Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
Recent avalanche activity reported on the MIN on Saturday demonstrates how conditions have changed. Adjust terrain decisions accordingly to avoid an unpleasant interaction with a deep slab or wind slab.
Avalanche control is being conducted on Monday Jan 22, 2024, on Mt Whymper and the Simpson slide paths. These areas are closed.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Sunshine Village patrol reported triggering two size 2 avalanches in the Delirium Dive. The shots were placed low on the slope and produced hard wind slabs.
Otherwise, no avalanches were observed or reported.
Snowpack Summary
20 cm of recent storm snow combined with wind has formed wind-slabs in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline. 30-50 cm overlies the Dec. 31 surface hoar/sun crust. Below this, in the mid-pack, two crusts (Dec. 22 and Dec. 5) exist as high as 2350m and have been providing the primary support for skiing. The base of the snowpack remains weak with depth hoar and facets.
Weather Summary
Temperatures will remain relatively warm with the valley near zero degrees and the ridge not colder than -8. Ridge top wind will be predominantly from the SW in the moderate range on Monday. Trace amounts of new snow is expected with cloudy skies.
For more information, click here for the Mountain Wx Fx.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind from the past few days have created wind-slabs. These slabs are located intermittently throughout the terrain in both alpine and treeline areas. This includes a hard slab with the potential for wide propagation.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
Loose dry avalanches are still a possibility due to wind and small incremental snowfall amounts. The avalanches will be small but this will still be a concern in terrain traps. Terrain choice is key to managing this problem.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
The base of the snowpack consists of weak facets, depth hoar, and the overlying crust continues to break down. Use caution in steep terrain, areas with wind slabs (step-down potential), large planar slopes, and thin to thick areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3