Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Warmer temperatures are on the way. Although it will likely stay cloudy for most of the region Thursday, watch locally for the effect of the sun as this could increase the avalanche danger in steep, sunny terrain.
Weather Forecast
Warmer temperatures are on the way. Out East expect valley bottom temperatures to reach above 0C during the day, and alpine temperatures staying below freezing. Out towards Lake Louise it should stay mainly cloudy, but less cloudy in the Banff region where the effect of the sun could be more pronounced. Some very light snow (1-3cm) is possible
Snowpack Summary
Variable amounts of storm snow (10-25 cm) from last weekend now sit on top of a supportive mid-pack. The new snow has seen considerable wind transport in the alpine forming thin wind slabs. Sun crust is starting to form on solar aspects. The deeper facet layers down 80-150 cm remain weak but are laying dormant currently.
Avalanche Summary
Some small (sz.1) thin wind slab activity has been noted in the last 24 hours from extensive wind transport in the region. Some sluffing of little consequence caused by the sun was also noted in rocky terrain reminding us the sun is starting to have that strong effect.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain
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.
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.