Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
We expect an All Freeze, No Melt scenario for the next several days as we start our transition into spring hazard ratings in the near future. Alpine windslabs are expected to remain sensitive with the added input of light snow and wind.
Weather Forecast
Freezing levels will drop to valley bottom tonight as we return to winter for several days. Light flurries (5 cm) and moderate to strong SW winds for Friday night. For the weekend, expect a mix of sun and cloud, alpine highs of -9C and winds should taper off and be light from the west. For more details, see the Mountain Weather Forecast.Â
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of soft, dry snow sits on a firm crust on N aspects. On solar aspects a series of crusts exist in the snowpack at all elevations. Despite the warm temps in the last 24 hrs, the crusts remained supportive except at lower below treeline elevations on Friday. Windslabs exist in immediate leeward areas, and are still possible to trigger.
Avalanche Summary
FIeld trip near Sunshine Village on Wednesday observed a size 1.5 windslab/cornice on a SE aspect and a fresh cornice failure on the N side. In the past 2 days, there have been some reports of wind slabs being triggered up to size 1.5 in the alpine in the Lake Louise back country and below the Bow Hut.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Windslabs exist near ridge crests, and will likely stay sensitive the incoming snow and wind. Pay close attention near ridges and entrances to ski lines.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent loading has created reactive slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2