Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
There are still concerns in wind-loaded areas and thin spots. There is a lot of variability with respect to aspect and elevation right now, so take some time to assess the snow where you are.
Weather Forecast
Moderate temperatures with light snow is forecast for Friday. On Saturday, winds are forecast to switch to the North or Northeast giving us a short-lived bast of arctic air. Temps may dip to -20.
Snowpack Summary
Some wind effect in open areas above tree line. Temperature crust present below 1800m. 60-70cm of well settled snow from recent storms and warm temperatures sits over weak facets and depth hoar at the bottom of the snowpack.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed or reported today.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.
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.