Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
Warm temperatures may improve comfort levels, but a thin, weak snowpack persists. Elevated winds are expected to load alpine lee areas on Tues. Keep the deep persistent layers in mind, especially on large alpine slopes.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Lake Louise patrol had minimal results with a few explosive triggered size 1 loose dry avalanches. Otherwise, no new avalanches were observed or reported.
Snowpack Summary
The early-season snowpack at treeline measures 50-90 cm, with heavy wind-affect in the alpine. The November crust lies mid-pack on south aspects, while the main concern is the October crust near the ground on north aspects, where facets and depth hoar are forming. The snowpack is generally weakening as facets develop.
Weather Summary
Mild temperatures with valley lows near 0°C and ridge temps around -4°C expected Tuesday. No snow in the forecast. Winds may intensify into the extreme range from the west, though model confidence is low.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The October and November crusts, on north and south aspects respectively, can produce deep slabs. Reactive as recently as yesterday at Sunshine Village, these layers are capped by a 50-80 cm slab. Be mindful on steep, rocky alpine slopes where triggering is most likely.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Strong winds are forecasted to persist on Tuesday and are expected to form wind slabs on lee slopes in the alpine. If triggered, these slabs could entrain facets, leading to longer-than-expected runouts.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5