A major storm is starting Wednesday night. It is a good time to ski at the resorts and stay out of avalanche terrain.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A major system is heading for the forecast region starting tonight. The models have varying data but upwards of 40cm is expected throughout Thursday and Friday. The system is accompanied by warm temperatures and moderate to strong westerly winds = a perfect recipe for avalanches!
Snowpack Summary
Wind effect exists in the alpine and at treeline. Below treeline, the surface is faceted powder. This overlies the Dec. 10th layer of facets and depth hoar which is down 60-100 cm. In thin snowpack areas, the Dec. 10th layer is mixed in with the basal facets and October crust. In thicker areas, it is a distinct layer, with a stronger snowpack below
Avalanche Summary
Two skiier accidentals and a skiier remote avalanche were reported by the public in the Banff, Yoho & Kootenay forecast region yesterday. They were all size 1.5-2 and all failed in thin snowpack areas. Two were in the alpine and one was below treeline in a steep gully feature. Avalanche control on Mt Field today produced avalanches up to size 3
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain