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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 11th, 2023–Feb 12th, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

Continued strong winds are likely to keep wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline reactive to skier/boarder traffic.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Ski hills are reporting wind slab avalanches up to size 2 with explosives control, with one stepping down to the deep persistent layer. Sunshine reported a natural cornice failure to size 2. Continued evidence of a previous natural avalanche cycle in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm of recent storm snow in the North (10cm in the South) of the region has been redistributed by strong winds forming widespread, reactive windslabs. Two crusts exist in the upper snowpack and the November facets remain near the base. These buried weak layers remain a concern and continue to produce avalanches. Minimal reactivity has been observed below treeline.

Weather Summary

A mix of sun and cloud with a chance of flurries through the day. Snow fall expected to start in the late afternoon or early evening with amount's up to 5cm's. Alpine highs are forecast to be between -2 and -5 degrees, with freezing levels between1500-1800m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

These slabs are sensitive and can be easily triggered by humans. In many areas these wind slabs overlay a variety of surfaces like crusts and facets. On Sunday, daytime warming/solar radiation may make this problem more sensitive.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Natural and artificial avalanches are still triggering this layer, with initiation occurring in the slab or stepping down.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5