While the natural avalanches have tapered, the potential for human triggering remains as you approach treeline and above.
Wind slabs remain reactive with reports of whumphing on Tuesday and results with ski cuts and explosives. Expect to find windslabs in most leeward, loaded areas. While unlikely to release naturally, they could still be triggered.
There is a layer 30-90 cm deep, of facets/surface hoar/crust in many parts of the region. This layer is most touchy in Yoho & Kootenay at 1800-2200 m, but has also caused avalanches in other areas, including in the alpine. Evaluate this layer carefully before committing to any steep terrain.
Today, Lake Louise Patrol triggered size 1.5 - 2 wind slab avalanches on alpine E aspects with explosives & ski cutting. Sunshine Patrol cornice control triggered a size 3 avalanche.
Size 2.5 - 3 avalanches reported on Dolomite shoulder and Hector to have occurred in the past 48 hrs. Lots of whumphing on Watermelon peak anywhere there was wind-pressed snow.
Monday, skiers remotely triggered a size 2 avalanche on the Peyto Hut access moraines likely on the persistent layer.
Sunday's 20–40 cm snowfall was hammered by extreme winds and formed windslabs, while the rain fell to ~2000 m, triggering a widespread avalanche cycle. Cooler temperatures on Monday formed a crust now buried by 5–15 cm. As the crust thins with elevation, a persistent weak layer (30–90 cm deep facets/surface hoar) becomes more concerning—most reactive near treeline in Yoho & Kootenay, but has also caused avalanches in other areas, including the alpine.
Tuesday evening expect 2-5 cm. Flurries continue through Wednesday and into Thursday morning. Accumulations range between 10-20 cm. Temperatures will remain cool (-10 to -15), and SW winds will be light to moderate through this period.
