Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Cond_E.asp?oID=19299&oPark=100092 Triggering large avalanches is still likely in many areas. Stay out of avalanche terrain. Ice climbers should be wary of warm temperatures when in gullied features.
Weather Forecast
Continued warm temperatures and overcast skies will maintain the hazard into the weekend. Cooler temperatures and light snow are forecast through Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
60 to 100 cm of stiff new snow slab and windslabs, in the alpine and at treeline, overlies an old weak snowpack that is a mixture of facets, crusts and depth hoar. Propagation of weak layers can be very wide. Below treeline, poor overnight recovery and a recent warm spell, create poor snow cohesion.
Avalanche Summary
A size 3 natural avalanche and a skier accidental 2.5 avalanche today indicate the need for continued caution.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.
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.
Wet Slabs
Wet Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) that is generally moist or wet when the flow of liquid water weakens the bond between the slab and the surface below (snow or ground). They often occur during prolonged warming events and/or rain-on-snow events. Wet Slabs can be very unpredictable and destructive.