Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Another storm is heading our way, with up to 40 cm predicted by Wed. Expect an avalanche cycle on Tues which builds through the day and peaks that night. Avoid avalanche terrain; the hazard will improve later this week when the deep freeze arrives.
Weather Forecast
Here comes another storm! The next system in a NW flow will hit the region starting Monday night; expect 10 cm by Tuesday morning, then another 20-30 cm is forecast through the day and into Tuesday night. This storm is accompanied by strong winds in excess of 100 km/hr in the high alpine, and rising temperatures. On Wednesday, clear skies and -20.
Snowpack Summary
In the Sunshine backcountry today, 90 cm of total snow on the ground, with most of it having fallen within the last week. The snow is well consolidated, but not glued to the ground very well with two column test failures at the ground level. A layer of surface hoar exists 15-20 cm off the ground, but no test results were found on this layer today.
Avalanche Summary
Less avalanche activity reported today with the temperatures cooling 10 degrees in the past 24-hours. Lake Louise ski area today threw numerous explosives with only small avalanches as a result. Evidence of a widespread avalanche cycle of large avalanches in the last 72-hours.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.
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.