Banff Yoho Kootenay

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible - Likely

  Size

  1–3

  Wind slabs up to 1m deep are triggerable in avalanche terrain. In sporatic TL places West of the divide, this may be sitting on the Dec.10 surface hoar, and facets in most other places. Avalanches could be quite large due to stiff wind slabs.
• 

  Deep Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Unlikely - Possible

  Size

  2–3

  The basal facets/depth hoar are becoming less reactive in field tests, but If a wind slab is initiated, it may have enough volume to step down to create larger avalanches. Other trigger points will be thin, crossloaded features.