Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Slightly warmer day expected on Friday, but still not enough to cause too much of a problem - but watch for afternoon heating and in particular in sheltered, sunny aspects mid-afternoon. Ice climbers be out of your gullies by that time of the day.
Weather Forecast
Expect a good freeze on Wednesday night with clear skies and lows of -10. Clear and sunny again tomorrow with light SW wind and temperatures should remain cool, except in the direct sun. Valley temps are going to be near 7C in the warmest part of the day. The pattern changes on Thursday night when a system moves into the area for Friday.
Snowpack Summary
A variety of snow surfaces exist from ice crust to wind crust to soft powder on high, northern aspects. Expect crust on all aspects below 1700 m. Surface hoar up to 1 cm is forming on the snow surface and will become a failure layer for future snow falls. Otherwise the deep snowpack is relatively strong and well settled.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches were observed or reported in the past 2 days. Although we expect some loose wet to have occurred later in the afternoon with daytime heating and solar input at treeline and below.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Direct sun and warm afternoon temps could start a wet loose cycle late in the day at low elevations. Cool air temperatures are expected to keep the loose wet problem at bay at tree line and above.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5