Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Weather Forecast
A south-westerly storm is forecast to enter the area on Wednesday bringing moderate south-westerly winds, rising freezing levels (up to 2000 m on Wednesday) and significant snow (and rain at lower elevations). Forecast snow amounts vary but expect 20-40 cm along the divide by Friday.
Snowpack Summary
Approximately 30cm of settled storm from last week is bonding to the old surface. Localized winds have created spotty wind slabs in the alpine. East of the divide the mid-pack is supportive, but weak. West of the divide the mid-pack is well settled and much stronger.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches observed or reported today.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is 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.