Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
We expect the start of a significant avalanche cycle on Wednesday/Thursday with rising freezing levels and lots of warm sunny weather.
Confidence
No Rating
Avalanche Summary
Poor visibility and limited observations today. Suspect some loose wet activity associated with warm temperatures and rain at lower elevations (below 2200m).
Snowpack Summary
Fresh snow at upper elevations (above 2500m) sits on a variety of surfaces including temperature crusts (solar aspects) and dry snow (north aspects). Below 2500m surface crusts becoming moist and breaking down with rain and above freezing temperatures.
The mid-pack Feb 3 persistent layer is lingering and is expected to become active as day time temperatures rise on Wednesday.
Weather Summary
Tuesday: Unsettled weather with rain or snow showers (depending on elevation). Freezing levels will be in the 2300m range
Wednesday: An upper ridge starts to build resulting in clearing skies, lots of sunshine and rising freezing levels (25-2700m)
Thursday: Warm and sunny. Freezing levels rising to 3000m.
For more detailed weather click here.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid exposure to overhead hazards when solar radiation is strong.
- Cornice failures could trigger very large and destructive avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Loose wet activity will increase with any solar input.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
This problem is expected to become more active as temperatures and solar inputs increase on Wednesday.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3