The main concern is the buried surface hoar, facet, crust combo layer found predominantly at tree line and sub alpine elevations 'Whumphing' is being reported from this persistent weak layer (PWL).
Weather Forecast
Some snow showers (10cm) is forecast for the southern end of our forecasting area and is accompanied by light southerly winds. This should do little to change our present avalanche hazard.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snowfall overlies a surface hoar, surface facet and crust combo, found predominantly at tree line and sub alpine elevations A relatively hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer. Below tree line has a supportive (albeit shallow) mid-pack.
Avalanche Summary
Yesterday - there was no natural activity observed between Jasper and The Big Bend and only limited results with the Avalauncher at Parkers Ridge (tree line elevation).
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.
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.