Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
This is a condition that is slow to heal. Although the natural cycle is mostly over, the persistent slabs still lurk. The only way to manage the conditions is with terrain choices.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
The forecasting field team did not observe any new avalanches in the Mt. Field area today. Sunshine patrol reported triggering one size 1 persistent slab with explosives.
Snowpack Summary
15-20 cm of storm snow overlays previous wind slabs (alpine and treeline), temp crusts at lower elevations, and sun crusts on steep solar aspect. 40-80 cm of settled snow overlies weak facets above the Feb 3 crust interface which exists up to 2500 m, (higher on solar aspects). Many recent avalanches have been running on this layer. The base of the snowpack consists of weak facets. Deeper snowpack areas (west of the divide) are more settled and stronger.
Weather Summary
Lingering cloud and trace accumulations of snow is expected on Wednesday. A high-pressure system is building into the region on Thursday. Until then temperatures will be seasonal with -10 at the ridge and -3 in the valley. Winds should be light/moderate from the SW. Very high freezing levels are forecasted for late in the week.
For more detailed weather information, click here.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use conservative route selection and resist venturing out into complex terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
40-80 cm of settled snow overlies weak facets above the Feb 3 interface which is a crust in most areas. Many natural, human, and explosive-triggered avalanches have occurred on this layer in the past week and human triggering of this persistent weak layer remains likely in many areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Wind Slabs
Recent winds have created some fresh windslabs in lee alpine terrain and open slopes at treeline. Many of these windslabs are now buried by recent storm snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
Some recent avalanches have stepped down to the weak facet and depth hoar layers near the base of the snowpack resulting in large avalanches. This seems to be most common in thin, steep, rocky terrain in the alpine. Continue to treat large alpine features with caution.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5