Banff Yoho Kootenay

The basal facets in this area will remain a concern through the end of the season. This should be factored into terrain decisions.

Several natural and cornice triggered wind and storm slabs have been reported over the past several days. A large deep release was reported out of the north side of Surprise Pass on Tuesday. Ski-hills only reported small loose dry avalanches out of steep terrain today.

15-40 cm of snow in past week (most around Lake Louise) overlies previous storm snow at upper elevations and rain-crusts below 1800 m. Recent strong winds have created wind-slabs in the alpine. Multiple buried crusts are present in the mid-pack on solar aspects. The basal snowpack remains weak with facets and depth hoar in most areas.

Thursday: Isolated showers or alpine flurries in the morning and light convective activity in the afternoon along the divide. Up to 5 cm of snow forecasted. Freezing levels between 14-1700 m. Light winds.

Friday: Flurries with minor accumulations. Winds swing to SW and increase to moderate throughout the day. Freezing levels rise to 2000 m.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.