Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
Early Season Conditions persist. Although forecasters have few observations, recent ice climbing and ski hill reports show the potential for triggering wind slabs, which can have significant consequences in steep terrain.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Reports from Lake Louise ski hill indicate a wind slab of size two was triggered remotely in the alpine by staff. The slab slid over a basal melt-freeze crust and facets. Climbers have reported natural slab avalanches up the Storm Creek drainage. These avalanches were 24-48 hours old, and some had run over the tops of the climbs, triggering small slabs below.
Weather Summary
A trace of snow is expected Wednesday night, followed by mainly sunny skies on Thursday with 40-60 km/h West winds and valley bottom freezing levels.
For more info, please see the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Ice climbers should be equipped with avalanche safety gear.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Small wind slabs up to size two can be expected in the alpine and exposed tree-line locations. Depending on the area, many of these will sit over basal facets and/ or a melt/freeze crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
Ice climbers pay attention to terrain traps as sluffs may run a significant distance in steep or confined terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5