Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
The potential for large skier triggered avalanches continues to exist. Limit exposure to large alpine features and be conservative until things settle out. At treeline and below the snowpack is shallow and many early season hazards are present. CJ
Weather Forecast
The next few days look like a mix of sun and cloud with generally light winds out of the W and no significant precipitation. Warmer temperatures will be present with alpine temperatures approaching the freezing mark at times.
Snowpack Summary
30 to 50 cm of low density storm snow was received earlier in the week. This is slowly settling out into a soft slab over a weak layer of basal facets. The Oct 27 rain crust is present near the ground in many alpine areas, especially on North aspects and continues to provide a good sliding layer. Wind affect in open areas at treeline and above.
Avalanche Summary
Several explosive triggered storm slabs up to size 3, sliding on the Oct 27th rain crust were reported today in the Sunshine and Lake Louise ski areas. Natural activity has slowed down however the possibility for human triggering of the weak layers at the bottom of the snowpack remains high.
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.