New windslabs are the concern for Friday. We have removed the "Persistent Slab" problem that has dominated Kootenay Park for two months. This does not mean the layer is gone; it means the likelihood is too low to call it a "Problem". Heads up.
Elevated winds from the west and northwest over the next few days will blow the new light snow around. This combined with warmer temperatures has created new windslabs that sit on a weak layer buried Jan 30.
The NW flow continues over the region with a pacific system embedded moving over the region starting Thursday night and through Friday. Snowfall ranges are expected between 5-15 cm with the most in westerly areas. Continued strong winds through the storm and temperatures below freezing.
Strong winds have created windslabs in alpine and treeline areas that are reactive to skier triggers. These windslabs sit on the Jan 30 layer of surface hoar and facets and may bond poorly. This problem will build for Friday with additional snowfall and continued strong winds. Shallow snowpack areas remain weak and facetted.
Road patrol of Hwy 93N today showed no new avalanches, but both Sunshine Village and Lake Louise ski areas reported size 1.5 windslabs triggered by skiers within their boundaries.
