There is still a lot of uncertainty around the deeper facets in the snowpack. It is very difficult to assess slopes with these types of layers. Your terrain choices will be the best risk management.
Recent winds have created windslabs in the alpine and some treeline locations. Older slabs may still be reactive where they overly facets. New wind slabs can be expected to be very thin and only in immediate lees.
This represents the Dec. 2nd crust/ facet layer (treeline and below) and layers of faceted snow that were formed during the late December cold snap (all elevations). BTL concern likely only for thinner snowpack areas such as Mt. Stephen and Dennis.
Wind effect and wind slabs in the alpine and exposed tree-line areas and suncrust on steep south facing terrain. In sheltered areas, 20-40 cm of soft snow overlies facets and is good skiing. Facets and a weak mid-pack remain the dominant concern and the Dec 2 crust is down 100-150 cm and producing hard test results in most of Yoho.
Alpine temperatures will be warmer than valley bottom on Friday, but will stay below freezing. Winds will increase 60-80km in the alpine from the West and no new snow. Slightly cooler temperatures, diminished winds, and no snow for Saturday.
Skiers triggered a cornice that triggered a size 3 avalanche on the east face of Mt. Carnarvon (above Hamilton Lakes in Yoho Park) on Tuesday. This stepped down to a deeper persistent layer, which illustrates that big triggers or "hitting the sweet spot" can still produce large avalanches. Nothing new reported on Thursday.
