Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
The hazard will depend on how much snow falls overnight into Sunday. If the forecast holds true watch for an increase in triggering potential, and an increase in natural activity, especially if exposed to steep gully features with overhead hazard.
Weather Forecast
Anywhere from 20-30cm of snow is expected at treeline Saturday night into Sunday. The temperatures will be cooler on Sunday AM and cooler again Monday AM. Expect strong winds overnight and through Sunday.
Snowpack Summary
On Saturday the surface snow was soft with isolated areas of wind effect in the alpine. The Dec 13 and Dec 7 sun crust/surface hoar/facet layers are down ~ 50cm and ~80 cm respectively. The decomposing Nov crust/facets sits at the bottom of the snowpack. Height of snow at tree line is 120-180cm.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported Saturday. We expect more activity on Sunday with incoming snow and wind.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Sunday
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
The forecasted snow and winds has the potential to form storm slabs at all elevation which will be sitting on a variety of surfaces. We don't believe this new load will significantly wake up the deeper weak layers, but there is some uncertainty.
- Watch for fresh storm slabs on exposed lee slopes at all elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Dry
This problem will progress as the snow continues to fall and will be an issue in steep, confined terrain features at all elevations.
- If triggered dry loose point releases can form deeper deposits in terrain traps.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5