Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
The snowpack has finally cooled off, but our persistent problems have not entirely left us.
Continue to use caution on larger slopes in the alpine and at treeline.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Ski hills are reporting easily triggering small loose dry avalanches, running on the recent crust up to size 1.
No new natural avalanches were observed.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm of new snow have greatly improved the ski quality. This snow sits on the recently formed crust, which is 2-5 cm's and has been supportive to travel as tempatures cool. The recently buried crust is widespread, except for north aspects above 2500m where dry snow still exists. The cool temps have improved the stability of the mid-pack, but the persistent problem and deep persistent problem are still with us. The bottom of the snowpack still consists of basal facets.
Weather Summary
Forecast's are calling for another 5-10 cm's overnight. Winds will remain strong through the evening out of the north/east. Winds should taper through the day on Sunday and return to a SW flow. Freezing levels are predicted to stay below valley bottom Sunday as the daytime high in the alpine is -7C. Overnight Sunday into Monday, we should see temperatures continue to cool to -10C.
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Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
While the warm temperatures and rain have reduced the severity of the problem, it has not gone away. Watch for the surface crust breaking down and the likely hood of triggering this layer increasing.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
Especially watch for think to thin areas in the alpine and the upper elevations of treeline, where triggering this problem is still possible.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Loose Dry
New snow will not have bonded well to the crust. Watch for these areas to be sensitive to triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5