Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Our danger ratings reflect the highest level we expect to see over the course of the day. Rising temperatures and solar heating can be expected to increase avalanche danger. Start early and finish early to take advantage of the overnight recovery.
Weather Forecast
A solid freeze Monday morning can be expected after passage of a cold front overnight. Winds will diminish to light and shift west and partly cloudy skies in the morning should give way to clearing. While a strong solar effect can be expected on steep solar slopes, temperatures should remain cooler than they have been through the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
10-20cm of recent snow remains preserved on Northerly aspects with a skiable temperature crust below 1700m. On solar aspects substantial surface crusts have formed. Extensive wind effect in the alpine with isolated sheltered areas. Recent profiles show the Feb. 19 and Jan. 27 facets in the upper meter with hard to no results. Cornices are huge!
Avalanche Summary
A natural avalanche cycle up to size 2 occurred Saturday typically originating as point releases from steep, rocky solar terrain with isolated examples of slabs originating from very thin features. The solar crusts that were created Saturday generally held Sunday especially at higher elevations where winds were moderate gusting strong.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Substantial crusts have formed on solar slopes that vary with slope angle, aspect and elevation. Solar heating will affect steep slopes first and solar effect will vary with local winds and cloud. Plan your day carefully around expected local heating
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.
- Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
These are generally settled slabs. In the alpine, extensive wind effect over these layers has required large loads, such as cornices, to trigger. Sheltered and shallow areas on shaded aspects however, remain of some concern for skier triggering.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the persistent slabs.
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3