Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Small windslabs are still a problem in the alpine. Intense, localized, solar heating may create overhead hazard.
Weather Forecast
Clear conditions and warmer temperatures are forecast for Friday and Saturday. In sheltered and sunny locations it can be expected to get above freezing for a short period. Localized temperature inversions will also be common.
Snowpack Summary
Below treeline the snowpack has set up well and is slowly facetting, Above treeline and in open areas there are numerous windslabs of varying depth. Poorly bonded windslabs over facets typical of the Rockies can still be expected in thin areas and ridgetop areas.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday
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.