Regions
Banff Yoho Kootenay.
The snowpack is generally feeling weaker due to the continued faceting, or rotting, of the mid-pack. It is common to feel like you are collapsing deeper into the snow, especially in shallow areas east of the Divide.
Weather Forecast
The west coast seems to be getting all the snow...blast! No snow in the forecast for the Rockies, with light winds in the alpine and temp's staying near seasonal values. I might threaten to burn a pair of my skis to get the snow to return to our region!
Snowpack Summary
In general, expect a faceted snowpack, especially in areas with < 100cm of snow (ie east of the Divide). The high alpine has seen strong winds, with variable soft to hard slabs present throughout. The Jan 6 interface is still present in isolated locations. It is buried approx. 40cm down and is generally unreactive to human traffic.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches reported or observed today.
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.