The moderate rating is due to an inversion and plenty of sunshine in the forecast for Monday. This could increase the avalanche danger on steep, sun-exposed terrain, particularly for ice climbers.
Overall, the snowpack is either wind-hammered or completely faceted.
This problem is specific to extreme solar terrain, such as that on many ice climbs. However, there is uncertainty about how much this will affect the hazard. We don't expect this to be a problem on shady aspects.
On Saturday, some small, loose, wet natural avalanches (sz. 1) were reported above the Bourgeau ice climbs near Sunshine ski hill, but they didn't reach the tops of the climbs. A few small, solar-triggered slides (size 1-1.5) were also seen today in the Lake Louise backcountry. These slides ran a couple hundred metres.
There has been widespread wind effect down into treeline in exposed areas.
Where the wind hasn't had an impact, the surface is a mix of facets and/ or sun crust, depending on your location. Below this, the mid-pack consists primarily of facets.
At the base of the snowpack lies a widespread, weak layer of depth hoar and a crust. It is dormant for now but should not be forgotten.
Snow depths at the treeline range from 60 to 100 cm.
