The cold temperatures are expected to help, but there is still some uncertainty on how the storm snow is bonding to the old surface.
Loose dry avalanches were still active today in Little Yoho, up to size 1.5 These slides can run on old-faceted snow surfaces. Ice climbers, in particular, should be wary of these sluffs in steep terrain.
The new storm snow still had slab characteristics today on Mt Field. The bond to the Jan 30th layer is still suspect (see snowpack summary).
The Parks Canada field team observed an ongoing loose dry avalanche cycle today on Mt. Field and Wapta Peak, with slides up to size 1.5. Evidence of a smaller storm slab cycle from yesterday was also noted at treeline, with avalanches up to size 1.
Up to 40cm of storm snow has fallen in the area at treeline. This sits on a weaker layer (Jan. 30) of crust, surface hoar, and facets. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled, with snowpack depths at the treeline ranging from 120cm to 180cm.
Tomorrow will be chilly, with temperatures dropping into the minus 20s at the ridge and -16 in the valley. There will be clearing over the course of the day, and light to moderate winds are expected.
