Avalanche danger could rise to CONSIDERABLE in areas with enhanced snowfall on Monday night.
Confidence
Poor - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday
Weather Forecast
Monday night: There’s a chance of enhanced snowfall overnight, bringing locally heavy amounts. I'm not banking on this, so if there is a lot of snow (20 cm +) in your local area, consider the posted danger ratings too low. Strong NW winds are also possible.Tuesday: Light SW winds. Alpine temperature near -15. Very light snow. Wednesday: Strong NW winds. Alpine temperature near -11. Very light snow.Thursday: Light W winds. Alpine temperature near -9. Very light snow.
Avalanche Summary
A few loose dry avalanches to size 1.5 were observed on Sunday.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snowfall amounts and winds have been variable across the region. Around 15-35 cm snow overlies old surfaces buried on Jan 23. Preserved surface hoar up to 21 mm in size has been found in the North Elk Valley, buried by about 15 cm of snow. It doesn't appear to be a widespread layer, but could be a localized problem once buried with further snowfall. The most wind-affected areas, including Crowsnest Pass and Harvey Pass, have scoured south and west-facing slopes. Wind slabs may be found on lee slopes.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.