Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
This spring storm dropped 10-40 cm's of low density snow. We are now at a time of the year to start thinking spring conditions. Monitor freezing levels and the strong impact of solar effect. Start early when conditions are cool and stable. PJ
Weather Forecast
Some convective flurries can expected through tonight and tomorrow and then an upper ridge will strengthen through early next week with sunny, warm and dry weather on Tuesday and Wednesday. Freezing levels will increase as the week continues up to 2000 meters and winds will remain light from the SE tomorrow.
Snowpack Summary
Storm snow amounts varied from 26cms in Lake Louise, 37 cms at Sunshine and 10 cms at Bow Summit. This low density snow did not exhibit much in the way of slab properties today. The interface with the old snow surfaces appears to be bonding well on solar aspects but on north the interface is reactive to ski cuts on terrain steeper than 30 degrees.
Avalanche Summary
Some ski cutting results by local ski areas up to size 1.5. Loose dry avalanches have also been observed naturally out of steep unsupported alpine features.
Confidence
Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Tuesday
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.