Careful evaluation of the snowpack and new surface instabilities is needed meow! Reports of skier triggered avalanches in the surrounding neighborhood is a reminder to all users to be cautious and conservative when riding in these active conditions.
Weather Forecast
Out with one storm and in with another. A short reprieve from snow and broken skies for Monday before a second storm comes in by Tuesday afternoon. Expect 10 - 20cm by Monday morning in the icefields area with gusty SW winds at ridge top.
Snowpack Summary
As of 15:00, 10 cm new snow (and still falling) with Moderate to Strong SW winds. You can assume that this system is actively creating new and overloading existing windslabs. While generally a strong, and supportive snowpack this surface instability will linger and deserves your respect.
Avalanche Summary
No new natural activity reported from a field teams on Sunday. Poor visibility made any alpine or treeline observations impossible. Expect increased likelihood of avalanches with the outgoing and incoming storm on Tuesday/Wednesday.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday
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.