Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Watch for fresh windslabs especially east of the divide where winds are stronger.
Weather Forecast
Warmer temperatures have arrived! Alpine temps will be generally -10/-15 with a warming trend towards Thurs. Tuesday will be overcast with light winds. A system moving through on Wed will bring M-S W/SW winds and trace to light precipitation. Thurs looks to be overcast with light winds.
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack is generally weak, facetted and shallow with little recent changes due to the cold temperatures. 50-70cm of snow exists at tree line which is just barely supportive on skis in most areas. Think light and don't turn too hard!
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity observed in the last several days.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday
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.
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.