Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
Thursday and Friday are expected to remain cool, however pay attention to solar aspects. If the sun comes out, it won't take much radiation for the new snow to start sloughing off on the crusts. It is always a good idea to start and end your tours early at this time of year.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
The current cool temperatures have temporarily slowed down the deeper avalanche activity.
In the alpine several thin, fresh windslabs and sluffs were triggered in the new snow (sitting on a temperature crust) yesterday and today.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm of new snow (past 48 hours) overlies previous temperature crusts on E, W and S aspects. On north aspects above 2200 m the storm snow overlays dry snow. Small wind slabs can be expected in specific areas in the alpine and will react easily to human triggers where on a smooth crust.
In the mid-pack, the Feb 3 persistent layer (crust/facet layer) remains a concern on northerly alpine aspects, however cooler temperatures has slowed down natural activity on this layer.
Weather Summary
Thursday and Friday will bring mixed sun and cloud and the possibly of some isolated convective flurries in the afternoon. Upper level winds will be light from the north-east. Freezing levels will rise to 1400m on Thursday and 1500m on Friday
Saturday will bring sun and warmer temperatures with freezing levels rising to 2000m. The warmer temperatures will result in an increase in avalanche hazard on Saturday.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow and wind have created thin windslabs in isolated pockets at higher elevations along with some potential for loose snow avalanches in steep terrain. These are small avalanches but they could knock you off your feet. Expect this problem to become more active when the sun comes out.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5