Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
If temperatures are warmer than forecasted and rain arrives on Monday instead of snow, a wet loose avalanche problem could be present at lower elevations. Otherwise, be on the lookout for fresh wind slabs in the alpine.
Weather Forecast
10 to 15cm of new snow is expected to fall throughout the day on Monday. Accompanying the snow is strong wind from the SW. Temperatures will remain relatively cool over the next 3 days with the valley's not much hotter than 3 or 4 degrees in the afternoons, and the ridges around -10 degrees.
Snowpack Summary
2-5cm of low density new snow over surface melt-freeze crusts that can be found on all aspects up to approx. 2300m and higher on solar aspects. On high elevation north aspects, deeper dry snow persists with isolated thin wind slabs in the alpine. The mid-pack is well settled but has several persistent layers consisting of crusts and/or facets.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches observed or reported on Sunday.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain on Monday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs were almost non-existent on Sunday, however incoming snow and strong SW wind on Monday will reactivate the problem late Monday and into Tuesday.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent loading has created reactive slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2