Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
Deep slabs haven't been observed in days, but a weak snowpack persists in shallow areas - ski the thick, avoid the thin.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches were observed or reported on Jan 13.
Snowpack Summary
Over the past week, 10cm has accumulated, accompanied by strong to extreme west winds that have formed slabs in alpine areas and on some treeline features. The recent snow rests on a layer of facets and surface hoar, which persists in isolated locations. The middle and bottom of the snowpack are weak, with depth hoar and facets near the ground. An average of 60-100cm of snow can be found at treeline elevations.
Weather Summary
Seasonal temperatures Tuesday, with valley lows near 0°C and ridge temperatures around -5°C. Expect variable cloud cover, trace snow accumulations, and moderate to strong NW winds.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow and extreme W to SW wind have developed slabs in lee alpine and treeline terrain. These may run further than expected if they pick up facetted snow in steep gullied terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
Weak facets exist at the base of the snowpack. Large open slopes at treeline and in the alpine remain suspect.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5