The recent snow is a welcome refresh; however, in isolated areas below and at treeline, a 40 cm slab now loads the Jan 24 surface hoar. Look for this layer and test it before committing to the terrain.
Up to 15 cm of low-density snow fell ending Tuesday, but winds generally did not materialize. However, some high alpine areas in the immediate lee could harbor some small windslabs.
A 20-40 cm slab over the Jan. 24th surface hoar layer could catch users off guard in isolated, shady aspects at treeline and below. Check the snowpack often and monitor the character and behaviour of the slab above this weak layer closely. Recent activity has been between 1600 and 1900 m.
The recent low density snow has coated steep rock faces and gully walls. The dry loose problem may persist for another day before settling and becoming less sensitive.
Uncertainty with the Persistent Slab problem continues within a narrow elevation band in Yoho and Kootenay. No avalanches were observed or reported on Tuesday.
Up to 20cm of storm snow has fallen, ending Tuesday midday. 20-40 cm of low density snow sits on top the Jan 24 layer (surface hoar/crust) and is down 20-40 cm at treeline and may become more active with this additional new snow – watch carefully for this, as this layer has been reactive in isolated pockets between 1600 and 1900 m.
The snow will taper off as a cold, stationary front moves in on Wednesday, bringing colder temperatures: valley around -12 and ridge around -16. Winds will remain relatively light through Wednesday, from the west.
