Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 8th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

BW, Avalanche Canada

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

Be mindful of solar inputs on Friday and Saturday. There is potential for small loose wet avalanches out of steeper southerly terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High

Snowpack Summary

15-25cm of recent storm snow overlays the Feb 3 temperature crust which is evident on all aspects except north above 2500m. A thin sun-crust exists on the surface on steep south aspects. Moderate shears persist in the midpack down roughly 30 and 50cm on several persistent interfaces. Facets and depth hoar make up the basal layers of the snowpack in most locations.

Weather Summary

A weak upper ridge moves into the forecast area on Friday afternoon resulting in mainly sunny skies, light winds and minimal to no snow through Saturday. Freezing levels will be near valley bottom.

For more mountain weather click HERE.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Two persistent layers from the end of December and mid January exist in the mid-pack down roughly 30 and 50 cm. There has been little activity on these layers recently, however stability tests still show moderate "sudden" results on these interfaces.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak base is still present in most areas at tree-line and above. Forecasters have not seen a significant avalanche on this layer for some time, however the weak structure of this layer still warrants a cautious approach.