The snowpack is generally thin and weak throughout the region. Though recent avalanche activity has subsided. The deep persistent problem remains a real concern in the snowpack. Approach avalanche terrain cautiously.
Recent Moderate to Strong winds have created small wind slabs in the alpine. This problem is specific to immediate lee slope, and likely reactive to human triggering.
The lower snowpack is comprised of weak facets and depth hoar with the upper snowpack forming a 40 to 90cm thick slab above. This weak basal layer is uniform across most of the forecasting region and has been responsible for most of the avalanche activity to date this season.
No new avalanches were observed or reported today.
Generally, the snowpack is weak and faceted. Small wind slabs are present in the Alpine. Below 1700m thin surface crust has formed on southerly aspects. The Dec 17 layer is down 25-50 cm and the Nov 16 deep persistent layer is 40-90 cm. Both of these layers continue to produce sudden failures in snowpack tests. In deeper snowpack areas like Little Yoho these two layers are deeper and more spread apart in the snowpack.
Cloudy skies and flurries will continue Monday with minimal snow accumulation. Winds will gradually increase 30 to 40 KM/H from the Southwest at ridge top. Expect some wind loading on lee aspects where snow is available for transport.
