Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
While the current avalanche danger is rated as low, avalanches are still possible. Earlier today, a skier triggered a wind slab near Cirque Peak. Refer to the summary for more details.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Today, a skier triggered a size 2 wind slab on the west facing slopes below Cirque Peak (near Bow Lake) at about 2500m. The debris got channelled into a shallow gully and ran quite far. There were no injuries but some equipment was lost.
Snowpack Summary
There has been widespread wind effect down into treeline in exposed areas. Where the wind hasn't had an impact, the surface is a mix of facets and/ or sun crust, depending on your location. Below this, the mid-pack consists primarily of facets. At the base of the snowpack lies a widespread, weak layer of depth hoar and a crust that should not be forgotten. Snow depths at the treeline range from 60 to 100 cm.
Weather Summary
The region will remain under the influence of a high-pressure ridge on Wednesday, with temperatures ranging from -6°C to -9°C. Strong westerly gusts may result in windy conditions. By Friday, 10-15 cm of new snow is expected.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
There is lots of evidence of wind effected snow throughout region with some windslabs in specific locations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2