Avalanche danger could be higher than expected if more snow arrives than what is in the forecast. Be alert for localized conditions. Wind slabs are widespread ay upper elevations, but good skiing is found in sheltered areas.
Stiff upper snowpack and/or a drummy feeling should put you on guard for wind slabs. Be on alert as you transition into Treeline features.
Thin areas are locations where it is more likely to trigger this weakness.
Sunday will bring flurries with accumulations of up to 15cm possible. Temps should be near -4C for a high with continued strong Westerly winds.
https://hpfx.collab.science.gc.ca/~fsg006/productviewer/ab/table/AB_Rockies_Forecast.html
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
No new avalanches were observed or report on Saturday.
On Thursday a size 2.5 skier/snowshoer remote avalanche was triggered from 1m away on a NW aspect at treeline on Little Chester peak. This avalanche had wide propagation and appearred to step down to the November crust/ground in a few areas.
Another sz 3 avalanche was reported on Thursday near Burstall Pass that crossed the valley floor burying the commonly travelled trail. Wind loading is the suspected trigger.
A few cm's over the last 2 days has buried the surface hoar up to 2200m. In most open places at Treeline and above, the wind has eliminated this layer of surface hoar. Wind slabs are widespread in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline, averaging 30 to 70cm thick. This surface wind slab is producing a moderate shear on decomposed crystals at Treeline locations in recent days. If you notice a drummy feel to the snowpack, consider the terrain you are connected to, both under your feet and above you. Stiff wind slabs could travel across a feature and create a large avalanche. The November crust still lingers at the base of the snowpack down 170cm or so and is still a concern for triggering from thinner snowpack areas.
