Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Continue to monitor slab development and investigate what the new snow is sitting over. While we have dropped the persistent slab as an avalanche problem, the Dec. 2 midpack facets/crust are still something to factor into your decision making.
Weather Forecast
On Sunday, continued moderate to strong winds W winds in the alpine with freezing levels rising to1500m and trace amounts of snow. Monday AM will start with an inversion. Temperatures at 2600m will be -2C and valley bottoms at -12C. 5-10cm is possible in some areas accompanied by continued moderate to strong alpine winds.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate winds continue to redistribute the 20-30cm that has accumulated over the Jan 30 crust, surface hoar and wind effect. Hard slabs can be found in alpine. While slab development at treeline is only starting, these are more likely to overlay a sun crust, surface hoar, or facets. Shallow snowpack areas remain weak and faceted.
Avalanche Summary
Both of the ski hills have reported working with stubborn hard slabs in the alpine over the last couple of days up to size 1.5. An explosive triggered size 2 at Sunshine started as a cornice, triggering a smaller wind slab which was sitting on a sun crust. No other observations.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
As you approach treeline, expect to encounter slab development. Take the time to investigate what the recent snow is sitting on and how it is bonding. Some of these slabs may have suncrust, facets, or surface hoar (Jan 30th) as the bed surface.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2