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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 28th, 2025–Jan 29th, 2025

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay, Banff, East Side 93N, Kootenay, Lake Louise, LLSA, Sunshine, West Side 93N, Field.

While the current avalanche danger is rated as low, avalanches are still possible. Earlier today, a skier triggered a wind slab near Cirque Peak. Refer to the summary for more details.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Today, a skier triggered a size 2 wind slab on the west facing slopes below Cirque Peak (near Bow Lake) at about 2500m. The debris got channelled into a shallow gully and ran quite far. There were no injuries but some equipment was lost.

Snowpack Summary

There has been widespread wind effect down into treeline in exposed areas. Where the wind hasn't had an impact, the surface is a mix of facets and/ or sun crust, depending on your location. Below this, the mid-pack consists primarily of facets. At the base of the snowpack lies a widespread, weak layer of depth hoar and a crust that should not be forgotten. Snow depths at the treeline range from 60 to 100 cm.

Weather Summary

The region will remain under the influence of a high-pressure ridge on Wednesday, with temperatures ranging from -6°C to -9°C. Strong westerly gusts may result in windy conditions. By Friday, 10-15 cm of new snow is expected.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.