Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Wind loading and early season hazards such as rocks and stumps are the main concerns today. In most places the snow pack is still too shallow for good skiing. Ice climbers should be aware of wind loading at upper elevations for the next two days.
Weather Forecast
The forecast is for 10-15cm of snow tonight and Monday with moderate to strong WSW winds over the next two days. Tuesday the storm passes and temperatures begin dropping. By Wednesday we expect cold temperatures, light winds and a mix of sun and cloud.
Snowpack Summary
5cm of new snow today with moderate W winds in the alpine and some wind transport up high. 20-40cm of recent storm snow now sits over a facetted base. Above 2400m the Oct 27 melt freeze crust exists near the base of the snowpack and continues to provide a good sliding layer.
Avalanche Summary
One cornice failure and a few small skier controlled wind slabs in the alpine failing on the October 27 melt freeze crust were reported today. Recent activity has consisted of wind loaded features failing either within the storm snow or near the base of the snow pack on facets and/or the Oct 27 melt freeze crust.
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.