While a cooling trend will lead to consolidation of the snowpack into the start of the week, 5-10cm of new snow with wind has kept the hazard elevated for now.
New snow came with moderate to strong south through west winds that have led to the development of fresh soft slabs along ridge crests. Older wind slabs may persist on steep lee alpine aspects correlating to previous west winds and the widespread wind effect evident treeline and above.
A 10-30 cm slab over crusts and/or a surface hoar layer from Jan 24th is a problem that could catch users off guard in isolated locations from just below to just above treeline. Check the snowpack often: monitor the character and behaviour of the slab above this weak layer closely.
Sunday, both ski hills noted development of soft slabs at ridge crest resulting from the new snow. Lake Louise triggered a sz 1.5 up to 40cm deep in the north cornice area with most results being smaller and up to 20m wide.
A couple of natural cornice falls were reported Saturday. One on Crowfoot Mountain triggered no slab on the slopes below; however a second in Little Yoho triggered a significant slab on the alpine face below.
5-10 cm of new snow arrived with moderate to strong S-W winds Saturday morning.
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Recent warm temperatures produced crusts on solar aspects to treeline and on steep solar alpine terrain.
North aspects remained mostly dry and cool.
Widespread wind effect exists in alpine and open exposed areas at treeline.
A new batch of surface hoar was observed in sheltered areas.
15–30 cm deep, the Jan 24 interface consists of surface hoar, crust, or widespread wind effect.
A brief ridge has formed over the region Sunday that brings clearing skies, cooling, and diminishing winds.
There is hope for small amounts of precip to accumulate through the week. This will start late Monday and increase towards the weekend.
