Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Low density snow overlies an uncharacteristically strong base. The wind is expected to increase by Friday. Watch for windslabs with all of the available snow for transport.
Weather Forecast
Very light accumulations (~10cm) are expected by Friday. Temps will range from -5 to -10. Wind at 2700m is expected to pick up to the moderate range on Thursday evening.
Snowpack Summary
15-30 cm of soft snow sits on top of a supportive (5-10cm) crust which overlies a strong base. The bond to the crust seems strong in most places, but we are watching this closely to see how it evolves. Additionally, there is a lot of soft snow available for wind transport, and once we get a good wind storm then expect the avalanche danger to rise.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported today.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday
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.