The storm is ending, but avalanche ratings will remain elevated until the new snow settles. Expect touchy wind slabs in any open area, and avoid overhead exposure.
20-40cm of recent snow, coupled with sustained extreme winds, has formed widespread slabs. These will be touchy until the storm snow settles.
There has been a lot of storm snow in the past 24 hours., especially up highway 93N. Soft slabs may have formed, and some may be sitting on facets or a harder surface. Investigate how the storm snow is bonding to the older interface.
Sunshine ski area was getting size 1 - 2 wind slabs with ski cuts and control, including a size in the wild west on the Jan 24th surface hoar. Poor visibility on a road patrol up Highway 93N, but lots of sluffing was observed, and we suspect a natural cycle is ongoing.
15-40 cm fell in this region, with the highest amounts along the divide North of Lake Louise. Strong-to-extreme SW/W winds have created reactive wind slabs in any wind-exposed area. In some thin areas, there are facets near the base, but overall, the snowpack is stronger than usual.
The storm ends Friday night with a few cm expected and diminishing winds.
Saturday: Sunny with moderate W winds and no snow, Treeline temperatures staying at -7C.
Sunday: Sunny with moderate W winds, no snow and freezing levels to 1900m.
Monday: Mainly cloudy with strong W winds and no snow. Freezing levels rising to 2100m.
