Keep in mind the weak, facet layer at the bottom of the snowpack, which is more likely to be triggered in areas where the snowpack is thinner and the terrain is steeper.
Decent turns can still be found in wind protected areas.
This problem is low probability but high consequence as it would be releasing near the ground thus with a lot of destructive volume. Be extra cautious where snowpack goes from thick to thin areas.
On January 20th, a skier triggered a size 2.5 outside the Lake Louise ski area. It was triggered in a cross loaded, shallow feature and ran on a basal layer.
On Jan 17th, Marmot Basin Ski Patrol remote triggered a size 3.5 outside of the ski area that ran on a basal layer.
Surface hoar and/or surface faceting continue to grow and can be found up to 2700m and likely higher. Otherwise, surfaces are firm and wind impacted. Soft snow remains in sheltered areas. Solar slopes host variable old crusts, especially on steeper aspects. The snowpack is generally deeper in the Icefields and shallower at Maligne lake.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: High -8 °C.
Ridge wind west: 10 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
MondayA mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -12 °C, High -8 °C.
Ridge wind west: 15 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
TuesdayA mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -11 °C, High -7 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 10 km/h.
Freezing level at valley bottom.
