If the sun pokes out it can pack a punch this time of year and change snow conditions rapidly. Take advantage of early starts and be prepared to turn around.
Weather Forecast
Cooler conditions for the next few days will be accompanied by snow showers and moderate westerly winds. Some weather models are calling for more snow in the Icefields area towards the end of the week.
Snowpack Summary
The warming and cooling cycle has created a temperature crust on all aspects up to 2500m. Below this crust, a variety of layers exist with a weak basal facet layer being present in most areas at treeline and above. Any remaining snow on solar aspects below tree line has gone isothermal.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported in the forecast area today. The size 3 slab on Mt. Saskatchewan that failed last week on the basal facet layer highlights the serious issue that this lingering deep persistent weakness presents.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday
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.
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.