Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
We are keeping the alpine rating elevated due to forecast winds, available snow to move, and difficulty forecasting how the basal facets will react. Cooling temperatures and calming winds this weekend may improve the danger.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed or reported on Wednesday.
Snowpack Summary
Previous SW winds have created wind slabs in the alpine and exposed treeline locations. Below this is a semi-supportive mid-pack that may include a raincrust (1-7 cm thick) that exists up to 2300m. The lower snowpack is facetted and weak. Treeline snowpack amounts range from 50-90cm.
Weather Summary
A trace of snow is expected Thursday and 2cm West of the Divide. Mild temperatures continue with freezing levels rising from valley bottom to 1600-1700m in the afternoon. Alpine winds will be SW 40-50 on Thursday and 55-65 on Friday. A cold front will arrive on Friday night with a few cm of snow and cool temperatures for the weekend.
For more information, click Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Past winds have created wind slabs in alpine and some exposed treeline locations. Incoming strong winds over the next two days may add to these. If initiated, these may step down to the deep, persistent layer.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
The bottom layer of the snowpack is facetted and weak. Human triggering of this deep, persistent layer could result in a large avalanche.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5