Winter is back in the alpine with some new snow on it's way today; expect to find wind slabs on lee features.
Recent moderate to strong winds have formed wind slabs on previous hard surfaces (sun crusts and old wind slabs). These have not bonded yet to the old surfaces.
This problem seems to be most active where the March 19th crust is not supportive over the Feb 3rd weak layer (down 30-90cm) of facets over a crust. This problem remains a concern on shaded aspects above 2400m.
New snow on Monday will have a good sliding surface from the recent crust. Keep an eye out for loose dry as amounts of new snow add up throughout the day.
A loose dry size one was reported on Sunday in the Icefields area as well as serac falls off of Kitchener and snowdome.
Neighbouring forecast areas are reporting numerous dry loose and wet loose avalanches to size 1.5 from the heat and sun over the weekend.
Yesterday's heat has formed a crust to 2600m all aspects and mountain top on solar slopes. Solar slopes at tree line and below have a plethora of crusts in the upper snow pack.
On shaded slopes 10-20cm of recent snow has been redistributed by South to SW winds forming windslabs in the alpine. The Feb 3 PWL is down 40-100cm and remains a concern on shaded aspects and shallow areas, above 2400m.
The basal depth hoar/facets are gaining strength in deeper snowpack areas.
Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada
Monday
Flurries (5-7cm during the day with up to 15cm overnight in isolated areas). Wind west: 15-30 km/h. Freezing level: 1900m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Alpine temps: Low -12 °C, High -8 °C. Wind north: 15 km/h gusting to 45 km/h.
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine temps: Low -13 °C, High -9 °C. Wind north: 15-35 km/h.
