As temperatures cool and the winds back off Monday, we expect the hazard to do the same.
Be aware that it is still heads-up hockey out there with both lingering wind slabs and the persistent slab problem producing recent avalanches.
Recent winds have created wind-slabs in the alpine and some tree-line locations. These slabs are now 3-4 days old and we expect their sensitivity to decrease however they may be found over facets in some locations and remain sensitive.
This problem represents both 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). If triggered, either layer will result in large avalanches.
As a trough moves south through Alberta Monday, the region will see patchy cloud and possibly a few light flurries as temperatures cool a few degrees. Winds are expected to shift north and back to light to moderate speeds. The winds look to rebound Tuesday as do the temperatures which may reach -5C in the alpine.
Wind effect and wind slabs in the alpine and exposed tree-line areas. New sun crusts can be expected steep solar slopes . 30 to 60 cm of recent snow lies over a facet interface formed in late December. The Dec. 2 crust and facets are generally 100-150cm deep producing hard to no results. Snow depth at tree-line is around 200-250 cm.
No new avalanches observed or reported Sunday. Avalanche control in Yoho last week produced slabs with every shot. Most were failing on a wind slab or facet layer 40-60cm deep and then entraining facets in the track. One stepped down to the November facets ~ 180 cm deep.
