Solar radiation and rising temperatures could increase the avalanche danger in the afternoon. Watch for overhead hazards such as cornices or sloughing from steep cliffs
Weather Forecast
A light snowfall is expected overnight in the Icefields area. Light winds are not expected to affect this snowfall or increase the avalanche danger. A clearing trend will develop through the week with clear skies and temperatures into the low teens.
Snowpack Summary
Suncrust on solar aspects. 5-10 cm over a supportive temperature crust can be found on all aspects tree line and above to 2500m. The weak basal facet layer is bridged by a strong mid-pack in most areas at treeline and above.
Avalanche Summary
Several recent cornice falls were observed on steep unskiable terrain which DID NOT propogate any avalanches on the slopes below.
Confidence
Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain
Problems
Cornices
Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.