Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Big wind from the south and new snow is creating fresh wind slabs on North and North East aspects. Use caution on these aspects at high elevations.
Weather Forecast
Moderate to strong westerly wind with accompanying precipitation (up to 15cm) will hold the danger rating at considerable in the alpine. As the wind and precip subside (Tues/Weds) the new snow will have a chance to settle and the danger rating will subsequently drop.
Snowpack Summary
Fresh wind slabs overlie a variety of other hard and soft wind slabs from the last week or so. In a study plot today, snowpack tests produced no results and showed a relatively well bonded mid-snowpack. Also observed in the plot were remnants of the Jan 6th surface hoar and a decomposing Nov crust.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches observed or reported.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Monday
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.