Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
The storm is going to peak Weds night. If forecasted amounts of snow come to fruition the danger rating could go to Considerable in the alpine on Thurs. Expect rugged conditions (rocks/bush) BTL.
Weather Forecast
A significant storm is entering the forecast region starting tomorrow. Up to 40cm is expected and this will obviously elevate the danger rating.
Snowpack Summary
Below tree line there is not enough snow for avalanches. Above 1900m a buried rain crust that formed in early November lies 20-40cm above the ground. This along with surface hoar in some areas is being buried by light snow and will create a good sliding layer as the new snow accumulates. Some lee slopes near the divide have thin wind slabs.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches observed or reported today.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday
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.
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.