Clear skies will continue, the ski quality has improved, but the avalanche hazard is still elevated.
Be aware of what is above you, especially where the wind may be present.
Mt Bosworth, Mt Field and Mt. Stephen will be closed all day Sunday for avalanche control. Click the blue banner above for closure area maps.
Up to 40 cm of snow in the past 48 hours coupled with sustained winds have formed deep windslabs in most open areas, particularly on ridgetop lee aspects.
A 35-50+ cm slab sits over the Jan. 24th surface hoar layer on shady aspects, and crust/ facets on southerly slopes. The surface hoar is very touchy, especially in Yoho and Kootenay between 1600-2200m. We expect this to persist for the next while.
A widespread avalanche cycle has occurred all aspects and elevations over the past 24-48 hours up to size 3. Avalanche control on Mt. Wymper, Simpson and Mt. Wardle produced results up to size 3 wind slab and on the Jan 24th persistent layer.
Up to 40 cm of new snow and sustained strong to extreme SW/W winds have formed deep, reactive windslabs. These overlie the Jan 24 layer (surface hoar/crust/facet) down 30-50+ cm at treeline. This layer has been very touchy in Kootenay and Yoho, and with this new load, we believe it may now wake up in areas south of Lake Louise. We expect touchy conditions for the foreseeable future.
Tonight: Clear. Alpine temperature: Low -9 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 40 km/h.
Sunday: Sunny. Alpine temperature: High -3 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 45 km/h. Freezing level: 1900 meters.
Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperature: Low -4 °C, High -1 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 55 km/h. Freezing level: 2100 meters.
