Banff Yoho Kootenay

Enough storm snow has accumulated to create new windslabs, carefully monitor start zones before committing to them.

The local ski hill reported a few windslab and loose dry avalanches up to size 1 out of North facing alpine terrain on Sunday.

15-20 cm of storm snow remains dry on sheltered N slopes above ~2400 m and is moist or refrozen on all other aspects. This new snow sits over crusts on all aspects except high N slopes where it overlies dry snow.

The mid-pack Feb 3 persistent layer (crust/facet layer) and basal depth hoar remain the most prominent features in the snowpack but have been dormant since the last temperature spike. These layers are a greater concern in thin snowpack areas on north slopes above 2300m.

Monday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, freezing levels between 1800 and 2000 m, light SW ridgetop winds.

Tuesday: Cloudy with convective snow showers, 4-8mm possible, freezing levels 1700-2000 meters, light to mod N ridgetop winds.

Wednesday: Mainly cloudy with no precip, freezing level rising to 2300m, light N ridgetop winds.

For more detailed weather click here.

• Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
• Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
• Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.