Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
Good skiing can be found in much of the forecast region.
Take extra caution when traveling in thinner snowpack areas due to increased risk of triggering deep persistent avalanche.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A few natural size 2 windslabs were observed in lee alpine terrain by our field team. We also received one report of a cornice triggered size 2 deep persistent avalanche in the Sunshine ski area backcountry.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 25cm of low-density snow overlies a weak, faceted, mid and lower snowpack. Very weak depth hoar and facets associated with remnant crusts are found near the ground. 60-100cm of snow at treeline elevations.
Weather Summary
We’ll start the week with clear skies, light ridge-top winds, and freezing levels near the valley bottom on Monday. Clear skies will persist on Tuesday, though ridge winds will increase to strong. No precipitation is expected until the end of the week.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid thin areas like rocky outcrops where you're most likely to trigger avalanches on deep weak layers.
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Weak facets and depth hoar near the base of the snowpack are associated with decaying crusts. While the faceting process is weakening existing upper and mid-pack slabs, continue to be very cautious anywhere there is stiffer snow overlying this basal weakness.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3
Wind Slabs
Small wind inputs have initiated isolated wind slab activity in the BYK region. With 10- 20cm of low-density snow available for transport, increasing winds on Tuesday are expected to escalate both the size and sensitivity of the problem.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2