A large storm with heavy snow is moving in from the Pacific. Southern portions of the forecast area could receive a substantial snowfall. Avalanche conditions will move to High if this occurs.
Weather Forecast
A fast moving low pressure system will bring up to 30 cm of snow Tuesday night through to Wednesday evening. Over 60 cm of snow is possible in southern portions of the forecast area. Strong SW alpine winds will accompany the onset of this storm that will ease to light northerlies by the end of the day.
Snowpack Summary
Widespread surface hoar (2-7mm) has been buried by up to 10 cm of new snow. The snowpack is faceted and is losing strength in shallow areas. The mid-pack is supportive where the snow depth is greater than a meter. Wind slabs are present in lee features at tree line and above.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were seen in the Icefields area today.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Wednesday
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.
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.