New snow has improved ski quality. Be on the look out for soft wind slabs that may exist in alpine lee areas.
Up to 15 cm of low-density snow fell ending Tuesday, but winds generally did not materialize. However, some high alpine areas in the immediate lee could harbor some small windslabs.
The recent low density snow has coated steep rock faces and gully walls. The dry loose problem may persist for another day before settling and becoming less sensitive.
Lake Louise patrol reported triggering small size 1 low density windslabs and dry loose avalanches. Sunshine patrol reported numerous skier controlled soft wind slabs to size 1.5, most being size 1.
20-30 cm of cold, dry snow will sits at the top of the snowpack and is available for wind loading. Winds have been light but expect windslabs in lee terrain. In isolated areas, the Jan 24 layer (surface hoar/crust) is down 12-35 cm at treeline and below – watch to see if this layer wakes up with the additional snow load. Below this, the snowpack is generally strong and well settled.
The snow has tapered off as a cold, stationary front moves in on Wednesday, bringing colder temperatures: valley around -14 and ridge around -18. Winds will remain relatively light through Wednesday, from the west.
