Banff Yoho Kootenay

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Unlikely - Possible

  Size

  2–3

  Isolated windslabs exist up to a meter thick on lee slopes in the alpine. Forecasters on the Wapta today were avoiding large, very steep alpine features where the chance of triggering is greater. Excellent travel and ski conditions were reported.
• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–3

  Some loose snow avalanches initiated in thin, steep slopes on solar aspects have been observed to "step down" to ground on basal facets/depth hoar. So far these have been in the 1.5 range, and we can expect more of this on Sunday.
• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible - Likely

  Size

  1–2

  Afternoon wet slides may occur, increasing the hazard on solar aspects, especially around steep, rocky terrain. Cornices are also weakening in the sun, and some collapses have been observed to entrain loose, wet snow.