Incremental snowfall over the last week has brought storm snow up to 20cm depending on the location and elevation. This snow has generally been un-affected by the wind but expect wind-slab if it has.
Ice climbers be mindful of loose dry avalanches out of steep terrain.
Weak facets and depth hoar near the base of the snowpack have caused avalanches 65-120 cm deep recently. A stiffer slab over the facetted snow can trigger larger avalanches that step down to the ground.
Lake Louise and Sunshine reported numerous loose dry size 1's from ski cutting and explosive control on Jan 1st. A size 2 loose dry on Mount Wymper in the last 24-48 hours was also reported by our road patrol. Otherwise no new avalanches reported.
Up to 20cm of new low density snow has fallen over the last week with no wind.
This new snow overlies a 60-80 cm snowpack that is entirely faceted, with weak, facet/crust interfaces near the ground.
This situation is not expected to change in the short-term, unless the wind comes up, in which case windslabs will form rapidly.
Tonight: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine temperature: Low -14 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 15-30 km/h.
Thursday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperature: High -12 °C. Ridge wind southwest: 15-30 km/h.
Friday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperature: Low -12 °C, High -5 °C. Ridge wind south: 10 km/h.
