As storm snow settles, uncertainty remains elevated. Remain on the lookout for wind slabs, as skier triggering is still likely. A late day report of a large persistent slab near Lake Louise is a significant red flag (see avalanche summary).
20-40cm of recent snow, with sustained and continued moderate to strong winds, has formed widespread slabs at ridgetop and below. In less wind affected areas the storm snow will behave more like a storm slab until it has a chance to settle.
A late day report of a large avalanche near Lake Louise suggests characteristics of a persistent slab. It occurred on a SE aspect, so it may have failed on a crust. This is a significant flag that increases uncertainty and the potential for larger avalanches.
Rogan’s Gully near Banff ran naturally today, likely triggered by solar warming. Size 2. Debris stopped just short of reaching the bottom pitch of the climb. An ACMG Training and Assessment Program course observed a large size 3 avalanche near Hidden Bowl, adjacent to the Lake Louise Ski Area. The avalanche is estimated to be 12 to 24 hours old. This is a key observation that increases uncertainty.
15-40 cm's of storm snow from late last week induced a widespread avalanche cycle. Continued strong to extreme SW/W winds are redistributing the storm snow in to wind slabs. In some thin areas, there are facets near the base, but overall, the snowpack is stronger than usual.
Strong west winds will continue Monday. Temperatures remain seasonal, with valley highs slightly above zero and ridge temperatures around -8. No precipitation expected until Wednesday, with a mix of sun and cloud until then.
