Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Modest accumulations of snow are expected over the next few days (~15cm). Be mindful of localized windslab development at high elevations over the next few days.
Weather Forecast
Light amounts of snow will accumulate in the forecast region over the next few days (~15-20cm). The associated wind will be blowing lightly out of the west. These small inputs will keep the danger rating at moderate in the alpine.
Snowpack Summary
5-15cm low density snow now sit on the Jan 30 crust at 2300m and higher. Isolated soft slabs 15-30cm thick and of little consequence can still be found in the alpine. Basal depth hoar is still a layer of concern in the region, and is giving moderate to hard compression results.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported today.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.