Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Weather Forecast
Easterly flow will dominate the weather pattern for the next few days. Light accompanying snowfall will not add up to more than 5cm in the next 3 days. Temperatures will remain cool with freezing levels not rising above surface. The aforementioned factors will have little effect on the current danger ratings.
Snowpack Summary
We have received between 10 and 40cm of storm snow over the last four days. The amount is variable by location. Generally speaking the storm snow is bonding well, however, expect to find thin wind slabs in the alpine. These wind slabs typically overlie another 10-30cm of old storm snow that sits on top facets and sun crusts, depending on aspect.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches have been observed or reported today.
Confidence
Wind effect is extremely variable
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.
Loose Dry
Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.