Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Warm temps are promoting the failure of cornices throughout the forecast region. Although they have not been triggering avalanches, they can still be problematic if you are parked underneath them. Some chunks are running quite far.
Weather Forecast
A system is moving towards the forecast region. Between tonight and Tuesday expect light accumulations and moderate wind. By Wednesday the storm will intensify and deliver up to 20mm of precip. Expect a steady rise in the danger ratings over the next few days. The temperatures will range between -9 and -15 at 3000m.
Snowpack Summary
Fresh wind slabs of variable thickness sit on top of a faceted snowpack. Expect a weaker and more faceted snowpack in areas with < 1m of snow. The Jan 6th surface hoar/crust interface is still prevalent in some isolated areas. Today in Kootenay it was found 35cm down. It did not react to skier traffic.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches observed or reported.
Confidence
Track of incoming weather systems is 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.