Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Strong wind today, which will be followed up with 20cm of new snow tomorrow will raise the danger rating. Additionally, cornices are weak presently, so choose terrain that minimizes your exposure to them.
Weather Forecast
As the winds die down tonight, expect the current system to deliver up to 20cm of new snow over the next 48 hours. Likely, these weather factors will increase the avalanche danger. The system is expected to subside by Thursday midday.
Snowpack Summary
Little change from yesterday. However, strong winds and light precip has increased soft wind slab development. In general, expected a faceted snowpack, especially in areas with < 100cm of snow. Also, the Jan 6 interface is still present in isolated locations. It is buried approximately 40cm down and is generally unreactive to human traffic.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches reported or observed today.
Confidence
Track of incoming weather systems is uncertain
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.