Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Expect an increase in human and natural avalanche activity as new snow and wind increases the load over very prominent facets below. SH
Weather Forecast
10cm of snow can be expected between now & the end of Friday on top of the 25cm we have so far. The winds will continue to be strong from the West, and temperatures will also rise with freezing levels around1800 m.
Snowpack Summary
Strong westerly winds have been rapidly building slabs at treeline and above out of the 15-25cm of recent snow. The overall snowpack has become weaker from the facetting process but is still supportive where over 1 meter, otherwise below the new snow, its facets to the ground.
Avalanche Summary
Over the past week, several skier triggered and natural loose snow avalanches to size 2 have been reported in steep terrain gaining mass as they travel and running far. Avalanche control on Mt. Bourgeau showed a similar trend Thursday, with one size 2 starting as a small wind slab which scrubbed all of the facets in the track and hit the road.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday
Problems
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.
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.