Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
The strength of the SW flow seems to ebb by the time it arrives in our region. As a result, expect little change unless we receive a good pulse of moisture on Monday.
Weather Forecast
Forecast models indicate the main pulse of moisture may pass further to the south of our region. Expect unsettled weather Sunday with a pulse of snow (15-20cm) Monday. Freezing levels will drop to valley bottom, winds will be strong from the SW
Snowpack Summary
The new snow that may fall on Sunday/Monday will be accompanied by strong SW winds. This will likely create touchy soft/hard slabs at alpine and treeline elevations, especially in lee features. Pay attention to the amount of snow that is falling, as well the ridge-top winds above you.
Avalanche Summary
No natural activity reported today.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
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.
Persistent Slabs
Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.