Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Boom, here comes an avalanche cycle. A major storm crosses the area starting tonight, through Friday. Ice climbers: time to back-off the big gullies and overhead hazard. Skiers: wherever its deep enough to shred it will be wind loaded. Take it easy.
Weather Forecast
A warm, wet storm began to effect the region starting Tuesday afternoon and will deliver significant precipitation and wind until it passes and the air cools on Friday. Models show between 30-60 cm of storm snow by the end of Thursday with freezing levels at 2000 m throughout. WInds on Wednesday reaching 80 km/hr and even 100 km/hr on Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
Expect widespread windslabs in alpine areas, particulary in gullies or leeward features. These slabs will initially bond poorly to the early season snowpack and an avalanche cycle is anticipated for Wed and Thurs. Total snowpack depths on Tuesday range from 30-70 cm and we expect to see the snowpack double in the next 48 hours.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported on Tuesday.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
It will be easy to find and trigger a windslab in alpine features such as gullies or leeward slopes. Avoid these kinds of places until at least the weekend. The main concern at treeline will be overhead hazard and loaded gullies, so look up.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2