New low density snow came in with little wind leaving loose snow on ledges and in gullies. This will potentially impact climbers.
Weather Forecast
Light flurries and no significant snow now to Monday. Friday expecting sunny ways and winds remain light Westerly to Southwesterly. Temperatures will range -5 to -15.
Snowpack Summary
20cm of low density storm snow sits on top of a 10cm thick laminated crust at tree line, below the crust is 20-30cm of large grain snow to ground. Pockets of wind slab may exist in the alpine and resting on the crust up to 2600m. Below tree line is un-skiable due to lack of snow. Early season conditions exist at all elevations.
Avalanche Summary
Thursday's avalanche control initiated 1 sz 1 on parkers slabs. Ski party released a small cornice with no results on Parkers Upper Ridge. Banff NP reported a near miss Tuesday with an iceclimber taking a 300m ride in a size 2 slab. This is noteworthy to remain vigilant where localized winds can form slabs.
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.