dormant.
Some areas of the North Columbia received up to 30 cm on Saturday then another 5-10cm overnight Sunday. The North and West Monashees received an additional 20 cm on Saturday night.  Strong southwest winds and warm temperatures have created wind slabs on North through East aspects in the alpine and at treeline.  The storm slab sits between 50-80 cms and has been been naturally reactive. This layer is very touchy and rider triggers are likely. The East and South ranges of the North Columbias have been much drier. The new snow load continues to build faster in the northern ranges than in the southern and eastern ranges. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. The early December surface hoar and near surface facets are widespread above various crusts and hard wind slabs. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer that sits around 120-150cms down. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. Tests show that it is getting harder to pull the snowpack apart at this interface. We may still see this layer become active again if we get the right combination of load and warm temperatures. The midpack is well settled. Going down deeper sits the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. At this point the interface remains dormant.
Fluctuating freezing levels during recent snowfall has resulted in 20 or so cm of recent storm snow laminated with various crusts. Below this is a thick hard crust with isolated patched of surface hoar sitting on it predominately between 800m and 1300m elevation. Mid and lower snowpack layers are well consolidated and strong.
A north-south split exists in this region at present as a result of the track of recent storms. Northern and western areas have seen up to 50 cm of recent storm snow, while areas further south have seen more like 20cm. This storm slab is reported to be upside-down, which means higher density snow sits on top of less dense snow. The storm slab sits above a well developed surface hoar layer from mid December, which has been reacting readily to snowpack tests and ski cutting. Additionally, remote-triggered avalanches have been reported on this layer, indicating it has a high potential for fracture propagation. All this info points to the same thing: Where the storm slab is sufficiently thick (in the order of 40 cm) and cohesive, conditions are ripe for slab avalanches.   Lower in the snowpack, the mid-layers are well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to wake up with a really big storm or very heavy loads (such as a sled airing off a cornice). These include a surface hoar layer from early November, a crust/facet combo from October and the interface on steep glaciated terrain with snow that did not melt over the summer.
The Purcell region has been getting less snow in the recent storms than the Selkirks. This means in many areas we have not reached critical threshold on a layer of large surface hoar and near surface facets that was buried mid-December. Exceptions to this are the Dogtooth range and Bugaboos, where avalanches to size 2 have been releasing on this layer with fracture depths of 20-30 cm. Typically, the mid-December surface hoar layer currently lies about 20 cm below the snow surface. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40 to 55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 m. Lower in the snowpack, the mid-layers are well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to wake up with a really big storm or very heavy loads. These include a surface hoar layer from early November, a crust/facet combo from October and the interface on steep glaciated terrain with snow that did not melt over the summer.
A significant wind event last Saturday redistributed a lot of snow, scouring west-facing slopes and depositing highly variable wind slabs on east-facing slopes. In more sheltered locations, snowpack observations indicate that two upper layers of surface hoar from mid-December exist in the upper snowpack: one lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface, the other approximately 40 cm. The upper layer has been reacting readily to snowpack tests, with sudden, "pop" results and clean shears. The slightly lower layer seems more resistant and harder to initiate. Ski cutting is just beginning to become effective at getting these layers to move. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists close to the ground but needs heavy triggers to get it to move.
Recent strong winds have flipped from southerly to northerly and back to southerly. As a result, a highly variable snowpack exists in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline. Some areas are completely scoured; some have fresh layers of hard wind slabs. In more sheltered locations, a buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists at the ground. This layer was responsible for some large releases earlier on in the season. However, there hasn't been any activity on this layer since early December and confidence is growing that it has gained strength.
In exposed treeline and alpine areas wind slabs are bonding poorly to the variable but predominately crust snow surface from last weekend's warm, wet, and windy weather. Recent compression tests on a wind-loaded treeline slope produced easy to moderate sudden collapse results down 65cm on surface hoar overlying faceted snow. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong, but facets may be lurking at base of the snowpack in shallow alpine areas.
In alpine and exposed treeline areas fresh wind slabs are bonding poorly a variable but predominately crusty snow surface from last weekend's warm, wet, and windy weather. Buried surface hoar persists 10 or so centimetres below this crust on sheltered treeline slopes and below in the Duffy Lake area. Recent compression tests on a northerly aspect at 1750m produced easy sudden results where it was found  down 20cm as large as 15mm. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for a discussion on incremental loading of potential persistent weak layers. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.
The forecast region continues to get slammed by snow, wind and fluctuating freezing levels. The southern part of the region has received up to 70cms which totals over a meter of new snow over the past week (Kasiks, Terrace areas). Locations to the north are seeing less (Stewart up to 40cms) but still enough to create avalanche problems. Storm slabs are thickening at all elevations. This new snow has been blown around by strong southwest winds creating wind slabs on lee slopes. The winds are forecast to switch from the SW to the NW, this change is short lived (24hrs) but will form new wind slabs on SE - S facing slopes. This makes the wind slab problem even trickier to predict. Beneath the new storm snow (anywhere within the upper meter of the snowpack) sits significantly weak layers including a melt-freeze crust with surface hoar above the crust and facetted snow below the crust. This interface is a result of rain and then the early December dry spell. This crust is up to 20cm in thickness and extends up to alpine elevations in the south, and around 1000m in the north.  The surface hoar growing on the crust was sized up to 10mm. I suspect the surface hoar has been cleaned out in most locations during the past storm cycles. I'm sure it still exists in some locations; especially where snowfall amounts have been less.  With more forecast snow and wind these layers should reach their threshold.  If they have, you can expect re-loading to occur on the bed surfaces. The extent of the avalanche problems exist in the upper meter of the snowpack. The mid and lower snowpack continue to be well settled and strong. Snowpack depths in the Kasiks, Terrace areas are reaching the 300cm mark. Further north Smithers, Bear Pass  depths are ranging from 180-250cms.
Monday -Tuesday the region received up to 20cms of new snow accompanied by strong southwest winds. Storm snow and wind slabs are forming. There could be up to 50cms total from last week's snowfall and the current snowfall loading the weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack. These weak layers are the December 12th surface hoar/crust/facet combo.  What is the tipping point of this weak interface?  In areas where this interface has reached its threshold avalanches have occurred. If they have yet to happen naturally, I suspect they are very touchy and will react to a rider trigger.  Observations suggest there is faceting above and below the crust. The crust being a result from rain in the early December dry spell.  This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones up to 2000m. In short, the upper snowpack is variable and showing easy shears in test results. The midpack seems to be well settled and strong.
Some areas of the North Columbia (Cariboos) received up to 50cm of new storm snow over the past few days. The North and West Monashees received up to 60cms. Strong southwest winds and warm temperatures have created wind slabs on North through East aspects in the alpine and at treeline.  The storm slab sits between 50-80 cms and have been naturally reactive. This layer is very touchy and rider triggers are likely. The East and South ranges of the North Columbias have been much drier. The new snow load continues to build faster in the northern ranges than in the southern and eastern ranges. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. This is the mid December  surface hoar/facet/crust interface. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer that sits around 120-150cms down. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. Tests show that it is getting harder to pull the snowpack apart at this interface. We may still see this layer become active again if we get the right combination of load and warm temperatures. The midpack is well settled. Going down deeper sits the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. At this point the interface remains dormant.
Some areas in the The North and West Monashees received up to 60cms over the past few days. Strong southwest winds and warm temperatures have created wind slabs on North through East aspects in the alpine and at treeline.  The storm slab sits between 50-80 cms and have been naturally reactive. This layer is very touchy and rider triggers are likely. The East and South ranges of the North Columbias have been much drier. The new snow load continues to build faster in the northern ranges than in the southern and eastern ranges. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. This is the mid December surface hoar/facet/crust interface. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer that sits around 120-150cms down. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. Tests show that it is getting harder to pull the snowpack apart at this interface. We may still see this layer become active again if we get the right combination of load and warm temperatures. The midpack is well settled. Going down deeper sits the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. At this point the interface remains dormant.
10-15 cm low density snow sits above a weak layer of large surface hoar and/or facets, with and associated crust on sun-exposed slopes. A sufficiently cohesive slab for fracture propagation and avalanche release has formed on wind-loaded slopes, but for the most part, the slab is neither deep nor stiff enough for large avalanches. We typically see dangerous slab avalanches start to occur when the depth to the weak layer reaches approximately 40cm. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for a discussion on incremental loading of potentially persistent weak layers. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. Basal facets lurk in shallow snowpack areas, but we've received no recent reports of associated instabilities.
The total snowpack depth is still below threshold for large avalanches on all but smooth rock slabs or open treeline slopes with predominately heather ground cover. A recent snow profile on a north aspect at 1200m reveled a total snowpack depth of 126cm. The top 14cm was a laminated combination of crusts that supported the weight of a skier. Below was a 21cm thick layer of decomposing old storm snow resting on a very well settled lower snowpack.
Dribs and drabs of new snow with associated winds are keeping wind slabs fresh and poorly bonded to the variable but predominately crusty snow surface from last weekend's warm, wet, and windy weather. Recent compression tests on a wind-loaded treeline slope produced easy to moderate sudden collapse results down 65cm on surface hoar overlying faceted snow. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong. Weak facets may be lurking at base of the snowpack in shallow alpine areas, but there have been no recent reports of associated instabilities.
Dribs and drabs of new snow, particularly in the Coquihalla Pass area, with associated winds are keeping wind slabs fresh and poorly bonded to the variable but predominately crusty snow surface from last weekend's warm, wet, and windy weather. Buried surface hoar and/or facets persists 10 or so centimetres below a weak rain crust on sheltered treeline slopes and below in the Duffy Lake area. Recent compression tests on a northerly aspect at 1750m produced easy sudden results down 20cm  on surface hoar as large as 15mm. For the most part, the overlying slab is not yet thick enough for large avalanches, but with another 10-20cm of snow, this weakness will likely be a problem, particularly in open areas below treeline where it is especially thick. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for a discussion on incremental loading of potentially persistent weak layers. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong, but recent reports suggest basal facets create a deep persistent slab problem that deserves caution in shallow snowpack areas on planar rocky slopes.
The North Columbia (Cariboos) received up to 50cm of new storm snow over the past few days. Strong southwest winds and warm temperatures have created wind slabs on North through East aspects in the alpine, treeline, and below treeline.  The storm slabs are between 50-80cms and sit on the mid December surface hoar/facet/crust interface. This interface has been very active; especially to rider triggers.  Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55cms in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The new snow load continues to build faster in the northern ranges than in the southern and eastern ranges. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is what is driving the danger ratings at this time. The problems that exist are found in the upper meter of the snowpack. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer that sits around 120-150cms down. This layer has not been reactive during the recent loading after our 2 week dry spell.  It may be time to put this layer to bed. Going down deeper sits the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event. At this point the interface remains dormant.
The North and West Monashees received up to 60cms over the past few days. Strong southwest winds and warm temperatures have created wind slabs on North through East aspects in the alpine, treeline and below treeline.  The storm slab may be up to 80cms in some locations and have been naturally reactive. The East and South ranges of the North Columbias have been drier, seeing up to 60cms. These slabs are sitting on the mid December surface hoar/facet/crust interface. This interface has been very active; especially to rider triggers. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. The depth of the new storm snow above the various old surfaces is driving the danger ratings at this time. The problems are found in the upper meter of the snowpack.  Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is reported as generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer that sits around 120-150cms down. This layer has not been reactive during the new loading after the 2 week dry spell. It may be time to put this layer to bed. Going down deeper sits the interface between the snow that did not melt over the summer, the glacial ice, and the October rain event.  At this point the interface remains dormant.
Light amounts of new snow has covered new surface hoar overlying 10-15 cm low density snow sitting on another weak layer of large surface hoar and/or facets, with an associated crust on sun-exposed slopes. The uppermost surface hoar may not yet be fully protected from the elements that can destroy it, such as sun, wind, and especially rain, but at this point it seems to be just as widespread but smaller than the deeper layer. A sufficiently cohesive slab for fracture propagation and avalanche release has formed on wind-loaded slopes, but for the most part, the slab is neither deep nor stiff enough for large avalanches. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for a discussion on incremental loading of potentially persistent weak layers. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong, but recent reports suggest basal facets create a deep persistent slab problem that deserves caution in shallow snowpack areas on planar rocky slopes.
A north-south split exists in this region at present as a result of the track of recent storms. Northern and western areas have seen up to 50 cm of recent storm snow, while areas further south have seen more like 20cm. This storm slab is reported to be upside-down, which means higher density snow sits on top of less dense snow. The storm slab sits above a well developed surface hoar layer from mid December, which has been reacting readily to snowpack tests and ski cutting. Additionally, remote-triggered avalanches have been reported on this layer, indicating it has a high potential for fracture propagation. All this info points to the same thing: Where the storm slab is sufficiently thick (in the order of 40 cm) and cohesive, conditions are ripe for slab avalanches.   Lower in the snowpack, the mid-layers are well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to wake up with a really big storm or very heavy loads (such as a sled airing off a cornice). These include a surface hoar layer from early November, a crust/facet combo from October and the interface on steep glaciated terrain with snow that did not melt over the summer.
The Purcell region has been getting less snow in the recent storms than the Selkirks. This means in most areas we have not reached critical threshold on a layer of large surface hoar and near surface facets that was buried mid-December. An exception to this is in the Dogtooth range, where avalanches to size 2 have been releasing on this layer. In most areas the mid-December surface hoar layer currently lies about 20cm below the snow surface. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. Lower in the snowpack, the mid-layers are well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to wake up with a really big storm or very heavy loads. These include a surface hoar layer from early November, a crust/facet combo from October and the interface on steep glaciated terrain with snow that did not melt over the summer.
Recent westerly winds have redistributed much of the surface snow into windslabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. In more sheltered locations, snowpack observations indicate that two upper layers of surface hoar from mid-December exist in the upper snowpack: one lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface, the other approximately 40 cm. The upper layer has been reactive in snowpack tests, with sudden results. The slightly lower layer seems more resistant and harder to initiate. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists close to the ground but needs heavy triggers to get it to move.
Westerly winds continue, creating windslabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate this layer was blown around before it was buried and can only be found in isolated, sheltered locations. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. This layer was responsible for some large releases earlier on in the season. However, there hasn't been any activity on this layer since early December and confidence is growing that it is gaining strength.
Early in the week the region received up to 20cms of new snow accompanied by strong southwest winds. Storm snow and wind slabs are forming. There could be up to 50cms total from last week's snowfall and the current snowfall loading the weak layers in the upper part of the snowpack. These weak layers are the December 12th surface hoar/crust/facet combo. What is the tipping point of this weak interface? In areas where this interface has reached its threshold avalanches have occurred. If they have yet to happen naturally, I suspect they are very touchy and will react to a rider trigger. Observations suggest there is faceting above and below the crust. The crust being a result from rising freezing levels, then the early December dry spell. This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones up to 2000m. In short, the upper snowpack is variable and showing easy shears in test results. The midpack seems to be well settled and strong.
The forecast region got slammed by snow, wind and fluctuating freezing levels. The southern part of the region has received up to 70cms which totals over a meter of new snow over the past week (Kasiks, Terrace areas). Locations to the north are seeing less (Stewart up to 40cms). This new snow has been blown around by extreme-strong southwest winds creating stiff wind slabs on lee slopes. The winds have switched from the SW to the NW. This switch was short lived through Wednesday, but may have formed new wind slabs on SE - S facing slopes. This makes the wind slab problem even trickier to predict.  The storms over the past 10 days have created several significant avalanche cycles. My guess is that these repeated cycles have cleaned out most of the mid-December buried surface hoar/facet interface. This is good.  The region now sees firm wind pressed surfaces, old bed surfaces (from previous slides), and a crust that extends up to alpine elevations in the south and around 1000m in the north.  The next storm will fall on these surfaces, and it's likely that the region will see another large avalanche cycle. The mid and lower snowpack are settled and strong. Snowpack depths in the Kasiks, Terrace areas are reaching the 300cm mark. Further north Smithers, Bear Pass  depths are ranging from 180-250cms.
The total snowpack depth is still below threshold for large avalanches on all but smooth rock slabs or open treeline slopes with predominately heather ground cover. A recent snow profile on a north aspect at 1200m reveled a total snowpack depth of 126cm. The top 14cm was a laminated combination of crusts that supported the weight of a skier. Below was a 21cm thick layer of decomposing old storm snow resting on a very well settled lower snowpack.
A north-south split exists in this region at present as a result of the track of recent storms. Northern and western areas have seen up to 50 cm of recent storm snow, while areas further south have seen more like 20cm. This storm slab is reported to be upside-down, which means higher density snow sits on top of less dense snow. The storm slab sits above a well developed surface hoar layer from mid December, which has been reacting readily to snowpack tests and ski cutting. Additionally, remote-triggered avalanches have been reported on this layer, indicating it has a high potential for fracture propagation. All this info points to the same thing: Where the storm slab is sufficiently thick (in the order of 40 cm) and cohesive, conditions are ripe for slab avalanches. Lower in the snowpack, the mid-layers are well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to wake up with a really big storm or very heavy loads (cornice drop). These include a surface hoar layer from early November, a crust/facet combo from October and the interface on steep glaciated terrain with snow that did not melt over the summer.
There is about 20-30cm of recent storm snow sitting over the December 12 interface of surface hoar and facets. This new snow has been deposited into soft slabs on lee features in open terrain by the consistent winds. The interface between the new snow and older surfaces is gaining strength, but still remains within the threshold of human triggering where there is sufficient load/slab properties. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. There is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55 cm in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. Lower in the snowpack, the mid-layers are well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to wake up with a really big storm or very heavy loads. These include a surface hoar layer from early November, a crust/facet combo from October and the interface on steep glaciated terrain with snow that did not melt over the summer.
Recent westerly winds have redistributed much of the surface snow into windslabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. In more sheltered locations, snowpack observations indicate that two upper layers of surface hoar from mid-December exist in the upper snowpack: one lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface, the other approximately 40 cm. The upper layer has been reactive in snowpack tests, with sudden results. The slightly lower layer seems more resistant and harder to initiate. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists close to the ground but needs heavy triggers (cornice fall) to get it to move.
Westerly winds continue, creating windslabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate this layer was blown around before it was buried and can only be found in isolated, sheltered locations at and below treeline. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. This layer was responsible for some large releases earlier on in the season. However, there hasn't been any activity on this layer since early December and confidence is growing that it is gaining strength.
Alpine areas are wind-hammered with scoured and pressed surfaces, exposed crusts, and pockets of hard and soft wind slabs. Buried surface hoar and/or facets persists 10-20cm below a weak rain crust on sheltered treeline slopes and below. Recent compression tests on a treeline slope produced easy to moderate sudden collapse results down 65cm on on this weakness where it was wind-loaded. Watch this layer as it gets more load and a thick cohesive slab develops, particularly below treeline where the buried surface hoar is especially large. A strong mid pack overlies weak basal facets and depth hoar in shallow alpine areas. This deep persistent weakness may also deserve attention with more load.
Dribs and drabs of new snow, in the Coquihalla area, with associated winds are keeping wind slabs fresh and poorly bonded, but also keeping recent persistent weak layer development and distribution to a minimum. While in the Duffey Lake area, wind-exposed slopes are predominately scoured and pressed, with pockets of hard wind slab. Buried surface hoar and/or facets persists 10 or so centimetres below a weak rain crust on sheltered treeline slopes and below, where recent compression tests on a northerly aspect at 1750m produced easy sudden results down 20cm on surface hoar as large as 15mm. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for a discussion on incremental loading of potentially persistent weak layers. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong, but recent reports suggest basal facets create a deep persistent slab problem that deserves caution in shallow snowpack areas on planar rocky slopes.
Earlier this week the forecast region got slammed by snow, wind and fluctuating freezing levels. The southern part of the region has received up to 70cms which totals over a meter of new snow over the past week (Kasiks, Terrace areas). Locations to the north are seeing less (Stewart up to 40cms). This new snow has been blown around by extreme-strong southwest winds creating stiff wind slabs on lee slopes. The winds have switched from the SW to the NW. This switch was short lived through Wednesday, but may have formed new wind slabs on SE - S facing slopes. This makes the wind slab problem even trickier to predict. The storms over the past 10 days have created several significant avalanche cycles. My guess is that these repeated cycles have cleaned out most of the mid-December buried surface hoar/facet interface. This is good. The region now sees firm wind pressed surfaces, old bed surfaces (from previous slides), and a crust that extends up to alpine elevations in the south and around 1000m in the north. The next storm will fall on these surfaces, and it's likely that the region will see another large avalanche cycle. The mid and lower snowpack are settled out and strong. Snowpack depths in the Kasiks, Terrace areas are reaching the 300cm mark. Further north Smithers, Bear Pass depths are ranging from 180-250cms.
Early in the week the region received up to 20cms of new snow accompanied by strong southwest winds. Storm snow and wind slabs are forming. There is now around 50cms of snow sitting on a weak interface. This weakness is the December 12th surface hoar/crust/facet combo. What is the tipping point of this weak interface? In areas where this interface has reached its threshold avalanches have occurred. If they have yet to happen naturally, I suspect they are very touchy and will react to a rider trigger. Observations suggest there is faceting above and below the buried crust. The crust being a result from rising freezing levels, then the early December dry spell. This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones up to 2000m. In short, the upper snowpack is variable and showing easy shears in test results. The avalanche problems exist in the upper meter of the snowpack on this weak interface. Beneath this the midpack is well settled and strong.
The Cariboos received up to 50cm of new storm snow over the past few days. Strong southwest winds and warm temperatures have created wind slabs on North through East aspects in the alpine, and at treeline. Storm slabs are between 50-80cms and sit on the mid December surface hoar/facet/crust interface. This interface is where the avalanche problems exist.   The snow load is fatter in the northern ranges than in the southern and eastern ranges.  The storm slabs are between 50-80cms and sit on the mid December surface hoar/facet/crust interface. This weak layer has been very active; especially to rider triggers.  Reports indicate that this weak layer has failed in some locations naturally, but where avalanches haven't occurred I suspect it's ripe and just waiting for a trigger. This is my main concern for the holiday weekend.  Also buried in the snowpack exists a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. Additionally there is a rain crust that is buried between 40-55cms in some areas that reaches up to about 2200 metres. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer that sits around 120-150cms down. This layer has not been reactive during the recent loading after our 2 week dry spell. It may be time to put this layer to bed.
The North and West Monashees received up to 60cms earlier this week. Strong southwest winds and warm temperatures have created wind slabs on North through East aspects in the alpine, and treeline. The storm slab may be up to 80cms in some locations and have been naturally reactive. The East and South ranges of the North Columbias have been drier, seeing up to 60cms. These slabs are sitting on the mid December surface hoar/facet/crust interface. This interface has been very active; especially to rider triggers. Some areas have a buried sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. Additionally there is a rain crust that is buried 40-55 cm in some areas and reaches up to about 2200 metres.   The current problems are found in the upper meter of the snowpack, which are ripe for rider triggering. The mid-pack is strong and well settled. Observers are still able to find the early November surface hoar layer that sits around 120-150cms down. This layer has not been reactive during the recent long dry spell. It may be time to put this layer to bed.
Surface hoar is is growing on the snow surface again and some areas have three different surface hoar layers buried in the top 15cm, but the deepest layer is largest and most widespread across the region. A sufficiently cohesive slab for fracture propagation and avalanche release has formed on wind-loaded slopes, but for the most part, the slab is neither deep nor stiff enough for large avalanches. Check out the Forecaster's Blog link below for a discussion on incremental loading of potentially persistent weak layers. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong, but recent reports suggest basal facets create a deep persistent slab problem that deserves attention in shallow snowpack areas on planar rocky slopes.
The total snowpack depth is still below threshold for large avalanches on all but smooth rock slabs or open treeline slopes with predominately heather ground cover. A recent snow profile on a north aspect at 1200m revealed a total snowpack depth of 126cm. The top 14cm was a laminated combination of crusts that supported the weight of a skier. Below was a 21cm thick layer of decomposing old storm snow resting on a very well settled lower snowpack.
Northern and western areas have seen up to 50 cm of recent storm snow, while areas further south have seen only 20cm. Consistent westerly winds have lee loaded alpine and open treeline terrain, creating a windslab problem. In many areas, the new snow sits above a well developed surface hoar layer from mid December. Stability test still show sudden results on this layer in the moderate to hard range, and whole block rutchblocks have also been reported. Where this layer is present, it should be treated with respect. Lower in the snowpack, the mid-layers are well-consolidated and strong.
There is about 20-30cm of recent storm snow sitting over the December 12 interface of surface hoar and facets. This new snow has been deposited into soft slabs on lee features in open terrain by the consistent winds. The interface between the new snow and older surfaces is gaining strength, but still remains within the threshold of human triggering where there is sufficient load/slab properties. Some areas have a sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. Lower in the snowpack, the mid-layers are well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to wake up with a really big storm or very heavy loads. These include a surface hoar layer from early November, a crust/facet combo from October and the interface on steep glaciated terrain with snow that did not melt over the summer.
Recent westerly winds have redistributed much of the surface snow into windslabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. In more sheltered locations, snowpack observations indicate that two upper layers of surface hoar from mid-December exist in the upper snowpack: one lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface, the other approximately 40 cm. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. The crust/facet combo still exists close to the ground but needs heavy triggers (cornice fall) to get it to move.
Westerly winds continue, creating windslabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate this layer was blown around before it was buried and can only be found in isolated, sheltered locations at and below treeline. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground. This lower layer was responsible for some large releases earlier in the season but we haven't seen any action on it lately. Worth keeping in the back of your mind around shallow snowpack areas where the bridging could be weaker.
Alpine areas are wind-hammered with scoured and pressed surfaces, exposed crusts, and pockets of hard and soft wind slabs. Buried surface hoar and/or facets may persist 10-20cm below a weak rain crust on sheltered treeline slopes and below. Recent compression tests on a treeline slope produced easy to moderate sudden collapse results down 65cm on on this weakness where it was wind-loaded. Watch this layer as it gets more load and a thick cohesive slab develops, particularly below treeline where the buried surface hoar would be especially large. A strong mid pack overlies weak basal facets and depth hoar in shallow alpine areas. This deep persistent weakness may also deserve attention with more load.
Dribs and drabs of new snow, in the Coquihalla area, with associated winds are keeping wind slabs fresh and poorly bonded, but also keeping recent surface hoar development and distribution to a minimum. While in the Duffey Lake area, wind-exposed slopes are predominately scoured and pressed, with pockets of hard wind slab. Buried surface hoar and/or facets persists 10 or so centimetres below a weak rain crust on sheltered treeline slopes and below, where recent compression tests on a northerly aspect at 1750m produced easy sudden results down 20cm on surface hoar as large as 15mm. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong, but recent reports suggest basal facets create a deep persistent slab problem that deserves caution in shallow snowpack areas on planar rocky slopes.
Earlier this week the forecast region got slammed by snow, wind and fluctuating freezing levels. Including the 20cm that fell on thursday night, the southern part of the region has received over a meter of new snow over the past week (Kasiks, Terrace areas). Locations to the north are seeing less (Stewart up to 60cms). This new snow has been blown around by extreme-strong southwest winds creating stiff wind slabs on lee slopes. The winds have switched from the SW to the NW. This switch was short lived through Wednesday, but may have formed new wind slabs on SE - S facing slopes. This makes the wind slab problem even trickier to predict. In addition to the more obvious direct-action storm instabilities that are expected with the forecast weather, local avalanche professionals have some other concerns:  Surface hoar that formed during the winter solstice sits approximately 30cm below the surface and will become more reactive with more wind and snow. As well, the crust-facet combo (extends up to alpine elevations in the south and around 1000m in the north) from the early december dry-spell sits about 135cm below the surface and has not gone away . Any avalanches on this layer would be highly destructive and is probably waiting for the right load or trigger. The mid and lower snowpack are settled out and strong. Snowpack depths in the Kasiks, Terrace areas are reaching the 300cm mark. Further north Smithers, Bear Pass depths are ranging from 180-250cms.
On thursday night the region received about 9cm of new snow. Earlier in the week the region received up to 20cms of new snow accompanied by strong southwest winds. Storm snow and wind slabs have formed. There is now around 55cms of snow sitting on a weak interface. This weakness is the December 12th surface hoar/crust/facet combo. What is the tipping point of this weak interface? In areas where this interface has reached its threshold avalanches have occurred. If they have yet to happen naturally, I suspect they are touchy and will react to a rider trigger. Observations suggest there is faceting above and below the buried crust. The crust being a result from rising freezing levels, then the early December dry spell. This crust is widespread and is lingering in most start zones up to 2000m. In short, the upper snowpack is variable and showing easy shears in test results. The avalanche problems exist in the upper meter of the snowpack on this weak interface. Beneath this the midpack is well settled and strong.
Recent storm snow continues to be redistributed by strong southwest winds. Wind slabs with the potential to propagate widely exist in the alpine, particularly on north through east aspects. At treeline, pockets of wind slab also exist. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 30- 80cm deep and has recently proven itself to be variable in its distribution, with concerning (sudden planar) results in snowpack tests and rider-triggered avalanches in some places and little results in other places. This means the problem is somewhat spotty, but could be lurking round the corner - and have huge consequences if triggered.A resistant-type shear about 30cm down within the recent storm snow also exists.  A sun crust also exists in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled. Over the Christmas weekend, a high level of training will be required to effectively manage the risks posed by slabs sitting over the buried interface from mid-December. Avalanches could be triggered by you if you venture into the wrong terrain - the most likely areas are steep, convex rolls, sheltered slopes around treeline, big open alpine terrain and thin-spot trigger points. They could also be triggered naturally as incoming weather adds more snow and wind-loading to the recipe. To be able to travel safely, you'll need the skills to recognise whether snowpack weaknesses exist on the slopes you are considering travelling on, strong group management skills and a good measure of judgement and discipline.
Strong southwest winds have created wind slabs on north through east aspects at alpine and treeline elevations.  A surface hoar/facet/crust interface buried in mid-December remains a concern in the upper snowpack. This interface has recently been quite touchy, catching a few people by surprise. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed down. Recent snowpack tests show variable results on this layer, which is buried 50-70cm deep. In some locations, observers are still seeing moderate-hard, sudden planar or sudden collapse results. It won't be a problem on every slope, but is still lurking in some locations, with potentially big consequences if you do trigger it. In order to travel safely, you'll need the skills to recognise whether this weakness is a problem on the particular slopes you are thinking of traveling on.Some areas have a buried sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects.  The current problems are found in the upper meter of the snowpack, putting them in range for rider triggering. The mid-pack is strong and well settled. Newly developed surface hoar and surface faceting is likely to be getting gently buried today as the first snowflakes fall ahead of two frontal systems approaching over the weekend.
Recently developed surface hoar and near-surface facets are likely to get gently buried by light snowfall over the next few days, potentially creating a weak interface which could become reactive with enough new load from snow and/or wind-transport.In the meantime, the snowpack is relatively well bonded, except for buried surface hoar layers in the upper 15cm (with sudden test results on these layers in some locations) and soft and hard wind-slabs on certain slopes in the alpine and around treeline. Facets at the base of the snowpack could create a deep persistent slab problem that deserves attention in shallow snowpack areas on planar rocky slopes.
The total snowpack depth is still below threshold for large avalanches except in specific locations (smooth rock slabs or open treeline slopes with heather ground cover). Rain and a few cm of fresh snow fell today. The snowpack depth is around 1-1.5 metres. Generally the snowpack is well bonded.
Up to 15cm of new snow has fallen in the past 24hrs.  This overlies soft slabs on North through East aspects and some spotty, small surface hoar/surface facets in sheltered locations at treeline and below. This brings the total load over the early December surface hoar to 30cm in the South and 65cm in the North. This surface hoar layer is still producing sudden results in stability tests and a whole block rutchblock 4 was also observed. This is certainly the layer to watch; check out the forecaster blog for more info/ideas on this current problem. The midpack is well consolidated and strong.
There is about 25-35cm of recent storm snow sitting over the December 12 interface of surface hoar and facets. This new snow has been deposited into soft slabs on lee features in open terrain by the consistent winds. The interface between the new snow and older surfaces is surface hoar and/or facets from early December. This layer is gaining strength, but still remains within the threshold of human triggering where there is sufficient load/slab properties. Check out the forecaster blog for more information on this layer and how to manage it. Lower in the snowpack, the mid-layers are well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to trigger with very heavy loads or from shallow spots. These include a surface hoar layer from early November, a crust/facet combo from October and the interface on steep glaciated terrain with snow that did not melt over the summer.
Recent westerly winds have redistributed much of the surface snow into windslabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. In more sheltered locations, snowpack observations indicate that two upper layers of surface hoar from mid-December exist in the upper snowpack: one lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface, the other approximately 40 cm. A well settled mid pack bridges over the crust/facet weakness at the ground.
Westerly winds continue, creating windslabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate this layer was blown around before it was buried and can only be found in isolated, sheltered locations at and below treeline. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground.
Dribs and drabs of new snow with moderate winds have been the norm over the last week. Wind-exposed slopes are predominately scoured and pressed, with pockets of wind slab from 10 to 35cm deep on North to East aspects at treeline and in the alpine. This recent snow overlies a weak rain crust that formed last weekend. This crust extends to treeline elevations and overlies buried surface hoar and/or facets 10cm below. Generally speaking, confidence in this interface is growing, especially since it has'nt seen a significant load at the elevations where it exists. In the alpine where the crust does not exist, a stiffer wind slab may over-ride surface facets that formed during the early December dry spell. A compression test on thursday showed easy, sudden results 35cm below the surface at 2250m on a North aspect.The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. Snowpack depths at treeline sit at about 130 throughout the region.
Over the past week the forecast region got slammed by snow, strong to extreme wind and fluctuating freezing levels. Including the 18cm that fell on friday night, the southern part of the region has received about 120cm of new snow (Kasiks, Terrace areas). Locations to the north are seeing less (Stewart up to 75cms). Alpine observations have been limited and wind sensors have been disabled by rime, but I suspect new snow has been blown around by strong southwest winds creating wind slabs on lee slopes.In addition to the more obvious direct-action storm instabilities that are expected with the forecast weather, local avalanche professionals have some other concerns:  Surface hoar that formed during the winter solstice sits approximately 35cm below the surface and will become more reactive with more wind and snow. As well, the crust-facet combo (extends up to alpine elevations in the south and to 1000m in the north) from the early december dry-spell sits about 150cm below the surface and has not gone away. Any avalanches on this layer would be highly destructive and are probably waiting for the right load or trigger. The mid and lower snowpack are settled out and strong. Snowpack depths in the Kasiks, Terrace areas have reached the 300cm mark. Further north Smithers, Bear Pass depths are ranging from 190-260cms.
Over the past week the Hankin/ Hudson Bay Mtn area received up to 30cms of new snow accompanied by strong southwest winds. Storm slabs and wind slabs have formed. There is now around 55cms of snow sitting on a surface hoar/crust/facet combo which is the result of the early December dry spell. This crust is widespread and exists in most start zones up to 2000m. Facets can reportedly be found above or below the crust. Prior to being buried, the surface hoar was destroyed by high winds in the alpine, but still coexists with the crust at treeline and below. What is the tipping point of this weak interface? In areas where this interface has reached its threshold, natural and human triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 have occurred. If they have yet to happen, I suspect they are gaining some strength but would still react to a rider trigger, especially in steeper, unsupported terrain features.  In short, the upper snowpack is variable and deserves caution. It will also see increased load with forecast wind and snow.Beneath this the midpack is well settled and strong.The base sits at about 115cm at treeline and about 135cm in the alpine.
Recent storm snow continues to be redistributed by southwest winds. Wind slabs with the potential to propagate widely exist in the alpine, particularly on north through east aspects. At treeline and below, pockets of wind slab also exist in open areas. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 30- 80cm deep and has recently proven itself to be variable in its distribution, with concerning (sudden planar) results in snowpack tests and rider-triggered avalanches in some places and little results in other places. This means the problem is somewhat spotty, but could be lurking round the corner - and have huge consequences if triggered.A resistant-type shear about 30cm down within the recent storm snow also exists.  A sun crust also exists in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.
Southwest winds have created wind slabs on north through east aspects at alpine and treeline elevations.  A surface hoar/facet/crust interface buried in mid-December remains a concern in the upper snowpack. Recent snowpack tests show variable results on this layer, which is buried 50-70cm deep. In some locations, observers are still seeing sudden ('pops and drops') results. Some areas have a buried sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. The mid-pack is strong and well settled. Newly developed surface hoar and surface faceting is getting gently buried with new snow.
Recently developed surface hoar and near-surface facets are getting gently buried by light snowfall, potentially creating a weak interface which could become reactive with enough new load from snow and/or wind-transport.Other buried surface hoar layers exist in the upper 15-25cm (with sudden test results on these layers in some locations). Soft and hard wind-slabs can be found on certain slopes in the alpine and around treeline. Generally light snowfall amounts are forecast for the region over the next few days. Without the certainty of heavy or rapid loading, it's hard to know when the weight of new snow building over buried weaknesses might reach a tipping point. Areas with locally heavier snowfall should reach this point sooner. Facets at the base of the snowpack could create a deep persistent slab problem that deserves attention in shallow snowpack areas on planar rocky slopes.
The region received 20cm of new snow on friday night and throughout saturday. Alpine winds were moderate to strong from the southwest during this period. Touchy windslabs up to 50cm deep now exist on lee aspects.Below this new snow a weak rain crust exists up to treeline.  This crust may over-ride buried surface hoar and/or facets may persist 10-20cm below. Watch this layer as it gets more load and a thick cohesive slab develops, particularly below treeline where the buried surface hoar would be especially large. A strong mid pack overlies basal facets that have also gained considerable strength.Snow depths are at approximately 140cm at treeline in the Spearhead area and 180cm at treeline in the Branywine area.
The total snowpack depth is still below threshold for large avalanches except in specific locations (smooth rock slabs or open treeline slopes with heather ground cover). A mix of rain and snow over the last couple of days has helped consolidate the snowpack.  The snowpack depth is around 1-1.5 metres. Generally the snowpack is well bonded.
As much as 20cm of new snow has fallen in the most recent storm pulse.  This overlies soft slabs on North through East aspects and some spotty, small surface hoar/surface facets in sheltered locations at treeline and below. This brings the total load over the early December surface hoar to 35cm in the South and 65cm in the North. This surface hoar layer is still producing sudden results in stability tests and a whole block rutchblock 4 was also observed. This is certainly the layer to watch; check out the forecaster blog for more info/ideas on this current problem. The midpack is well consolidated and strong.
There is about 25-35cm of recent storm snow sitting over the December 12 interface of surface hoar and facets. This new snow has been deposited into soft slabs on lee features in open terrain by the consistent winds. The interface between the new snow and older surfaces is surface hoar and/or facets from early December. This layer is gaining strength, but still remains within the threshold of human triggering where there is sufficient load/slab properties. Check out the forecaster blog for more information on this layer and how to manage it. Lower in the snowpack, the mid-layers are well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to trigger with very heavy loads or from shallow spots. These include a surface hoar layer from early November, a crust/facet combo from October and the interface on steep glaciated terrain with snow that did not melt over the summer.
Recent westerly winds have redistributed much of the surface snow into windslabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. In more sheltered locations, snowpack observations indicate that two upper layers of surface hoar from mid-December exist in the upper snowpack: one lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface, the other approximately 40 cm. A well settled mid pack bridges over the crust/facet weakness at the ground.
Westerly winds continue, creating windslabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate this layer was blown around before it was buried and can only be found in isolated, sheltered locations at and below treeline. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground.
The region received 20cm of new snow on Friday night and throughout Saturday. Touchy windslabs up to 50cm deep have formed on north through east aspects in response to strong SW winds. A weak rain crust is found below the new snow up to treeline elevations. This crust may sit on top of buried surface hoar and/or facets may persist 10-20cm below. Watch this layer as it gets more load and a thick cohesive slab develops, particularly below treeline where the buried surface hoar would be especially large. A strong mid pack overlies basal facets that have also gained considerable strength. Snow depths are at approximately 140cm at treeline in the Spearhead area and 180cm at treeline in the Brandywine area.
Dribs and drabs of new snow with moderate winds have been the norm over the last week. Wind-exposed slopes are predominately scoured and pressed, with pockets of wind slab from 10 to 35cm deep on North to East aspects at treeline and in the alpine.This recent snow overlies a weak rain crust that formed last weekend. This crust extends to treeline elevations and overlies buried surface hoar and/or facets 10cm below. Generally speaking, confidence in this interface is growing, especially since it has'nt seen a significant load at the elevations where it exists. In the alpine where the crust does not exist, a stiffer wind slab may over-ride surface facets that formed during the early December dry spell. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong. Snowpack depths at treeline sit at about 130 throughout the region.
Over the past week the northwest has been slammed by snow, strong to extreme winds, and fluctuating freezing levels. An additional 25-30cm on Saturday has brought total snowfall over the past week to almost 150cm near Terrace. Locations to the north have seen a little less (Stewart up to 90cms). Alpine observations have been limited and wind sensors have been disabled by rime, but I suspect new snow has been blown around by strong southwest winds creating wind slabs on lee slopes.In addition to the more obvious direct-action storm instabilities that are expected with the forecast weather, local avalanche professionals have some other concerns: Surface hoar that formed during the winter solstice sits approximately 40-60cm below the surface and may become more reactive with more wind and snow. As well, the crust-facet combo (extends up to alpine elevations in the south and to 1000m in the north) from the early december dry-spell sits about 150cm below the surface and has not gone away. Any avalanches on this layer would be highly destructive and are probably waiting for the right load or trigger.
Over the past week the Hankin/ Hudson Bay area received up to 40cms of new snow accompanied by strong southwest winds. Storm slabs and wind slabs have formed and may be susceptible to human triggering. There is now around 55-70cms of snow sitting on a surface hoar/crust/facet combo which is the result of the early December dry spell. This crust is widespread and exists in most start zones up to 2000m. Facets can reportedly be found above or below the crust. Prior to being buried, the surface hoar was destroyed by high winds in the alpine, but still coexists with the crust at treeline and below. What is the tipping point of this weak interface? In areas where this interface has reached its threshold, natural and human triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 have occurred. If they have yet to happen, I suspect they are gaining some strength but would still react to a rider trigger, especially in steeper, unsupported terrain features.  In short, the upper snowpack is variable and deserves caution. It will also see increased load with forecast wind and snow. Beneath this the midpack is well settled and strong.
The recent storm snow seems to be settling and strengthening.  Any loose available snow continues to be redistributed by southwest winds. Wind slabs with the potential to propagate widely exist in the alpine, particularly on north through east aspects. At treeline and below, pockets of wind slab also exist in open areas. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 30- 80cm deep. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but it remains a concern as snow-loading gradually builds this week. Sudden ('pops') type results were observed on this layer earlier in the week.A sun crust is also buried in the alpine on some steep south and west aspects. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.
10-25cm of new snow overlies variable old surfaces, including surface hoar, facets, settled snow and wind slabs.  New and recent wind slabs exist on north through east aspects at alpine and treeline elevations.  A surface hoar/facet/crust interface buried in mid-December remains a concern in the upper snowpack. Recent snowpack tests show improving results on this layer, which is now buried 50-80cm deep.  Some areas have a buried sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.
Up to 20cm of new snow is bonding poorly to the old surface. A surface hoar layer from mid-December around 30cm down is giving sudden test results. Avalanche activity on the mid-December buried surface hoar layer has increased in the South Columbia region over the last two days as critical amounts of snow have been reached. I expect to see this trend of rising avalanche occurrences and increased size/consequence reach the Kootenay Boundary region soon. In some parts of the region, it's probably already occurring. Soft and hard wind-slabs can be found on certain slopes in the alpine and around treeline. Facets at the base of the snowpack could create a deep persistent slab problem that deserves attention in shallow snowpack areas on planar rocky slopes.
Around 25cm of new snow has landed on a generally well-consolidated snowpack.  The snowpack depth is around 1-1.5 metres.
As much as 25cm of new snow has fallen over the holiday weekend forming hard slabs and soft slabs in exposed open areas at treeline and above. The new snow also overlies soft slabs on North through East aspects and some spotty, small surface hoar/surface facets in sheltered locations at treeline and below.  The new snow seems to be bonding to the upper snowpack in the North West parts of the region. Further South easy shears are being observed in the upper 20cms. This brings the total load over the mid December surface hoar to 35cm in the South and 65cm in the North. This surface hoar layer is still producing sudden planar results in stability tests and a whole block rutchblock 4 was also observed. This is certainly the layer to watch; especially if it reaches its threshold by additional snow loading or rider triggers. Check out the forecaster blog for more info/ideas on this current problem. The midpack is well consolidated and strong.
There is about 25-35cm of recent storm snow sitting over the Mid-December interface of surface hoar and facets. Consistent winds have deposited soft slabs onto leeward exposed slopes, and terrain features. The interface between the new snow and older surfaces is surface hoar and/or facets from mid-December. This layer is gaining strength, but still remains within the threshold of human triggering where there are sufficient load/slab properties. This will be the layer to watch as more snow and wind accumulates this week. Lower in the snowpack, the mid-layers are well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to trigger with very heavy loads or from shallow spots. These include a surface hoar/crust/facet layer that is currently unreactive but still a concern in areas that have not previously avalanched.
Recent westerly winds have redistributed much of the surface snow into wind slabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. In more sheltered locations, the upper 40cms of the snowpack has several different buried surface hoar layers. From the top down buried beneath 10cms lies the December 25th (Christmas Hoar). Below that down 40cms is the mid-December surface hoar layer. Over the next several days more snow and wind is forecast to hit the Lizard Range. These will be the layers to watch. They may react naturally to the new load, and or be very touchy to rider triggers. Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.
Westerly winds continue, creating wind slabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate this layer was blown around before it was buried and can only be found in isolated, sheltered locations at and below treeline. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground.
The new snow continues to pile up with an additional 15-25cm falling Sunday through Monday afternoon. Touchy wind slabs up to 60cm deep have formed on north through east aspects in response to strong SW winds. A weak rain crust is found below the new snow up to treeline elevations. This crust may sit on top of buried surface hoar and/or facets may persist 10-20cm below. Watch this layer as it gets more load and a thick cohesive slab develops, particularly below treeline where the buried surface hoar would be especially large. A strong mid pack overlies basal facets that have also gained considerable strength. Snow depths are at approximately 150cm at treeline in the Spearhead area and 180cm at treeline in the Brandywine area.
Wind-exposed slopes are predominately scoured and pressed, with pockets of wind slab from 20 to 50cm deep on North to East aspects at treeline and in the alpine.This new storm snow overlies a weak rain crust that formed last weekend. This crust extends to treeline elevations and overlies buried surface hoar and/or facets 10cm below. Generally speaking, confidence in this interface is growing, especially since it has'nt seen a significant load at the elevations where it exists. In the alpine where the crust does not exist, a stiffer wind slab may over-ride surface facets that formed during the early December dry spell. Persistent weaknesses seem to be less of a concern in the Cascades (Coquihalla and Allison Pass).The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.
Over the past week the northwest has been slammed by snow, strong to extreme winds, and fluctuating freezing levels. The weeks tally is closing in on 200cm near Terrace, with areas to the north seeing a little less (Stewart up to 90cms). Alpine observations have been limited and wind sensors have been disabled by rime, but I suspect new snow has been blown around by strong southwest winds creating wind slabs on lee slopes and scoured windward slopes.In addition to the more obvious direct-action storm instabilities that are expected with the forecast weather, local avalanche professionals have some other concerns: Surface hoar that formed during the winter solstice sits approximately 40-60cm below the surface and may become more reactive with more wind and snow. As well, the crust-facet combo (extends up to alpine elevations in the south and to 1000m in the north) from the early december dry-spell sits about 150cm below the surface and has not gone away. Any avalanches on this layer would be highly destructive and are probably waiting for the right load or trigger.
Strong winds have been the biggest storey recently. Exposed windward slopes have been scoured and wind slabs have formed in lee terrain and may be susceptible to human triggering. There is now around 55-70cms of snow sitting on a surface hoar/crust/facet combo which is the result of the early December dry spell. This crust is widespread and exists in most start zones up to 2000m. Facets can reportedly be found above or below the crust. Prior to being buried, the surface hoar was destroyed by high winds in the alpine, but still coexists with the crust at treeline and below. What is the tipping point of this weak interface? In areas where this interface has reached its threshold, natural and human triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 have occurred. If they have yet to happen, I suspect they are gaining some strength but would still react to a rider trigger, especially in steeper, unsupported terrain features. In short, the upper snowpack is variable and deserves caution. It will also see increased load with forecast wind and snow. Beneath this the midpack is well settled and strong.
The recent storm snow seems to be settling and strengthening.  Any loose available snow continues to be redistributed by southwest winds. Wind slabs with the potential to propagate widely exist in the alpine, particularly on north through east aspects. At treeline and below, pockets of wind slab also exist in open areas. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 40- 80cm deep. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but it remains a concern as snow-loading gradually builds this week. Sudden ('pops') type results were observed on this layer earlier in the week.A sun crust is also buried in the alpine on some steep south and west aspects. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.
25-35cm of new snow overlies variable old surfaces, including surface hoar, facets, settled snow and wind slabs. Warm temperatures overnight Sunday may have led to soft slab development. New and recent wind slabs exist on north through east aspects at alpine and treeline elevations.  A surface hoar/facet/crust interface buried in mid-December remains a concern in the upper snowpack. Recent snowpack tests show improving results on this layer (hard, sudden planar or resistant results), which is now buried 50-80cm deep.  It appears to be spotty in its distribution, most commonly found between 1700m and 2100m. Some areas have a buried sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.
Up to 20cm of new snow has been redistributed by south-west winds into touchy wind-slabs on lee slopes. A buried surface hoar layer from mid-December around 30cm down is now highly reactive. It is well-preserved with 10-15mm crystals and is most reactive well below ridges in protected terrain. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Facets exist at the base of the snowpack.
Up to 40cm of new snow followed by rain has landed on a crust. The rain is making the surface snow very wet and heavy. The lower snowpack is generally well-consolidated, although it may weaken for a time as rain continues  to percolate into the snowpack. The snowpack depth is around 1-1.8 metres.
Up to 35cm of new snow has fallen over the past three days forming wind slabs and soft slabs in exposed open areas at treeline and above. The new snow also overlies soft slabs on North through East aspects and some spotty, small buried surface hoar/surface facets down 10-20cms in sheltered locations at treeline and below.  Field tests show easy shears on this layer. The new snow is creating an additional load to a buried surface hoar layer that is found down 60-80cms in the snowpack. This layer we are referring to as the mid-December surface hoar layer. This layer has naturally reached its threshold in the southern part of the region. In the northern part it sits waiting for a trigger. This surface hoar layer is still producing sudden planar results in stability tests and a whole block rutchblock 4 was also observed. This is certainly the layer to watch; especially if it reaches its threshold by additional snow loading or rider triggers. Check out the forecaster blog for more info/ideas on this current problem. The midpack is well consolidated and strong.
Storm snow amounts vary from 25-35cm in the northern part of the region, to around 50cm in the southern part. Wind slabs continue to grow in exposed NW-E facing slopes, probably as deep as 100cm in some areas. A weak rain crust is found below the new snow up to treeline elevations. This crust may sit on top of buried surface hoar and/or facets may persist 10-20cm below. Watch this layer as it gets more load and a thick cohesive slab develops, particularly below treeline where the buried surface hoar would be especially large. A strong mid pack overlies basal facets that have also gained considerable strength. On average the snowpack is around 200cm deep near treeline.
Wind-exposed slopes are predominately scoured and pressed, with pockets of wind slab from 30 to 60cm deep on North to East aspects at treeline and in the alpine.This new storm snow overlies a weak rain crust that formed last weekend. This crust extends to treeline elevations and overlies buried surface hoar and/or facets 10cm below. Generally speaking, confidence in this interface is growing, especially since it has'nt seen a significant load at the elevations where it exists. In the alpine where the crust does not exist, a stiffer wind slab may over-ride surface facets that formed during the early December dry spell. Persistent weaknesses seem to be less of a concern in the Cascades (Coquihalla and Allison Pass).The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.
Strong winds have been the biggest storey recently. Exposed windward slopes have been scoured and wind slabs have formed in lee terrain and may be susceptible to human triggering. There is now around 55-70cms of snow sitting on a surface hoar/crust/facet combo which is the result of the early December dry spell. This crust is widespread and exists in most start zones up to 2000m. Facets can reportedly be found above or below the crust. Prior to being buried, the surface hoar was destroyed by high winds in the alpine, but still coexists with the crust at treeline and below. What is the tipping point of this weak interface? In areas where this interface has reached its threshold, natural and human triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 have occurred. If they have yet to happen, I suspect they are gaining some strength but would still react to a rider trigger, especially in steeper, unsupported terrain features. In short, the upper snowpack is variable and deserves caution. It will also see increased load with forecast wind and snow. Beneath this the midpack is well settled and strong.
20-40cm of total storm snow has been reported. Wind slabs exist on slopes lee to the west in the alpine and in open areas at treeline and below. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 40- 80cm deep. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but it remains a concern as snow-loading gradually builds this week, particularly on slopes which did not avalanche last week.  This layer is still showing easy results in some areas. A sun crust is also buried in the alpine on some steep south and west aspects. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.
Up to 45cm of storm snow has fallen and has started to fail as a soft slab or loose natural avalanches on the old surface. Wind slabs exist on north through east aspects at alpine and treeline elevations.  A surface hoar/facet/crust interface buried in mid-December remains the key concern in the snowpack. In the southern part of the region (near Revelstoke/Rogers Pass), this layer is very touchy. Further north, observers are not finding it to be as reactive. It is now buried 60-80cm deep. It appears to be spotty in its distribution, most commonly found between 1700m and 2100m. Some areas have a buried sun crust in the alpine on steep south and west aspects. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.
Up to 30cm of new snow has been redistributed by westerly winds into touchy wind-slabs on lee slopes. Two buried surface hoar layers are causing concern in the upper snowpack. The most recently buried of these is only about 10-15cm deep but is reactive in snowpack tests. The second, a buried surface hoar layer from mid-December around 30-40cm down is now highly reactive, with enough snow above it to put it in the prime range for human-triggering (especially in areas which have received enhanced snowfall. It may take a little bit longer for the Rossland Range to get to this point). It is well-preserved with 10-15mm crystals and is most reactive well below ridges in protected terrain. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Facets exist at the base of the snowpack.
Consistent winds have deposited soft slabs onto leeward exposed slopes, and terrain features. Up to 20cms of snow has buried a new surface hoar layer. I'm not sure how widespread this exists in the Purcells. With additional load this layer may fail stepping down to the mid-December layer. There is about 40cms of snow sitting over the Mid-December interface of surface hoar and facets. Some observations suggest this layer is gaining strength, but still remains within the threshold of human triggering where there are sufficient load/slab properties. This will be the layer to watch as more snow and wind accumulates this week. Below this weak interface the mid pack is well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to trigger with very heavy loads or from shallow spots. These include a surface hoar/crust/facet layer from early November, and the basal facets/depth hoar that are currently unreactive but still a concern in areas that have not previously avalanched.
Recent westerly winds have redistributed much of the surface snow into wind slabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. In more sheltered locations, the upper 40cms of the snowpack has several different buried surface hoar layers. From the top down buried beneath 20cms lies the December 25th (Christmas Hoar). Below that down 40cms is the mid-December surface hoar layer. Over the next several days more snow and wind is forecast to hit the Lizard Range. These will be the layers to watch. They may react naturally to the new load, and or be very touchy to rider triggers. Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.
Strong westerly winds continue, creating wind slabs on lee locations and scouring on windward locations in the alpine and open treeline. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. This layer is not widespread and reports indicate this layer was blown and destroyed in the alpine, and wind exposed areas at treeline and below. This layer is likely found in isolated, sheltered locations at and below treeline. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground.
Fluctuating temperatures during several storms have led to various periods of snowfall and heavy rain. Heavy rain overnight Tuesday penetrated the upper part of the snowpack, leading to wet avalanche concerns. We are in a very dynamic weather period and avalanche danger is changing rapidly. Rainfall is tricky: the snow generally become less stable in the early stages of rain falling on new snow. After some time, the snowpack usually adjusts to the rainfall and becomes more stable again. If temperatures cool following rainfall, that will also help improve things. During periods of snowfall, avalanche conditions usually get worse, particularly at upper elevations where the wind can push it around into wind-slabs. Of course,  there are exceptions to all these rules! My point is that the avalanche danger will change across the course of a day (and at different elevations) during times of dynamic weather. Try to tune in to what is happening in your local area and apply the ideas listed above.In general the snowpack sits at about 1-1.8m and the lower pack is well consolidated. Various crusts and storm snow layers in the upper snowpack are not reported to be particularly reactive to testing.
The Lizard Range received up to 20cms overnight on Tuesday leaving a moist blanket of storm snow.  The strong westerly winds have redistributed much of this into wind slabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. The storm snow stays evenly distributed in sheltered locations. The upper 50cms of the snowpack has two different layers of concern. From the top down buried beneath 30cms lies the December 25th surface hoar/graupel interface. This layer became very reactive with the new load and tests showed sudden planar characteristics. Down deeper approx.50cms below the surface is the mid-December surface hoar layer. There has yet to be enough weight to wake this layer up; but it could be susceptive to step down behaviors if avalanches release on the upper layer first. Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.
Strong westerly winds and warmer temperatures continue forming wind slabs on lee locations. Windward aspects are being stripped, and scoured in the alpine and open treeline. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 20 cm below the snow surface. This layer is not widespread; it's quite spotty through the region. This layer may be found in isolated, sheltered locations at and below treeline. The total snowpack depth around 1800m is 70cm. We're still dealing with a variable thin snowpack. Thin spot triggering down to the basal facets and depth hoar is still a concern. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground in thicker snowpack areas.
25-50cm of snow fell last night bringing the total snowfall in the past week to 80-150cm. Wind slabs continue to grow in exposed NW-E facing slopes, probably as deep as 100cm in some areas. A weak rain crust is found below the new snow up to treeline elevations. This crust may sit on top of buried surface hoar and/or facets may persist 10-20cm below. One observer near Whistler reported whumpfing on a buried surface hoar layer in low-angle terrain below treeline. Watch this layer as it gets more load and a thick cohesive slab develops, particularly below treeline where the buried surface hoar would be especially large. A strong mid pack overlies basal facets that have also gained considerable strength. On average the snowpack is around 200cm deep near treeline.
Southern areas received up to 40cm of new snow (above 1700m) with the last system, while northern areas had 20-30cm. Wind-exposed slopes are predominately scoured and pressed, with deep and dense wind slabs on North to East aspects at treeline and in the alpine. This new storm snow overlies a weak rain crust that formed last weekend. This crust extends to treeline elevations and overlies buried surface hoar and/or facets 10cm below. In the alpine where the crust does not exist, a stiffer wind slab may over-ride surface facets that formed during the early December dry spell. Persistent weaknesses seem to be less of a concern in the Cascades (Coquihalla and Allison Pass).The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.
Over the past week the northwest has been slammed by snow, strong to extreme winds, and fluctuating freezing levels. The weeks tally is closing in on 200cm near Terrace, with areas to the north seeing a little less (Stewart up to 120cms). Alpine observations have been limited and wind sensors have been disabled by rime, but I suspect new snow has been blown around by strong southwest winds creating wind slabs on lee slopes and scoured windward slopes.In addition to the more obvious direct-action storm instabilities that are expected with the forecast weather, local avalanche professionals have some other concerns: Surface hoar that formed during the winter solstice sits approximately 40-60cm below the surface and may become more reactive with more wind and snow. As well, the crust-facet combo (extends up to alpine elevations in the south and to 1000m in the north) from the early december dry-spell sits about 150cm below the surface and has not gone away. Any avalanches on this layer would be highly destructive and are probably waiting for the right load or trigger.
Strong winds have been the biggest story recently. Exposed windward slopes have been scoured and wind slabs have formed in lee terrain and may be susceptible to human triggering. There is now around 55-70cms of snow sitting on a surface hoar/crust/facet combo which is the result of the early December dry spell. This crust is widespread and exists in most start zones up to 2000m. Facets can reportedly be found above or below the crust. Prior to being buried, the surface hoar was destroyed by high winds in the alpine, but still coexists with the crust at treeline and below. What is the tipping point of this weak interface? In areas where this interface has reached its threshold, natural and human triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 have occurred. If they have yet to happen, I suspect they are gaining some strength but would still react to a rider trigger, especially in steeper, unsupported terrain features. In short, the upper snowpack is variable and deserves caution. It will also see increased load with forecast wind and snow. Beneath this the midpack is well settled and strong.
40-80cm of total storm snow has been reported. Rising temperatures during the storm are likely to have helped form slabs within the new snow.  Wind slabs exist on slopes lee to the west in the alpine and in open areas at treeline and below. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 80-100cm deep. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but it remains a concern as snow-loading gradually builds this week, particularly on slopes which did not avalanche last week.  This layer is still showing easy results in some areas. A low elevation melt-freeze crust buried about half a metre deep is also one to watch. A sun crust is also buried in the alpine on some steep south and west aspects. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.
40-80cm of total storm snow has been reported. Rising temperatures during the storm caused slab formation within the new snow. Wind slabs exist on slopes lee to the west in the alpine and in open areas at treeline and below. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is buried anywhere from 80-100cm deep. It is very reactive and causing touchy avalanche conditions. The mid-pack is generally well settled.
The snowpack is in a very touchy state. 30-50cm of storm snow has built up over a weak old snow surface. The storm snow has turned into a soft slab due to warming. South-west winds have led to the development of wind slabs on lee slopes.  The surface hoar layer buried in mid-December is now under 45-70cm of snow and is highly reactive.  It is well-preserved with 10-15mm crystals and exists into alpine start zones (although it's probably best preserved in sheltered areas near treeline). The mid-pack is generally well settled. Facets exist at the base of the snowpack.
The region has received storm snow amounts up to 40cms since December 26th. Wind slabs continue to form on North-South East aspects in the alpine and exposed treeline locations. New storm snow blankets all elevations except in valley bottom which sees more rain then the fluffy white stuff.  In the upper meter of the snowpack two different weak layers exist.  From the top down approx. 20-35cms lies the December 24th surface hoar layer. Field tests show easy shears on this layer and Rutchblock 3 (Whole Block) scores. This layer can be found in sheltered areas at treeline and below. Going down 70-90cms is the mid-December surface hoar layer.  This layer has naturally reached its threshold in the southern part of the region.  In the Northern locations this layer is very sensitive and just waiting for a trigger (new loading from snow, wind, rain, and/or human trigger). This surface hoar layer is still producing sudden planar results in stability tests. These are the layers to watch. Below this sits a well consolidated, strong midpack. Check out the forecaster blog for more info/ideas, and a photo showing our current problem.
Consistent winds have deposited soft slabs onto leeward exposed slopes, and terrain features. Up to 30cms of snow has buried a new surface hoar layer (December 24th). I'm not sure how widespread this exists in the Purcells, but it also formed in adjacent regions which makes me suspicious. With additional load this layer may fail stepping down to the mid-December layer. There is about 50cms of snow sitting over the Mid-December interface of surface hoar and facets. Some observations suggest this layer is gaining strength, but still remains within the threshold of human triggering where there are sufficient load/slab properties. This will be the layer to watch as more snow and wind accumulates this week. Below this weak interface the mid pack is well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to trigger with very heavy loads or from shallow spots. These include a surface hoar/crust/facet layer from early November, and the basal facets/depth hoar that are currently unreactive but still a concern in areas that have not previously avalanched.
40-100cm of total storm snow has been reported. Rising temperatures during the storm caused slab formation within the new snow. Wind slabs exist on slopes lee to the west in the alpine and in open areas at treeline and below. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is buried anywhere from 80-100cm deep. It is very reactive and causing touchy avalanche conditions. The mid-pack is generally well settled.
The snowpack is in a very touchy state. 30-50cm of storm snow has built up over a weak old snow surface. The storm snow has turned into a soft slab due to warming. South-west winds have led to the development of wind slabs on lee slopes.  The surface hoar layer buried in mid-December is now under 45-70cm of snow and is highly reactive.  It is well-preserved with 10-15mm crystals and exists into alpine start zones (although it's probably best preserved in sheltered areas near treeline). The mid-pack is generally well settled. Facets exist at the base of the snowpack.
The region has received storm snow amounts up to 50cms since December 26th. Wind slabs continue to form on North-South East aspects in the alpine and exposed treeline locations. New storm snow blankets elevations above 1100m. Below is receiving rain instead of the fluffy white stuff.  In the upper meter of the snowpack two different weak layers exist.  From the top down approx. 30-40cms lies the December 24th surface hoar layer. It has become very reactive over the past 24hrs in most locations across the region. Field tests show easy shears on this layer and Rutchblock 3 (Whole Block) scores. This layer can be found in sheltered areas at treeline and below. Going down 70-100cms is the mid-December surface hoar layer.  This layer has naturally reached its threshold in the southern part of the region.  In the Northern locations this layer is very sensitive and reactive to new loading from snow, wind, rain, and/or human trigger. This surface hoar layer is still producing sudden planar results in stability tests. These are the layers to watch. Below this sits a well consolidated, strong midpack.
The region has received up to 40cms of new snow since Christmas. New snow and consistent winds have deposited soft slabs onto leeward exposed slopes, and terrain features. This new snow has buried the December 24th surface hoar layer. I'm not sure how widespread this exists in the Purcells, but it also formed in adjacent regions which makes me suspicious. With additional load this layer may fail stepping down to the mid-December layer. There is about 60-80cms of snow sitting over the Mid-December interface of surface hoar and facets. Some observations suggest this layer is gaining strength, but still remains within the threshold of human triggering where there are sufficient load/slab properties. This will be the layer to watch as more snow and wind accumulates this week. Below this weak interface the mid pack is well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to trigger with very heavy loads or from shallow spots. These include a surface hoar/crust/facet layer from early November, and the basal facets/depth hoar that are currently unreactive but still a concern in areas that have not previously avalanched.
The Lizard Range has received up to 40cms since Tuesday leaving a moist blanket of storm snow above 1600m. The strong westerly winds have redistributed much of this into wind slabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. The storm snow stays evenly distributed in sheltered locations. The upper 60cms of the snowpack has two different layers of concern. From the top down buried beneath 30cms lies the December 25th surface hoar/graupel interface. This layer became very reactive with the new load and tests showed sudden planar characteristics. Down deeper approx.50cms below the surface is the mid-December surface hoar layer. There has yet to be enough weight to wake this layer up; but it could be susceptive to step down behaviors if avalanches release on the upper layer first. Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.
Strong westerly winds, up to 10cms of new snow and warmer temperatures continue forming wind slabs on lee locations. Windward aspects are being stripped, and scoured in the alpine and open treeline. A buried layer of surface hoar lies approximately 30-40cms below the snow surface. This layer is not widespread; it's quite spotty through the region. This layer may be found in isolated, sheltered locations at and below treeline and up to 30mm in size. The total snowpack depth around 1800m is 70cm. We're still dealing with a variable thin snowpack. Thin spot triggering down to the basal facets and depth hoar is still a concern. A well settled mid pack bridges over the basal weaknesses at the ground in deeper snowpack areas.
Fluctuating temperatures during several storms have led to various periods of snowfall and heavy rain. In general the snowpack sits at about 1-1.6m and the lower pack is well consolidated. Various crusts and storm snow layers in the upper snowpack are not reported to be particularly reactive to testing. Snowfall is expected overnight Thursday and will be landing on a slick crust, possibly forming a weak bond at this interface.
Up to 50cm of recent snow has been shifted by southerly winds into wind slabs on lee slopes in the alpine and at treeline.Below the recent storm snow, three weaknesses exist in the upper snowpack. A surface hoar layer formed in early December overlies facets and is down about 60cm. It is giving easy-very easy, sudden collapse results in snowpack tests.A second surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is also giving easy, sudden planar results.A crust which exists to around treeline, buried on December 17th, adds to the complexity of the snowpack.Persistent weaknesses seem to be more of a concern around the Duffey Lake area than in the Cascades (Coquihalla and Allison Pass).The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.
Around 20cm snow fell last night bringing the total snowfall in the past week to 100-170cm. Wind slabs have formed in exposed NW-E facing slopes, probably as deep as 100cm in some areas. Cornices have grown large and could act as a trigger for large avalanches. A weak rain crust is found below the new snow up to treeline elevations. This crust may sit on top of buried surface hoar and/or facets. One observer near Whistler reported whumpfing on a buried surface hoar layer in low-angle terrain below treeline. Watch this layer as it gets more load and a thick cohesive slab develops, particularly below treeline where the buried surface hoar would be especially large. A strong mid pack overlies basal facets that have also gained considerable strength. On average the snowpack is around 200cm deep near treeline.
Strong winds have been the biggest story recently. Exposed windward slopes have been scoured and wind slabs have formed in lee terrain and may be susceptible to human triggering. There is now around 55-70cms of snow sitting on a surface hoar/crust/facet combo which is the result of the early December dry spell. This crust is widespread and exists in most start zones up to 2000m. Facets can reportedly be found above or below the crust. Prior to being buried, the surface hoar was destroyed by high winds in the alpine, but still coexists with the crust at treeline and below. What is the tipping point of this weak interface? In areas where this interface has reached its threshold, natural and human triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 have occurred. If they have yet to happen, I suspect they are gaining some strength but would still react to a rider trigger, especially in steeper, unsupported terrain features. In short, the upper snowpack is variable and deserves caution. It will also see increased load with forecast wind and snow. Beneath this the midpack is well settled and strong.
50-100 cm of total storm snow has been reported. Rising temperatures during the storm are likely to have helped form slabs within the new snow.  Wind slabs exist on slopes lee to the west in the alpine and in open areas at treeline and below. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 80-100cm deep. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but it remains a concern as snow-loading gradually builds this week, particularly on slopes which did not avalanche last week.  This layer is still showing easy results in some areas. A low elevation melt-freeze crust buried about half a meter deep is also one to watch. A sun crust is also buried in the alpine on some steep south and west aspects. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.
Over the past week the northwest has been slammed by snow, strong to extreme winds, and fluctuating freezing levels. The week's tally is closing in on 200cm near Terrace, with areas to the north seeing a little less (Stewart up to 120cm). New snow has been blown around by strong south to southwest winds creating wind slabs on lee slopes and scoured windward slopes.In addition to the more obvious direct-action storm instabilities, local avalanche professionals have some other concerns: Surface hoar that formed during the winter solstice sits approximately 50-70cm below the surface. As well, the crust-facet combo (extends up to alpine elevations in the south and to 1000m in the north) from the early December dry-spell sits about 160cm below the surface and has not gone away. Any avalanches on this layer would be highly destructive and are probably waiting for the right load or trigger. Add the new observations of avalanches failing at ground and we have quite a package.
Another 5-10 cm of snow brings the recent storm snow total to between 30-50 cm. The strong westerly winds have redistributed much of this into wind slabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. The storm snow stays evenly distributed in sheltered locations. The upper 60cms of the snowpack has two different layers of concern. From the top down buried beneath 40cms lies the December 25th surface hoar/graupel interface. This layer became very reactive with the new load and tests showed sudden planar characteristics. Down deeper approx.60cms below the surface is the mid-December surface hoar layer. Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.
Height of snow in the Koko Claims area is 120 cm at 200 metres. The mid-december surface hoar is down about 30 cm. The mid-pack is generally well consolidated, and there is a 20 cm layer of 4F facets and depth hoar at the ground. The surface hoar is producing easy to moderate shear test results.
A relentless pummelling by snow, strong to extreme winds, and fluctuating freezing levels has added around 2m of new snow near Terrace and around 120cm near Stewart. Strong south to southwest winds have created hard and soft wind slabs on lee slopes. Large sensitive cornices also exist.Deeper in the snowpack, buried surface hoar and a crust-facet combo (which extends up to alpine elevations in the south and to 1000m in the north) remain a cause for concern, with the potential for deep, destructive avalanches. Recent observations suggest these layers may be gaining strength, however I wouldn't write them off just yet.
Strong winds have been the biggest story recently. Exposed windward slopes have been scoured and wind slabs have formed in lee terrain and may be susceptible to human triggering. There is now around 55-70cms of snow sitting on a surface hoar/crust/facet combo which is the result of the early December dry spell. This crust is widespread and exists in most start zones up to 2000m. Facets can reportedly be found above or below the crust. Prior to being buried, the surface hoar was destroyed by high winds in the alpine, but still coexists with the crust at treeline and below. What is the tipping point of this weak interface? In areas where this interface has reached its threshold, natural and human triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 have occurred. If they have yet to happen, I suspect they are gaining some strength but would still react to a rider trigger, especially in steeper, unsupported terrain features. In short, the upper snowpack is variable and deserves caution. It will also see increased load with forecast wind and snow. Beneath this the midpack is well settled and strong.
The storm slab continues to develop. There is now 50-80 cm above the mid-december weak layer of surface hoar. The wind has been strong at times during the recent storms, and has built stiff wind-slabs in the alpine and at treeline on North, East and in some locations South aspects.  Warm temperatures have developed a soft slab in the storm snow in areas that were not affected by the wind. The surface hoar layer continues to provide easy and sudden shears in tests. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Facets at the base of the snowpack have not been reactive recently.
A very hard, slippery, supportive crust has brought much stability to the snowpack. Incoming snowfall may not bond well to this crust.
Another 10cm of snow fell last night bringing the total snowfall in the past week to 100-180cm. Weaknesses exist within, and at the base of, the storm snow. New and old wind slabs have formed in exposed NW-E facing slopes, 1m deep in some areas. Cornices have grown large and could act as a trigger for large avalanches. A weak rain crust is found below the new snow up to treeline elevations. This crust may sit on top of buried surface hoar and/or facets.  A strong mid pack overlies basal facets that have also gained considerable strength. On average the snowpack is around 200cm deep near treeline. A key concern on Saturday is the forecast sun hitting the new snow for the first time. This could act as a trigger for natural avalanches.
Continued snowfall has added a further 15-30cm of snow, bringing storm snow totals to the 60-90cm range. Southerly winds have shifted snow into wind slabs on lee slopes in the alpine and at treeline.Below the recent storm snow, three weaknesses exist in the upper snowpack. A surface hoar layer formed in early December overlies facets and is down about 60cm. It is giving easy-very easy, sudden collapse results in snowpack tests.A second surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is also giving easy, sudden planar results.A crust/facet combo which exists to around treeline, buried on December 17th, adds to the complexity of the snowpack and has shown the potential to propagate widely.Persistent weaknesses seem to be more of a concern around the Duffey Lake area than in the Cascades (Coquihalla and Allison Pass).The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.
Up to 100 cm have fallen across the region since Boxing Day.  This meter of snow sits on top of a weak layer that is widespread across the region; the mid December surface hoar/facet/crust combination.  In tests this layer fails with sudden planer characteristics meaning that the failure has a lot of energy in it.  This layer can be found at all three elevation bands and is still quite active.  This layer will continue to be reactive to increased load in form of snow, rain, wind or a recreating human.  Below the mid December weak layer lies a well consolidated & strong mid pack.
40-100cm of total storm snow has fallen in the region since Christmas.  Winds have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs that are quite widespread; you can find them at and above treeline in wind exposed locations.  A surface hoar/facet/crust interface (persistent weakness aka PWL) from mid-December is buried anywhere from 80-100cm deep & is still quite reactive making for touchy avalanche conditions
70-100 cm of total storm snow has fallen since Christmas.  Winds have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs that are widespread in the alpine.  Wind slabs can also be found in wind exposed areas at and below treeline.   The mid December surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 80-100cm deep and remains a concern for backcountry users.  Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but it remains a concern as incremental loading gradually adds more weight to this weak layer.  Slopes that have not avalanched in the last week are of particular concern for this persistent weakness.  The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.
The region has received up to 40cms of new snow since Christmas. New snow and consistent winds have deposited soft slabs onto leeward exposed slopes, and terrain features. This new snow has buried the December 24th surface hoar layer. I'm not sure how widespread this exists in the Purcells, but it also formed in adjacent regions which makes me suspicious. With additional load this layer may fail stepping down to the mid-December layer. There is about 60-80cms of snow sitting over the Mid-December interface of surface hoar and facets. Some observations suggest this layer is gaining strength, but still remains within the threshold of human triggering where there are sufficient load/slab properties. This will be the layer to watch as more snow and wind accumulates this week. Below this weak interface the mid pack is well-consolidated and strong. Near the base of the snowpack there are a few layers that have the potential to trigger with very heavy loads or from shallow spots. These include a surface hoar/crust/facet layer from early November, and the basal facets/depth hoar that are currently unreactive but still a concern in areas that have not previously avalanched.
A very hard, slippery, supportive crust has brought much stability to the snowpack. Incoming snowfall may not bond well to this crust.
Another 5-10 cm of snow brings the recent storm snow total to between 40-60 cm. The strong westerly winds have redistributed much of this into wind slabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. The storm snow stays evenly distributed in sheltered locations. The upper 60cms of the snowpack has two different layers of concern. From the top down buried beneath 40cms lies the December 25th surface hoar/graupel interface. This layer became very reactive with the new load and tests showed sudden planar characteristics. Down deeper approx.60cms below the surface is the mid-December surface hoar layer. Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.
Tests in Hartly Creek today showed easy results down 20 cm on a layer of stellar crystals. Height of snow in the Koko Claims area is 120 cm at 200 metres. The mid-december surface hoar is down about 30 cm. The mid-pack is generally well consolidated, and there is a 20 cm layer of 4F facets and depth hoar at the ground. The surface hoar is producing easy to moderate shear test results.
The total snowfall in the past week has amounted to 100-180cm. Weaknesses exist within, and at the base of, the storm snow. New and old wind slabs have formed in exposed NW-E facing slopes, 1m deep in some areas. Cornices have grown large and could act as a trigger for large avalanches. A weak rain crust is found below the new snow up to treeline elevations. This crust may sit on top of buried surface hoar and/or facets.  A strong mid pack overlies basal facets that have also gained considerable strength. On average the snowpack is around 200cm deep near treeline.
The past week's storm snow totals are now in the 60-90cm range. Strong southerly winds have shifted snow into wind slabs on lee slopes in the alpine and at treeline.Below the recent storm snow, three weaknesses exist in the upper snowpack. A surface hoar layer formed in early December overlies facets and is down about 60cm. It is giving easy-very easy, sudden collapse results in snowpack tests.A second surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is also giving easy, sudden planar results.A crust/facet combo which exists to around treeline, buried on December 17th, adds to the complexity of the snowpack and has shown the potential to propagate widely.Persistent weaknesses seem to be more of a concern around the Duffey Lake area than in the Cascades (Coquihalla and Allison Pass).The mid and lower snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.
A relentless pummelling by snow, strong to extreme winds, and fluctuating freezing levels over the past week has added around 130cm of new snow near Terrace and around 75cm near Stewart. Strong south to southwest winds have created hard and soft wind slabs on lee slopes. Large sensitive cornices also exist.Deeper in the snowpack, buried surface hoar and a crust-facet combo (which extends up to alpine elevations in the south and to 1000m in the north) remain a cause for concern, with the potential for deep, destructive avalanches. Recent observations suggest these layers may be gaining strength; however, I wouldn't write them off just yet.
Strong winds have been the biggest story recently. Exposed windward slopes have been scoured and wind slabs have formed in lee terrain and may be susceptible to human triggering. In the mid-snowpack there is now around 70cms of snow sitting on a surface hoar/crust/facet combo which is the result of the early December dry spell. This crust is widespread and exists in most start zones up to 2000m. Facets can reportedly be found above or below the crust. Prior to being buried, the surface hoar was destroyed by high winds in the alpine, but still coexists with the crust at treeline and below. This interface has been gaining significant strength. Recent tests have produced hard yet sudden collapse results which indicate that it has not gone away. The over-riding slab may still react to a rider trigger, especially in steeper, unsupported terrain features.Beneath this the lower snowpack is well settled and strong.Expect continued wind and storm slab development with forecast wind and snow
There is now 50-80 cm above the mid-december weak layer of surface hoar. The wind has been strong at times during the recent storms, and has built stiff wind-slabs in the alpine and at treeline on North, East and in some locations South aspects.  Warm temperatures have developed a soft slab in the storm snow in areas that were not affected by the wind. The surface hoar layer continues to provide easy and sudden shears in tests. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Facets at the base of the snowpack have not been reactive recently.
Around 100cm of total storm snow has fallen in the region since Christmas.  Winds have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs that are quite widespread; you can find them at and above treeline in wind exposed locations.  Even open areas below treeline are suspect for wind affected snow.  A surface hoar/facet/crust interface (persistent weakness aka PWL) from mid-December is buried anywhere from 80-100cm deep & has been quite reactive making for touchy avalanche conditions.  Below this lies a well consolidated and strong lower snowpack.
Up to 100 cm of snow has fallen since Christmas bringing the total snowpack depth to around 200cm in the alpine.  The holiday storm snow is now settling into a cohesive slab that sits above a very sensitive mid-December surface hoar layer.  This layer continues to be easily triggered by skiers and sledders. Continued snowfall has also awoken the basil weakness near the ground on north facing slopes.  This mixed bag of weaknesses has made for a very tricky avalanche situation as evidenced by the numerous accidents in the area over the last few days.
70-100 cm of total storm snow has fallen since Christmas.  Winds have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs that are widespread in the alpine.  Wind slabs can also be found in wind exposed areas at and below treeline.   The mid December surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 80-100cm deep and remains a concern for backcountry users.  Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but it remains a concern as incremental loading gradually adds more weight to this weak layer.  Test profiles continue to show easy shears on this layer & there are reports of "whomphing" which is a collapse of this weakness.  Slopes that have not avalanched in the last week are of particular concern for this persistent weakness.  The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.
Around 100cm of total storm snow has fallen in the region since Christmas.  Winds have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs that are quite widespread; you can find them at and above treeline in wind exposed locations.  Even open areas below treeline are suspect for wind affected snow.  A surface hoar/facet/crust interface (persistent weakness aka PWL) from mid-December is buried anywhere from 80-100cm deep & has been quite reactive making for touchy avalanche conditions.
10 cm ice crust above a well settled snow pack with no layers of concern. Expect warming and rain will break down the crust.
100 - 140 cm of snow has fallen since Christmas bringing the total snowpack depth to around 200cm in the alpine.  The holiday storm snow is now settling into a cohesive slab that sits above a very sensitive mid-December surface hoar layer.  This layer continues to be sensitive to the weight of a skier or sledder.  Testing on this layer reveals sudden planer results.  Recent snowfall has also awoken the basil weakness near the ground on north facing slopes.  This mixed bag of weaknesses has made for a very tricky avalanche situation as evidenced by the numerous accidents in the area over the last few days.
The strong westerly winds have redistributed much of the recent storm snow into wind slabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. The storm snow stays evenly distributed in sheltered locations. The upper 60cms of the snowpack has two different layers of concern. From the top down buried beneath 40cms lies the December 25th surface hoar/graupel interface. This layer became very reactive with the new load and tests showed sudden planar characteristics. Down deeper approx.60cms below the surface is the mid-December surface hoar layer. Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.
Tests in Hartly Creek on Saturday showed easy results down 20 cm on a layer of stellar crystals. Height of snow in the Koko Claims area is 120 cm at 200 metres. The mid-december surface hoar is down about 30 cm. The mid-pack is generally well consolidated, and there is a 20 cm layer of 4F facets and depth hoar at the ground. The surface hoar is producing easy to moderate shear test results.
The total snowfall in the past week has amounted to 100-180cm.Weaknesses exist within, and at the base of the storm snow. New and old wind slabs have formed in exposed NW-E facing slopes, 1m deep in some areas. Cornices have grown large and could act as a trigger for large avalanches. Although the break in the weather this weekend has given the upper snowpack some time to stabilize, the avalanche problem in the upper snowpack is still very real and will continue to be with the forecast wind and snow.In the mid snowpack a weak rain crust is found below the new snow up to treeline elevations. This crust, which has recently produced large avalanches, may sit on top of buried surface hoar and/or facets.A strong lower pack contains facets and and an associated crust that have also gained considerable strength.On average the snowpack is around 200cm deep near treeline.
The past week's storm snow totals are now in the 60-90cm range. Strong southerly winds shifted snow into wind slabs on lee slopes in the alpine and at treeline. The past weekend saw a break in the weather and the upper snowpack may have strengthened, but only marginally. Expect further wind and storm slab development throughout the forecast period.Below the recent storm snow, three weaknesses exist in the mid snowpack. A surface hoar layer formed in early December overlies facets and is down about 60cm. It is giving easy, sudden collapse results in snowpack tests.A second surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is also giving easy, sudden planar results.A crust/facet combo which exists to around treeline, buried on December 17th, adds to the complexity of the snowpack and has shown the potential to propagate widely.Persistent weaknesses seem to be more of a concern around the Duffey Lake area than in the Cascades (Coquihalla and Allison Pass).The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
There is now 50-80 cm above the mid-december weak layer of surface hoar. The wind has been strong at times during the recent storms, and has built stiff wind-slabs in the alpine and at treeline on North, East and in some locations South aspects.  Warm temperatures have developed a soft slab in the storm snow in areas that were not affected by the wind. The surface hoar layer continues to provide easy and sudden shears in tests. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Facets at the base of the snowpack have not been reactive recently.
80 - 120cm of total storm snow has fallen in the region since Christmas.  Winds have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs that are quite widespread; you can find them at and above treeline in wind exposed locations.  Even open areas below treeline are suspect for wind affected snow.  A surface hoar/facet/crust interface (persistent weakness aka PWL) from mid-December is buried anywhere from 80-120cm deep & has been quite reactive making for touchy avalanche conditions.
A relentless pummelling by snow, strong to extreme winds, and fluctuating freezing levels over the past week has added around 130cm of new snow near Terrace and around 75cm near Stewart. Strong south to southwest winds have created hard and soft wind slabs on lee slopes. Large sensitive cornices also exist.  A 2-day break in the weather this weekend may have helped to strengthen the recently fallen snow, but only marginally. Expect further significant wind slab and storm slab development with the forecast weather.In the mid snowpack, buried surface hoar and a crust-facet combo (which extends up to alpine elevations in the south and to 1000m in the north) have become less of a concern in the Terrace area as test results show that they have gained significant strength. Although the probability of reactivity on these layers has decreased, the nature of any avalanche on these layers would be deep and highly destructive.The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Strong winds have been the biggest story recently. Exposed windward slopes have been scoured and wind slabs have formed in lee terrain and may be susceptible to human triggering. Expect recent cornice development as well.In the mid-snowpack there is now around 70cms of snow sitting on a surface hoar/crust/facet combo which is the result of the early December dry spell. This crust is widespread and exists in most start zones up to 2000m. Facets can reportedly be found above or below the crust. Prior to being buried, the surface hoar was destroyed by high winds in the alpine, but still coexists with the crust at treeline and below.This interface has been gaining significant strength. Recent tests have produced hard yet sudden collapse results which indicate that it has not gone away. The over-riding slab may still react to a rider trigger, especially in steeper, unsupported terrain features.Beneath this the lower snowpack is well settled and strong.Expect continued wind and storm slab development with forecast wind and snow
70-100 cm of total storm snow has fallen since Christmas.  Winds have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs that are widespread in the both the alpine and treeline.  Wind slabs can also be found in wind exposed areas below treeline.   The mid December surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 80-100cm deep.  While avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, it remains a concern as incremental loading gradually adds more weight to this weak layer.  Test profiles continue to show easy shears on this layer.  Obvious signs of instability (whoomphing, shooting cracks, etc.) are lessening.  However, slopes that have not avalanched in the last week are of particular concern for this persistent weakness.  The lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.
100 - 150cm of total storm snow has fallen in the region since Christmas.  Winds have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs that are quite widespread; you can find them at and above treeline in wind exposed locations.  Even open areas below treeline are suspect for wind affected snow.  A surface hoar/facet/crust interface (persistent weakness aka PWL) from mid-December is buried anywhere from 100-150cm deep & has been quite reactive making for touchy avalanche conditions.
The Purcell region has seen up to 140cms since the Christmas holiday. The new snow has settled into a cohesive slab, and the average total snowpack depth is near 200cms. The ridgetop winds have consistently blown from W-SW and have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs. Wind slabs are widespread and found in exposed alpine and treeline locations. Even open areas below treeline are suspect for wind affected snow. In sheltered areas the snow surface is starting to form surface hoar crystals (feathery), and surface facets (sugary crystals). These crystals may create a weak layer in the snowpack once buried. Below the surface down 80-140cms lurks the mid-December surface hoar/ crust, facet layer. This is a layer of concern. It continues to be sensitive to the weight of a skier or sledder.  The recent load of new snow has also awoken the basil weakness near the ground on north facing slopes.  This mixed bag of weaknesses has made for a very tricky avalanche situation as evidenced by the numerous accidents in the area over the last few days.
The strong westerly winds have redistributed much of the recent storm snow into wind slabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. The new snow is starting to tighten and settle out with the colder temperatures, while in sheltered locations at treeline and below new surface hoar is forming and could be a potential problem once buried. The upper 100cms of the snowpack has two different layers of concern. From the top down buried beneath 45-80cms lies the December 25th surface hoar/graupel interface. This layer became very reactive with the new load and tests showed sudden planar characteristics. This is the layer to watch. Down deeper approx.80+cms below the surface is the mid-December surface hoar layer. Reports indicate this layer has been unreactive lately. I'd still be suspicious, and not let my guard down. It's a good time to dig down into the snowpack and test these weak layers. Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.
10 cm ice crust above a well settled snow pack with no layers of concern. Expect warming and rain will break down the crust.
Tests in Hartly Creek on Saturday showed easy results down 20 cm on a layer of stellar crystals. Height of snow in the Koko Claims area is 120 cm at 200 metres. The mid-december surface hoar is down about 30 cm. The mid-pack is generally well consolidated, and there is a 20 cm layer of 4F facets and depth hoar at the ground. The surface hoar is producing easy to moderate shear test results.
Large cornices and wind slabs remain weak and wind-exposed areas are highly variable. Recent warm temperatures left a thin weak surface crust as high as alpine elevations, and helped settle out the weakness within and under last week's storm snow. In the mid snowpack, a weak rain crust extends up to treeline elevations, below which facets and/or surface hoar may be lurking. These weaknesses were recently responsible for large avalanches. Deep persistent weaknesses recently became active again with heavy triggers, and remain a concern in shallow rocky areas.
Compression tests have been producing easy to moderate sudden results on the mid-December surface hoar, down 30-80cm, and propagation tests have shown that avalanches associated with this persistent slab have a high propensity to propagate over large areas. above the mid-december weak layer of surface hoar. A storm snow weakness down 30cm also gave easy sudden results, recently formed wind slabs remain touchy, and in some places buried wind slabs are a concern.
The South Columbia region has received up to 120cms of storm snow over the Christmas holiday. The ridgetop winds have consistently blown from W-SW and have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs. Wind slabs are widespread and found in exposed alpine and treeline locations. In sheltered locations at treeline and below treeline new surface hoar is forming and as large as 10mm. This may be our next weak layer once buried. Below the surface 80-120cms lurks a surface hoar/facet/crust interface (persistent weakness aka PWL) from mid-December. This weak layer has been very reactive; producing large, destructive avalanches. It still remains a layer of concern and should continue to be on your radar. Below this layer sits a strong mid pack.
Various mid-pack persistent weaknesses buried mid-December are primed for avalanches in the northern part of the region. Weak surface hoar is lurking generally down 60-70cm in sheltered treeline areas and below. In exposed treeline and alpine areas, weak facets with associated crusts are down generally 80-120cm, but wind-loading has resulted in highly variable slab thicknesses.  Basal facets remain a concern in shallow rocky areas.
The snow tap is still firmly on in this region, with almost continuous precipitation melding one layer of storm snow into the next. Sunday's storm added a further 45 cm of new snow to the ever increasing total; snow depths are currently at record levels for this time of year. Strong southwest to westerly winds have set up touchy windslabs on lee slopes. Large sensitive cornices exist. Expect further significant wind and storm slab development with the forecast weather.In the mid snowpack, buried surface hoar and a crust-facet combo (which extends up to alpine elevations in the south and to 1000m in the north) have become less of a concern in the Terrace area as test results show that they have gained significant strength. Although the probability of reactivity on these layers has decreased, the nature of any avalanche on these layers would be deep and highly destructive.The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Strong winds have been the biggest story recently. Exposed windward slopes have been scoured and wind slabs have formed in lee terrain and may be susceptible to human triggering. There is now around 55-70cms of snow sitting on a surface hoar/crust/facet combo buried mid-December. This crust is widespread and exists in most start zones up to 2000m. Facets can reportedly be found above or below the crust. Prior to being buried, the surface hoar was destroyed by high winds in the alpine, but still coexists with the crust at treeline and below. Higher snow areas in the region have already seen an avalanche cycle on this layer-- these slopes will have been cleaned out nicely. More worrying are slopes where activity has not yet occurred--there are likely still dragons lurking out there. The midpack is well settled and strong.
100 - 150cm of total storm snow has fallen in the region since Christmas.  Winds have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs that are quite widespread; you can find them at and above treeline in wind exposed locations.  Even open areas below treeline are suspect for wind affected snow.  A surface hoar/facet/crust interface (persistent weakness aka PWL) from mid-December is buried anywhere from 100-150cm deep & has been quite reactive making for touchy avalanche conditions.
100 - 150cm of total storm snow has fallen in the region since Christmas.  Winds have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs that are quite widespread; you can find them at and above treeline in wind exposed locations.  Even open areas below treeline are suspect for wind affected snow.  A surface hoar/facet/crust interface (persistent weakness aka PWL) from mid-December is buried anywhere from 100-150cm deep & has been quite reactive making for touchy avalanche conditions.
Tushi Lake (Observed bellow treeline to treeline): HS 80cm, HST 10, ski pen was 20.  Upper pack of low density snow made for easy trail breaking and good skiing.  Mid pack is supportive with 111205 FC/CR is down 40cm.  Higher up snowpack was more variable as a result of being more exposed wind with isolated pockets of wind slab on NW aspects.
Wet snow possibly accumulated at higher elevations late in the day on Tuesday. Otherwise, there's 10 cm ice crust above a well settled snow pack with no layers of concern. Expect warming and rain will break down the crust.
New snow up to 10cms has fallen over the region. This blankets all elevations and buries a new surface hoar layer that formed over the New Year.  Reports indicate that the SH crystals range in size up to 10mm. The previous storm snow that fell over Christmas has been blown around by steady SW winds and has formed wind slabs.  Wind slabs are widespread and found in exposed alpine and treeline locations. Below the surface 80-120cms lurks a surface hoar/facet/crust interface (persistent weak layer) from mid-December. Testing on this layer has shown moderate to hard results with sudden planer characteristics. This weak layer has been very reactive; producing large, destructive avalanches. It still remains a layer of concern and should continue to be on your radar. Below this layer sits a strong mid pack.
The Purcell region has seen up to 140cms since the Christmas holiday. The new snow has settled into a cohesive slab, and the average total snowpack depth is near 200cms. The ridgetop winds have consistently blown from W-SW and have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs. Wind slabs are widespread and found in exposed alpine and treeline locations. Even open areas below treeline are suspect for wind affected snow. In sheltered areas the snow surface is starting to form surface hoar crystals (feathery), and surface facets (sugary crystals). These crystals may create a weak layer in the snowpack once buried. Below the surface down 80-140cms lurks the mid-December surface hoar/ crust/ facet layer. This is a layer of concern. Test results on this are still variable in the moderate to hard ranges with sudden planar characteristics. It continues to be sensitive to large triggers like cornice fall and explosives. Between this layer and the bottom of the snowpack sits a well settled mid pack. At the bottom of the snowpack basal facets and depth hoar crystals live. These become a concern in thinner snowpack areas, and have become reactive under the new load of the post Christmas storms.
The CAC Field team headed to Harvey Pass on Tuesday and completed a fracture line profile on yesterday's skier triggered avalanche. The total HS (height of snow) in that area is 180cms. A stiff wind slab was triggered and stepped down 55cms to the mid-December surface hoar/facet layer. Compression tests done showed hard results, but sudden planar characteristics. I suspect you can find this buried layer to the West of the divide in most locations. As soon as you travel to the east surface hoar is spotty, and/or non-existent. The snowpack to the east is 100-120cms in depth, and widespread wind slabs have formed lee to the SW in upper elevations.  Many windward areas are scoured. The mid pack is generally well consolidated.  At the bottom of the snowpack 20cms of 4F facets and depth hoar exist.
The snowpack structure is highly variable and complex. Gusty winds are keeping wind slabs and cornices fresh and weak. Slabs overlaying various old snow surfaces, including crusts, facets, and surface hoar, buried mid-December are primed for avalanches in many parts of the region. The surface hoar is lurking generally down 80-100cm in sheltered treeline areas and below. In exposed treeline and alpine areas, weak facets with associated crusts are down generally 80-120cm, but wind-loading has resulted in highly variable slab thicknesses. A recently buried thin hard rain crust that extends into alpine elevations is also providing a poor bond to the overlying slab. Basal facets remain a concern in shallow snowpack areas, especially where the snowpack is overlaying summer firn on slopes that have already produced deep persistent slab avalanches and have been reloaded.
Gusty winds are keeping wind slabs and cornices fresh and weak. Persistent weaknesses buried mid-December are primed for avalanches in the northern part of the region. Weak surface hoar is lurking generally down 50-70cm in sheltered treeline areas and below. In exposed treeline and alpine areas, weak facets with associated crusts are down generally 80-120cm, but wind-loading has resulted in highly variable slab thicknesses.  Basal facets remain a concern in shallow rocky areas. Meanwhile in the Cascades, last weeks storm snow is generally well settled and right-side-up with mostly resistant shears on storm slab weaknesses in the top metre, but fresh wind slabs are touchy.
Total snowpack depths are approximately 250 cm at treeline. Recent daily new snow amounts have not been particularly high in the last few days, giving the storm snow a chance to settle and gain a little strength. Strong winds have redistributed some of this snow into the classic lee areas in exposed terrain-behind ridgelines, summits and exposed rolls and features. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is well preserved and acting as a persistent weak layer. This is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and has been reactive to natural and human triggers. The increased depth is beginning to make triggering more difficult but bear in mind it also increases the size of anything that does go on this layer, which in turn increases the consequences.
Total snowpack depths are variable but average approximately 200 cm at treeline. Recent daily new snow amounts have not been particularly high in the last few days and temperatures have been mild; this has given the storm snow a chance to settle and gain a little strength. Strong winds have redistributed some of this snow into the classic lee areas in exposed terrain-behind ridgelines, summits and exposed rolls and features. A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, lies buried 60-80 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is also still preserved. This one is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is still reactive to natural and human triggers. The increased depth to these weak layers is beginning to make triggering them more difficult; however bear in mind this also increases the size (and consequence) of anything that does release on this layer.
New snow and gusty winds are keeping wind slabs and cornices fresh and weak, and in some places buried old wind slabs are a concern. Compression tests have been producing easy to moderate sudden results on the mid-December surface hoar, down 30-80cm, and propagation tests have shown that avalanches associated with this persistent slab have a high propensity to propagate over large areas. Continued warm temperatures will likely make persistent slabs particularly touchy on Wednesday, before colder temperatures start to lock things up later in the forecast period. Basal facets and depth hoar remain a concern in shallow rocky areas.
The strong westerly winds have redistributed much of the recent storm snow into wind slabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. The new snow is starting to tighten and settle out with the colder temperatures, while in sheltered locations at treeline and below new surface hoar is forming and could be a potential problem once buried. The upper 100cms of the snowpack has two different layers of concern. From the top down buried beneath 45-80cms lies the December 25th surface hoar/graupel interface. This layer became very reactive with the new load and tests showed sudden planar characteristics. This is the layer to watch. Down deeper approx.80+cms below the surface is the mid-December surface hoar layer. Reports indicate this layer has been unreactive lately. I'd still be suspicious, and not let my guard down. It's a good time to dig down into the snowpack and test these weak layers. Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.
The snow tap is still firmly on in this region, with almost continuous precipitation melding one layer of storm snow into the next. Sunday's storm added a further 45 cm of new snow to the ever increasing total; snow depths are currently at record levels for this time of year. Strong southwest to westerly winds have set up touchy windslabs on lee slopes. Large sensitive cornices exist. Expect further significant wind and storm slab development with the forecast weather.Previous weak layers in the midpack, including a surface hoar  are gaining strength and becoming too deeply buried to be a concern except from very heavy loads (such as a cornice fall). The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
New snow and strong winds have set up fresh wind slabs mainly on north through east aspects in exposed lee terrain--these are likely triggerable by riders on sleds or on skis. There is now approximately 80 to 120cms of storm snow sitting above a surface hoar/crust/facet layer that was buried mid-December. The increasing depth of this weak layer makes it difficult to trigger; however, I wouldn't ignore this layer yet, as it could still be triggered by large loads such as rapid loading by new snow or rain or cornice falls. It could also be triggered by riders in shallow snowpack areas or where rocks poke up near the surface. The mid- and lower snowpack layers are well consolidated and generally strong.
Soft wind slab (20-40cms) at TL with isolated pockets of hard slab.  111205 CR/FC down 90-120cms.
As of Wednesday morning,125mm of rain had fallen on the North Shore snowpack (or what's left of it), and we're likely to exceed 200mm in 2 days by the end of today. The Seymour River is swollen.
New snow up to 10cms has fallen over the region. This blankets all elevations and buries a new surface hoar layer that formed over the New Year.  Reports indicate that the SH crystals range in size up to 10mm. The previous storm snow that fell over Christmas has been blown around by steady SW winds and has formed wind slabs.  Wind slabs are widespread and found in exposed alpine and treeline locations. Below the surface 80-120cms lurks a surface hoar/facet/crust interface (persistent weak layer) from mid-December. Testing on this layer has shown moderate to hard results with sudden planer characteristics. This weak layer has been very reactive; producing large, destructive avalanches. It still remains a layer of concern and should continue to be on your radar. Below this layer sits a strong mid pack.
The region received a sweet little top up overnight of 10cms. In the alpine and at treeline this new snow is being blown onto lee slopes and terrain features adding to previous soft slabs and wind slabs. In sheltered locations this new snow buries the surface hoar that formed over the New Years. We'll date this the January 3 SH layer, the crystals reported to be up to 10mm. This may become a concern with increased load. Below the surface down 80-140cms lurks the mid-December surface hoar/ crust/ facet layer. This is a layer of concern. Test results on this are still variable in the moderate to hard ranges with sudden planar characteristics. It continues to be sensitive to large triggers like cornice fall and explosives. Between this layer and the bottom of the snowpack sits a well settled mid pack. At the bottom of the snowpack basal facets and depth hoar crystals live. These become a concern in thinner snowpack areas, and became reactive under the new load of the post-Christmas storms.
The strong westerly winds have redistributed much of the recent storm snow into wind slabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. The surface snow became moist with freezing levels up to 2000m during Wednesday. I suspect this warming may have destroyed the recent buried surface hoar from New Years. The previous storm snow from the holidays has settled into a cohesive slab. This slab is the upper 100cms of the snowpack and holds two different layers of concern. From the top down buried beneath 45-80cms lies the December 25th surface hoar/graupel interface. This layer became very reactive with the new load and tests showed sudden planar characteristics. This is the layer to watch. Down deeper approx.80+cms below the surface is the mid-December surface hoar layer. Reports indicate this layer has been unreactive lately. It's a good time to dig down into the snowpack, find and test these weak layers. Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.
The average HS (height of snow) in the Crowsnest North is 120cms and the Crowsnest South has 150cms.  In the alpine and exposed slopes at treeline the windward aspects have been stripped of snow, and the lee slopes have widespread stiff wind slabs. As we move further West into the Elk Valley North the HS is an average of 130cms. The Elk Valley South sits at 170cms. Weak buried surface hoar layers can be found on North-NE slopes at treeline and below down approx. 30-40cms. In the Flathead the avg. HS is 170cms. This area also sees buried surface hoar on N-NE slopes.  The CAC Field team headed to Harvey Pass on Tuesday and completed a fracture line profile on a skier triggered avalanche.  A stiff wind slab was triggered and stepped down 55cms to the mid-December surface hoar/facet layer. Compression tests done showed easy results with sudden planar characteristics. This shows this layer is still touchy to human triggers.  The mid pack is generally well consolidated.  At the bottom of the snowpack a variable facet/ crust/ facet sandwich is located with depth hoar up to size 5 below the crust, and facets size 2 above.
As of Monday afternoon, most areas got 30-60cm of new snow while some immediate coastal areas received over a metre, under extreme southerly winds with freezing levels peaking at around 1800m in the afternoon. Slabs overlaying various old snow surfaces, including crusts, facets, and surface hoar, buried mid-December are primed for avalanches in many parts of the region. The surface hoar is lurking generally down 80-100cm in sheltered treeline areas and below. In exposed treeline and alpine areas, weak facets with associated crusts are now down generally around a metre, but wind-loading has resulted in highly variable slab thicknesses. A recently buried thin hard rain crust that extends into alpine elevations is also providing a poor bond to overlying deep hard wind slabs. Basal facets remain a concern in shallow snowpack areas, especially where the snowpack is overlaying summer firn on slopes that have already produced deep persistent slab avalanches and have been reloaded.
As of Wednesday morning, over 30cm of new snow fell in the Duffy Lake area under strong southerly winds, with freezing levels generally below 1500m, but briefly peaking at 1800m. The Cascades were a dryer and warmer. Persistent weaknesses buried mid-December are primed for avalanches in the northern part of the region. Weak surface hoar is lurking generally down 60-90cm in sheltered treeline areas and below. In exposed treeline and alpine areas, weak facets with associated crusts are down generally 80-120cm, but wind-loading has resulted in highly variable slab thicknesses.  Basal facets remain a concern in shallow rocky areas. Meanwhile in the Cascades, last weeks storm snow is generally well settled and right-side-up with mostly resistant shears on storm slab weaknesses in the top metre, but fresh wind slabs are touchy.
A significant storm dropped 40 to 80 mm of precipitation on this region with high winds and freezing levels going to at least 1500 m. Expect touchy fresh wind slabs and storm slabs from the new snow. Also expect a firm rain crust below about 1500 m. With all the new snow, earlier weak layers are getting rapidly buried to the point where they are hard to trigger. A relatively thin layer of surface hoar or facets was reportedly buried New Year's day - this may have been the focus of some of the storm snow releases during the current storm; however, I suspect this layer will settle out quite rapidly. Lower down, it is still possible to find a surface hoar/crust/facet combo from mid-December. I suspect it would take a very heavy trigger such as a cornice fall to trigger this layer now, although if you are traveling in an unusually shallow snowpack area I'd still be cautious of it. The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
New snow and strong winds have set up fresh wind slabs at higher elevations, mainly on north through east aspects in exposed lee terrain--these are likely triggerable by riders on sleds or on skis. Lower down, expect a significant rain crust to exist up to approximately 1500 m. There is now approximately 80 to 120cms of storm snow sitting above a surface hoar/crust/facet layer that was buried mid-December. The increasing depth of this weak layer makes it difficult to trigger; however, I wouldn't ignore this layer yet, as it could still be triggered by large loads such as rapid loading by new snow or rain or cornice falls. It could also be triggered by riders in shallow snowpack areas or where rocks poke up near the surface. The mid- and lower snowpack layers are well consolidated and generally strong.
Total snowpack depths are approximately 250 cm at treeline. Moderate amounts of new snow fell overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. Strong winds have redistributed some of this snow into the classic lee areas in exposed terrain-behind ridgelines, summits and exposed rolls and features at alpine elevations. Below around 1700m there is likely now a rain crust. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is well preserved and acting as a persistent weak layer. This is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and has been reactive to natural and human triggers. The increased depth is beginning to make triggering more difficult but bear in mind it also increases the size of anything that does go on this layer, which in turn increases the consequences.
Total snowpack depths are variable but average approximately 220 cm at treeline. Up to 30 cm of new snow fell in the storm on Tuesday/Wednesday, and this has set up into a slab due to the warm temperatures and wind. Expect a rain crust to exist up to around 1800 m. The previous storm snow is now fairly well consolidated and makes for a generally strong mid-pack. A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, now buried around 80 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is also still preserved. This one is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is still reactive to natural and human triggers. Despite sudden snowpack test results, triggering these weak layers is proving difficult; however bear in mind if anything did release on either of these layers, the consequence of the resulting slide would be large.
New snow and gusty winds are keeping wind slabs and cornices fresh and weak, and in some places buried old wind slabs are a concern. A lightly buried thin crust extends into treeline elevations. Compression tests have been producing easy to moderate sudden results on the mid-December surface hoar, down 30-80cm, and propagation tests and whumpfing have shown that avalanches associated with this persistent slab have a high propensity to propagate over large areas. Other weaknesses within the slab create the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets and depth hoar remain a concern in shallow rocky areas.
Location: Powder Valley, (Transitional snow pack) Powder valley appears to have bee quite sheltered from the North winds that we experienced earlier in the weeks however it does gets raked by the prevailing winds from the south.  We observed a south east aspect at tree line, with an HS of 110.  30 to 40 cm of low density snow is sitting on a 1F wind skin .  Ski pen was 25cm and the wind skin was supportive to skier weight.   In isolated pockets the old storm snow had stetted into a 4F soft slab that produced clean shears on the harder layer below.  A The mid pack was faceted and felt hollow bellow the wind skin.  The111205 Cr-Fc which was found in isolated areas down 80cms and appears to be breaking down,  below the crust depth hoar was widespread
A cooling trend at the end of the storm is blanketing the north shore hills with light amounts of wet snow, which is probably well bonded to the underlying rain-soaked snow.
Some locations in the region has received up to 50cms in the past 48hrs. In the alpine and at treeline this new snow is being blown onto lee slopes and terrain features adding to previous soft slabs and wind slabs. In sheltered locations this new snow buries the surface hoar that formed over the New Years. We'll date this the January 3 SH layer, the crystals reported to be up to 10mm. This may become a concern with increased load as it reaches it's threshold. Some locations in the region received some rain up to 2000m, but consistent rain to 1500m. This may have solved our lower elevation New Years surface hoar layer. Below the surface down 80-140cms lurks the mid-December surface hoar/ crust/ facet layer. This is a layer of concern. Test results on this are still variable in the moderate to hard ranges with sudden planar characteristics. It continues to be sensitive to large triggers like cornice fall and explosives. Between this layer and the bottom of the snowpack sits a well settled mid pack. At the bottom of the snowpack basal facets and depth hoar crystals live. These become a concern in thinner snowpack areas, and became reactive under the new load of the post-Christmas storms.
The strong westerly winds have redistributed much of the recent storm snow into wind slabs on lee locations in the alpine and open treeline. The surface snow became moist with freezing levels up to 2000m, and rain up to 1800m during Wednesday. I suspect this warming may have destroyed the recent buried surface hoar from New Years. Below this the Christmas snow has settled into a cohesive slab. This slab is the upper 100cms of the snowpack and holds two different layers of concern. From the top down buried beneath 45-80cms lies the December 25th surface hoar/graupel interface. This layer became very reactive with the new load and tests showed sudden planar characteristics. This is the layer to watch. Down deeper approx.80+cms below the surface is the mid-December surface hoar layer. Reports indicate this layer has been unreactive lately. It's a good time to dig down into the snowpack, find and test these weak layers. Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.
The average HS (height of snow) in the Crowsnest North is 120cms and the Crowsnest South has 150cms. In the alpine and exposed slopes at treeline the windward aspects have been stripped of snow, and the lee slopes have widespread stiff wind slabs.  As we move further West into the Elk Valley North the HS is an average of 130cms. The Elk Valley South sits at 170cms. Weak buried surface hoar layers can be found on North-NE slopes at treeline and below down approx. 30-40cms. In the Flathead the avg. HS is 170cms. This area also sees buried surface hoar on N-NE slopes.  All snow depths indicated are at a 2000m elevation. The CAC Field team headed to Harvey Pass on Tuesday and completed a fracture line profile on a skier triggered avalanche.  A stiff wind slab was triggered and stepped down 55cms to the mid-December surface hoar/facet layer. Compression tests done showed easy results with sudden planar characteristics. This shows this layer is still touchy to human triggers.  The mid pack is generally well consolidated.  At the bottom of the snowpack a variable facet/ crust/ facet sandwich is located with depth hoar up to size 5 below the crust, and facets size 2 above.
Weaknesses within and under the 60-100+cm of storm snow will need some time to settle and strengthen. Persistent weaknesses remain a concern in the many parts of the region. Buried surface hoar on sheltered treeline slopes and below and facets with associated crusts in exposed treeline and alpine areas are probably down well over a metre in most places. Basal facets remain a concern in shallow snowpack areas, especially where the snowpack is overlaying summer firn on slopes that have already produced deep persistent slab avalanches and have been reloaded. Wind-loading has resulted in highly variable slab thicknesses with the potential for fractures triggered in highly sensitive thin slab areas to propagate into highly destructive deep slab avalanches. Furthermore, weaknesses within the slab create the potential for step-down fractures. A recently buried thin hard rain crust that extends into alpine elevations is also providing a poor bond to overlying deep hard wind slabs.
Weaknesses within and under the 60-100+cm of storm snow will need some time to settle and strengthen. Persistent weaknesses remain a concern in the northern part of the region. Buried surface hoar on sheltered treeline slopes and below and facets with associated crusts in exposed treeline and alpine areas are probably down well over a metre in most places, and facets lurk near the base of the snowpack in shallow rocky areas. Wind-loading has resulted in highly variable slab thicknesses with the potential for fractures triggered in highly sensitive thin slab areas to propagate into highly destructive deep slab avalanches. Furthermore, weaknesses within the slab create the potential for step-down fractures.
A significant storm dropped 40 to 80 mm of precipitation on this region over the last 48 hours bring treeline snowpack depths into the 3-4 m range. The storm was accompanied by high winds and touchy fresh wind slabs and storm slabs now exist as a result. A rain crust exists below about 1000 m. With all the new snow, earlier weak layers are getting rapidly buried to the point where they are hard to trigger. A relatively thin layer of surface hoar or facets was reportedly buried New Year's day - this may have been the focus of some of the storm snow releases during the current storm; however, I suspect this layer will settle out quite rapidly. Lower down, it is still possible to find a surface hoar/crust/facet combo from mid-December. I suspect it would take a very heavy trigger such as a cornice fall to trigger this layer now, although if you are traveling in an unusually shallow snowpack area I'd still be cautious of it. The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
New snow and strong winds have set up fresh wind slabs at higher elevations, mainly on north through east aspects in exposed lee terrain--these are likely triggerable by riders on sleds or on skis. Lower down, a rain crust exists up to approximately 1000 m. There is now approximately 80 to 120cms of storm snow sitting above a surface hoar/crust/facet layer that was buried mid-December. The increasing depth of this weak layer makes it difficult to trigger; however, I wouldn't ignore this layer yet, as it could still be triggered by large loads such as rapid loading by new snow or rain or cornice falls. It could also be triggered by riders in shallow snowpack areas or where rocks poke up near the surface. The mid- and lower snowpack layers are well consolidated and generally strong.
The height of snow in the region is between 200 cm in the drier areas and close to 300 cm in the wetter areas. There was another 10-20 cm of new snow on Wednesday night. This new snow combined with the previous nights 30 cm brings the recent storm total to about 50 cm. The storm has been very mild, with freezing levels near 1800 metres on Wednesday. The temperatures started to fall early Thursday morning when the rain and snow moved out of the region. The winds have been very strong from the south and southwest. Expect to find windslabs on north and northeast aspects in the alpine and at treeline. There may be a rain crust developing below 1600 metres as the freezing levels drop back to valley bottom. The previous storm snow is now fairly well consolidated and makes for a generally strong mid-pack. A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, now buried around 80 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is also still preserved. This one is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is still reactive to natural and human triggers. Despite sudden snowpack test results, triggering these weak layers is proving difficult; however bear in mind if anything did release on either of these layers, the consequence of the resulting slide would be large.
Another 20 cm of new snow fell above 1600 metres by Thursday morning. Total snowpack depths are variable but average approximately 220 cm at treeline. Close to 50 cm of storm snow has set up into a slab due to the warm temperatures and wind. Expect a rain crust to exist up to around 1600 m. The previous storm snow is now fairly well consolidated and makes for a generally strong mid-pack. A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, now buried around 80 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is also still preserved. This one is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is still reactive to natural and human triggers. Despite sudden snowpack test results, triggering these weak layers is proving difficult; however bear in mind if anything did release on either of these layers, the consequence of the resulting slide would be large.
New snow and gusty winds are keeping wind slabs and cornices fresh and weak, and in some places buried old wind slabs are a concern. A lightly buried thin crust extends into treeline elevations. Compression tests have been producing easy to moderate sudden results on the mid-December surface hoar, down 30-80cm, and propagation tests, whumpfing, and remote triggering suggest that avalanches associated with this persistent slab have a high propensity to propagate over large areas. Other weaknesses within the slab create the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets and depth hoar remain a concern in shallow rocky areas.
New snow up to 20cms has fallen over the region.  This blankets treeline and alpine elevations and buries a new surface hoar layer (up to 10mm in size) that formed over the New Year.  Wind slabs are widespread and found in exposed alpine and treeline locations. With warmer temperatures the new snow has set up into a slab that overlies the surface hoar and old wind slabs. We can expect a rain crust up to 1700m due to Wednesday's precipitation and high freezing levels.  Below the surface 80-120cms lurks a surface hoar/facet/crust interface (persistent weak layer) from mid-December. Testing on this layer has shown moderate to hard results with sudden planer characteristics. This weak layer has been very reactive; producing large, destructive avalanches. It still remains a layer of concern and should continue to be on your radar. Below this layer sits a strong mid pack.
Weaknesses within and under the 60-100+cm of storm snow will need some time to settle and strengthen. Persistent weaknesses remain a concern in the many parts of the region. Buried surface hoar on sheltered treeline slopes and below and facets with associated crusts in exposed treeline and alpine areas are probably down well over a metre in most places.Basal facets remain a concern in shallow snowpack areas, especially where the snowpack is overlaying summer firn on slopes that have already produced deep persistent slab avalanches and have been reloaded.Wind-loading has resulted in highly variable slab thicknesses with the potential for fractures triggered in highly sensitive thin slab areas to propagate into highly destructive deep slab avalanches. Furthermore, weaknesses within the slab create the potential for step-down fractures.A recently buried thin hard rain crust that extends into alpine elevations is also providing a poor bond to overlying deep hard wind slabs.
Weaknesses within and under the 70-100+cm of storm snow will need some time to settle and strengthen. Persistent weaknesses remain a concern in the northern part of the region. Buried surface hoar on sheltered treeline slopes and below and facets with associated crusts in exposed treeline and alpine areas are probably down well over a metre in most places, and facets lurk near the base of the snowpack in shallow rocky areas. Wind-loading has resulted in highly variable slab thicknesses with the potential for fractures triggered in highly sensitive thin slab areas to propagate into highly destructive deep slab avalanches. Furthermore, weaknesses within the slab create the potential for step-down fractures.
Recent new snow and gusty winds are keeping wind slabs and cornices fresh and weak, and in some places buried old wind slabs are a concern. A lightly buried thin crust extends into treeline elevations. Compression tests have been producing easy to moderate sudden results on the mid-December surface hoar, down 30-80cm, and propagation tests, whumpfing, and remote triggering suggest that avalanches associated with this persistent slab have a high propensity to propagate over large areas. Other weaknesses within the slab create the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets and depth hoar remain a concern in shallow rocky areas.
The recent snow has been quite variable in it's distribution, depositing between 30-50 cm depending on the drainage. Generally it has been drier in the south of the region. Some areas have enough new snow for a "storm" slab to be reactive. The wind has been strong across the region, transporting snow onto north and east aspects. Windslabs have been touchy and releasing with wide propagations, sometimes stepping down to the mid-december surface hoar layer. Some areas have developed a rain crust after the recent warm temperatures that exists up to about 1600 metres.
Snow depths at treeline are approximately 170cm.The warm temperatures from the last few days have added cohesion to a 15-20cm storm slab that over-rides a rain crust that was formed on December 29th. The surface snow has now cooled-off and gained some strength. In the upper 100cms of the snowpack there are two different layers to watch. From the top down buried beneath 45-80cms lies the December 25th surface hoar/graupel interface. This layer initially became very reactive with the new load and tests showed sudden planar characteristics. Since the December 29th rain event this layer seems to have gained some strength  Down deeper approx.80+cms below the surface is the mid-December surface hoar/facet layer. Reports indicate this layer has been unreactive lately. It's a good time to dig down into the snowpack and get terrain-specific information about these layers as they have not been written-off just yet. Any slides on these layers would be destructive in nature.Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.
Another 10-15 cm of new snow overnight arrived with cooler temperatures. The recent snowfalls add up to about 50-70 cm of "storm" snow that has been available for wind transport. The warm temperatures and high freezing levels caused the wind  transported snow to become a well consolidated slab. The height of snow in the region is between 200 cm in the drier areas and close to 300 cm in the wetter areas. The storm has been very mild, with freezing levels near 1800 metres on Wednesday. The temperatures started to fall early Thursday morning when the rain and snow moved out of the region. The winds have been very strong from the south and southwest. Expect to find windslabs on north and northeast aspects in the alpine and at treeline. There may be a rain crust developing below 1600 metres as the freezing levels drop back to valley bottom. The previous storm snow is now fairly well consolidated and makes for a generally strong mid-pack. A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, now buried around 80 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is still reactive to natural and human triggers.
5-10 cm new snow on Thursday night. Total snowpack depths are variable but average approximately 220 cm at treeline. Close to 50 cm of storm snow has set up into a slab due to the warm temperatures and wind. Expect a rain crust to exist up to around 1600 m. The previous storm snow is now fairly well consolidated and makes for a generally strong mid-pack. A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, now buried around 80 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is also still preserved. This one is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is still reactive to natural and human triggers. Despite sudden snowpack test results, triggering these weak layers is proving difficult; however bear in mind if anything did release on either of these layers, the consequence of the resulting slide would be large.
The storm slab is about 50 cm in this region. In the alpine and at treeline this new snow is being blown onto lee slopes and terrain features adding to previous soft slabs and wind slabs. In sheltered locations this new snow buries the surface hoar that formed over the New Years. We'll date this the January 3 SH layer, the crystals reported to be up to 10mm. This may become a concern with increased load as it reaches it's threshold. Some locations in the region received some rain up to 2000m, but consistent rain to 1500m. This may have solved our lower elevation New Years surface hoar layer. Below the surface down 80-140cms lurks the mid-December surface hoar/ crust/ facet layer. This is a layer of concern. Test results on this are still variable in the moderate to hard ranges with sudden planar characteristics. It continues to be sensitive to large triggers like cornice fall and explosives. Between this layer and the bottom of the snowpack sits a well settled mid pack. At the bottom of the snowpack basal facets and depth hoar crystals live. These become a concern in thinner snowpack areas, and became reactive under the new load of the post-Christmas storms.
The average HS (height of snow) in the Crowsnest North is 120cms and the Crowsnest South has 150cms. In the alpine and exposed slopes at treeline the windward aspects have been stripped of snow, and the lee slopes have widespread stiff wind slabs.  As we move further West into the Elk Valley North the HS is an average of 130cms. The Elk Valley South sits at 170cms. Weak buried surface hoar layers can be found on North-NE slopes at treeline and below down approx. 30-40cms. In the Flathead the avg. HS is 170cms. This area also sees buried surface hoar on N-NE slopes.  All snow depths indicated are at a 2000m elevation. The CAC Field team headed to Harvey Pass on Tuesday and completed a fracture line profile on a skier triggered avalanche.  A stiff wind slab was triggered and stepped down 55cms to the mid-December surface hoar/facet layer. Compression tests done showed easy results with sudden planar characteristics. This shows this layer is still touchy to human triggers.  The mid pack is generally well consolidated.  At the bottom of the snowpack a variable facet/ crust/ facet sandwich is located with depth hoar up to size 5 below the crust, and facets size 2 above.
A significant storm dropped 40 to 80 mm of precipitation on this region since Tuesday bring treeline snowpack depths into the 3-4 m range. The storm was accompanied by high winds and touchy fresh wind slabs and storm slabs now exist as a result. A rain crust formed below about 1000 m, which is not lightly buried with new snow. With all the new snow, earlier weak layers are getting rapidly buried to the point where they are hard to trigger. A relatively thin layer of surface hoar or facets was reportedly buried New Year's day - this may have been the focus of some of the storm snow releases during the current storm; however, I suspect this layer will settle out quite rapidly. Lower down, it is still possible to find a surface hoar/crust/facet combo from mid-December. I suspect it would take a very heavy trigger such as a cornice fall to trigger this layer now, although if you are traveling in an unusually shallow snowpack area I'd still be cautious of it. The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Recent new snow and strong winds have set up fresh wind slabs at higher elevations, mainly on north through east aspects in exposed lee terrain--these are likely triggerable by riders on sleds or on skis. Lower down, a rain crust exists up to approximately 1000 m. There is now approximately 80 to 120cms of storm snow sitting above a surface hoar/crust/facet layer that was buried mid-December. The increasing depth of this weak layer makes it difficult to trigger; however, I wouldn't ignore this layer yet, as it could still be triggered by large loads such as rapid loading by new snow or rain or cornice falls. It could also be triggered by riders in shallow snowpack areas or where rocks poke up near the surface. The mid- and lower snowpack layers are well consolidated and generally strong.
Recent very heavy rain soaked the snowpack to a depth of 10-30 cm. This set up hard following a cooling trend at the end of the storm. Since then, light snow has fallen, burying the hard crust by approximately 5 cm of new snow.
Snow depths at treeline are approximately 170cm.The warm temperatures from the last few days have added some cohesion to a 15-20cm storm slab that over-rides a rain crust that was formed on December 29th. The surface snow has now cooled-off and gained some strength. In the upper 100cms of the snowpack there are two different layers to watch. From the top down buried beneath 45-80cms lies the December 25th surface hoar/graupel interface. This layer initially became very reactive with the new load and tests showed sudden planar characteristics. Since the December 29th rain event this layer seems to have gained some strength  Down deeper approx.50-80cms below the surface is the mid-December surface hoar/facet layer. Reports indicate this layer has been less reactive lately. It's a good time to dig down into the snowpack and get terrain-specific information about these layers as they have not been written-off just yet. Any slides on these layers would be destructive in nature.Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.
The average HS (height of snow) in the Crowsnest North is 120cms and the Crowsnest South has 150cms. As we move further West into the Elk Valley North the HS is an average of 130cms. The Elk Valley South sits at 170cms. In the Flathead the avg. HS is 170cms.   All snow depths indicated are at the 2000m elevation.In the alpine and exposed slopes at treeline windward aspects have been stripped of snow by strong winds, and lee slopes have widespread stiff wind slabs. In the mid pack, weak buried surface hoar layers can be found on North-NE slopes at treeline and below down approx. 30-55cms. The surface hoar may co-exist with facets that are result of the early December dry spell. This interface is still reactive and has produced natural avalanches over the past week.At the bottom of the snowpack a variable facet/ crust/ facet sandwich is located with depth hoar up to size 5mm below the crust, and facets size 2mm above. There has been little in the way of recent activity on basal layers, but the nature of a release would be highly destructive.As a side note, the snow depths alone indicate that the region is highly variable in terms of snowpack structure. You should anticipate that layering and reactivity of weaknesses will also be variable throughout the region.
At treeline, the snowpack sits at about 260cm.In the upper snowpack, weaknesses within and under last week's 80cm of storm snow will need some time to settle and fully strengthen.Persistent weaknesses remain a concern in the many parts of the region. In the mid-pack, facets with an associated crust (resulting from the early December dry spell) at treeline and alpine areas are probably down well over a metre in most places. This layer still seems to be reactive, particularly in shallow areas or terrain with variable snow depths (cross-loaded features, moraines). In the lower snowpack, basal facets from early november should also be on your radar. They may just be waiting for the right trigger (current heavy storm snow loading, cornice fall, step-down avalanches).  Any activity on either of these persistent weaknesses would be highly destructive in nature.Expect further storm slab/wind slab development with forecast weather.
Weaknesses within and under the 70-100+cm of storm snow will need some time to settle and fully strengthen. Persistent weaknesses remain a concern in the northern part of the region. Buried surface hoar on sheltered treeline slopes and below and facets with associated crusts in exposed treeline and alpine areas are probably down well over a metre in most places, and facets lurk near the base of the snowpack in shallow rocky areas. Wind-loading has resulted in highly variable slab thicknesses with the potential for fractures triggered in highly sensitive thin slab areas to propagate into highly destructive deep slab avalanches. Furthermore, weaknesses within the slab create the potential for step-down fractures.Expect further wind slab and storm slab development with forecast weather
Recent very heavy rain soaked the snowpack to a depth of 10-30 cm. This set up hard following a cooling trend at the end of the storm. Since then, light snow has fallen, burying the hard crust by approximately 5 cm of new snow.
The region has received 30 - 70 cm of snow out of the latest storms.  In some locations, this new snow rests on a buried surface hoar layer from Jan. 03.  Strong SW winds have redistributed the new snow into wind slabs which can be found in varying thicknesses on NW through SE facing slopes.  The mid-December surface hoar layer remains a concern and is now buried 90 - 150 cm below the surface.  While fairly wide spread, it seems to be most sensitive on South through East facing aspects around treeline.  In some locations a crust can be found from valley bottom up to about 1600 m that formed with the recent warm temperatures.
The latest batch of storms has delivered around 50 cm of snow to the region.  In some locations the new snow rests on top of a surface hoar layer buried January 3rd.  Strong southwesterly winds have redistributed the new snow into windslabs that can be found on NW through SE facing slopes at and above treeline.  Widespread crossloading is present throughout the region.  A rain / melt/freeze crust formed by recent warm temperatures can be found as high as 1500m.  The mid-December surface hoar layer continues to be a player, it's now buried 80 - 140 cm below the snow surface.  Very weak snow near the ground is also a concern and while it has not been reactive recently, triggering a full depth avalanche near the ground is within the realm of possibilities right now.
Recent new snow and gusty winds are keeping wind slabs and cornices fresh and weak, and in some places buried old wind slabs are a concern. A lightly buried thin crust extends into treeline elevations. Compression tests have been producing easy to moderate sudden results on the mid-December surface hoar, down 30-80cm, and propagation tests, whumpfing, and remote triggering suggest that avalanches associated with this persistent slab have a high propensity to propagate over large areas. Other weaknesses within the slab create the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets and depth hoar remain a concern in shallow rocky areas.
This description from yesterday has not changed. Rapid loading is expected to be occurring by the time this bulletin is posted. A significant storm dropped 40 to 80 mm of precipitation on this region since Tuesday bringing treeline snowpack depths into the 3-4 m range. The storm was accompanied by high winds and touchy fresh wind slabs and storm slabs now exist as a result. A rain crust formed below about 1000 m, which is not lightly buried with new snow. With all the new snow, earlier weak layers are getting rapidly buried to the point where they are hard to trigger. A relatively thin layer of surface hoar or facets was reportedly buried New Year's day - this may have been the focus of some of the storm snow releases during the current storm; however, I suspect this layer will settle out quite rapidly. Lower down, it is still possible to find a surface hoar/crust/facet combo from mid-December. I suspect it would take a very heavy trigger such as a cornice fall to trigger this layer now, although if you are traveling in an unusually shallow snowpack area I'd still be cautious of it. The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
The strong southwest wind and snow has begun to develop new windslabs and storm slabs above the recent storm instabilities. There is a rain crust down about 40 cm that exists up to approximately 1000 m. There is now approximately 80 to 120cms of storm snow sitting above a surface hoar/crust/facet layer that was buried mid-December. The increasing depth of this weak layer makes it difficult to trigger. I would not ignore this layer yet, as it could still be triggered by large loads such as rapid loading by new snow or rain or cornice falls. It could also be triggered by riders in shallow snowpack areas or where rocks poke up near the surface. The mid- and lower snowpack layers are well consolidated and generally strong.
Strong southwest winds and moderate to heavy precipitation has begun to build new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. The recent snowfalls add up to about 60-80 cm of "storm" snow that has been available for wind transport. The warm temperatures and high freezing levels caused the wind  transported snow to become a well consolidated slab. There are two rain crusts below 1550 metres. The rain crusts are variable, but they are giving planar results in tests. At treeline the storm snow is reported to be giving sudden planar results down 40 cm, and the surface hoar/crust layer that is down 80cm is also giving sudden planar results. This tells me that the new load of snow that we are expecting may activate these weak layers. The mid-pack is reported to be strong, and I have not heard anyone talk about early season layers deep in the snowpack.
Total snowpack depths are variable but average approximately 220 cm at treeline. Close to 50 cm of storm snow has set up into a slab due to the warm temperatures and wind. Expect a rain crust to exist up to around 1600 m. The previous storm snow is now fairly well consolidated and makes for a generally strong mid-pack. A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, now buried around 80 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is also still preserved. This one is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is still reactive to natural and human triggers. Despite sudden snowpack test results, triggering these weak layers is proving difficult; however bear in mind if anything did release on either of these layers, the consequence of the resulting slide would be large.
The region has received 30 - 70 cm of snow out of the latest storms.  This new snow has been redistributed into wind slabs at both treeline & alpine elevations.  Slopes facing N, NE & E are immediately lee to the recent SW winds, so the biggest stiffest wind slabs will be found on those slopes.  Slopes facing NW & SE are likely crossloaded.  There are currently three different surface hoar layers in play.  Moving from top to bottom, the first one is the January 3rd SH which is being reported from many different locations, down 30 - 70 cm below the snow surface.  The next one is the December 24 SH buried 60 -90 cm below the surface.  The last one is the December 11th SH buried 100 - 150 cm below the surface.  Test results continue to show sudden planer results on this layer with hard triggers.  It's been the most sensitive on south through east facing slopes around the treeline vegetation band, but it is present on all aspects.  The last significant layer in our snowpack is a rain/temperature crust that can be found from valley bottom up to about 1600m.  This crust could be a bed-surface below treeline in the future.
The latest batch of storms has delivered around 50 cm of snow to the region.  In some locations the new snow rests on top of a surface hoar layer buried January 3rd.  Strong southwesterly winds have redistributed the new snow into windslabs that can be found on NW through SE facing slopes at and above treeline.  Widespread crossloading is present throughout the region.  A rain / melt/freeze crust formed by recent warm temperatures can be found as high as 1600m.  The mid-December surface hoar layer continues to be a player, it's now buried 80 - 140 cm below the snow surface.  Very weak snow near the ground is also a concern and while it has not been reactive recently, triggering a full depth avalanche near the ground is within the realm of possibilities right now.
At treeline, the snowpack sits at about 260cm.In the upper snowpack, weaknesses within and under last week's 80cm of storm snow have gained significant strength. Expect significant new wind slab and storm slab development with forecast weather.Persistent weaknesses remain a concern in the many parts of the region. In the mid-pack, facets with an associated crust (resulting from the early December dry spell) at treeline and alpine areas are probably down well over a metre in most places. This layer still seems to be reactive, particularly in shallow areas or terrain with variable snow depths (cross-loaded features, moraines). In the lower snowpack, basal facets from early november should also be on your radar. They may just be waiting for the right trigger (heavy storm loading, cornice fall, step-down avalanches).  Any activity on either of these persistent weaknesses would be highly destructive in nature.
Very heavy precipitation on Saturday night brought at least 40 cm to lower elevations, and probably 60-80 cm in the alpine. Very strong southwest winds have probably transported this new storm snow into thick windslabs and storm slabs. This new storm layer is sitting on top of a storm layer from earlier in the week that did not have a lot of time to settle and strengthen. A relatively thin layer of surface hoar or facets was reportedly buried New Year's day - this may have been the focus of some of the storm snow releases during the current storm; however, I suspect this layer will settle out quite rapidly. Lower down, it is still possible to find a surface hoar/crust/facet combo from mid-December. I suspect it would take a very heavy trigger such as a cornice fall to trigger this layer now, although if you are traveling in an unusually shallow snowpack area I'd still be cautious of it. The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
I do not know the extent of the wind effect from the storm on Saturday night, but I suspect that windslabs have developed in the lee of southwest winds. There is a rain crust down about 40 cm that exists up to approximately 1000 m. There is now approximately 80 to 120cms of storm snow sitting above a surface hoar/crust/facet layer that was buried mid-December. The increasing depth of this weak layer makes it difficult to trigger. I would not ignore this layer yet, as it could still be triggered by large loads such as rapid loading by new snow or rain or cornice falls. It could also be triggered by riders in shallow snowpack areas or where rocks poke up near the surface. The mid- and lower snowpack layers are well consolidated and generally strong.
Recent new snow and gusty winds are keeping wind slabs and cornices fresh and weak, and in some places buried old wind slabs are a concern. A lightly buried thin crust can be found as high as 1900m. Compression tests have been producing easy to moderate sudden results on the mid-December surface hoar, down 70-105cm, and propagation tests, whoomphing, and remote triggering suggest that avalanches associated with this persistent slab have a high propensity to propagate over large areas. Other weaknesses within the slab create the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets and depth hoar remain a concern in shallow rocky areas.
A translucent rain crust from 1 - 7 mm in thickness is spread like a glaze on top of the snowpack.  Below that sits 20 cm of rain soaked snow which fell on Saturday.  Below that is another supportive crust.
Weaknesses within and under the 70-100+cm of storm snow that fell over the past 10 days have most likely gained some strength. More recent dribs and drabs of snow in the Duffey area (more in Coquihalla) have added to a soft wind slab that now sits on the surface on lee aspects at treeline and in the alpine.Persistent weaknesses remain a concern in the northern part of the region. Buried surface hoar on sheltered treeline slopes and below and facets with associated crusts in exposed treeline and alpine areas are probably down well over a metre in most places, and facets lurk near the base of the snowpack in shallow rocky areas. These basal facets seem to be more pronounced and reactive in the Chilcotin and on the eastern side of the Duffey.Wind-loading has resulted in highly variable slab thicknesses with the potential for fractures triggered in highly sensitive thin slab areas to propagate into highly destructive deep slab avalanches. Furthermore, weaknesses within the slab create the potential for step-down fractures.Expect further wind slab and storm slab development with forecast weather
Strong southwest winds and moderate to heavy precipitation has begun to build new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. The recent snowfalls add up to about 60-80 cm of "storm" snow that has been available for wind transport. The warm temperatures and high freezing levels caused the wind  transported snow to become a well consolidated slab. There are two rain crusts below 1550 metres. The rain crusts are variable, but they are giving planar results in tests. At treeline the storm snow is reported to be giving sudden planar results down 40 cm, and the surface hoar/crust layer that is down 80cm is also giving sudden planar results. This tells me that the new load of snow that we are expecting may activate these weak layers. The mid-pack is reported to be strong, and I have not heard anyone talk about early season layers deep in the snowpack.
Total snowpack depths are variable but average approximately 220 cm at treeline. Close to 50 cm of storm snow has set up into a slab due to the warm temperatures and wind. Expect a rain crust to exist up to around 1600 m. The previous storm snow is now fairly well consolidated and makes for a generally strong mid-pack. A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, now buried around 80 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is also still preserved. This one is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is still reactive to natural and human triggers. Despite sudden snowpack test results, triggering these weak layers is proving difficult; however bear in mind if anything did release on either of these layers, the consequence of the resulting slide would be large.
Snow depths at treeline are approximately 170cm.The warm temperatures from last week have added some cohesion to a 15-20cm storm slab that over-rides a rain crust that was formed on December 29th. The surface snow has now cooled-off and gained some strength.In the mid snowpack there are two different layers to watch. From the top down buried 45-80cms lies the December 25th surface hoar/graupel interface. This layer initially became very reactive with the new load and tests showed sudden planar characteristics. Since the December 29th rain event this layer seems to have gained some strength  Down deeper approx.50-80cms below the surface is the mid-December surface hoar/facet layer. Reports indicate this layer has been less reactive lately, but professionals in the area are still cautious of it. It's a good time to dig down into the snowpack and get terrain-specific information about these layers as they have not been written-off just yet. Any slides on these layers would be destructive in nature.Below the mid-December layer sits a well settled mid pack that bridges over the early November crust/facet basal layers.Expect further windslab development in the alpine and at treeline with Monday's forecast weather.
The average HS (height of snow) in the Crowsnest North is 120cms and the Crowsnest South has 150cms. As we move further West into the Elk Valley North the HS is an average of 130cms. The Elk Valley South sits at 170cms.In the Flathead the avg. HS is 170cms.   All snow depths indicated are at the 2000m elevation.In the alpine and exposed slopes at treeline windward aspects have been stripped of snow by strong winds over the past week, and lee slopes have widespread stiff wind slabs. Over the past few days, dribs and drabs of new snow has added to an overriding unconsolidated soft slab.In the mid pack, weak buried surface hoar layers can be found on North-NE slopes at treeline and below down approx. 30-55cms. The surface hoar may co-exist with facets that are result of the early December dry spell. This interface is still reactive and has produced numerous natural avalanches over the past week.At the bottom of the snowpack a variable facet/ crust/ facet sandwich is located with depth hoar up to size 5mm below the crust, and facets size 2mm above. There has been little in the way of recent activity on basal layers, but the nature of a release would be highly destructive.As a side note, the snow depths alone indicate that the region is highly variable in terms of snowpack structure. You should anticipate that layering and reactivity of weaknesses will also be variable throughout the region.
The region has received 30 - 70 cm of snow out of the latest storms.  This new snow has been redistributed into wind slabs at both treeline & alpine elevations.  Slopes facing N, NE & E are immediately lee to the recent SW winds, so the most pronounced wind slabs are found on those slopes.  Slopes facing NW & SE are likely crossloaded.  There are currently three different surface hoar layers in play.  Moving from top to bottom, the first one is the January 3rd SH which is being reported from many different locations, down 30 - 70 cm below the snow surface.  The next one is the December 24 SH buried 60 -90 cm below the surface.  The last one is the December 11th SH buried 100 - 150 cm below the surface.  Test results continue to show sudden planer results on this layer with hard triggers.  It's been the most sensitive on south through east facing slopes around the treeline vegetation band, but it is present on all aspects.  The last significant layer in our snowpack is a rain/temperature crust that can be found from valley bottom up to about 1600m.  As much as 40 cm sit over this crust in the western portion of the region.
The latest batch of storms has delivered around 50 cm of snow to the region.  In some locations the new snow rests on top of a surface hoar layer buried January 3rd.  Strong southwesterly winds have redistributed the new snow into windslabs that can be found on NW through SE facing slopes at and above treeline.  Widespread crossloading is present throughout the region.  A rain / melt/freeze crust formed by recent warm temperatures can be found as high as 1600m.  The mid-December surface hoar layer continues to be a player, it's now buried 80 - 140 cm below the snow surface.  Very weak snow near the ground is also a concern and while it has not been reactive recently, triggering a full depth avalanche near the ground is within the realm of possibilities right now.
At treeline, snowpack depths are around 260cm.The upper snowpack comprises a series of storm snow layers, which have generally bonded well to each other and are now gaining strength. Rain to approximately 2000 m has left us with a moist surface layer--expect this to freeze into a hard crust as temperatures start to fall. In the alpine, above the elevation where rain fell, significant new wind slabs have developed in response to very strong southwesterly winds. Concern for lower snowpack layers remains only in low snowpack areas. Facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack could be a concern in areas you know to be unusually shallow, or where you can see rocks poking up out of the snow.
The upper snowpack comprises a series of storm snow layers, which have generally bonded well to each other and are now gaining strength. Rain to approximately 1800 m has left behind a moist surface layer--expect this to freeze into a crust as temperatures start to fall. In the alpine, above the elevation where rain fell, significant new wind slabs have developed in response to very strong southwesterly winds. Concern for lower snowpack layers remains only in low snowpack areas, such as the east side of the Duffy or in the Chilcotins. Surface hoar and/or facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack could be a concern in sheltered treeline areas that are unusually shallow or on slopes where you can see rocks poking up out of the snow.
Previously gusty winds created wind slabs that can be found in wind exposed locations in both the treeline & alpine elevation bands.  A thin melt/freeze crust can be found as high as 1900m & is now buried a few cm's below the surface.  Compression tests have been producing sudden results on both the late December surface hoar down 35-50 cm & the mid-December surface hoar, down 70-105 cm.  Test profiles and continued whoomphing suggest that avalanches associated with these persistent weakness's have the potential to propagate over large areas.  Basal facets and depth hoar remain a concern in shallow rocky areas.
Snow depths at treeline are approximately 170cm.Recent warm temperatures have helped consolidate the upper layers of the snowpack and in particular have added some cohesion to the bond between the storm snow and a rain crust lying around 15-20cm below the snow surface. In the mid snowpack there are two different weak layers to watch. Both layers were originally buried surface hoar. The upper one, buried around Christmas day, lies 45-80 cm below the surface. The lower one, buried mid-December, lies approximately 10 cm below the upper one. Reports indicate these layers are becoming less reactive; however professionals in the area are still cautious of them. If you have more advanced training, it may be a good time to dig down into the snowpack and get terrain-specific information about these layers. The most likely spot to trigger a slide on these layers would be on steep, rocky terrain where the snow has remained cold. Beware! A slide on one of these layers would be destructive in nature.
Another 10-20 cm of snow has added to the storm snow from Saturday night. The storm slab is now about 50-80 cm depending on elevation. Very strong southwest winds have probably transported this new storm snow into thick windslabs and storm slabs. This new storm layer is sitting on top of a storm layer from earlier in the week that did not have a lot of time to settle and strengthen. A relatively thin layer of surface hoar or facets was reportedly buried New Year's day - this may have been the focus of some of the storm snow releases during the current storm; however, I suspect this layer will settle out quite rapidly. Lower down, it is still possible to find a surface hoar/crust/facet combo from mid-December. I suspect it would take a very heavy trigger such as a cornice fall to trigger this layer now, although if you are traveling in an unusually shallow snowpack area I'd still be cautious of it. The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Heavy rain up to about 1000 metres on Saturday night ended around 0800 Sunday. Cooling since the storm has created a rain crust up to about 1200 metres. There is about 235 cm at 1500 metres. There is an old rain crust that is buried down about a metre that is knife hard and showing old facets above and below. The snowpack is well settled below the rain crust down to the ground. The snowpack in the alpine is highly variable. Strong winds with almost every storm this winter have scoured ridges and knolls down to bare ground, and exposed boulders on some slopes.
The recent storm has accumulated about 20-30 cm of storm snow. Very strong southwest winds have transported the storm snow into windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. There is a new rain crust below 1500 metres and an old rain crust that is buried down about a metre below the 1600 metre elevation. The mid-pack is reported to be strong, and I have not heard anyone talk about early season layers deep in the snowpack. That being said, there is still a lot of variation due to the strong winds that have accompanied most storms this winter in the region. I would continue to be suspect of thin snowpack areas.
The height of snow at treeline is about 250 cm on average, but can be variable due to the amount of strong wind that we have had this winter. The recent storm has deposited about 40 cm of snow above last weeks 40-50 cm storm slab. Rain up to about 1400 metres during the recent storms has created rain crusts below treeline. The buried rain crust was giving sudden planar results in tests a few days ago, but they are being discussed less since the recent storm. A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, now buried around 100 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is also still preserved. This one is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is still reactive to natural and human triggers. Despite sudden snowpack test results, triggering these weak layers is proving difficult; however bear in mind if anything did release on either of these layers, the consequence of the resulting slide would be large.
A translucent rain crust from 1 - 7 mm in thickness is spread like a glaze on top of the snowpack.  Below that sits 20 cm of rain soaked snow which fell on Saturday.  Below that is another supportive crust.
The average HS (height of snow) in the Crowsnest North is 120cms and the Crowsnest South has 150cms. As we move further West into the Elk Valley North the HS is an average of 130cms. The Elk Valley South sits at 170cms.In the Flathead the avg. HS is 170cms.   All snow depths indicated are at the 2000m elevation.In the alpine and exposed slopes at treeline windward aspects have been stripped of snow by strong winds over the past week, and lee slopes have widespread stiff wind slabs. Over the past few days, dribs and drabs of new snow has added to an overriding unconsolidated soft slab.In the mid pack, weak buried surface hoar layers can be found on North-NE slopes at treeline and below down approx. 30-55cms. The surface hoar may co-exist with facets that are result of the early December dry spell. This interface is still reactive and has produced numerous natural avalanches over the past week.At the bottom of the snowpack a variable facet/ crust/ facet sandwich is located with depth hoar up to size 5mm below the crust, and facets size 2mm above. There has been little in the way of recent activity on basal layers, but the nature of a release would be highly destructive.As a side note, the snow depths alone indicate that the region is highly variable in terms of snowpack structure. You should anticipate that layering and reactivity of weaknesses will also be variable throughout the region.
Snowpack depth at treeline elevation is generally around 200cm. A translucent rain crust from 1 - 7mm in thickness is spread like a glaze on top of the snowpack. The upper half of the snowpack is a series of hard and soft crusts sandwiching dense moist or wet snow. Recent snowpack tests produced consistently hard but sudden results down 40-50cm and again at around 110cm. Although these test results suggest that if triggered, slabs are likely to propagate into large avalanches, triggering is very unlikely due to the high tensile strength in the slab, which effectively bridges these weaknesses from external stresses.
Warm temperatures and light to moderate precipitation settled the 30-70cm of recent storm snow and created upside down slabs and/or thin surface crust on Monday. Since then, light amounts dry snow is maintaining the snow supply for wind slab development, but cold temperatures are likely starting to improve storm slab stability. Strong winds have created high variability in treeline and alpine areas, with shallow faceted scoured areas, thick wind slabs, and thin trigger points for various storm snow and persistent weaknesses. Up to three different persistent weaknesses can be found in the top 150cm. The most concerning and deepest is surface hoar and/or facets buried mid-December, which is widespread on all aspects at all elevations, but has been most sensitive on south through east facing treeline slopes. Even though recent snowpack tests have shown that this weakness is getting harder to trigger, it still has a high propensity to propagate fractures and shallower weaknesses create step-down potential.
Warm temperatures and light to moderate precipitation settled the 40-60cm of recent storm snow and created upside down slabs and/or thin surface crust on Monday. Since then, light amounts dry snow is maintaining the snow supply for wind slab development, but cold temperatures are likely starting to improve storm slab stability. Touchy mid-December surface hoar and basal facets remain a persistent problem. Recent snowpack tests produced easy results that show a high propensity to propagate fractures. When combined with weak wind slabs, thin trigger points, other weaknesses within and under the recent storm snow, the result is a highly variable snowpack with the potential for deep slab avalanches, especially from heavy, thin spot, and/or step-down triggers.
Snow depths at treeline are approximately 180cm.15 cm or so low density new snow fell on this region Monday night. Winds have shifted round to the north, loading slopes that were previously to windward with fresh wind slabs. Aside from the new snow and the possibility of wind slabs, the major feature in the upper snowpack is a crust buried around 40 cm. Slope testing has confirmed this interface is reactive and has the potential to release avalanches up to size 2. In the mid snowpack there are two different weak layers to watch. Both layers were originally buried surface hoar. The upper one, buried around Christmas day, lies 45-80 cm below the surface. The lower one, buried mid-December, lies approximately 10 cm below the upper one. Reports indicate these layers are becoming less reactive; however professionals in the area are still cautious of them. If you have more advanced training, it may be a good time to dig down into the snowpack and get terrain-specific information about these layers. The most likely spot to trigger a slide on these layers would be on steep, rocky terrain where the snow has remained cold. Beware! A slide on one of these layers would be destructive in nature.
Heavy rain up to about 1000 metres on Saturday night ended around 0800 Sunday. Cooling since the storm has created a rain crust up to about 1200 metres. There is about 235 cm at 1500 metres. There is an old rain crust that is buried down about a metre that is knife hard and showing old facets above and below. The snowpack is well settled below the rain crust down to the ground. The snowpack in the alpine is highly variable. Strong winds with almost every storm this winter have scoured ridges and knolls down to bare ground, and exposed boulders on some slopes.
Very strong southwest winds have transported the storm snow into windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. There is a new rain crust below 1500 metres and an old rain crust that is buried down about a metre below the 1600 metre elevation. The mid-pack is reported to be strong, and I have not heard anyone talk about early season layers deep in the snowpack. That being said, there is still a lot of variation due to the strong winds that have accompanied most storms this winter in the region. I would continue to be suspect of thin snowpack areas.
The height of snow at treeline is about 250 cm on average, but can be variable due to the amount of strong wind that we have had this winter. The recent storm has deposited about 40 cm of snow above last weeks 40-50 cm storm slab. Rain up to about 1400 metres during the recent storms has created rain crusts below treeline. The buried rain crust was giving sudden planar results in tests a few days ago, but they are being discussed less since the recent storm. A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, now buried around 100 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is also still preserved. This one is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is still reactive to natural and human triggers. Despite sudden snowpack test results, triggering these weak layers is proving difficult; however bear in mind if anything did release on either of these layers, the consequence of the resulting slide would be large.
Warm temperatures and light precipitation settled the 20-40cm of recent storm snow and created upside down slabs and/or thin surface crust on Monday. Since then, light amounts dry snow is maintaining the snow supply for wind slab development, but cold temperatures are likely starting to improve storm slab stability. A thin melt/freeze crust can be found in the upper snowpack as high as 1900m. The late-December interface is now down 40-50cm and producing moderate to hard resistant snowpack test results. While the mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, down 65cm, is still producing moderate to hard but sudden results. Basal facets remain concern in shallow snowpack areas especially with heavy triggers in thin spots, and weaknesses above create the potential for step-down avalanches.
The average HS (height of snow) in the Crowsnest North is 130cms and the Crowsnest South has 160cms. As we move further West into the Elk Valley North the HS is an average of 140cms. The Elk Valley South sits at 180cms.In the Flathead the avg. HS is 180cms.   All snow depths indicated are at the 2000m elevation.A nice dump of around 20 cm of low density new snow arrived Monday night. Northerly winds will redistribute this onto lee slopes, setting up reverse loading on slopes that were previously to windward around ridge crests and other exposed terrain features. The upper slab is still relatively unconsolidated - the cooler temperatures will maintain this situation for a little while to come.In the mid pack, weak buried surface hoar layers can be found on North-NE slopes at treeline and below down approx. 30-55cms. The surface hoar may co-exist with facets that are result of the early December dry spell. This interface is still reactive and has produced numerous natural avalanches over the past week.At the bottom of the snowpack a variable facet/ crust/ facet sandwich is located with depth hoar up to size 5mm below the crust, and facets size 2mm above. There has been little in the way of recent activity on basal layers, but the nature of a release would be highly destructive.As a side note, the snow depths alone indicate that the region is highly variable in terms of snowpack structure. You should anticipate that layering and reactivity of weaknesses will also be variable throughout the region.
At treeline, snowpack depths are around 260cm.The upper snowpack comprises a series of storm snow layers, which have generally bonded well to each other and are now gaining strength. Rain to approximately 2000 m  from the last storm that has now refrozen has left us with a crust buried by a skiff of snow. In the alpine, above the elevation where rain fell, fresh new wind slabs have developed in response to very strong winds. Expect winds to shift from southwesterly to northerly, potentially creating some localized reverse loading. Concern for lower snowpack layers remains only in shallow snowpack areas. Facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack could be a concern in areas you know to be unusually shallow, or where you can see rocks poking up out of the snow.
The upper snowpack comprises a series of storm snow layers, which have generally bonded well to each other and are now gaining strength. Rain fell recently to approximately 1800 m, and has left behind a crust, now buried by a skiff of snow. In the alpine, above the elevation where rain fell, fresh new wind slabs have developed in response to strong southwesterly winds. These were initially from the southwest, but winds have now switched round to the northwest, so expect some reverse loading near ridge crests. Concern for lower snowpack layers remains only in low snowpack areas, such as the east side of the Duffy or in the Chilcotins. Surface hoar and/or facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack could be a concern in sheltered treeline areas that are unusually shallow or on slopes where you can see rocks poking up out of the snow.
Some areas are reporting an alpine snowpack of 5 metres. In these areas the mid-december surface hoar is buried down about 250 cm with a well settled and strong 80 cm above. These deeper snowpack areas are reporting that there are no shears except in the top 50 cm of storm snow; and these shears on recent stellar crystal weakness are expected to bond within the next few days. Areas that experienced very strong winds during the recent storm may have thick windslabs that may take another couple of days to settle. The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Observations taken from Fraser Study Plot (Fraser Wx Station stie).  Elev 900m.  HS=135cms.  35cms of settled HST with various storm instabilities overlies a generally strong 1F-P mid-pack.  Below this lies the 111205 CR/FC combo, (down 80cms) which in this location is not breaking down and still producing hard sudden planar results to DTT.  Below this is a series of facets (to size 3.0) and crusts to the bottom of the snowpack.
Snowpack depth at treeline elevation is generally around 200cm. The top 15cm is like a creme brulee with a breakable translucent surface rain crust capping soft rain soaked snow. Below that, the upper half of the snowpack is a series of hard and soft crusts sandwiching dense moist or wet snow. Recent snowpack tests produced consistently hard but sudden results down 40-50cm and again at around 110cm. Although these test results suggest that if triggered, slabs are likely to propagate into large avalanches, triggering is very unlikely due to the high tensile strength in the slab, which effectively bridges these weaknesses from external stresses.
Warm temperatures and light to moderate precipitation settled the 30-70cm of recent storm snow and created upside down slabs and/or thin surface crust on Monday.Since then, light amounts dry snow is maintaining the snow supply for wind slab development, cold temperatures are likely starting to improve storm slab stability, and surface hoar is growing. Strong winds have created high variability in treeline and alpine areas, with shallow faceted scoured areas, thick wind slabs, and thin trigger points. Avalanche professionals are gaining confidence in the mid-December persistent weakness, now down 90-170cm, but concern for human triggers remains on steep unsupported slopes. Furthermore, when this persistent weaknesses is combined with weak wind slabs, thin trigger points, and other weaknesses within and under the recent storm snow and at the base of shallow snowpack areas,  the result is a highly variable snowpack with the potential for deep slab avalanches, especially from heavy, thin spot, and/or step-down triggers.
Warm temperatures and light to moderate precipitation settled the 40-60cm of recent storm snow and created upside down slabs and/or thin surface crust on Monday. Since then, light amounts dry snow is maintaining the snow supply for wind slab development, but cold temperatures are likely starting to improve storm slab stability. Touchy mid-December surface hoar is down anywhere from 40cm on the eastern side of the range to 150cm on the west side is recently produced easy snowpack test results that show a high propensity to propagate fractures. Check out this YouTube video posted by the Panorama ski patrol of an ECTP2 down around 40cm on surface hoar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_NQns2Nuh0. Basal facets remain a concern for human triggering in shallow snowpack alpine areas. When these persistent weaknesses are combined with weak wind slabs, thin trigger points, and other weaknesses within and under the recent storm snow, the result is a highly variable snowpack with the potential for deep slab avalanches, especially from heavy, thin spot, and/or step-down triggers.
At treeline, snowpack depths are around 260cm.The upper snowpack comprises a series of storm snow layers, which have generally bonded well to each other and are now gaining strength. Rain to approximately 2000 m  from the last storm that has now refrozen has left us with a crust buried by a skiff of snow. In the alpine, above the elevation where rain fell, fresh new wind slabs have developed in response to very strong winds. Expect winds to shift from southwesterly to northerly, potentially creating some localized reverse loading. Cornices Concern for lower snowpack layers remains only in shallow snowpack areas. Facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack could be a concern in areas you know to be unusually shallow, or where you can see rocks poking up out of the snow.
The upper snowpack comprises a series of storm snow layers, which have generally bonded well to each other and are now gaining strength. Rain fell recently to approximately 1800 m, and has left behind a crust, now buried by a skiff of snow. In the alpine, above the elevation where rain fell, fresh new wind slabs have developed in response to strong southwesterly winds. Winds also blew from the north for a while, and there are reports of areas where reverse loading is an issue. Concern for lower snowpack layers remains only in low snowpack areas, such as the east side of the Duffy or in the Chilcotins. If you're a keen follower of the bulletins you'll notice I've taken the persistent weak layer problem out of the primary problems for this region. It really seems as though this layer has been sufficiently buried for long enough that it no longer pose a threat in the vast majority of locations. If you're riding steep aggressive lines in open terrain in one of the shallower snowpack areas mentioned above, I would still be concerned with deeply buried persistent weak layers. The layers of concern are surface hoar and/or facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack, particularly in sheltered treeline areas that are unusually shallow or on slopes where you can see rocks poking up out of the snow.
Heavy rain up to about 1000 metres on Saturday night ended around 0800 Sunday. Cooling since the storm has created a rain crust up to about 1200 metres. There is about 235 cm at 1500 metres. There is an old rain crust that is buried down about a metre that is knife hard and showing old facets above and below. The snowpack is well settled below the rain crust down to the ground. The snowpack in the alpine is highly variable. Strong winds with almost every storm this winter have scoured ridges and knolls down to bare ground, and exposed boulders on some slopes.
Area Observed: Log CabinAt treeline HS was 170 with an upper pack composed of a 45cm soft slab bellow 15cm 4F HST which was reactive to ski cuts on wind loaded features.  In the alpine HS ranged from 30cm to 3m.  In deeper wind loaded features a 60cm hard wind slab felt locked up and was supportive to a skiers weight.  Midpack was generally well consolidated sitting on 111205 Cr/Fc now down 120cm at treeline 220cm in the alpine.  The crust was found up to 1100m.   Lower pack felt week and hollow.
Warm temperatures and light precipitation settled the 20-40cm of recent storm snow and created upside down slabs and/or thin surface crust on Monday. Since then, light amounts dry snow is maintaining the snow supply for wind slab development, cold temperatures are likely starting to improve storm slab stability, and surface hoar is growing. A thin melt/freeze crust can be found in the upper snowpack as high as 1900m, and some areas are reporting surface hoar buried early-January now down 10-30cm. The late-December interface is now down 30-60cm and producing moderate to hard resistant snowpack test results. While the mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, down 40-100cm, is producing anywhere from easy to hard results, but consistently shows a high propensity to propagate fractures. Recent whumpfing suggests basal facets remain concern in shallow snowpack areas especially with heavy triggers in thin spots, and weaknesses in the slab above create the potential for step-down avalanches.
Some areas (Terrace, Kaziks) are reporting an alpine snowpack of 5 metres. In these areas the mid-december surface hoar is buried down about 250 cm with a well settled and strong 80 cm above. These deeper snowpack areas are reporting that there are no shears except in the top 50 cm of storm snow; and these shears on recent stellar crystal weakness are expected to bond within the next few days. Areas that experienced very strong winds during the recent storm may have thick windslabs that may take another couple of days to settle. The lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.Expect new wind slab development with forecast wind and snow.
2 days ago very strong southwest winds transported the storm snow into windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. There is a new rain crust below 1500 metres and an old rain crust that is buried down about a metre below the 1600 metre elevation. The mid-pack is reported to be strong, and I have not heard anyone talk about early season layers deep in the snowpack. That being said, there is still a lot of variation due to the strong winds that have accompanied most storms this winter in the region. I would continue to be suspect of thin snowpack areas.
Snow depths at treeline are approximately 180cm.15 cm or so low density new snow fell on this region at the beginning of the week. Winds have shifted round to the north, loading slopes that were previously to windward with fresh wind slabs. Aside from the new snow and the possibility of wind slabs, the major feature in the upper snowpack is a crust buried around 40 cm. Slope testing has confirmed this interface is reactive and has the potential to release avalanches up to size 2. In the mid snowpack there are two different weak layers to watch. Both layers were originally buried surface hoar. The upper one, buried around Christmas day, lies 45-80 cm below the surface. The lower one, buried mid-December, lies approximately 10 cm below the upper one. Reports indicate these layers are becoming less reactive; however professionals in the area are still cautious of them. If you have more advanced training, it may be a good time to dig down into the snowpack and get terrain-specific information about these layers. The most likely spot to trigger a slide on these layers would be on steep, rocky terrain where the snow has remained cold. Beware! A slide on one of these layers would be destructive in nature.
The height of snow at treeline is about 250 cm on average, but can be variable due to the amount of strong wind that we have had this winter. The recent storm has deposited about 40 cm of snow above last weeks 40-50 cm storm slab. Although the last few days have given the new slab some time to strengthen, triggering will still be quite possible on lee terrain.Rain up to about 1400 metres during the recent storms has created rain crusts below treeline. The buried rain crust was giving sudden planar results in tests a few days ago, but they are being discussed less since the recent storm. A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, now buried around 100 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from mid-December is also still preserved. This one is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is still reactive to natural and human triggers. Despite sudden snowpack test results, triggering these weak layers is proving difficult; however bear in mind if anything did release on either of these layers, the consequence of the resulting slide would be large.
The average HS (height of snow) in the Crowsnest North is 130cms and the Crowsnest South has 160cms. As we move further West into the Elk Valley North the HS is an average of 140cms. The Elk Valley South sits at 180cms.In the Flathead the avg. HS is 180cms.   All snow depths indicated are at the 2000m elevation.A nice dump of around 20 cm of low density new snow arrived Monday night. Winds have remained fairly light, although I would expect some wind loading in exposed areas in immediate lee areas down from ridge lines. The upper slab is still relatively unconsolidated - the cooler temperatures will maintain this situation for a little while to come.In the mid pack, weak buried surface hoar layers can be found on North-NE slopes at treeline and below down approx. 30-55cms. The surface hoar may co-exist with facets that are result of the early December dry spell. This interface is still reactive and has produced numerous natural avalanches over the past week.At the bottom of the snowpack a variable facet/ crust/ facet sandwich is located with depth hoar up to size 5mm below the crust, and facets size 2mm above. There has been little in the way of recent activity on basal layers, but the nature of a release would be highly destructive.As a side note, the snow depths alone indicate that the region is highly variable in terms of snowpack structure. You should anticipate that layering and reactivity of weaknesses will also be variable throughout the region.
Snowpack depth at treeline elevation is generally around 200cm. On upper elevation shady slopes the top 15cm is like a creme brulee with a breakable translucent surface rain crust capping soft rain soaked snow. Otherwise warm temperatures and sun-exposure have been softening the surface snow. Below that, the upper half of the snowpack is a series of hard and soft crusts sandwiching dense moist or wet snow. Recent snowpack tests produced consistently hard but sudden results down 40-50cm and again at around 110cm. Although these test results suggest that if triggered, slabs are likely to propagate into large avalanches, triggering is very unlikely due to the high tensile strength in the slab, which effectively bridges these weaknesses from external stresses.
Recent light amounts dry snow has maintained the snow supply for fresh wind slab development and cornice growth. Surface condition in wind-exposed areas is highly variable with scoured areas, sastrugi, and pockets of fresh hard and soft wind slabs. Recent strong winds have created high variability in treeline and alpine areas, with shallow faceted scoured areas, thick wind slabs, and thin trigger points. A weak graupel and/or stellar layer down 25-30cm appears to have been the culprit in recent wind slab avalanche activity. Avalanche professionals are gaining confidence in the mid-December persistent weakness, now down 90-170cm, but concern remains for heavy triggers, such as cornice drops, on steep unsupported slopes. When this persistent weaknesses is combined with weak wind slabs, thin trigger points, and other weaknesses within and under the recent storm snow and at the base of shallow snowpack areas, the result is a highly variable snowpack with the potential for step-down deep slab avalanches.
Recent light amounts dry snow has maintained the snow supply for fresh wind slab development and cornice growth. Surface condition in wind-exposed areas is highly variable with scoured areas, sastrugi, and pockets of fresh hard and soft wind slabs. Cold temperatures are promoting surface faceting, and a new batch of surface hoar is probably growing in sheltered areas. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, down 40cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 150cm on the western side, is generally producing anywhere from easy results where it's shallow to hard results where it's deeper. But all tests consistently show a high propensity to propagate fractures.Check out this YouTube video posted by the Panorama ski patrol of an ECTP2 down around 40cm on surface hoar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_NQns2Nuh0. Basal facets remain a concern for human triggering in shallow snowpack alpine areas. When these persistent weaknesses are combined with weak wind slabs, thin trigger points, and other weaknesses within and under the recent storm snow, the result is a highly variable snowpack with the potential for deep slab avalanches, especially from heavy, thin spot, and/or step-down triggers.
The average HS (height of snow) in the Crowsnest North is 130cms and the Crowsnest South has 160cms. As we move further West into the Elk Valley North the HS is an average of 140cms. The Elk Valley South sits at 180cms.In the Flathead the avg. HS is 180cms.   All snow depths indicated are at the 2000m elevation.A nice dump of around 20 cm of low density new snow arrived Monday night. Winds were initially light following this storm, although recent gusty winds have started to redistribute snow onto lee aspects in exposed areas such as behind ridge lines. The upper slab is still relatively unconsolidated - the cooler temperatures will maintain this situation for a little while to come. In the mid pack, weak buried surface hoar layers can be found on North-NE slopes at treeline and below down approx. 30-55cms. The surface hoar may co-exist with facets that are result of the early December dry spell. This interface is still reactive and has produced numerous natural avalanches over the past week.At the bottom of the snowpack a variable facet/ crust/ facet sandwich is located with depth hoar up to size 5mm below the crust, and facets size 2mm above. There has been little in the way of recent activity on basal layers, but the nature of a release would be highly destructive.As a side note, the snow depths alone indicate that the region is highly variable in terms of snowpack structure. You should anticipate that layering and reactivity of weaknesses will also be variable throughout the region.
At treeline, snowpack depths are around 250cm.Warm daytime temperatures and cool overnight temperatures have created a hard, crusty surface layer in many places, even up into the alpine. Surface hoar is growing on this surface, reportedly 3-5mm at this time. While it's on the surface, it obviously doesn't cause us too many problems, but if it is buried with snow, it has the potential to become our next touchy weak layer. The upper snowpack comprises a series of storm snow layers, which have generally bonded well to each other and are now gaining strength. Wind transport in the alpine has been significant in some areas with most wind slab development occurring on north and east aspects, but also some on south aspects. Concern for lower snowpack layers has diminished and remains only in shallow snowpack areas. Facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack may still be a concern in areas you know to be unusually shallow, or where you can see rocks poking up out of the snow.
Warm daytime temperatures and cool overnight temperatures have created a hard, crusty surface layer in many places, even up into the alpine. Surface hoar is growing on this surface, reportedly 3-5mm at this time. While it's on the surface, it obviously doesn't cause us too many problems, but if it is buried with snow, it has the potential to become our next touchy weak layer. The upper snowpack comprises a series of storm snow layers, which have generally bonded well to each other and are now gaining strength. Fresh new wind slabs have developed in response to strong southwesterly winds. Winds also blew from the north for a while, and there are reports of areas where reverse loading is an issue. Concern for lower snowpack layers remains only in low snowpack areas, such as the east side of the Duffy or in the Chilcotins. If you're a keen follower of the bulletins you'll notice I've taken the persistent weak layer problem out of the primary problems for this region. It really seems as though this layer has been sufficiently buried for long enough that it no longer pose a threat in the vast majority of locations. If you're riding steep aggressive lines in open terrain in one of the shallower snowpack areas mentioned above, I would still be concerned with deeply buried persistent weak layers. The layers of concern are surface hoar and/or facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack, particularly in sheltered treeline areas that are unusually shallow or on slopes where you can see rocks poking up out of the snow.
3 days ago very strong southwest winds transported the storm snow into windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. There is a new rain crust below 1500 metres and an old rain crust that is buried down about a metre below the 1600 metre elevation. The mid-pack is reported to be strong, and I have not heard anyone talk about early season layers deep in the snowpack. That being said, there is still a lot of variation due to the strong winds that have accompanied most storms this winter in the region. I would continue to be suspect of thin snowpack areas.
The height of snow at treeline is about 250 cm on average, but can be variable due to the amount of strong wind that we have had this winter.Although the last few days have given recent wind slabs some time to strengthen, triggering is still possible on lee terrain. Variable winds were also prevalent at the end of the last system (Tuesday), so you can anticipate a wind effect on a variety of aspects and elevations.Rain up to about 1400 metres during the recent storm has created rain crusts below treeline. The buried rain crust was giving sudden planar results in tests a few days ago, but they are being discussed less since the recent storm. A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, now buried around 100 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from the early December dry spell is also still preserved. This one is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is producing hard yet sudden test results. Despite sudden snowpack test results, the big picture suggests that these deeper persistent weaknesses require a larger trigger (cornice fall, explosives, airborne snowmobile) to initiate an avalanche on most terrain. Slopes of concern may be steep, unsupported pitches with a shallow snowpack.
Recent light amounts dry snow has maintained the snow supply for fresh wind slab development and cornice growth. Surface condition in wind-exposed areas is highly variable with scoured areas, sastrugi, and pockets of fresh hard and soft wind slabs. Cold temperatures are promoting surface faceting, and a new batch of surface hoar is growing in sheltered areas. A thin melt/freeze crust can be found in the upper snowpack as high as 1900m, and some areas are reporting surface hoar buried early-January now down 10-30cm. The late-December interface is now down 30-60cm and producing moderate to hard resistant snowpack test results. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, down 40-100cm, is generally producing anywhere from easy results where it's shallow to hard results where it's deeper. But recent tests on a north facing treeline slope produced easy results where the surface hoar was found down 70cm, and all tests consistently show a high propensity to propagate fractures. Recent whumpfing suggests basal facets remain concern in shallow snowpack areas especially with heavy triggers in thin spots, and weaknesses in the slab above create the potential for step-down avalanches.
Snow depths at treeline are approximately 180cm.15 cm or so low density new snow fell on this region at the beginning of the week. Winds initially shifted round to the north before veering to the southwest and picking up in intensity. I would expect fresh wind slabs on the lee of exposed features such as ridge lines. Aside from the new snow and the possibility of wind slabs, the major feature in the upper snowpack is a crust buried around 40 cm. Slope testing has confirmed this interface is reactive and has the potential to release avalanches up to size 2. In the mid snowpack there are two different weak layers to watch. Both layers were originally buried surface hoar. The upper one, buried around Christmas day, lies 45-80 cm below the surface. The lower one, buried mid-December, lies approximately 10 cm below the upper one. Reports indicate these layers are becoming less reactive; however professionals in the area are still cautious of them. If you have more advanced training, it may be a good time to dig down into the snowpack and get terrain-specific information about these layers. The most likely spot to trigger a slide on these layers would be on steep, rocky terrain where the snow has remained cold. Beware! A slide on one of these layers would be destructive in nature.
Heavy rain up to about 1000 metres on Saturday night ended around 0800 Sunday. Cooling since the storm has created a rain crust up to about 1200 metres. There is about 235 cm at 1500 metres. There is an old rain crust that is buried down about a metre that is knife hard and showing old facets above and below. The snowpack is well settled below the rain crust down to the ground. The snowpack in the alpine is highly variable. Strong winds with almost every storm this winter have scoured ridges and knolls down to bare ground, and exposed boulders on some slopes.
Some areas (Terrace, Kaziks) are reporting an alpine snowpack of 5 metres. In these areas the mid-december surface hoar-facet layer is buried down about 250 cm and has not been reactive for quite some time. At this time the biggest issue in the region seems to be new snow instabilities. Although they can be quicker to heal than other weaknesses, they may be highly destructive, especially with this season's pattern of heavy accumulations of snow combined with strong winds.Areas that experienced very strong winds during the recent storm may have thick windslabs that may take another couple of days to settle. Be cautious of large, recently developed cornices. They may be destructive by themselves, or they can become a trigger for an avalanche on the slope below.The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.Expect significant new wind slab development with forecast wind and snow.
Observations taken at treeline (1050m) in Tushi Chutes region (transitional snowpack).  The snowpack in this area was characterized by a 4F-1F Slab overlying a mid-pack of rounds.  This mid-pack is broken by a hollow layer of facets (size 2.0) down 60-80cms.  These facets sit on top of a 111205 CR/FC combo.  This interface produced hard sudden planar results to CT.  It also showed likelihood of propagation, ECT P24 down 80cms.
Snowpack depth at treeline elevation is generally around 200cm. On upper elevation shady slopes the top 15cm is like a creme brulee with a breakable translucent surface rain crust capping soft rain soaked snow. Below that, the upper half of the snowpack is a series of hard and soft crusts sandwiching dense moist or wet snow. Recent snowpack tests produced consistently hard but sudden results down 40-50cm and again at around 110cm. Although these test results suggest that if triggered, slabs are likely to propagate into large avalanches, triggering is very unlikely due to the high tensile strength in the slab, which effectively bridges these weaknesses from external stresses.
Recent light amounts dry snow has maintained the snow supply for fresh wind slab development and cornice growth. Surface condition in wind-exposed areas is highly variable with scoured areas, sastrugi, and pockets of fresh hard and soft wind slabs. A weak graupel and/or stellar layer down 25-30cm appears to have been the culprit in recent wind slab avalanche activity. Avalanche professionals are gaining confidence in the mid-December persistent weakness, now down 90-170cm, but concern remains for heavy triggers, such as cornice drops, on steep unsupported slopes. When this persistent weaknesses is combined with weak wind slabs, thin trigger points, and other weaknesses within and under the recent storm snow and at the base of shallow snowpack areas, the result is a highly variable snowpack with the potential for step-down deep slab avalanches.
Recent light amounts dry snow has maintained the snow supply for fresh wind slab development and cornice growth.Surface condition in wind-exposed areas is highly variable with scoured areas, sastrugi, and pockets of fresh hard and soft wind slabs. Cold temperatures are promoting surface faceting, and a new batch of surface hoar is probably growing in sheltered areas.The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, down 40cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 150cm on the western side, is generally producing anywhere from easy results where it's shallow to hard results where it's deeper. But all tests consistently show a high propensity to propagate fractures.Check out this YouTube video posted by the Panorama ski patrol of an ECTP2 down around 40cm on surface hoar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_NQns2Nuh0. Basal facets remain a concern for human triggering in shallow snowpack alpine areas. When these persistent weaknesses are combined with weak wind slabs, thin trigger points, and other weaknesses within and under the recent storm snow, the result is a highly variable snowpack with the potential for deep slab avalanches, especially from heavy, thin spot, and/or step-down triggers.
Snow depths at treeline are approximately 180cm.15 cm or so low density new snow fell on this region at the beginning of the week. Winds initially shifted round to the north before veering to the southwest and picking up in intensity. I would expect fresh wind slabs on the lee of exposed features such as ridge lines. Aside from the new snow and the possibility of wind slabs, the major feature in the upper snowpack is a crust buried around 40 cm. Slope testing has confirmed this interface is reactive and has the potential to release avalanches up to size 2. In the mid snowpack there are two different weak layers to watch. Both layers were originally buried surface hoar. The upper one, buried around Christmas day, lies 50-80 cm below the surface. The lower one, buried mid-December, lies approximately 10 cm below the upper one. Reports indicate these layers are becoming less reactive; however professionals in the area are still cautious of them. If you have more advanced training, it may be a good time to dig down into the snowpack and get terrain-specific information about these layers. The most likely spot to trigger a slide on these layers would be on steep, rocky terrain where the snow has remained cold. Beware! A slide on one of these layers would be destructive in nature.
The average HS (height of snow) in the Crowsnest North is 130cms and the Crowsnest South has 160cms. As we move further West into the Elk Valley North the HS is an average of 140cms. The Elk Valley South sits at 180cms.In the Flathead the avg. HS is 180cms. All snow depths indicated are at the 2000 m elevation.The new snow from earlier this week has been substantially redistributed in open areas onto lee aspects. This, coupled with variable snow depths across the region, means variability is the key word here--both in terms of snowpack structure and reactivity of wind slabs and buried weak layers. In more sheltered locations, the upper slab is still relatively unconsolidated due to cool temperatures. In the mid pack, weak buried surface hoar layers can be found on N-NE slopes at treeline and below down approx. 30-55cms. The surface hoar may co-exist with facets that are result of the early December dry spell. Activity has tapered off on this layer, but a couple of notable releases have occurred in the last week, indicating the possibility for triggering a dangerous avalanche on this layer is still there. At the bottom of the snowpack a variable facet/crust/facet sandwich is located with depth hoar up to size 5mm below the crust, and facets size 2mm above. There has been little in the way of recent activity on basal layers, but the nature of a release would be highly destructive.
At treeline, snowpack depths are around 250cm.A hard surface crust exists in many places, even up into the alpine. Surface hoar is growing on this surface. The upper snowpack comprises a series of storm snow layers, which have generally bonded well to each other and are now gaining strength.Recent winds have led to wind slab development occurring on north and east aspects, but also some on south aspects. Concern for lower snowpack layers has diminished and remains only in shallow snowpack areas. Facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack may still be a concern in areas you know to be unusually shallow, or where you can see rocks poking up out of the snow.
Warm daytime temperatures and cool overnight temperatures have created a hard, crusty surface layer in many places, even up into the alpine. Surface hoar is growing on this surface, reportedly 3-5mm at this time. While it's on the surface, it obviously doesn't cause us too many problems, but if it is buried with snow, it has the potential to become our next touchy weak layer.The upper snowpack comprises a series of storm snow layers, which have generally bonded well to each other and are now gaining strength. Fresh new wind slabs have developed in response to strong southwesterly winds. Winds also blew from the north for a while, and there are reports of areas where reverse loading is an issue. Concern for lower snowpack layers remains only in low snowpack areas, such as the east side of the Duffy or in the Chilcotins. If you're a keen follower of the bulletins you'll notice I've taken the persistent weak layer problem out of the primary problems for this region. It really seems as though this layer has been sufficiently buried for long enough that it no longer pose a threat in the vast majority of locations. If you're riding steep aggressive lines in open terrain in one of the shallower snowpack areas mentioned above, I would still be concerned with deeply buried persistent weak layers. The layers of concern are surface hoar and/or facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack, particularly in sheltered treeline areas that are unusually shallow or on slopes where you can see rocks poking up out of the snow.
Some areas (Terrace, Kaziks) are reporting an alpine snowpack of 5 metres. In these areas the mid-december surface hoar-facet layer is buried down about 250 cm and has not been reactive for quite some time. At this time the biggest issue in the region seems to be new snow instabilities. Although they can be quicker to heal than other weaknesses, they may be highly destructive, especially with this season's pattern of heavy accumulations of snow combined with strong winds.The region received about 20cm of new snow on thursday night which added to the heavy accumulations from last weekend. Wind values during thursday's snowfall are uncertain in the Terrace area. In spots that experienced  strong winds during the storm may have thick windslabs that may take another couple of days to settle. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.Be cautious of large, recently developed cornices. They may be destructive by themselves, or they can become a trigger for an avalanche on the slope below.
There is about 235 cm at 1500 metres. Heavy rain occurred last weekend up to about 1000 metres. Cooling since the storm has created a rain crust up to about 1200 metres. Above that, high winds redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded features. Since then, the region has received only dribs and drabs of new snow, and I suspect that last weekend's wind slab has gained considerable strength. I would expect soft slabs developing at treeline and in the alpine from the light accumulations throughout the week.There is an old rain crust that is buried down about a metre that is knife hard and showing old facets above and below. The snowpack is well settled below the rain crust down to the ground. The snowpack in the alpine is highly variable. Strong winds with almost every storm this winter have scoured ridges and knolls down to bare ground, and exposed boulders on some slopes.
About 4 days ago strong southwest winds transported the storm snow into reactive windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. I would suspect that these wind slabs have since gained some strength. Since then there has been little in the way of snow or wind and treeline temperatures have been between -8.0 and -12.0.There is a new rain crust below 1500 metres and an old rain crust that is buried down about a metre below the 1600 metre elevation.The mid-pack is reported to be strong, and I have not heard anyone talk about early season layers deep in the snowpack. That being said, there is still a lot of variation due to the strong winds that have accompanied most storms this winter in the region. I would continue to be suspect of thin snowpack areas.Expect new wind slab development with saturday's forecast snow and wind.
The height of snow at treeline is about 250 cm on average, but can be variable due to the amount of strong wind that we have had this winter.The last few days have given wind slabs formed earlier in the week some time to strengthen and triggering has become less likely. Variable winds were also prevalent at the end of the last system, so you can anticipate a wind effect on a variety of aspects and elevations.Rain up to about 1400 metres during the recent storm has created rain crusts below treeline. The buried rain crust was giving sudden planar results in tests a few days ago, but they are being discussed less since last weekend's storm.A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, now buried around 100 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from the early December dry spell is also still preserved. This one is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is producing hard yet sudden test results. Despite sudden snowpack test results, the big picture suggests that these deeper persistent weaknesses require a larger trigger (cornice fall, explosives, airborne snowmobile) to initiate an avalanche on most terrain. Slopes of concern may be steep, unsupported pitches with a shallow snowpack.Expect new wind slab development with saturday's forecast wind and snow.
Recent light amounts dry snow has maintained the snow supply for fresh wind slab development and cornice growth. Surface condition in wind-exposed areas is highly variable with scoured areas, sastrugi, and pockets of fresh hard and soft wind slabs. Cold temperatures are promoting surface faceting, and a new batch of surface hoar is growing in sheltered areas. A thin melt/freeze crust can be found in the upper snowpack as high as 1900m, and some areas are reporting surface hoar buried early-January now down 10-30cm. The late-December interface is now down 30-60cm and producing moderate to hard resistant snowpack test results. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, down 40-100cm, is generally producing anywhere from easy results where it's shallow to hard results where it's deeper. But recent tests on a north facing treeline slope produced easy results where the surface hoar was found down 70cm, and all tests consistently show a high propensity to propagate fractures. Recent whumpfing suggests basal facets remain concern in shallow snowpack areas especially with heavy triggers in thin spots, and weaknesses in the slab above create the potential for step-down avalanches.
Some areas (Terrace, Kaziks) are reporting an alpine snowpack of 5 metres. In these areas the mid-December surface hoar-facet layer is buried down about 250 cm and has not been reactive for quite some time. At this time the biggest issue in the region seems to be new snow instabilities. Although they can be quicker to heal than other weaknesses, they may be highly destructive, especially with this season's pattern of heavy accumulations of snow combined with strong winds.The region received 30 - 50 cm of snow since Wednesday.  Wind data from the region is currently sparse, but it's fairly safe to assume that winds are at threshold values for wind slab development.On that note, we're heading into the first significant outbreak of Arctic Air this season.  This cool dry air typically comes out of the NE at higher elevations while topography forces the air to move out of the East at mid/low elevations.  This easterly wind is opposite of the typical westerlies, so, we call this "Reverse Loading."  Backcountry users need to watch for wind slabs in unusual locations the next few days.  The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
There is about 235 cm at 1500 metres.Heavy rain occurred last weekend up to about 1000 metres. Cooling since the storm has created a rain crust up to about 1200 metres. Above that, high winds redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded features. Since then, the region has received only dribs and drabs of new snow, and I suspect that last weekend's wind slab has gained considerable strength. I would expect soft slabs developing at treeline and in the alpine from the light accumulations throughout the week.There is an old rain crust that is buried down about a metre that is knife hard and showing old facets above and below. The snowpack is well settled below the rain crust down to the ground. The snowpack in the alpine is highly variable.Strong winds with almost every storm this winter have scoured ridges and knolls down to bare ground, and exposed boulders on some slopes.
Newly formed wind slabs exist in the alpine and at treeline. Cornices are likely to have formed above north and east-facing slopes. Dry new snow is easy to trigger as a sluff in steep terrain, which could pick up mass and/or carry you into a terrain trap.Deeper in the snowpack, a crust about 40-50cm deep has exhibited the potential to still cause problems. Two buried surface hoar layers appear to be gaining strength, but professionals are still treating them with caution.
The snowpack in the South Rockies region varies considerably at present, with the Southern Elk Valley and Flathead Ranges close in nature to the Lizard Range. Near the Crowsnest, it's been drier and more consistently windy. Castle Mountain has been having its own little party and getting locally heavy snowfall. Anywhere from 4-30cm of new snow has fallen, redistributed by strong south-westerly winds into soft and hard wind slabs on lee slopes. Besides new storm/wind-related concerns, the layer we're still watching in the region is a surface hoar layer buried in early December. It's down about 85cm in the Flathead and exhibits hard, sudden planar/full propagation results, meaning that's it's stubborn to trigger but could create a large avalanche if triggered.At the bottom of the snowpack a variable facet/crust/facet sandwich is located with depth hoar up to size 5mm below the crust, and facets size 2mm above. There has been little in the way of recent activity on basal layers.
Treeline snowpack depths are around 250cm.New snow has been shifted into wind slabs overlying a hard crust, which is topped by surface hoar in some locations. It may be easy to trigger slabs on this interface, which is most prevalent below 1900m. Deeper in the snowpack, a series of old storm snow layers and wind slabs have generally bonded well to each other and are now gaining strength, with hard results in snowpack tests.Concern for lower snowpack layers has diminished and remains only in shallow snowpack areas. Facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack may still be a concern in shallow areas. Cornices are large and have shown fragility recently.
20-40cm of dry new snow has landed on a hard supportive crust in the Coquihalla area and dry facets in the Duffey Lake area. Initial reports from the Coquihalla area on Saturday indicated that the snow is bonding well to the crust. At ridgetop, south-westerly winds are likely to be creating wind slabs which may fail on the dry storm snow and/or the icy crust. Deeper in the snowpack, two persistent weak layers remain a concern only in thin snowpack areas (perhaps wind-scoured zones or relatively dry eastern ranges) and particularly in steep rocky terrain or sheltered, low-snowpack terrain. The two layers are surface hoar and/or facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack.
Strong southwest winds created windslabs in the alpine and at treeline last week.  I would suspect that these wind slabs have since gained some strength.  10 - 20 cm fell in the region Friday night with very little wind.  A rain crust exists below 1500m.  The mid-pack is reported to be strong, and I have not heard anyone talk about early season layers deep in the snowpack. That being said, there is still a lot of variation due to the strong winds that have accompanied most storms this winter in the region. I would continue to be suspect of thin snowpack areas.  Winds increase Sunday switching to the N forming fresh sensitive windslabs.
The height of snow at treeline is about 250 cm on average, but can be variable due to the amount of strong wind that we have had this winter.The last few days have given wind slabs formed earlier in the week some time to strengthen and triggering has become less likely. Variable winds were also prevalent at the end of the last system, so you can anticipate a wind effect on a variety of aspects and elevations.Rain up to about 1400 metres during the recent storm has created rain crusts below treeline. The buried rain crust was giving sudden planar results in tests a few days ago, but they are being discussed less since last weekend's storm.A surface hoar layer buried around Christmas is well preserved, now buried around 100 cm below the surface and is producing sudden "pop" results in stability tests. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface from the early December dry spell is also still preserved. This one is buried 100 to 150 cm deep and is producing hard yet sudden test results. Despite sudden snowpack test results, the big picture suggests that these deeper persistent weaknesses require a larger trigger (cornice fall, explosives, airborne snowmobile) to initiate an avalanche on most terrain. Slopes of concern may be steep, unsupported pitches with a shallow snowpack.  10 - 20 cm Friday combined with increasing winds Sunday will lead to the development of fresh sensitive wind slabs.
Snowpack depth at treeline elevation is generally around 200cm. Up to 20cm of new snow is now sitting on a breakable rain crust insulating moist or wet snow. Recent reports indicate this rain crust is acting as an effective sliding layer where this snow has been loaded in with strong to intense winds.  Below that, the upper half of the snowpack is a series of hard and soft crusts sandwiching dense moist or wet snow.
15-30cm of dry new snow combined with wind has encouraged additional slab development and cornice growth. This new snow now sits on a variety of surfaces (facets, surface hoar in sheltered areas, wind crust, soft slabs and hard slabs).A weak graupel and/or stellar layer down 25-30cm appears to have been the culprit in recent wind slab avalanche activity. Avalanche professionals are gaining confidence in the mid-December persistent weakness, now down 100-180cm, but concern remains for heavy triggers, such as cornice drops on steep unsupported slopes. When this persistent weaknesses is combined with weak wind slabs, thin trigger points, and a variety of other buried weaknesses the result is a highly variable snowpack with the potential for step-down deep slab avalanches.
Recent light amounts dry snow has maintained the snow supply for fresh wind slab development and cornice growth. Surface condition in wind-exposed areas is highly variable with scoured areas, sastrugi, and pockets of fresh hard and soft wind slabs. Cold temperatures are promoting surface faceting, and a new batch of surface hoar is growing in sheltered areas. A thin melt/freeze crust can be found in the upper snowpack as high as 1900m, and some areas are reporting surface hoar buried early-January now down 10-30cm. The late-December interface is now down 30-60cm and producing moderate to hard resistant snowpack test results. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, down 40-100cm, is generally producing anywhere from easy results where it's shallow to hard results where it's deeper. But recent tests on a north facing treeline slope produced easy results where the surface hoar was found down 70cm, and all tests consistently show a high propensity to propagate fractures. Recent whumpfing suggests basal facets remain concern in shallow snowpack areas especially with heavy triggers in thin spots, and weaknesses in the slab above create the potential for step-down avalanches.
Treeline snowpack depths are around 250cm.New snow has been shifted into wind slabs overlying a hard crust, which is topped by surface hoar in some locations. It may be easy to trigger slabs on this interface, which is most prevalent below 1900m. Deeper in the snowpack, a series of old storm snow layers and wind slabs have generally bonded well to each other and are now gaining strength, with hard results in snowpack tests.Concern for lower snowpack layers has diminished and remains only in shallow snowpack areas. Facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack may still be a concern in shallow areas. Cornices are large and have shown fragility recently.
20 - 30 cm of new snow has fallen across the region since last Thursday.  In wind exposed locations this new snow fell on old stubborn wind slabs.  Reports from the region indicate that the new snow is bonding well to the old snow surface.  Snowpack depths vary from 3.5 to 5 m across the region.  In this part of the province, the mid-December surface hoar/facet combo layer is inactive as it's now 2.5 m below the snow surface.  For the most part, avalanche concerns are limited to storm snow instabilities.By Monday the region should be firmly in the grasp of an outbreak of Arctic Air and while I suspect this cool dry air will help to tighten up the snowpack it will also introduce reverse wind loading which could lead to windslab development in unusual locations.
The region received heavy rain last weekend creating a stout crust up to about 1000m.  Moving up in elevation, that precipitation turned to snow.  Winds wreaked havoc on the new snow in wind exposed areas.  Those old wind slabs have mostly settled out now.  The region has received a few small shots of snow in the last 4 days, and that snow is reportedly bonding well to the old snow surface.  The snowpack is highly variable in the region as strong winds have accompanied most of the storms.  Looking around you can see the evidence of the big winds; some ridges are scoured down to bare rock, others have fat wind pillows on them.
The region has received as much as 30 cm in the last 48 hours, 50 cm in the last 7 days.  Much of this snow has been accompanied by strong variable winds which has created a wind-slab problem in the alpine and treeline elevation bands.  Cool dry Arctic air is creeping into the valleys in the far north portion of the region.  This air mass will continue to work its way south which will tighten the snowpack up a bit, drop temperatures & introduce reverse winds at and below treeline.
Snowpack depth at tree line elevation is generally around 200cm. Up to 25cm of new snow is now sitting on a slick and hard rain crust insulating moist or wet snow. Recent reports indicate this rain crust is acting as an effective sliding layer (for both snow and people).  Below that, the upper half of the snowpack is a series of hard and soft crusts sandwiching dense moist or wet snow.
20-40 cm of low density new snow combined with wind has encouraged additional slab development and cornice growth. This new snow now sits on a variety of surfaces (facets, surface hoar in sheltered areas, wind crust, soft slabs and hard slabs).Avalanche professionals are gaining confidence in the mid-December persistent weakness, now down 110-190cm, but concern remains for heavy triggers, such as cornice drops on steep unsupported slopes. When this persistent weaknesses is combined with weak wind slabs, thin trigger points, and a variety of other buried weaknesses the result is a highly variable snowpack with the potential for step-down deep slab avalanches.
5-10cm of low density new snow  in the northern portion of the region and 25-40 cm in the southern portion combined with wind has encouraged slab development and cornice growth in the alpine. This new snow is bonding poorly to a variety of surfaces (facets, surface hoar in sheltered areas, wind crust, soft slabs and hard slabs).The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, down 40cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 150cm on the western side, is generally producing anywhere from easy (where it's shallow) to hard (where it's deeper) test results. But all tests consistently show a high propensity to propagate fractures. Basal facets remain a concern for human triggering in shallow snowpack alpine areas and for step down fractures in more consolidated snowpack areas.
An intense burst of snow seemed to be isolated to parts of the Lizard Range on Sunday, bringing more than 25cm in short order to some spots. This brought storm totals to up to 50cm, with local variability. This very dry new snow was failing constantly in steep ground on a melt-freeze crust formed in late December, which exists to 1800m.Further along the range, surface hoar buried in early December has not been recently active, but professionals are still treating this layer with caution. Easy results were observed in a snowpack test on this layer in the Morrissey Range on Saturday. Also in the Morrissey Range, a newly buried layer of large surface hoar is very reactive, but it has not been found in other parts of the region.
20-40cm of dry new snow has landed on a hard supportive crust in the Coquihalla area and dry facets in the Duffey Lake area. Snowpack tests showed a poor bond to the old surfaces on Saturday and improved results on Sunday. West to south-westerly winds created soft slabs, which seem to have gained strength. If winds increase again, new wind slabs are likely to form quickly as there is plenty of dry new snow available to be transported.Deeper in the snowpack, two persistent weak layers remain a concern only in thin snowpack areas (perhaps wind-scoured zones or relatively dry eastern ranges) and particularly in steep rocky terrain or sheltered, low-snowpack terrain. The two layers are surface hoar and/or facets associated with a crust from mid-December and sugary facets at the base of the snowpack.
A snowpack depth of 2.5 - 4 m can be found in the region.Last week rain fell up to about 1400 m creating a stout crust below treeline.  A surface hoar layer buried around the Christmas holiday still produces sudden planer results in test profiles, but, avalanche activity as of late has been confined to layers closer to the surface.  Avalanche professionals throughout the region are keeping the mid-December surface hoar layer in their thinking, but there hasn't been activity on this layer in some time.  This layer isn't showing up in too many test profiles these days either.  It's gone dormant for the time being & I suspect it won't be an issue again until spring.  That being said, you could still activate this layer in places with an unusually thin snowpack.  Sticking to areas of thicker snowpack should make this a none issue.Approx. 40 cm of new snow fell over the weekend.  Cold temperatures and a lack of significant wind have kept the snow unconsolidated.  This storm snow is sitting over the January 13th Surface Hoar/Facet combo.  This combination has been producing long running "power-sluffs" across the region.  The new snow hasn't formed into a proper wind slab yet, but I suspect that any significant winds will quickly form wind slabs.
Continued small amounts of snow has maintained fresh wind slab development and cornice growth. This latest new snow has buried a some previously facetted  surface snow and small surface hoar in sheltered areas at and below treeline. A thin melt/freeze crust can be found in the upper snowpack as high as 1900m, and some areas are reporting surface hoar buried early-January now down 10-30cm. The late-December interface is now down 30-60cm and producing moderate to hard resistant snowpack test results. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, down 40-100cm, is generally producing anywhere from easy results where it's shallow to hard results where it's deeper. Basal facets remain concern in shallow snowpack areas especially with heavy triggers in thin spots, and weaknesses in the slab above create the potential for step-down avalanches.
The snowpack in the South Rockies region varies considerably at present, with the Southern Elk Valley and Flathead Ranges close in nature to the Lizard Range. Near the Crowsnest, it's been drier and more consistently windy. Castle Mountain has been having its own little party and getting locally heavy snowfall. Anywhere from 4-30cm of new snow has fallen, redistributed by strong south-westerly winds into soft and hard wind slabs on lee slopes, followed by further snowfall with no wind. Old wind slabs appear to be gaining strength, however new ones could form quickly if the wind picks up again. Besides new storm/wind-related concerns, the layer we're still watching in the region is a surface hoar layer buried in early December. It's down about 85cm in the Flathead and exhibits hard, sudden planar/full propagation results, meaning that's it's stubborn to trigger but could create a large avalanche if triggered.At the bottom of the snowpack a variable facet/crust/facet sandwich is located with depth hoar up to size 5mm below the crust, and facets size 2mm above. There has been little in the way of recent activity on basal layers.
20 - 70 cm of new snow fell over the weekend on a surface hoar/facet combo which kicked off an avalanche cycle consisting of numerous loose snow avalanches that were running far and fast.  While loose snow avalanches continue to be reported, the character of the weekend snow is changing; it's now settling into a slab with just enough cohesion to be triggered naturally and by backcountry users.  Many slab avalanches with crown depths of 40 - 60 cm were reported yesterday throughout the region.  The big thing here is how the snow feels under your skis or machine.  Stiffer feeling snow indicates that the snow is taking on slab properties.  The loose snow avalanches were pretty easy to deal with using proper sluff management techniques, but a slab avalanche is a different beast & it demands respect. Last week rain fell up to about 1400 m creating a stout crust below treeline.  A surface hoar layer buried around the Christmas holiday still produces sudden planar results in test profiles, but, avalanche activity as of late has been confined to layers closer to the surface.  Avalanche professionals throughout the region are keeping the mid-December surface hoar layer in their thinking, but there hasn't been activity on this layer in some time.  This layer isn't showing up in too many test profiles these days either.  It's gone dormant for the time being & I suspect it won't be an issue again until spring.  That being said, you could still activate this layer in places with an unusually thin snowpack.  Sticking to areas of thicker snowpack should make this a none issue.A snowpack depth of 2.5 - 4 m can be found in the region.
Snowpack depth at tree line elevation is generally around 200cm. Up to 25cm of new snow is now sitting on a slick and hard rain crust insulating moist or wet snow. Recent reports indicate this rain crust is acting as an effective sliding layer (for both snow and people).  Below that, the upper half of the snowpack is a series of hard and soft crusts sandwiching dense moist or wet snow.
20-40 cm of low density new snow is being redistributed by westerly winds forming weak wind slabs and cornice tabs on lee aspects, but remains fluffy and cohesionless in most sheltered areas. This new snow now sits on a variety of surfaces (facets, surface hoar in sheltered areas, soft slabs, hard slabs, wind crust, and a melt-freeze crust below treeline), and currently seems to bonding poorest to underlying crusts. Although still well preserved in isolated areas and producing hard but sudden snowpack test results, avalanche professionals are gaining confidence in the mid-December persistent weakness, now down 110-190cm. The probability is very low (it would take large triggers in the perfect spot) but the consequences would be very high.
20-45 cm of low density recent storm snow is being redistributed by westerly winds forming weak wind slabs and cornice tabs on lee aspects, but remains fluffy and cohesionless in most sheltered areas. This new snow is bonding poorly to a variety of surfaces (facets, surface hoar in sheltered areas, wind crust, soft slabs and hard slabs).The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down around 50cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 150cm on the western side, is generally producing anywhere from easy (where it's shallow) to hard (where it's deeper) test results. But all tests consistently show a high propensity to propagate fractures. Basal facets remain a concern for human triggering in shallow snowpack alpine areas and for step down fractures in more consolidated snowpack areas.
30-50cm of recent dry, loose storm snow overlies a melt-freeze crust formed in late December, which exists to 1800m. In some areas, the storm snow overlies a layer of large surface hoar crystals which was reactive early in the storm, and may wake up again with further load. A deeper surface hoar layer, buried in early December, has not been recently active, but professionals are still treating this layer with caution. Easy results were observed in a snowpack test on this layer in the Morrissey Range on Saturday. I expect new wind slabs to develop quickly as the wind picks up again, due to the amount of dry snow available for transport.
Up to 30cm recent snow fell with little wind. This overlies older wind slabs, which appear to be well bonded.  New wind slabs are likely to form quickly at the first sign of wind, as plenty of loose snow is available for transport.Besides new storm/wind-related concerns, the layer we're still watching in the region is a surface hoar layer buried in early December. It's down about 85cm in the Flathead and exhibits hard, sudden planar/full propagation results, meaning that's it's stubborn to trigger but could create a large avalanche if triggered.At the bottom of the snowpack a variable facet/crust/facet sandwich is located with depth hoar up to size 5mm below the crust, and facets size 2mm above. There has been little in the way of recent activity on basal layers.
Recent dry snow (10-30cm) fell with little wind and has not developed into a slab in most areas. However, this is likely to change quickly as the wind picks up again. Below this, older wind slabs are stubborn to trigger. A buried rain crust extends to about 1800m. Above this elevation, buried old surfaces include sastrugi and wind slab. Buried surface hoar is not a major concern in the upper snowpack as it is spotty in its distribution and may be isolated to a few sheltered drainages. Concern for lower snowpack layers has diminished and remains only in shallow snowpack areas. Facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack may still be a concern in shallow areas. Fragile cornices are still lurking.
20-60cm dry recent snow has accumulated over the last few days (highest amounts around the Coquihalla). Increased wind and further snowfall is expected over the next few days, making new wind slab development very likely. Older wind slabs seem to have gained strength. A hard crust sits below recent storm snow layers. Recent snowpack tests showed stubborn or no results on this layer, which supports the weight of a person.Deeper in the snowpack, two persistent weak layers remain a concern only in thin snowpack areas (perhaps wind-scoured zones or relatively dry eastern ranges) and particularly in steep rocky terrain or sheltered terrain which has a thin snowpack. The two layers are surface hoar and/or facets associated with a crust from mid-December and sugary facets at the base of the snowpack.
The region has received as much as 30 cm in the last 72 hours, 50 cm in the last 7 days.  Much of this snow has been accompanied by strong variable winds which has created a wind-slab problem in the alpine and treeline elevation bands.  Cool dry Arctic air is creeping into the valleys in the far north portion of the region.  This air mass will continue to work its way south which will tighten the snowpack up a bit, drop temperatures & introduce reverse winds at and below treeline.
Snow flurries have maintained a fresh snow supply for wind slab development and cornice growth, but remains fluffy and cohesionless in most sheltered areas. Surface hoar and/or faceted snow, with an associated crust making it especially touchy on sun-exposed slopes, was buried last week and is now down 15-25cm. Below that a thin melt/freeze crust buried early-January can be found as high as 1900m, and some areas are reporting surface hoar . The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down 50-120cm, remains a concern with heavy triggers in thin slab areas. Basal facets remain concern in shallow snowpack areas especially with heavy triggers in thin spots, and weaknesses in the slab above create the potential for step-down avalanches.
Outflow winds have redistributed the low density snow from the last storm into widespread hard & soft slabs that can be found in the alpine and at treeline.  In wind sheltered areas the storm snow has been bonding quite well to the old snow surface, but it's getting pretty tough to find wind sheltered areas with the recent onslaught of brutally cold arctic winds.  A thin wind slab is being reported in wind exposed areas below treeline as well.This is a very large region, and it should be noted that some areas are not seeing any wind effect at all.Snowpack depths vary from 3.5 to 5 m across the region.  In this part of the province, the mid-December surface hoar/facet combo layer is inactive as it's now 2.5 m below the snow surface.  For the most part, avalanche concerns are limited to storm snow instabilities.
The region received heavy rain last weekend creating a stout crust up to about 1000m.  Moving up in elevation, that precipitation turned to snow.  Winds wreaked havoc on the new snow in wind exposed areas.  Those old wind slabs have mostly settled out now.  The region has received a few small shots of snow in the last 4 days, and that snow is reportedly bonding well to the old snow surface.  The snowpack is highly variable in the region as strong winds have accompanied most of the storms.  Looking around you can see the evidence of the big winds; some ridges are scoured down to bare rock, others have fat wind pillows on them. Looks like this side of the mountains was out of the wind zone Monday.
Snowpack depth at tree line elevation is generally around 200cm. Up to 25cm of new snow is now sitting on a slick and hard rain crust insulating moist or wet snow. The bond at the interface between the old snow surface and the new is of critical interest right now. Reports initially indicated this layer was acting as an effective sliding layer (for both snow and people); on Tuesday reports indicated the bond was starting to gain strength. The midpack comprises a series of hard and soft crusts sandwiching dense moist or wet snow.
Around 10 cm new snow was added Monday night to bring storm snow totals (since Friday) to between 15 and 40 cm. Southwesterly winds have now had a chance to blow this low density, cold snow around and as a result, fresh wind slabs are prevalent on lee slopes in exposed areas. Below the storm snow lies a rain crust at lower elevations (up to around 1800 m) and old wind slabs/sastrugi in exposed areas at higher elevations. I would be suspicious about the interface between the old layers and the new storm snow. Reports indicate there is not a lot of surface hoar around (likely blown away). However, the cold temperatures likely mean facets will be preserved. Acting in conjunction with a rain crust or a hard wind slab layer, this could set up some touchy slab avalanche conditions in the upper snowpack. Concern for lower snowpack layers has diminished and remains only in shallow snowpack areas. Facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack may still be a concern in shallow areas. Fragile cornices are still looming.
30-80 cm very low density snow has accumulated over the last few days. The Coquihalla and areas around Hope have seen the highest amounts. Winds recently picked up into moderate range from the southwest - just enough to create some soft slabs on lee slopes in exposed areas. Below the storm snow lies a rain crust at lower elevations (up to around 1800 m) and old wind slabs in exposed areas at higher elevations. Weak layers lower in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in thin rocky areas.
20 - 70 cm of new snow fell over the weekend on a surface hoar/facet combo which kicked off an avalanche cycle of loose snow avalanches that were running far and fast.  While a few loose snow avalanches continue to be reported, the character of the weekend snow is changing; it's now settling into a slab with just enough cohesion to be triggered naturally and by backcountry users.  Slab avalanches with crown depths of 40 - 60 cm have been reported over the last couple days.  Most of these slabs have been immediately lee of ridgetop, there hasn't been a whole lot of action midslope, yet.  The situation will change rapidly with any amount of sustained winds.  The big thing here is how the snow feels under your skis or machine.  Stiffer feeling snow indicates that the snow is taking on slab properties and if you can feel this change, you've already gone too far.  The loose snow avalanches were pretty easy to deal with using proper sluff management techniques, but this new slab avalanche problem is a different beast & it demands respect.  Use terrain to your advantage to avoid wind affected snow.Last week rain fell up to about 1400 m creating a stout crust below treeline.  A surface hoar layer buried around the Christmas holiday still produces sudden planar results in test profiles, but, avalanche activity as of late has been confined to layers closer to the surface.  Avalanche professionals throughout the region are keeping the mid-December surface hoar layer in their thinking, but there hasn't been activity on this layer in some time.  This layer isn't showing up in too many test profiles these days either.  It's gone dormant for the time being & I suspect it won't be an issue again until spring.  That being said, you could still activate this layer in places with an unusually thin snowpack.  Sticking to areas of thicker snowpack should make this a none issue. A snowpack depth of 2.5 - 4 m can be found in the region.
Light snow has maintained a fresh snow supply for wind slab development and cornice growth,but remains fluffy and cohesionless in most sheltered areas.Surface hoar and/or faceted snow, with an associated crust making it especially touchy on sun-exposed slopes, was buried last week and is now down 15-25cm. Below that a thin melt/freeze crust buried early-January can be found as high as 1900m, and some areas are reporting surface hoar . The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down 50-120cm, remains a concern with heavy triggers in thin slab areas. Basal facets remain concern in shallow snowpack areas especially with heavy triggers in thin spots, and weaknesses in the slab above create the potential for step-down avalanches.
Outflow winds have redistributed the low density snow from the last storm into widespread hard & soft slabs that can be found in the alpine and at treeline.  In wind sheltered areas the storm snow has been bonding quite well to the old snow surface, but it's getting pretty tough to find wind sheltered areas with the recent onslaught of brutally cold arctic winds.  A thin wind slab is being reported in wind exposed areas below treeline as well. Snowpack depths vary from 3.5 to 5 m across the region.  In this part of the province, the mid-December surface hoar/facet combo layer is inactive as it's now 2.5 m below the snow surface.  For the most part, avalanche concerns are limited to storm snow instabilities.
The region received heavy rain last weekend creating a stout crust up to about 1000m.  Moving up in elevation, that precipitation turned to snow.  Winds wreaked havoc on the new snow in wind exposed areas.  Those old wind slabs have mostly settled out now.  The region has received a few small shots of snow in the last 4 days, and that snow is reportedly bonding well to the old snow surface.  The snowpack is highly variable in the region as strong winds have accompanied most of the storms.  Looking around you can see the evidence of the big winds; some ridges are scoured down to bare rock, others have fat wind pillows on them. Outflow winds are now effecting the NW Inland region.
The weekend storm delivered 20 - 40 cm of snow to the region.  Initially, there was a widespread cycle of loose dry avalanches running to size 2, but that kind of activity has dropped off.  The snowpack is tightening up now, and in most places you'll find well settled storm snow.  The exception is terrain immediately lee of ridge crest where you will likely find a soft slab that is capable of avalanches to size 2.  If the wind picks up there is plenty of snow available for transport which will quickly be formed into wind slabs.  But, all signs point to continued low winds through at least Thursday.
5-10cm additional snow brings storm totals to about 40-50cm. This sits over a variety of surfaces (facets, surface hoar in sheltered areas, soft slabs, hard slabs, wind crust, and a melt-freeze crust below treeline). So far the storm snow has remained relatively cohesionless and has only been reacting as a very soft slab in a few areas. However, I'd expect wind slabs to be developing now in open areas.A surface hoar layer buried in mid-December is gaining strength, but professionals are still treating it with caution, as the consequences of an avalanche on this layer would be high. It's now down about 130cm in the snowpack.
20-45 cm of low density storm snow has been redistributed by strong, gusty south-westerly winds. Cold temperatures have limited the development of storm slabs, but wind slabs and cornices are likely to build in size and consequence. Below the storm snow are various surfaces including facets, surface hoar in sheltered areas, wind crust, soft slabs and hard slabs. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down around 50cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 160cm on the western side, is generally producing anywhere from easy (where it's shallow) to hard (where it's deeper) results. Facets and depth hoar exist at the base of the snowpack.
Ardent snowfall (4-7cm/hr) over the past 48 hours has brought storm snow totals to more than 1m. The snow is preposterously dry and has limited slab properties. However, observations at upper elevations, where wind slabs may have developed, have been limited. Iexpect new wind slabs to develop quickly as the wind picks up again, due to the amount of dry snow available for transport. The storm snow overlies a melt-freeze crust formed in late December, which exists to 1800m. In some areas, the storm snow overlies a layer of large surface hoar crystals which was reactive early in the storm, and may wake up again with the increased load.A deeper surface hoar layer, buried in early December, has not been recently active, but professionals are still treating this layer with caution. Easy results were observed in a snowpack test on this layer in the Morrissey Range on Saturday.
Intense snowfall which started on Monday night and persisted through Tuesday, with rates of 5-7cm/hr observed, was centred on the Lizard Range. In the South Rockies region, the Flathead and southern Elk Valley received the most snow (around 30cm), with lesser amounts further east and north. The snow was exceptionally light and dry and has shown little slab properties, but is running easily as fast-moving sluffs. It came with no wind at Castle Mountain and mainly light winds in other parts of the region. Below the storm snow, older wind slabs appear to be well bonded. Expect new wind slabs to develop if the wind rises.Besides new storm/wind-related concerns, the main layer we're watching in the region is a surface hoar layer buried in early December. It's down about 1m in the Flathead and recently exhibited hard, sudden planar/full propagation results, meaning that's it was stubborn to trigger but could create a large avalanche. Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
Snowpack depth at tree line elevation is generally around 200cm. Up to 25cm of new snow is now sitting on a slick and hard rain crust insulating moist or wet snow. The bond at the interface between the old snow surface and the new is of critical interest right now. Reports initially indicated this layer was acting as an effective sliding layer (for both snow and people); on Tuesday reports indicated the bond was starting to gain strength. The midpack comprises a series of hard and soft crusts sandwiching dense moist or wet snow.
Recent storm snow totals are about 40-60cm. This sits over a variety of surfaces (facets, surface hoar in sheltered areas, soft slabs, hard slabs, wind crust, and a melt-freeze crust below treeline) The dry storm snow only been reacting as a slab in a few areas, with loose and fast sluffs the main concern in others. Localised strong winds on Tuesday night have led to wind slabs at treeline and above, mainly on easterly aspects.A surface hoar layer buried in mid-December is gaining strength, but professionals are still treating it with caution, as the consequences of an avalanche on this layer would be high. It's now down about 120cm in the snowpack and could potentially be triggered from a shallow snowpack area or by a very heavy load, like cornice fall or group of sledders).
20-40 cm low density storm snow currently lies on the surface. Moderate winds (first from the SW and then gradually shifting NW then NE) have now had a chance to blow this low density, cold snow around and as a result, fresh wind slabs are prevalent on lee slopes in exposed areas. Below the storm snow lies a rain crust at lower elevations (up to around 1800 m) and old wind slabs/sastrugi in exposed areas at higher elevations. I would be suspicious about the interface between the old layers and the new storm snow. Reports indicate there is not a lot of surface hoar around (likely blown away). However, the cold temperatures likely mean facets will be preserved. Acting in conjunction with a rain crust or a hard wind slab layer, this could set up some touchy slab avalanche conditions in the upper snowpack. Concern for lower snowpack layers has diminished and remains only in shallow snowpack areas. Facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack may still be a concern in shallow areas. Fragile cornices are still looming.
The latest storm laid down 40 - 70 cm of light density snow on a surface hoar/facet combo. This snow is easily formed into wind slabs.  Professional operations are using caution & mostly avoiding wind effected areas.  Winds have gotten into all three elevation bands which means that wind slabs can be found in any wind exposed piece of terrain, even well below treeline.The big thing here is how the snow feels under your skis or machine.  Stiffer feeling snow indicates that the snow is taking on slab properties and if you can feel this change, you've already gone too far.  Use terrain to your advantage to avoid wind affected snow.Last week rain fell as high as 2000 m in the Monashees and up to 1400 m or so in the Selkirks.  This created a stout rain crust that can be found all the way to treeline in some places.A surface hoar layer buried around the Christmas holiday still produces sudden planar results in test profiles, but, avalanche activity as of late has been confined to layers closer to the surface.  Avalanche professionals throughout the region are keeping the mid-December surface hoar layer in their thinking, but there hasn't been activity on this layer in some time.  A snowpack depth of 2.5 - 4 m can be found in the region.
The storm on Monday night/Tuesday added 15 to 40 cm very low density new snow, bring average treeline snow depths to around 200 cm. Cold temperatures have kept the snow light and cohesionless in most areas, despite recent moderate winds that have been blowing snow around a little. A crust now lies buried around 25-45 cm below the snow surface at elevations below 1900 m. Some areas reported this crust had a layer of surface hoar on it when it was buried. It appears at this time as though the snow has not yet settled enough to produce much slab avalanche activity on this layer yet. However, when the upper slab does become sufficiently cohesive, more dangerous avalanche conditions will start to set up. There is a blog posting on the Forecaster Blog (link on the sidebar on the left) that discusses this issue in more depth. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down 70-120 cm, remains a concern with heavy triggers in thin slab areas.
20-45 cm of low density storm snow has been redistributed by mainly south-westerly winds. Cold temperatures have limited the widespread development of storm slabs, but wind slabs and cornices of variable reactivity have built up. Below the storm snow are various surfaces including facets, surface hoar in sheltered areas, wind crust, soft slabs and hard slabs. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down around 50cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 160cm on the western side, is still causing operators concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. The consequences of a failure on this layer would be large. Facets and depth hoar exist at the base of the snowpack.
Outflow winds have redistributed the low density snow from the last storm into widespread hard & soft slabs that can be found in the alpine and at treeline.  In wind sheltered areas the storm snow has been bonding quite well to the old snow surface, but it's getting pretty tough to find wind sheltered areas with the recent onslaught of brutally cold arctic winds.  A thin wind slab is being reported in wind exposed areas below treeline as well.  Reverse winds continue to blow at moderate to strong speeds.  These winds are still finding snow to pick up and move, meaning that slabs continue to build. Snowpack depths vary from 3.5 to 5 m across the region.  In this part of the province, the mid-December surface hoar/facet combo layer is inactive as it's now 2.5 m below the snow surface.  For the most part, avalanche concerns are limited to storm snow instabilities.
The region received heavy rain last weekend creating a stout crust up to about 1000m.  Moving up in elevation, that precipitation turned to snow.  Winds wreaked havoc on the new snow in wind exposed areas.  Those old wind slabs have mostly settled out now.  The region has received a few small shots of snow in the last 4 days, and that snow is reportedly bonding well to the old snow surface.  The snowpack is highly variable in the region as strong winds have accompanied most of the storms.  Looking around you can see the evidence of the big winds; some ridges are scoured down to bare rock, others have fat wind pillows on them. Outflow winds are now effecting the NW Inland region.
The weekend storm delivered 20 - 40 cm of snow to the region which fell on the January 13th facet/surface hoar layer.  The snowpack has settled now and been affected by wind in some locations which has led to a wind slab problem.  The wind slab is quite variable in the region.  Some areas report widespread wind effect while others have seen nary a breath of wind.  Where the wind has blown, there is likely to be a slab avalanche problem that is capable of producing avalanches to size 2.
30-80 cm very low density snow has accumulated over the last few days. The Coquihalla and areas around Hope have seen the highest amounts. Winds recently picked up into moderate range from the southwest - just enough to create some soft slabs on lee slopes in exposed areas. Below the storm snow lies a rain crust at lower elevations (up to around 1800 m) and old wind slabs in exposed areas at higher elevations. Weak layers lower in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in thin rocky areas.
Yesterday's cold, dry storm snow has settled somewhat and become less reactive. Where the snow has spilled downslope and accumulated, slab properties exist. Otherwise the snow is light and dry and can run fast and wide as loose snow avalanches. The storm snow overlies a melt-freeze crust formed in late December, which exists to 1800m. In some areas, the storm snow overlies a layer of large surface hoar crystals. A deeper surface hoar layer, buried in early December, has not been recently active, but professionals are still treating this layer with caution.
Storm snow totals average around 40cm, with local variability. Cold temperatures have limited storm slab development, however numerous slabs did release during peak loading during the storm. In many areas, fast-moving sluffs remain a key concern. Besides new storm/wind-related concerns, the main layer we're watching in the region is a surface hoar layer buried in early December. It's down about 1m in the Flathead and recently exhibited hard, sudden planar/full propagation results, meaning that it was stubborn to trigger but could create a large avalanche. Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
Snowpack depth at treeline elevation is generally around 200cm, below treeline things are thinner and forest obstacles are barely buried. Up to 25cm of low density new snow is now sitting on a slick and hard rain crust. The bond between the upper slab and this crust is gaining strength, although may still be weak in places. In exposed locations, you may find the crust on the surface. If you dig below the crust, you will likely find additional layers of storm snow and further crusts - all reports indicate these lower layers are unreactive.
Average treeline snow depths are nudging over the 2 m mark in this region. In the last seven days, between 40 and 80cm of cold, low density snow has fallen in this region, which has settled to create a storm slab 20-40 cm thick. Cold temperatures have kept the snow light and cohesionless in most areas, although moderate winds have started to develop wind slabs on a variety of aspects. In some areas, the strongest winds have been at valley bottom, so don't discount the possibility of finding wind slabs in unusual places, at low elevation, in generally sheltered glades, that kind of thing. A crust now lies buried around 25-45 cm below the snow surface at elevations below 1900 m. Some areas reported this crust had a layer of surface hoar on it when it was buried. Occasional reports of small soft slab avalanches that have started to come in indicate this slab is starting to be become sufficiently cohesive to produce slab avalanches. There is a blog posting on the Forecaster Blog (link on the sidebar on the left) that discusses this issue in more depth. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down 70-120 cm, remains a concern only for very heavy triggers in thin slab areas.
20-40 cm low density storm snow currently lies on the surface. Moderate winds (first from the SW and then gradually shifting NW then NE) have now had a chance to blow this low density, cold snow around and as a result, fresh wind slabs are prevalent on lee slopes in exposed areas. Below the storm snow lies a rain crust at lower elevations (up to around 1800 m) and old wind slabs/sastrugi in exposed areas at higher elevations. I would be suspicious about the interface between the old layers and the new storm snow. Reports indicate there is not a lot of surface hoar around (likely blown away). However, the cold temperatures likely mean facets will be preserved. Acting in conjunction with a rain crust or a hard wind slab layer, this could set up some touchy slab avalanche conditions in the upper snowpack. Concern for lower snowpack layers has diminished and remains only in shallow snowpack areas. Facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack may still be a concern in shallow areas. Fragile cornices are still looming.
The deep snowpack is considered to be well settled with no persistent layers of concern. Some areas have about 20 cm of dry cold snow above the old storm snow that ended about January 8th. Windslabs that have developed due to strong NE outflow winds have not bonded to this layer. Some areas have developed surface hoar or surface facetting on sheltered slopes in the alpine and at treeline.
The snowpack depth in the Smithers-Hankin area is about 250-275 cm at the upper extent of the treeline elevation band. Some surface facetting has been observed above treeline, and some surface hoar observed below treeline. Very strong northeast outflow winds have scoured north and east aspects and reduced previous cornice growth. The snow has been transported into stiff windslabs on south through west aspects. These windslabs should be stiff enough in most areas that the forecast southerly winds will not be able to re-distribute the snow. The mid-december crust has been observed to have bonded to the mid-pack in most areas, but may be found to have become facetted in areas with a shallow snowpack. The mid-pack is considered to be strong and well settled in most areas. No basal weak layers of concern have been reported.
Some surface facetting during the recent cold spell. Strong temperature gradient in the top 30 cm. Stiff windslabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline. Some areas reporting a crust that is now buried by about 30 cm of cold dry light snow. Strong well settled mid-pack.
Soft windslabs have developed in the alpine due to transport of the recent 40-70 cm of dry light snow. There is a surface facet/surface hoar/crust layer that was buried on January 13th that continues to be reactive in tests and ski cutting. The early January surface hoar layer continues to show sudden planar results in tests, but has not been reactive to human triggers. The mid-december surface hoar layer is no longer reactive, but operators are concerned that this layer could produce very large avalanches when/if conditions cause it to "wake up."
50-80cm of recent storm snow is slowly settling into a slab over variable surfaces including a rain crust and preserved stellar snow crystals. Recent winds have caused wind slabs to develop at treeline and above, and in openings below treeline. A surface hoar layer buried in mid-December is gaining strength, but professionals are still treating it with caution, as the consequences of an avalanche on this layer would be high. Occasional hard, planar results have been reported on this layer in snowpack tests. It's now down about 130cm in the snowpack and could potentially be triggered from a shallow snowpack area or by a very heavy load, like cornice fall or group of sledders.
Recent storm snow is settling slowly with cold temperatures. Winds have recently created slabs in exposed features.  The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down around 50cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 180cm on the western side, is still causing operators concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. Recent snowpack tests show moderate to hard, sudden planar results on this layer. The consequences of a failure on this layer would be large.  Facets and depth hoar exist at the base of the snowpack.
Recent cold, dry storm snow has settled somewhat and become less reactive. Where the snow has spilled downslope, or been shifted by the wind, slab properties exist. In other areas there is still potential for dry sluffing in steep terrain, which could pick up mass as it travels.  The storm snow overlies a melt-freeze crust formed in late December, which exists to 1800m. In some areas, the storm snow overlies a layer of large surface hoar crystals. A deeper surface hoar layer, buried in early December, has not been recently active, but professionals are still treating this layer with caution.
40-60cm recent snow has formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo. In sheltered areas, fast-moving sluffs also remain a concern. Forecast warming on late Friday/Saturday likely to create a more widespread storm slab problem.Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive. However, information is limited about its current reactivity. From preliminary observations, the rapid storm snow load on Tuesday did not cause any releases on this layer. Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
30-80 cm very low density snow has accumulated over the last few days. The Coquihalla and areas around Hope have seen the highest amounts. Winds recently picked up into moderate range from the southwest - just enough to create some soft slabs on lee slopes in exposed areas. Below the storm snow lies a rain crust at lower elevations (up to around 1800 m) and old wind slabs in exposed areas at higher elevations. Weak layers lower in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in thin rocky areas.
New storm snow is building up over wind slabs in exposed features and over loose dry snow in sheltered areas. Strong winds and warming temperatures forecast to accompany Friday night/Saturday's snowfall are likely to create a more widespread wind slab and storm slab problem. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down around 50cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 180cm on the western side, is still causing operators concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. Recent snowpack tests show moderate to hard, sudden planar results on this layer. The consequences of a failure on this layer would be large.  Facets and depth hoar exist at the base of the snowpack. Cornices are large and weak in some areas.
Well over 100cm of snow fell on tuesday and wednesday in the Lizard Range. This storm layer is comprised of cold, lower density snow. Friday night/Saturday's forecast wind, snow and rising freezing levels will create a stiffer and more reactive over-riding slab that should be destructive by itself. The fact that it will land on this week's low-density storm snow means that there will most likely be an "upside-down" snow pack with potential for a deeper release deep within the lower storm layer.The past week's storm snow overlies a melt-freeze crust formed in late December, which exists to 1800m. In some areas, the storm snow overlies a layer of large surface hoar crystals. A deeper surface hoar layer, buried in early December, has not been recently active, but professionals are still treating this layer with caution.
Over the week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo.  Forecast snowfall, wind and warming on late Friday/Saturday will create a more destructive and reactive storm slab problem.Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive. However, information is limited about its current reactivity. From preliminary observations, the rapid storm snow load on Tuesday did not cause any releases on this layer.Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
The deep snowpack is considered to be well settled with no persistent layers of concern. Some areas have about 20 cm of dry cold snow above the old storm snow that ended about January 8th. Windslabs that have developed due to strong NE outflow winds have not bonded to this layer. Some areas have developed surface hoar or surface facetting on sheltered slopes in the alpine and at treeline.
New snow beginning to develop, about 3-5 cm by noon on Friday. The snowpack depth in the Smithers-Hankin area is about 250-275 cm at the upper extent of the treeline elevation band. Some surface facetting has been observed above treeline, and some surface hoar observed below treeline. Very strong northeast outflow winds have scoured north and east aspects and reduced previous cornice growth. The snow has been transported into stiff windslabs on south through west aspects. These windslabs should be stiff enough in most areas that the forecast southerly winds will not be able to re-distribute the snow. The mid-december crust has been observed to have bonded to the mid-pack in most areas, but may be found to have become facetted in areas with a shallow snowpack. The mid-pack is considered to be strong and well settled in most areas. No basal weak layers of concern have been reported.
New storm snow is starting to accumulate above the cold dry surface. If this new storm warms up a bit, expect a storm slab to consolidate above this cold relatively weak layer. Watch for new windslabs developing due to forecast strong southwest winds. Some surface facetting during the recent cold spell. Strong temperature gradient in the top 30 cm. Stiff windslabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline. Some areas reporting a crust that is now buried by about 30 cm of cold dry light snow. Strong well settled mid-pack.
New snow is building over soft new wind slabs and harder, old wind slabs in the alpine. There is a surface facet/surface hoar/crust layer that was buried on January 13th which is reactive in some areas to tests and ski cutting. The early January surface hoar layer continues to show sudden planar results in tests, but has not been reactive to human triggers. The mid-December surface hoar layer is no longer reactive, but operators are concerned that this layer could produce very large avalanches when/if conditions cause it to "wake up." Expect more widespread slab conditions to develop as temperatures begin to rise during the current storm.
Average treeline snow depths are nudging over the 2 m mark in this region. In the last seven days, between 40 and 80cm of cold, low density snow has fallen in this region, which has settled to create a storm slab 20-40 cm thick. Cold temperatures have kept the snow light and cohesionless in most areas, although friday night's forecast heavy snow, strong winds and rising freezing levels will add a new load to any buried weaknesses, and create a reactive "upside-down" snow pack.A crust now lies buried around 25-45 cm below the snow surface at elevations below 1900 m. Some areas reported this crust had a layer of surface hoar on it when it was buried. Occasional reports of small soft slab avalanches that have started to come in indicate this slab is starting to be become sufficiently cohesive to produce slab avalanches. There is a blog posting on the Forecaster Blog (link on the sidebar on the left) that discusses this issue in more depth. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down 70-120 cm, remains a concern only for very heavy triggers in thin slab areas.
Dense new snow is forming a fresh storm slab on the snow surface. The underlying snow was cold and low density--it will likely act as a weak layer, enhancing the likelihood of slab avalanches during and after the current winter storm. A rain crust lies buried approximately 40 cm below the snow surface at lower elevations (up to around 1800 m). Reports indicate the bond at this interface is quite good, although the slick nature of the crust may still provide a sliding layer in some steeper locations. Concern for lower snowpack layers has diminished and remains only in shallow snowpack areas. Facets associated with a crust from mid-December and/or sugary facets at the base of the snowpack may still be a concern in shallow areas. Fragile cornices are still looming.
Dense new snow is setting up a fresh storm slab on top of the previous cold, low density snow from the last few days. This cold, low density snow will very likely act as a weak layer, enhancing the potential for slab avalanches to run. A rain crust lies buried around 45cm below the surface up to around 1900 m. The bond at this crust is reported to be quite good. However, on steep slopes, this interface could still act as a good sliding surface. Weak layers lower in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in thin rocky areas.
"Upside down" is the expression of the moment, meaning denser, moist new snow now sits on top of the existing cold, low density snow. This cold, low density snow will act as a weak layer, promoting avalanche releases, once the amount of new snow (and/or rain) reaches a critical threshold. Below the cold, low density snow, there is a slick rain crust. This may enhance the speed and distance avalanches are able to attain, although it may also limit the amount of debris that slides will entrain, since it is unlikely avalanches will step down below this layer. Snowpack depth at treeline elevation is generally around 200cm, below treeline things are thinner and forest obstacles are barely buried.
New snow and wind are creating soft new wind slabs lee to the south-west. Harder, old buried wind slabs also exist in the alpine.  By Saturday morning, I expect storm slabs and wind slabs to be widespread due to the combination of heavy new snow, wind and warming landing on dry loose snow. Various surfaces buried in early January including a rain crust, spotty surface hoar and preserved stellar snow crystals are now about 80-100cm deep and may provide a sliding layer for storm-related avalanches over the weekend. A surface hoar layer buried in mid-December is gaining strength, but professionals are still treating it with caution, as the consequences of an avalanche on this layer would be high. Occasional hard, planar results have been reported on this layer in snowpack tests. It's now down about 140cm in the snowpack.
A cohesive slab has formed on the snow surface in response to new snow amounts that varied between 20-40 cm. The underlying snow was cold and in places, a layer of low density snow has been preserved. Reports indicate it may be particularly reactive between 1700 and 1800 m, although I would be concerned about this interface on all steep terrain right now. A rain crust lies buried approximately 30-50 cm below the snow surface at lower elevations (up to around 1800 m). Reports indicate the bond at this interface is quite good, although the slick nature of the crust may still provide a sliding layer in some steeper locations. Previous concerns about deeper weak layers appear to have now diminished. Snowpack depths at treeline are in the region of 260 cm.
A huge amount of rain fell overnight Friday (up to 100 mm) and soaked into the upper snowpack. Early Saturday morning, temperatures cooled enough for the precip to start falling as snow. Reports indicate there still may be a thin layer of dry snow above the ice crust that lies buried 20 to 25 cm below the snow surface. During explosive testing on Saturday morning, this dry snow was acting as a weak layer, and slab avalanches with a fracture depth of around 20 to 25 cm were running on this layer. Below the crust, which is thick and icy, there are no further weak layers of concern. Snowpack depths are around 2 m at treeline.
Dense new snow is setting up a fresh storm slab on top of the previous cold, low density snow from the last few days. An interface down 30-50 cm just above a rain crust is producing easy but resistant shears in snowpack tests. The rain crust itself lies buried around 40-60cm below the surface up to around 1900 m. The bond at this crust is reported to be quite good. On steep slopes, this interface, or the one above it, definitely has the potential to act as a good sliding surface. Weak layers lower in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in very isolated, thin rocky areas.
The deep snowpack is considered to be well settled with no persistent layers of concern. There is now 20-30 cm of dry cold snow above windslabs that have developed due to strong NE outflow winds which have not bonded to the January 8th surface. These pockets of hard windslab can be triggered by light loads such as a single skier or rider. Some areas have developed surface hoar or surface facetting on sheltered slopes in the alpine and at treeline, that are now getting buried by new snow and shifting winds.
The new storm has brought about 15 cm to the Interior. The snowpack depth in the Smithers-Hankin area is about 250-275 cm at the upper extent of the treeline elevation band. Some surface facetting has been observed above treeline, and some surface hoar observed below treeline. Very strong northeast outflow winds have scoured north and east aspects and reduced previous cornice growth. The snow has been transported into stiff windslabs on south through west aspects. These windslabs should be stiff enough in most areas that the forecast southerly winds will not be able to re-distribute the snow. The mid-december crust has been observed to have bonded to the mid-pack in most areas, but may be found to have become facetted in areas with a shallow snowpack. The mid-pack is considered to be strong and well settled in most areas. No basal weak layers of concern have been reported.
The new storm has developed a thick blanket of dry light snow above the cold dry surface. If this new storm warms up a bit, expect a storm slab to consolidate above this cold relatively weak layer. Watch for new windslabs developing due to forecast strong southwest winds. Some surface facetting during the recent cold spell. Strong temperature gradient in the top 30 cm. Stiff windslabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline. Some areas reporting a crust that is now buried by about 50 cm of cold dry light snow. Strong well settled mid-pack. Cornice structures are weak and have been growing fast, and falling off!
The storm started out quite cold and brought about 30 cm of snow combined with moderate to strong southwest winds to most parts of the region overnight. The new storm snow is building soft thick new wind slabs above a mix of recent windslabs and harder old wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. There is a surface facet/surface hoar/crust layer that was buried on January 13th which is reactive in some areas to tests and ski cutting. The early January surface hoar layer continues to show sudden planar results in tests, but has not been reactive to human triggers. The mid-December surface hoar layer is no longer reactive, but operators are concerned that this layer could produce very large avalanches when/if conditions cause it to "wake up."
Well over 100cm of snow fell on tuesday and wednesday in the Lizard Range. This storm layer is comprised of cold, lower density snow. Friday night/Saturday's 25-30cm storm and its rising freezing levels created a stiffer and more reactive over-riding slab. The fact that it landed on this week's low-density storm snow means that there is an "upside-down" snow pack with potential for a deeper release within the lower storm layer. This weakness will most likely take a while to stabilize.The past week's storm snow overlies a melt-freeze crust formed in late December, which exists to 1800m. In some areas, the storm snow overlies a layer of large surface hoar crystals. A deeper surface hoar layer, buried in early December, has not been recently active, but professionals are still treating this layer with caution.
Over the week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo.  Snowfall, wind and warming on late Friday/Saturday have created a more reactive storm slab problem as dense snow now over-rides colder, lighter snow where weaknesses are more likely to endure. Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive. However, information is limited about its current reactivity. From preliminary observations, the rapid storm snow load over the past week did not cause any releases on this layer. Basal facets also exist in many parts of the region.Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
On friday and saturday storm snow accumulations amounted to over 30cm in some parts of the region. The upper snowpack is now characterized by new wind slabs and storm slabs sitting on top of dry loose snow. Due to the nature of the most recent storm (warmer temperatures, moderate winds) you can expect a more reactive "upside-down" snowpack in wind-exposed areas where a denser layer over-rides colder, softer snow where weaknesses are more likely to endure.Various surfaces buried in early January including a rain crust, spotty surface hoar and preserved stellar snow crystals are now about 80-100cm deep and may provide a sliding layer for storm-related avalanches over the weekend. A surface hoar layer buried in mid-December is gaining strength, but professionals are still treating it with caution, as the consequences of an avalanche on this layer would be high. Occasional hard, planar results have been reported on this layer in snowpack tests. It's now down about 140cm in the snowpack.
New storm snow from friday night/saturday morning has built up over wind slabs in exposed features and over loose dry snow in sheltered areas. New snow amounts from friday's pulse were highly variable throughout the region. Lesser 24hr snowfall amounts were at about 6-10cm on the east side, and up to 25cm on the west side.  Anomalous southeast moderate winds were observed in Golden, so expect irregular loading patterns at ridge top in that area. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down around 55cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 190cm on the western side, is still causing operators concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. Recent snowpack tests show moderate to hard, sudden planar results on this layer. The consequences of a failure on this layer would be large.  Facets and depth hoar exist at the base of the snowpack. Cornices are large and weak in some areas.
15-20 cm new snow sits on the snow surface. This new snow came in much denser that the previous, cold storm snow (water to snow ratios of around 1:10, compared with 1:20 for the previous storm snow). Total 7-day storm amounts have been in the region of 60-100 cm and this has now settled into storm slabs around 30 -60cm thick. The primary layer of concern in the snowpack is the upper interface with the dense new snow and the low density old storm snow (down 20 cm or so). While not yet deep enough to result in large avalanches, this layer has been readily producing slab avalanches, which will increase in size as more storm snow arrives. The second layer of concern is a crust at the base of the old storm snow (down 50 cm or so) that exists below around 1900m. The bond with this crust appears to be quite good, however, on steep slopes this could easily act as a weak interface, potentially creating a layer for avalanches that initiate in the upper snow to step down to. Layers of concern deeper in the snowpack include a surface hoar/facet layer from mid-December and weak basal facets at the base of the snowpack in shallow snow areas. Both these have ceased to be of concern in the vast majority of locations. Snowpack depths in the region are around 240 cm.
A huge amount of rain fell overnight Friday (up to 100 mm) and soaked into the upper snowpack creating a breakable rain crust that now lies beneath 10-20cms of new snow. I suspect this crust may be a good sliding layer for the continued storm snow at upper elevations. Reports indicate there still may be a thin layer of dry snow above the ice crust that lies buried 20 to 25 cm below the snow surface. During explosive testing on Saturday morning, this dry snow was acting as a weak layer, and slab avalanches with a fracture depth of around 20 to 25 cm were running on this layer. Below the crust, which is thick and icy, there are no further weak layers of concern. Snowpack depths are around 2 m at treeline.
On friday and saturday storm snow accumulations amounted to over 40cm in some parts of the region (throughout the Monashees and the Revelstoke area) and closer to 20cm on the southeast side of the region. The upper snowpack is now characterized by deep wind slabs and storm slabs sitting on top of dry loose snow. Due to the nature of the most recent storm (warmer temperatures, moderate winds) you can expect a more reactive "upside-down" snowpack in wind-exposed areas where a denser layer over-rides colder, softer snow where weaknesses are more likely to endure. Various surfaces buried in early January including a rain crust, spotty surface hoar and preserved stellar snow crystals are now about 80-100cm deep and may provide a sliding layer for storm-related avalanches. A surface hoar layer buried in mid-December is gaining strength, but professionals are still treating it with caution as the consequences of an avalanche on this layer would be high. Occasional hard, planar results have been reported on this layer in snowpack tests. It's now down about 140cm in the snowpack.
New storm snow from friday night/saturday morning has built up over wind slabs in exposed features and over loose dry snow in sheltered areas. New snow amounts from friday's pulse were highly variable throughout the region. Lesser 24hr snowfall amounts were at about 6-10cm on the east side, and up to 25cm on the west side.  Anomalous southeast moderate winds were observed around Golden, so expect irregular loading patterns at ridge top in that area. The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down around 55cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 190cm on the western side, is still causing operators concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. Recent snowpack tests show moderate to hard, sudden planar results on this layer. The consequences of a failure on this layer would be large.  Facets and depth hoar exist at the base of the snowpack. Cornices are large and weak in some areas.
Well over 100cm of snow fell on tuesday and wednesday in the Lizard Range. This storm layer is comprised of cold, lower density snow. Friday night/Saturday's 25-30cm storm snow and its rising freezing levels (1600m) created a stiffer and more reactive over-riding slab. The fact that it landed on this week's low-density storm snow means that there is an "upside-down" snow pack with potential for a deeper release within the lower storm layer. This weakness will most likely take a while to stabilize.The past week's storm snow overlies a melt-freeze crust formed in late December, which exists to 1800m. In some areas, the storm snow overlies a layer of large surface hoar crystals. A deeper surface hoar layer, buried in early December, has not been recently active, but professionals are still treating this layer with caution.
Over the week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo.  Snowfall, wind and warming on late Friday/Saturday have created a more reactive storm slab problem as dense snow now over-rides colder, lighter snow where weaknesses are more likely to endure. Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive. However, information is limited about its current reactivity. From preliminary observations, the rapid storm snow load over the past week did not cause any releases on this layer. Basal facets also exist in many parts of the region.Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
New snow up to 40cms accompanied by strong SW winds has formed into a cohesive slab on previous, low density cold snow.  Reports indicate it may be particularly reactive between 1700 and 1800m, although I would be concerned about this interface on all steep terrain right now.  A rain crust lies buried approximately 30-50 cm below the snow surface at lower elevations (up to around 1800m). Reports indicate the bond at this interface is quite good, although the slick nature of the crust may still provide a sliding layer in some steeper locations. This may be a layer of concern with forecast wind, snow and rising freezing levels to come. Previous concerns about deeper persistent weak layers appear to have diminished. Snowpack depths at treeline are in the region of 260 cm.
Dense new snow is setting up a fresh storm slab on top of the previous cold, low density snow from the last few days. An interface down 30-50 cm just above a rain crust is producing easy but resistant shears in snowpack tests. The rain crust itself lies buried around 40-60cm below the surface up to around 1900m. The bond at this crust is reported to be quite good. On steep slopes, this interface, or the one above it, definitely has the potential to act as a good sliding surface; especially with forecast wind, snow and rising freezing levels. Field tests done in the Duffy Lake area at 2000m on a North aspect show easy collapse shears down 18cms on precipitation particles (stellar, dendrite crystals), and hard resistent planar shears down 36cms on facet/decomposing fragment crystals. Weak layers lower in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in very isolated, thin rocky areas.
The main concern is windslab. The old windslabs are on south through west aspects, and they are stiff and continue to be easily triggered. New windslabs are building on north through east aspects, making travel a bit tricky; limited options exist for avoiding both types of windslab. Change is coming on Monday night or Tuesday morning, when heavy snowfall and warmer temperatures may overload all of the current weakness. I have left in the paragraph from yesterday because the problems are slow to heal, and I believe they are still valid. The deep snowpack is considered to be well settled with no persistent layers of concern. There is now 30-40 cm of dry cold snow above windslabs that have developed due to strong NE outflow winds which have not bonded to the January 8th surface. These pockets of hard windslab can be triggered by light loads such as a single skier or rider. Some areas have developed surface hoar or surface facetting on sheltered slopes in the alpine and at treeline, that are now getting buried by new snow and shifting winds.
The new storm has brought about 15 cm to the Interior. The snowpack in the Seaton Basin is reported to be 250 cm at 1650 metres, with a moderate shear down 40 cm on a facet layer. The snowpack depth in the Smithers-Hankin area is about 250-275 cm at the upper extent of the treeline elevation band. Some surface facetting has been observed above treeline, and some surface hoar observed below treeline. Very strong northeast outflow winds have scoured north and east aspects and reduced previous cornice growth. The snow has been transported into stiff windslabs on south through west aspects. These windslabs should be stiff enough in most areas that the forecast southerly winds will not be able to re-distribute the snow. The mid-december crust has been observed to have bonded to the mid-pack in most areas, but may be found to have become facetted in areas with a shallow snowpack. The mid-pack is considered to be strong and well settled in most areas. No basal weak layers of concern have been reported.
The new storm has developed a thick blanket of dry light snow above the cold dry surface. If this new storm warms up a bit, expect a storm slab to consolidate above this cold relatively weak layer. Watch for new windslabs developing due to forecast strong southwest winds. Some surface facetting during the recent cold spell. Strong temperature gradient in the top 30 cm. Stiff windslabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline. Some areas reporting a crust that is now buried by about 50 cm of cold dry light snow. Strong well settled mid-pack. Cornice structures are weak and have been growing fast, and falling off!
The storm started out quite cold and brought about 40-60 cm of snow combined with moderate to strong southwest winds to most parts of the region overnight. The new storm snow is building soft thick new wind slabs above a mix of recent windslabs and harder old wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. There is a surface facet/surface hoar/crust layer that was buried on January 13th which is reactive in some areas to tests and ski cutting. The early January surface hoar layer continues to show sudden planar results in tests, but has not been reactive to human triggers. The mid-December surface hoar layer is no longer reactive, but operators are concerned that this layer could produce very large avalanches when/if conditions cause it to "wake up."
Over the weekend up to 35cms of new snow fell. This new snow came in much denser that the previous, cold storm. This has formed storm slabs at all elevations, and wind slabs in the alpine.  These slabs are reported to be quite reactive due to their poor bond on the cold snow interface below. The second layer of concern is a crust that lies down 50-60cms and exists below 1900m. The bond with this crust appears to be quite good, however, on steep slopes this could easily act as a weak interface, potentially creating a layer for avalanches that initiate in the upper snow to step down to. This will be a layer to watch with more snow load and rising freezing levels on Tuesday-Wednesday.  Layers of concern deeper in the snowpack include a surface hoar/facet layer from mid-December and weak basal facets at the base of the snowpack in shallow snow areas. These layers have become less of a concern in the vast majority of locations. Snowpack depths in the region are around 240 cm.
Up to 40cms of new snow overlies a rain crust from Fridays rain event, and in some locations a wet snow interface. I suspect this crust may be a good sliding layer for the continued storm snow at upper elevations, and the new snow landing on the wet snow surfaces may have bonding qualities. As the forecast storm cycle continues storm slabs and wind slabs will continue to form on these layers, and be a concern. Reports indicate there still may be a thin layer of dry snow above the ice crust that lies buried 30-40cms below the snow surface. This dry snow layer was reactive over the weekend producing slab avalanches up to 25cms in depth. I suspect slopes that didn't previously avalanche will be suspect with increasing loads. Below the thick, icy crust, there are no deeper layers of concern. Snowpack depths in the alpine are near 250cms.
The region received between 30 & 70 cm from the weekend's storm with the west side picking up the larger amounts.  Three different shears have been reported in the storm snow.  While these more superficial instabilities will likely settle out pretty quickly, we need to think about what all this new snow is sitting on.  Remember the cold snap last week?  Those cold temperatures drove faceting and created very dry loose snow that is now buried 40 - 100 cm deep.  If you were out recreating on Monday you no doubt observed that the snow is settling into a soft slab.  Out in the wind exposed areas there is an abundance of snow available for slab formation and a widespread wind slab avalanche problem has been observed across the region.  This problem will be further exacerbated as winds are forecasted to be in excess of 100 km/h Tuesday.Various surfaces buried in early January including a rain crust, spotty surface hoar and preserved stellar snow crystals are now about 80-100cm deep and may provide a sliding layer for storm-related avalanches. A surface hoar layer buried in mid-December is gaining strength, but professionals are still treating it with caution as the consequences of an avalanche on this layer would be high. Occasional hard, planar results have been reported on this layer in snowpack tests. It's now down about 140cm in the snowpack.
The Purcell's are currently quite variable in terms of snowpack.  20 - 40 cm of new snow fell out of the weekend storm & this snow sits on the previous snow surface which consisted of loose dry snow in sheltered areas and old wind slab in exposed areas.  Irregular winds out of the SE during the storm created slabs in unusual locations.  The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down around 55cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 190cm on the western side, is still causing operators concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. Recent snowpack tests show moderate to hard, sudden planar results on this layer. The consequences of a failure on this layer would be large.  Facets and depth hoar exist at the base of the snowpack. Cornices are large and weak in some areas.
An additional 20cms accompanied by strong Southerly winds is forming new wind slabs and storm slabs on the upper snowpack. The upper 50-60cms of the snowpack is resting on a variety of older snow surfaces. These surfaces include previous cold, dry low density snow which may have had seen some faceting, old wind slabs, and crusts. Reports indicate it may be particularly reactive between 1700 and 1800m, although I would be concerned about this interface on all steep terrain right now.  A rain crust lies buried approximately 30-50 cm below the snow surface at lower elevations (up to around 1800m). Reports indicate the bond at this interface is quite good, although the slick nature of the crust may still provide a sliding layer in some steeper locations. This may be a layer of concern with forecast wind, snow and rising freezing levels to come. Previous concerns about deeper persistent weak layers appear to have diminished. Snowpack depths at treeline are in the region of 260 cm.
10-20cms of new snow fell overnight adding to the previous 25-40cms that fell over the weekend. The new snow is setting up a fresh storm slab, and wind slabs on top of the previous cold, low density snow from the last week. A weak interface exists lower in the snowpack down 40-60cms. This interface consists of old decomposing snow crystals, preserved snow crystals (stellars), and facets (sugary crystals). Tests done on this interface are showing moderate to hard results, but sudden planar characteristics. This may be a layer to watch with more snow and wind forecast.  The rain crust itself lies buried around 40-60cm below the surface up to around 1900m. The bond at this crust is reported to be quite good. On steep slopes, this interface, or the one above it, definitely has the potential to act as a good sliding surface. Weak layers lower in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in very isolated, thin rocky areas.
Last week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo which has settled remarkably quickly.  Our field team was out over the weekend covering ground & they saw very little in the way of avalanche activity.   Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive.  There may have been releases on this layer post storm but at this time nothing has been reported.  It should be noted that basal facets exist in many parts of the region too.Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
The recent storm snow is the main concern at this time. Southwest winds have transported the snow into windslabs on north through east aspects. The storm slab consists of 40-80 cms across the region. This slab has started to settle, but may be triggered by the forecasted load of new snow on Tuesday. Beneath the slab is a weak layer of facets or small surface hoar that was buried on January 13th. Professionals continue to monitor and test the mid-december surface hoar layer, however it has been quite a while since we have seen any activity on this layer.
The recent storm snow is consolidating into a slab and becoming more reactive in tests. The main concern is windslab. The old windslabs are on south through west aspects, and they are stiff and continue to be easily triggered. New windslabs are building on north through east aspects, making travel a bit tricky; limited options exist for avoiding both types of windslab. Change is coming on Monday night or Tuesday morning, when heavy snowfall and warmer temperatures may overload all of the current weakness. I have left in the paragraph from yesterday because the problems are slow to heal, and I believe they are still valid. The deep snowpack is considered to be well settled with no persistent layers of concern. There is now 30-40 cm of dry cold snow above windslabs that have developed due to strong NE outflow winds which have not bonded to the January 8th surface. These pockets of hard windslab can be triggered by light loads such as a single skier or rider. Some areas have developed surface hoar or surface facetting on sheltered slopes in the alpine and at treeline, that are now getting buried by new snow and shifting winds.
I am going to call the facet layer that is buried about 40cm, the January 20th FC layer. This layer has only been buried a few days, but due to the very cold temperatures when it was buried and the continued cooler conditions during the recent storm, this layer may continue to be triggered by light loads. Tests on this layer in the Seaton Basin are producing moderate shears that are sudden planar in character. Shears that "pop" and slide off the block very easily can give us some clues about the ease of triggering and the extent of propagations. In the Howsons, this facet layered was buried with very little wind effect in the alpine, at the same time that the northeast outflow winds were howling in Terrace. The next storm looks like it will also be cooler, with freezing levels briefly going up to about 800 metres. Cooler temperatures will slow down the settling and bonding process for the weak layer. The new storm has brought about 30 cm to the Interior. The snowpack in the Seaton Basin is reported to be 250 cm at 1650 metres, with a moderate shear down 40 cm on a facet layer. The snowpack depth in the Smithers-Hankin area is about 250-275 cm at the upper extent of the treeline elevation band. Some surface facetting has been observed above treeline, and some surface hoar observed below treeline. Very strong northeast outflow winds have scoured north and east aspects and reduced previous cornice growth. The snow has been transported into stiff windslabs on south through west aspects. These windslabs should be stiff enough in most areas that the forecast southerly winds will not be able to re-distribute the snow. The mid-december crust has been observed to have bonded to the mid-pack in most areas, but may be found to have become facetted in areas with a shallow snowpack. The mid-pack is considered to be strong and well settled in most areas. No basal weak layers of concern have been reported.
The new storm has developed a thick blanket of dry light snow above the cold dry surface. If this new storm warms up a bit, expect a storm slab to consolidate above this cold relatively weak layer. Watch for new windslabs developing due to forecast strong southwest winds. Some surface facetting during the recent cold spell. Strong temperature gradient in the top 30 cm. Stiff windslabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline. Some areas reporting a crust that is now buried by about 50 cm of cold dry light snow. Strong well settled mid-pack. Cornice structures are weak and have been growing fast, and falling off!
Over the weekend up to 35cms of new snow fell. This new snow came in denser that the previous, cold storm. This has formed storm slabs at all elevations, and wind slabs in the alpine.  These slabs are reported to be quite reactive due to their poor bond on the cold snow interface below. The second layer of concern is a crust that lies down 50-60cms and exists below 1900m. The bond with this crust appears to be quite good, however, on steep slopes this could easily act as a weak interface, potentially creating a layer for avalanches that initiate in the upper snow to step down to. This will be a layer to watch with more snow load and rising freezing levels on Tuesday-Wednesday.  Layers of concern deeper in the snowpack include a surface hoar/facet layer from mid-December and weak basal facets at the base of the snowpack in shallow snow areas. These layers have become less of a concern in the vast majority of locations.  Snowpack depths in the region are around 240 cm.
Over 100cm of snow fell last week in the Lizard Range. This storm layer is comprised of cold low density snow.  The weekend storm laid down 25-30cm of new snow and its rising freezing levels (1600m) created a stiffer and more reactive over-riding slab.  This has setup a  "upside-down" snow pack with potential for a deeper release within the lower storm layer. This weakness will likely take a while to stabilize.The past week's storm snow overlies a melt-freeze crust formed in late December, which exists to 1800m. In some areas, the storm snow overlies a layer of large surface hoar crystals. A deeper surface hoar layer, buried in early December, has not been recently active, but professionals are still treating this layer with caution.
10cm of low density, storm snow is sitting on a mostly supportive mid pack.  It is  not bonding well to underlying slab, compression tests produced easy sudden shears on this interface.    Foot pen ranged from 15 to 30 cms.    North winds have smoothed alpine features and deposited a supportive wind slab in lee areas.  Facets are forming bellow this slab and are capable of produced sudden compression failures under moderate loads.  More observations are needed
Up to 40cms of new snow overlies a rain crust from Fridays rain event, and in some locations a wet snow interface. I suspect this crust may be a good sliding layer for the continued storm snow at upper elevations, and the new snow landing on the wet snow surfaces may have bonding qualities. As the forecast storm cycle continues storm slabs and wind slabs will continue to form on these layers, and be a concern. Reports indicate there still may be a thin layer of dry snow above the ice crust that lies buried 30-40cms below the snow surface. This dry snow layer was reactive over the weekend producing slab avalanches up to 25cms in depth. I suspect slopes that didn't previously avalanche will be suspect with increasing loads. Below the thick, icy crust, there are no deeper layers of concern. Snowpack depths in the alpine are near 250cms.
Over 100 cm of cold & very light density snow fell in the Lizard Range last week.  As one snow professional put it, "snow that light had no choice but to settle quickly," and that's what it did.  Field observers reported settlement cones up to 40 cm on Monday.  In protected areas that snow has settled into a 4F slab that is riding very well.  Super light density snow is quite easily transported, and there is evidence of wind damaged snow in the alpine.This next storm should mix things up a bit.  The current weather forecast calls for 10 - 25 cm of (likely) medium density snow.  Winds are forecasted to be strong to extreme Tuesday night into Wednesday.  Last weeks settled storm snow in conjunction with Tuesday evening's new snow will provide plenty of material for wind slab formation.  Last week's storm snow overlies a melt-freeze crust formed in late December, which exists to 1800m. In some areas, the storm snow overlies a layer of large surface hoar crystals. A deeper surface hoar layer, buried in early December, has not been active for some time, but professionals are still treating this layer with caution.
Last week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo which has settled remarkably quickly.  Our field team was out over the weekend covering ground & they saw very little in the way of avalanche activity.Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive.  There may have been releases on this layer post storm but at this time nothing has been reported.  It should be noted that basal facets exist in many parts of the region too. Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
An additional 20cms accompanied by strong Southerly winds is forming new wind slabs and storm slabs on the upper snowpack. The upper 50-70cms of the snowpack is resting on a variety of older snow surfaces. These surfaces include previous cold, dry low density snow which may have had seen some faceting, old wind slabs, and crusts. Reports indicate it may be particularly reactive between 1700 and 1800m where a rain crust lies buried approximately 30-50 cm below the snow surface. Reports indicate the bond at this interface is quite good, although the slick nature of the crust may still provide a sliding layer in some steeper locations. This may be a layer of concern with forecast wind, snow and rising freezing levels to come. Previous concerns about deeper persistent weak layers appear to have diminished. Snowpack depths at treeline are in the region of 260 cm.
10-20cms of new snow fell overnight adding to the previous 25-40cms that fell over the weekend. The new snow is setting up fresh storm slabs, and wind slabs on top of the previous cold, low density snow from the last week. A weak interface exists lower in the snowpack down 40-60cms. This interface consists of old decomposing snow crystals, preserved snow crystals (stellars), and facets (sugary crystals). Tests done on this interface are showing moderate to hard results, but sudden planar characteristics. This may be a layer to watch with more snow and wind forecast.  The rain crust itself lies buried around 40-60cm below the surface at 1900m and below. The bond at this crust is reported to be quite good. On steep slopes, this interface, or the one above it, definitely has the potential to act as a good sliding surface. Weak layers lower in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in very isolated, thin rocky areas.
Heavy snowfall and strong southwest winds are building new windslabs and storm slabs above the recent storm snow that has consolidated into a slab. The old windslabs are on south through west aspects, and they are stiff and continue to be easily triggered. New windslabs are building on north through east aspects, making travel a bit tricky; limited options exist for avoiding both types of windslab. The deep snowpack is considered to be well settled with no persistent layers of concern.
The new storm has developed a thick blanket of dry light snow above the cold dry surface. If this new storm warms up a bit, expect a storm slab to consolidate above this cold relatively weak layer. Watch for new windslabs developing due to forecast strong southwest winds. Some surface facetting during the recent cold spell. Strong temperature gradient in the top 30 cm. Stiff windslabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline. Some areas reporting a crust that is now buried by about 50 cm of cold dry light snow. Strong well settled mid-pack. Cornice structures are weak and have been growing fast, and falling off!
The recent storm snow is the main concern at this time. Southwest winds have transported the snow into windslabs on north through east aspects. The storm slab consists of 40-80 cms across the region. This slab has started to settle, but may be triggered by the forecasted load of new snow on Tuesday. Beneath the slab is a weak layer of facets or small surface hoar that was buried on January 13th. Professionals continue to monitor and test the mid-december surface hoar layer, however it has been quite a while since we have seen any activity on this layer. Please see the forecaster blog for more information.
Over the weekend up to 35cms of new snow fell. This new snow came in denser that the previous, cold storm. This has formed storm slabs at all elevations, and wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. These slabs are reported to be quite reactive due to their poor bond on the cold snow interface below. The second layer of concern is a crust that lies down 50-60cms and exists below 1900m. The bond with this crust appears to be quite good, however, on steep slopes this could easily act as a weak interface, potentially creating a layer for avalanches that initiate in the upper snow to step down to. This will be a layer to watch with more snow load and rising freezing levels on Tuesday-Wednesday.  Layers of concern deeper in the snowpack include a surface hoar/facet layer from mid-December and weak basal facets at the base of the snowpack in shallow snow areas. These layers have become less of a concern in the vast majority of locations.  Last Saturday the mid December layers is suspect to several large avalanches that occurred in the Bonnigton Range. This is a lingering layer of concern, that reflects low probability but high consequence. Snowpack depths in the region are around 240 cm.
The region received between 30 & 70 cm from the weekend's storm with the west side picking up the larger amounts.  Three different shears have been reported in the storm snow.  While these more superficial instabilities will likely settle out pretty quickly, we need to think about what all this new snow is sitting on.  Remember the cold snap last week?  Those cold temperatures drove faceting and created very dry loose snow that is now buried 40 - 100 cm deep.  If you were out recreating on Monday you no doubt observed that the snow is settling into a soft slab.  Out in the wind exposed areas there is an abundance of snow available for slab formation and a widespread wind slab avalanche problem has been observed across the region.  This problem will be further exacerbated as winds are forecasted to be in excess of 100 km/h at ridge top Wednesday.Various surfaces buried in early January including a rain crust, spotty surface hoar and preserved stellar snow crystals are now about 80-100cm deep and may provide a sliding layer for future avalanches.  A surface hoar layer buried in mid-December is gaining strength, but professionals are still treating it with caution as the consequences of an avalanche on this layer would be high. Occasional hard, planar results have been reported on this layer in snowpack tests. It's now down about 140cm in the snowpack. Tuesday's wind/storm didn't quite verify and as a result, the danger was probably more like Considerable, Considerable, Moderate.  Check out the blog for some insight: http://bit.ly/sF10fT
The Purcell's are currently quite variable in terms of snowpack.  20 - 40 cm of new snow fell out of the weekend storm & this snow sits on the previous snow surface which consisted of loose dry snow in sheltered areas and old wind slab in exposed areas.  Irregular winds out of the SE during the storm created slabs in unusual locations.The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down around 55cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 190cm on the western side, is still causing operators concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. Recent snowpack tests show moderate to hard, sudden planar results on this layer. The consequences of a failure on this layer would be large.  Facets and depth hoar exist at the base of the snowpack. Cornices are large and weak in some areas.Tuesday's wind/storm snow didn't come through as early as I expected, as a result, the danger Tuesday was probably more like Considerable, Considerable, Moderate. For some insight into how this can happen, see the forecasters blog: http://bit.ly/sF10fT
10-20cms of low density storm snow overlies a stiff widespread wind crust (P+).  Below the wind crust, is a varying hardness (4F-P) facetted (to size 3.0) midpack to the 111205 Crust/FC layer.  Facets and depth hoar is found to ground (1F+ to P).
An additional 15 – 30cm sits just above the weekend’s 30 – 70 cm.  This recent storm was accompanied by big winds out of the S, SW blowing strong gusting to extreme.  Observers report that the weekend snow is slowly bonding & settling, but, RP shears are still being reported in the storm snow.  This meter or so of storm snow is now sitting on facets created by the cold snap last week.  We often think of super cold temperatures as driving faceting, and that’s right, but the faceting mechanism actually occurs much slower at very cold temperatures like the ones we experienced last week.  There’s been very little activity at this interface thus far.  We’ll see what results come back from the field Wednesday.  If it doesn’t perform with the additional load of Tuesday’s storm snow, then it likely won’t in the future either.  Time will tell. In my mind, the layer of concern continues to be the Jan 13th SH/FC layer which is now buried 100 – 130 cm in depth.  For Thursday I’m bringing the danger ratings down to C, C, C.  It’s “scary” considerable, as the potential for large deep avalanches to size 3 exists in the Alpine & at treeline.Various surfaces buried in early January including a rain crust, spotty surface hoar and preserved stellar snow crystals are now about 100-130cm deep and may provide a sliding layer for future avalanches.  A surface hoar layer buried in mid-December is gaining strength, but professionals are still treating it with caution as the consequences of an avalanche on this layer would be high. Occasional hard, planar results have been reported on this layer in snowpack tests. It's now down about 175cm in the snowpack.
The Purcell’s are one of the more complex snowpacks in the province right now.Tuesday night the region received 30 – 40 cm of new snow accompanied by strong winds out of the SW.  Just a few days ago the region received 20 – 40 cm with S & SE winds.  A test profile on Tuesday revealed a sudden planer shear down 40 cm failing on surface hoar with a hard trigger.  That was before the storm, that layer now has 70+ cm of snow on it and is likely more sensitive.  Resistant shears were noted in last weekend’s storm snow yesterday too.  The bottom line is that there are a number of different weaknesses/sliding layers in the snowpack which are now under additional strain.The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down around 70cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 230cm on the western side, is still causing operators concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. Recent snowpack tests show moderate to hard, sudden planar results on this layer. The consequences of a failure on this layer would be large.  Facets and depth hoar exist at the base of the snowpack. Cornices are large and weak in some areas.
Last week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo which has settled remarkably quickly.  Our field team was out over the weekend covering ground & they saw very little in the way of avalanche activity.Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive.  There may have been releases on this layer post storm but at this time nothing has been reported.  It should be noted that basal facets exist in many parts of the region too. Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
The new storm snow is the greatest concern at this time. There has been 40-60 cm of storm snow in the valley since Monday. The freezing level went up to about 1000 metres early Wednesday morning. The weak facet layer that was buried on January 20th is now down about 80 cm and continues to produce easy shears in tests.
The recent storm snow is the main concern at this time. Southwest winds have transported the snow into windslabs on north through east aspects. The storm slab consists of 40-80 cms across the region. This slab has started to settle, but may be triggered by the forecasted load of new snow. Beneath the slab is a weak layer of facets or small surface hoar that was buried on January 13th. Professionals continue to monitor and test the mid-december surface hoar layer, however it has been quite a while since we have seen any activity on this layer.
Over 100 cm of cold & very light density snow fell in the Lizard Range last week.  As one snow professional put it, "snow that light had no choice but to settle quickly," and that's what it did.  Field observers reported settlement cones up to 40 cm on Monday.  In protected areas that snow has settled into a 4F slab that is riding very well.  Super light density snow is quite easily transported, and there is evidence of wind damaged snow in the alpine.The Tuesday storm produced 20 cm, but winds in this region were not as extreme as others, the Polar Wind station reported winds at the upper end of light, gusting to the upper end of moderate.Last week's storm snow overlies a melt-freeze crust formed in late December, which exists to 1800m. In some areas, the storm snow overlies a layer of large surface hoar crystals. A deeper surface hoar layer, buried in early December, has not been active for some time, but professionals are still treating this layer with caution.
Mother nature has been pummeling the Sea to Sky region over the last few days. Over 100cms of snow that fell since last weekend has now settled to about 70cm. Recent southwest winds have consistently hovered in the strong to extreme category and wind drifts have been reported up to 3 metres high. The recent storm snow is resting on a variety of older snow surfaces. These surfaces include previous cold, dry low density snow which may have had seen some faceting, old wind slabs, and crusts. It is reasonable to think that any new avalanche activity may step down to any of these interfaces.Previous concerns about deeper persistent weak layers appear to have diminished. Snowpack depths at treeline are in the region of 260 cm.
The storm continues to bring heavy snowfall and strong southwest winds. Conditions are building new windslabs and storm slabs above the recent storm snow that has consolidated into a slab. The old windslabs are on south through west aspects, and they are stiff and continue to be easily triggered. New windslabs are building on north through east aspects, making travel a bit tricky; limited options exist for avoiding both types of windslab. The deep snowpack is considered to be well settled with no persistent layers of concern.
On tuesday about 40mm of rain fell on about 40cm of recent storm snow. The old surface has now refrozen and the forecast snow for Wednesday night will sit on the resulting 3cm rain crust. Forecast amounts are in the 25-30cm range. Expect new wind and storm slabs due to forecast moderate winds.Any deeper layers would require a very large trigger at this point. Snowpack depths at treeline are near 250cms.
By thursday morning another 10-15cm of snow should have fallen adding to the 50cm of snow that fell in the past few days. These systems were accompanied by strong southwest winds. Add all of this to the 25-40cms that fell over last weekend  that now sits on top of the previous cold, low density snow from the last week and you've got a great recipe for storm and wind slab development. A weak interface exists lower in the snowpack down 40-70cms. This interface consists of old decomposing snow crystals, preserved snow crystals (stellars), and facets (sugary crystals). Tests done on this interface are showing moderate to hard results, but sudden planar characteristics. This may be a layer to watch with more snow and wind forecast.  The rain crust itself lies buried around 40-60cm below the surface at 1900m and below. The bond at this crust is reported to be quite good. On steep slopes, this interface, or the one above it, definitely has the potential to act as a good sliding surface. Weak layers lower in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in very isolated, thin rocky areas.
On Tuesday approximately 15-25 cm of snow fell in the region. The system was accompanied by strong to extreme winds from the southerly quarter. Hard new wind slabs are now the primary concern in the snowpack.Over the weekend up to 35cms of new snow fell. This new snow came in denser that the previous, cold storm. This has been a recipe for continued storm slab instabilities as these slabs are reported to be quite reactive due to their poor bond on the cold snow interface below. Lower down is a crust that lies down 50-60cms and exists below 1900m. The bond with this crust appears to be quite good, however, on steep slopes this could easily act as a weak interface, potentially creating a layer for avalanches that initiate in the upper snow to step down to.   Layers of concern deeper in the snowpack include a surface hoar/facet layer from mid-December and weak basal facets at the base of the snowpack in shallow snow areas. These layers have become less of a concern in the vast majority of locations.  Last Saturday the mid- December layer is thought to have failed in several large avalanches that occurred in the Bonnigton Range. This is a lingering layer of concern that reflects low probability but high consequence. Snowpack depths in the region are around 240 cm.
Powder Valley - transitional regionHST 10 to 20 cm starting to gain cohesion and slab (4F). Cool temps slowing the process so there's still lots of dust on crust.Wind crust below HST is present all areas travelled. Thinner & weaker here than Fraser. Still in ALP pillow it's 10 to 20 cm P+Mixed form midpack. Dec 5 Rain CR only 2 cm thick where we dug & deteriorating. DH (1F but falls out of profile wall) below is affecting the crust above.Great variability due to wind: less reverse loading than expected from last week's N'ly wind. ALP is alternating scoured to rock & deep fingers of wind deposited in gullies & bowls.
The 25-30cm of snow that fell Wednesday night now sits on a 3cm rain crust that formed on Tuesday evening.  Expect fresh and easily triggered storm slabs and soft wind slabs in exposed areas.Any deeper layers would require a very large trigger at this point. Snowpack depths at treeline are near 250cms.
An additional 20 - 40 cm of new snow from Tues & Weds sits just above the weekend's 30 - 70 cm,   making for a meter plus of storm snow.  Shears within the new snow have been short lived.  The big story is the wind; winds associated with the Tues/Weds storm were strong gusting to extreme out of the W & SW.   These winds left widespread wind damage at all elevation bands & set the stage for a large and widespread avalanche cycle Wednesday that produced several avalanches to size 3 with crown depths near 100 cm.  These winds also created large cornices in the region which much be treated with respect.Many folks have been concerned about the January 20th facets that were created with the outbreak of Arctic air.  We often think of super cold temperatures as driving faceting, and that's right, but the faceting mechanism actually occurs much slower at very cold temperatures like the ones we experienced last week.  There's been limited activity down at this interface suggesting that problems associated with this layer will be short lived.This load has also been a good test for the January 13th SH/FC layer which is now buried 110 - 150 cm in depth.  It hasn't produced much activity either.   Its distribution is spotty though, and backcountry users need to factor this layer into their thinking for the weekend, especially in areas where the snowpack is thin.A surface hoar layer buried in mid-December is gaining strength, but professionals are still treating it with caution as the consequences of an avalanche on this layer would be high. Occasional hard, planar results have been reported on this layer in snowpack tests. It's now down about 200cm in the snowpack.
The Purcell’s are one of the more complex snowpacks in the province right now.Tuesday night/Weds the region received 35 – 60 cm of new snow accompanied by strong winds out of the SW.  Just a few days ago the region received 20 – 40 cm with S & SE winds.  A test profile on Tuesday revealed a sudden planer shear down 40 cm failing on surface hoar with a hard trigger.  That was before the storm, that layer now has 70+ cm of snow on it and is likely more sensitive.  Resistant shears were noted in last weekend’s storm snow yesterday too.  The bottom line is that there are a number of different weaknesses/sliding layers in the snowpack which are now under additional strain.The mid-December surface hoar/facet persistent weakness, now down around 70cm on the eastern side of the range and as deep as 230cm on the western side, is still causing operators concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. Recent snowpack tests show moderate to hard, sudden planar results on this layer. The consequences of a failure on this layer would be large.  Facets and depth hoar exist at the base of the snowpack. Cornices are large and weak in some areas.
Over 100 cm of cold & very light density snow fell in the Lizard Range last week.  As one snow professional put it, "snow that light had no choice but to settle quickly," and that's what it did.  Field observers reported settlement cones up to 40 cm on Monday.  In protected areas that snow has settled into a 4F slab that is riding very well.  Super light density snow is quite easily transported, and there is evidence of wind damaged snow in the alpine.The Tuesday/Wednesday storm produced 25 cm, but winds in this region were not as extreme as others, the Polar Wind station reported winds at the upper end of light, gusting to the upper end of moderate during the storm.Last week's storm snow overlies a melt-freeze crust formed in late December, which exists to 1800m. In some areas, the storm snow overlies a layer of large surface hoar crystals. A deeper surface hoar layer, buried in early December, has not been active for some time, but professionals are still treating this layer with caution.
Mother nature pummeled the Sea to Sky region over the last few days. Over 115cms of snow that fell since last weekend has now settled to about 80cm. Recent southwest winds have consistently hovered in the strong to extreme category and wind drifts have been reported up to 3 metres high. The recent storm snow is resting on a variety of older snow surfaces. These surfaces include previous cold, dry low density snow which may have had seen some faceting, old wind slabs, and crusts. These interfaces have most likely gained considerable strength, but it is reasonable to believe that any avalanche activity could step down to any of these interfaces.Previous concerns about deeper persistent weak layers appear to have diminished.Snowpack depths at treeline are in the region of 260 cm.
On wednesday night another 25-30cm of snow fell with moderate southwest winds adding to the 50cm of snow that fell with strong southwest winds earlier in the week. Add all of this to the 25-40cms that fell over last weekend  that now sits on top of the previous cold, low density snow from the last week and you've got a great recipe for deep storm and wind slab development.  In general, snowfall amounts have been greatest in the Coquihalla area over the past week with total snowpack depths at treeline amounting to 390cm. In the Duffey Lake area, treeline depths are closer to 220cm.Persistent weak layers lower down in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in very isolated, thin rocky areas.
On wednesday evening about 8cm of snow fell in the region adding to the 15-25 cm of snow that fell on tuesday. Tuesday's system was accompanied by strong to extreme winds from the southerly quarter producing reactive new wind slabs which are now the primary concern in the snowpack.Over last weekend up to 35cms of new snow fell. This new snow came in denser that the previous cold storm. This has been a recipe for continued storm slab instabilities as these slabs are reported to be quite reactive due to their poor bond on the cold snow interface below.I would suspect that time is helping to strengthen the recent storm and windslab problems, but I wouldn't write them off just yet as triggering is still a real possibility. Layers of concern deeper in the snowpack include a surface hoar/facet layer from mid-December and weak basal facets at the base of the snowpack in shallow snow areas. These layers have become less of a concern in the vast majority of locations.  Last Saturday the mid- December layer is thought to have failed in several large avalanches that occurred in the Bonnington Range. This is a lingering layer of concern that reflects low probability but high consequence. Snowpack depths in the region are around 240 cm.
Last week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo which has settled remarkably quickly.  Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive.  There may have been releases on this layer post storm but at this time nothing has been reported.  It should be noted that basal facets exist in many parts of the region too. Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
Roaring winds from the west and south-west have created new wind slabs at all elevations. Older, buried wind slabs were formed from northerly winds. Fluctuating freezing levels have led to a melt-freeze crust below treeline. Dynamic weather will continue to affect the region through the weekend, which is likely to cause further wind slab and storm slab development. Of concern in the snowpack is a buried crust/facet layer (down about 80cm) which is getting an ever-increasing load above it. It is beginning to produce destructive avalanches in some areas as a critical balance is reached.
Wind slabs and storm slabs continue to build above a weak facet layer which formed during the brutal cold of mid-January and was buried around January 20th. Avalanches have begun to release on this layer in the Coastal regions, and it's probably just a matter of time before a critical load builds up above it in further inland. Tests on this layer in the Seaton Basin have produced moderate, sudden planar ("pops") shears, indicating that an avalanche releasing on this layer could propagate widely. In the Howsons, the facet layer was buried with very little wind effect in the alpine, at the same time that the northeast outflow winds were howling in Terrace. Rising temperatures and snowfall during the weekend will increase the likelihood of storm slab avalanches, which could be very large. In shallow snowpack areas, a weak, "rotten" snowpack has been observed.
Up to 80cm of snow has fallen since Monday. Strong winds have created hard slabs, soft slabs and fragile cornices. The freezing level went up to about 1000 metres early Wednesday morning. Snowpack tests give easy to moderate results on several layers in the upper snowpack. Key concerns as further snow builds this weekend include a weak facet layer that was created during the brutal cold snap in mid-January and a buried crust.
50-90cm of recent snow has been redistributed by southwest winds into wind slabs on north through east aspects. Storm slabs have started to settle, but may weaken with forecast snow and warming this weekend. Beneath the slab is a weak layer of facets or small surface hoar that was buried on January 13th. Professionals continue to monitor and test the mid-December surface hoar layer. However, it has been quite some time since we have seen any activity on this layer.
10-20cms of 4F soft slab overlies the (1F+) 120122 hard wind slab.  This hard wind slab was not as prominent at treeline in the Log cabin area, but supportive and stiff in the Alpine.  Facets exists below this wwind crust.  The mid-pack is composed of facets and mixed forms (4F+-1F+)  Easy CT results (SP) on the soft storm slab and Moderate results (SP) below the 120122 hard wind slab.  Easy Hand shears were observed in the soft wind slab at treeline down 20 and 40cms on lee features.
60 - 100 cm of storm snow has fallen in the last week across the province.  While storm shears have been quick to heal, winds have had a dramatic effect on wind exposed terrain at all elevation bands.  Soft slabs of 10 - 30 cm were reported Thursday as winds switched to the NW and blew at moderate to strong values.All the new snow is sitting on cold dry snow formed during last week's Arctic Outbreak.  The cold dry air created a layer of facets that are being referred to as the Jan 20th, facets.  A Rutschblock test in the north showed a result of RB6, MB down 90 on this layer.  In the south a CTE test produced a failure down 70 at this interface.The January 13th SH/FC layer is spotty in distribution, but it is still capable of performing.  Deep in the pack the mid December layer is gaining strength, but may still be an issue in areas of thin shallow snowpack.
The Purcell's are one of the more complex & variable snowpacks in the province right now.The region has received 70 - 130 cm of storm snow in the last week.  A few shears are persisting in the storm snow, but these are healing.  Winds have been predominantly out of the W, SW, but some stations have reported NW winds in the last 24 hours.   I`ve received obs of surface snow that is untouched by winds, and other obs where winds have produced a wind slab avalanche cycle.  It`s tough to put a pattern on what`s happening out there.  I suspect it`s highly drainage dependent at the moment.The mid-December  surface hoar/facet combo is down around 70 cm on the E side of the range & 230 cm on the west side.  I suspect it's still susceptible to human triggering in the shallow snowpack areas.
The 25-30cm of snow that fell Wednesday night now sits on a 3cm rain crust that formed on Tuesday evening. This rain crust is a perfect sliding layer. With forecast snowfall and warming, expect that the snow surface will become more cohesive which will add to the reactivity of the most recent storm snow.Any deeper layers would require a very large trigger at this point. Snowpack depths at treeline are near 250cms.
There is evidence of a wind pressed slab down 20 - 30 cm in the Alpine in the Lizard Range, but other weaknesses have tightened up considerably.  Last week's storm of produced 100 + cm of snow which has settled nicely.A deeper surface hoar layer buried in early December has not been active for some time now.
Last week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo which has settled remarkably quickly.Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive.  There may have been releases on this layer post storm but at this time nothing has been reported.  It should be noted that basal facets exist in many parts of the region too. Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
Mother nature pummeled the Sea to Sky region throughout the week. Over 115cms of snow that fell since last weekend has now settled to about 80cm. Recent southwest winds have consistently hovered in the strong to extreme category and wind drifts have been reported up to 3 metres high. The recent storm snow is resting on a variety of older snow surfaces. These surfaces include previous cold, dry low density snow which may have had seen some faceting, old wind slabs, and crusts. These interfaces have most likely gained considerable strength, but it is reasonable to believe that any avalanche activity could step down to any of these interfaces.Previous concerns about deeper persistent weak layers appear to have diminished.Snowpack depths at treeline are in the region of 260 cm.
Friday saw little in the way of new snow for the South Coast Inland region, but in the big story in the region is moderate to heavy snowfall and fluctuating freezing levels over the past week accompanied by generally high winds. It seems that as soon as one storm interface starts to strengthen, another system comes in and creates new destructive wind and storm slabs. Adding to the complexity of the storm slab problem is the January 20th interface where facetted snow from the mid-January cold snap acts as a bed surface for all of this past week's snow. The probability of any activity at this interface is decreasing the consequences of a slide would be large and very destructive.With the recent wind and snowfall there are widespread unstable cornices. Any cornice fall would be destructive by itself, but could also be a trigger for the slope below. Persistent weak layers lower down in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in very isolated, thin rocky areas. Most recently, the Coquihalla area has been receiving the most snowfall with current snowpack depths at treeline amounting to 390cm. In the Duffey Lake area, treeline depths are closer to 240cm.
Significant snowfall and strong to extreme winds earlier in the week created extensive windslabs in the region. In some parts of the region this windslab is sitting on a freezing rain crust that developed on Tuesday morning.  Although it's reasonable to think that these windslabs have started to strengthen somewhat, the combination of more recent light snowfall and moderate winds have continued to create fresher windslabs at ridge top. It should also be said that snowfall accumulations over the past few days have been quite variable throughout the region with with 24hr snowfall amounts on Thursday morning ranging from 2cm to 29cm. Reactivity on the aforementioned crust (which sits about 25cm below the surface in wind-neutral areas) may develop with increased load forecast for Sunday. Layers of concern deeper in the snowpack include a surface hoar/facet layer from mid-December and weak basal facets at the base of the snowpack in shallow snow areas. These layers have become less of a concern in the vast majority of locations.  Last Saturday the mid- December layer is thought to have failed in several large avalanches that occurred in the Bonnington Range. This is a lingering layer of concern that reflects low probability but high consequence. Snowpack depths in the region are around 240 cm.
Heavy new snow has arrived this week and looks set to continue through the weekend. Roaring winds from the north-west, west and south-west have created new wind slabs at all elevations. Older, buried wind slabs were formed from northerly winds and are of particular concern at treeline and below. Dynamic weather will continue to affect the region through the weekend, which is likely to cause further wind slab and storm slab development. Of concern in the snowpack is a buried facet layer (down about 80-120cm) which is getting an ever-increasing load above it. It is beginning to produce destructive avalanches in some areas as a critical balance is reached. Below treeline, a crust /facet combo buried in early January is producing easy, sudden collapse results in compression tests.
Wind slabs and storm slabs continue to build above a weak facet layer which formed during the brutal cold of mid-January and was buried around January 20th. Avalanches have begun to release on this layer in the Coastal regions and it's probably just a matter of time before a critical load builds up above it further inland. Tests on this layer in the Seaton Basin have produced moderate, sudden planar ("pops") shears, indicating that an avalanche releasing on this layer could propagate widely. In the Howsons, the facet layer was buried with very little wind effect in the alpine, at the same time that the northeast outflow winds were howling in Terrace. Rising temperatures and snowfall during the weekend will increase the likelihood of storm slab avalanches, which could be very large. In shallow snowpack areas, a weak, "rotten" snowpack has been observed.
Up to 1m of snow has fallen since Monday. Strong winds have created hard slabs, soft slabs and fragile cornices. Snowpack tests give easy to moderate results on several layers in the upper snowpack. Key concerns as further snow builds this weekend include a weak facet layer that was created during the brutal cold snap in mid-January and a buried crust which is found below treeline.
Up to 120cm of recent snow has fallen. Strong north-westerly, westerly and south-westerly winds have created wind slabs at treeline and above. Large cornices are looming over many slopes. A cornice failure could trigger a deep avalanche. Recent storm slabs have started to settle, but the storm slab problem will increase quickly with forecast snow and warming this weekend. Beneath the storm snow is a weak layer of facets or small surface hoar. A thin suncrust on south aspects is creating a weak bond with storm snow in some parts of the region.
As one operator describes it, "oodles" of storm snow has fallen over the past week (anywhere from 1-3m). Strong winds, which have switched direction several times, have created deep wind slabs on lee- and cross-loaded slopes. Warming, heavy snow and strong winds this weekend will increase avalanche danger once again. At low elevations, rain falling on the snow could weaken surface layers and lead to large moist avalanches. Of concern deeper in the snowpack is a buried facet layer below the storm snow and a crust /facet combo which exists below treeline and recently gave easy, sudden collapse results in compression tests.
Wind slabs and storm slabs continue to build above a weak facet layer which formed during the brutal cold of mid-January and was buried around January 20th. Rising temperatures and snowfall during the weekend will increase the likelihood of storm slab and wind slab avalanches, which could be very large. In shallow snowpack areas, a weak, "rotten" snowpack has been observed.
Up to 1m of snow has fallen since Monday. Strong winds have created hard slabs, soft slabs and fragile cornices. Key concerns as further snow builds this weekend include a weak facet layer that was created during the brutal cold snap in mid-January and a buried crust, with associated facets, which is found below about 1500m and is quite touchy in some areas. Snowpack test results on this layer range from no result to easy, sudden shears.
Up to 120cm of snow has fallen this week. Strong westerly quarter winds have created wind slabs at treeline and above. Large cornices are looming over many slopes, which could trigger destructive avalanches if they fall. Recent storm slabs have started to settle and bond, but the storm slab problem is likely to increase quickly with forecast snow and warming this weekend. Beneath the storm snow, facets which formed during the cold snap in early January are most reactive below treeline, where they are associated with a crust.
The 25-30cm of snow that fell Wednesday night now sits on a 3cm rain crust that formed on Tuesday evening. Since then the low density snow has been shifted around by strong winds. Because of the variable nature of the winds, wind slabs may now exist in unsuspecting lee locations. The depth of these windslabs may be up to 70cm on lee features. The combination of the current snowpack structure and Sunday's forecast weather means pretty much certain reactivity on this layer.Any deeper layers would require a very large trigger at this point. Snowpack depths at treeline are near 250cms.
Not much happened in the way of snowfall over the past 2 days, but Mother Nature pummeled the Sea to Sky region throughout the week. Over 115cms of snow that fell since last weekend has now settled to about 80cm. Recent southwest winds have consistently hovered in the strong to extreme category and wind drifts have been reported up to 3 metres high. The recent storm snow is resting on a variety of older snow surfaces. These surfaces include previous cold, dry low density snow which may have had seen some faceting, old wind slabs, and crusts. These interfaces have most likely gained considerable strength, but it is reasonable to believe that any avalanche activity could step down to any of these interfaces. Previous concerns about deeper persistent weak layers appear to have diminished.Snowpack depths at treeline are in the region of 260 cm.
Friday and Saturday saw little in the way of new snow for the South Coast Inland region, but the big story in the region has been moderate to heavy snowfall and fluctuating freezing levels over the past week accompanied by generally high winds. It seems that as soon as one storm interface starts to strengthen, another system comes in and creates new destructive wind and storm slabs. Adding to the complexity of the storm slab problem is the January 20th interface where facetted snow from the mid-January cold snap acts as a bed surface for all of this past week's snow. A profile from the Coquihalla area also showed facets existing in combination with an underlying crust about 1m down. The probability of any activity at this interface is decreasing, but the consequences of a slide would be large and very destructive.With the recent wind and snowfall there are widespread unstable cornices. Any cornice fall would be destructive by itself, but could also be a trigger for the slope below. Persistent weak layers lower down in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in very isolated, thin rocky areas. Most recently, the Coquihalla area has been receiving the most snowfall with current snowpack depths at treeline amounting to 390cm. In the Duffey Lake area, treeline depths are closer to 240cm.Expect continued wind slab development with forecast weather on Sunday.
The Purcell's are one of the more complex & variable snowpacks in the province right now.The region has received 70 - 130 cm of storm snow in the last week.  A few shears are persisting in the new snow, but show signs of healing.  Winds have been predominantly out of the W, SW, but some stations have reported NW winds in the last 24 hours.   I've received obs of surface snow that is untouched by winds, and other obs where winds have produced a wind slab avalanche cycle.  It's tough to put a pattern on what's happening out there.  The reality is that it's highly variable drainage to drainage.The Friday (Jan.) 13th Surface Hoar is still reactive in compression test, producing moderate sudden planar results.The mid-December  surface hoar/facet combo is down around 70 cm on the E side of the range & 230 cm on the west side.  I suspect it's still susceptible to human triggering in the shallow snowpack areas.
There is evidence of a wind pressed slab down 20 - 30 cm in the Alpine in the Lizard Range, but other weaknesses have tightened up considerably.  Last week's storm of produced 100 + cm of snow which has settled nicely.A deeper surface hoar layer buried in early December has not been active for some time now.
Last week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo which has settled remarkably quickly.Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive.  There may have been releases on this layer post storm but at this time nothing has been reported.  It should be noted that basal facets exist in many parts of the region too. Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
Significant snowfall and strong to extreme winds earlier in the week created extensive windslabs in the region. In some parts of the region this windslab is sitting on a freezing rain crust that developed on Tuesday morning.  Although it's reasonable to think that these windslabs have started to strengthen somewhat, the combination of more recent light snowfall and moderate winds have continued to create fresher windslabs at ridge top. It should also be said that snowfall accumulations over the past few days have been quite variable throughout the region with with 24hr snowfall amounts on Thursday morning ranging from 2cm to 29cm. Reactivity on the aforementioned crust (which sits about 25cm below the surface in most wind-neutral areas) may develop with increased load forecast for Sunday. A layer of concern deeper in the snowpack is a surface hoar/facet layer from mid-December. This layer has become less of a concern in the vast majority of locations; however, in the Bonnington Range it is still on the radar of backcountry travelers as the last round of deep activity was only a week ago. This is a lingering layer of concern that reflects low probability but high consequence. Snowpack depths in the region are around 240 cm.
60 - 100 cm of storm snow has fallen in the last week which has settled out nicely in the region.  A few stubborn windslabs were observed on Friday, but these were largely unreactive to provocation.Going a little deeper in the snowpack we find that the snowfall from the past week rests on dry cold snow formed during an Arctic Outbreak.  A Rutschblock test in the north showed a result of RB6, MB down 90 on this layer.  In the south a CTE test produced a failure down 70 at this interface.  We may see some limited activity out of this layer Sunday, but I think that will be its last kick at the can.Below this lies the January 13th SH/FC layer that is spotty in distribution, but it is still capable of performing.  Deep in the pack the mid December layer has gained a lot of strength, but it may still be an issue in areas of thin shallow snowpack.
Around 40 to 60 cm of new snow in the past 24 hours and  storm snow totals of 150 cm or more are reported. Mod southerly or southwesterly winds have created windslabs and large fragile cornices. Warm temperatures are promoting storm slabs in the short term (upside down storm snow layers) and settling (strengthening) in the slightly longer term. All this new snow increases the load (stress) on deeper layers created during the mid-January cold snap; namely facets (sugar) and a crust at lower elevations (say 1500m and lower). This layer is now deeply buried (around 200 cm or more in many places) but snowpack test results on this layer range from no result to easy (variable strength) but the shear pops (if triggered it wants to propagate).
Around 40 to 60 cm of new snow in the past 24 hours and  storm snow totals of 150 cm or more are reported. Mod southerly or southwesterly winds have created windslabs and large fragile cornices. Warm temperatures are promoting storm slabs in the short term (upside down storm snow layers) and settling (strengthening) in the slightly longer term. All this new snow increases the load (stress) on deeper layers created during the mid-January cold snap; namely facets (sugar) and a crust at lower elevations (say 1500m and lower). This layer is now deeply buried (around 200 cm or more in many places) but snowpack test results on this layer range from no result to easy (variable strength) but the shear pops (if triggered it wants to propagate).
The initial burst of Saturday's storm delivered 20 cm of cold dry snow.  Temperatures began to warm up around dinner time and an additional 12 cm wet heavy snow has fallen as of 2:00 PST Sunday.  I feel comfortable calling everything beneath the storm snow well settled.  From a technical perspective, we are monitoring the old storm snow which rests on dry cold snow formed during an Arctic Outbreak.  A few days ago a Rutschblock test in the north showed a result of RB6, MB down 90 on this layer.  In the south a CTE test produced a failure down 70 at this interface.  We may see some limited activity out of this layer Sunday, but I think that will be its last kick at the canThis storm will also serve as a litmus test for the Jan. 13th SH/FC layer.  With 20 - 40 mm of additional water weight, if it doesn't preform Sunday/Monday, then I think we can move it into the dormant layer category.Deep in the pack the mid December layer has gained a lot of strength and I don't think we'll see any action from this layer until the spring.
The Purcell's are one of the more complex & variable snow packs in the province right now.The Sat/Sun Storm delivered 20 - 40 cm of snow to the region with moderate gusting strong winds out of the SW, S & a bit of SE.  This snow fell on a snow pack that is for the most part, pretty well settled.There are a few exceptions though:The Jan. 13th SH/FC combo is still reactive in ski hill testing, but this needs to be taken with a grain of salt as this snowpack is a bit artificial when compared to a true backcountry uncontrolled snowpack.  Regardless, I feel like we can't take our eyes of this layer just yet, remember, it's only two weeks old.It sounds like there is a lot of strong snow over the mid December facet layer which is buried approx. 80 cm on the east side and 200+ cm on the west side.  This layer seems to have more energy in the Purcells than any other region in the province.  On Jan. 28th a skier remoted a size 3 avalanche & this layer was suspected as the weakness.There are basal facets at the ground which are a concern, especially on shady high elevation slopes.
The region received aprox 20 cm of dense of snow out of the weekend storm as of 3:30 pm Sunday afternoon.  This snow fell on a wind pressed slab down 20 - 30 cm in the Alpine in the Lizard Range, but other weaknesses have tightened up considerably.  Last week's storm of produced 100 + cm of snow which has settled nicely.A deeper surface hoar layer buried in early December has not been active for some time now.
The freezing level was as high as 1500m Sunday, as a result, a lot of precipitation that fell on Sunday was rain.  It's pretty tough to gauge how much snow the region received as a result.  Our field team will be out and about Monday, so, we should have a much better idea of just what happened out there soon.  Last week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo which has settled remarkably quickly.Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive.  There may have been releases on this layer post storm but at this time nothing has been reported.  It should be noted that basal facets exist in many parts of the region too.   Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
The 25-30cm of snow that sat on a 3cm rain crust has now been saturated by about 20mm of rain that fell on Saturday night and Sunday. On monday weather models have forecast cooling for the North Shore mountains which means that the resulting moist snow should stabilize fairly quickly. Precipitation is forecast to taper-off with the cooling, but it's possible that snow and wind could continue for a few more hours after the thermometer drops. If this happens, expect fresh wind slabs on lee terrain at treeline.Any deeper layers would require a very large trigger at this point. Snowpack depths at treeline are near 250cms.
The region saw variable amounts of snow with moderate winds and warmer temperatures on Sunday. The result is fresh, cohesive windslabs on lee features at treeline and in the alpine. These new windslabs are resting on impressive amount of storm snow that fell last week. By now I suspect that last week's storm snow has gained considerable strength.About a metre down there are a variety of older snow surfaces. These surfaces include lower density snow which may have had seen some faceting, old wind slabs, and crusts. These interfaces have most likely gained considerable strength, but triggering may be possible with a heavy load in isolated terrain. Previous concerns about deeper persistent weak layers appear to have diminished.Snowpack depths at treeline are in the region of 260 cm.
On sunday temperatures warmed up to about zero degrees at treeline.  Moderate to strong southwest winds and light precipitation (moderate precip in the Coquihalla)  will have created cohesive new windslabs at treeline and in the alpine. At lower elevations expect a new rain crust with decreasing temperatures on Monday. These new winds slabs are adding to the impressive amounts of snow that accumulated with strong southwest winds last week.Adding to the complexity of the storm slab problem is the January 20th interface where facetted snow from the mid-January cold snap acts as a potential bed surface for all of this past week's snow. The probability of any activity at this interface is low, but the consequences of a slide would be large and very destructive.With the recent wind and snowfall there are widespread unstable cornices. Any cornice fall would be destructive by itself, but could also be a trigger for the slope below. Persistent weak layers lower down in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in very isolated, thin rocky areas. Most recently, the Coquihalla area has been receiving the most snowfall with current snowpack depths at treeline amounting to 390cm. In the Duffey Lake area, treeline depths are closer to 240cm.
Professionals around Terrace are losing track of storm snow amounts, in part because their automatic stations are buried by the 5 plus metre snowpack. Winds with the storm mean wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded terrain. Most snowpack concerns are limited to the surface layers, however deeper in the snowpack are a couple of layers of old facets & maybe a crust which still POP in stability tests at treeline and below treeline elevations in cutblocks and roadbanks.
I suspect pockets of wind slab behind ridges & ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. I also suspect storm slabs on steeper terrain, unsupported slopes, or convex rolls. Deeper in the snowpack is a layer of facets (sugary snow) which formed during the cold mid-January drought. The combination of newer, warmer, cohesive snow above a thin, weak, rotten snowpack is a bad combination.
Warmer temperatures, moderate southwest winds and moderate snowfall throughout the weekend continued to add to an ongoing wind slab issue creating cohesive and reactive wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine.  In some parts of the region underlying storm snow from mid-week is sitting on a freezing rain crust that developed on Tuesday morning.  Reactivity on the crust (which sits about 35cm below the surface in most wind-neutral areas) may develop with increased load. A few operators are also talking about a surface hoar layer that was buried on January 14th. Its reactivity has been described as "stubborn", but it has potential to size 3. A layer of concern deeper in the snowpack is the surface hoar/facet layer from mid-December. This layer has become less of a concern in the vast majority of locations. In the Bonnington Range, however, it is still on the radar of backcountry travelers as the layer is still reactive and is producing avalanches to size 3 in isolated features. This lingering layer of concern reflects the variability of the snowpack within the region.  Snowpack depths in the region are around 230 cm at treeline.
Over the weekend the region received snow amounts near 40-60cms. The initial half of the storm snow came in dryer then the second half, leaving us with upside-down conditions (heavier snow overlying lighter snow). Storm slabs have been forming at all elevations. Wind slabs are developed on lee slopes in the alpine and at treeline from the randy SW winds. Monday morning the winds switched from SW to NW. This may create wind slabs on reverse slopes; I suspect this to be short lived but noted. Buried below the storm snow seems to be a fairly settled mid-pack, with a couple lingering layers.We continue to monitor the old storm snow which rests on dry cold snow formed during an Arctic Outbreak.  A few days ago a Rutschblock test in the north showed a result of RB6, MB down 90 on this layer.  In the south a CTE test produced a failure down 70 at this interface.  We may see some limited activity out of this layer, but I think it may be on its way out.This storm snow will also act as a test for the Jan. 13th SH/FC layer.  If it doesn't perform by the early parts of the week, then I think it may be time to call it dormant.Deep down in the pack the mid December layer has gained a lot of strength and I don't think we'll see any action from this layer until the spring. The average snowpack depth at 1700m is 2-3 m.
The Purcell's are one of the more complex & variable snow packs in the province right now.The storm over the weekend delivered 20 - 40 cm of snow to the region with moderate gusting strong winds out of the SW, S & a bit of SE.  This snow fell on a snow pack that is for the most part, pretty well settled.There are a few exceptions though:The Jan. 13th SH/FC combo is still reactive in ski hill testing, but this needs to be taken with a grain of salt as this snowpack is a bit artificial when compared to a true backcountry uncontrolled snowpack.  Regardless, I feel like we can't take our eyes off this layer just yet, remember, it's only two weeks old.It sounds like there is a lot of strong snow over the mid December facet layer which is buried approx. 80 cm on the east side and 200+ cm on the west side.  This layer seems to have more energy in the Purcells than any other region in the province.  On Jan. 28th a skier remotely triggered a size 3 avalanche & this layer was suspected as the weakness.There are basal facets at the ground which are a concern, especially on shady high elevation slopes. Snowpack depths at 2000m sit near 2m deep.
The region saw variable amounts of snow with moderate to strong winds and warmer temperatures on Sunday. The variable and cohesive windslabs that formed at treeline and in the alpine have strengthened somewhat, but could become reactive on unsupported features below ridgecrests. These new windslabs are resting on impressive amount of storm snow that fell last week. By now last week's storm snow should be well settled.About a metre down there are a variety of older snow surfaces that formed throughout January. These surfaces include facets, old wind slabs, and crusts. These interfaces have also gained considerable strength, but triggering may be possible with a heavy load in isolated terrain. Previous concerns about deeper persistent weak layers appear to have diminished.Snowpack depths at treeline are in the region of 260 cm.
The 25-30cm of snow that fell last week has now been saturated by steady rainfall that occurred throughout the weekend. The subsequent refreeze has created a hard crust at all elevations. Forecast snow and wind for Monday evening and tuesday will create new wind slabs on top of the crust. This forecast snowpack structure should make for reactive avalanche conditions.Any deeper layers would require a very large trigger at this point. Snowpack depths at treeline are near 250cms.
Sunday night the region was hammered with precipitation! Above 1500m, 36cms of dense snow fell. Wet snow/rain mix fell at lower elevations, saturating the upper snowpack. At treeline and above, storm slabs and wind slabs continued to grow. Below treeline, slopes 30 degrees + produced wet slab avalanches. The slab depths up to 60cms, entraining mass with deposits up to 1 m deep.  Below this, last week's storm of produced 100 + cms of snow which has settled nicely.The average snow depths at 1700m are near 280cms.
On saturday night and sunday the region saw moderate to strong southwest winds and moderate precipitation (heavy precip in the Coquihalla). For most of the period rain fell to about 1700m, but freezing levels fluctuated during the storm.  In the Duffey Lake area light amounts of new snow sit above a new rain crust that has formed below 1700m while cohesive stubborn windslabs exist at higher elevations.In the Coquihalla area temperatures were still closer to 0.0 on Monday. The warmer present temperatures combined with the higher snowfall/rain values in this area means that deep and destructive wind slabs that formed in the wake of the heavy rain will be slower to stabilize.With the recent wind and snowfall there are widespread unstable cornices. Any cornice fall would be destructive by itself, but could also be a trigger for the slope below. Persistent weak layers lower down in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in very isolated, thin rocky areas. Most recently, the Coquihalla area has been receiving the most snowfall with current snowpack depths at treeline amounting to 390cm. In the Duffey Lake area, treeline depths are closer to 240cm.
Total snowpack depths are well above average for this time of year and it won't stop snowing!Recent warm temperatures and upside-down storms created a touchy surface slab. Other weaknesses exist within and under the 150+cm of recent storm snow, but things seem so be settling rapidly. Strong winds associated with recent storms mean wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded terrain. Most snowpack concerns are limited to the surface layers, however large triggers such as cornice falls and smaller avalanche stepping-down could reawaken deeper persistent weaknesses.
I suspect pockets of wind slab behind ridges & ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. I also suspect storm slabs on steeper terrain, unsupported slopes, or convex rolls. Deeper in the snowpack is a layer of facets (sugary snow) which formed during the cold mid-January drought. The combination of newer, warmer, cohesive snow above a thin, weak, rotten snowpack is a bad combination.
Recent warm temperatures and upside-down storms created a touchy surface slab. Other weaknesses exist within and under the 150+cm of recent storm snow, but things seem so be settling rapidly. Moderate southerly or southwesterly winds have created wind slabs and large fragile cornices in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. All this new snow increases the load (stress) on deeper layers created during the mid-January cold snap; namely facets (sugar) and a crust at lower elevations (say 1500m and lower). This layer is now deeply buried (around 200 cm or more in many places) but snowpack test results on this layer range from no result to easy (variable strength) but the shear pops (if triggered it wants to propagate).
Recent warm temperatures and upside-down storms created a touchy surface slab. Other weaknesses also exist within and under the 150+cm of recent storm snow, however it seems to be settling rapidly. Southerly winds associated with recent storms mean large weak wind slabs and cornices on lee and cross-loaded terrain. All this new snow increases the load (stress) on deeper layers created during the mid-January cold snap; namely facets (sugar) and a crust at lower elevations (say 1500m and lower). This layer is now deeply buried (around 200 cm or more in many places). Snowpack test results on this layer range from no result to easy (variable strength) but the shear pops (if triggered it wants to propagate), so large triggers such as cornice falls and smaller avalanche stepping-down could reawaken deeper persistent weaknesses.
Warmer temperatures, moderate southwest winds and moderate snowfall on Sunday night has added to an ongoing wind slab issue creating cohesive and reactive wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine.  In some parts of the region underlying storm snow from mid-week is sitting on 1 or 2 freezing rain crusts that developed on Tuesday morning.  Reactivity on the crust (which sits about 45cm below the surface in most wind-neutral areas) has become unlikely. A few operators are also talking about a surface hoar layer that was buried on January 14th. Its reactivity has been described as "stubborn", but it has potential to size 3. A layer of concern deeper in the snowpack is the surface hoar/facet layer from mid-December. This layer has become less of a concern in the vast majority of locations. In the Bonnington Range, however, it is still on the radar of backcountry travelers as the layer is still reactive and is producing avalanches to size 3 in isolated features. This lingering layer of concern reflects the variability of the snowpack within the region.  Snowpack depths in the region are around 230 cm at treeline.
The freezing level was as high as 1500m Sunday, as a result, a lot of precipitation that fell on Sunday was rain. Sunday night the region received near 30cms of new snow. Strong SW winds created stiff, yet reactive wind slabs on lee slopes. Cross-loading, and wind slabs are also found lower on the slopes and in unsuspecting terrain due to the strong push of the winds. Storm slabs have also developed at all elevations, and are reported to be touchy to rider triggers. So far the new wind slab and storm slabs are only releasing in the upper 30-40cms of the snowpack, with nothing stepping down lower. Last week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo which has settled remarkably quickly.Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive.  There may have been releases on this layer post storm but at this time nothing has been reported.  It should be noted that basal facets exist in many parts of the region too.
Over the weekend the region received snow amounts near 40-60cms. The initial half of the storm snow came in dryer then the second half, leaving us with upside-down conditions (heavier snow overlying lighter snow). Storm slabs have been forming at all elevations. Wind slabs are developed on lee slopes in the alpine and at treeline from the randy SW winds. Buried below the storm snow seems to be a fairly settled mid-pack, with a couple lingering layers.We continue to monitor the old storm snow which rests on dry cold snow formed during an Arctic Outbreak, and the January 13th surface hoar/facet layer. Recent snowpack field tests have shown generally moderate results, including resistant planar shears. With the warming temperatures I think the snowpack is settling out, and generally bonding.  It is possible to see some limited activity from this layer, but I think it may be on its way out. Deep down in the pack the mid December layer has gained a lot of strength and I don't think we'll see any action from this layer until the spring. The average snowpack depth at 1700m is 2-3 m.
The Purcell's are one of the more complex & variable snow packs in the province right now.The storm over the weekend delivered 20 - 40 cm of snow to the region with moderate gusting strong winds out of the SW, S & a bit of SE.  This snow fell on a snow pack that is for the most part, pretty well settled.There are a few exceptions though: The Jan. 13th SH/FC combo has been reactive in ski hill testing, but this needs to be taken with a grain of salt as this snowpack is a bit artificial when compared to a true backcountry uncontrolled snowpack.  Regardless, I feel like we can't take our eyes off this layer just yet, remember, it's only two weeks old.It sounds like there is a lot of strong snow over the mid December facet layer which is buried approx. 80 cm on the east side and 200+ cm on the west side.  This layer seems to have more energy in the Purcells than any other region in the province and was reactive on Jan. 28th, when a skier remotely triggered a size 3 avalanche. This seem to be a low probability high consequence situation.There are basal facets at the ground which remain a concern, especially on Northerly aspects at high elevations. Snowpack depths at 2000m sit near 2m deep.
Sunday night the region was hammered with precipitation! Above 1500m, 36cms of dense snow fell. Wet snow/rain mix fell at lower elevations, saturating the upper snowpack. At treeline and above, new storm slabs and wind slabs formed. Below treeline, slopes 30 degrees + produced wet slab avalanches. The slab depths up to 60cms, entraining mass with deposits up to 1 m deep.  With overnight cooling on Monday the new storm snow started to settle out and tighten up. Treeline and above I suspect wind slabs and storms slabs to be touchy to rider triggers. Below this, last week's storm of produced 100 + cms of snow which has settled nicely.The average snow depths at 1700m are near 280cms.
Total snowpack depths are well above average for this time of year and it won't stop snowing! Recent warm temperatures and upside-down storms created a touchy surface slab. Other weaknesses within and under the 150+cm of recent storm snow create the potential for step-down avalanches, but things seem to be settling rapidly. Strong winds associated with recent storms means large weak wind slabs and cornices on lee and cross-loaded terrain. Most snowpack concerns are limited to the surface layers, however large triggers such as cornice falls and smaller avalanche stepping-down could reawaken deeper persistent weaknesses.
Warm temperatures are promoting storm snow settlement and slab development at lower elevations. This recent storm snow is bonding poorly to faceted snow buried on January 20t , which is now down 45-80cm. Exposed alpine and treeline areas are wind-effected with big cornices and wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded slopes.
Total snowpack depths are well above average or even new record depths for this time of year. Recent warm temperatures and upside-down storms created a touchy surface slab. Other weaknesses within and under the 150+cm of recent storm snow create the potential for step-down avalanches, but things seem so be settling rapidly. Moderate southerly or southwesterly winds have created wind slabs and large fragile cornices in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. Snowpack test results on the mid-January persistent weakness range from no result where it's deeply buried to moderate sudden where it was found as facets overlying a crust down 80cm. This, as well as recent avalanche activity, suggests large persistent slab avalanche that propagate across entire slopes could be triggered, especially by step-down avalanches and cornice falls in shallow snowpack areas.
Total snowpack depths are generally above average for this time of year, or even new record depths in some areas. Recent warm temperatures and upside-down storms created a touchy surface slab. Other weaknesses within and under the 150+cm of recent storm snow create the potential for step-down avalanches, but things seem so be settling rapidly. Moderate southerly winds have created wind slabs and large fragile cornices in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. Recent avalanche activity associated with the mid-January persistent weakness, suggest large slab avalanche that propagate across entire slopes could be triggered, especially by step-down avalanches and cornice falls in shallow snowpack areas.
The refreeze of Sunday's wet snow has created a hard crust at all elevations.  Tuesday's 15-20cm snowfall seems to have come in as moist snow with minimal wind and has bonded fairly well to the crust with progressive cooling, especially at lower elevations. Working against us, however, are the forecast moderate to strong southwest wind and heavy snowfall amounts for tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. Expect new and reactive windslab and stormslab developmentAny deeper layers would require a very large trigger at this point. Snowpack depths at treeline are near 250cms.
The freezing level was as high as 1500m Sunday; as a result, a lot of precipitation that fell on Sunday was rain. Sunday night the region received near 30cms of new snow. Strong SW winds created stiff, yet reactive wind slabs on lee slopes. Cross-loading, and wind slabs are also found lower on the slopes and in unsuspecting terrain due to the strong push of the winds. Storm slabs have also developed at all elevations, and are reported to be touchy to rider triggers. So far the new wind slab and storm slabs are only releasing in the upper 30-40cms of the snowpack, with nothing stepping down lower. Below 1700m a 4cm thick crust exists, I suspect it's from the rising freezing levels, and precipitation last Sunday. This crust is said to be supportive. Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive. This is a low probability/high consequence scenario. Down deeper, at the bottom of the snowpack basal facets exist in many parts of the region. On January 27th a sledder triggered avalanche occurred, releasing in the basal facets.
Storm slabs that developed on the weekend have gained significant strength, as have the heavy storm snow accumulations from last week. Subsequent surface conditions are variable to say the least due to fluctuating freezing levels and strong winds during those systems.The big story is the snow forecast for Tuesday night. Moderate accumulations and moderate southwest winds will make for new windslabs and continued storm slab development. Cornices should also be on your radar as strong southwest winds and steady snowfall have contributed to impressive development.About a metre down there are a variety of older snow surfaces that formed throughout January. These surfaces include facets, old wind slabs, and crusts. These interfaces have also gained considerable strength, but triggering may be possible with a heavy load in isolated terrain.Previous concerns about deeper persistent weak layers appear to have diminished.Snowpack depths at treeline are in the region of 260 cm.
On saturday night and sunday the region saw moderate to strong southwest winds and moderate precipitation (heavy precip in the Coquihalla). For most of the period rain fell to about 1700m, but freezing levels fluctuated during the storm. In the Duffey Lake area light amounts of more recent snow now sit above a new rain crust that has formed below 1700m while fresh soft wind slabs rest over cohesive stubborn wind slabs at higher elevations. In the Coquihalla area temperatures have been slower to drop. The warmer present temperatures combined with the higher snowfall/rain values in this area means that deep wind slabs been generally slower to stabilize. More recent soft wind slabs now sit on top. With the recent wind and snowfall there are widespread unstable cornices. Any cornice fall would be destructive by itself, but could also be a trigger for the slope below. Persistent weak layers lower down in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in very isolated, thin rocky areas.Most recently, the Coquihalla area has been receiving the most snowfall with current snowpack depths at treeline amounting to 390cm. In the Duffey Lake area, treeline depths are closer to 240cm.
Warmer temperatures, moderate southwest winds and moderate snowfall on Sunday night has added to an ongoing wind slab issue creating cohesive and reactive wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine.  In some parts of the region the underlying storm snow from last week is sitting on 1 or 2 freezing rain crusts that developed last Tuesday morning.  Reactivity on the crust (which sits about 45cm below the surface in most wind-neutral areas) is possible with a large trigger. A few operators are also talking about a surface hoar layer that was buried on January 14th. Its reactivity has been described as "stubborn", but it has potential to size 3. A layer of concern deeper in the snowpack is the surface hoar/facet layer from mid-December. This layer has become less of a concern in the vast majority of locations. In the Bonnington Range, however, it is still on the radar of backcountry travelers as the layer is still reactive and is producing avalanches to size 3 in isolated features. This lingering layer of concern reflects the variability of the snowpack within the region.Snowpack depths in the region are around 230 cm at treeline. Looking forward, a significant warming trend and clear skies are forecast for late Thursday/Friday. Expect increased avalanche activity with this trend.
Total snowpack depths are at new record levels for this time of year. Recent warm temperatures helped settle storm snow into a touchy surface slab at lower elevations. Other weaknesses within and under (Jan. 20th facets) the 150+cm of recent storm snow create the potential for step-down avalanches, but things seem to be settling rapidly. Strong winds associated with recent storms means large weak wind slabs and cornices on lee and cross-loaded terrain. Most snowpack concerns are limited to the surface layers, however large triggers such as cornice falls and smaller avalanche stepping-down could affect deeper weaknesses.
Warm temperatures are promoting storm snow settlement and weak storm slab development at lower elevations. This recent storm snow is bonding poorly to faceted snow buried on January 20th, which is now down 45-80cm and producing hard, but sudden compression test results. Exposed alpine and treeline areas are wind-affected with big cornices and wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded slopes.
Total snowpack depths are well above average or even new record depths for this time of year. Recent warm temperatures and upside-down storms created a touchy surface slab. Other weaknesses within and under (mid-January facets) the 100-150cm of settled storm snow create the potential for step-down avalanches, but things seem so be settling rapidly. Moderate southerly or southwesterly winds have created wind slabs and large fragile cornices in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. Snowpack tests on the mid-January facets consistently produce sudden fractures. This weakness seems to be particularly touchy below 1500m where there is an associated crust.
Total snowpack depths are well above average or even new record depths for this time of year. Recent warm temperatures and upside-down storms created a touchy surface slab. Other weaknesses within and under (mid-January facets) the 100-150cm of settled storm snow create the potential for step-down avalanches, but things seem so be settling rapidly. Moderate southerly or southwesterly winds have created wind slabs and large fragile cornices in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain. Snowpack tests on the mid-January facets consistently produce sudden fractures. This weakness seems to be particularly touchy below 1500m where there is an associated crust.
The storm snow was very easy to trigger on a layer of preserved stellar crystals above the January 30th crust on Wednesday. Warm temperatures during the day on Wednesday should settle the storm slab by Thursday morning. North aspects at higher elevations and other shaded terrain may continue to have a storm snow instability down 30-40 cm that could be triggered by human activity.
The new snow has developed soft slabs in the alpine and at treeline. Storm slabs that developed on the weekend have gained significant strength, as have the heavy storm snow accumulations from last week. Cornices should also be on your radar as strong southwest winds and steady snowfall have contributed to impressive development. About a metre down there are a variety of older snow surfaces that formed throughout January. These surfaces include facets, old wind slabs, and crusts. These interfaces have also gained considerable strength, but triggering may be possible with a heavy load in isolated terrain. Previous concerns about deeper persistent weak layers appear to have diminished. Snowpack depths at treeline are in the region of 260 cm.
Another 10-15 cm fell in the region on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, adding to the weekend storm snow. During the weekend storm, rain fell to about 1700m, but freezing levels fluctuated during the storm. In the Duffey Lake area light amounts of more recent snow now sit above a new rain crust that has formed below 1700m while fresh soft wind slabs rest over cohesive stubborn wind slabs at higher elevations. In the Coquihalla area temperatures have been slower to drop. The warmer present temperatures combined with the higher snowfall/rain values in this area means that deep wind slabs have been slower to stabilize. More recent soft wind slabs now sit on top. With the recent wind and snowfall there are widespread unstable cornices. Any cornice fall would be destructive by itself, but could also be a trigger for the slope below. Persistent weak layers lower down in the snowpack have generally ceased to be of concern, except perhaps in very isolated, thin rocky areas. Most recently, the Coquihalla area has been receiving the most snowfall with current snowpack depths at treeline amounting to 390cm. In the Duffey Lake area, treeline depths are closer to 240cm.
The recent storm snow layer is about 30-50 cm thick and is quite variable across the region. There are a couple of thin crusts buried below the storm snow that have been producing moderate to hard shears in tests. Some areas are still getting sudden planar shears on the mid-december surface hoar layer. The forecast warming trend may weaken the bond on the mid-december layer; particular concern in low snowpack areas.
Earlier in the week 36cms of warm, dense snow fell in the Lizard Range, and is reportedly settling quickly. Strong SW winds formed wind slabs on lee slopes, and terrain features. I would be suspect of wind loaded pockets, and large slopes on N-NE aspects at treeline and above. Those locations may still be ripe for rider triggering. Testing done below treeline showed CTE PC down 10cms, with no lower consistent shears. The mid-pack is reportedly well-settled. Down deeper; exists a spotty mid-January surface hoar layer. At this point it remains un-reactive. Even deeper lies the mid-December SH/FC layer which  lies dormant, but professionals are still keeping these layers in the back of their minds. The average snow depths at 1700m are near 280cms.
Strong SW winds created stiff, yet reactive wind slabs on lee slopes. Cross-loading, and wind slabs are also found lower on the slopes and in unsuspecting terrain due to the strong push of the winds. Below 1700m a 4cm thick crust exists, I suspect it's from the rising freezing levels, and precipitation last Sunday. This crust is said to be supportive. Below this reports indicate the mid-pack to be fairly well settled. Deeper in the snowpack sits the mid-December surface hoar layer. This layer remains a concern for deeper releases. Basal facets and depth hoar also play a major role in this region. The average snowpack depth at treeline is 150cms.
Storm slabs up to 60cms thick developed over the weekend at all elevations. Wind slabs have formed on North through East slopes in the alpine and at treeline. Buried below the storm snow seems to be a fairly settled mid-pack, with a couple lingering layers.We continue to monitor the January 13th surface hoar/facet layer, and the January 25thlayer. Recent snowpack field tests have shown generally moderate results, including resistant planar shears. I suspect the snowpack is settling out, and generally bonding above these. With warming temperatures forecast we may start to see these mid-January layers become reactive, producing large avalanches. Recently there have been two reports of large avalanches (size 3) that have crown depths of 150cms. I suspect these may have occurred on this layer but have no solid evidence to back it. The average snowpack depth at 1700m is 2-3 m.
The Purcell region hosts a complex and variable snowpack right now.Up to 40cms of storm snow fell over the weekend. This new snow was accompanied by moderate to strong winds from the SE-SW. Wind slabs are likely to be found on exposed areas at treeline, and above into the alpine. Storm slabs can be found at all elevations. Reports indicate these slabs are touchy; especially to rider triggers. This new snow fell on a snow pack that is for the most part, pretty well settled. Yet, there are a few exceptions. The Jan. 13th SH/FC combo has been reactive in ski hill testing. Remember this is somewhat of a modified snwpack when compared to a true backcountry uncontrolled snowpack.  Regardless, I feel like we can't take our eyes off this layer just yet, remember, it's only two weeks old.It sounds like there is a lot of strong snow over the mid December facet layer which is buried approx. 80 cm on the east side and 200+ cm on the west side.  This layer seems to have more energy in the Purcells than any other region in the province and was reactive on Jan. 28th, when a skier remotely triggered a size 3 avalanche. At this point we're looking at a low probability high consequence situation.There are basal facets at the ground which remain a concern, especially on Northerly aspects at high elevations. During the earlier part of the week a couple of slab avalanches have occurred, running down to these basal weaknesses. Snowpack depths at 2000m sit near 2m deep.
Area Observed: Partridge Pass, Mount Stevens (Wheaton Valley).  Continental snow pack is extremely faceted and unsupportive. At and bellow treeline HS is about 1 m with a boot pen of up to 90cm.  Above treeline HS is highly varied. Recent loading has been predominantly from the south and the snowpack is bellow threshold on the windward side of features.  On lee features a thin windslab (P) lies above a weak faceted midpack (4F-1F).  Midpack lies on a 15cm thick deep hard slab (K) above depth hore (F) up to size 5.  Surface windslab popped in a compression test under easy loads.  The deep hard slab dropped under moderate loads and demonstrated propagation propensity.  Observations were limited and the distribution of the hard slab is unknown.  Mount Stoney to the west of Partridge Pass looked fatter than Mount Stevens to the East
Earlier this week 36cms of warm, dense snow fell in the Lizard Range, and seems to be settling and bonding quickly. Strong SW winds formed wind slabs on lee slopes at treeline and alpine elevations.  Those locations may still be ripe for rider triggering. Testing done below treeline showed CTE PC down 10cms, with no lower consistent shears. The mid-pack is reportedly well-settled. Down deeper; exists a spotty mid-January surface hoar layer. At this point it remains un-reactive. Even deeper lies the mid-December SH/FC layer which lies dormant, but professionals are still keeping tabs on it. The average snow depths at 1700m are near 280cms.
Strong SW winds created stiff, yet reactive wind slabs on lee slopes. Cross-loading, and wind slabs are also found lower on the slopes and in unsuspecting terrain due to the strong push of the winds. Below 1700m a 4cm thick crust exists, I suspect it's from the rising freezing levels, and precipitation last Sunday. This crust is said to be supportive. Below this reports indicate the mid-pack to be fairly well settled. Deeper in the snowpack sits the mid-December surface hoar layer. This layer remains a concern for deeper releases. Basal facets and depth hoar also play a major role in this region. In Elk Valley North and the Crowsnest, the  average snowpack depth at treeline is 150 cms. Elk Valley S and the Flathead the snowpack depth is closer to 2 m.
Total snowpack depths pushing 5m at treeline are at new record levels for this time of year. Recent warm temperatures helped settle storm snow into a touchy surface slab at lower elevations. Other weaknesses within the upper snowpack and the Jan. 20th facets down around 150cm, create the potential for large step-down avalanches, but things seem to be settling rapidly. Strong winds associated with recent storms means large weak wind slabs and cornices on lee and cross-loaded terrain. Most snowpack concerns are limited to the surface layers, however large triggers such as cornice falls and smaller avalanche stepping-down could affect deeper weaknesses.
Generally over 4 m at treeline, total snowpack depths are at new record levels for this time of year. Warm temperatures are promoting storm snow settlement and weak storm slab development at lower elevations. Light amounts of new snow and moderate southerly winds are keeping wind slabs fresh in alpine and exposed treeline areas. Recent compression tests on a northeast aspect at 1180m produced moderate sudden results on the January 20th facets where they were found down 40cm.
Total snowpack depths are well above average or even new record depths for this time of year. Weaknesses within the upper snowpack and the facets and surface hoar buried mid-January, create the potential for large step-down avalanches, but things seem to be settling rapidly. Snowpack tests on the mid-January facets down 80-150cm consistently produce sudden fractures and this weakness seems to be particularly touchy below 1500m where it is shallower and sits on a crust. Weak wind slabs and large fragile cornices are lurking in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain.
Total snowpack depths are well above average or even new record depths for this time of year. Weaknesses within the upper snowpack and the facets and surface hoar buried mid-January, create the potential for large step-down avalanches, but things seem to be settling rapidly. Snowpack tests on the mid-January facets down 80-150cm consistently produce sudden fractures and this weakness seems to be particularly touchy below 1500m where it is shallower and sits on a crust. Weak wind slabs and large fragile cornices are lurking in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain.
Wind slabs are likely to be found on exposed areas at treeline, and above into the alpine. Storm slabs can be found at all elevations. They seem to be settling out quick, but still show sensitivity to rider triggers; especially on stepper slopes and convex rolls. Below this sits a pretty, well settled mid-pack. Yet, there are a few exceptions. The Jan. 13th SH/FC combo has been reactive in ski hill testing. Remember this is somewhat of a modified snowpack when compared to a true backcountry uncontrolled snowpack.  Regardless, I feel like we can't take our eyes off this layer just yet, remember, it's only a couple weeks old.The mid December facet layer is buried approx. 80 cm on the east side and 200+ cm on the west side.  This layer seems to have more energy in the Purcells than any other region in the province and was reactive on Jan. 28th, when a skier remotely triggered a size 3 avalanche.  At this point we're looking at a low probability high consequence situation.There are basal facets at the ground which remain a concern, especially on Northerly aspects at high elevations. During the earlier part of the week a couple of slab avalanches have occurred, running down to these basal weaknesses. Snowpack depths at 2000m sit near 2m deep.
Thin sun crusts are developing on steep solar aspects. The recent storm snow continues to settle and bond in the Duffey Lake area due to the warm temperatures and light winds. Recent cornice growth may be easy to trigger with light loads or from solar radiation. The Coquihalla area is also experiencing warm temperatures and light winds. The freezing level briefly went up to 1700 metres on Thursday. The new storm slab in this area is between 50-80 cm, and the snowpack depth is close to 4 metres.
North aspects at higher elevations and other shaded terrain may continue to have a storm snow instability down 30-40 cm that could be triggered by human activity. Thin sun crusts are developing on solar aspects. Melt freeze crusts are developing on all aspects below 1200 metres.
Storm slabs up to 60cms thick have formed. They seem to be settling out quick, but still slow sensitivity to rider triggers; especially on steeper slopes and convex rolls. Wind slabs have formed on North through East slopes in the alpine and at treeline. Buried below seems to be a fairly settled mid-pack, with a couple lingering layers.We continue to monitor the January 13th surface hoar/facet layer, and the January 28th interface. Recent snowpack field tests have shown generally moderate results, including resistant planar shears. These layers are getting stronger; but they may become reactive with the forecast warming. The average snowpack depth at 1700m is 2-3 m.
Recent strong southerly winds have created soft windslabs in the alpine and at treeline that are settling and bonding due to the warm temperatures. Pockets of dry snow in the alpine may become active with the initial warming. Some sun crust is developing on steep solar aspects. Shallow rocky areas continue to be a concern due to the formation of weak buried facets. Surface instabilities, cornice releases, or other large loads may trigger deep buried weak layers; this is a low probability, high consequence situation.
Another 10-15 cm of snow fell during the day on Wednesday, adding to the recent storm snow. The recent storm snow layer is about 30-50 cm thick and is quite variable across the region. There are a couple of thin crusts buried below the storm snow that have been producing moderate to hard shears in tests. Some areas are still getting sudden planar shears on the mid-december surface hoar layer. The forecast warming trend may weaken the bond on the mid-december layer; particular concern in low snowpack areas.
Traveled up Mt. Montana today, located at the northern reaches of our transitional snowpack, and the south-end of our Continental snowpack. A 10cm hard and supportive wind slab overlies a mid-pack of facets and depth hoar is located at the base of the snowpack.  HS ranges from 80-100cms where snow exists, otherwise  barren, wind-scoured and highly-variable distribution of snow dominates in the alpine.
HS 104cm at Mud lake weather plot. SH growth up to 3mm in sheltered areas below treeline.  MFC developing on solar aspects up too 2100m.  Warm temps promoting snowpack settlement and strengthening in the long term.
North aspects at higher elevations and other shaded terrain may continue to have a storm snow instability down 30-40 cm that could be triggered by human activity. Thin sun crusts are developing on solar aspects. Melt freeze crusts are developing on all aspects below 1200 metres.
Strong SW winds have created stiff, yet reactive wind slabs on lee slopes. Cross-loading, and wind slabs are also found lower on the slopes and in unsuspecting terrain due to the strong push of the winds. Below 1700m a 4cm thick crust exists, I suspect it's from the rising freezing levels, and precipitation last Sunday. This crust is said to be supportive. Below this reports indicate the mid-pack to be fairly well settled. Deeper in the snowpack sits the mid-December surface hoar layer. This layer remains a concern for deeper releases. Basal facets and depth hoar also play a major role in this region. The big story for the weekend is warming at higher elevations due to an inversion. Cornices, and sun-exposed slopes will be a concern as will the possibility of stimulating deeper releases.  In Elk Valley North and the Crowsnest, the  average snowpack depth at treeline is 150 cms. Elk Valley S and the Flathead the snowpack depth is closer to 2 m.
Earlier this week 36cms of warm, dense snow fell in the Lizard Range, and seems to be settling and bonding quickly. Strong SW winds formed wind slabs on lee slopes at treeline and alpine elevations.  Those locations may still be ripe for rider triggering.  The mid-pack is reportedly well-settled. Down deeper; exists a spotty mid-January surface hoar layer. At this point it remains un-reactive. Even deeper lies the mid-December SH/FC layer which lies dormant, but professionals are still keeping tabs on it. At the base of the snowpack are facets and an associated crust that formed in October.  These facets have become reactive in the last day producing deep and destructive avalanches (see avalanche observations). With the warming trend cornices and sun-exposed slopes will continue to be a concern. The average snow depths at 1700m are near 280cms.
Total snowpack depths pushing 5m at treeline are at new record levels for this time of year. Recent warm temperatures helped settle storm snow into a touchy surface slab at lower elevations. Other weaknesses can be found within the upper snowpack and the Jan. 20th facets down around 150cm. These create the potential for large step-down avalanches, but things seem to be settling rapidly. Strong winds associated with recent storms means large weak wind slabs and cornices on lee and cross-loaded terrain. Most snowpack concerns are limited to the surface layers. However, large triggers such as cornice falls and smaller avalanches stepping-down could affect deeper weaknesses.
The big story is the recent weather. Sun exposed slopes are becoming wet and cornices are weakening due to solar radiation and increased alpine temperatures.Wind slabs are also likely to be found on exposed areas at treeline, and into the alpine and storm slabs can be found at all elevations. They both seem to be settling out quickly, but still show sensitivity to rider triggers; especially on steeper slopes and convex rolls. Below this sits a fairly well settled mid-pack. There are, however, a few exceptions. The Jan. 13th SH/FC combo has been reactive in ski hill testing. Remember this is somewhat of a modified snowpack when compared to a true backcountry uncontrolled snowpack.  Regardless, I feel like we can't take our eyes off this layer just yet, remember, it's only a couple weeks old.The mid December facet/surface hoar layer is buried approx. 80 cm on the east side and 200+ cm on the west side.  This layer seems to show more reactivity in the Purcells than any other region in the province and was reactive on Jan. 28th, when a skier remotely triggered a size 3 avalanche.  There are basal facets at the ground which will continue to remain a concern with the current warm temperatures. Snowpack depths at 2000m sit near 2m deep.
I suspect pockets of wind slab behind ridges & ribs at alpine and treeline elevations. I also suspect storm slabs on steeper terrain, unsupported slopes, or convex rolls. Deeper in the snowpack is a layer of facets (sugary snow) which formed during the cold mid-January drought. The combination of newer, warmer, cohesive snow above a thin, weak, rotten snowpack is a bad combination.
Storm slabs up to 60cms thick have formed . They seem to be settling out quickly, but still show isolated sensitivity to rider triggers; particularly on steeper slopes and convex rolls. Wind slabs have formed on North through East slopes in the alpine and at treeline. Buried below seems to be a fairly settled mid-pack, with a couple of lingering layers. most notably the January 13th surface hoar/facet layer . Recent snowpack field tests have shown generally moderate results, including resistant planar shears. This layer is getting stronger; but it may become reactive with a larger load or warming. The average snowpack depth at 1700m is 2-3 m.Sun-exposed slopes as well as weak and large cornices are a concern with the current warming pattern.
Recent strong southerly winds have created soft windslabs in the alpine and at treeline that are settling and bonding due to the warm temperatures. Pockets of dry snow in the alpine may become active with the initial warming. Some sun crust is developing on steep solar aspects. Shallow rocky areas continue to be a concern due to the formation of weak buried facets. Surface instabilities, cornice releases, or other large loads may trigger deep buried weak layers; this is a low probability, high consequence situation.
Thin sun crusts are developing on steep solar aspects. The recent storm snow continues to settle and bond in the Duffey Lake area due to the warm temperatures and light winds. Recent cornice growth may be easy to trigger with light loads or from solar radiation. The Coquihalla area is also experiencing warm temperatures and light winds. The storm slab in the Coquihalla is about a metre deep and continues to settle and bond with warm temperatures. Concern for steep solar aspects in the alpine with shallow or variable snowpack depths.
Total snowpack depths are well above average or even new record depths for this time of year. Weaknesses within the upper snowpack and the facets and surface hoar buried mid-January, create the potential for large step-down avalanches, but things seem to be settling rapidly.Snowpack tests on the mid-January facets down 80-150cm consistently produce sudden fractures and this weakness seems to be particularly touchy below 1500m where it is shallower and sits on a crust. Weak wind slabs and large fragile cornices are lurking in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain.
Total snowpack depths are well above average or even new record depths for this time of year. Weaknesses within the upper snowpack and the facets and surface hoar buried mid-January, create the potential for large step-down avalanches, but things seem to be settling rapidly. Snowpack tests on the mid-January facets down 80-150cm consistently produce sudden fractures and this weakness seems to be particularly touchy below 1500m where it is shallower and sits on a crust. Weak wind slabs and large fragile cornices are lurking in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain.
New sun crusts are developing on steep solar aspects. Warm air trapped in the alpine caused temperatures to remain above freezing on Thursday night above about 2100 metres. Pin-wheeling and other signs of moist snow have been observed on solar aspects at and above treeline. Continued warm temperatures in the alpine may trigger buried weak layers on solar aspects. Steep planar slopes with shallow snowpacks are the most suspect. The recent storm snow layer is about 30-50 cm thick and is quite variable across the region. There are a couple of thin crusts buried below the storm snow that have been producing moderate to hard shears in tests. Some areas are still getting sudden planar shears on the mid-december surface hoar layer.
Snowpack continues to settle with warm temps.  Melt freeze crust on solar aspects up to 2900m that was breaking down and becoming moist by 11am.  Widespreasd surface hoar growth up to 6mm on all aspects except steep solar.  Suspect this will become a concern once snow arrives.  HS on the French Glacier and on the Robertson Glacier was highly variable from 200cm to 40cm to bare ice in some places.
Thin sun crusts are developing on solar aspects. Melt freeze crusts are developing on all aspects below 1200 metres. Recent storm snow is well settled. No layers of concern
Crusts are developing due to melt/freeze conditions. Danger is elevated in the afternoon due to daytime warming, and lowered in the morning if there is a significant re-freeze overnight. There is a Four finger soft slab on north aspects that is 10-20 cm thick and is settling and bonding due to warm temperatures. The Feb 01 (120201) rain crust is down 10-40 cm up to about 2000 metres. The mid January crust is down between 50-100 cm, and the mid december crust is buried down up to 200 cm.
Thin sun crusts are developing on steep solar aspects. The recent storm snow continues to settle and bond in the Duffey Lake area due to the warm temperatures and light winds. Recent cornice growth may be easy to trigger with light loads or from solar radiation. The Coquihalla area is also experiencing warm temperatures and light winds. The storm slab in the Coquihalla is about a metre deep and continues to settle and bond with warm temperatures. Concern for steep solar aspects in the alpine with shallow or variable snowpack depths.
Temperatures dropped below freezing at higher elevations on Friday night. New sun crusts are developing on steep solar aspects. Warm air trapped in the alpine caused temperatures to remain above freezing on Thursday night above about 2100 metres. Pin-wheeling and other signs of moist snow have been observed on solar aspects at and above treeline. Continued warm temperatures in the alpine may trigger buried weak layers on solar aspects. Steep planar slopes with shallow snowpacks are the most suspect. The recent storm snow layer is about 30-50 cm thick and is quite variable across the region. There are a couple of thin crusts buried below the storm snow that have been producing moderate to hard shears in tests. Some areas are still getting sudden planar shears on the mid-december surface hoar layer.
Storm snow from the last few weeks seems, for the most part, to be fairly well settled. In the mid snowpack sits the mid-December surface hoar layer. Lately this layer has been less of a concern. At the base of the snowpack basal facets and depth hoar seem fairly widespread in the region. The big story for the weekend has been warming at higher elevations due to an inversion and solar heating. Failing cornices, loose wet snow avalanches on sun-exposed slopes and isolated deep releases on basal facets have been the big things to watch for.  In Elk Valley North and the Crowsnest, the  average snowpack depth at treeline is 150 cms. Elk Valley S and the Flathead the snowpack depth is closer to 2 m.
Total snowpack depths pushing 5m at treeline are at new record levels for this time of year. Recent warm temperatures helped settle storm snow into a touchy surface slab at lower elevations. Other weaknesses can be found within the upper snowpack and the Jan. 20th facets down around 150cm. These create the potential for large step-down avalanches, but things seem to be settling rapidly. Strong winds associated with recent storms means large weak wind slabs and cornices on lee and cross-loaded terrain. Most snowpack concerns are limited to the surface layers. However, large triggers such as cornice falls and smaller avalanches stepping-down could affect deeper weaknesses.
Total snowpack depths are well above average or even new record depths for this time of year. Weaknesses within the upper snowpack and the facets and surface hoar buried mid-January, create the potential for large step-down avalanches, but things seem to be settling rapidly.Snowpack tests on the mid-January facets down 80-150cm consistently produce sudden fractures and this weakness seems to be particularly touchy below 1500m where it is shallower and sits on a crust. Weak wind slabs and large fragile cornices are lurking in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain.
Very warm alpine temperatures melted the surface layers on Friday. In areas which had an overnight freeze, a sun crust now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. In areas which are yet to re-freeze, weak slab or loose snow avalanche conditions are likely to continue.Snowpack tests on the mid-January facets down 80-150cm consistently produce sudden fractures and this weakness seems to be particularly touchy below 1500m where it is shallower and sits on a crust. Weak wind slabs and large fragile cornices are lurking in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain.Total snowpack depths are well above average or even new record depths for this time of year.
Very warm alpine temperatures melted surface snow layers on Friday. In areas which had an overnight freeze, a sun crust now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. In areas which are yet to re-freeze, weak slab or loose snow avalanche conditions are likely to continue.Snowpack tests on the mid-January facets down 80-150cm consistently produce sudden fractures and this weakness seems to be particularly touchy below 1500m where it is shallower and sits on a crust. Wind slabs and large fragile cornices are lurking in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain.Total snowpack depths are well above average or even at new record depths for this time of year.
January was a snowy month in the South Columbia region and average snowpack depths at 1700m are now between 2 and 3m. For the most part, the storm snow is well settled on shaded aspects and riders are gaining increased confidence on steeper terrain. There are, however, several storm interfaces within the top 150cm that operators have been watching, most notably the January 13th interface which had spotty surface hoar. At the bottom of the mid-pack is a surface hoar layer that formed in mid-December. Until Friday these layers were showing very little in the way of reactivity. That changed on Friday as the region experienced above freezing temperatures at alpine elevations due to an inversion and direct solar radiation.   As a result, a significant avalanche cycle took place waking up a number of these deeper layers as sun exposed slopes and cornices became moist and weak. Reactivity of deeper layers was not limited to south aspects as some deep failures were observed on north aspects without cornice fall as a trigger. Expect continued weakening of the snowpack with forecast weather on Sunday.
The big story is the recent weather. Sun exposed slopes are becoming moist and cornices are weakening due to solar radiation and increased alpine temperatures.Wind slabs are also likely to be found on exposed areas at treeline, and into the alpine and storm slabs can be found at all elevations. They both seem to be settling out quickly, but still show sensitivity to rider triggers; especially on steeper slopes and convex rolls. Below this sits a fairly well settled mid-pack. There are, however, a few exceptions. The Jan. 13th SH/FC combo has been reactive. As well, the mid December facet/surface hoar layer is buried approx. 80 cm on the east side and 200+ cm on the west side and has been more reactive in the Purcells than any other region. There are also basal facets at the ground which will continue to remain a concern, especially in the thin snowpack parts of the region. In addition to more obvious cornice failure and loose wet snow movement due to current warming, any of the aforementioned weaknesses could become reactive producing large and destructive slab avalanches. Snowpack depths at 2000m sit near 2m deep.
On shaded aspects, large amounts of recent storm snow seem to be settling and bonding quickly and the mid-pack is reportedly well-settled. Down deeper; exists a spotty mid-January surface hoar layer. At this point it remains un-reactive. Even deeper lies the mid-December SH/FC layer which lies dormant, but professionals are still keeping tabs on it. At the base of the snowpack are facets and an associated crust that formed in October.  In response to the recent warming, these facets have become reactive producing deep and destructive avalanches (see avalanche observations). With ongoing warming cornices, sun-exposed slopes, and steep alpine features will continue to be a concern. The average snow depths at 1700m are near 280cms.
Melt Freeze crust on solar aspects up to 2900.  SH up to 15mm continues to grow in sheltered areas up to treeline.
Thin sun crusts are developing on solar aspects. Melt freeze crusts are developing on all aspects below 1200 metres. Recent storm snow is well settled. No layers of concern
Crusts are developing due to melt/freeze conditions. Danger is elevated in the afternoon due to daytime warming, and lowered in the morning if there is a significant re-freeze overnight. There is a Four finger soft slab on north aspects that is 10-20 cm thick and is settling and bonding due to warm temperatures. The Feb 01 (120201) rain crust is down 10-40 cm up to about 2000 metres. The mid January crust is down between 50-100 cm, and the mid december crust is buried down up to 200 cm.
Thin sun crusts are developing on steep solar aspects. The recent storm snow continues to settle and bond in the Duffey Lake area due to the warm temperatures and light winds. Recent cornice growth may be easy to trigger with light loads or from solar radiation. The Coquihalla area is also experiencing warm temperatures and light winds. The storm slab in the Coquihalla is about a metre deep and continues to settle and bond with warm temperatures. Concern for steep solar aspects in the alpine with shallow or variable snowpack depths.
Temperatures dropped below freezing again on Saturday night. Crusts have been forming due to the melt and freeze cycle for the past two days. There is still dry snow on northerly aspects at higher elevations. Temperatures dropped below freezing at higher elevations on Friday night. New sun crusts are developing on steep solar aspects. Warm air trapped in the alpine caused temperatures to remain above freezing on Thursday night above about 2100 metres. Pin-wheeling and other signs of moist snow have been observed on solar aspects at and above treeline. Continued warm temperatures in the alpine may trigger buried weak layers on solar aspects. Steep planar slopes with shallow snowpacks are the most suspect. The recent storm snow layer is about 30-50 cm thick and is quite variable across the region. There are a couple of thin crusts buried below the storm snow that have been producing moderate to hard shears in tests. Some areas are still getting sudden planar shears on the mid-december surface hoar layer.
January was a snowy month in the South Columbia region and average snowpack depths at 1700m are now between 2 and 3m. For the most part, the storm snow is well settled on shaded aspects and riders are gaining increased confidence on steeper terrain. A generally dormant weakness at the bottom of the mid-pack is a surface hoar layer that formed in mid-December. Towards the south end of the region there has also been talk of isolated basal facets. On Friday a significant avalanche cycle took place waking up a number of recent storm layers as well as deeply buried weaknesses as sun exposed slopes and cornices became moist and weak. Reactivity of deeper layers was not limited to south aspects as some deep failures were observed on north aspects without cornice fall as a trigger. Widespread strengthening and crust recovery should occur with forecast cooling for Monday. If you're heading into the mountains, it's a good time to take stock of evolving layers (crusts, surface hoar) that may be an issue when it finally snows again.
The big story has been the recent weather. Over the weekend sun exposed slopes at upper elevations became moist and cornices weakened due to solar radiation and increased alpine temperatures. With forecast cooling these slopes will gain strength and a crust will develop on most slopes that were sun-affected.On shaded aspects, lingering wind or storm slabs should have gained considerable strength, but may show sensitivity to rider triggers; especially on steeper slopes and convex rolls. Below this sits a fairly well settled mid-pack. There are, however, a few exceptions. The Jan. 13th SH/FC combo has been reactive. As well, the mid December facet/surface hoar layer is buried approx. 80 cm on the east side and 200+ cm on the west side and has been more reactive in the Purcells than any other region. There are also basal facets at the ground which will continue to remain a concern, especially in the thin snowpack parts of the region.  Snowpack depths at 2000m sit near 2m deep. If you're traveling around the mountains, it's a good time to take notice of what layers are developing (surface hoar/ crusts) that may become an issue once buried.
Storm snow from the last few weeks seems to be fairly well settled. In the mid snowpack sits the mid-December surface hoar layer. Lately this layer has been less of a concern. At the base of the snowpack basal facets and depth hoar seem fairly widespread in the region. The big story for the weekend was warming at higher elevations due to an inversion and solar heating. Failing cornices, loose wet snow avalanches on sun-exposed slopes and isolated deep releases on basal facets at higher elevations were the big things to watch for. With forecast cooling for Monday expect a crust recovery on most slopes that were affected by the sun as well as decreased probability of avalanche activity.  In Elk Valley North and the Crowsnest, the  average snowpack depth at treeline is 150 cms. In Elk Valley S and the Flathead the snowpack depth is closer to 2 m. If you are traveling in the mountains it's a good time to take stock of layers that are developing on the current surface (crusts/surface hoar) that may become an issue when it finally snows.
Temperatures have been unseasonably warm, leading to moist or wet weak surface snow conditions. Where a re-freeze has occurred, a breakable crust now exists. Recent storm snow appears to be gaining strength. A facet layer buried on Jan 20th still exhibits hard, sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests. It's about 120-150cm deep in the snowpack. At high elevations, large cornices and some wind slabs are causing concern. Cornices will be weakest during the heat of the day and have the potential to act as a trigger for deep avalanches on the slope below.
Temperatures have been unseasonably warm, leading to moist or wet weak surface snow conditions. Where a re-freeze has occurred, a breakable crust now exists. Recent storm snow appears to bonding. Weaknesses which formed in early and mid-January remain a lingering concern for possible deep avalanches. The likelihood of deep releases has gone down, but they remain possible with the right trigger, like cornice fall, an airborne sled or a step-down avalanche which starts in a shallower layer.
Very warm alpine temperatures melted the surface layers on Friday. In areas which had an overnight freeze, a sun crust now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. The mid-January facet layer down 80-150cm seems to be particularly touchy below 1500m where it is shallower and sits on a crust. Wind slabs and large fragile cornices exist in lee and cross-loaded terrain.Total snowpack depths are well above average or even at new record depths for this time of year.
Very warm alpine temperatures recently melted surface snow layers. A crust now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. Large weak cornices are plentiful. The upper snowpack appears to be settling well. Below about 1500m, a crust/facet combo buried in early January is still causing some operators concern.
On shaded aspects, storm snow from recent weeks has strengthened significantly and the mid-pack is reportedly well-settled. At the base of the mid pack lies the mid-December surface hoar layer which lies dormant, but professionals are still keeping tabs on it. At the base of the snowpack are facets and an associated crust that formed in October.  In response to the recent warming, these facets have become reactive producing deep and destructive avalanches (see avalanche observations). With the cooling trend, activity should taper-off, but deep releases are still a possibility with a heavy trigger (explosives, airborne sled, cornice drop). The average snow depths at 1700m are near 280cms.
1cm Hn overnight. Significantly less radiation than yesterday. Otherwise little change.No field obs today - ice climbing at Junkyards.
Thin sun crusts are developing on solar aspects. Melt freeze crusts are developing on all aspects below 1200 metres. Recent storm snow is well settled. No layers of concern. The average snowpack depth near 1200m is 300 cms. On Wednesday afternoon the weather will start to change. Dependant on freezing levels, timing, and precipitation amounts, avalanche problems may start to develop on Thursday. I have elevated the danger rating to show possible rise in danger/dependant on the weather intensity. At this point I have poor confidence in conflicting weather models.
Storm snow from the last few weeks is now well settled. In the mid snowpack sits the mid-December surface hoar layer which now lies dormant. At the base of the snowpack basal facets and depth hoar seem fairly widespread in the region. On the weekend there was significant warming that triggered a natural avalanche cycle on this layer. With the more recent cooling, crusts have formed on slopes that were affected by the sun and there has been a general strengthening of the snowpack.  In Elk Valley North and the Crowsnest, the average snowpack depth at treeline is 150 cms. In Elk Valley S and the Flathead the snowpack depth is closer to 2 m. If you are traveling in the mountains it's a good time to take stock of layers that are developing on the current surface (crusts/surface hoar) that may become an issue when it finally snows.
Surface snow conditions consist mainly of crusts that are developing due to melt/freeze conditions. Surface faceting has been occurring on sheltered, shady aspects. Surface hoar development up to 5mm has been reported at treeline, and below treeline. These may be our next layers of concern once buried. Danger is elevated in the afternoon due to daytime warming, and lowered in the morning if there is a significant re-freeze overnight. There is a four finger soft slab on north aspects that is 10-20 cm thick and is settling and bonding due to warm temperatures. In the alpine on exposed North-North East aspects there are pencil-4 finger wind slabs. The Feb 01 (120201) rain crust is down 10-40 cm up to about 2000 metres. The mid-January crust is down between 50-100 cm, and the mid December crust is buried down up to 200 cm.
Snow surface conditions are variable. Thin, breakable sun crusts are developing on steep solar aspects in the alpine. At treeline and below treeline surface faceting and surface hoar growth (5mm) are forming; especially on shady aspects in sheltered locations. In the Duffy Lake area the upper snowpack continues to settle and bond. Cornice fall is still a concern under the sunny skies and could trigger a large slab avalanche from the slope below. The Coquihalla sees similar surface crusts and crystal forms as the Duffy, but additionally has hard slabs 5-15cm thick due to strong outflow winds. The wind pressed surfaces and hard slabs all sit on a generally well settled upper snowpack. The older storm slab in the Coquihalla is about a meter deep and continues to settle and bond.
Strong winds from the east and south-east have created new slabs at treeline and above. Temperatures have been unseasonably warm, leading to moist or wet weak surface snow conditions. Where a re-freeze has occurred, a crust now exists. Recent storm snow appears to be well settled. A facet layer buried on Jan 20th still exhibits hard, sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests. It's about 120-150cm deep in the snowpack. Cornices will be weakest during the heat of the day and have the potential to act as a trigger for deep avalanches on the slope below.
Temperatures have been unseasonably warm, leading to moist surface snow on sunny aspects which can become unstable during the heat of the day. Where a re-freeze has occurred, a crust now exists. Recent storm snow appears to bonding well. A facet layer which formed in mid-January has gained strength. It showed hard, resistant planar results in a compression test at treeline in the Hankin area on Sunday.
Very warm alpine temperatures recently melted surface snow layers. A crust (or moist snow, depending on the time of day) now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. Large weak cornices are plentiful. The upper snowpack appears to be settling well. Below about 1500m, a crust/facet combo buried in early January is still causing some operators concern. Reported wind slabs seem very localized and are gaining strength.
Very warm alpine temperatures recently melted surface snow layers. A crust (or moist snow, depending on the time of day) now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. Large weak cornices are plentiful. The upper snowpack appears to be settling well. Below about 1500m, a crust/facet combo buried in early January is still causing some operators concern, although triggering this weakness has become unlikely.The next snowfall, when it arrives, will be landing on large surface hoar crystals and surface facets, so avalanche danger could quickly rise. In the meantime, enjoy the relatively stable conditions.
January was a snowy month in the South Columbia region and average snowpack depths at 1700m are now between 2 and 3m. The storm snow is well settled on shaded aspects and riders have gained increased confidence on steeper terrain. The surface hoar layer that formed in mid-December is now dormant. At the bottom of the snowpack, there has been talk of basal facets in the south east end of the region, but avalanche activity has been very isolated. Over the weekend there was s spike in alpine temperatures that sparked a significant avalanche cycle. With the more recent cooling pattern there has been a crust recovery on previously sun-exposed slopes, and there has been a general strengthening of the snowpack. If you're heading into the mountains, it's a good time to take stock of evolving layers (crusts, surface hoar) that may be an issue when it finally snows again.
Cooling has helped the snowpack to gain some strength since the warming on the weekend and a crusts have now developed on most slopes that saw direct sun.On shaded aspects the upper snowpack is also well settled. Below this sits a fairly well bonded mid-pack. There are, however, a few exceptions. The Jan. 13th SH/FC combo has been reactive in the north of the region. As well, the mid December facet/surface hoar layer is buried approx. 80 cm on the east side and 200+ cm on the west side. Operators are talking less about this layer as of late. There are also basal facets at the ground which have continued to be reactive, especially in the thin snowpack parts of the region.  Snowpack depths at 2000m sit near 2m deep. If you're traveling around the mountains, it's a good time to take notice of what layers are developing (surface hoar/ crusts) that may become an issue once buried.
On shaded aspects, storm snow from recent weeks has strengthened significantly and the mid-pack is reportedly well-settled. At the base of the mid pack lies the mid-December surface hoar layer which now lies dormant. At the base of the snowpack are facets and an associated crust that formed in October.  In response to warming over the weekend, these facets became reactive producing deep and destructive avalanches (see avalanche observations). With the cooling trend, activity has tapered-off, but deep releases are still a possibility with a heavy trigger (explosives, airborne sled, cornice drop). If you're traveling in the mountains it's a good time to take stock of current surface conditions (crusts/surface hoar) that will become an issue if it ever snows again. The average snow depths at 1700m are near 280cms.
Temperatures dropped below freezing again Sunday night, and persisted through the day at higher elevations. Crusts have been forming due to the melt and freeze cycle for the past few days. There is still dry snow on northerly aspects at higher elevations. Sun crusts have developed on steep solar aspects.  Pin-wheeling and other signs of moist snow have been observed on solar aspects at and above treeline At treeline and below treeline surface faceting and surface hoar growth (up to 15mm) are forming; especially on shady aspects in sheltered locations.  This may become future layers of concern once buried. Steep planar slopes with shallow snowpacks are the most suspect. The recent storm snow layer is about 30-50 cm thick and is quite variable across the region. There are a couple of thin crusts buried below the storm snow that have been producing moderate to hard shears in tests. Some areas are still getting sudden planar shears on the mid-December surface hoar layer.
SC up to 3cm thick on solar asp, beginning to break down late morning only on slopes directly facing the sun. SH and surface facetting.
Thin breakable sun crusts have developed on solar aspects in the alpine. Moist snow surfaces on all aspects below 1200 meters. Recent storm snow is well settled but still produces CTM (SP) down 25cm on a crust on isolated North aspects above 1200m. There is also a rain crust buried down 30-40cms.  The average snowpack depth near 1200m is 300 cms. On Wednesday afternoon the weather will start to change. Dependant on freezing levels, timing, and precipitation amounts, avalanche problems may start to develop on Thursday. At this point I have poor confidence in conflicting weather models.
Surface snow conditions consist mainly of crusts that have developed due to melt/freeze conditions, and direct solar impact on steep Southerly aspects. Northerly aspects still host dry, wintery snow. On lee slopes in the alpine there are pencil-4 finger hard wind slabs. Surface faceting is occurring on sheltered, shady aspects. While shallow, rocky slopes are faceting and weaker; posing a threat to deeper releases.  Surface hoar development up to 5mm has been reported at treeline, and below treeline. These may be our next layers of concern once buried. The Feb 01 (120201) rain crust is down 10-40 cm up to about 2000 meters. The mid-January crust is down between 50-100 cm, and the mid December crust is buried down up to 200 cm. The average snowpack depth at 1650m is near 240cm.
Snow surface conditions are variable. Thin, breakable sun crusts have developed on steep solar aspects in the alpine. Melt freeze crusts exist at lower elevations on most aspects. At treeline and below treeline surface faceting and surface hoar growth (5mm) are forming; especially on shady aspects in sheltered locations. In the Duffy Lake and Coquihalla sits a well settled snowpack below the variable surface conditions. Additionally in the Coquilhalla hard wind slabs 5-15cm thick and have formed due to strong outflow winds. Cornice fall is still a concern under the sunny skies and could trigger a large slab avalanche from the slope below. The older storm slab in the Coquihalla is about a meter deep and continues to settle and bond.
Strong outflow winds from the east have created new wind slabs. Recently, temperatures have been unseasonably warm, leading to moist or wet weak surface snow conditions. Where a re-freeze has occurred, a crust now exists. Recent storm snow appears to be well settled. A facet layer buried on Jan 20th still exhibits hard, sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests and avalanches are occasionally failing on this layer with large triggers. It's about 120-150cm deep in the snowpack. Cornices will be weakest during the heat of the day and have the potential to act as a trigger for deep avalanches on the slope below.
Recently, warm temperatures created moist surface snow on sunny aspects and on all aspects at low elevations. Where a re-freeze has occurred, a crust now exists. Recent storm snow appears to bonding well. A facet layer which formed in mid-January has gained strength. It showed hard, resistant planar results in a compression test at treeline in the Hankin area on Sunday.
Very warm alpine temperatures recently melted surface snow layers. A crust (or moist snow, depending on the time of day) now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. Large weak cornices are plentiful and wind slabs exist in certain areas. The upper snowpack appears to be settling well. Below about 1500m, crust/facet layers buried in early January are still causing operators concern.
January was a snowy month in the South Columbia region and average snowpack depths at 1700m are now between 2 and 3m. The upper snowpack is now well settled and riders have gained increased confidence on steeper terrain. The one exception may be new wind slabs that formed with moderate alpine winds on Monday/Tuesday. Deeper weaknesses in the snowpack seem to less of a concern; however, in the southern end of the region there is still talk of basal facets as some operators are avoiding thin and rocky alpine features. Over the weekend there was s spike in alpine temperatures that sparked a significant avalanche cycle. With the more recent cooling pattern there has been a crust recovery on previously sun-exposed slopes, and there has been a general significant strengthening of the snowpack. If you're heading into the mountains, it's a good time to take stock of evolving layers (crusts, surface hoar) that may be an issue when it finally snows again.
Cooling has helped the snowpack to gain considerable strength since the warming on the weekend and a crusts have now developed on most slopes that saw direct sun.On shaded aspects the upper snowpack is also well settled. Below this sits a fairly well bonded mid-pack and riders are feeling increasingly confident in steeper terrain.  The mid December facet/surface hoar layer is buried approx. 80 cm on the east side and 200+ cm on the west side. Operators are talking less about this layer as of late. There are also basal facets at the ground which were reactive with the warming last weekend, especially in the thin snowpack parts of the region.  Snowpack depths at 2000m sit near 2m deep. If you're traveling around the mountains, it's a good time to take notice of what layers are developing (surface hoar/ crusts/surface hoar on crusts) that may become an issue once buried.
Surface hoar is continuing to develop on sheltered slopes at all elevations combined with near-surface facets at lower elevations and surface crusts on sun-exposed slopes. The current snow surface is well on its way in becoming a dangerous weak layer once a sufficiently cohesive overlying slab develops. Basal facets recently became active again with warm temperatures, and remain a concern with heavy triggers, such as airborne sled impacts and cornice falls, on steep unsupported alpine slopes. Recent compression tests on a north aspect produced easy to moderate sudden collapse results down 10cm on a storm interface.
The current snow surface is well on its way in becoming a dangerous weak layer once a sufficiently cohesive slab develops. Surface hoar is continuing to develop on sheltered slopes at all elevations combined with near-surface facets at lower elevations and surface crusts on sun-exposed slopes. At the base of the snowpack basal facets and depth hoar seem fairly widespread in the region. Basal facets recently became active again with warm temperatures, and remain a concern with heavy triggers, such as airborne sled impacts and cornice falls, on steep unsupported alpine slopes. In Elk Valley North and the Crowsnest, the average snowpack depth at treeline is 150 cms. In Elk Valley S and the Flathead the snowpack depth is closer to 2 m.
Very warm alpine temperatures recently melted snow surfaces. A crust (or moist snow, depending on the time of day) now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. Large weak cornices are plentiful. The upper snowpack appears to be settling well. The exception may be new wind slabs on lee features that formed on Monday and Tuesday in the alpine. Below about 1500m, a crust/facet combo buried in early January is still causing some operators concern, although triggering this weakness has become unlikely.The next snowfall, when it arrives, will be landing on large surface hoar crystals and surface facets, so avalanche danger could quickly rise. In the meantime, enjoy the relatively stable conditions.
The current snow surface is well on its way in becoming a dangerous weak layer once a sufficiently cohesive slab develops. Surface hoar is continuing to develop on sheltered slopes at all elevations combined with near-surface facets at lower elevations and surface crusts on sun-exposed slopes. There is still dry snow on northerly aspects at higher elevations, but it is likely wind-affected and variable in exposed areas. Mid-day pin-wheeling and other signs of moist snow have been observed on solar aspects at and above treeline. A couple of thin crusts down 30-50cm have been producing moderate to hard shears in tests. Some areas are still getting sudden planar shears on the mid-December surface hoar layer. Basal facets were responsible for a large whumpf on a shallow south facing treeline slope in the Rossland Range and gave very easy and sudden compression tests results where they were found down 60cm.
SC up to 3cm thick on solar asp, beginning to break down late morning only on slopes directly facing the sun. SH and surface facetting.
Very warm alpine temperatures  from last weekend melted snow surfaces. With more recent cooling a crust now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. In general, the upper snowpack is now well settled and riders have gained increased confidence on steeper terrain. The one exception may be new wind slabs that formed at higher elevations with moderate alpine winds on Monday/Tuesday. Deeper weaknesses in the snowpack seem to less of a concern; however, in the southern end of the region there is still talk of basal facets as some operators are avoiding thin and rocky alpine features. This represents a low probability-high consequence scenario.  Large, unstable cornices are also widespread in the alpine. If you're heading into the mountains, it's a good time to take stock of evolving layers (crusts, surface hoar) that may be an issue when it finally snows again.
Surface hoar is continuing to develop on sheltered slopes at all elevations combined with near-surface facets at lower elevations and surface crusts on sun-exposed slopes. The current snow surface is well on its way in becoming a dangerous weak layer once a sufficiently cohesive overlying slab develops. Basal facets recently became active again with warm temperatures, but cooler temperatures have once again reduced the sensitivity to triggers. Recent compression tests on a north aspect produced easy to moderate sudden collapse results down 10cm on a storm interface.
In Elk Valley North and the Crowsnest, the average snowpack depth at treeline is 150 cms. In Elk Valley S and the Flathead the snowpack depth is closer to 2 m. The current snow surface is well on its way in becoming a dangerous weak layer once a sufficiently cohesive slab develops. Surface hoar is continuing to develop on sheltered slopes at all elevations combined with near-surface facets at lower elevations and surface crusts on sun-exposed slopes. A well settled and strong snowpack sits on weak basal facets and depth hoar, which seem to be fairly widespread throughout the region. This deep persistent weakness recently became active again with warm temperatures, but cooler temperatures have once again reduced the sensitivity to triggers. Highly unpredictable glide cracks are also opening up, generally on slopes with smooth ground cover. These full-depth gaping 'crevasses' could release without warning or act as a significant terrain trap.
Snow surface conditions are variable. Thin, breakable sun crusts have developed on steep solar aspects in the alpine. Melt freeze crusts exist at lower elevations on most aspects. At treeline and below treeline surface faceting and surface hoar growth (5mm) are forming; especially on shady aspects in sheltered locations. In the Duffy Lake and Coquihalla sits a well settled snowpack below the variable surface conditions. Additionally in the Coquilhalla hard wind slabs 5-15cm thick and have formed due to strong outflow winds. The older storm slab in the Coquihalla is about a meter deep and continues to settle and bond.
Recently, warm temperatures created moist surface snow on sunny aspects and on all aspects at low elevations. Where a re-freeze has occurred, a crust now exists. Surface hoar (5mm) has been forming on that crust at treeline and below. Recent storm snow appears to bonding well. A facet layer which formed in mid-January has gained strength. It showed hard, resistant planar results in a compression test at treeline in the Hankin area on Sunday.
Very warm alpine temperatures recently melted surface snow layers. A crust (or moist snow, depending on the time of day) now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. Large weak cornices are plentiful and recently developed wind slabs may exist in certain areas. The upper snowpack appears to be settling well. Below about 1500m, crust/facet layers buried in early January are still causing operators concern. If you're traveling in the mountains now is a great time to take stock of current surface conditions (surface hoar, crusts) that will be an issue when is snows again.
Very warm alpine temperatures recently melted snow surfaces. A crust now exists to ridge top on previously sun-affected slopes. Large weak cornices are plentiful. The upper snowpack is well settled and rider have gained increased confidence in steeper terrain. The exception may be new wind slabs on lee features that formed on Monday and Tuesday in the alpine and at treeline. Below about 1500m, a crust/facet combo buried in early January is still causing some operators concern, although triggering this weakness has become unlikely. If you're traveling in the mountains, now is good time to take stock of surface conditions (surface hoar/crusts) that will be an issue when it snows again.
The current snow surface is well on its way in becoming a dangerous weak layer once a sufficiently cohesive slab develops. Surface hoar is continuing to develop on sheltered slopes at all elevations combined with near-surface facets at lower elevations and surface crusts on sun-exposed slopes. There is still dry snow on northerly aspects at higher elevations, but it is likely wind-affected and variable in exposed areas. Concerns remain for the mid-December surface hoar layer. Basal facets were recently responsible for a large whumpf on a shallow south facing treeline slope in the Rossland Range and gave very easy and sudden compression tests results where they were found down 60cm.
Thin breakable sun crusts have developed on solar aspects in the alpine. Moist snow surfaces on all aspects below 1200 meters. Recent storm snow is well settled but still produces CTM (SP) down 25cm on a crust on isolated North aspects above 1200m. There is also a rain crust buried down 30-40cms, but the snow above it is bonding. The average snowpack depth near 1200m is 300 cms.
Cooling has helped the snowpack to gain considerable strength since the warming on the weekend and a crusts have now developed on slopes that saw direct sun. On shaded aspects the upper snowpack is also well settled. The exception to this may be recently developed windslabs due to redistribution of surface snow on Monday and Tuesday. Below this sits a fairly well bonded mid-pack and riders are feeling increasingly confident in steeper terrain, particularly in areas with a deeper snowpack.  In the south of the region, it is thought that the January 13th surface hoar (buried about 40cm down) may still be reactive.  There are also basal facets at the ground which were reactive with the warming last weekend, especially in thin snowpack parts of the region. Snowpack depths at 2000m sit near 2m deep. If you're traveling around the mountains, it's a good time to take notice of what layers are developing (surface hoar/ crusts/surface hoar on crusts) that may become an issue once buried.
Surface snow conditions consist mainly of crusts that have developed due to melt/freeze conditions, and direct solar impact on steep Southerly aspects. Northerly aspects still host dry, wintery snow.  On exposed lee slopes in the alpine there are pencil-4 finger stiff wind slabs. Surface faceting is occurring on sheltered, shady aspects. While shallow, rocky slopes are faceting and weaker; posing a threat to deeper releases.  Surface hoar growth is near 5mm at treeline, and below treeline. These may be our next layers of concern once buried. The Feb 01 (120201) rain crust is down 10-40 cm up to about 2000 meters. The mid-January crust is down between 50-100 cm, and the mid December crust is buried down up to 200 cm. The average snowpack depth at 1650m is near 240cm.
Variable wind slabs have been reported. A melt-freeze cycle has created a crust which is harder and thicker the lower in elevation you go. On north aspects in the alpine, near surface facetting has kept snow dry and loose. Surface hoar of size 1-4mm is likely to get buried by incoming snow on Thursday night. A facet layer buried on Jan 20th still exhibits hard, sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests and avalanches are occasionally failing on this layer with large triggers.  It's about 120-150cm deep in the snowpack. Large cornices have the potential to act as a trigger for deep avalanches on the slope below.
SH continues to grow up to size 5mm in Alpine terrain.  Moist snow on solar aspects as high as 2800m by 12:00.  MFC up to 3cm thick on the solar aspects but still finding dry powder snow on the north aspects.
Surface hoar is continuing to develop on at all elevations and is now up to 60mm in more sheltered areas. Surface crusts are on sun-exopsed slopes and surface faceting has penetrated the top 20cm or so. Basal facets remain a concern on shady alpine slopes that have yet to produce avalanches.
In Elk Valley North and the Crowsnest, the average snowpack depth at treeline is 150 cms. In Elk Valley S and the Flathead the snowpack depth is closer to 2 m. Surface hoar is continuing to develop on sheltered slopes at all elevations combined with near-surface facets at lower elevations and surface crusts on sun-exposed slopes. A well settled and strong snowpack sits on weak basal facets and depth hoar, which seem to be fairly widespread throughout the region. This deep persistent weakness recently became active again with warm temperatures, but cooler temperatures have once again reduced the sensitivity to triggers. Highly unpredictable glide cracks are also opening up, primarily on slopes with smooth ground cover. These full-depth gaping 'crevasses' could release without warning or act as a significant terrain trap.
Light amounts of fresh snow has buried the previous snow surface which includes surface hoar up to 30mm at ridgetop and 50mm in valley bottoms, 30cm of near-surface facets on shady sheltered slopes, and surface crusts on sun-exposed slopes. Exposed alpine and treeline areas are wind-affected and variable with scoured areas and pockets of hard wind slab. Concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm. Basal facets were recently responsible for a large whumpf on a shallow south facing treeline slope in the Rossland Range and gave very easy and sudden compression tests results where they were found down 60cm.
Very warm alpine temperatures from last weekend melted snow surfaces and a crust now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. In general, the upper snowpack is now well settled and riders are shredding pretty much everything. The exception may be isolated wind slabs that formed at higher elevations with moderate alpine winds on Monday/Tuesday. Deeper weaknesses in the snowpack seem to less of a concern; however, in the southern end of the region there is still talk of basal facets as some operators are avoiding thin and rocky alpine features. This represents a very low probability-high consequence scenario.  Large, unstable cornices are also widespread in the alpine. A dusting of new snow now sits on weak snow crystals that developed during the week (surface hoar/crusts/facets). This will be the thing to watch as the overlying slab evolves.
Cooling has helped the snowpack to gain considerable strength since the warming on the weekend and a crusts have now developed on slopes that saw direct sun. On shaded aspects the upper snowpack is also well settled. The exception to this may be isolated windslabs due to redistribution of surface snow on Monday and Tuesday. Below this sits a fairly well bonded mid-pack and riders are feeling increasingly confident in steeper terrain, particularly in areas with a deeper snowpack.  In the south of the region, it is thought that the January 13th surface hoar (buried about 40cm down) may still be reactive.  There are also basal facets at the ground which were reactive with the warming last weekend, especially in thin snowpack parts of the region. Snowpack depths at 2000m sit near 2m deep. If you're traveling around the mountains, it's a good time to take notice of what layers are developing (surface hoar/ crusts/ facets) that may become an issue once buried.
Very warm alpine temperatures recently melted surface snow layers. A crust now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. Large weak cornices are plentiful and recently developed wind slabs may exist in certain areas. The upper snowpack appears to be settling well. Below about 1500m, crust/facet layers buried in early January are still causing some operators concern as well as widespread facets that were buried on January 20th. These layers represent a low probability/high consequence scenario. If you're traveling in the mountains now is a great time to take stock of current surface conditions (surface hoar, crusts) that will probably get buried at some point on Friday.
Very warm alpine temperatures recently melted snow surfaces. A crust now exists to ridge top on previously sun-affected slopes. Large weak cornices are plentiful. The upper snowpack is well settled and riders have gained increased confidence in steeper terrain. The exception may be wind slabs on lee features that formed on Monday and Tuesday in the alpine. Below about 1500m, a crust/facet combo buried in early January is still causing some operators concern, although triggering this weakness has become unlikely. Surface hoar, facets and melt-freeze crusts now sit under a dusting of new snow and will continue to be buried by light amounts of snow. These layers are ones to watch as they receive more loading.
Moist snow surfaces on all aspects below 1200 meters. Solar aspects at higher elevations have thin, breakable sun crusts. Previous storm snow is well settled but still produces CTM (RP) down 20cm on isolated North aspects above 1200m. The average snowpack depth near 1200m is 300 cms.
Variable wind slabs have been reported. A melt-freeze cycle has created a crust which is harder and thicker the lower in elevation you go. On north aspects in the alpine, near surface facetting has kept snow dry and loose. Surface hoar of size 1-4mm is likely to get buried by incoming snow on Thursday night and Friday. A facet layer buried on Jan 20th still exhibits hard, sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests and avalanches are occasionally failing on this layer with large triggers.  It's about 120-150cm deep in the snowpack. Large cornices have the potential to act as a trigger for deep avalanches on the slope below.
Recently, dribs and drabs of snow have fallen on a variety of surface forms. The bond of this new snow will need to be monitored as incremental loading may occur over the next week or so. Previous warm temperatures created moist surface snow on sunny aspects and on all aspects at low elevations. Where a re-freeze has occurred, a crust now exists. Surface hoar (5mm) has been forming on that crust at treeline and below. Last week's storm snow appears to be settling and bonding well. A facet layer which formed in mid-January has gained strength. It showed hard, resistant planar results in a compression test at treeline in the Hankin area on Sunday.
Recently, dribs and drabs of snow has fallen on a variety of surface forms. The bond of this new snow will need to be monitored as incremental loading may occur over the next week. The new snow sits on a variety of old surface snow conditions. They consist mainly of crusts that have developed due to melt/freeze conditions, and direct solar impact on steep Southerly aspects. Northerly aspects still host dry, wintery snow.  On exposed lee slopes in the alpine there are pencil-4 finger stiff wind slabs. Surface faceting is occurring on sheltered, shady aspects. While shallow, rocky slopes are faceting and weaker; posing a threat to deeper releases.  Surface hoar growth is 5-10mm at treeline, and below treeline. These may be our next layers of concern once buried. The Feb 01 (120201) rain crust is down 10-40 cm up to about 2000 meters. The mid-January crust is down between 50-100 cm, and the mid December crust is buried down up to 200 cm. The average snowpack depth at 1650m is near 240cm.
Snow surface conditions are variable. Thin, breakable sun crusts have developed on steep solar aspects in the alpine. Melt freeze crusts exist at lower elevations on most aspects. At treeline and below treeline surface faceting and surface hoar growth (5mm) has formed; especially on shady aspects in sheltered locations. This may be a future layer of concern once buried. Additionally in the Coquilhalla hard wind slabs 5-15cm thick and have formed due to strong outflow winds. The Duffy Lake area and the Coquihalla hosts a well settled mid pack.
30cm soft slab was developing through the afternoon in the alpine on SW aspects as strong NE winds prevailed all day.  This layer felt touchy and we avoided in our travel routes.  In the southern part of White Pass, North-NE aspects have been scoured recently from this weeks predominant Northern winds.  Last weeks lingering storm instabilities have 'tighten' up and are bonding well.  Although still reactive to compression tests in some locations at treeline, not showing propagation propensity.
Light amounts of fresh snow has buried the previous snow surface which includes surface hoar up to 30mm at ridgetop and 50mm in valley bottoms, 30cm of near-surface facets on shady sheltered slopes, and surface crusts on sun-exposed slopes. Exposed alpine and treeline areas are wind-affected and you may still find the odd isolated pocket of hard wind slab. Concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm. Basal facets were recently responsible for a large whumpf on a shallow south facing treeline slope in the Rossland Range and gave very easy and sudden compression tests results where they were found down 60cm.
Approximately 5 cm of new snow at treeline and above has buried a surface hoar layer (crystal size reported to be 1-4 mm) lying on old surfaces comprising crusts and variable wind slabs. The crusts formed in response to successive melt-freeze cycles and are harder and thicker the lower in elevation you go. The wind slabs were deposited on a variety of aspects and are becoming increasingly stubborn and difficult to trigger. Deeper within the snowpack, a facet layer buried around Jan 20th is the greatest concern. This layer lies approximately 110-140 cm below the surface and still exhibits hard, sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests. Avalanches have occasionally been failing on this layer with large triggers such as cornices.
Melt freeze crust on steep solar aspects up to 2900m.  This crust is up to 3cm thick in some areas.  Widespread SH growth in all areas except steep solar.  On Friday, SH up to 10mm big was found standing up tall and not at all affected by winds at 2500m on a col on the W side of Heros knob.  This layer will be a large concern when it gets buried by snowfalls later this week.
Surface hoar is continuing to develop on at all elevations and is now up to 60mm in more sheltered areas. Surface crusts are on sun-exopsed slopes and surface faceting has penetrated the top 20cm or so. Basal facets remain a concern on shady alpine slopes that have yet to produce avalanches.
A very light skiff of snow may have buried a surface hoar layer that lies on top of old surfaces comprising crusts and old wind slab. However, with only a centimetre or so of new snow, it's not certain that surface hoar crystals of 5 mm or more would get properly buried. Successive melt-freeze cycles have produced crusts on all aspects at lower elevations as well as on south-facing slopes higher up. The old wind slabs are no longer causing concern in most areas. A facet layer, which formed around 20th January, is buried around 60 cm and is reported to be gaining strength. It showed hard, resistant planar results in a compression test at treeline in the Hankin area on Sunday.
In Elk Valley North and the Crowsnest, the average snowpack depth at treeline is 150 cms. In Elk Valley S and the Flathead the snowpack depth is closer to 2 m. Surface hoar is continuing to develop on sheltered slopes at all elevations combined with near-surface facets at lower elevations and surface crusts on sun-exposed slopes. A well settled and strong snowpack sits on weak basal facets and depth hoar, which seem to be fairly widespread throughout the region. This deep persistent weakness recently became active again with warm temperatures, but cooler temperatures have once again reduced the sensitivity to triggers. Highly unpredictable glide cracks are also opening up, primarily on slopes with smooth ground cover. These full-depth gaping 'crevasses' could release without warning or act as a significant terrain trap.
In general, the upper snowpack is now well settled and riders are shredding pretty much everything. Very warm alpine temperatures from last weekend melted snow surfaces and a crust now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. There are reports of wind slabs in the alpine that developed earlier in the week. My feeling is that they are not widespread and probably gaining strength. Deeper weaknesses in the snowpack are less of a concern; however, in the southern end of the region there is still talk of basal facets as some operators are avoiding thin and rocky alpine features. This represents a very low probability-high consequence scenario.  Large cornices are also widespread in the alpine. A dusting of new snow now sits on weak snow crystals that developed over the past week (surface hoar/crusts/facets). This will be the big thing to watch as the overlying slab evolves.
Light amounts of new snow (5-10 cm) has buried an assortment of old snow surfaces comprising, depending on location, crusts, old wind slab, surface hoar and surface facets. The crusts formed on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Old wind slabs were on a variety of aspects behind exposed terrain features. The surface hoar (5-10mm) was most prominent at and above the recent cloud associated with inversion conditions. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. In general the snowpack is now well bonded in most locations. A mid-pack layer of concern is a rain crust (buried on Feb 1st) now down 10-40 cm, which exists up to about 2000 m. This may have potential to become reactive with additional snow load in areas where additional crusts do not lie above it, such as north aspects at treeline. Lower layers include a mid-January crust (down 50-100 cm), and a mid-December crust (down up to 200 cm); these now only present concerns in shallow snowpack areas. The average snowpack depth at 1650m is around 240cm.
In general the snowpack is well settled and riders have gained confidence in steeper terrain. Very warm alpine temperatures from last weekend melted surface snow layers and a crust now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. Large weak cornices are plentiful and small wind slabs may exist in isolated terrain in the alpine. Below about 1500m, crust/facet layers buried in early January as well as widespread facets that were buried on January 20th are still on the radar of operators in the region. These layers represent a low probability/high consequence scenario. If you're traveling in the mountains now is a great time to take stock of current surface conditions (surface hoar, crusts, facets) that will become an issue once buried.
The upper snowpack is well settled and riders have gained increased confidence in steeper terrain. The exception may be small wind slabs in the alpine that formed earlier in the week, although I suspect that they have now gained considerable strength. Very warm alpine temperatures from last weekend melted snow surfaces and a crust now exists to ridge top on previously sun-affected slopes. Large cornices are plentiful. Below about 1500m, a crust/facet combo buried in early January is still on the radar of some operators, although triggering this weakness has become unlikely. Surface hoar, facets and melt-freeze crusts now sit under a dusting of new snow. These layers are ones to watch as the overlying slab develops.
Moist snow surfaces on all aspects below 1200 meters. Solar aspects at higher elevations have thin, breakable sun crusts. Previous storm snow is well settled but still produces CTM (RP) down 20cm on isolated North aspects above 1200m. The average snowpack depth near 1200m is 300 cms.
The snowpack is now generally well settled and riders are feeling increasingly confident in steeper terrain, particularly in areas with a deeper snowpack.  Cooling has helped the snowpack to gain considerable strength since the warming last weekend and a crusts have now developed on slopes that saw direct sun. In the south of the region, it is thought that the January 13th surface hoar (buried about 40cm down) may still be reactive in isolated areas.  Deep basal facets are widespread throughout the region. In most cases triggering is unlikely and would require a large trigger or a significant rise in temperature. Snowpack depths at 2000m sit at about 2m deep. If you're traveling around the mountains, it's a good time to take stock of current surface conditions (surface hoar/ crusts/ facets) that will become an issue once buried.
A skiff of snow has buried an assortment of old snow surfaces comprising, depending on location, crusts, old wind slab, surface hoar and surface facets. The crusts formed on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Old wind slabs were on a variety of aspects behind exposed terrain features, and were particularly prominent in the Coquihalla due to outflow winds. The surface hoar (5-10mm) was most prominent at and above the recent cloud associated with inversion conditions. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. In general the snowpack is now well bonded in most locations.
Area observed: Powder Valley.Powder valley has not seen the same extent of reverse loading during the recent out flow.  Storm snow had settled into a widespread 30 cm thick soft slab.  HS in the alpine is highly variable and ranges between 1.5 and 2m at treeline.  Mid pack is rounding. 111205 CR/FC is well preserved at TL.  Dug on SW aspect at 1100: CTE8 SP in the storm snow and a CTM12  SC down 110 on the facets above the 111205 CR.  ECT 8 NP in the storm snow. PST 40/120 on the crust.
Melt freeze crust on steep solar aspects up to 2900m.  This crust is up to 3cm thick in some areas.  Widespread SH growth in all areas except steep solar.  On Friday, SH up to 10mm big was found standing up tall and not at all affected by winds at 2500m on a col on the W side of Heros knob.  This layer will be a large concern when it gets buried by snowfalls later this week.
Approximately 5 cm of new snow at treeline and above has buried a surface hoar layer (crystal size reported to be 1-4 mm) lying on old surfaces comprising crusts and variable wind slabs. The crusts formed in response to successive melt-freeze cycles and are harder and thicker the lower in elevation you go. The wind slabs were deposited on a variety of aspects and are becoming increasingly stubborn and difficult to trigger. Deeper within the snowpack, a facet layer buried around Jan 20th is the greatest concern. This layer lies approximately 110-140 cm below the surface and still exhibits hard, sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests.
A very light skiff of snow may have buried a surface hoar layer that lies on top of old surfaces comprising crusts and old wind slab. However, with only a centimetre or so of new snow, it's not certain that surface hoar crystals of 5 mm or more would get properly buried. Successive melt-freeze cycles have produced crusts on all aspects at lower elevations as well as on south-facing slopes higher up. The old wind slabs are no longer causing concern in most areas. A facet layer, which formed around 20th January, is buried around 60 cm and is reported to be gaining strength. It showed hard, resistant planar results in a compression test at treeline in the Hankin area on Sunday.
The top 40cm of the snowpack became saturated down to an old crust with recent heavy rain. Previous storm snow is well settled. The average snowpack depth near 1200m is 300 cm.
Below treeline, the surface snow is now moist. Generally light snowfall has buried an assortment of old snow surfaces including crusts, old wind slabs, surface hoar and surface facets. The crusts formed on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Old wind slabs were on a variety of aspects behind exposed terrain features. The surface hoar (5-10mm) was most prominent at and above the recent cloud associated with inversion conditions. Yesterday's moist snowfall may have destroyed this surface hoar in many places. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. In general the snowpack is now well bonded in most locations. A mid-pack layer of concern is a rain crust (buried on Feb 1st) now down 10-40 cm, which exists up to about 2000 m. This may have potential to become reactive with additional snow load in areas where additional crusts do not lie above it, such as north aspects at treeline. Lower layers include a mid-January crust (down 50-100 cm), and a mid-December crust (down up to 200 cm); these now only present concerns in shallow snowpack areas. The average snowpack depth at 1650m is around 240cm.
One cm of snow fell February 9th, burying Surface Hoar (SH) 10 -50 mm in size.  This SH is present at all elevations and has grown to trophy size in the more sheltered locations.  On sun exposed slopes you'll find surface crusts.  Surface faceting has penetrated the top 20 cm of the snowpack.  While the midpack is quite strong in most locations, basal facets remain a concern on shady alpine slopes that did not avalanche in the last cycle.
In Elk Valley North and the Crowsnest, the average snowpack depth at treeline is 150 cm. In Elk Valley S and the Flathead the snowpack depth is closer to 2 m. Surface hoar is continuing to develop on sheltered slopes at all elevations combined with near-surface facets at lower elevations and surface crusts on sun-exposed slopes. A well settled and strong snowpack sits on weak basal facets and depth hoar, which seem to be fairly widespread throughout the region. This deep persistent weakness was activated by warm temperatures last weekend, but cooler temperatures have once again reduced the sensitivity to triggers. Highly unpredictable glide cracks are also opening up, primarily on slopes with smooth ground cover. These full-depth gaping 'crevasses' could release without warning or act as a significant terrain trap.
A thin eggshell/zipper crust formed on the eve of the 9th capping 4 cm of moist snow that rests on top of robust surface hoar created during the recent dry spell.  This surface hoar is  approx. 30 mm at ridge top and as large as 50mm in valley bottoms.  30cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a suncrust has formed on sun exposed slopes.  You may still find the odd pocket of wind slab at treeline and above.  Concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm.
Most areas have a thin layer of new snow above buried surface hoar. Some areas have reported a very light freezing drizzle that has mixed with some rimed stellars to form a thin soft crust above the recently buried surface hoar layer(120208 SH). Warm alpine temperatures and solar radiation have developed a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects in the alpine and on all aspects below about 1300 metres. There are a couple of layers that are buried between 25-35 cm that give resistant planar results from tests when hard forces are applied. Recent facetting in the top 20 cm appears to rounding and bonding. The mid pack is generally well settled and well bonded. Deeper weaknesses in the snowpack are less of a concern; however, in the southern end of the region there is still talk of basal facets as some operators are avoiding thin and rocky alpine features. This represents a very low probability-high consequence scenario.  Large cornices are also widespread in the alpine.
Widespread surface hoar continues to grow and has not been buried in most of the region. A melt-freeze crust has developed on southerly aspects at all elevations. North and east aspects continue to have dry snow and some surface hoar sloughing in steep terrain. The January 13th surface hoar layer is buried about 40 cm below the surface, and may still be reactive in thinner snowpack areas. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are suspect locations.
Warm temperatures have led to moist snow below treeline, which has wetted surface hoar. A skiff of snow has buried an assortment of old snow surfaces comprising, depending on location, crusts, old wind slab, surface hoar and surface facets. The crusts formed on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Old wind slabs were on a variety of aspects behind exposed terrain features, and were particularly prominent in the Coquihalla due to outflow winds. The surface hoar (5-10mm) was most prominent at and above the recent cloud associated with inversion conditions. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. In general the snowpack is now well bonded in most locations.
There is a thin layer of new snow above the recently developed surface hoar (120209 SH). Some areas have reported that the surface hoar had grown to 50 mm before being buried. Some thin windslabs have developed due to down flowing air on large glaciated features. A melt-freeze crust has developed on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1400 metres. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Surface hoar, facets and melt-freeze crusts now sit under a dusting of new snow. Very warm alpine temperatures from last weekend melted snow surfaces and a crust now exists to ridge top on previously sun-affected slopes. Large cornices are plentiful. Below about 1500m, a crust/facet combo buried in early January is still on the radar of some operators, although triggering this weakness has become unlikely. Otherwise the mid and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled and bonded.
One cm of snow fell February 9th, burying Surface Hoar (SH) 10 -50 mm in size.  This SH is present at all elevations and has grown to trophy size in the more sheltered locations.  On sun exposed slopes you'll find surface crusts.  Surface faceting has penetrated the top 20 cm of the snowpack.  While the midpack is quite strong in most locations, basal facets remain a concern on shady alpine slopes that did not avalanche in the last cycle.
Cooler temperatures following rain that fell up to 1700 m has set up a crust at lower elevations. Generally light snowfall has buried an assortment of old snow surfaces including crusts, old wind slabs, surface hoar and surface facets. The crusts formed on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Old wind slabs were on a variety of aspects behind exposed terrain features. The surface hoar (5-10mm) was most prominent at and above the recent cloud associated with inversion conditions. Friday's moist snowfall may have destroyed this surface hoar in many places. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. In general the snowpack is now well bonded in most locations. A mid-pack layer of concern is a rain crust (buried on Feb 1st) now down 10-40 cm, which exists up to about 2000 m. This may have potential to become reactive with additional snow load in areas where additional crusts do not lie above it, such as north aspects at treeline. Lower layers include a mid-January crust (down 50-100 cm), and a mid-December crust (down up to 200 cm); these now only present concerns in shallow snowpack areas. The average treeline snowpack depth at is around 240cm.
Warm temperatures led to moist snow below treeline, which has now frozen in many areas giving a crust. A skiff of snow has buried an assortment of old snow surfaces comprising, depending on location, crusts, old wind slab, surface hoar and surface facets. The crusts formed on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Old wind slabs were on a variety of aspects behind exposed terrain features, and were particularly prominent in the Coquihalla due to outflow winds. The surface hoar (5-10mm) was most prominent at and above the recent cloud associated with inversion conditions. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. In general the snowpack is now well bonded in most locations.
In Elk Valley North and the Crowsnest, the average snowpack depth at treeline is 150 cm. In Elk Valley S and the Flathead the snowpack depth is closer to 2 m. Surface hoar is continuing to develop on sheltered slopes at all elevations combined with near-surface facets at lower elevations and surface crusts on sun-exposed slopes. A well settled and strong snowpack sits on weak basal facets and depth hoar, which seem to be fairly widespread throughout the region. This deep persistent weakness was activated by warm temperatures last weekend, but cooler temperatures have once again reduced the sensitivity to triggers. Highly unpredictable glide cracks are also opening up, primarily on slopes with smooth ground cover. These full-depth gaping 'crevasses' could release without warning or act as a significant terrain trap.
A thin eggshell/zipper crust formed on the eve of the 9th capping 4 cm of moist snow that rests on top of robust surface hoar created during the recent dry spell.  This surface hoar is  approx. 30 mm at ridge top and as large as 50mm in valley bottoms.  30cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a suncrust has formed on sun exposed slopes.  You may still find the odd pocket of wind slab at treeline and above.  Concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm.
Widespread surface hoar has been buried by a trace of new snow in most of the region. A melt-freeze crust has developed on southerly aspects at all elevations. North and east aspects continue to have dry snow and some surface hoar sloughing in steep terrain. The January 13th surface hoar layer is buried about 40 cm below the surface, and may still be reactive in thinner snowpack areas. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are suspect locations.
5-10 cm of new snow at treeline and above has buried a surface hoar layer (crystal size reported to be 1-4 mm) lying on old surfaces comprising crusts and variable wind slabs. The crusts formed in response to successive melt-freeze cycles and are harder and thicker the lower in elevation you go. The wind slabs were deposited on a variety of aspects and are becoming increasingly stubborn and difficult to trigger. Deeper within the snowpack, a facet layer buried around Jan 20th is the greatest concern. This layer lies approximately 110-140 cm below the surface and still exhibits hard, sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests.
A very light skiff of snow may have buried a surface hoar layer that lies on top of old surfaces comprising crusts and old wind slab. However, with only a centimetre or so of new snow, it's not certain that surface hoar crystals of 5 mm or more would get properly buried. Successive melt-freeze cycles have produced crusts on all aspects at lower elevations as well as on south-facing slopes higher up. The old wind slabs are no longer causing concern in most areas. A facet layer, which formed around 20th January, is buried around 60 cm and is reported to be gaining strength. It showed hard, resistant planar results in a compression test at treeline in the Hankin area on Sunday.
There is a thin layer of new snow above the recently developed surface hoar (120209 SH). Some areas have reported that the surface hoar had grown to 50 mm before being buried. Some thin windslabs have developed due to down flowing air on large glaciated features. A melt-freeze crust has developed on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1400 metres. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
A couple of cm fell overnight and Sunday morning during a period of calm to light westerly winds. Most areas have a thin layer of new snow above buried surface hoar. Some areas have reported a very light freezing drizzle that has mixed with some rimed stellars to form a thin soft crust above the recently buried surface hoar layer(120208 SH). Warm alpine temperatures and solar radiation have developed a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects in the alpine and on all aspects below about 1300 metres. There are a couple of layers that are buried between 25-35 cm that give resistant planar results from tests when hard forces are applied. Recent facetting in the top 20 cm appears to be rounding and bonding. The mid pack is generally well settled and well bonded. Deeper weaknesses in the snowpack are less of a concern; however, in the southern end of the region there is still talk of basal facets as some operators are avoiding thin and rocky alpine features. This represents a very low probability-high consequence scenario.  Large cornices are also widespread in the alpine.
Surface hoar, facets and melt-freeze crusts now sit under a dusting of new snow. A breakable sun crust exists at all elevations on solar aspects. Cornices may be weakened during periods of daytime warming. The mid and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled and bonded. There are a couple of reports of resistant planar shears down about 25 cm from hard forces applied. Some areas with large open glaciated terrain have reported thin soft wind slabs that have developed due to down-flowing catabatic winds.
Little Change.  Surface hoar and melt freeze crusts are waiting for a load to bury them and then they will become a bigger concern.  Thin shallow snowpack areas where is may be possible to trigger a collapse in the basal facets are still on our radar.
By Tuesday afternoon, up to 15cm of fresh snow could be sitting on the widespread robust surface hoar created during the dry spell at the beginning of the month. This interface will be one to watch as it receives more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that approximately 20cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a sun crust can be found on southerly aspects. A well settled and strong snowpack sits on weak basal facets and depth hoar, which seem to be fairly widespread throughout the region. This deep persistent weakness was recently activated by warm temperatures, but cooler temperatures have once again reduced the sensitivity to triggers.  Highly unpredictable glide cracks are also opening up, primarily on slopes with smooth ground cover. These full-depth gaping 'crevasses' could release without warning or act as a significant terrain trap.
2-5cm of fresh snow is bonding well to a rain crust. Below that the snowpack is well consolidated and strong.
About 2-3 more cm fell in most of the region on Sunday night or Monday morning. This brings the total amount of new snow to about 5-10 cm above the February 08 surface hoar and near surface facets. The wind has been very light during these recent flurries. Some areas have reported a very light freezing drizzle that had mixed with some rimed stellars to form a thin soft crust above the recently buried surface hoar layer(120208 SH). Warm alpine temperatures and solar radiation have developed a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects in the alpine and on all aspects below about 1300 metres. There are a couple of layers that are buried between 25-35 cm that give resistant planar results from tests when hard forces are applied. Recent facetting in the top 20 cm appears to be rounding and bonding. The mid pack is generally well settled and well bonded. Deeper weaknesses in the snowpack are less of a concern; however, in the southern end of the region there is still talk of basal facets as some operators are avoiding thin and rocky alpine features. This represents a very low probability-high consequence scenario.  Large cornices are also widespread in the alpine.
Widespread surface hoar has been buried by a couple of cm of new snow in most of the region. A melt-freeze crust has developed on southerly aspects at all elevations. North and east aspects continue to have dry snow and some surface hoar sloughing in steep terrain. The January 13th surface hoar layer is buried about 40 cm below the surface, and may still be reactive in thinner snowpack areas. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are suspect locations.
The new snow layer above the February 09 surface hoar is now about 10-15 cm thick. There has been very little wind during the recent flurries. Some areas have reported that the surface hoar had grown to 50 mm before being buried. Some thin windslabs have developed due to down flowing air on large glaciated features. A melt-freeze crust has developed on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1400 metres. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Surface hoar, facets and melt-freeze crusts now sit under about 5 cm of new snow. A breakable sun crust exists at all elevations on solar aspects. Cornices may be weakened during periods of daytime warming. The mid and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled and bonded. There are a couple of reports of resistant planar shears down about 25 cm from hard forces applied. Some areas with large open glaciated terrain have reported thin soft wind slabs that have developed due to down-flowing catabatic winds.
5-15cm of fresh snow is sitting on a thin weak crust capping 2-5cm of moist snow that rests on top of robust surface hoar created during the dry spell at the beginning of the month. This interface will be one to watch as it receives more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that 30cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a sun crust can be found on southerly aspects. Concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets in shallow snowpack areas.
Generally light snowfall has buried an assortment of old snow surfaces including crusts, old wind slabs, surface hoar and surface facets. The crusts have formed on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Old wind slabs were on a variety of aspects behind exposed terrain features. The surface hoar (5-10mm) was most prominent at and above the recent cloud associated with inversion conditions. Friday's moist snowfall may have destroyed this surface hoar in many places. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. In general the snowpack is now well bonded in most locations. A mid-pack layer of concern is a rain crust (buried on Feb 1st) now down 10-40 cm, which exists up to about 2000 m. This may have potential to become reactive with additional snow load in areas where additional crusts do not lie above it, such as north aspects at treeline. Lower layers include a mid-January crust (down 50-100 cm), and a mid-December crust (down up to 200 cm); these now only present concerns in shallow snowpack areas. The average treeline snowpack depth at is around 240cm.
A skiff of snow has buried an assortment of old snow surfaces comprising, depending on location, crusts, old wind slab, surface hoar and surface facets. The crusts formed on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Old wind slabs were on a variety of aspects behind exposed terrain features, and were particularly prominent in the Coquihalla due to outflow winds. The surface hoar (5-10mm) was most prominent at and above the recent cloud associated with inversion conditions. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. In general the snowpack is now well bonded in most locations.
Strong overnight south-westerlies in areas close to the coast have redistributed the small amount of new snow into isolated pockets of wind slab behind terrain features in the alpine. Approximately 5-10 cm of new snow at treeline and above has buried a surface hoar layer (crystal size reported to be 1-4 mm) lying on old surfaces comprising crusts and variable wind slabs. The crusts formed in response to successive melt-freeze cycles and are harder and thicker the lower in elevation you go. The wind slabs were deposited on a variety of aspects and are becoming increasingly stubborn and difficult to trigger. Deeper within the snowpack, a facet layer buried around Jan 20th is the greatest concern. This layer lies approximately 110-140 cm below the surface and still exhibits hard, sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests.
A very light skiff of snow may have buried a surface hoar layer that lies on top of old surfaces comprising crusts and old wind slab. However, with only a centimetre or so of new snow, it's not certain that surface hoar crystals of 5 mm or more would get properly buried. Successive melt-freeze cycles have produced crusts on all aspects at lower elevations as well as on south-facing slopes higher up. The old wind slabs are no longer causing concern in most areas. A facet layer, which formed around 20th January, is buried around 60 cm and is reported to be gaining strength. It showed hard, resistant planar results in a compression test at treeline in the Hankin area on Sunday.
2 to 4cm of low density Hn overlies previous surfaces including SH, FC, HSL, SC and old tracks. Profile at 2200m indicates a well settled midpack with the basal FC/DH appearing to gain some strength. CTH(25) PC down 34cm was the only significant shear.
By Tuesday afternoon, up to 15cm of fresh snow could be sitting on the widespread robust surface hoar created during the dry spell at the beginning of the month. This interface will be one to watch as it receives more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that approximately 20cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a sun crust can be found on southerly aspects. While the midpack is quite strong in most locations, basal facets remain a concern on shady alpine slopes that did not avalanche in the last cycle.
HN244cm over SH 5-10mm, wdsprd MF CR Btl and on solar asp in Alp. N asp Alp remain winterlikeOutflow winds building stiff wndsl   on Sthly asp
Generally light snowfall has buried an assortment of old snow surfaces including crusts, old wind slabs, surface hoar and surface facets. The crusts have formed on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Old wind slabs were on a variety of aspects behind exposed terrain features. The surface hoar (5-10mm) was most prominent at and above the recent cloud associated with inversion conditions. Friday's moist snowfall may have destroyed this surface hoar in many places. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. In general the snowpack is now well bonded in most locations. A mid-pack layer of concern is a rain crust (buried on Feb 1st) now down 10-40 cm, which exists up to about 2000 m. This may have potential to become reactive with additional snow load in areas where additional crusts do not lie above it, such as north aspects at treeline. Lower layers include a mid-January crust (down 50-100 cm), and a mid-December crust (down up to 200 cm); these now only present concerns in shallow snowpack areas. The average treeline snowpack depth at is around 240cm.
A skiff of snow has buried an assortment of old snow surfaces comprising, depending on location, crusts, old wind slab, surface hoar and surface facets. The crusts formed on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Old wind slabs were on a variety of aspects behind exposed terrain features, and were particularly prominent in the Coquihalla due to outflow winds. The surface hoar (5-10mm) was most prominent at and above the recent cloud associated with inversion conditions. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. In general the snowpack is now well bonded in most locations.
10 cm of snow fell overnight Monday bringing about 15 cm above a rain crust. Warm temperatures and field observations suggest it's bonding well. Below that the snowpack is well consolidated and strong.
5cm of fresh snow is sitting on the widespread major surface hoar layer. This interface will be one to watch as it receives more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that approximately 20cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a sun crust can be found on southerly aspects. While the midpack is quite strong in most locations, basal facets remain a concern on shady alpine slopes that did not avalanche in the last cycle. For example near Ferrnie one set of professional observations found compression test easy to moderate strength with a "drop" fracture down 80 and 100 cm in a location with a 160 cm snowpack.
Around 5 to 10 cm of fresh snow could be sitting on the widespread robust surface hoar. One report showed the feathery crystals around 4 cm long. This interface will be one to watch as it receives more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that approximately 20cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a sun crust can be found on southerly aspects. A well settled and strong snowpack sits on weak basal facets and depth hoar, which seem to be fairly widespread throughout the region. This deep persistent weakness was recently activated by warm temperatures, but cooler temperatures have once again reduced the sensitivity to triggers.  Highly unpredictable glide cracks are also opening up, primarily on slopes with smooth ground cover. These full-depth gaping 'crevasses' could release without warning or act as a significant terrain trap.
5-15cm of fresh snow is sitting on the major surface hoar created at the beginning of the month. This interface will be one to watch as it receives more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that 30cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a sun crust can be found on southerly aspects. Moist snow reported to near treeeline. In shallow snowpack areas concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets.
Variable winds have redistributed the small amount of new snow into isolated pockets of wind slab behind terrain features on a variety of aspects in the alpine. Approximately 5-10 cm of new snow at treeline and above has buried a surface hoar layer (crystal size reported to be 1-4 mm) lying on old surfaces comprising crusts and variable wind slabs. The crusts formed in response to successive melt-freeze cycles and are harder and thicker the lower in elevation you go. The wind slabs were deposited on a variety of aspects and are becoming increasingly stubborn and difficult to trigger. Deeper within the snowpack, a facet layer buried around Jan 20th is the greatest concern. This layer lies approximately 110-140 cm below the surface and still exhibits hard, sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests.
A very light skiff of snow may have buried a surface hoar layer that lies on top of old surfaces comprising crusts and old wind slab. However, with only a centimetre or so of new snow, it's not certain that surface hoar crystals of 5 mm or more would get properly buried. Successive melt-freeze cycles have produced crusts on all aspects at lower elevations as well as on south-facing slopes higher up. The old wind slabs are no longer causing concern in most areas. A facet layer, which formed around 20th January, is buried around 60 cm and is reported to be gaining strength. It showed hard, resistant planar results in a compression test at treeline in the Hankin area on Sunday.
A couple of cm fell in the south of the region on Monday night. This brings the total amount of new snow to about 10 cm above the February 08 surface hoar and near surface facets. The wind has been very light during these recent flurries. The surface hoar layer is at all elevations and aspects, and continues to grow due to clear cold nights. Some areas have reported a very light freezing drizzle that had mixed with some rimed stellars to form a thin soft crust above the recently buried surface hoar layer(120208 SH). Warm alpine temperatures and solar radiation have developed a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects in the alpine and on all aspects below about 1300 metres. There are a couple of layers that are buried between 25-35 cm that give resistant planar results from tests when hard forces are applied. Recent facetting in the top 20 cm appears to be rounding and bonding. The mid pack is generally well settled and well bonded. Deeper weaknesses in the snowpack are less of a concern; however, in the southern end of the region there is still talk of basal facets as some operators are avoiding thin and rocky alpine features. This represents a very low probability-high consequence scenario.  Large cornices are also widespread in the alpine.
Widespread surface hoar has been buried by a couple of cm of new snow in most of the region. A melt-freeze crust has developed on southerly aspects at all elevations. North and east aspects continue to have dry snow and some surface hoar sloughing in steep terrain. The January 13th surface hoar layer is buried about 40 cm below the surface, and may still be reactive in thinner snowpack areas. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are suspect locations.
The new snow layer above the February 09 surface hoar is now about 10-15 cm thick. There has been very little wind during the recent flurries. Some areas have reported that the surface hoar had grown to 50 mm before being buried. Some thin windslabs have developed due to down flowing air on large glaciated features. A melt-freeze crust has developed on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1400 metres. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Up to 15cm HST now overlies the 120213 SH/FC/SC layer at TL. HST sluffs easily with Sc. Wind affect ALP.
Sunshine on Wednesday formed a crust on many southerly (SE, S, and around to the west) facing slopes. Shady slopes remain dry. A thin layer of recent snow which fell over the past few days is sitting on the widespread major surface hoar layer in many locations, sugary facets or crusts in others. This interface will be one to watch as it receives more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that approximately 20cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a sun crust can be found on southerly aspects. While the midpack is quite strong in most locations, basal facets remain a concern on shady alpine slopes that did not avalanche in the last cycle. For example near Fernie one set of professional observations found compression test easy to moderate strength with a "drop" fracture down 80 and 100 cm in a location with a 160 cm snowpack.
On sunny slopes (SE, S, or around toward W facing slopes) Wednesday's sun created a crust. On shady slopes a new layer of surface hoar formed overnight Tuesday. Also on shady slopes immediately below the surface (hoar) is 5 to 10 cm of recent snow sitting on a second surface hoar layer, which in turn sits on sugary facetted snow. One report showed the feathery crystals of surface hoar around 4 cm long. All the crusts and surface hoar will need watching once it snows. Below these upper layers a well settled and strong snowpack sits on weak basal facets and depth hoar, which seem to be fairly widespread throughout the region. This deep persistent weakness was recently activated by warm temperatures, but cooler temperatures have once again reduced the sensitivity to triggers.  Highly unpredictable glide cracks are also opening up, primarily on slopes with smooth ground cover. These full-depth gaping 'crevasses' could release without warning or act as a significant terrain trap.
A couple of cm fell in the south of the region on Monday night. This brings the total amount of new snow to about 10 cm above the February 08 surface hoar and near surface facets. Some areas are reporting that thin new windslabs have developed in the alpine due to a period of moderate northerly winds on Monday. The surface hoar layer is at all elevations and aspects, and continues to grow due to clear cold nights. Some areas have reported a very light freezing drizzle that had mixed with some rimed stellars to form a thin soft crust above the recently buried surface hoar layer(120208 SH). Warm alpine temperatures and solar radiation have developed a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects in the alpine and on all aspects below about 1300 metres. There is some concern regarding facetting below the crust due to recent cold nights. There are a couple of layers that are buried between 25-35 cm that give resistant planar results from tests when hard forces are applied. The mid pack is generally well settled and well bonded. Deeper weaknesses in the snowpack are less of a concern; however, in the southern end of the region there is still talk of basal facets as some operators are avoiding thin and rocky alpine features. This represents a very low probability-high consequence scenario.  Large cornices are also widespread in the alpine.
The new snow layer above the February 09 surface hoar is now about 10-15 cm thick. Some areas have reported that the surface hoar had grown to 50 mm before being buried. Some thin windslabs have developed due to down flowing air on large glaciated features. A melt-freeze crust has developed on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1400 metres. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Surface hoar, facets and melt-freeze crusts now sit under about 10 cm of new snow. A breakable sun crust exists at all elevations on solar aspects. Cornices may be weakened during periods of daytime warming. The mid and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled and bonded. There are a couple of reports of resistant planar shears down about 25 cm from hard forces applied. Some areas with large open glaciated terrain have reported thin soft wind slabs that have developed due to down-flowing catabatic winds.
5-15cm of fresh snow is sitting on the major surface hoar created at the beginning of the month. Some thin windslab mat have developed in the alpine due to moderate westerly winds. This interface will be one to watch as it receives more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that 30cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a sun crust can be found on southerly aspects. Moist snow reported to near treeeline. In shallow snowpack areas concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets.
About 15 cm of snow now sits above a rain crust. Warm temperatures and field observations suggest it's bonding well. Below that the snowpack is well consolidated and strong.
Widespread surface hoar has been buried by a couple of cm of new snow in most of the region. A melt-freeze crust has developed on southerly aspects at all elevations. North and east aspects continue to have dry snow and some surface sloughing in steep terrain. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are suspect locations.
In general the snowpack is now well bonded. Generally light snowfall has buried an assortment of old snow surfaces including crusts, old wind slabs, surface hoar and surface facets. This light snowfall has been redistributed by moderate alpine winds and has formed small wind slabs on lee features. The crusts have formed on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Friday's moist snowfall may have destroyed this surface hoar in many places. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted and facets may also exist in combination with crusts.  The average treeline snowpack depth at is around 240cm.
In general the snowpack is now well bonded in most locations. A skiff of snow sits over an assortment of old snow surfaces comprising, depending on location, crusts, old wind slab, surface hoar and surface facets. The crusts formed on all aspects below 1700m and on steep solar aspects higher up.  Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. Surface hoar is most prominent at treeline and below and has also developed on top of the recently fallen snow. These surface conditions will be the thing to watch as the overlying slab develops with forecast weather.
A strong melt freeze crust exists below 1000m on all aspects. On shaded alpine features the surface is mostly wind pressed powder. Variable winds have redistributed 5-10cm of new snow into isolated pockets of wind slab on a variety of aspects in the alpine, although the reactivity of these windslabs has been most recently described as stubborn. The aforementioned new snow may overly buried a surface hoar layer (crystal size reported to be 1-4 mm) at treeline and below. This surface hoar layer seems most prevalent in protected inland areas. Deeper within the snowpack, a facet layer buried around Jan 20th is the greatest concern although triggering seems unlikely. This layer lies approximately 110-140 cm below the surface and still exhibits hard, sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests.
The snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Successive melt-freeze cycles have produced crusts on all aspects at lower elevations as well as on south-facing slopes higher up. Shaded aspects in the alpine are a mix of settled powder and old windslabs. Weak surface hoar crystals sit on the crusts to treeline and in sheltered areas in the alpine and is now covered by a dusting of recently fallen snow. This snow pack structure will be the big thing to watch as the overlying slab develops.
Observations taken from our Fraser Wx Study plot at 900m.  The top 50cms is right-side up HST.  Below our 120122 buried hard slab is a midpack of facets that are progressively gaining strength and begining to round. (1F-P)  Down approx 115cms is the Dec 5th Crust with facets above and below.  This interface is continuing to break down and gain strength/bonding well.  Below this is a series of crusts and facets to ground, also becoming more consolidated (1F+)  HS=160cms.  Easy and Moderate sudden planar results down 15 and 32cms.
Little change in the past 24hrs.  Isolated soft slabs can be found at ridgelines and in crossloaded or gully features.
Sunshine on Wednesday formed a crust on many southerly (SE, S, and around to the west) facing slopes. Shady slopes remain dry. Around 20 cm of recent snow which fell over the past few days is sitting on the widespread major surface hoar layer in many locations, sugary facets on shady N'ly and sun crusts on solar aspects. These interfaces need watching as they receive more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that approximately 20cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a sun crust can be found on southerly aspects. While the midpack is quite strong in most locations, basal facets remain a concern on shady alpine slopes that did not avalanche in the last cycle. For example near Fernie one set of professional observations found compression test easy to moderate strength with a "drop" fracture down 80 and 100 cm in a location with a 160 cm snowpack.
Flurries during the day on Thursday have brought the total amount of new snow to about 20 cm above the February 08 surface hoar and near surface facets. Some areas are reporting that thin new windslabs have developed in the alpine due to a period of moderate northerly winds on Monday. The surface hoar layer is at all elevations and aspects, and continues to grow due to clear cold nights. Some areas have reported a very light freezing drizzle that had mixed with some rimed stellars to form a thin soft crust above the recently buried surface hoar layer(120208 SH). Warm alpine temperatures and solar radiation have developed a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects in the alpine and on all aspects below about 1300 metres. There is some concern regarding facetting below the crust due to recent cold nights. There are a couple of layers that are buried between 25-35 cm that give resistant planar results from tests when hard forces are applied. The mid pack is generally well settled and well bonded. Deeper weaknesses in the snowpack are less of a concern; however, in the southern end of the region there is still talk of basal facets as some operators are avoiding thin and rocky alpine features. This represents a very low probability-high consequence scenario.  Large cornices are also widespread in the alpine.
Widespread surface hoar has been buried by a couple of cm of new snow in most of the region. A melt-freeze crust has developed on southerly aspects at all elevations. North and east aspects continue to have dry snow and some surface sloughing in steep terrain. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are suspect locations.
Sunshine on Wednesday formed a crust on many southerly (SE, S, and around to the west) facing slopes. Shady slopes remain dry. Around 20 cm of recent snow which fell over the past few days is sitting on the widespread major surface hoar layer in many locations, sugary facets on shady N'ly and sun crusts on solar aspects. These interfaces need watching as they receive more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that approximately 20cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a sun crust can be found on southerly aspects. While the midpack is quite strong in most locations, basal facets remain a concern on shady alpine slopes that did not avalanche in the last cycle.
The new snow layer above the February 09 surface hoar is now about 10-15 cm thick. Some areas have reported that the surface hoar had grown to 50 mm before being buried. Some thin windslabs have developed due to down flowing air on large glaciated features. A melt-freeze crust has developed on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1400 metres. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Surface hoar, facets and melt-freeze crusts now sit under about 15 cm of new snow.  Southwest winds are re-distributing the light new snow into windslabs above the recent surface weak layers. A breakable sun crust exists at all elevations on solar aspects. We expect that some facetting has occurred around this crust. The mid and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled and bonded. There are a couple of reports of resistant planar shears down about 25 cm from hard forces applied. Some areas with large open glaciated terrain have reported thin soft wind slabs that have developed due to down-flowing catabatic winds.
Another 5-10cm of snow on Thursday has brought the total to about 15-25 cm of dry snow above the major surface hoar created at the beginning of the month. Some thin windslab may have developed in the alpine due to moderate westerly winds. This interface will be one to watch as it receives more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that 30cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a sun crust can be found on southerly aspects. In shallow snowpack areas concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets.
In general the snowpack is now well bonded. Recent light snowfall has buried an assortment of old snow surfaces including crusts, old wind slabs and surface facets. This light snowfall has been redistributed by moderate alpine winds and has formed small wind slabs on lee features. The underlying crusts have formed on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted and facets may also exist in combination with crusts.  The average treeline snowpack depth at is around 240cm.
In general the snowpack is well bonded in most locations. Light amounts of recently fallen snow sit over an assortment of old snow surfaces comprising, depending on location, crusts, old wind slab, surface hoar and surface facets. The crusts formed on all aspects below 1700m and on steep solar aspects higher up.  Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. Lightly buried surface hoar is most prominent at treeline and below. The upper snowpack structure will be the thing to watch as the overlying slab develops with forecast weather. A recent profile at 1240m on a south aspect in the Coquihalla area showed a number of sudden test results in the top 100cm. Conditions reportedly improved substantially on other aspects. This is a good reminder that spatial variability exists and that we should continually make observations as we travel.
About 20cm of cold, low density snow now sits above a rain crust that formed a few weeks ago. Moderate winds have shifted the snow into deeper pockets on lee aspects. This crust exists at all aspects and elevation bands. Below that the snowpack is well consolidated and strong.
Light amounts of recent snowfall now sit on top of a strong melt freeze crust that exists below 1000m on all aspects and wind-pressed powder on shaded alpine features. Variable winds have redistributed surface snow into isolated pockets of wind slab on a variety of aspects in the alpine, although the reactivity of these windslabs has been most recently described as stubborn. The aforementioned new snow may overly buried a surface hoar layer (crystal size reported to be 1-4 mm) at treeline and below. This surface hoar layer seems most prevalent in protected inland areas. Deeper within the snowpack, a facet layer buried around Jan 20th is the greatest concern although triggering seems unlikely. This layer lies approximately 110-140 cm below the surface and still exhibits hard, sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests.
The snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Successive melt-freeze cycles have produced crusts on all aspects at lower elevations as well as on south-facing slopes higher up. Shaded aspects in the alpine are a mix of settled powder and old windslabs. Weak surface hoar crystals sit on the crusts to treeline and in sheltered areas in the alpine and is now covered by light amounts of recently fallen snow. This slowly evolving upper snow pack structure will be the big thing to watch as the overlying slab develops.
Area Observed: Fraser, Fraser chutes:  H24 7cm, HST 22.  In sheltered areas the storm snow is settling into a widespread soft slab at and above TL shooting cracks on steeper convex slopes.  Laminated wind slab instabilities developing on lee features producing very easy to moderate sudden planar results in compression tests.  Moderate sudden planer result on well preserved stellars on the windslab midpack interface (4F above 1F) dow 60 at treeline.  ECT suggested propagation likely.  On South aspects upper 20cms moist up to 1100m by noon.  Weak melt freeze crust was already developing at 1050m at 1300hr
0213 Surface hoar/Crust layer down 10-15cm depending on aspect and elevation.  Isolated wind slabs being encountered in alpine terrain in the immediate lees of ridgelines.  These slabs are most apparent on N and E aspects.  Midpack well settled.  Basal FC and DH still in our thoguhts especially in bigger terrain features.  Still potential to trigger these weaknesses from thin or shallow snowpack areas, especially in steeper terrain.
Rain that fell early Friday gradually changed to heavy snowfall by mid afternoon. In most cases, the rain soaked 15cm of low density surface snow and assisted the new snow to bond to a rain crust that formed a few weeks ago. The crust, which exists on all aspects and elevations, may still act as a weak sliding layer in some locations where the overlying surface snow was deeper and not entirely affected by the rain. Forecast strong winds and continued heavy snowfall are the perfect recipe for slab avalanches.  The mid and lower snowpack is well consolidated and strong.
Five centimeters fell overnight Thursday, burying the February 16th Surface Hoar.  20 cm of light density snow lies between the February 16th surface hoar and the February 8th weakness.  Within that 20cm some places have at least one other layer of surface hoar that formed between snowfalls. Feb. 8th is used to describe a combination of weak layers:  In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer.  On steep south & west facing aspects a crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th.  This crust likely has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer 20 - 25 cm under the snow surface.  Down below this problematic interface a well settled mid pack is in place.  The exception is the eastern and southern parts of the region where deeper weaknesses and basal facets may still be a factor. In these areas, a low-probability/high-consequence condition exists.   It should be noted that large cornices remain widespread throughout the region.
Widespread surface hoar has been buried by a couple of cm of new snow in most of the region. A melt-freeze crust has developed on southerly aspects at all elevations. North and east aspects continue to have dry snow and some surface sloughing in steep terrain. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are suspect locations.
"Dust on a crust" on southerly aspects, where recent sunshine formed a crust that has since been buried by light snow. Shady slopes do not have this crust. Around 20 cm of recent snow now sits a widespread major weak layer comprising surface hoar in many locations, sugary facets on shady N'ly and sun crusts on solar aspects. These interfaces need watching as they receive more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that, approximately 20 cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes. While the midpack is quite strong in most locations, basal facets remain a concern on shady alpine slopes that did not avalanche in the last cycle. Data that supports this lingering concern includes recent professional observations that found easy to moderate compression test results with a sudden "drop" fracture down 80 and 100 cm in a location with a 160 cm snowpack.
"Dust on a crust" on southerly aspects, where recent sunshine formed a crust that has since been buried by light snow. Shady slopes do not have this crust. Cool alpine temperatures are promoting facet growth in the upper snowpack keeping the surface snow fairly soft. Just a few cm of recent snow now sits on a variable weak layer comprising surface hoar (most likely in the west of the region), sugary facets on shady N'ly and sun crusts on solar aspects. These interfaces need watching as they receive more snow load and/or wind slab builds on top of these surfaces. Below that, approximately 20 cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes. While the mid-pack is quite strong in most locations, basal facets remain a concern on shady alpine slopes that did not avalanche in the last cycle. Data that supports this lingering concern includes recent professional observations that found easy to moderate compression test results with a sudden "drop" fracture down 80 and 100 cm in a location with a 160 cm snowpack.
Moderate snowfall and strong winds forecast for Friday night will create new wind slabs and continue to bury an assortment of old snow surfaces including crusts and surface facets. The crusts exist on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up.  Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. Facets may also exist in combination with crusts. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled. The average treeline snowpack depth is about 240cm.
Light amounts of recently fallen snow (up to 20cm in the Coquihalla) sit over an assortment of old snow surfaces comprising, depending on location, crusts, old wind slab, surface hoar and surface facets. The crusts formed on all aspects below 1700m and on steep solar aspects higher up. Surface facets have grown particularly on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. Lightly buried surface hoar is most prominent at treeline and below and is most likely to be found in the north and central parts of the region. The upper snowpack structure will be the thing to watch as the overlying slab develops with forecast weather.  In general the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled. A recent profile at 1240m on a south aspect in the Coquihalla area showed a number of sudden test results in the top 100cm. Conditions reportedly improved substantially on other aspects. This is a good reminder that spatial variability exists and that we should continually make observations as we travel.
Light amounts of recent snowfall now sit over a strong melt freeze crust that exists below 1000m on all aspects and over wind-pressed powder on shaded alpine features. The aforementioned new snow may sit over a buried surface hoar layer at treeline and below. This surface hoar layer seems most prevalent in protected inland areas. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong; however, a facet layer buried around Jan 20th is on the radar of some operators, although triggering seems unlikely. This layer lies approximately 110-140 cm below the surface and shows hard yet sudden planar results in isolated snowpack tests.
The snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Successive melt-freeze cycles have produced crusts on all aspects at lower elevations as well as on south-facing slopes higher up. Shaded aspects in the alpine are a mix of settled powder and old windslabs. Weak surface hoar crystals sit on the crusts to treeline and in sheltered areas in the alpine and are now covered by light amounts of recently fallen snow. This upper snow pack structure will be the big thing to watch as the overlying slab develops.
The new snow layer above the February 09 surface hoar is now about 10-15 cm thick. Some areas have reported that the surface hoar had grown to 50 mm before being buried. Some thin windslabs have developed due to down flowing air on large glaciated features. A melt-freeze crust has developed on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1400 metres. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Surface hoar, facets and melt-freeze crusts now sit under about 10 - 30 cm of new snow.  Southwest winds are re-distributing the light new snow into windslabs above the recent surface weak layers. A breakable sun crust exists at all elevations on solar aspects. We expect that some facetting has occurred around this crust. The mid and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled and bonded. There are a couple of reports of resistant planar shears down about 25 cm from hard forces applied. Some areas with large open glaciated terrain have reported thin soft wind slabs that have developed due to down-flowing catabatic winds.
Another 5-10cm of snow on Thursday has brought the total to about 15-25 cm of dry snow above the major surface hoar created at the beginning of the month. Some thin windslab may have developed in the alpine due to moderate westerly winds. This interface will be one to watch as it receives more snow load and/or the slab settles. Below that 30cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes while a sun crust can be found on southerly aspects. In shallow snowpack areas concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets.
A very large dump of snow landed on a previous moist snow surface. Initially the snow that fell was fairly cold. Gradually the snow became warmer and denser. This has set up an upside-down snowpack situation in many areas. Weak bonds were observed within the storm snow. The moist snow below the storm snow was sitting on a crust. Generally the bond at this interface appears relatively strong. The mid and lower snowpack is well consolidated and strong.
Five centimeters fell overnight Friday which makes for 10 of light density snow above the February 16th Surface Hoar.  20 cm of light density snow lies between the February 16th surface hoar and the February 8th weakness.  Within that 20cm some places have at least one other layer of surface hoar that formed between snowfalls. Feb. 8th is used to describe a combination of weak layers:  In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer.  On steep south & west facing aspects a crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th.  This crust likely has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer 20 - 25 cm under the snow surface.  Down below this problematic interface a well settled mid pack is in place.  The exception is the eastern and southern parts of the region where deeper weaknesses and basal facets may still be a factor. In these areas, a low-probability/high-consequence condition exists.   It should be noted that large cornices remain widespread throughout the region.
Widespread surface hoar has been buried by 5 - 10 cm of new snow in most of the region.  The exception is terrain closer to the bugs where the interface is down 20-40cm.  A melt-freeze crust has developed on southerly aspects at all elevations. North and east aspects continue to have dry snow and some surface sloughing in steep terrain. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are suspect locations.
5-10 cm new snow was added to the snowpack on Saturday, gradually increasing the amount of snow above the early February weak layer to around 25 cm. This weak layer is comprised of surface hoar in many locations, sugary facets on shady N'ly aspects and sun crusts on solar aspects. Typically, we see natural and human triggered avalanches on a persistent weak layer like this when snow depths reach around 40 cm above the weak layer. This means we're inching pretty close to threshold amounts for this region, especially when you consider processes that lead to local variability, such as wind drifting, which could easily have created pockets of deeper snow. The midpack below this weak layer is quite strong in most locations. Lingering concern remains for weak basal facets in specific areas that are shaded and have a shallow snowpack.
"Dust on a crust" on southerly aspects, where recent sunshine formed a crust that has since been buried by light snow. Shady slopes do not have this crust. Cool alpine temperatures are promoting facet growth in the upper snowpack keeping the surface snow fairly soft. Just a few cm of recent snow now sits on a variable weak layer comprising surface hoar (most likely in the west of the region), sugary facets on shady N'ly and sun crusts on solar aspects. These interfaces need watching as they receive more snow load and/or wind slab builds on top of these surfaces. Below that, approximately 20 cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes. While the mid-pack is quite strong in most locations, basal facets remain a concern on shady alpine slopes that did not avalanche in the last cycle. Data that supports this lingering concern includes recent professional observations that found easy to moderate compression test results with a sudden "drop" fracture down 80 and 100 cm in a location with a 160 cm snowpack.
Heavy snowfall and strong winds on Friday night created new wind and storm slabs and continued to cover an assortment of old snow surfaces that were first buried a little over a week ago. These old surfaces are now about 45cm down and include crusts that exist on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. There are also surface facets on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. Facets and spotty surface hoar may also exist in combination with crusts. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled. The average treeline snowpack depth is about 240cm.
Light amounts of recently fallen snow (up to 30cm in the Coquihalla) sit over an assortment of old snow surfaces. These surfaces include melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below 1700m and on steep solar aspects higher up, old wind slabs and surface facets on northern aspects where colder temperatures have persisted. Sandwiched between the old surfaces and the more recent snow may be buried surface hoar. The surface hoar seems to be most prominent at treeline and below and is most likely to be found in the north and central parts of the region. At this point there isn't enough of an overlying slab to create reactivity on the surface hoar layer, but it is a layer to monitor as more snow accumulates.  In general the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled.
The last week has seen light amounts of snowfall with light winds in most areas. The recently fallen snow sits over a strong melt freeze crust that exists below 1000m on all aspects and over wind-pressed powder on shaded alpine features. Sandwiched between the newer snow and the aforementioned older surfaces may be a buried surface hoar layer at treeline and below. This surface hoar layer seems most prevalent in protected inland areas. We expect to see gradually increasing reactivity in the surface hoar interface with incremental loading forecast for this week. Check out our Forecaster's Blog for some thoughts on incremental loading. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
About 15cm of snow that fell over the past week sits over a variety of old surfaces: melt-freeze crusts exist on all aspects at lower elevations as well as on south-facing slopes higher up, and well-settled powder is found on shaded aspects in the alpine. Weak surface hoar crystals (size 3-4mm) are sandwiched between the old surfaces and the newer snow. The distribution of the surface hoar seems to be up to treeline on all aspects and on sheltered features in the alpine. This upper snow pack structure will be the big thing to watch as the overlying slab develops.  I expect to see gradually increasing reactivity in the surface hoar interface with incremental loading and higher winds forecast for this week. Check out our Forecaster's Blog for some thoughts on incremental loading. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
The new snow layer above the February 09 surface hoar is now about 10-25 cm thick. Some areas have reported that the surface hoar had grown to 50 mm before being buried. Some thin windslab has developed as a result of SW winds Fri/Sat.  A melt-freeze crust has developed on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1400 metres. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Surface hoar, facets and melt-freeze crusts now sit under about 10 - 30 cm of new snow.  Southwest winds are re-distributing the light new snow into windslabs above the recent surface weak layers. A breakable sun crust exists at all elevations on solar aspects. We expect that some facetting has occurred around this crust. The mid and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled and bonded. There are a couple of reports of resistant planar shears down about 25 cm from hard forces applied. Some areas with large open glaciated terrain have reported thin soft wind slabs that have developed due to down-flowing catabatic winds.
Saturday's storm brought around 15 cm new snow, bringing the gradually incrementing snow amounts above the early Feburary surface hoar layer to around 30 cm. Alpine winds have been strong enough to blow snow around and touchy wind slabs have formed predominantly on northerly and easterly aspects. The early February weak layer comprises large surface hoar on sheltered aspects, facets on northerly aspects and a crust on solar aspects. In shallow snowpack areas concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets. Treeline snowpack depths are approximately 230 cm.
Area Observed:  Transitional snow pack.  Paddy Peak to Mt Racine. Midpack continues to gain cohesion and strength.  Upper pack is bridging well (CTH25 RP down 50 on preserved stellars).  Isolate pockets of wind slab in the immediate lee of ridges on North aspects and cross loaded features mid slope.  We found widespread surface hoar 10-15mm at all elevations up to 1700m.  Above treeline it was contained to N aspects but existed on all aspects at and bellow treeline.
Up to 80cm of storm snow fell on Saturday. This new snow had an upside-down feel to it - meaning that it was more dense near the surface and lighter underneath. Several instabilities were observed within the storm snow and whumpfs and shooting cracks were also observed. It is likely that the storm snow is settling and gaining strength rapidly. The moist snow below the storm snow was sitting on a crust. Generally the bond at this interface appears relatively strong. The mid and lower snowpack is well consolidated and strong.
The upper snowpack is quite complex and we could see enough precipitation and wind early this week to tip the scales to more widespread and larger avalanches. Up to 40cm of low density new snow now sits on the February 16th Surface Hoar layer.  The February 8th weakness is now down 50-60cm. Feb. 8th is used to describe a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south & west facing aspects a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust likely has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer 40-60cm under the snow surface. Below this problematic interface a well settled mid pack is in place. The exception is the eastern and southern parts of the region where deeper weaknesses and basal facets may still be a factor. In these areas, a low-probability/high-consequence condition exists. It should be noted that large cornices remain widespread throughout the region.
Widespread surface hoar has been buried by around 10 cm of new snow in most of the region.  The exception is terrain closer to the Bugaboos, where the interface is down 20-40cm.  A melt-freeze is also associated with this weak interface on southerly aspects at all elevations.  North and east aspects continue to have dry snow and some surface sloughing in steep terrain. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are suspect locations.
Heavy snowfall and strong winds on Friday night created new wind and storm slabs and continued to cover an assortment of old snow surfaces that were first buried a little over a week ago. These old surfaces are now about 45cm down and include crusts that exist on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up.  Facets and spotty surface hoar may also exist in combination with crusts, so there may be continued slab reactivity at lower elevations. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled. The average treeline snowpack depth is about 240cm.
Between 15 and 20cm of recently fallen snow (up to 35cm in the Coquihalla area) sit over an assortment of old snow surfaces that formed during a sunny dry spell a few weeks ago. These surfaces include: melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below 1700m and on steep solar aspects higher up, old wind slabs, and facets which exist on north aspects as well as around crusts.  Sandwiched between the old surfaces and the more recent snow may be buried surface hoar. The surface hoar seems to be most prominent at treeline and below, and is most likely to be found in the north and central parts of the region. At this point there hasn't been enough of an overlying slab to create reactivity on these potentially weak buried layers. This could all change with incremental loading and increased winds forecast for this week. In general the mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled. For some great insight on incremental loading, check out our latest Forecaster's Blog post.
The last week has seen dribs and drabs of snowfall with light winds in most areas. The recently fallen snow sits over a strong melt freeze crust that exists below 1000m on all aspects and over wind-pressed powder on shaded alpine features. Sandwiched between the newer snow and the aforementioned older surfaces may be a buried surface hoar layer at treeline and below. This surface hoar layer seems most prevalent in protected inland areas. Where it exists, we expect to see gradually increasing reactivity in the surface hoar interface with loading and slab development forecast for this week. Check out our Forecaster's Blog for some insight on incremental loading. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
About 15cm of snow that fell over the past week sits over a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include: melt-freeze crusts that exist on all aspects at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes higher up, and well-settled powder on shaded aspects in the alpine. Weak surface hoar crystals (size 3-4mm) are sandwiched between the old surfaces and the newer snow and have recently shown easy compression test results. The distribution of the surface hoar seems to be up to treeline on all aspects and on sheltered features in the alpine. This upper snow pack structure will be the big thing to watch as the overlying slab develops.  I expect to see gradually increasing reactivity in the surface hoar interface with incremental loading and higher winds forecast for this week. Check out our Forecaster's Blog for some insight on incremental loading. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.
The new snow layer above the February 9 surface hoar is now about 15-35cm thick. This surface hoar layer may be widespread in some areas, while others have reported it being confined to shady aspects at treeline and in the alpine. Some thin windslab has developed as a result of SW winds Fri/Sat. A melt-freeze crust has developed on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1600 metres. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Surface hoar, facets and melt-freeze crusts now sit under about 20-40cm of new snow that is slowly starting to settle into a soft slab. A few recent observations show easy "pops", or sudden planar, shears down 20-30cm on surface hoar. Southwest-northwest winds are re-distributing the light new snow into windslabs above the recent surface weak layers. The mid and lower snowpack is reported to be well settled and bonded. Some areas with large open glaciated terrain have reported thin soft wind slabs that have developed due to down-flowing catabatic winds.
Up to 15cm Hn at TL. Between 25 and 40cm now overlies the Valentines SH/FC/SC layer. SH is more prevalent and reactive at TL compared to ALP. Easy to very easy test results on SH. On solar asp buried SC is also producing shears down average of 25cm. Buried Valentines FC still concerning, but not as reactive as the other layers.
5-10 cm new snow was added to the snowpack on Saturday, gradually increasing the amount of snow above the early February weak layer to around 25 cm. This weak layer is comprised of surface hoar in many locations, sugary facets on shady N'ly aspects and sun crusts on solar aspects. Typically, we see natural and human triggered avalanches on a persistent weak layer like this when snow depths reach around 40 cm above the weak layer. This means we're inching pretty close to threshold amounts for this region, especially when you consider processes that lead to local variability, such as wind drifting, which could easily have created pockets of deeper snow. The midpack below this weak layer is quite strong in most locations. Lingering concern remains for weak basal facets in specific areas that are shaded and have a shallow snowpack.
Up to 20 cm of recent snow now sits on a variable weak layer comprising surface hoar (most prevalent in the west of the region), sugary facets on shady northerly aspects and sun crusts on solar aspects. These interfaces need watching as they receive more snow load and/or wind slab builds on top of these surfaces (see the forecaster blog for a good discussion on this). Below that, approximately 20 cm of near-surface facets can be found on shady slopes. While the mid-pack is quite strong in most locations, lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.
Saturday's storm brought around 15 cm new snow, bringing the gradually incrementing snow amounts above the early Feburary surface hoar layer to around 30 cm. Alpine winds have been strong enough to blow snow around and touchy wind slabs have formed predominantly on northerly and easterly aspects. The early February weak layer comprises large surface hoar on sheltered aspects, facets on northerly aspects and a crust on solar aspects. In shallow snowpack areas concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets. Treeline snowpack depths are approximately 230 cm.
5 to 7cm Hn. Total of 30 to 45cm over Valentine's layers. Wind affect ALP and variable wind affect TL and BTL.
Snowfall Sunday night added a further 10-15 cm, bringing the amount of snow that now lies above the early February weak layer to around 40 cm. This is right at the critical depth at which human-triggering is very likely and resulting avalanches could easily be large enough to bury a person. The early February weak layer comprises large surface hoar on sheltered aspects, facets on northerly aspects and a crust on solar aspects--professionals are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. The midpack below this weak layer is quite strong in most locations. Lingering concern remains for weak basal facets in specific areas that are shaded and have a shallow snowpack. Snowpack depths at treeline are approximately 280 cm.
The new snow that fell on Saturday has settled significantly in the past 24 hours; however, several instabilities still exist. Whumpfing was noted in several areas on Sunday. Recent snowpack tests gave moderate "pops" shears down 45-50cm. There is a thick rain crust down 70-90cm, but the bond to the crust seems quite good.
The upper snowpack is quite complex and we could see enough precipitation and wind early this week to tip the scales to more widespread and larger avalanches. Up to 40cm of low density new snow now sits on the February 16th Surface Hoar layer.  The February 8th weakness is now down 50-70cm. Feb. 8th is used to describe a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south & west facing aspects a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust likely has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer 40-60cm under the snow surface. Below this problematic interface a well settled mid pack is in place. The exception is the eastern and southern parts of the region where deeper weaknesses and basal facets may still be a factor. In these areas, a low-probability/high-consequence condition exists. It should be noted that large cornices remain widespread throughout the region.
In southern and western parts of the region, 40-50 cm of recent snow sits of a highly reactive weak layer comprising surface hoar (most prevalent in the west of the region), sugary facets on shady northerly aspects and sun crusts on solar aspects. This interface has started to react to human-triggering. Certain features of the reactivity, such as remote triggering and the ability to initiate avalanches on relatively low angled terrain, point to this weak layer shaping up to be quite dangerous. In areas further north, less snow has fallen on this interface--in the northern Elk Valley for instance, only around 15 cm lies above this interface. In lower snow areas, avalanche activity will likely lag behind higher snow areas. In general, the mid-pack is quite strong in most locations. However, lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.
Heavy snowfall and strong winds on Friday night created new wind and storm slabs and continued to cover an assortment of old snow surfaces. These old surfaces are now 30-45cm down and include crusts that exist on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Facets (sugary snow crystals) and spotty surface hoar (feathery snow crystals) may also exist in combination with crusts, so there may be continued slab reactivity at lower elevations. With more snow and wind in the forecast the new load may have a poor bond to the underlying buried surfaces. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled. The average treeline snowpack depth is about 240cm.
Over the weekend up to 20cm of new snow fell over the Duffy Lake area. The Coquihalla has seen up to 40cm. This new snow has buried a variety of old snow surfaces that formed during a sunny dry spell over the past 2 weeks. These surfaces include: melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below 1700m and on steep solar aspects higher up, surface hoar (feather like crystals),  old wind slabs, and facets (sugary crystals), which exist on north aspects as well as around crusts.  The surface hoar seems to be most prominent in sheltered treeline locations and below, and most likely found in the north and central parts of the region. We may see these buried weak layers become naturally reactive with forecast snow and wind, and likely susceptible to rider triggers. Generally below this sits a well settled snowpack, with treeline snowpack depths near 250cm. For insight on incremental loading, and the "Tipping Point"  check out our latest Forecaster's Blog.
The last week has seen dribs and drabs of snowfall with light winds in most areas. The recently fallen snow sits over a strong melt freeze crust that exists below 1000m on all aspects and over wind-pressed powder on shaded alpine features. Sandwiched between the newer snow and the aforementioned older surfaces may be a buried surface hoar layer at treeline and below. This surface hoar layer seems most prevalent in protected inland areas. Where it exists, we expect to see gradually increasing reactivity in the surface hoar interface with loading and slab development forecast for this week. Check out our Forecaster's Blog for some insight on incremental loading. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
About 15cm of snow that fell over the past week sits over a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include: melt-freeze crusts that exist on all aspects at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes higher up and well-settled powder on shaded aspects in the alpine. Weak surface hoar crystals (size 3-4mm) are sandwiched between the old surfaces and the newer snow and have recently shown easy compression test results. The distribution of the surface hoar seems to be up to treeline on all aspects and on sheltered features in the alpine. This upper snow pack structure will be the big thing to watch as the overlying slab develops.  I expect to see gradually increasing reactivity in the surface hoar interface with incremental loading and higher winds forecast for this week. Check out our Forecaster's Blog for some insight on incremental loading. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.
Wind slabs continue to grow in exposed terrain in response to moderate W-SW winds. 15-40cm of low density snow overlies the Feb. 9 weakness, which includes surface hoar and/or a crust. This surface hoar layer may be widespread in some areas, while others have reported it being confined to shady aspects at treeline and in the alpine. A melt-freeze crust has developed on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1600 metres. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Southwest-northwest winds are re-distributing low density new snow into soft wind slabs in exposed terrain in the alpine and at treeline. Around 30-40cm of new snow sits on the Feb. 16 surface hoar layer. The Feb. 8 surface hoar/sun crust/ facet interface is now down 50-70cm. All of this new snow is starting to form into a cohesive slab and the likelihood of triggering slab avalanches is increasing at all elevations. Keep in mind that it may also be possible to trigger avalanches from a distance and in lower angle terrain. Cornices continue to grow and may pop off as temperatures fluctuate this week.
Snowfall Sunday night added a further 10-20 cm, bringing the amount of snow that now lies above the early February weak layer to around 40 cm. This is right at the critical depth where triggering is very likely and resulting avalanches could easily be large enough to bury a person. The early February weak layer comprises large surface hoar on sheltered aspects, facets on northerly aspects and a crust on solar aspects--professionals are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. Alpine winds have been strong enough to blow snow around, adding touchy wind to the problem, especially behind exposed terrain features in the alpine. In shallow snowpack areas concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets. Treeline snowpack depths are approximately 230 cm.
Widespread surface hoar has been buried by around 15-20cm of new snow in most of the region.  The exception is terrain closer to the Bugaboos, where the interface is down 30-40cm.  A melt-freeze is also associated with this weak interface on southerly aspects at all elevations.  North and east aspects continue to have dry snow and some surface sloughing in steep terrain. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are suspect locations.
Rain has started to saturate the top 10-15cm of the snowpack. Below this there is 65-80cm of settling storm snow. A couple hard shears are still present within or under the previous storm snow. The snowpack should stabilize quickly on Wednesday if temperatures drop as forecast. It is likely that a new surface crust will form, and may become a concern on Friday as it is buried by new snow.
Moderate west-southwest winds are creating new wind slabs in exposed alpine and treeline terrain. Up to 50cm of new snow now sits on the February 16th Surface Hoar layer and is slowly settling into a cohesive slab.  The February 8th weakness is now down 60-80cm. This layer is a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south & west facing aspects a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust likely has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer 40-60cm under the snow surface. Below this problematic interface a well settled mid pack is in place. The exception is the eastern and southern parts of the region where deeper weaknesses and basal facets may still be a factor. In these areas, a low-probability/high-consequence condition exists. It should be noted that large cornices remain widespread throughout the region.
Widespread surface hoar has been buried anywhere between 20 and 60cm of new snow. The places where this layer is buried by the most snow are those close to the Bugaboos and also areas where extensive wind transport has taken place. A melt-freeze is also associated with this weak interface on southerly aspects at all elevations.  North and east aspects continue to have relatively low density snow near the surface and some surface sloughing in steep terrain--this may change with anticipated warm temperatures and high winds. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
Depending on location, 30-60 cm new snow now sits on top of a highly reactive persistent weak layer (PWL), comprising large surface hoar in sheltered areas and a sun crust on solar aspects. This PWL is now right at the critical depth where triggering is very likely, and resulting avalanches could easily be large enough to bury, injure or kill a person. Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. Alpine winds have been strong enough to blow snow around, adding a touchy wind slab problem into the mix behind exposed terrain features in the alpine. The midpack below this weak layer is quite strong in most locations. Lingering concern remains for weak basal facets in specific areas that are shaded and have a shallow snowpack.
In southern and western parts of the region, 40-50 cm of recent snow sits of a highly reactive weak layer comprising surface hoar (most prevalent in the west of the region), sugary facets on shady northerly aspects and sun crusts on solar aspects. This interface has started to react to human-triggering. Certain features of the reactivity, such as remote triggering and the ability to initiate avalanches on relatively low angled terrain, point to this weak layer shaping up to be quite dangerous. In areas further north, less snow has fallen on this interface--in the northern Elk Valley for instance, only around 15-20 cm lies above this interface. In lower snow areas, avalanche activity will likely lag behind higher snow areas, except for areas which have seen significant wind transport. In general, the mid-pack is quite strong in most locations. However, lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.
New snow over the past few days have buried a variety of old snow surfaces. These old surfaces are now 30-45cm down and include crusts that exist on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Facets (sugary snow crystals) and spotty surface hoar (feathery snow crystals) may also exist in combination with crusts, so there may be continued slab reactivity at lower elevations. With more snow and wind in the forecast the new load may have a poor bond to the underlying buried surfaces. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled. The average treeline snowpack depth is about 240cm.
Over the past few days 20-30 cm of new snow fell over the Duffy Lake area. The Coquihalla has seen up to 50 cm. This new snow has buried a variety of old snow surfaces that formed during a sunny dry spell over the past 2 weeks. The old surfaces include: melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below 1700m and on steep solar aspects higher up, surface hoar (feather like crystals),  old wind slabs, and facets (sugary crystals), which exist on north aspects as well as around crusts.  The surface hoar seems to be most prominent in sheltered treeline locations and below, and most likely found in the north and central parts of the region. We may see these buried weak layers become naturally reactive with forecast snow and wind, and likely susceptible to rider triggers. Generally below this sits a well settled snowpack, with treeline snowpack depths near 250cm. For insight on incremental loading, and the "Tipping Point"  check out our latest Forecaster's Blog. To view recent photos of this buried surface hoar in the Coquihalla area please click this link:http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/library/avalanche-image-galleries/avalanches2012
Generally, up to 35 cm of new snow sits over a strong melt freeze crust that exists below 1000m on all aspects, and over wind-pressed powder on shaded alpine features. Facets and surface hoar have been found sandwiched between the newer snow and the old surfaces at treeline and below. This surface hoar seems to be more predominant in inland areas. Where it exists, this layer has started to become reactive under the new load and slab development. I suspect this will continue as the forecast snow and wind continues. Check out our Forecaster's Blog for some insight on incremental loading. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
About 20 cm of snow that fell over the past week sit on a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include: melt-freeze crusts that exist on all aspects at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes higher up and well-settled powder on shaded aspects in the alpine. Weak surface hoar crystals (size 3-4mm) are sandwiched between the old surfaces and the newer snow and have recently shown easy compression test results. The distribution of the surface hoar seems to be up to treeline on all aspects and on sheltered features in the alpine. This upper snow pack structure will be the big thing to watch as the overlying slab develops.  I expect to see gradually increasing reactivity in the surface hoar interface with incremental loading and higher winds forecast for this week. Check out our Forecaster's Blog for some insight on incremental loading and the "Tipping Point" The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.
Wind slabs continue to grow in exposed terrain in response to moderate W-SW winds. 20-50cm of slowly settling storm snow overlies the Feb. 9 weakness, which includes surface hoar and/or a crust. This surface hoar layer may be widespread in some areas, while others have reported it being confined to shady aspects at treeline and in the alpine. A melt-freeze crust has developed on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1600 metres. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Moderate west-southwest winds are creating new wind slabs in exposed alpine and treeline terrain. Up to 50cm of new snow now sits on the February 16th Surface Hoar layer and is slowly settling into a cohesive slab.  The February 8th weakness is now down 60-80cm. This layer is a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south & west facing aspects a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust likely has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer 40-60cm under the snow surface. Below this problematic interface a well settled mid pack is in place. The exception is the eastern and southern parts of the region where deeper weaknesses and basal facets may still be a factor. In these areas, a low-probability/high-consequence condition exists. It should be noted that large cornices remain widespread throughout the region.
Depending on location, 30-60 cm new snow now sits on top of a highly reactive persistent weak layer (PWL), comprising large surface hoar in sheltered areas and a sun crust on solar aspects. A thin This PWL is now right at the critical depth where triggering is very likely and resulting avalanches could easily be large enough to bury, injure or kill a person. Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. Alpine winds have been strong enough to blow snow around, adding a touchy wind slab problem into the mix behind exposed terrain features in the alpine. In shallow snowpack areas concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets. Treeline snowpack depths are approximately 230 cm.
Additional 3 cm at TL. Valentine's layers now buried by 25 to 45cm, easily triggerable by ski cutting. Wind affect ALP and TL. CTE(3)(SP) down 25 on surface hoar size 10mm.
Strong west-northwest winds have redistributed new snow into dense wind slabs in exposed areas well below ridge crests. Wind slabs are much smaller at lower elevations where there is very little dry new snow available for transport. 5-25cm of new snow fell on Tuesday depending on elevation. A new rain crust can be found within the new snow. The mid and lower snowpack is strong and well settled with the snowpack depth exceeding 300cm above 1200m.
Moderate west-northwest winds are creating weak wind slabs in exposed alpine and treeline terrain. Up to 70cm of new snow now sits on the February 16th Surface Hoar layer and is slowly settling into a cohesive slab.  The February 8th weakness is now down 80-100cm. This layer is a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south & west facing aspects a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust likely has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer 40-60cm under the snow surface. Below this problematic interface a well settled mid pack is in place. It should be noted that large cornices remain widespread throughout the region and may fail as temperatures fluctuate over the next few days.
Moderate west-northwest winds are creating dense wind slabs in exposed terrain at all elevations. Up to 60cm of new snow now sits on the February 16th Surface Hoar layer and is slowly settling into a cohesive slab.  The February 8th weakness is now down 70-90cm. This layer is a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south & west facing aspects a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust likely has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer 40-60cm under the snow surface. Below this problematic interface a well settled mid pack is in place. It should be noted that large cornices remain widespread throughout the region and may fail with fluctuating temperatures this week.
Wind slabs continue to grow in exposed terrain in response to moderate W-SW winds. 30-60cm of storm snow has now settled into a cohesive slab and overlies the Feb. 9 weakness, which includes surface hoar and/or a crust. This surface hoar layer may be widespread in some areas, while others have reported it being confined to shady aspects at treeline and in the alpine. A melt-freeze crust has developed on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1600 metres. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
New snow over the past few days have buried a variety of old snow surfaces. These old surfaces are now 30-45cm down and include crusts that exist on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Facets (sugary snow crystals) and spotty surface hoar (feathery snow crystals) may also exist in combination with crusts, so there may be continued slab reactivity at lower elevations. With more snow and wind in the forecast the new load may have a poor bond to the underlying buried surfaces. Keep an eye on solar aspects Thursday afternoon. Wet, moist snow is a sign of instability. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled. The average treeline snowpack depth is about 240cm.
Over the past few days 20-30 cm of new snow fell over the Duffy Lake area. The Coquihalla has seen up to 50 cm. This new snow has buried a variety of old snow surfaces that formed during a sunny dry spell over the past 2 weeks. The old surfaces include: melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below 1700m and on steep solar aspects higher up, surface hoar (feather like crystals),  old wind slabs, and facets (sugary crystals), which exist on north aspects as well as around crusts.  The surface hoar seems to be most prominent in sheltered treeline locations and below, and most likely found in the north and central parts of the region. We may see these buried weak layers become naturally reactive with forecast snow and wind, and likely susceptible to rider triggers. If the sun starts to shine through on Thursday afternoon, I'd be suspect of a weakening snowpack on solar aspects. Generally below this sits a well settled snowpack, with treeline snowpack depths near 250cm. Test results on the Duffy today shows RB4 down 35cm on 3mm Surface Hoar, sudden planar results. For insight on incremental loading, and the "Tipping Point"  check out our latest Forecaster's Blog. To view recent photos of this buried surface hoar in the Coquihalla area please click this link:http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/library/avalanche-image-galleries/avalanches2012
Very strong winds transported snow into stiff windslabs about 20 cm deep. Warm temperatures and brief periods of sunshine may have moistened snow on southerly aspects up to about 1600 metres. The February 9th surface hoar is buried down 40-50 and reported to be very easy to see in a pit wall. This PWL is now right at the critical depth where triggering is very likely, and resulting avalanches could easily be large enough to bury, injure or kill a person. Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. The mid-pack below this weak layer is quite strong in most locations. Lingering concern remains for weak basal facets in specific areas that are shaded and have a shallow snowpack.
Gusty wind has transported snow into windslabs at all elevations. In southern and western parts of the region, 40-50 cm of recent snow sits of a highly reactive weak layer comprising surface hoar (most prevalent in the west of the region), sugary facets on shady northerly aspects and sun crusts on solar aspects. This interface has started to react to human-triggering. Certain features of the reactivity, such as remote triggering and the ability to initiate avalanches on relatively low angled terrain, point to this weak layer shaping up to be quite dangerous. In areas further north, less snow has fallen on this interface--in the northern Elk Valley for instance, only around 15-20 cm lies above this interface. In lower snow areas, avalanche activity will likely lag behind higher snow areas, except for areas which have seen significant wind transport. In general, the mid-pack is quite strong in most locations. However, lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.
Generally, up to 35 cm of new snow sits over a strong melt freeze crust that exists below 1000m on all aspects, and over wind-pressed powder on shaded alpine features. Facets and surface hoar have been found sandwiched between the newer snow and the old surfaces at treeline and below. This surface hoar seems to be more predominant in inland areas. Where it exists, this layer has started to become reactive under the new load and slab development. I suspect this will continue as the forecast snow and wind continues. If forecast sunny skies prevail Thursday afternoon, keep an eye on solar slopes, and watch for deterioration within the snowpack. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Check out our Forecaster's Blog for some insight on incremental loading.
About 25 cm of snow that fell over the past week sit on a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include: melt-freeze crusts that exist on all aspects at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes higher up and well-settled powder on shaded aspects in the alpine. Weak surface hoar crystals (size 3-4mm) are sandwiched between the old surfaces and the newer snow and have recently shown easy compression test results. The distribution of the surface hoar seems to be up to treeline on all aspects and on sheltered features in the alpine. This upper snow pack structure will be the big thing to watch as the overlying slab develops.  I expect to see gradually increasing reactivity in the surface hoar interface with incremental loading and higher winds forecast for this week. Check out our Forecaster's Blog for some insight on incremental loading and the "Tipping Point" The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.
Strong gusty wind has transported snow into a thick slab in the alpine and at treeline. The upper snowpack structure is very complex. There are buried layers of surface hoar, buried melt-freeze crusts, and some buried crusts with facets. These weak sliding layers are buried anywhere from 30 - 70 cm by several different storm layers. There are some shears in the storm layers on decomposed and fragmented snow crystals. As the snow above the surface hoar layers settles into a cohesive slab, we are seeing easier and more sudden shears that are a bit deeper. The surface hoar is more likely to produce wider propagations, and lower angle fractures in areas where it is associated with a crust. The crust has been reported to be 2-3 cm thick in some areas. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
Another 10-15 cm combined with very strong northwest winds has added to the 30-60 cm of snow that is sitting on top of a highly reactive persistent weak layer (PWL), comprising large surface hoar in sheltered areas and a sun crust on solar aspects. This PWL is now right at the critical depth where triggering is very likely and resulting avalanches could easily be large enough to bury, injure or kill a person. Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. Alpine winds have been strong enough to blow snow around, adding a touchy wind slab problem into the mix behind exposed terrain features in the alpine. In shallow snowpack areas concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets. Treeline snowpack depths are approximately 230 cm.
Snowpack obs from Fraser Wx Plot, 900m location.  20 cms of F-4F HST overlies a progressively stregthening mid-pack (1F-P).  1F facets lies over the Dec 5th crust that is continuing to break down at 115cms depth.  Below this a series of crusts and facets (4F-1F) is found to ground.  Compression tests produced moderate SP results down 15cms (on preserved stellars) and 20cms.
Variable Hn totals of 10 to 15cm at TL overnight. Total of 35 to 55cm overlies the Valentine's layers. Easy shears persist.
We should see new wind slabs and storm slabs developing through the day on Friday. This new snow may not bond well to the previous snow surface. The mid and lower snowpack is strong and well settled with the snowpack depth exceeding 300cm above 1200m.
Moderate west-northwest winds have created weak wind slabs in exposed alpine and treeline terrain. Up to 70cm of new snow now sits on the February 16th Surface Hoar layer and is slowly settling into a cohesive slab.  The February 8th weakness is now down 80-100cm. This layer is a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south & west facing aspects a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust likely has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer 40-60cm under the snow surface. These buried weaknesses have made conditions very tricky with the potential for triggering in lower angle terrain and from a distance. It is should be noted that large cornices remain widespread throughout the region and may fail as temperatures fluctuate over the next few days.
Wind slabs continue to grow in exposed terrain in response to moderate SW-NW winds. 30-60cm of storm snow has now settled into a cohesive slab and overlies the Feb. 9 weakness, which includes surface hoar and/or a crust. This surface hoar layer may be widespread in some areas, while others have reported it being confined to shady aspects at treeline and in the alpine. A melt-freeze crust can be found down 50-70cm on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1600 metres. In some areas this melt-freeze crust has facets above or below it. The mid-pack is generally well settled. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Moderate west-northwest winds have created dense wind slabs in exposed terrain at all elevations. Up to 60cm of new snow now sits on the February 16th Surface Hoar layer and is slowly settling into a cohesive slab.  The February 8th weakness is now down 70-90cm. This layer is a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south & west facing aspects a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust likely has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has at least one weak layer 60-90cm under the snow surface. Conditions are very tricky right now and it may be possible to trigger avalanches in lower angle terrain or from a distance. It should be noted that large cornices remain widespread throughout the region and may fail with fluctuating temperatures this week.
Generally, up to 35 cm of new snow sits over a strong melt freeze crust that exists below 1000m on all aspects, and over wind-pressed powder on shaded alpine features. Facets and spotty surface hoar have been found sandwiched between the newer snow and the old surfaces at treeline and below. This surface hoar seems to be more predominant in inland areas. Where it exists, this layer has started to become reactive under the new load and slab development. I suspect this will continue as the forecast snow and wind continues. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Check out our Forecaster's Blog for some insight on incremental loading. A Special Avalanche Warning has been issued for the North Coast Inland, and Interior regions of BC. Some of these problems may exist in the eastern parts of your region, but reports suggest it's not a widespread problem. Keep yourself informed and up to date by reading the current avalanche bulletins, the special warning, and be aware of the snowpack conditions in your "local" mountains.
Very strong winds transported snow into stiff windslabs about 20 cm deep. Warm temperatures and brief periods of sunshine may have moistened snow on southerly aspects up to about 1600 metres. The February 9th surface hoar is buried down 40-50 and reported to be very easy to see in a pit wall. This PWL is now right at the critical depth where triggering is very likely, and resulting avalanches could easily be large enough to bury, injure or kill a person. Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. The mid-pack below this weak layer is quite strong in most locations. Lingering concern remains for weak basal facets in specific areas that are shaded and have a shallow snowpack.
Gusty wind has transported snow into windslabs at all elevations. In southern and western parts of the region, 40-50 cm of recent snow sits of a highly reactive weak layer of crusts, surface hoar and facets. At 1950 metres elevation we have some snow pack test results that show that the 40 cm slab of snow above the February 8th weak layer is sliding with easy to moderate forces applied and it is propagating widely with either sudden planar or sudden collapse characteristics. The slab is reported to be less consolidated on northerly aspects than it is on southerly aspects. In areas further north, less snow has fallen on this interface--in the northern Elk Valley for instance, only around 15-20 cm lies above this interface. In lower snow areas, avalanche activity will likely lag behind higher snow areas, except for areas which have seen significant wind transport. In general, the mid-pack is quite strong in most locations. However, lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.
Strong gusty wind has transported snow into a thick slab in the alpine and at treeline. The upper snowpack structure is very complex. There are buried layers of surface hoar, buried melt-freeze crusts, and some buried crusts with facets. These weak sliding layers are buried anywhere from 30 - 70 cm by several different storm layers. There are some shears in the storm layers on decomposed and fragmented snow crystals. As the snow above the surface hoar layers settles into a cohesive slab, we are seeing easier and more sudden shears that are a bit deeper. The surface hoar is more likely to produce wider propagations, and lower angle fractures in areas where it is associated with a crust. The crust has been reported to be 2-3 cm thick in some areas. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
New snow and wind have formed wind slabs at higher elevations on NW-NE slopes. These wind slabs sit on a variety of old snow surfaces. These old surfaces are now 30-45cm down and include crusts that exist on all aspects at lower elevations and on steep solar aspects higher up. Facets (sugary snow crystals) and spotty surface hoar (feathery snow crystals) may also exist in combination with crusts, so there may be slab reactivity at lower elevations. With more storm snow and wind in the forecast the new load may have a poor bond to the underlying buried surfaces. The mid and lower snowpack are strong and well settled. The average treeline snowpack depth is about 240cm.
About 25 cm of snow that fell over the past week sit on a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include: melt-freeze crusts that exist on all aspects at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes higher up and well-settled powder on shaded aspects in the alpine. Weak surface hoar crystals (size 3-4mm) are sandwiched between the old surfaces and the newer snow and have recently shown easy compression test results. The distribution of the surface hoar seems to be up to treeline on all aspects and on sheltered features in the alpine. This upper snow pack structure will be the big thing to watch as the overlying slab develops.  I expect to see increasing reactivity in the surface hoar interface. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.The warning signs are clear and a large avalanche cycle has started in the Interior BC regions. I suspect with forecast weather, and similar weak layers in the snowpack, the NW Inland may start to see an avalanche cycle. Please read our Special Avalanche Warning, and visit our Forecaster's Blog for more detailed information.
Over the past week 20-30 cm of new snow fell over the Duffy Lake area, this snow fell incrementally and low density. The Coquihalla has seen up to 50 cm. This new snow has buried a variety of old snow surfaces. The old surfaces include: melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below 1700m and on steep solar aspects higher up, surface hoar (feather like crystals),  old wind slabs, and facets (sugary crystals), which exist on north aspects as well as around crusts. I suspect these buried weak layers will become naturally reactive with forecast snow and wind, and the slopes that don't slide naturally may be ripe, waiting for a rider trigger. Below this sits a well settled snowpack, with treeline snowpack depths near 250cm. Test results on the Duffy today shows RB4 down 35cm on 3mm Surface Hoar, sudden planar results. The warning signs are clear and a large avalanche cycle has started in the interior regions. Please visit our Forecaster's Blog for more detailed information. To view recent photos of this buried surface hoar in the Coquihalla area please check out this link:http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/library/avalanche-image-galleries/avalanches2012
About 10 cm on Wednesday night combined with the 10-15 from Tuesday night and strong gusty northwest winds have created widespread windslabs in open areas at all elevations. The snow from the past few days has added to the load which is sitting above the weak layers that developed during the early February drought. There is about 50-80 cm above these persistent weak layers (PWL) of crusts, surface hoar, and facets. Snowpack tests show that the slab above the PWL is sliding easily with sudden planar or sudden collapse characteristics. Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. In shallow snowpack areas concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets. Treeline snowpack depths are approximately 230 cm.
40-50cm of HST is now overlying the 0213SH/CR layer.  This layer is still reactive to light loads such as a skier.  Continue to get reports of shooting cracks from people travelling in open wind affected terrain.
SH observed on the drive at road elevation for Carcros to Tutshi Lake. Area observed:  Summit Creek, Fraser Chutes. New snow bonding well.  No evidence of buried 120221 SH although may exist in isolated pockets on sheltered north aspects above TL.  Several soft slab instabilities found on wind loaded features produced easy to moderate sudden planer results in the top 60cm.
0213SH layer down 40-50cm at treeline.  In the Fishermans ridge area, SH was 10mm big and standing up tall.  CTE(2)SP down 40cm on this interface.  Mid pack well settled.  Lots of cracking and settlements while traveling along ridge crest.  Total HS at this area was 160cm.
Over the past week up to 40 cm of new snow fell over the Duffey Lake area, this snow fell incrementally and low density. The Coquihalla has seen up to 50 cm. This new snow has buried a variety of old snow surfaces. The old surfaces include: melt-freeze crusts on all aspects below 1700m and on steep solar aspects higher up, surface hoar (feather like crystals), old wind slabs, and facets (sugary crystals), which exist on north aspects as well as around crusts. I suspect these buried weak layers will become naturally reactive with forecast snow and wind, and the slopes that don't slide naturally may be ripe, waiting for a rider trigger. Below this sits a well settled snowpack, with treeline snowpack depths near 250cm. Test results on the Duffey yesterday shows RB5 - whole block down 22cm, sudden planar results. The warning signs are clear and a large avalanche cycle has started in the interior regions. Please visit our Forecaster's Blog for more detailed information. To view recent photos of this buried surface hoar in the Coquihalla area please check out this link: http://www.avalanche.ca/cac/library/avalanche-image-galleries/avalanches2012
Gusty wind has transported snow into windslabs at all elevations. In southern and western parts of the region, 40-50 cm of recent snow sits of a highly reactive weak layer of crusts, surface hoar and facets. At 1950 metres elevation we have some snow pack test results that show that the 40 cm slab of snow above the February 8th weak layer is sliding with easy to moderate forces applied and it is propagating widely with either sudden planar or sudden collapse characteristics. The slab is reported to be less consolidated on northerly aspects than it is on southerly aspects. In areas further north, less snow has fallen on this interface--in the northern Elk Valley for instance, only around 15-20 cm lies above this interface. In lower snow areas, avalanche activity will likely lag behind higher snow areas, except for areas which have seen significant wind transport. In general, the mid-pack is quite strong in most locations. However, lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.
Light new snow and southeast winds during the day on Friday are forecast to become moderate southwest wind and moderate snowfall overnight resulting in about 15 cm. Recent strong gusty winds have developed stiff windslabs at all elevations. The upper snowpack structure is very complex. There are buried layers of surface hoar, buried melt-freeze crusts, and some buried crusts with facets. These weak sliding layers are buried anywhere from 30 - 70 cm by several different storm layers. There are some shears in the storm layers on decomposed and fragmented snow crystals. As the snow above the surface hoar layers settles into a cohesive slab, we are seeing easier and more sudden shears that are a bit deeper. The surface hoar is more likely to produce wider propagations, and lower angle fractures in areas where it is associated with a crust. The crust has been reported to be 2-3 cm thick in some areas. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
New windslabs are expected to develop above the recent stiff windslabs from earlier in the week. The February 9th surface hoar is buried down 40-50 and reported to be very easy to see in a pit wall. This PWL is now right at the critical depth where triggering is very likely, and resulting avalanches could easily be large enough to bury, injure or kill a person. Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. The mid-pack below this weak layer is quite strong in most locations. Lingering concern remains for weak basal facets in specific areas that are shaded and have a shallow snowpack.
Generally, up to 45 cm of new snow sits over a strong melt freeze crust that exists below 1000m on all aspects, and over wind-pressed powder on shaded alpine features. Facets and spotty surface hoar have been found sandwiched between the newer snow and the old surfaces at treeline and below. This surface hoar is not completely widespread, but is responsible for much of the recent activity. In deeper areas or areas with a bit more wind loading, it is buried by as much as 70cm. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong. Check out our Forecaster's Blog for some insight on incremental loading.A Special Avalanche Warning has been issued for the North Coast and Interior regions of BC. Click on the link above for more information.
Up to 30cm of new  snow has fallen over the past week, and  sits on a variety of old surfaces. These surfaces include: melt-freeze crusts that exist on all aspects at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes higher up and well-settled powder on shaded aspects in the alpine. Weak surface hoar crystals (size 3-4mm) are sandwiched between the old surfaces and the newer snow and have recently shown easy compression test results. The distribution of the surface hoar seems to be up to treeline on all aspects and on sheltered features in the alpine. This upper snow pack structure will be the big thing to watch as the overlying slab develops.  I expect to see increasing reactivity in the surface hoar interface. The mid and lower snowpack are generally well settled and strong.There is a Special Public Avalanche Warning in place for most of the province, including the Northwest Inland area.
Light new snow is falling across the region today and is expected to continue overnight and into Saturday. This new snow will add to the load above the highly reactive persistent weak layer (PWL), comprising large surface hoar in sheltered areas and a sun crust on solar aspects. This PWL is now buried by about 40-80 cm and resulting avalanches could easily be large enough to bury, injure or kill a person. Snowpack tests on the PWL in the Kootenay Pass area were showing ECTP Moderate down 70 cm. Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. Recent very strong winds have created stiff windslabs that have been cracking and propagating long fractures. The new snow may make it difficult to identify these windslabs especially in openings at treeline and below. In the alpine there may be enough wind to create new windslabs that are softer and probably will not bond well to the old surface. In shallow snowpack areas concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets. Treeline snowpack depths are approximately 230 cm.
An intense storm will likely bring up to 30cm of new snow by Saturday morning accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds. Expect new deep windslabs on North through East facing terrain at treeline and in the alpine. These new slabs sit on a variety of old, wind modified surfaces. At lower elevations there are crusts in the midpack and protected areas harbour isolated patches of surface hoar. Below this, the lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
Snow pack observations taken from treeline (1450m) on a NW aspect near Mt. Anderson in the Wheaton Valley.  A series of 4F to 1F old wind slabs sits on a weak (F) mid-pack of facets.  Depth Hoar to size 5mm is found as the basal layer.  Typical HS at treeline is 80-100cms.  Alpine meadows were scoured and isolated pockets of wind slab on lee features.
New snow (probably close to 50cm by Saturday morning) sits on a hard rain crust at lower elevations and old snow and dense wind slabs near ridge top. Wind slabs, up to 100cm deep, are likely in exposed leeward terrain at all elevations. There is a layer of large graupel crystals just above the crust creating a very weak bond between the crust and the new snow. This weakness may take a little longer than usual to gain strength.
Strong and variable winds have created weak wind slabs on a variety of aspects at all elevations. Up to 80cm of new snow now sits on the February 16th Surface Hoar layer. The February 8th weakness is now down 90-120cm. This layer is a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south & west facing aspects a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust likely has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer 40-60cm under the snow surface. These buried weaknesses have made conditions very tricky with the potential for triggering in lower angle terrain and from a distance. It is should be noted that large cornices remain widespread throughout the region and may fail as temperatures fluctuate over the next few days.
Strong and variable winds have created deep and weak wind slabs on a variety of aspects at all elevations. 40-90cm of storm snow has now settled into a cohesive slab and overlies the Feb. 9 weakness, which includes surface hoar and/or a crust. This surface hoar layer may be widespread in some areas, while others have reported it being confined to shady aspects at treeline and in the alpine. A melt-freeze crust can be found down 60-90cm on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1600 meters. In some areas this melt-freeze crust has facets above or below it. Snowpack tests on these layers have generally given easy to moderate "pops or drops" results. There is potential for easy triggering and very wide propagation. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Strong and variable winds have created weak wind slabs on a variety of aspects at all elevations. Up to 80cm of new snow now sits on the February 16th Surface Hoar layer. The February 8th weakness is now down 90-120cm. This layer is a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south & west facing aspects a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust likely has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer 40-60cm under the snow surface. These buried weaknesses have made conditions very tricky with the potential for triggering in lower angle terrain and from a distance. It is should be noted that large cornices remain widespread throughout the region and may fail as temperatures fluctuate over the next few days.
50-60cm of snow which fell mainly on Friday landed on a supportive rain crust, with graupel sitting above the crust. Initially a very weak bond was reported at this interface. Observations on Saturday suggest that the snow overlying the crust has gained considerable strength and has become resistant to triggers. Winds loaded mainly north, north-west and west aspects during the storm.
Deep wind slabs have formed on a variety of aspects at all elevations. Up to 1m of new snow now sits on the February 16th surface hoar layer. The February 8th interface is now down 100-140cm. This layer is a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south- and west-facing aspects, a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust probably has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer in the upper snowpack. These buried weaknesses have made conditions very tricky with the potential for triggering in low-angled terrain and from a distance. Large cornices remain widespread throughout the region.
About 15cm of light new snow and light winds created a blanket of dry light snow above the recent stiff windslabs. The upper snowpack structure is very complex. There are buried layers of surface hoar, buried melt-freeze crusts, and some buried crusts with facets. These weak sliding layers are buried anywhere from 40 - 80 cm by several different storm layers. There are some shears in the storm layers on decomposed and fragmented snow crystals. As the snow above the surface hoar layers settles into a cohesive slab, we are seeing easier and more sudden shears that are a bit deeper. The surface hoar is more likely to produce wider propagations, and lower angle fractures in areas where it is associated with a crust. The crust has been reported to be 2-3 cm thick in some areas. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
The new snow overnight was a bit heavier than the snow during the day on Friday. This caused an easy to very easy shear down 25-30 cm on all aspects at all elevations. New snow and soft windslabs have developed with the addition of 30 cm in the past 24 hours. The new snow has combined with the stiff windslabs from earlier in the week to develop a slab of about 80 cm above the Feb 09 persistent weak layer (PWL). Some reports show that there is now 85 mm of water equivalent above the PWL. The slab above the PWL may have not consolidated enough to cause very large avalanches, but we expect that will happen soon. The weak layer is widespread and propagating wide fractures. In the next few days as the new snow settles the chance of larger less frequent avalanches increases. The upper metre of the snowpack is complex. Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. The mid-pack below this weak layer is quite strong in most locations. Lingering concern remains for weak basal facets in specific areas that are shaded and have a shallow snowpack.
In southern and western parts of the region, 50-60 cm of recent snow sits on a highly reactive weak layer of crusts, surface hoar and facets. At 1950 metres elevation we have some snow pack test results that show that the 40 cm slab of snow above the February 8th weak layer is sliding with easy to moderate forces applied and it is propagating widely with either sudden planar or sudden collapse characteristics. The slab is reported to be less consolidated on northerly aspects than it is on southerly aspects. In areas further north, less snow has fallen on this interface--in the northern Elk Valley for instance, only around 15-20 cm lies above this interface. In lower snow areas, avalanche activity will likely lag behind higher snow areas, except for areas which have seen significant wind transport. In general, the mid-pack is quite strong in most locations. However, lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.
35cm of new snow fell in the last 24hrs, bringing the total storm accumulations to around 60cm. This storm was accompanied by moderate to locally strong southerly winds, yielding intense slab production on North through East facing terrain at treeline and in the alpine. This new snow overlies a variety of wind modified surfaces, crusts at lower elevations and small islands of surface hoar in sheltered areas. Easy shears are present in the new storm snow (graupel down 30cm) and at the old interface (facets down 60). Below this, the mid and lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
In the west side of the Duffey lake region up to 20cm of new snow fell in the last 24 hours, while on the east side the values are roughly half that. The Coquihalla area received roughly 30cm. This brings the recent storm values up to 40/30/60 respectively. The southerly winds have lee loaded open treeline and alpine terrain that faces north through east. Compounding the wind slabbing, the increasing temperatures have settled much of the storm snow into a cohesive storm slab, especially at treeline and below. The new snow sits on a variety of surfaces including crusts at lower elevations, surface hoar in protected areas and hard windslabs in the alpine. Below this the lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
Between 10-25cm of new snow fell in the most recent storm pulse. This adds to the previous storm snow, with 45-60 cm being an average amount over the mid February layers. These layers are a strong melt freeze crust at lower elevations (below 1000m) and wind effected snow higher in the alpine while between these elevations, the interface varies wildly from facets, surface hoar, sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the recent avalanche activity. With the additional wind loading, pockets as deep as 90cm are possible on lee features. Recent changes in wind direction have exacerbated the wind slab issue, with slabbing now reacting on south facing terrain features. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Up to 15cm of new snow fell in the most recent storm pulse. This adds to the previous storm snow, with 45 cm being an average amount over the mid February layers. These layers are a strong melt freeze crust at lower elevations and wind effected snow higher in the alpine while between these elevations, the interface varies wildly from facets, surface hoar, sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the recent avalanche activity. With the additional wind loading, pockets as deep as 60cm are possible on lee features.
Strong and variable winds have created deep wind slabs on a variety of aspects at all elevations. A further 20-30cm brings storm snow totals to 60-110cm, which has now settled into a cohesive slab above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the Feb. 9 weakness, which includes surface hoar and/or a crust. This Feb 9 surface hoar layer may be widespread in some areas, while others have reported it being confined to shady aspects at treeline and in the alpine. A melt-freeze crust can be found down 60-90cm on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1600m. In some areas this melt-freeze crust has facets above or below it. Snowpack tests on these layers have generally given easy to moderate "pops or drops" results. There is potential for easy triggering and very wide propagation. There is some concern that large loads like cornices may trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer. Some shallow snowpack areas may continue to have a weak layer of basal facets near the ground.
Deep wind slabs have formed on a variety of aspects at all elevations. Up to 1m of new snow now sits on the February 16th surface hoar layer. The February 8th interface is down 100-140cm. This interface is a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south- and west -facing aspects, a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust probably has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer in the upper snowpack. These buried weaknesses have made conditions very tricky with the potential for triggering in low-angled terrain and from a distance. Large cornices remain widespread throughout the region.
About 30 cm of light new snow has added to the load above the highly reactive persistent weak layer (PWL), comprising large surface hoar in sheltered areas and a sun crust on solar aspects. This PWL is now buried by about 40-80 cm and resulting avalanches could easily be large enough to bury, injure or kill a person. Snowpack tests on the PWL in the Kootenay Pass area were showing ECTP Moderate down 70 cm. Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. Strong winds earlier in the week have created stiff windslabs that have been cracking and propagating long fractures. The new snow may make it difficult to identify these windslabs especially in openings at treeline and below. In the alpine there may be enough wind to create new windslabs that are softer and probably will not bond well to the old surface. In shallow snowpack areas concerns remain for the mid-December persistent weakness down around 80-100cm and for basal facets. Treeline snowpack depths are approximately 230 cm.
7cm Hn. At 2000m 120213 layers buried 30cm. CTE(1)(SP) down 30cm on SH.
Up to 15cm Hn at TL continues to overload the 120213 layers now buried 40 to 70cm. Recent stability tests confirm that the 120213 SH remains very reactive.
Another 8cm of dry light snow overnight brings the new storm total to about 20-25 cm of dry light snow above the recent stiff windslabs. The upper snowpack structure is very complex. There are buried layers of surface hoar, buried melt-freeze crusts, and some buried crusts with facets. These weak sliding layers are buried anywhere from 40 - 80 cm by several different storm layers. There are some shears in the storm layers on decomposed and fragmented snow crystals. As the snow above the surface hoar layers settles into a cohesive slab, we are seeing easier and more sudden shears that are a bit deeper. The surface hoar is more likely to produce wider propagations, and lower angle fractures in areas where it is associated with a crust. The crust has been reported to be 2-3 cm thick in some areas. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
Up to 80 cm of very dry light new snow in the past 24 hours. The new snow was very touchy and releasing as point releases and soft slabs on all aspects and at all elevations. The new storm snow is expected to consolidate into a slab and combine with the recent snow to bury the Feb surface hoar by about 100-120 cm. There is a lot of new snow available for transport if the forecast northeast winds are stronger than expected. Solar radiation on Monday may also cause a natural avalanche cycle in the storm snow on southerly aspects.
Moisture in the west of the region collided with cold air in the east and resulted in an intense period of heavy snowfall that was very low density. This new snow should settle with daytime warming and add to the 50-60 cm of recent snow that sits on a highly reactive weak layer of crusts, surface hoar and facets. At 1950 metres elevation we have some snow pack test results from Friday that show that the 40 cm slab of snow above the February 8th weak layer is sliding with easy to moderate forces applied and it is propagating widely with either sudden planar or sudden collapse characteristics. The slab is reported to be less consolidated on northerly aspects than it is on southerly aspects. In areas further north, less snow has fallen on this interface--in the northern Elk Valley for instance, only around 15-20 cm lies above this interface. In lower snow areas, avalanche activity will likely lag behind higher snow areas, except for areas which have seen significant wind transport. In general, the mid-pack is quite strong in most locations. However, lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.
Another 15cm of new snow brings the total settled storm snow to around 60cm. This storm was initially accompanied by moderate to locally strong south and west winds, yielding intense slab production on North through East facing terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Windslab releases on north facing terrain have been as deep as 100cm. At the tail end of the storm, winds turned northerly, loading exposed south facing terrain. The new snow overlies a variety of wind modified surfaces, crusts at lower elevations and small islands of surface hoar in sheltered areas. Easy shears persist in the new storm snow (decomposing fragments down 25cm) while the deeper interface (down 60cm) is beginning to show signs of improved bonding. Below this, the mid and lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
Recent storm snow totals in the Duffey Lakes is 15-25cm while in the Coquihalla summit area it's 30-40cm. In both areas, this overlies a previous 40cm. This most recent interface is yielding easy results and the new storm snow is reactive to rider traffic. The southerly winds have lee loaded open treeline and alpine terrain that faces north through east. The mid February interface (down roughly 60cm) includes crusts at lower elevations, surface hoar in protected areas and hard windslabs in the alpine. Below this the lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
Between 10-25cm of new snow fell in the most recent storm pulse. This adds to the previous storm snow, with 45-60 cm being an average amount over the mid February layers. Recent clear skies have created a sun crust on south facing terrain into the alpine.The mid February layers are a strong melt freeze crust at lower elevations (below 1000m) and wind effected snow higher in the alpine while between these elevations, the interface varies wildly from facets, surface hoar, sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the recent avalanche activity. With the additional wind loading, pockets as deep as 90cm are possible on lee features. Recent outflow winds have exacerbated the wind slab issue, building reactive slabs on south facing terrain features. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Between 10-30cm of new snow fell in the most recent storm pulse. This adds to the previous storm snow, with 45-60 cm being an average amount over the mid February layers. Recent, intermittent clear skies have created a sun crust on south facing terrain into the alpine.The mid February layers are a strong melt freeze crust at lower elevations (below 1000m) and wind effected snow higher in the alpine while between these elevations, the interface varies wildly from facets, surface hoar, sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the recent avalanche activity. With the additional wind loading, pockets as deep as 70cm are possible on lee features. To compound the wind slab issue, recent winds have been northerly, building reactive slabs on south facing terrain features. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Another 20 cm of dry light new snow on Saturday night and Sunday morning has combined with 30 cm from Saturday morning to add to the load above the highly reactive persistent weak layer (PWL), comprising large surface hoar in sheltered areas and a sun crust on solar aspects. This PWL is now buried by about 100 cm and resulting avalanches could easily be large enough to bury, injure or kill a person. Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. Strong winds earlier in the week have created stiff windslabs that have been cracking and propagating long fractures. The new snow may make it difficult to identify these windslabs especially in openings at treeline and below. In the alpine there may be enough wind to create new windslabs that are softer and probably will not bond well to the old surface.
50-60cm of snow which fell mainly on Friday appears to have bonded well. A rain crust sits below the storm snow, with graupel sitting above the crust. Winds loaded mainly north, north-west and west aspects during the storm. Observers say that although wind slabs and cornices exist, they are also difficult to trigger.
Deep wind slabs exist on many aspects at all elevations. Storm snow totals range from about 60-140cm above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the Feb. 8 interface. The Feb. 8 interface is a combination of weak layers: in most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south- and west -facing aspects, a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust probably has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer in the upper snowpack. Recent remote and natural triggering indicates the touchy nature of these weaknesses. Large cornices threaten many slopes.
Deep wind slabs exist on many aspects at all elevations. Storm snow totals range from about 60-140cm above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the Feb. 9 surface hoar/ crust. The Feb. 9 surface hoar layer is widespread in some areas, while in others it's confined to shady aspects at treeline and in the alpine. A buried melt-freeze crust can be found on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1600m. Snowpack tests on upper snowpack layers generally give easy to moderate "pops or drops" results. Recent remote and natural triggering further indicates the touchy nature of these weaknesses. Large cornices exist, which could trigger the Jan. 20th facet layer if they fall. Shallow snowpack areas may still harbour basal facets.
Deep wind slabs exist on many aspects at all elevations. Storm snow totals range from about 60-140cm above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the Feb. 8 interface. The Feb. 8 interface is a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south- and west -facing aspects, a sun crust that formed during the drought was also buried on Feb. 8th. This crust probably has a bit of faceting below it too, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer in the upper snowpack. Recent remote and natural triggering indicates the touchy nature of these weaknesses.
Average of 5cm Hn at TL. Extensive wind affect in ALP with large cornice growth and isolated wind affect at TL. Widespread whumpfing, cracking and Sr in moderate terrain at TL. Profile at 2300m, Hs = 200cm, CTM(12)(SC) down 50cm on 120213 SH, P density midpack overlies P- density basal FC/DH. Isolated solar affect os steep SW asp BTL only.
50-60cm of snow which fell mainly on Friday appears to have bonded well. A rain crust sits below the storm snow, with graupel sitting above the crust. Winds loaded mainly north, north-west and west aspects during the storm. Observers say that although wind slabs and cornices exist, they are also difficult to trigger.
Recent storm snow totals of about 60-140cm sit above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the early Feb interface. The early Feb interface is a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south- and west -facing aspects, a sun crust was also buried at the same time, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer in the upper snowpack. Deep wind slabs exist on many aspects and cornices are large. Upper snowpack persistent weak layers are still very touchy, as evidenced by scores of remote and human-triggered avalanches over the past several days. Cornice fall and solar warming are my top current picks for further natural triggering of these weak layers, while human/machine-triggering remains likely on a variety of slopes.
Saturday night into Sunday, moisture in the west of the region collided with cold air in the east and resulted in an intense period of heavy snowfall that was very low density. This new snow has likely settled a bit with daytime warming Monday.  Now 50-60 cm of recent snow sits on a highly reactive weak layer of crusts, surface hoar and facets. At 1950 metres elevation we have some snow pack test results from Friday that show that the 40 cm slab of snow above the February 8th weak layer is sliding with easy to moderate forces applied and it is propagating widely with either sudden planar or sudden collapse characteristics. The slab is reported to be less consolidated on northerly aspects than it is on southerly aspects. In areas further north, less snow has fallen on this interface--in the northern Elk Valley for instance, only around 15-20 cm lies above this interface. In lower snow areas, avalanche activity will likely lag behind higher snow areas, except for areas which have seen significant wind transport. In general, the mid-pack is quite strong in most locations. However, lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.
Deep wind slabs exist on many aspects. Storm snow totals range from about 60-140cm above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the early Feb. surface hoar/ crust. The early Feb. surface hoar layer is widespread in some areas, while in others it's confined to shady aspects at treeline and in the alpine. A buried melt-freeze crust can be found on solar aspects at all elevations, and on all aspects below about 1600m. Snowpack tests on upper snowpack layers generally give easy to moderate "pops or drops" results. Ongoing remote and natural triggering further indicates the touchy nature of these weaknesses. Large cornices exist, which could trigger large avalanches on the Jan. 20th facet layer if they fall. Shallow snowpack areas may still harbour basal facets.
Recent storm snow totals of about 60-140cm sit above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the early Feb interface. The early Feb interface is a combination of weak layers: In most locations it marks a widespread surface hoar layer. On steep south- and west -facing aspects, a sun crust was also buried at the same time, meaning that most terrain in the region has a weak layer in the upper snowpack. Deep wind slabs exist on many aspects and cornices are large. Upper snowpack persistent weak layers are still very touchy, as evidenced by scores of remote and human-triggered avalanches over the past several days. Cornice fall and solar warming are my top current picks for further natural triggering of these weak layers, while human/machine-triggering remains likely on a variety of slopes.
Another 8cm of dry light snow overnight brings the new storm total to about 20-25 cm of dry light snow above the recent stiff windslabs. The upper snowpack structure is very complex. There are buried layers of surface hoar, buried melt-freeze crusts, and some buried crusts with facets. These weak sliding layers are buried anywhere from 40 - 80 cm by several different storm layers. There are some shears in the storm layers on decomposed and fragmented snow crystals. As the snow above the surface hoar layers settles into a cohesive slab, we are seeing easier and more sudden shears that are a bit deeper. The surface hoar is more likely to produce wider propagations, and lower angle fractures in areas where it is associated with a crust. The crust has been reported to be 2-3 cm thick in some areas. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
Up to 120 cm of very dry light new snow in the past 24 hours. The new snow was very touchy and releasing as point releases and soft slabs on all aspects and all elevations. The new storm snow is expected to consolidate into a slab and combine with the recent snow to bury the mid February surface hoar by about 100-120 cm. There is a lot of new snow available for transport if the forecast west winds verify on Tuesday.  Skies should be clear at dawn Tuesday, but cloud is forecasted to build into the region Tuesday afternoon.  The sun is gaining strength as we close the chapter on February, so if the forecasted clouds don't verify, we could see a solar induced natural avalanche cycle on south & west facing aspects.
The recent total settled storm snow is near 60cm. This storm was initially accompanied by moderate to locally strong south and west winds, creating intense slab production on North through East facing terrain at treeline and in the alpine. Wind slab releases on north facing terrain have been as deep as 100cm. At the end of the storm winds turned northerly, and intense reverse loading occurred on southerly aspects. Reports indicate the new wind slabs are not bonding well to the southerly scoured, sun crust surfaces. All this new snow sits on a variety of old surfaces. These include melt-freeze crusts at lower elevations and spotty areas of surface hoar in sheltered areas. Steep south aspects in the alpine also host a buried sun crust. Easy shears persist in the new storm snow (decomposing fragments down 25cm) and at the deeper interface (down 60cm). Below this, the mid and lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
Recent storm snow totals in the Duffey Lakes is 30-40cm while in the Coquihalla summit area it's 30-40cm. In both areas, this overlies a previous 40cm. This most recent interface is within the new storm snow, producing easy test results and very reactive to rider triggers.The southerly winds have lee loaded open treeline and alpine terrain that faces north through east. The mid February interface (down roughly 60cm) includes crusts at lower elevations, surface hoar in protected areas and hard wind slabs in the alpine. Below this the lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
Over the weekend new snow up to 25 cm fell. Generally, this has left us with a 45-60 cm sitting above the mid February layers. Recent clear, sunny skies have created a sun crust on south facing terrain into the alpine.The aforementioned mid February layers consist of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, buried wind slabs near treeline and higher into the alpine while between these elevations the interface varies wildly from facets, surface hoar, sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar seems to be spotty but is responsible for much of the recent avalanche activity. Recent testing done on the SH layers produced CTM SP down 70-100m. With the additional wind loading, pockets as deep as 90cm are possible on lee features. Recent outflow winds have exacerbated the wind slab issue, building reactive slabs on south facing terrain features. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Up to 30 cm of new snow fell over the weekend. This adds to the previous storm snow, with 45-60 cm being an average amount over the mid February layers. Recent, intermittent clear skies have created a sun crust on south facing terrain into the alpine.The mid February layers are a strong melt freeze crust at lower elevations (below 1000m) and wind effected snow higher in the alpine while between these elevations, the interface varies wildly from facets, surface hoar, sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the recent avalanche activity. With the additional wind loading, pockets as deep as 70cm are possible on lee features. To compound the wind slab issue, recent winds have been northerly, building reactive slabs on south facing terrain features. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Another 20 cm of dry light new snow on Saturday night and Sunday morning has combined with 30 cm from Saturday morning to add to the load above the highly reactive persistent weak layer (PWL), comprising large surface hoar in sheltered areas and a sun crust on solar aspects. This PWL is now buried by about 100 cm and resulting avalanches could easily be large enough to bury, injure or kill a person. Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. Strong winds last week created stiff windslabs that have been cracking and propagating long fractures. The new snow may make it difficult to identify these windslabs especially in openings at treeline and below. In the alpine there may be enough wind to create new windslabs that are softer and probably will not bond well to the old surface.
Widespread whumpfing and cracking continued today at TL and below. Widespread wind affect ALP. Numerous snow profiles today giving consistent results at CTE(11)(SC) down 30 to 60cm on 120213 SH. Midpack remains strong at all sites. Basal FC/DH have gained significant strength where Hs is over 180cm, but remains weak in shallow snowpack areas.
20-25 cm of dry light snow rests above the recent stiff windslabs. The upper snowpack structure is very complex. There are buried layers of surface hoar, buried melt-freeze crusts, and some buried crusts with facets. These weak sliding layers are buried anywhere from 40 - 80 cm by several different storm layers. There are some shears in the storm layers on decomposed and fragmented snow crystals. As the snow above the surface hoar layers settles into a cohesive slab, we are seeing easier and more sudden shears that are a bit deeper. The surface hoar is more likely to produce wider propagations, and lower angle fractures in areas where it is associated with a crust. The crust has been reported to be 2-3 cm thick in some areas. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
Over the weekend new snow up to 25 cm fell. Generally, this has left us with a 45-60 cm sitting above the mid February layers. Recent clear, sunny skies have created a sun crust on south facing terrain into the alpine.The aforementioned mid February layers consist of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, buried wind slabs near treeline and higher into the alpine while between these elevations the interface varies wildly from facets, surface hoar, sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar seems to be spotty but is responsible for much of the recent avalanche activity. Recent testing done on the SH layers produced CTM SP down 70-100m. With the additional wind loading, pockets as deep as 90cm are possible on lee features. Recent outflow winds have exacerbated the wind slab issue, building reactive slabs on south facing terrain features. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Steady winds are transporting new snow, forming pockets of wind slab up to 70 cm deep on lee features. To compound the wind slab issue, recent winds have been northerly, building reactive slabs on south facing terrain features. Over the past weekend 30 cm of snow fell. This brings a total of 45-60 cm of snow over the mid February interface. This interface is variable and consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 100 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the recent avalanche activity. The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
Recent storm snow totals in the Duffey Lakes is 15-25cm while in the Coquihalla summit area its 30-40cm. Northerly winds have created reverse loading, and new wind slab problems on S-SW aspects. In both areas, the mid February interface is down approximately 60 cm below the surface. This includes crusts at lower elevations, and buried surface hoar in protected areas. This layer has been reactive to natural and rider triggers, especially around treeline elevations. Below this the lower snowpack is well bonded and strong. Solar radiation may be a factor on Thursday afternoon, avoid sunny slopes if you see obvious signs of snowpack deterioration ( natural avalanche activity, snowballing, moist and/or surface snow)
60-140cm recent storm snow is settling above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the early Feb. interface. The early Feb. interface consists of surface hoar (observed into the alpine, but most commonly found at and below treeline) and/or a crust (found on solar aspects, and on all aspects below about 1600m). These weaknesses are still very touchy in certain locations and can be triggered remotely or by light loads. Old and new wind slabs, which exist on a variety of slopes, could step down to a persistent weakness and create a surprisingly large avalanche. Large cornices loom in some areas. Shallow snowpack areas may still harbour basal facets.
Tricky snowpack conditions continue, which will require a high degree of training and judgement to evaluate safely. 60-140cm of recent storm snow is slowly settling/stiffening above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the early Feb interface. A storm snow weakness about half a metre down is touchy in some areas. The early Feb interface consists mainly of surface hoar (widespread) or a melt-freeze crust (on solar aspects). It is challenging to pin down exactly where you are most likely to trigger these persistent weaknesses. Some operators are most concerned around treeline, others on solar aspects, and others on almost any slope, including low-angled terrain. Remote, natural and human-triggered avalanches have been observed all over. You will need to investigate the snowpack in your local area to find and test these layers. Triggering wind slabs is becoming less likely, but they exist on many slopes and bury the upper snowpack weaknesses deeply in places.  Large cornices loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
Tricky snowpack conditions continue, which will require a high degree of training and judgement to evaluate safely. 60-140cm of recent storm snow is slowly settling/stiffening above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the early Feb interface. A storm snow weakness down about half a metre is touchy in some areas. The early Feb interface consists mainly of surface hoar (widespread) or a melt-freeze crust (on solar aspects). It is challenging to pin down exactly where you are most likely to trigger these persistent weaknesses. Some operators are most concerned around treeline, others on solar aspects, and others on almost any slope, including low-angled terrain. Remote, natural and human-triggered avalanches have been observed all over. You will need to investigate the snowpack in your local area to find and test these layers. Triggering wind slabs is becoming less likely, but they exist on many slopes and bury the upper snowpack weaknesses deeply in places.  Large cornices loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
Up to 120 cm of very dry light new snow fell last weekend.  The new snow was very touchy and releasing as point releases and soft slabs on all aspects and all elevations. 100 to 120 cm of storm snow now rests on the Feb. 08 SH as a result of the big storm.  There is a lot of new snow available for transport if the forecast west winds verify on Wednesday.  Cloudy skies should limit any kind of solar induced activity on Wednesday.
The weekend storm snow continues to sluff in steep open terrain, but the big story continues to be the buried surface hoar, now down an average of 100 cm below the snow surface.  Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed a bit, but it is still producing.  When it goes, it goes big as evidenced by Monday's observations (See Avalanche Observations below.)  This layer continues to produce size 3 avalanches which by definition are big enough to destroy a car or woodframe house.  Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain.  In the alpine there may be enough wind to create new windslabs that are softer and probably will not bond well to the old surface.
Shifting winds have created variable wind slabs. Be alert for these behind ridges and in gullies, especially as new snow may hide old wind slabs. The most recent storm snow appears to now be well bonded above an old rain crust. The lower snowpack consists of strong layers of thick crusts.
Saturday night into Sunday, moisture in the west of the region collided with cold air in the east and resulted in an intense period of heavy snowfall that was very low density. This new snow has likely settled a bit with daytime warming Monday.  Now 50-60 cm of recent snow sits on a reactive weak layer of crusts, surface hoar and facets. Our field team was in the Elk Valley North sub region, operating between 2000 & 2300m.  They reported weaknesses failing with moderate to hard shears down 60 cm.  It will be interesting to see what kind of results they get from their field days in the next 72 hours.  For the moment, we can assume that there is a slab of approx. 60 cm in depth in most of the region that is still prone to human triggering.  Below this, the mid-pack is quite strong in most locations. However, lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.
Due to switching winds, wind slabs can be found mainly on N-NE aspects and S-SW aspects in the alpine on exposed slopes at treeline. Reports indicate the new wind slabs are not bonding well to the southerly scoured, sun crust surfaces. The total settled storm snow is near 60cm and sits over a variety of old surfaces. These include melt-freeze crusts at lower elevations and spotty areas of surface hoar in sheltered treeline areas. Where they exist, they may act as sliding layers. Easy shears persist in the new storm snow down 25-40 cm with sudden planar results. The mid and lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
20-25 cm of dry light snow rests above the recent stiff windslabs. The upper snowpack structure is very complex. There are buried layers of surface hoar, buried melt-freeze crusts, and some buried crusts with facets. These weak sliding layers are buried anywhere from 40 - 80 cm by several different storm layers. There are some shears in the storm layers on decomposed and fragmented snow crystals. As the snow above the surface hoar layers settles into a cohesive slab, we are seeing easier and more sudden shears that are a bit deeper. The surface hoar is more likely to produce wider propagations, and lower angle fractures in areas where it is associated with a crust. The crust has been reported to be 2-3 cm thick in some areas. The mid-pack is generally well settled. Basal facets have not been reactive, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
5 cm of snow has fallen as of 3:00pm Wednesday.  This new snow is falling on surface hoar on shady aspects and a thin sun crust on solar aspects which will keep the sluffing problem alive in steep open terrain.  The big story continues to be the buried surface hoar, now down 60 - 120 cm below the snow surface.  Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed a bit, but it is still producing.  When it goes, it goes big.  This layer is growing more stubborn, but it is still more than capable of producing avalanches to size 3 which by definition are big enough to destroy a car or woodframe house.  Professionals throughout the region are treating this layer with extreme caution, since it is showing signs of remote triggering and the ability to propagate in low angled terrain. In the alpine there may be enough wind to create new windslabs that are softer and probably will not bond well to the old surface.
Up to 120 cm of very dry light new snow fell last weekend.  The new snow was very touchy and releasing as point releases and soft slabs on all aspects and all elevations. 100 to 120 cm of storm snow now rests on the Feb. 08 SH as a result of the big storm.
A good dump of snow dropped 15-40cm on the North Shore mountains on Tuesday and Wednesday. It landed on a melt-freeze crust, with a fair bond.  Easterly winds created wind slabs on west-facing slopes early in the storm. The lower snowpack consists of strong layers of thick crusts.
Tricky snowpack conditions continue, which will require a high degree of training and judgement to evaluate safely. 60-140cm of recent storm snow is slowly settling/stiffening above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the early Feb interface. A storm snow weakness down about half a metre is touchy in some areas. The early Feb interface consists mainly of surface hoar (widespread) or a melt-freeze crust (on solar aspects). It is challenging to pin down exactly where you are most likely to trigger these persistent weaknesses. Some operators are most concerned around treeline, others on solar aspects, and others on almost any slope, including low-angled terrain. Remote, natural and human-triggered avalanches have been observed all over. You will need to investigate the snowpack in your local area to find and test these layers. Triggering wind slabs is becoming less likely, but they exist on many slopes and bury the upper snowpack weaknesses deeply in places.  Large cornices loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
Due to changing winds, wind slabs can be found on N-NE aspects and S-SW aspects in the alpine on exposed slopes at treeline. Currently, up to 60cm of snow sits over the mid February interface. This interface is variable, it consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 1000 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it's susceptible to rider triggers. With forecast wind, snow and rising freezing levels this layer may show its wrath again. It's a good time to play conservatively. Below this, the mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Due to changing winds, wind slabs can be found on N-NE aspects and S-SW aspects in the alpine on exposed slopes at treeline. Currently, up to 60cm of snow sits over the mid February interface. This interface is variable, it consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 1000 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it's likely susceptible to rider triggers. With forecast wind, snow and rising freezing levels this layer may show its wrath again. It's a good time to play conservatively. Below this, the mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Recent storm snow has become somewhat less reactive above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the early Feb. interface, however these layers are still exhibiting sudden planar ("pops") results in snowpack tests. The early Feb. interface consists of surface hoar (observed into the alpine, but most commonly found at and below treeline) and/or a crust (found on solar aspects, and on all aspects below about 1600m). These weaknesses are tricky to manage, as they are still very touchy in certain locations, but the distribution of them is variable, so it's hard to know exactly which slopes are concealing these layers. Local snowpack observations and a suspicious attitude will be required to safely manage these conditions. Old and new wind slabs, which exist on a variety of slopes, could step down to a persistent weakness and create a surprisingly large avalanche. Large cornices loom in some areas. Shallow snowpack areas may still harbour basal facets. The current snow surface is developing spotty surface hoar, surface faceting and sun crusts, which may bond poorly with incoming snow this weekend.
Tricky snowpack conditions continue, which will require a high degree of training and judgement to evaluate safely. 60-140cm of recent storm snow is slowly settling/stiffening above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the early Feb interface. A storm snow weakness about half a metre down has become the main concern in some areas. The early Feb interface consists mainly of surface hoar (widespread) or a melt-freeze crust (on solar aspects). It is challenging to pin down exactly where you are most likely to trigger these persistent weaknesses. Some operators are most concerned around treeline, others on solar aspects, and others on almost any slope, including low-angled terrain. Remote, natural and human-triggered avalanches have been observed all over. You will need to investigate the snowpack in your local area to find and test these layers. Triggering wind slabs is becoming less likely, but they exist on many slopes and bury the upper snowpack weaknesses deeply in places.  Large cornices loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
Due to changing winds, wind slabs can be found on N-NE aspects and S-SW aspects in the alpine on exposed slopes at treeline. Reports indicate the new wind slabs are not bonding well to the southerly scoured, sun crust surfaces. The total settled storm snow is near 60cm and sits over a variety of old surfaces. These include melt-freeze crusts at lower elevations, old sun crusts on Southerly aspects into alpine elevations and spotty areas of surface hoar in sheltered treeline areas. Where they exist, they may act as sliding layers. Easy shears persist in the new storm snow down 25-40 cm with sudden planar results. The mid and lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
Saturday night into Sunday, moisture in the west of the region collided with cold air in the east and resulted in an intense period of heavy snowfall that was very low density. This new snow has likely settled a bit with daytime warming Monday.  Now 50-60 cm of recent snow sits on a reactive weak layer of crusts, surface hoar and facets.Our field team was in the Elk Valley North sub region, operating between 2000 & 2300m on Tuesday.  They reported weaknesses failing with moderate to hard shears down 60 cm.  It will be interesting to see what kind of results they get from their field days in the next 72 hours.  For the moment, we can assume that there is a slab of approx. 60 cm in depth in most of the region that is still prone to human triggering.Below this, the mid-pack is quite strong in most locations. However, lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.
Pockets of wind slab exist on multiple aspects and elevations from constant changing wind. Dribs and drabs of new snow fell over the week, while the main bulk of the storm snow is from last weekend. The Duffy saw up to 25 cm, and the Coquihalla saw near 40 cm. In both areas, the mid February interface is down approximately 60 cm below the surface. At the moment, this is the interface of concern which has created tricky snowpack conditions. This includes crusts at lower elevations, and buried surface hoar in protected areas. This layer has been reactive to natural and rider triggers, especially around treeline elevations producing large avalanches, and catching people by surprise. Below this the lower snowpack is well bonded and strong. Solar radiation may be a factor on Thursday afternoon, avoid sunny slopes if you see obvious signs of snowpack deterioration (natural avalanche activity, snowballing, moist and/or surface snow).
Snowpack obs taken from Weekly full profile at Fraser Wx Plot, 900m, sheltered TL elevation.  15cms of this weeks HST overlies a small layer of SH (Feb 21 SH, broken to size 2.0) down 18cms.  The mid pack of rounds gets progressively strong (1F-P).  The lower mid-pack, composed of facets continues to stregthen.  The 111205 Crust is down 115cms and facets to size 2.0 are found to ground.
Trace amount Hn overnight. SSL in ALP. 120213 SH still reactive to stability tests now down 30 to 70cm.
15-40cm of recent storm snow is settling above a melt-freeze crust and becoming less reactive.  Easterly winds created wind slabs on west-facing slopes early in the storm. The lower snowpack consists of strong layers of thick crusts. Large surface hoar crystals are found on the current snow surface, so watch out for a poor bond with incoming snow on Friday. Winds are forecast to switch to westerly, so expect new wind slabs to form on easterly aspects.
In the west and south, 10-15cm of snow fell overnight Wednesday, which may have created localized new storm slabs. For the rest of the region, 60-140cm of recent storm snow is slowly settling above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the early Feb interface. A storm snow weakness down about half a metre is touchy in some areas. The early Feb interface consists mainly of surface hoar (widespread) or a melt-freeze crust (on solar aspects). These layers are still touchy, with remote triggers reported each day and full propagation in snowpack tests. It is challenging to pin down exactly where you are most likely to trigger these persistent weaknesses. Wind slabs are now buried by a few cm of snow and bury the upper snowpack weaknesses deeply in places.  Large cornices loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
A cohesive slab continues to settle over the mid-February surface hoar, which is generally down in the 40-55cm range. Recent reports include whumpfing and cracking, and moderate but sudden compression test results. This persistent weakness is susceptible to remote triggering and has the ability to propagate in low angled terrain, and the overlying slab structure creates the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets have only been reactive on steep, shallow, and rocky slopes, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
14 cm of  light density snow fell Wednesday evening under very little wind.  Below this rests 120 cm of storm snow from last weekend which is resting on the Feb. 08 Surface Hoar.  These two layers of storm snow have seen very little wind or warming.  Foot penetration on Friday was around 80cm.  In short, plenty of light density snow is available for transport.
60 - 90 cm of light density snow fell last weekend and another 10 - 15 cm fell Weds. night. This snow rests on the Feb. 08 Surface Hoar (SH) (as big as 20mm) which is still quite sensitive in this region.  On Wednesday snowpit test profiles on a NW slope near 2000m in the Flathead sub-region revealed a Sudden Planar shear down 85 on the SH.  Winds blew out of the SW at moderate speeds for a few hours Wednesday evening creating shallow wind slabs on lee aspects.  Moving into the weekend, a few different processes will affect the snowpack; A: Strong to Extreme NW winds are forecast beginning Friday afternoon continuing through Sunday.  B: The freezing level is forecast to climb to 1300 Friday.  Saturday it will climb to 2000m and remain there overnight Saturday continuing through Sunday.  C:  There may even be a bit of rain at upper elevations as convective flurries pass overhead Saturday & Sunday.  These three different inputs will rapidly change the properties of the storm slab, I expect a cycle of potentially large natural avalanches Sunday, maybe even as early as Saturday.  Lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.Our field team was out in the Crowsnest Thursday where they observed a much stronger snowpack.  The So. Rockies forecast is intended to give trends for the region as a whole, and as such, conditions will be vary between the different sub regions.
Down-flowing winds have created localized new wind slabs. Recent storm snow has become generally less reactive above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the early Feb. interface, however these layers are still exhibiting sudden planar ("pops") results in snowpack tests. The early Feb. interface consists of surface hoar (observed into the alpine, but most commonly found at and below treeline) and/or a crust (found on solar aspects, and on all aspects below about 1600m). These weaknesses are tricky to manage, as they are still touchy in certain locations, but the distribution of them is variable, so it's hard to know exactly which slopes are concealing these layers. Large cornices loom in some areas. Shallow snowpack areas may still harbour basal facets. The current snow surface is developing spotty surface hoar, surface faceting and sun crusts, which may bond poorly with incoming snow this weekend.
60-140cm of recent storm snow is slowly settling/stiffening above the Feb 16. surface hoar layer and the early Feb interface. A storm snow weakness about half a metre down has become the main concern in some areas. The early Feb interface consists mainly of surface hoar (widespread) or a melt-freeze crust (on solar aspects). It is challenging to pin down exactly where you are most likely to trigger these persistent weaknesses. Wind slabs (now hidden by a skiff of snow) bury the upper snowpack weaknesses deeply in places.  Large cornices loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
10-30cm of new snow is sitting on surface hoar on shady aspects and a thin sun crust on south aspects. A weak storm snow interface of well-preserved stellars is down approximately 40-50cm and reactive to human triggers on steep shady (cold) slopes at and below treeline. However the main snowpack feature of concern continues to be the surface hoar buried mid-February, which is now down 60-120cm and still giving easy sudden snowpack test results. This persistent weakness is susceptible to remote triggering and has the ability to propagate in low angled terrain, and the overlying slab structure creates the potential for step-down avalanches. Although generally getting deeper and harder to trigger, avalanche professionals throughout the region continue to treat this weakness with extreme caution.
Due to changing winds, wind slabs can be found on N-NE aspects and S-SW aspects in the alpine on exposed slopes at treeline. A thin suncrust has formed on Southerly aspects; I suspect this may become more distinct after Thursday.  Reports of a preserved stellar layer exist down 20-40 cm. This layer has been reactive to rider triggers and should remain on your radar. Up to 60cm sits over a variety of old surfaces. These include melt-freeze crusts at lower elevations, old sun crusts on Southerly aspects into alpine elevations and spotty areas of surface hoar in sheltered treeline areas. Where they exist, they may act as sliding layers. The mid and lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
Due to changing winds, wind slabs can be found on N-NE aspects and S-SW aspects in the alpine on exposed slopes at treeline. Currently, up to 60cm of snow sits over the mid February interface. This interface is variable, it consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 1000 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it's susceptible to rider triggers. With forecast wind, snow and rising freezing levels this layer may show its wrath again. It's a good time to play conservatively. Below this, the mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Due to changing winds, wind slabs can be found on N-NE aspects and S-SW aspects in the alpine on exposed slopes at treeline. Currently, up to 60cm of snow sits over the mid February interface. This interface is variable, it consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 1000 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it may be susceptible to rider triggers. With forecast wind, snow and rising freezing levels this layer may show its wrath again. It's a good time to play conservatively. Below this, the mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Changing winds have created pockets of wind slab exist on multiple aspects in upper elevations. Thin sun crusts are seen on solar aspects. Dribs and drabs of new snow fell over the week, while the main bulk of the storm snow fell last weekend. In both areas, down 30-40 cm is a preserved stellar interface that is providing easy, sudden planar test results, and a rutschblock score of 2 (whole block failing). The mid February interface (crusts at lower elevations, and buried surface hoar in sheltered locations) is down approximately 60 cm below the surface. The weak interfaces have created tricky snowpack conditions. Below this the lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
HS at TL is 160cm. 20 cm of storm snow lies over the 120221 interface.  In isolates sheltered and shaded areas SH can be found at this interface producing moderate SP results in compression tests.  On south aspects at and above TL FC on a sun crust on can be found on this interface producing moderate SC results in compression tests.  Windslab exists on both ridge loaded S and N aspects above line although the slab is bridging well to the underlying midpack on N aspects.  Midpack is continues to rounded and gain strength.  The 11125 Cr is still found down 120cm. Lower pack is weak and and faceted.
Trace amount Hn overnight. Mix  of HSL and SSL in ALP. 120213 SH still reactive to stability tests now down 30 to 70cm.  Compression test results in easy to moderate range at TL site (2300m)
A cohesive slab continues to settle over the mid-February surface hoar, which is generally down in the 40-55cm range. Recent reports include whumpfing and cracking, and moderate but sudden compression test results. This persistent weakness is susceptible to remote triggering and has the ability to propagate in low angled terrain, and the overlying slab structure creates the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets have only been reactive on steep, shallow, and rocky slopes, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
15-35cm of new snow is sitting on surface hoar on shady aspects and a thin sun crust on south aspects. A weak storm snow interface of well-preserved stellars is down approximately 40-50cm and reactive to human triggers on steep shady (cold) slopes at and below treeline. However the main snowpack feature of concern continues to be the surface hoar buried mid-February, which is now down 60-120cm and still giving easy sudden snowpack test results. This persistent weakness is susceptible to remote triggering and has the ability to propagate in low angled terrain, and the overlying slab structure creates the potential for step-down avalanches. Although generally getting deeper and harder to trigger, avalanche professionals throughout the region continue to treat this weakness with extreme caution.
Due to changing winds, wind slabs can be found on N-NE aspects and S-SW aspects in the alpine on exposed slopes at treeline. Currently, up to 60cm of snow sits over the mid February interface. This interface is variable, it consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 1000 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it may be susceptible to rider triggers. With forecast wind, snow and rising freezing levels this layer may show its wrath again. It's a good time to play conservatively. Below this, the mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
New snow is falling with rising winds and rising temperatures. Expect new storm slabs and wind slabs to develop. These will overlie older generally well-healed wind slabs and settled storm snow which sit above a melt-freeze crust. The lower snowpack consists of a series of thick crusts.
Snow is falling with strengthening winds and rising temperatures, creating a nice recipe for new storm slab and wind slab instabilities. Widespread persistent weak layers buried in February, which have remained touchy and unpredictable all week, are a key concern at all elevations. Storm slabs, sluffs or a person could easily trigger these deeper weaknesses. Avalanches may be larger than you expect, given the amount of fresh snow.  Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
New windslabs are developing from new snow and strong westerly winds. There are reports that down 30-40 cm is a preserved stellar interface that is providing easy, sudden planar test results, and a rutschblock score of 2 (whole block failing). The mid February interface (crusts at lower elevations, and buried surface hoar in sheltered locations) is down approximately 60 cm below the surface. Below this the lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
Due to changing winds, wind slabs can be found on N-NE aspects and S-SW aspects in the alpine on exposed slopes at treeline. Currently, up to 60cm of snow sits over the mid February interface. This interface is variable, it consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 1000 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it's susceptible to rider triggers. With forecast wind, snow and rising freezing levels this layer may show its wrath again. It's a good time to play conservatively. Below this, the mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Snow is falling with strengthening winds and rising temperatures onto variable surfaces including surface hoar and facets. This is creating a nice recipe for new storm slab and wind slab instabilities. Persistent weak layers buried in February are a key concern at all elevations and could be triggered by storm slabs, wind slabs or sluffs, or with a light additional load (like you). Avalanches may be unexpectedly large, given the amount of fresh snow.  Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
Snow is falling with strengthening winds and rising temperatures, creating a nice recipe for new storm slab and wind slab instabilities. Widespread persistent weak layers buried in February have remained touchy all week and are a key concern at all elevations. Storm slabs and sluffs could trigger these deeper weaknesses, so that the size of avalanches may be larger than you expect, given the amount of fresh snow.  Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
20 cm of  light density snow fell Wednesday evening with very little wind, landing on a thin SH layer on shady slopes and a thin suncrust on more solar aspects.  Solar aspects sport a thin crust on them that formed during sunny breaks on Thursday.  Below this rests 120 cm of storm snow from last weekend which is resting on the Feb. 08 Surface Hoar.  These two layers of storm snow have seen very little wind.  Foot penetration on Friday was around 60cm.  In short, plenty of light density snow is available for transport.
The westerly winds have started to move any snow available for transport in the alpine, and at treeline. New windslabs are forming on North through East aspects, and old windslabs continue to linger on South through West aspects. A thin suncrust has formed on Southerly aspects.  Reports of a preserved stellar layer exist down 20-40 cm. This layer has been reactive to rider triggers and should remain on your radar. Up to 60cm sits over a variety of old surfaces. These include melt-freeze crusts at lower elevations, old sun crusts on Southerly aspects into alpine elevations and spotty areas of surface hoar in sheltered treeline areas. The mid and lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
Taken from Powder Valley, 1500m in Alpine, N Aspect, Incline 30deg.  20cms of HST (F-4F) overlies 50cms of old hard wind slab (1F-P).  The 120221 SH layer is down 65 cms (ize 5-10mm) and sits onto p of 5cms of Facets.  Pencil rounds is found below this layer.  Stability tests produced CTM 12 (SC) and ECT P12.
60 - 90 cm of light density snow fell last weekend and another 10 - 15 cm fell Weds. night. This snow rests on the Feb. 08 Surface Hoar (SH) (as big as 20mm) which is still quite sensitive in this region.  On Wednesday snowpit test profiles on a NW slope near 2000m in the Flathead sub-region revealed a Sudden Planar shear down 85 on the SH.  Winds blew out of the SW at moderate speeds for a few hours Wednesday evening creating shallow wind slabs on lee aspects.  Moving into the weekend, a few different processes will affect the snowpack; A: Strong to Extreme NW winds are forecast beginning Friday afternoon continuing through Sunday.  B: The freezing level is forecast to climb to 1300 Friday.  Saturday it will climb to 2000m and remain there overnight Saturday continuing through Sunday.  C:  There may even be a bit of rain at upper elevations as convective flurries pass overhead Saturday & Sunday.  These three different inputs will rapidly change the properties of the storm slab, I expect a cycle of potentially large natural avalanches Sunday, maybe even as early as Saturday.  Lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Our field team was out in the Crowsnest Thursday where they observed a much stronger snowpack.  The So. Rockies forecast is intended to give trends for the region as a whole, and as such, conditions will be vary between the different sub regions.
6 to 10cm Hn. Extensive wind slab formation ongoing at all elevations.
A cohesive slab continues to settle over the mid-February surface hoar, which is generally down in the 40-55cm range. Recent reports include whumpfing and cracking, and moderate but sudden compression test results. This persistent weakness is susceptible to remote triggering and has the ability to propagate in low angled terrain, and the overlying slab structure creates the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets have only been reactive on steep, shallow, and rocky slopes, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
20-40cm of new snow is sitting on the Feb. 29 interface which consists of surface hoar on shady aspects and a thin sun crust on south aspects. A weak storm snow interface of well-preserved stellars is down approximately 50-60cm and reactive to human triggers on steep shady (cold) slopes at and below treeline. However the main snowpack feature of concern continues to be the surface hoar buried mid-February, which is now down 70-120cm and still giving sudden snowpack test results. This persistent weakness is susceptible to remote triggering and has the ability to propagate in low angled terrain, and the overlying slab structure creates the potential for step-down avalanches. Although generally getting deeper and harder to trigger, avalanche professionals throughout the region continue to treat this weakness with caution.
Moist "schmoo" (heavy wet snow), capped by a subtle melt-freeze crust, was reported on Saturday, with generally good cohesion. Below this is a series of crusts and settled snow, totalling a generally strong lower snowpack. Weather forecasts are very uncertain for Sunday, so be prepared for any of the following: a) New storm slabs and wind slabs if it snows heavily, b) Uncohesive wet loose snow if it rains heavily, or c) Little change if it only rains or snows lightly. Be observant and watch for changes as you travel.
Warm temperatures and strong winds on Saturday have given the upper 20cm of the snowpack some slab properties.  This upper 20cm rests on the Feb. 29 interface which consists of a thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects.  The mid Feb. Surface Hoar is now down about 100cm below the snow surface.
Snow is falling with strengthening winds and rising temperatures onto variable surfaces including surface hoar and facets. This is creating a nice recipe for new storm slab and wind slab instabilities. Persistent weak layers buried in February are a key concern at all elevations and could be triggered by storm slabs, wind slabs or sluffs, or with a light additional load (like you). Avalanches may be unexpectedly large, given the amount of fresh snow.  Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
Snow is falling with strong winds and fluctuating temperatures, creating a perfect recipe for storm slab and wind slab instabilities. New snow is landing on variable surfaces including surface hoar and facets. Widespread persistent weak layers buried in February have remained touchy all week and are a key concern at all elevations. Storm slabs, wind slabs and sluffs could trigger these deeper weaknesses, creating avalanches which are larger than you expect, given the amount of fresh snow.  Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
Snow is falling with strong winds and fluctuating temperatures, creating a perfect recipe for new storm slab and wind slab instabilities. This new snow is landing on variable surfaces including surface hoar and facets. Widespread persistent weak layers buried in February have remained touchy all week and are a key concern at all elevations. Storm slabs, wind slabs and sluffs could trigger these deeper weaknesses, creating avalanches which are larger than you expect, given the amount of fresh snow.  Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
Area Observed: White pass East.  17 cm of storm snow is settling and bonding well to underlying hard slab. 120221 interface down 60, sun crust bellow facets.  Midpack rounded becoming more faced to the East/
The westerly winds have started to move any snow available for transport in the alpine, and at treeline. New windslabs continue to form on North through East aspects, and old windslabs continue to linger on South through West aspects. A thin suncrust has formed on Southerly aspects.  Reports of a preserved stellar layer exist down 20-40 cm. This layer has been reactive to rider triggers and should remain on your radar. Up to 60cm sits over a variety of old surfaces. These include melt-freeze crusts at lower elevations, old sun crusts on Southerly aspects into alpine elevations and spotty areas of surface hoar in sheltered treeline areas. The mid and lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
The region received about 10-20 cm overnight and into Saturday morning. Moderate westerly winds created new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. There are some older windslabs on south through southwest aspects that may be stripped by the new wind or cross-loaded. There is between 70-100 cm of snow above the buried weak layer of decomposed and fragmented crystals that has been giving moderate shears in stability tests. Some areas are reporting a buried surface hoar from early February that is buried at the same depth. The weak layer may be triggered by light additional loads at treeline and below. This interface is variable, it consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 1000 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. Areas below treeline are quite variable. There are spring like conditions with a melt-freeze crust in some areas, and others are still experiencing winter at lower elevations.
A few cm of new snow was blown around by the wind on Saturday developing thin new windslabs at ridgetops. Currently, up to 60cm of snow sits over the mid February interface. This interface is variable, it consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 1000 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it may be susceptible to rider triggers.
Strong winds and have formed wind slabs up to 20 cm deep in wind exposed terrain at and above treeline as of Saturday afternoon.  The Feb. 09 surface hoar is now down between 40 & 90 cm.  The depth varies throughout the region.  This weak layer continue to perform, our head field technician was out for a ski and noticed a remote triggered avalanche on Saturday.  See the details below.  Snowpack tests continue to show sudden moderate failures on this interface.  This weekend the upper snowpack is changing character as strong to extreme winds at ridge top & mild temperatures form the old storm snow into a more cohesive slab.  Lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Our field team was out in the Crowsnest Thursday where they observed a much stronger snowpack.  The So. Rockies forecast is intended to give trends for the region as a whole, and as such, conditions will vary between the different sub regions.
New windslabs are developing from new snow and strong westerly winds. Observers report moderate shears down 30-40 cm on decomposed and fragmented crystals. There has been about 25 cm in the Coquihalla and less in the Duffey Lake area in the past two days.
5cm Hn with HST totals 10 to 15cm. 120213 SH now buried 40 to 80cm. HSL and SSL at ALP and TL and SSL forming in open areas BTL. Extensive cracking and whumpfing.
Snow forecast to fall overnight Sunday and on Monday may sluff easily in steep terrain. Expect new wind slabs to form at ridge top and in gully features. Friday's moist snow appears to have generally bonded well. Below this is a series of crusts and settled snow, totalling a generally strong lower snowpack.
Snow is falling with strong winds and fluctuating temperatures, creating a perfect recipe for storm slab and wind slab instabilities. This new snow is landing on variable surfaces including surface hoar and facets. Widespread persistent weak layers buried in February have remained touchy all week and are a key concern at all elevations. Storm slabs, wind slabs and sluffs (or you) could trigger these deeper weaknesses, creating avalanches which are larger than you expect, given the amount of fresh snow.  Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
Warm temperatures and strong winds on Saturday & Sunday have given the upper 20cm of the snowpack some slab properties.  This upper 20cm rests on the Feb. 29 interface which consists of a thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects.  The mid Feb. Surface Hoar is now down about 100cm below the snow surface, and while it is getting harder to trigger, we're not done with this interface yet.
Forecast strong westerly winds and new snow are expected to build windslabs and a storm slab by Monday morning. East winds during the day on Sunday have reverse loaded some alpine features. There is a mix of wind scoured surfaces and thin stiff windslabs. Reports of a preserved stellar layer exist down 20-40 cm. This layer has been reactive to rider triggers and should remain on your radar. Up to 60cm sits over a variety of old surfaces. These include melt-freeze crusts at lower elevations, old sun crusts on Southerly aspects into alpine elevations and spotty areas of surface hoar in sheltered treeline areas. The mid and lower snowpack is well bonded and strong.
New windslabs and a storm slab are developing from new snow and strong southwesterly winds. There has been about 40 cm in the Coquihalla and 25cm in the Duffey Lake area in the past few days. A weak layer of buried stellar crystals and/or decomposed and fragmented crystals is now buried by about 50 cm of storm snow. This layer has been giving moderate shears in snowpack tests a few days ago. Warm temperatures have created a moist slab up to about 1700 metres that is sliding naturally and with light additional loads in the Coquihalla area. Moderate shears down 40cm that are showing a sudden planar character on well preserved precipitation particles on a NE aspect at 1900 metres in the Duffey Lake area. Easy shears down 5cm on sun crust on a south-southwest aspect at 1950 metres in the Duffey; storm snow forecast for Sunday night may overload this layer.
Variable snowfall amounts from Saturday night show about 15 cm close to the coast, and only about 5 cm near Shames. The region received about 10-20 cm overnight and into Saturday morning. Moderate westerly winds created new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. There are some older windslabs on south through southwest aspects that may be stripped by the new wind or cross-loaded. There is between 70-100 cm of snow above the buried weak layer of decomposed and fragmented crystals that has been giving moderate shears in stability tests. Some areas are reporting a buried surface hoar from early February that is buried at the same depth. The weak layer may be triggered by light additional loads at treeline and below. This interface is variable, it consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 1000 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. Areas below treeline are quite variable. There are spring like conditions with a melt-freeze crust in some areas, and others are still experiencing winter at lower elevations.
40-80cm snow has fallen, with snowfall forecast to continue until Monday. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures are creating storm slabs and wind slabs on a widespread basis. Persistent weak layers buried in February are a key concern at all elevations and could be easily triggered by storm slabs, wind slabs or sluffs, or with a light additional load (like a sled or skier). Avalanches may be unexpectedly large, given the amount of fresh snow.  Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
Snow is falling with strong winds and fluctuating temperatures, creating a perfect recipe for storm slab and wind slab instabilities. New snow is landing on variable surfaces including surface hoar and facets. Widespread persistent weak layers buried in February have remained touchy all week and are a key concern at all elevations. Storm slabs, wind slabs and sluffs could trigger these deeper weaknesses, creating avalanches which are larger than you expect, given the amount of fresh snow.  Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
Sunday was a very warm day in the mountains, Stagleap Wx station at 2140m reached -0.9 C Sunday at 11:00.  This warmth has changed the character of the supper snowpack, allowing it to settle into a more cohesive slab.  There are two problem layers to watch; A.  The Feb. 29 interface which consists of surface hoar on shady aspects and a thin sun crust on south aspects. B.  Surface hoar buried mid-February, which is now down 70-120cm and still giving sudden snowpack test results.  There will likely be 10cm of fresh Monday morning when we wake up, and an additional 10cm during the day Monday which will do a great job of hiding the cohesive slab beneath.We often think about cold temperatures “locking things up.”  Tuesday dawns cold & clear, but 20 – 25 cm of new light density snow will insulate 100cm of very warm snow that rests on the mid Feb SH.  With this structure in place, we’ll need to give the snowpack some extra time to adjust.  Continue to stay conservative in your terrain selection Monday & Tuesday, the surface hoar problem is far from over.
Strong winds and have formed wind slabs up to 20 cm deep in wind exposed terrain at and above treeline as of Sunday afternoon.  The Feb. 09 surface hoar is now down between 40 & 90 cm.  The depth varies throughout the region.  This weak layer continue to perform, our head field technician was out for a ski and noticed a remote triggered avalanche on Saturday.  See the details below.  Snowpack tests continue to show sudden moderate failures on this interface.  This weekend the upper snowpack is changing character as strong to extreme winds at ridge top & mild temperatures form the old storm snow into a more cohesive slab.  Lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.Our field team was out in the Crowsnest Thursday where they observed a much stronger snowpack.  The So. Rockies forecast is intended to give trends for the region as a whole, and as such, conditions will vary between the different sub regions.
Moderate southwest winds transported the 3-5 cm of new snow that we have received over the past two days into thin new windslabs at ridgetops. Currently, up to 60cm of snow sits over the mid February interface. This interface is variable, it consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 1000 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it may be susceptible to rider triggers.
A cohesive slab continues to settle over the mid-February surface hoar, which is generally down in the 65-75cm range. Recent reports include whumpfing and cracking, and moderate but sudden compression test results. This persistent weakness is susceptible to remote triggering and has the ability to propagate in low angled terrain, and the overlying slab structure creates the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets have only been reactive on steep, shallow, and rocky slopes, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
30 cm of storm snow fell across the region during daylight hours Monday accompanied by winds out of the W/NW & W/SW at speeds capable of wind slab formation.  Another 15cm are expected before skies clear Tuesday.  A cohesive slab continues to settle over the mid-February surface hoar, which is now down 70 to 100 centimeters. Recent reports include whumpfing and cracking, and moderate but sudden compression test results. This persistent weakness is susceptible to remote triggering and has the ability to propagate in low angled terrain, and the overlying slab structure creates the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets have only been reactive on steep, shallow, and rocky slopes, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
There has been about 50 cm in the past 24 hours in the Coquihalla area, and about 35cm in the Duffey Lake area. Moderate to strong southerly winds created windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. The freezing level went up to about 1600 metres on Sunday causing moist snow up to about 1800 metres. A trailing cold front brought the temperatures down at the same time as the most intense snowfall. A weak layer of buried stellar crystals and/or decomposed and fragmented crystals is now buried by about 70-90 cm of storm snow. The new windslabs may take a couple of days to settle and bond.
Windslabs should be settling and bonding. There is between 70-100 cm of snow above the buried weak layer of decomposed and fragmented crystals that has been giving moderate shears in stability tests. Some areas are reporting a buried surface hoar from early February that is buried at the same depth. The weak layer may be triggered by light additional loads at treeline and below. This interface is variable, it consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 1000 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred recently. Areas below treeline are quite variable. There are spring like conditions with a melt-freeze crust in some areas, and others are still experiencing winter at lower elevations.
Sunday & Monday were warm windy days in the mountains.  Stagleap Wx station at 2140m reached -0.9 C Sunday at 11:00.  This warmth has changed the character of the supper snowpack, allowing it to settle & gain strength.  Ski quality has suffered a bit, but, in the long run this will help to heal our snowpack.  In the short term there are two problem layers to watch; A. The Feb. 29 interface which consists of surface hoar on shady aspects and a thin sun crust on south aspects, down around 30cm.  B.  Surface hoar buried mid-February, which is now down 70-120cm and still giving sudden snowpack test results.  10+ cm is forecasted for Monday afternoon which will hide the cohesive slab beneath.We often think about cold temperatures “locking things up.”  Tuesday dawns cold & cloudy, but 10+ cm's from Monday will insulate 100cm of very warm snow that rests on the mid Feb SH.  With this structure in place, we need to give the snowpack some extra time to adjust.  Continue to stay conservative in your terrain selection Tuesday and be sure to factor the surface hoar problem into your decision making as you travel in the mountains Tuesday.  The surface hoar problem is far from over.
The freezing level went up to about 1500 metres on Sunday during a period of strong southwest winds and heavy precipitation. There is moist snow up to about 1700-1800 metres. Windslabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline on North through East aspects. The heaviest snowfalls coincided with the cooling phase as the cold front moved across the region. There was a weak layer of buried stellars earlier in the week that was giving moderate sudden planar shears. This layer is now buried between 60-90 cm. Areas in the south of the region that are nearer to the coast received significantly more precipitation over the weekend.
The North Shore Mountains received up to 30 cm of new snow over Sunday night. The initial precipitation that fell started as rain; turning to snow. Strong SW winds have formed new wind slabs at ridge top and in gully features. This new snow sits on a thick rain crust, and seems to be bonding. Below this is a series of crusts and settled snow, providing strong lower snowpack.
Over the weekend, 50-70 cm storm snow fell. Strong winds from the SW and fluctuating temperatures are a perfect recipe for storm slab, and wind slab instabilities. This new snow has buried variable old surfaces (surface hoar, facets, and crusts) that formed mid-February. These persistent weak layers have remained touchy all week and are a key concern at all elevations. Storm slabs, wind slabs, sluffs, and riders could trigger these deeper layers, creating avalanches which are larger than you expect. Large cornices have formed and loom as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
Over the weekend, 60-100 cm snow has fallen. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures are creating storm slabs and wind slabs on a widespread basis. Persistent weak layers (surface hoar, facets, crusts) buried in February are the main concern at all elevations and could be easily triggered by storm slabs, wind slabs or sluffs, or with a light additional load (like a sled or skier). Avalanches may be unexpectedly large, given the amount of fresh snow.  Large cornices are forming, and may act as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
Over the weekend, 50-70 cm snow has fallen. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures are the perfect recipe for storm slab and wind slab instabilities. New snow is landing on variable surfaces including surface hoar and facets. Widespread persistent weak layers buried in February have remained touchy all week and are a concern at all elevations. Storm slabs, wind slabs and sluffs could trigger these deeper weaknesses, creating avalanches which are larger than you expect, given the amount of fresh snow.  Large cornices are forming, and may act as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
36 cm of storm snow by 0900 on Monday AM with 70cm of storm snow at treeline by late afternoon!!  Valentines Surface hoar layer now buried beneath as much as 125cm!  Some cracking in surface layers observed.
Moderate southwest winds transported the 3-5 cm of new snow that we have received over the past two days into thin new windslabs at ridgetops. Currently, up to 60cm of snow sits over the mid February interface. This interface is variable, it consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m, above 1000 m exists facets, surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), sun crust or wind press. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it may be susceptible to rider triggers.
20cm of warm wet snow fell Monday accompanied by strong to extreme ridge top winds.  This makes for 40 cm on top of the Feb. 29 interface which consists of a thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects.  The mid Feb. Surface Hoar is now down about 100cm below the snow surface, and while it is getting harder to trigger, we're not done with this interface yet.
10cm of new snow fell during the day Monday & another 10 cm is expected Monday night along with strong NW winds.  The Feb. 09 surface hoar is now down between 40 & 90 cm.  The depth varies throughout the region.  This weak layer continue to perform, our head field technician was out for a ski and noticed a remote triggered avalanche on Saturday.  See the details below.  Snowpack tests continue to show sudden moderate failures on this interface.  The weekends strong winds and mild temperatures formed the upper snowpack into a more cohesive slab.  Our field team will be out Tuesday so we should have a better handle on the upper snowpack later in the week.  Lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones.Our field team was out in the Crowsnest Thursday where they observed a much stronger snowpack.  The So. Rockies forecast is intended to give trends for the region as a whole, and as such, conditions will vary between the different sub regions.
See avalanche observations below. 30 cm of storm snow fell across the region during daylight hours Monday accompanied by winds out of the W/NW & W/SW at speeds capable of wind slab formation.  Another 15cm arrived overnight before the cold front arrived.  A cohesive slab continues to settle over the mid-February surface hoar, which is now down 70 to 150 cm. Recent reports include whumpfing and cracking, and moderate but sudden compression test results. This persistent weakness is susceptible to remote triggering and has the ability to propagate in low angled terrain, and the overlying slab structure creates the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets have only been reactive on steep, shallow, and rocky slopes, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
Around 50-60cm of recent low density storm snow and/or weak wind slabs are bonding poorly to a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts and wind slabs, from last week. Recent winds and precipitation patterns have created a highly variable slab depth with ability to propagate in low angled terrain and a structure conducive to step-down avalanches. The top 10cm or so is becoming moist during the day with sun exposure, and there is still a lot of snow available for reverse-loading if outflow winds pick up.
In the northern part of the region south aspects are described as spooky with a very hollow feeling, but all other aspects seem to be well settled with only surface instabilities. Up to 45cm of recent storm snow is sitting on a poorly bonded crust on sun-exposed slopes with easy sudden collapses below the crust, and the mid-February buried surface hoar and/or facet persistent weakness remains a concern and is particularly touchy where there is an associated crust at treeline and below and on south aspects. Meanwhile in the Cascades, 70-100cm of recent storm snow combined with five straight days of sustained extreme winds has created a highly unstable wind and storm slab problem that will probably take a few days to settle and strengthen.
Strong westerly winds are keeping wind slabs fresh and weak on lee aspects and isolated afternoon down flow (katabatic) winds were reported to have deposited new wind slabs primarily in gully features and on northerly aspects. The early February persistent weak layers seem to be bonding, but remain a concern at higher elevations with heavy triggers such as cornice falls. While below treeline persistent slabs are reactive to human triggers on isolated sheltered steep terrain where buried surface hoar is preserved. Surface hoar buried at the beginning of March remains unreactive due to limited slab formation.
Alpine and treeline areas are generally less wind affected than expected given the recent intense winds, but fresh weak wind slabs are lurking in many areas. Recent snowpack tests on a northeast aspect at 1480m gave several resistant planar shears the recent storm snow and two hard resistant planar shears down 37cm and 70cm where the total snowpack depth was 5m. The mid February interface, down around 60cm, is variable and generally consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m. Above that elevation, expect to find buried facets, and/or surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), and/or a sun crust on southern aspects. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it may be susceptible to rider triggers.
Freezing level somewhere around high below treeline or low treeline elevations (say 1600m or so) meant rain below and snow above. The west received another 10 cm while the east saw as much as 40 cm on Monday. I'd guess the storm snow total is around 70 cm. Valentines Surface hoar layer now buried beneath as much as 120 to 140 cm!  Stability tests show the deep layers are hard to trigger but there's huge potential for propagation.
22cm additional snowfall by Tuesday AM when the storm ended.  Total snowfall over the past 36 hours is approx 60 in valley bottom with as much as one meter at treeline.  Storm snow in wind loaded areas will easily exceed 1 meter depth.
Thirty cm Monday makes for 60 cm on top of the Feb. 29 interface which consists of a thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects.  Graupel fell overnight with the passing of a cold front and several layers of these ball-bearings exist in these upper layers. The mid Feb. Surface Hoar is now down about 100cm below the snow surface, and while it is getting harder to trigger, we're not done with this interface yet. Rain fell below around 1300 m.
The North Shore Mountains received up to 30 cm of new snow over Sunday night. The initial precipitation that fell started as rain; turning to snow. Strong SW winds have formed new wind slabs at ridge top and in gully features. This new snow sits on a thick rain crust, and seems to be bonding. Below this is a series of crusts and settled snow, providing strong lower snowpack.
Over the weekend, up to 80 cm of storm snow fell. Strong winds from the SW and fluctuating temperatures were the perfect recipe for storm slab, and wind slab instabilities.  This new snow has buried variable old surfaces (surface hoar, facets, and crusts) that formed mid-February. These persistent weak layers have remained touchy all week and are a key concern at all elevations. If triggered, the avalanches will be larger than expected. Sunny, clear skies are likely to exist through the forecast period. Moist-wet snow surfaces, snowballing, and point release (loose wet slides started from a point, gathering mass in a fan-like shape) are indicators of a deteriorating upper snowpack. I'd be weary of south facing slopes, affected by solar radiation. There may even be step-down potential on deeply buried weak layers. Large cornices have formed and loom as potential triggers on the slopes below.
Over the weekend, 60-100 cm snow has fallen. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures are creating storm slabs and wind slabs on a widespread basis. Persistent weak layers (surface hoar, facets, crusts) buried in February are the main concern at all elevations and could be easily triggered by storm slabs, wind slabs or sluffs, or with a light additional load (like a sled or skier). Avalanches may be unexpectedly large, given the amount of fresh snow. If the sunshine appears, I'd be weary of south facing slopes affected by solar radiation. Large cornices have formed, and may act as potential triggers on slopes below. They may step down to a persistent weak layer.
Over the weekend, 50-80 cm snow has fallen. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures have been the perfect recipe for storm slab and wind slab instabilities. This new snow has buried variable surfaces including surface hoar and facets. Widespread persistent weak layers buried in February have remained touchy all week and are a concern at all elevations. Storm slabs, wind slabs and sluffs could trigger these deeper weaknesses, creating avalanches which are larger than you expect. Sunny, clear skies may exist through the forecast period. Moist-wet snow surfaces, snowballing, and point release (loose wet slides started from a point, gathering mass in a fan-like shape) are indicators of a deteriorating upper snowpack. I'd avoid south facing slopes, affected by solar radiation. There may be step-down potential on deeply buried weak layers.Large cornices have formed, and could act as potential triggers for deep avalanches.
20 to 50 cm of recent storm snow reported from the regions. Feb. 09 surface hoar is now down between 40 & 100cm.  The depth varies throughout the region.  This weak layer continue to perform and snowpack tests continue to show sudden moderate failures on this interface.  The weekend's strong winds and mild temperatures formed the upper snowpack into a more cohesive slab.  Lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. I suspect windslabs are developing with the forecast wind and recent snow.
Trace amount of Hn. Valentines layers buried 150cm on average at treeline. Significant wind transport at ridgetop today.
Strong and variable winds in exposed treeline and alpine areas has resulted in reverse loading, sastrugi, surface crusts, and looming undermined cornices. Dribs and drabs of new snow over the past couple of days adds to the approximately 50cm of recent low density storm snow. Loose surface snow, storm slabs, and/or weak wind slabs are bonding poorly to a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, faceted snow, and wind slabs, from last week. Recent winds and precipitation patterns have created a highly variable somewhat upside-down upper snowpack. Storm and wind slabs have shown propensity to propagate in low angled terrain and step-down to deeper weaknesses.
Recent storm snow amounts were approximately 40 cm in the east and 10 cm in the west, with the snow line at approximately 1600 m. Valentines Surface hoar layer is now buried beneath as much as 120 to 140 cm!  Stability tests show the deep layers are hard to trigger but there's huge potential for propagation.
Isolated strong and variable winds in exposed treeline and alpine areas has probably resulted in reverse loading, sastrugi, surface crusts, and looming undermined cornices in many areas. While in other areas the 10-15cm of fresh low density snow fell with very little or no wind effect. Recent snowpack tests on a northeast aspect at 1480m gave several resistant planar shears the recent storm snow and two hard resistant planar shears down 37cm and 70cm where the total snowpack depth was 5m. The mid February interface, down around 60cm, is variable and generally consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m. Above that elevation, expect to find buried facets, and/or surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), and/or a sun crust on southern aspects. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it may be susceptible to rider triggers.
Strong and variable winds in exposed treeline and alpine areas has resulted in reverse loading, widespread surface crusts, and looming undermined cornices. In the Duffey Lake and Chilcotin regions south aspects are described as spooky with a very hollow feeling with a couple of different poorly-bonded crusts in the upper snowpack. The lower weakness, down 50-75cm at treeline is not only particularly touchy on south aspects, but on all aspects at lower treeline and below, where there is also an associated crust. Lingering pockets of this mid-February surface hoar and/or facets elsewhere (steep easterly aspects, sheltered concave slopes, and protected valleys, for instance) necessitates continued "heads-up" travel. Meanwhile in the Cascades, 70-100cm of recent storm snow combined with five straight days of sustained extreme winds has created a highly unstable wind and storm slab problem that will probably take a few days to settle and strengthen.
Moderate amounts of new snow and strong southwesterly and down flow (katabatic) winds are keeping wind slabs fresh and weak on lee slopes and cornices looming from ridgecrests. It seems as though surface hoar buried at the beginning of March, now down 25-50cm under the recent storm snow, has a sufficiently cohesive slab for avalanches in some areas. The early February persistent weak layers down around 80-100cm at treeline seem to be bonding, but remain a concern at higher elevations with heavy triggers such as cornice falls. While below treeline these persistent slabs are reactive to human triggers on isolated sheltered steep terrain where buried surface hoar is preserved. Recent compression tests on a southwest aspect at 1000 m gave moderate sudden collapse results down 60cm where this weakness was found to be facets with an associated crust.
On Monday, approximately 30 cm of storm snow fell across the region accompanied by winds out of the W/NW & W/SW at speeds capable of wind slab formation.  Another 15cm arrived overnight before the cold front arrived.  A cohesive slab continues to settle over the mid-February surface hoar, which is now down 70 to 150 cm. Recent reports include whumpfing and cracking, and moderate but sudden compression test results. This persistent weakness is susceptible to remote triggering and has the ability to propagate in low angled terrain, and the overlying slab structure creates the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets have only been reactive on steep, shallow, and rocky slopes, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
The weekend past, 50-80 cm of snow fell. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures have been the perfect recipe for storm slab and wind slab instabilities. This new snow has buried variable surfaces that formed mid-February. These include surface hoar, facets, and crusts.  Widespread persistent weak layers buried in February have remained touchy all week and are a concern at all elevations. Storm slabs, wind slabs, sleds, and skiers may trigger these deeper weaknesses, creating avalanches that are large and very destructive. Sunny, clear skies may exist on Thursday. Moist-wet snow surfaces, snowballing, and point release (loose wet slides started from a point, gathering mass in a fan-like shape) are indicators of a deteriorating upper snowpack. I'd avoid south facing slopes, affected by solar radiation. There may be step-down potential on deeply buried weak layers.Large cornices have formed, and could act as large triggers on slopes below.
The weekend past, up to 80 cm of storm snow fell. Strong winds from the SW and fluctuating temperatures were the perfect recipe for storm slab, and wind slab instabilities.  This new snow has buried variable old surfaces (surface hoar, facets, and crusts) that formed mid-February. These persistent weak layers have remained touchy all week and are a key concern at all elevations. If triggered, the avalanches will be larger than expected. Sunny, clear skies are likely to exist through Thursday.  Moist-wet snow surfaces, snowballing, and point release (loose wet slides started from a point, gathering mass in a fan-like shape) are indicators of a deteriorating upper snowpack. I'd be weary of south facing slopes, affected by solar radiation. There may even be step-down potential on deeply buried weak layers. Large cornices have formed and loom as potential triggers on the slopes below.
The weekend past, 60-100 cm snow has fallen. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures have created storm slabs and wind slabs on a widespread basis. Persistent weak layers (surface hoar, facets, crusts) buried in February are a concern at all elevations and could be triggered by storm slabs, wind slabs, or the additional load of a sled/skier. Avalanches may be unexpectedly large, and destructive. If the sun shines, watch for snowpack deterioration on solar aspects. Large cornices have formed, and may act as a potential trigger on slopes below. They could step down to the persistent weakness.
The North Shore Mountains received up to 30 cm of new snow earlier this week. The initial precipitation that fell started as rain; turning to snow. The upper snowpack is supportive with dry snow on Northerly aspects and bonding. A hard sun crust has formed on solar aspects. If the sun crust breaks down, watch for moist-wet snow surfaces, snowballing, and point release (loose wet slides started from a point, gathering mass in a fan-like shape) are indicators of a deteriorating upper snowpack. I'd be weary of south facing slopes, affected by solar radiation. elow this is a series of crusts and settled snow, providing strong lower snowpack.
Thirty cm Monday makes for 60 cm on top of the Feb. 29 interface which consists of a thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects.  Graupel fell overnight with the passing of a cold front and several layers of these ball-bearings exist in these upper layers. The mid Feb. Surface Hoar is now down about 100cm below the snow surface, and while it is getting harder to trigger, we're not done with this interface yet. Rain fell below around 1300 m.
20 to 50 cm of recent storm snow reported from the regions. Feb. 09 surface hoar is now down between 40 & 100cm.  The depth varies throughout the region.  This weak layer continue to perform and snowpack tests continue to show sudden moderate failures on this interface.  The weekend's strong winds and mild temperatures formed the upper snowpack into a more cohesive slab.  Lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. I suspect windslabs are developing with the forecast wind and recent snow.
Full profile at Fraser Wx Plot, 900m.  HS =195cms.  40cms of HST overlies a rounding mid-pack of (1F-P) facets.  The 111205 crust is down 140cms and below that is pencil facets to ground.  Stability tests showed several instabilities within the HST, all producing Easy to Moderate SP results.  Another layer down 50cms produced RP results.
Snowpack is settling rapidly with the warm temperatures. Solar radiation creating moist snow on solar aspects in the afternoon. Several large whumpfs felt today in moderate terrain. Two small skier controlled avalanches occurred in steep terrain on N aspect failing down 50cm on the Valentines surface hoar. Intense snow transport is occurring in the alpine due to persistent extreme winds out of the west.
A moist snow surface exists now in many areas due to the warm temperatures--this will freeze overnight into a crust. Approximately 50-60 cm storm snow fell during the last major storm and sits on top of the Feb. 29 interface, which consists of a thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects. Graupel (small ice pellets) was also a feature of the last storm and several layers of these ball-bearings exist in the upper snowpack layers. A major persistent weak layer, which was buried mid February, comprises surface hoar crystals and is now down about 100cm. While it is getting harder to trigger, we're not done with this interface yet. Rain fell below around 1300 m. Cornices have been growing rapidly in response to high winds.
Strong and variable winds in exposed treeline and alpine areas has resulted in reverse loading, sastrugi, surface crusts, and looming undermined cornices. Dribs and drabs of new snow over the past couple of days adds to the approximately 50cm of recent low density storm snow. Loose surface snow, storm slabs, and/or weak wind slabs are bonding poorly to a variety of old snow surfaces, including crusts, faceted snow, and wind slabs, from last week. Recent winds and precipitation patterns have created a highly variable somewhat upside-down upper snowpack. Storm and wind slabs have shown propensity to release mid-slope, propagate into low angled terrain, and step-down to deeper weaknesses.
Strong and variable winds in exposed treeline and alpine areas has resulted in reverse loading, widespread surface crusts, and looming undermined cornices. In the Duffey Lake and Chilcotin regions south aspects are described as spooky with a very hollow feeling with a couple of different poorly-bonded crusts in the upper snowpack. The lower weakness, down 60-80cm at treeline and over a metre at higher elevations, is not only particularly touchy on south aspects, but on all aspects at lower treeline and below, where there is also an associated crust. Lingering pockets of this mid-February surface hoar and/or facets elsewhere (steep easterly aspects, sheltered concave slopes, and protected valleys, for instance) necessitates continued "heads-up" travel. Meanwhile in the Cascades, 70-100cm of recent storm snow combined with five straight days of sustained extreme winds has created a highly unstable wind and storm slab problem that will probably take a few days to settle and strengthen.
Strong westerly winds are keeping wind slabs fresh and weak on lee aspects and isolated afternoon down flow (katabatic) winds were reported to have deposited new wind slabs primarily in gully features and on northerly aspects. The early February persistent weak layers seem to be bonding, but remain a concern at higher elevations with heavy triggers such as cornice falls. While below treeline persistent slabs are reactive to human triggers on isolated sheltered steep terrain where buried surface hoar is preserved. Surface hoar buried at the beginning of March remains unreactive due to limited slab formation.
Intense wind-loading was observed at all elevations on Wednesday with snow surfaces either getting scoured or packed into hard wind slabs. Warm temperatures and sun-exposure have moistened the surface snow on all aspects below around 1000m and some areas as high as 1600m. Recent snowpack tests on a northeast aspect at 1480m gave several resistant planar shears the recent storm snow and two hard resistant planar shears down 37cm and 70cm where the total snowpack depth was 5m. The mid February interface, down around 60cm, is variable and generally consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m. Above that elevation, expect to find buried facets, and/or surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), and/or a sun crust on southern aspects. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it may be susceptible to rider triggers.
20 to 50 cm of recent storm snow has been reported from different parts of this region. Winds from the SW and the NW have set up wind slabs in lee areas in exposed terrain. Warm temperatures have moistened the snow surface in many locations; where this has happened, expect an overnight freeze to set up a surface crust. The mid February surface hoar layer is now down between 40 & 100cm and is more prevalent in the west and south of the region, particularly in the Flathead. Recent snowpack tests as well as a rider-triggered avalanche on this weak layer indicate that it still has the potential to be triggered in many areas and if it is triggered, a large avalanche could result. Lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices are becoming well developed in response to recent winds and are likely starting to droop with the warm temperatures.
New wind slabs and storm slabs may exist above 900 m. Wind slabs are found lee of terrain features, and slopes. Pockets of wind slab may be found in open trees, or gully features. Storm slabs are likely more widespread. These new instabilities may have a poor bond to underlying crusts. Earlier this week, the North Shore Mountains received up to 30 cm of new snow. The initial precipitation that fell started as rain; turning to snow. The upper snowpack is supportive with dry snow on Northerly aspects and bonding. A hard sun crust has formed on solar aspects. Below this is a series of crusts and settled snow, providing strong lower snowpack.
Area observed: Powder Valley (800m - 1500m)Roughly 20 cm of snow has fallen in the last week.  This is sitting on a supportive rounding upper pack, foot pen was 20-30cms.  The 120221 interface is widespread down 40-60cm.  On S aspects it is taking the form of a thin layer of facets (a suncrust may also exist although was not observed today).  On N aspects at and above TL it is a well defined layer of SH. The 1202205 SH is also well preserved and can be found on N aspects down 60-80 at and above TL.Snow pack tests:In all pits: Easy SP results in storm snow down 10-20.At 1500m on a N Aspect: CTM11 SC down 40 on SH and down 60 on SH, ECT 11 P down 40 on SH, ECT 14 down 60 on SH, RB 3 whole block down 40, RB 4 whole block down 60.At 1350m (TL) N Aspect: CTM14 SC down 45 on SH, CTM16 SC down 65 on SH. ECT18 P down 45 on SH, ECT20P down 65 on SHAt 1550m S Aspect: CTH 28 down 45 on FC
The weekend past, up to 80 cm of storm snow fell. Strong winds from the SW and fluctuating temperatures were the perfect recipe for storm slab, and wind slab instabilities.  A 80-170cm thick slab sits on variable old surfaces (surface hoar, facets, and crusts) that formed mid-February. These persistent weak layers have remained touchy all week and are a key concern at all elevations. Easy-Hard test results, with sudden planar shears have been reported on the weak layer. If triggered, the avalanches will be larger than expected. There may even be step-down potential on deeply buried weak layers. Large cornices have formed and loom as potential triggers on the slopes below.
The weekend past, 60-100 cm of snow fell. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures have created storm slabs and wind slabs. Buried below 100-180 cm sit the mid-February persistent weak layers (surface hoar, facets, crusts).These persistent weak layers have remained touchy all week and are a concern at all elevations. They could be triggered by storm slabs, wind slabs, or the additional load of a sled/skier. Avalanches may be unexpectedly large, and destructive. Large cornices have formed, and could act as a potential trigger on the slope below.
The weekend past, 50-80 cm of snow fell. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures have been the perfect recipe for storm slab and wind slab instabilities. This new snow has buried variable surfaces that formed mid-February. These include surface hoar, facets, and crusts.  Widespread persistent weak layers buried in February have remained touchy all week and are a concern at all elevations. Storm slabs, wind slabs, sleds, and skiers may trigger these deeper weaknesses, creating avalanches that are large and very destructive. There may be step-down potential on these deeply buried weak layers.Large cornices have formed, and could act as large triggers on slopes below.
Early this week, approximately 30 cm of storm snow fell across the region accompanied by winds out of the W/NW & W/SW at speeds capable of wind slab formation.  Another 15cm arrived overnight before the cold front arrived.  A cohesive slab continues to settle over the mid-February surface hoar, which is now down 90 to 160 cm. Recent reports include whumpfing and cracking, and moderate but sudden compression test results. This persistent weakness is susceptible to remote triggering and has the ability to propagate in low angled terrain, and the overlying slab structure creates the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets have only been reactive on steep, shallow, and rocky slopes, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
Recent storm snow amounts were approximately 40 cm in the east and 10 cm in the west, with the snow line at approximately 1600 m. The Valentines day surface hoar layer is now buried beneath as much as 120 to 140 cm!  Stability tests show the deep layers are hard to trigger but there's huge potential for propagation.
Snowpack settling. Wind slabs forming at alpine and treeline areas. SH still reactive in unsupported terrain. Moist snow below 1800m.
New wind slabs and storm slabs may exist above 900 m. Wind slabs are found lee of terrain features, and slopes. Pockets of wind slab may be found in open trees, or gully features. Storm slabs are likely more widespread. These new instabilities may have a poor bond to underlying crusts. Earlier this week, the North Shore Mountains received up to 30 cm of new snow. The initial precipitation that fell started as rain; turning to snow. The upper snowpack is supportive with dry snow on Northerly aspects and bonding. A hard sun crust has formed on solar aspects. Below this is a series of crusts and settled snow, providing strong lower snowpack.
Early this week, approximately 30 cm of storm snow fell across the region accompanied by winds out of the W/NW & W/SW at speeds capable of wind slab formation.  Another 15cm arrived midweek.  On Friday, before the arrival of the cold front, freezing levels topped out near 1800m & winds were strong out of the SW.  A cohesive slab continues to settle over the mid-February surface hoar, which is now down 90 to 160 cm. Recent reports include whumpfing and cracking, and moderate but sudden compression test results. This persistent weakness is susceptible to remote triggering and has the ability to propagate in low angled terrain, and the overlying slab structure creates the potential for step-down avalanches. Basal facets have only been reactive on steep, shallow, and rocky slopes, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
New snow accompanied with strong southwest winds are setting up new storm slabs and wind slabs overlying a variable previous snow surface comprising crusts, moist snow and old wind slabs. Previous storm snow amounts were in the region of 50+ cm and this snow bonded poorly to the older surfaces below. The instabilities associated with both these storm slabs as well as deeper weak layers buried within the snowpack have given us a situation where avalanches could initiate in the upper storm snow and easily propagate to lower weaknesses in the snowpack. This dramatically increases the potential size of avalanche occurrences, which is pushing up into the size 3-4 category. There is also the possibility for avalanches to be remote-triggered, triggered mid-slope, and/or propagate into low-angled terrain.
Strong and variable winds in exposed treeline and alpine areas have resulted in reverse loading, widespread surface crusts, and looming undermined cornices. In the Duffey Lake and Chilcotin regions south aspects are described as spooky with a very hollow feeling with a couple of different poorly-bonded crusts in the upper snowpack. The lower weakness, comprising surface hoar, facets and a crust, is down 60-80cm at treeline and over a metre at higher elevations. It is touchy on all south aspect slopes as well as on slopes of all aspects at treeline and below. In the Cascades, 70-100cm of recent storm snow combined with five straight days of sustained extreme winds created a highly unstable wind and storm slab problem that could easily re-awaken with additional loading by new snow.
Snowpack obs from East side of Fraser, Waterfall Creek and Faser Chutes region.  Moderate/Strong-SW winds were actively creating soft slab in the top 20-30cms which was reactive to ski and sled traffic.
Intense warming on Thursday and Friday was making the surface snow moist in many places. 20 to 50 cm of recent storm snow has been reported from different parts of this region. Winds from the SW and the NW have set up wind slabs in lee areas in exposed terrain. The mid February surface hoar layer is now down between 40 & 100cm and is more prevalent in the west and south of the region, particularly in the Flathead. Recent snowpack tests as well as a rider-triggered avalanche on this weak layer indicate that it still has the potential to be triggered in many areas and if it is triggered, a large avalanche could result. Remote-triggering, triggering from below and triggering on low-angled terrain are also concerns. Lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices are becoming well developed in response to recent winds and are likely starting to droop with the warm temperatures.
80 cm of storm snow fell last weekend. Strong winds from the SW and fluctuating temperatures created both storm slabs and wind slabs.  A cohesive slab 80-170cm thick now rests on variable old surfaces (surface hoar, facets, and crusts) that formed mid-February. These persistent weak layers have remained touchy all week and are a concern at all elevations. Easy-Hard test results, with sudden planar shears have been reported on the weak layer. If triggered, avalanches will be larger than expected. There may even be step-down potential on deeply buried weak layers. Large cornices have formed on many ridge lines.
Strong westerly winds are keeping wind slabs fresh and weak on lee aspects. The early February persistent weak layers seem to be bonding, but remain a concern in some parts of the region.  Persistent slabs may be reactive to human triggers, particularly below treeline on isolated and sheltered steep terrain where buried surface hoar may be preserved. Surface hoar buried at the beginning of March has also started to become reactive in some areas as the over-riding slab develops. Cornices in the region are reported to be large and unstable.
Recent storm snow amounts were approximately 40 cm in the east and 10 cm in the west, with the snow line at approximately 1600 m. The Valentines day surface hoar layer is now buried beneath as much as 120 to 140 cm!  Stability tests show the deep layers are hard to trigger but there's huge potential for propagation.
Intense wind-loading was observed at all elevations on Wednesday with snow surfaces either getting scoured or packed into hard wind slabs. Warm temperatures and sun-exposure have moistened the surface snow on all aspects below around 1000m and some areas as high as 1600m. Recent snowpack tests on a northeast aspect at 1480m gave several resistant planar shears the recent storm snow and two hard resistant planar shears down 37cm and 70cm where the total snowpack depth was 5m. The mid February interface, down around 60cm, is variable and generally consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m. Above that elevation, expect to find buried facets, and/or surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), and/or a sun crust on southern aspects. The surface hoar is not widespread but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it may be susceptible to rider triggers.
Last weekend 60-100 cm of snow fell in the region. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures with this system created the perfect recipe for storm and wind slabs. This recent snowfall added to the metre or so that overlies the mid-February surface hoar. This surface hoar may exist in combination with crusts or facets.These persistent weaknesses have remained reactive all week and are an ongoing concern at all elevations as avalanches may be unexpectedly large, and destructive. Large cornices have formed and could also act as a trigger on the slope below.
A moist snow surface exists now in many areas due to the warm temperatures. Approximately 50-60 cm storm snow fell during the last major storm and sits on top of the Feb. 29 interface, which consists of a thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects. Graupel (small ice pellets) was also a feature of the last storm and several layers of these ball-bearings exist in the upper snowpack layers. A major persistent weak layer, which was buried mid February, comprises surface hoar crystals and is now down about 100cm. While it is getting harder to trigger, we're not done with this interface yet. Rain fell below around 1300 m. Cornices have been growing rapidly in response to high winds.
Last weekend, 50-70 cm of snow fell in the region. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures were the perfect recipe for storm slab and wind slab instabilities. This new snow has added to the metre or so that overlies weak surfaces that formed mid-February. These include a widespread surface hoar instability that may exist in combination with facets or crusts.  These persistent weak layers have remained touchy all week and remain a concern at all elevations. Near-surface avalanches, sleds, and skiers may trigger these deeper weaknesses creating large and very destructive avalanches.Large cornices have also formed and could act as triggers for slopes below.
Highly variable new snow amounts overnight ranging from 5 to 25cm at treeline. Extensive wind affect in the alpine. Moist snow on solar aspects by midday and above freezing temperatures affected the snow up to at least 2000m on all aspects. Snowpack settling rapidly. Snow stability was deteriorating with radiation and warming at and below treeline.
10 - 20 cm of moist snow fell Friday night into Saturday morning under light to moderate SW winds.  This new snow covers old pencil hard wind slabs which were created  by last week's strong W/SW winds.  These wind slabs are getting more stubborn, and it likely takes a big trigger, like a falling piece of cornice to get them going.  That being said, they may still be sensitive to human triggering in areas where the snowpack goes from thick to thin, rock outcroppings being the classic example of this kind of structure.  The big story remains the early February Surface Hoar that is 80 - 170cm deep.  The snow above this weak layer has been under the influence of warmth and time which has settled the snow into a thick cohesive slab 80 -170 cm in depth.  Obviously, when a slab almost as tall as the average Canadian releases, the consequences are severe.  Operators in the region have been diligently gathering data on this weak layer; In snowpack tests, the layer fails in a sudden planar fashion indicating that it has lots of energy in it, and showing that when it does fail, it has the potential to propagate across large distances.  These tests mesh with the large avalanches that have been observed in the region recently.  Conditions have been favorable for cornice growth recently, as a result many ridge lines are sporting large cornices.
Field reports indicate that a few wet cm's of snow fell Friday night landing on surface hoar, 2-6mm on north aspects and a 2cm sun crust on solar aspects.  Moist snow was found Friday to 1800m, I suspect there was little change Saturday.  The leap year SH is now down around 40 - 50 cm and is failing as a resistant planar shear in snowpack tests.  The early February surface hoar is down 80 - 140cm, snowpack tests show moderate to hard forces generating sudden planar shears on this layer.
Continued strong westerly winds have created widespread reactive wind slabs on lee aspects.  A persistent weak layer of surface hoar buried at the beginning of March is as much as 70cm deep and has started to become reactive in some areas. The early February persistent weak layers (surface hoar, facets, crusts) are buried as much as 110cm down and also remain a concern in some parts of the region.  Although not widespread throughout the region, persistent slabs would be destructive in nature and may be reactive to human triggers, particularly below treeline on isolated and sheltered steep terrain where buried surface hoar may be preserved. Cornices in the region are reported to be large and unstable.
Around half a metre of snow fell on Friday night/Saturday, with more forecast. New wind slabs have developed above treeline behind ridges and terrain breaks, and in gullies. The lower part of the storm snow is extremely dense and is acting as a sliding layer for the upper part of the storm snow. On Saturday, below about 1100m, moist surface snow was losing cohesion. The lower snowpack consists of a series of crusts and settled snow, with a generally strong structure.
10 cm of moist snow fell Friday night continuing through the day Saturday accompanied by light to moderate SW winds.  Freezing levels topped out around 1400m Saturday, with the top 10 cm moistening as a result.  This new snow covers old pencil hard wind slabs which were created by last week's strong W/SW winds.  These wind slabs are getting more stubborn, and it likely takes a big trigger, like a falling piece of cornice to get them going.  That being said, they may still be sensitive to human triggering in areas where the snowpack goes from thick to thin, rock outcroppings being the classic example of this kind of structure.  The big story remains the early February Surface Hoar that is 90 - 160cm deep.  The snow above this weak layer has been under the influence of warmth and time which has settled the snow into a thick cohesive slab 90 -160 cm in depth.  Obviously, when a slab almost as tall as the average Canadian releases, the consequences are severe.  Operators in the region have been diligently gathering data on this weak layer; In snowpack tests, the layer fails in a sudden planar fashion indicating that it has lots of energy in it, and showing that when it does fail, it has the potential to propagate across large distances.  These tests mesh with the large avalanches that have been observed in the region recently.  Conditions have been favorable for cornice growth recently, as a result many ridge lines are sporting large cornices.  Basal facets have only been reactive on steep, shallow, and rocky slopes, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
Intense wind-loading has taken place with snow surfaces either getting scoured or packed into hard wind slabs.  Warm temperatures and sun-exposure and more recent cooling have created crusts on all aspects below around 1000m and some areas as high as 1600m. The mid February interface, down around 60cm, is variable and generally consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m. Above that elevation, expect to find buried facets, and/or surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), and/or a sun crust on southern aspects. The surface hoar is not widespread, but is responsible for much of the larger avalanches that occurred earlier this week. This layer should be on your radar, as it may be susceptible to rider triggers.
Warming , wind-loading  and cornice fall have recently caused natural avalanches, with touchy persistent weak layers in the upper snowpack increasing their size and consequence. 20-50cm of recent storm snow has become moist on solar aspects, and on all aspects at low elevations.The mid February surface hoar layer is now down between 40 & 100cm and is more prevalent in the west and south of the region, particularly in the Flathead. Recent snowpack tests as well as a rider-triggered avalanche on this weak layer indicate that it still has the potential to be triggered in many areas and if it is triggered, a large avalanche could result. Remote-triggering, triggering from below and triggering on low-angled terrain are also concerns. Lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below.
New snow, accompanied with strong southerly winds, is setting up new storm slabs and wind slabs overlying a variable previous snow surface comprising crusts, moist snow and old wind slabs. Previous storm snow amounts were in the region of 50+ cm and this snow bonded poorly to the older surfaces below. The instabilities associated with both these storm slabs as well as deeper weak layers buried within the snowpack have given us a situation where avalanches could initiate in the upper storm snow and easily propagate to lower weaknesses in the snowpack. This dramatically increases the potential size of avalanche occurrences, which is pushing up into the size 3-4 category. There is also the possibility for avalanches to be remote-triggered, triggered mid-slope, and/or propagate into low-angled terrain.
Strong winds and new snow are expected to create new wind slabs and storm slabs which could overload persistent weak layers. Previous fierce and variable winds in exposed treeline and alpine areas have resulted in reverse loading, widespread surface crusts, and looming undermined cornices. In the Duffey Lake and Chilcotin regions, south aspects are described as spooky with a very hollow feeling with a couple of different poorly-bonded crusts in the upper snowpack. The lower weakness, comprising surface hoar, facets and a crust, is down 60-80cm at treeline and over a metre at higher elevations. It is touchy on all south aspect slopes as well as on slopes of all aspects at treeline and below. In the Cascades, 70-100cm of recent storm snow combined with five straight days of sustained extreme winds created a highly unstable wind and storm slab problem that could easily re-awaken with additional loading by new snow.
Recent moderate snow accumulations and strong winds have created extensive wind transport at higher elevations, and recently developed hard and soft wind slabs now exist at treeline and in the alpine. In the mid snowpack lies the mid-February surface hoar. Buried over a metre down, this surface hoar may exist in combination with crusts or facets. These persistent weaknesses have remained reactive all week and are an ongoing concern at all elevations as avalanches may be unexpectedly large, and destructive. Large cornices have formed and could also act as a trigger on the slope below.
Warming, wind-loading  and cornice fall recently caused widespread natural avalanches, with touchy persistent weak layers in the upper snowpack increasing their size and consequence. Recent storm snow has become moist on solar aspects, and the upper 70cm or so of the snowpack became isothermal on all aspects at low elevations on Saturday.  A thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects was buried at the end of February. A touchy persistent weak layer of facets and surface hoar, which was buried mid-February, is now down about 1m and has been producing large and widely-propagating avalanches. Cornices have also been failing with warm temperatures and creating large avalanches running on the mid-Feb weakness.
Up to 20cm of snow fell on Friday night with light to moderate southwest winds. This new snow has added to the 140cm or so that overlies deeply buried weak surfaces that formed early February. These include a widespread surface hoar instability that may exist in combination with facets or crusts.  These persistent weak layers have remained touchy all week and remain a concern at all elevations. Near-surface avalanches, sleds, and skiers may trigger these deeper weaknesses creating large and very destructive avalanches.Large cornices have also formed and could act as triggers for slopes below.
Only a couple centimeters of new snow by Sunday AM    Extensive wind affect in the alpine.  Freezing level near 2200m on solar exposed slopes today. Snowpack settling rapidly.
Another 10 cm of moist snow fell Saturday, bringing the weekend storm total to 20 - 30 cm, most of which has been accompanied by moderate SW winds.  This new snow covers old pencil hard wind slabs which were created  by last week's strong W/SW winds.  These wind slabs are getting more stubborn, and it likely takes a big trigger, like a falling piece of cornice to get them going.  That being said, they may still be sensitive to human triggering in areas where the snowpack goes from thick to thin, rock outcroppings being the classic example of this kind of structure.  The big story remains the early February Surface Hoar that is 80 - 170cm deep.  The snow above this weak layer has been under the influence of warmth and time which has settled the snow into a thick cohesive slab 80 -170 cm in depth.  Obviously, when a slab almost as tall as the average Canadian releases, the consequences are severe.  Operators in the region have been diligently gathering data on this weak layer; In snowpack tests, the layer fails in a sudden planar fashion indicating that it has lots of energy in it, and showing that when it does fail, it has the potential to propagate across large distances.  These tests mesh with the large avalanches that have been observed in the region recently.  Conditions have been favorable for cornice growth recently, as a result many ridge lines are sporting large cornices.
Another 6 cm of snow fell Saturday night bringing the weekend storm snow total up to 16cm of moist snow.  Much of the snowfall has been accompanied by light to moderate SW winds.  Freezing levels topped out around 1800m Saturday, with the top 10 cm moistening as a result.  This new snow covers old pencil hard wind slabs which were created by last week's strong W/SW winds.  These wind slabs are getting more stubborn, and it likely takes a big trigger, like a falling piece of cornice to get them going.  That being said, they may still be sensitive to human triggering in areas where the snowpack goes from thick to thin, rock outcroppings being the classic example of this kind of structure.  The big story remains the early February Surface Hoar that is 90 - 160cm deep.  The snow above this weak layer has been under the influence of warmth and time which has settled the snow into a thick cohesive slab 90 -160 cm in depth.  Obviously, when a slab almost as tall as the average Canadian releases, the consequences are severe.  Operators in the region have been diligently gathering data on this weak layer; In snowpack tests, the layer fails in a sudden planar fashion indicating that it has lots of energy in it, and showing that when it does fail, it has the potential to propagate across large distances.  These tests mesh with the large avalanches that have been observed in the region recently.  Conditions have been favorable for cornice growth recently, as a result many ridge lines are sporting large cornices.  Basal facets have only been reactive on steep, shallow, and rocky slopes, but operators continue to monitor this layer in tests. Triggering this deep persistent weak layer is unlikely, but shallow snowpack areas or shallow weak areas adjacent to deeper wind loaded slopes are the most suspect locations.
Kootenay pass picked up 12 cm of rather wet snow Saturday night, but the rest of the region is reporting only a few cm's.  This snow adds to a few cm that fell Friday night, all of which rests on 2 - 6mm surface hoar on north aspects and a 2cm sun crust on solar aspects.  Moist snow was found Friday to 1800m, I suspect there was little change Saturday.  The leap year SH is now down around 40 - 50 cm and is failing as a resistant planar shear in snowpack tests.  The early February surface hoar is down 80 - 140cm, snowpack tests show moderate to hard forces generating sudden planar shears on this layer.
Recent storm snow has become moist on solar aspects, and on all aspects at low elevations. The mid February surface hoar layer is now down between 40 & 100cm and is more prevalent in the west and south of the region, particularly in the Flathead. Recent snowpack tests as well as a rider-triggered avalanche on this weak layer indicate that it still has the potential to be triggered in many areas and if it is triggered, a large avalanche could result. Remote-triggering, triggering from below and triggering on low-angled terrain are also concerns. Lingering concern remains for basal facets, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below.
Recent storm snow became moist on solar aspects, and the upper 70cm or so of the snowpack became isothermal on all aspects at low elevations on Saturday.  A thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects was buried at the end of February. A touchy persistent weak layer of facets and surface hoar, which was buried mid-February, is now down about 1m and has been producing large and widely-propagating avalanches. Cornices have also been failing with warm temperatures and creating large avalanches running on the mid-Feb weakness.
Stormy conditions are creating ever-deeper wind slabs and storm slabs. These overlie various old surfaces including crusts, moist snow, old wind slabs and old storm slabs. Reports from the field suggest variable reactivity in the recent storm snow. A key concern is the potential for a storm- or wind-slab to step down and trigger deeper weaknesses, formed in mid-February, which are still producing clean and fast shears in snowpack tests. Very large avalanches are possible, which could be remote-triggered, triggered mid-slope, and/or propagate into low-angled terrain.
Strong winds and new snow are expected to create new wind slabs and storm slabs which are likely to fail in steep terrain, and could overload persistent weak layers. Persistent weak layers are variable in distribution across the region. A hollow series of poorly-bonded crusts was reported on southerly aspects in the Duffey Lake and Chilcotin regions last week, which may have healed somewhat with dramatic warming at the end of the week. A lower weakness comprising surface hoar, facets and a crust, has produced whumpfs and still is a key concern for step-down avalanches in many parts of the region. It is especially prevalent on south-facing slopes above treeline, and all slopes below treeline.
Around half a metre of snow fell during the weekend, with more heavy snow and extreme winds forecast for late Monday. Wind slabs have developed above treeline behind ridges and terrain breaks, and in gullies. The lower part of the weekend's storm snow is extremely dense and was acting as a sliding layer for the upper part of the storm snow. On Saturday, below about 1100m, moist surface snow was losing cohesion. The lower snowpack consists of a series of crusts and settled snow, with a generally strong structure.
Continued moderate snowfall and moderate southwest winds have contributed to ongoing wind and storm slab development. About 150cm below the surface lie buried weak surfaces that formed early February. These include a widespread surface hoar instability that may exist in combination with facets or crusts. These persistent weak layers have remained touchy all week and remain a concern at all elevations. Near-surface avalanches, sleds, and skiers may easily trigger these deeper weaknesses creating large and very destructive avalanches.Large cornices have also formed and could act as triggers for slopes below.
Recent moderate snow accumulations and strong winds have been responsible for extensive wind transport at higher elevations, and recently developed hard and soft wind slabs now exist at treeline and in the alpine. In the mid snowpack lies the mid-February surface hoar. Buried over a metre down, this surface hoar may exist in combination with crusts or facets. These persistent weaknesses have remained reactive all week and are an ongoing concern at all elevations as avalanches may be unexpectedly large and destructive. Large cornices have formed and could also act as a trigger on the slope below.
Continued strong westerly winds have redistributed recent storm snow into reactive wind slabs that most commonly exist at treeline and in the alpine.  In the northern part of the region two persistent weak layers are on the radar of some operators: Surface hoar buried at the beginning of March is as much as 70cm deep. The early February persistent weak layers (surface hoar, facets, crusts) are over a metre down.  Although not widespread throughout the region, persistent slabs would be destructive in nature and may be reactive to skier triggers, particularly below treeline on isolated and sheltered steep terrain where buried surface hoar may be preserved. Cornices in the region are reported to be large and unstable.
Warm temperatures and then subsequent cooling have created crusts on all aspects below 1000m and on sun-exposed slopes as high as 1600m. More recently, intense wind-loading and light snowfall accumulations have taken place with snow surfaces either getting scoured or packed into hard wind slabs. The mid February interface, down around 60cm, is variable and generally consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m. Above that elevation, expect to find buried facets, and/or surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), and/or a sun crust on southern aspects. The surface hoar is not widespread, but has been responsible for larger avalanches that occurred last week. This layer should be on your radar, as it may be susceptible to rider triggers.
Up to 15cm new snow overnight. Extensive wind transport at all elevations. Hard slabs and soft slabs formed at alpine and treeline areas. Valentine's surface hoar buried up to 100cm and is still reactive to stability tests.
Storm snow continues to build up as successive weather systems affect the region. Temperatures overnight Monday and Tuesday are expected to be colder than during the previous storm, when snow became moist at low elevations. Expect storm slabs and sluffs to be prevalent on Tuesday. Wind slabs are also likely near ridge top and in the lee of terrain breaks. A thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects was buried at the end of February. A touchy persistent weak layer of facets and surface hoar, which was buried mid-February, is now down over 1m and has been producing large and widely-propagating avalanches. Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for large avalanches.
Storm snow continues to build up. South-westerly winds are likely to have created wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks. The mid February surface hoar layer in the upper snowpack is most prevalent in the west and south of the region, particularly in the Flathead. Recent snowpack tests, as well as rider-triggered avalanches, on this weak layer indicate that it still has the potential to be triggered in many areas, resulting in a large avalanche. Remote-triggering, triggering from below and triggering on low-angled terrain are also concerns. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below. Conditions are variable across the region.
Continued strong and variable winds have redistributed light amounts of recent storm snow into thin wind slabs that most commonly exist at treeline and in the alpine. In the northern part of the region two persistent weak layers are on the radar of some operators: Surface hoar buried at the beginning of March is as much as 70cm deep. The early February persistent weak layers (surface hoar, facets, crusts) are over a metre down.  Although not widespread throughout the region, persistent slabs would be destructive in nature and may be reactive to skier triggers, particularly below treeline on isolated and sheltered steep terrain where buried surface hoar may be preserved. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and unstable.
Strong winds and new snow are expected to create wind slabs and storm slabs which are likely to fail in steep terrain, and could overload persistent weak layers. Persistent weak layers are variable in distribution across the region. A hollow series of poorly-bonded crusts was reported on southerly aspects in the Duffey Lake and Chilcotin regions last week, which may have healed somewhat with dramatic warming at the end of last week. A lower weakness comprising surface hoar, facets and a crust, has produced whumpfs and sudden planar ("pops") results in snowpack tests. It is still is a key concern for step-down avalanches in many parts of the region. It is especially prevalent on south-facing slopes above treeline, and all slopes below treeline.
Stormy conditions are creating ever-deeper wind slabs and storm slabs. Extreme winds are leading to the development of wind slabs unusually low on the slope and perhaps even in openings below treeline. Various old surfaces including crusts, moist snow, old wind slabs and old storm slabs sit below this. A key concern is the potential for a storm- or wind-slab to step down and trigger deeper weaknesses, formed in mid-February, which are still producing clean and fast shears in snowpack tests. Very large avalanches are possible, which could be remote-triggered, triggered mid-slope, and/or propagate into low-angled terrain.
Melt freeze crusts exists on most aspects below 1000m and on many sun-exposed slopes as high as 1600m. More recently, intense wind-loading and light snowfall accumulations have taken place with snow surfaces either getting scoured or packed into hard wind slabs. The mid February interface, down around 60cm, is variable and generally consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m. Above that elevation, expect to find buried facets, and/or surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), and/or a sun crust on southern aspects. The surface hoar is not widespread, but has been responsible for larger avalanches that occurred last week. This layer should be on your radar, as it may be susceptible to rider triggers.
Recent snow accumulations have been variable throughout the region, but mostly moderate daily accumulations and strong winds have been responsible for extensive wind transport at higher elevations, and recently developed wind slabs now exist at treeline and in the alpine. In the mid snowpack lies the mid-February surface hoar. Buried over a metre down, this surface hoar may exist in combination with crusts or facets. These persistent weaknesses have remained reactive all week and are an ongoing concern at all elevations as avalanches may be unexpectedly large and destructive. Large cornices have formed and could also act as a trigger on the slope below.
Recent snowfall amounts have been variable throughout the region; however, generally moderate daily amounts and moderate to strong southwest winds have contributed to ongoing wind and storm slab development. About 150cm below the surface lie buried weak surfaces that formed early February. These include a widespread surface hoar instability that may exist in combination with facets or crusts. These persistent weak layers have remained touchy all week and remain a concern at all elevations. The weight of new snow, near-surface avalanches, sleds, and skiers may easily trigger these deeper weaknesses creating unexpectedly large and destructive avalanches.Large cornices have also formed and could act as triggers for slopes below.
Continued heavy snowfall and extreme winds continue to build and re-build wind slabs in exposed lee areas, particularly behind ridges and in gullies. Dense storm snow overlies lower density weaker snow in some areas, which has lead to reports (on Monday) of whumpfs and cracking of the upper snowpack, especially in wind affected areas. The persistence and intensity of the incoming storms is continuing to maintain conditions conducive to avalanche formation in the upper snowpack. There is a blog that could be interesting about message fatigue, which relates to ongoing high danger. The lower snowpack in this area consists of a series of crusts and settled snow and is generally strong and well bonded.
Approximately 25 cm new snow fell on top of previous storm amounts from Friday night and Saturday night. This has added to the snow amounts overlying a 2 - 6mm surface hoar on north aspects and a 2cm sun crust on solar aspects.  Moist snow was found Friday to 1800m, I suspect there was little change Saturday.  The leap year SH is now down around 40 - 50 cm and is failing as a resistant planar shear in snowpack tests.  The early February surface hoar is down 80 - 140cm, snowpack tests show moderate to hard forces generating sudden planar shears on this layer.
Another 10 cm of moist snow fell Sunday night, adding to storm snow amounts from the weekend of 20 - 30 cm, most of which has been accompanied by moderate SW winds.  This new snow covers old pencil hard wind slabs which were created  by last week's strong W/SW winds.  These wind slabs are getting more stubborn, and it likely takes a big trigger, like a falling piece of cornice to get them going.  That being said, they may still be sensitive to human triggering in areas where the snowpack goes from thick to thin, rock outcroppings being the classic example of this kind of structure.  The big story remains the early February Surface Hoar that is 80 - 170cm deep.  The snow above this weak layer has been under the influence of warmth and time which has settled the snow into a thick cohesive slab 80 -170 cm in depth.  Obviously, when a slab almost as tall as the average Canadian releases, the consequences are severe.  Operators in the region have been diligently gathering data on this weak layer; In snowpack tests, the layer fails in a sudden planar fashion indicating that it has lots of energy in it, and showing that when it does fail, it has the potential to propagate across large distances.  These tests mesh with the large avalanches that have been observed in the region recently.  Conditions have been favorable for cornice growth recently, as a result many ridge lines are sporting large cornices.
Up to half a metre of recent storm snow, driven into wind slabs by moderate to strong southerly winds, overlies moist snow at low elevations or old hard wind slabs in the alpine. The early February surface hoar, about 1-1.6m deep, remains a key concern. Storm slabs, wind slabs or a light load can trigger surprisingly destructive avalanches on this layer. Basal facets have only been reactive on steep, shallow, and rocky slopes, but operators continue to monitor this layer.
25cm of new snow overnight brings storm snow totals to near 35cm at treeline. The storm snow sluffs easily in steep terrain with ski cutting. Fresh wind slabs are forming at treeline and alpine elevations.
Continued heavy snowfall and extreme winds continue to build and re-build wind slabs in exposed lee areas, particularly behind ridges and in gullies. Dense storm snow overlies lower density weaker snow in some areas, which has lead to reports (on Monday) of whumpfs and cracking of the upper snowpack, especially in wind affected areas. The persistence and intensity of the incoming storms is continuing to maintain conditions conducive to avalanche formation in the upper snowpack. There is a blog that could be interesting about message fatigue, which relates to ongoing high danger. The lower snowpack in this area consists of a series of crusts and settled snow and is generally strong and well bonded.
The last 4 days or so have seen storm snow amounts around 50-60 cm; winds have been strong, mostly from the south or southwest with occasional easterly or southeasterly. This new snow covers old pencil hard wind slabs which were created  by last week's strong W/SW winds.  Storm snow remains readily triggerable, but it's starting to take heavier triggers (such as a big cornice) to get lower layers, such as old wind slabs, or the more deeply buried surface hoar layers to move. That being said, these layers may still be sensitive to human triggering in areas where the snowpack goes from thick to thin, rock outcroppings being the classic example of this kind of structure.  The big lurking danger remains the early February Surface Hoar that is now around 100 - 200cm deep.  The snow above this weak layer has been under the influence of warmth and time which has settled the snow into a thick cohesive slab.  Obviously, when a slab almost as tall as the average Canadian releases, the consequences are severe.  Operators in the region have been diligently gathering data on this weak layer; in snowpack tests, the layer fails in a sudden planar fashion indicating that it has the potential to propagate across large distances.  These tests mesh with the large avalanches that have been observed in the region recently.  Conditions have been favorable for cornice growth recently, as a result many ridge lines are sporting large cornices.
80 to 160 cm storm snow now overlies the prominent surface hoar layer of mid-February. The storm snow is reacting readily to both natural and human triggers. The mid-February surface hoar layer is more stubborn and not reacting everywhere, but has regularly been producing large avalanches up to size 3.5, which indicates it is very much still alive and needs to be treated with the utmost respect. This layer is widespread, so defining safe zones based on elevation or aspect may not be the best idea right now. Of course, shallower snowpack areas are those where you are more likely to trigger it, as well as convex rolls, and rocky or uneven terrain features. If you know that a slope has already avalanched on that layer, it may be a better bet, although you still need to factor in the effect of recent storm snow amounts and whether reloading is an issue. Operators continue to monitor basal facets, especially in shallow, rocky areas, but with all the recent storm snow, the basal weakness has not been of undue concern recently.
Continued strong and variable winds have redistributed light amounts of recent storm snow into thin wind slabs that most commonly exist at treeline and in the alpine. In the northern part of the region two persistent weak layers are on the radar of some operators: Surface hoar buried at the beginning of March is as much as 70cm deep. The early February persistent weak layers (surface hoar, facets, crusts) are over a metre down.  Although triggering persistent weaknesses has become less likely, persistent slabs would be destructive in nature, particularly below treeline on isolated and sheltered steep terrain where buried surface hoar may be preserved. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and unstable.
Light amounts of low density snow sit over a variety of old surfaces that include widely distributed hard wind slabs, or melt freeze crusts that exist on most aspects below 1000m and on solar aspects as high as 1600m. In exposed areas the newer low density snow has been shifted into stiffer pockets of soft wind slab. The mid February interface, down around 60cm, is variable and generally consists of a strong melt freeze crust below 1000m. Above that elevation, expect to find buried facets, and/or surface hoar (in more sheltered areas), and/or a sun crust on southern aspects. The surface hoar is not widespread and is gaining strength, but should still be on your radar in steeper, unsupported terrain at treeline and below. Cornices in the area are also reported to be very large and primed for triggering.
Approximately 25 cm new snow fell on top of previous storm amounts from Friday night and Saturday night. This has added to the snow amounts overlying a 2 - 6mm surface hoar on north aspects and a 2cm sun crust on solar aspects.  Moist snow was found Friday to 1800m, I suspect there was little change Saturday.  The leap year SH is now down around 40 - 50 cm and is failing as a resistant planar shear in snowpack tests.  The early February surface hoar is down 80 - 140cm, snowpack tests show moderate to hard forces generating sudden planar shears on this layer.
Storm snow continues to build up as successive weather systems affect the region. Very touchy storm slabs were reported on Monday. Wind slabs are also likely near ridge tops and in the lee of terrain breaks. A thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects was buried at the end of February. A touchy persistent weak layer of facets and surface hoar, which was buried mid-February, is now down over 1m and has been producing large and widely-propagating avalanches. Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for large avalanches.
Storm snow continues to build up. South-westerly winds are likely to have created wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks. The mid February surface hoar layer in the upper snowpack is most prevalent in the west and south of the region, particularly in the Flathead. Recent snowpack tests, as well as rider-triggered avalanches, on this weak layer indicate that it still has the potential to be triggered in many areas, resulting in a large avalanche. Remote-triggering, triggering from below and triggering on low-angled terrain are also concerns. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below. Conditions are variable across the region.
Stormy conditions are creating ever-deeper wind slabs and storm slabs. The upper snowpack is like a club sandwich with layers of new wind slab, storm snow layers of variable density, old moist snow and hard old wind slabs. Storm slabs or wind slabs may step down and trigger a deep weakness, formed in mid-February. On Monday, reports of avalanches failing on this layer naturally and with a remote trigger started coming in. Very large avalanches are possible, which could be remote-triggered, triggered mid-slope, and/or propagate into low-angled terrain.
Strong winds and snow have created wind slabs and storm slabs which are likely to fail in steep terrain, and could overload persistent weak layers. Persistent weak layers are variable in distribution across the region. A hollow series of poorly-bonded crusts was reported on southerly aspects in the Duffey Lake and Chilcotin regions last week, which may have healed somewhat with dramatic warming at the end of last week. A lower weakness comprising surface hoar, facets and a crust, has produced whumpfs and sudden planar ("pops") results in snowpack tests. It is still is a key concern for step-down avalanches in many parts of the region. It is especially prevalent on south-facing slopes above treeline, and all slopes below treeline.
Recent snow accumulations have been variable throughout the region, but mostly moderate daily accumulations and moderate to strong winds have been responsible for extensive wind transport at higher elevations, and recently developed wind slabs now exist at treeline and in the alpine. In the mid snowpack lies the mid-February surface hoar. Buried well over a metre down, this surface hoar may exist in combination with crusts or facets. These persistent weaknesses have remained reactive and are an ongoing concern at all elevations as avalanches may be unexpectedly large and destructive. Large cornices have formed and could also act as a trigger on the slope below.
Recent snowfall amounts have been quite variable throughout the region, but some areas received over 30cm of new snow on Monday night. Generally speaking, ongoing moderate daily amounts and moderate to strong southwest winds have contributed to reactive wind and storm slab development. About 160cm below the surface lie buried weak surfaces that formed early February. These include a widespread surface hoar instability that may exist in combination with facets or crusts. These persistent weak layers have remained touchy all week and remain a concern at all elevations. The weight of new snow, near-surface avalanches, sleds, and skiers may easily trigger these deeper weaknesses creating unexpectedly large and destructive avalanches.Large cornices have also formed and could act as triggers for slopes below.
White Pass Snowpack obs taken from Fraser Wx full profile. (900m Elev)  HS= 200cms. 30cms of F-4F storm snow overlies settled storm snow down (1F-1F+).  The mid pack is strong and composed of rounding facets to 150cms (P-P+)  The Dec 5 crust is quite broken down 150cms, and facets (size 3-4) to ground can be found below this.  Stability tests produced repeated Hard SP results down 42cms on a layer of preserved new snow with a 1F slab above.Yesterday (120312), this same layer was observed skiing in the fraser ridge area, with similar stability results recorded as well.  In this location it was buried about the same depth but with a slightly more developed wind slab above.  Looking around, fat pillows on N-NE convex rolls just below ridgel ine looked to be still harboring wind slabs.In the Wheaton Valley, at Valley bottom location (800m) HS=60cms.  10cms of HST overlies a 4F-1F- settled storm slab which is supported by a weak mid and lower pack of 4F-4F- of facets and depth hoar.
10cm of new snow overnight with only a trace of new through the day.  Increasing winds later in the morning with considerable redistribution of storm snow occurring.
Continued heavy snowfall and extreme winds continue to build and re-build wind slabs in exposed lee areas, particularly behind ridges and in gullies. Dense storm snow overlies lower density weaker snow in some areas, which has lead to reports (on Monday) of whumpfs and cracking of the upper snowpack, especially in wind affected areas. The persistence and intensity of the incoming storms is continuing to maintain conditions conducive to avalanche formation in the upper snowpack. There is a blog that could be interesting about message fatigue, which relates to ongoing high danger. The lower snowpack in this area consists of a series of crusts and settled snow and is generally strong and well bonded.
Recent storm slabs of around 20-40 cm overly a variety of surfaces including old wind slabs in exposed areas, a sun crust on southern aspects or even (spotty reports) a 2 - 6mm surface hoar on north and east aspects. Prior to that, recent most snow fell to around 1800m. The leap year SH is now down around 40 - 50 cm and is failing as a resistant planar shear in snowpack tests.  The early February surface hoar is down 80 - 140cm, snowpack tests show moderate to hard forces generating sudden planar shears on this layer. Below the early February surface hoar layer, the snowpack is strong in most places.
The last 4 days or so have seen storm snow amounts around 50-60 cm; winds have been strong, mostly from the south or southwest with occasional easterly or southeasterly. This new snow covers old pencil hard wind slabs which were created  by last week's strong W/SW winds.  Storm snow remains readily triggerable, but it's starting to take heavier triggers (such as a big cornice) to get lower layers, such as old wind slabs, or the more deeply buried surface hoar layers to move. That being said, these layers may still be sensitive to human triggering in areas where the snowpack goes from thick to thin, rock outcroppings being the classic example of this kind of structure.  The big lurking danger remains the early February Surface Hoar that is now around 100 - 200cm deep.  The snow above this weak layer has been under the influence of warmth and time which has settled the snow into a thick cohesive slab.  Obviously, when a slab almost as tall as the average Canadian releases, the consequences are severe.  Operators in the region have been diligently gathering data on this weak layer; in snowpack tests, the layer fails in a sudden planar fashion indicating that it has the potential to propagate across large distances.  These tests mesh with the large avalanches that have been observed in the region recently.  Conditions have been favorable for cornice growth recently, as a result many ridge lines are sporting large cornices.
Strong winds and snow have created wind slabs and storm slabs which are likely to fail in steep terrain, and could overload persistent weak layers. Persistent weak layers are variable in distribution across the region. A hollow series of poorly-bonded crusts was reported on southerly aspects in the Duffey Lake and Chilcotin regions last week, which may have healed somewhat with dramatic warming at the end of last week. A lower weakness comprising surface hoar, facets and a crust, has produced whumpfs and sudden planar ("pops") results in snowpack tests. It is still is a key concern for step-down avalanches in many parts of the region. It is especially prevalent on south-facing slopes above treeline, and all slopes below treeline.
Sporadic strong and variable winds have redistributed light amounts of recent storm snow into thin wind slabs that most commonly exist at treeline and in the alpine.In the northern part of the region two persistent weak layers are on the radar of some operators: Surface hoar buried at the beginning of March is as much as 70cm deep. The early February persistent weak layers (surface hoar, facets, crusts) are over a metre down.  Although triggering persistent weaknesses has become less likely, persistent slabs would be destructive in nature, particularly below treeline on isolated and sheltered steep terrain where buried surface hoar may be preserved. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.
Stormy conditions continue! Over 1m of storm snow has fallen, accompanied by strong SW winds. Storm slabs and wind slabs continue to build. Cornices are large, some reaching threshold and triggering the slopes below. For the most part, the new storm snow is right side up (lower density snow on top) and easy to moderate shears exist within the upper meter. The additional weight of new storm and wind slabs may step down and trigger a deep weakness, formed in mid-February. On Monday, reports of avalanches failingon this layer naturally and with a remote trigger started coming in. Recent test results on this layer produced hard sudden planar results down 120cm in the snowpack (DTH24 SP dwn 120cm on FC/RG 0.5). Very large avalanches are possible, which could be remote-triggered, triggered mid-slope, and/or propagate into low-angled terrain.
Light amounts of low density snow sit over a variety of old surfaces that include widely distributed hard wind slabs, or melt freeze crusts that exist on most aspects below 1000m and on solar aspects as high as 1600m. In exposed areas the newer low density snow has been shifted into deeper pockets of soft wind slab. The mid February surface hoar, down around 60cm, is not widespread and is gaining strength, but should still be on your radar in steeper, unsupported terrain at treeline and below. Cornices in the area are also reported to be very large and primed for triggering.
Recent snowfall amounts since the weekend have been quite variable throughout the region. Generally speaking, ongoing moderate daily amounts and moderate to strong southwest winds have contributed to reactive wind and storm slab development. About 160cm below the surface lie buried weak surfaces that formed early February. These include a widespread surface hoar instability that, depending on aspect an elevation, may exist in combination with facets or crusts. These persistent weak layers have been reactive all week and remain a concern at all elevations. The weight of new snow, near-surface avalanches, sleds, and skiers may easily trigger these deeper weaknesses creating unexpectedly large and destructive avalanches.Large cornices have also formed and could act as triggers for slopes below.
Recently the region has received up to 50 cm of new snow. Touchy storm slabs exist at all elevations. Strong SW winds have created stiff wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks.A thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects was buried at the end of February. A touchy persistent weak layer of facets and surface hoar, which was buried mid-February, is now down over 1m and has been producing large and widely-propagating avalanches. Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for large avalanches.
Recent snowfall amounts since the weekend have been quite variable throughout the region. Generally speaking, ongoing moderate daily amounts and moderate to strong southwest winds have contributed to reactive wind and storm slab development. About 160cm below the surface lie buried weak surfaces that formed early February. These include a widespread surface hoar instability that, depending on aspect an elevation, may exist in combination with facets or crusts. These persistent weak layers have been reactive all week and remain a concern at all elevations. The weight of new snow, near-surface avalanches, sleds, and skiers may easily trigger these deeper weaknesses creating unexpectedly large and destructive avalanches.Large cornices have also formed and could act as triggers for slopes below.
80 to 160 cm storm snow now overlies the prominent surface hoar layer of mid-February. The storm snow is reacting readily to both natural and human triggers. The mid-February surface hoar layer is more stubborn and not reacting everywhere, but has regularly been producing large avalanches up to size 3.5, which indicates it is very much still alive and needs to be treated with the utmost respect. This layer is widespread, so defining safe zones based on elevation or aspect may not be the best idea right now. Of course, shallower snowpack areas are those where you are more likely to trigger it, as well as convex rolls, and rocky or uneven terrain features. If you know that a slope has already avalanched on that layer, it may be a better bet, although you still need to factor in the effect of recent storm snow amounts and whether reloading is an issue. Operators continue to monitor basal facets, especially in shallow, rocky areas, but with all the recent storm snow, the basal weakness has not been of undue concern recently.
Recently the region has received 30-40 cm of new snow. Touchy storm slabs exist at all elevations. Strong SW winds have created stiff wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks. The mid February surface hoar layer in the upper snowpack is most prevalent in the west and south of the region, particularly in the Flathead. Recent snowpack tests, as well as rider-triggered avalanches, on this weak layer indicate that it still has the potential to be triggered in many areas, resulting in a large destructive avalanche. Remote-triggering, triggering from below and triggering on low-angled terrain are also concerns. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below. Conditions are variable across the region.
Area Observed: Observation flight - observed 30 % of entire region Continental: 20 cm of HST overlies a 1F hard slab above FC and DH to ground.  HS highly variable, on average 70-100cm in alpine.  Isolated pockets of windslab on N - NE aspects in the immediate lee of ridge line. North West Transitional snow pack (Wheaton headwaters): Surface hoar up to size 10 on surface.  20 cm of HST, midpack rounding  CTM11SP down 40 on well preserved stellars.  HS up to 3+m in alpine 150cm at TL,  Skied 2100m to 1700m on a NE aspect up to 35 degrees with no signs of instability other than ridge top wind loading. South West Transitional snow pack (Horman lake): 20 cm of low density snow sits atop 1F wind skin, shooting cracks from ski tips in the immediate lee of ridge line on a N aspect.   Well preserved layer of low density stellars down 40-47cm.  120221 SH imbedded in interface down 80 sz 3-4.  CTE7SP down 20, CTH 24 down 80 SP on SH repeated . Costal climate (White Pass East): 40cm settled HST overlies rounded midpack broken by120221 SH found on N aspect at 1800m down 80, not necessarily widespread.  Crown profile ( see bellow) CTM18SC down 80 on SH.
5cm new snow over the past 24hrs.  Storm snow totals are now close to 50cm at treeline with the valentines day surface hoar interface down 110cm.  Moderate sheer persist within the storm snow down 20 and 40 and moderate sudden planer sheers persist at the valentines day interface down 110cm.  In Commonwealth ridge area, at 2400m the surface hoar was down 110cm and up to 10mm big, very evident in the test profile.  Propagation saw test 30/110 End indicate that any avalanche that is initiated is likely to propagate across a given feature.
Good dumps of new snow are adding to recent storm slabs of around 40-60 cm, which overly a variety of surfaces including old wind slabs in exposed areas, a sun crust on southern aspects or even (spotty reports) a 2 - 6mm surface hoar on north and east aspects. Prior to that, recent most snow fell to around 1800m. The leap year SH is now down around 40 - 50 cm and is failing as a resistant planar shear in snowpack tests.  The more significant early February surface hoar is down 80 - 140cm, snowpack tests show moderate to hard forces generating sudden planar shears on this layer. Below the early February surface hoar layer, the snowpack is strong in most places. Cornices are growing and would act as a significant trigger for all the layers mentioned above if they drop.
The region received 20-30 cm of new snow overnight Wednesday and during the day Thursday. Recent snowfall amounts since the weekend have been quite variable throughout the region. Generally speaking, ongoing moderate daily amounts and moderate to strong southwest winds have contributed to reactive wind and storm slab development. About 160cm below the surface lie buried weak surfaces that formed early February. These include a widespread surface hoar instability that, depending on aspect an elevation, may exist in combination with facets or crusts. These persistent weak layers have been reactive all week and remain a concern at all elevations. The weight of new snow, near-surface avalanches, sleds, and skiers may easily trigger these deeper weaknesses creating unexpectedly large and destructive avalanches. Large cornices have also formed and could act as triggers for slopes below.
The region received about 20 more cm of new snow on Wednesday night/Thursday morning. This has brought the recent storm snow amount up to about 80 cm. Winds have been strong, mostly from the south or southwest with occasional easterly or southeasterly. This new snow covers old pencil hard wind slabs which were created  by last week's strong W/SW winds.  Storm snow remains easy to trigger. Persistent layers may still be sensitive to human triggering in areas where the snowpack goes from thick to thin, rock outcroppings being the classic example of this kind of structure.  The big lurking danger remains the early February Surface Hoar that is now around 100 - 200cm deep.  The snow above this weak layer has been under the influence of warmth and time which has settled the snow into a thick cohesive slab. Operators in the region have been diligently gathering data on this weak layer; in snowpack tests, the layer fails in a sudden planar fashion indicating that it has the potential to propagate across large distances.  These tests mesh with the large avalanches that have been observed in the region recently.  Conditions have been favorable for cornice growth recently, as a result many ridge lines are sporting large cornices.
Recently the region has received up to 50 cm of new snow. Touchy storm slabs exist at all elevations. Strong SW winds have created stiff wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks in the alpine and at treeline. The rainline sits around 1700m, with moist snow below. A thin sun crust on south/west aspects and small grained surface hoar on sheltered north/east aspects was buried at the end of February. A touchy persistent weak layer of facets and surface hoar, which was buried mid-February, is now down over 1m and has been producing large and widely-propagating avalanches. Large cornices also loom as potential triggers for large avalanches.
Earlier in the week the region has received 30-40 cm of storm snow. An additional 15-25 cm fell overnight Wednesday. Touchy storm slabs exist at all elevations. Strong SW winds have created stiff wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks. The mid February surface hoar layer in the upper snowpack is most prevalent in the west and south of the region, particularly in the Flathead. Recent snowpack tests, as well as rider-triggered avalanches, on this weak layer indicate that it still has the potential to be triggered in many areas, resulting in a large destructive avalanche. Remote-triggering, triggering from below and triggering on low-angled terrain are also concerns. Basal facets may still exist, particularly in shallower snowpack areas with steep, rocky start zones. Cornices have grown large and threaten slopes below. Conditions are variable across the region.
Stormy conditions continue! Over 1100-180 cm storm snow has fallen, accompanied by strong SW winds. Storm slabs and wind slabs continue to build. Cornices are large, some reaching threshold and triggering the slopes below. For the most part, the new storm snow is right side up (lower density snow on top) and easy to moderate shears exist within the upper meter. The additional weight of new storm and wind slabs may step down and trigger a deep weakness, formed in mid-February. Recent test results on this layer produced hard sudden planar results down 120cm in the snowpack (DTH24 SP dwn 120cm on FC/RG 0.5). Very large avalanches are possible, which could be remote-triggered, triggered mid-slope, and/or propagate into low-angled terrain.
Another 10 cm on Thursday, 80-160 cm storm snow now overlies the prominent surface hoar layer of mid-February.  There is 55 cm of foot penetration, which means that there is a lot of snow available for transport by the wind. The storm snow is reacting readily to both natural and human triggers. The mid-February surface hoar layer is more stubborn and not reacting everywhere, but has regularly been producing large avalanches up to size 3.5, which indicates it is very much still alive and needs to be treated with the utmost respect. This layer is widespread, so defining safe zones based on elevation or aspect may not be the best idea right now. Of course, shallower snowpack areas are those where you are more likely to trigger it, as well as convex rolls, and rocky or uneven terrain features. If you know that a slope has already avalanched on that layer, it may be a better bet, although you still need to factor in the effect of recent storm snow amounts and whether reloading is an issue. Operators continue to monitor basal facets, especially in shallow, rocky areas, but with all the recent storm snow, the basal weakness has not been of undue concern recently.
Strong winds and snow have created wind slabs and storm slabs which are likely to fail in steep terrain, and could overload persistent weak layers. Persistent weak layers are variable in distribution across the region.  Crusts down 50 cm can be found on solar aspects exist in the Duffey Lake, Chilcotin, and Coquihalla areas. Previously, these crusts had a poor bond. Tests done on these crusts are showing moderate-hard results with sudden planar characteristics. With the additional stress of a new load, these crusts may act as a sliding layer.  Below this down approx. 100-150 cm, sit the mid Feb surface hoar, facets and a crust. Recent testing produced whumpfs and sudden planar results in snowpack tests. It is still is a key concern for step-down avalanches in many parts of the region. It is especially prevalent on south-facing slopes above treeline, and all slopes below treeline. Very large avalanches are possible, which could be remote-triggered, triggered mid-slope, and/or propagate into low-angled terrain.
Continued heavy snowfall and extreme winds continue to build and re-build wind slabs in exposed lee areas, particularly behind ridges and in gullies. Dense storm snow overlies lower density weaker snow in some areas, which has lead to reports (on Monday) of whumpfs and cracking of the upper snowpack, especially in wind affected areas. The persistence and intensity of the incoming storms is continuing to maintain conditions conducive to avalanche formation in the upper snowpack. There is a blog that could be interesting about message fatigue, which relates to ongoing high danger. The lower snowpack in this area consists of a series of crusts and settled snow and is generally strong and well bonded.
Sporadic strong and variable winds have redistributed light amounts of recent storm snow into thin wind slabs that most commonly exist at treeline and in the alpine.In the northern part of the region two persistent weak layers are on the radar of some operators: Surface hoar buried at the beginning of March is as much as 70cm deep. The early February persistent weak layers (surface hoar, facets, crusts) are over a metre down.  Although triggering persistent weaknesses has become less likely, persistent slabs would be destructive in nature, particularly below treeline on isolated and sheltered steep terrain where buried surface hoar may be preserved. Cornices in the region are reported to be very large and potentially unstable.