Expect to see cold clear skies over the next two days which may produce some surface hoar development.
Weather Forecast
Forecasted snow volume has been reduced to just 5 - 10cm in the icefields area. A ridge will move through the area midweek bringing cooler temperatures and sunny skies. Another system is expected to come in towards the weekend and will hopefully bring some snow.
Snowpack Summary
Variable windslabs exist at ridgetop and exposed alpine/ treeline locations. Where the snow is deeper, a solid midpack bridges the weaker layers below. Surface conditions range from wind scoured rocky patches, to sustrugi, to hard slab, with the rare pocket of sheltered soft snow offering a few turns. Un-supportive facets dominate lower elevations.
Avalanche Summary
No new activity was noted on a patrol from town to Medicine lake in the Maligne valley. Snowfall that was expected overnight on Sunday and then through to Tuesday has been reduced to light snow flurries. It has been a while since any significant avalanche activity occurred.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday
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.