Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Watch locally for wind slabs which can step down to deeper weak layers. Depending on which forecast you look at, 20-25cm is possible by early next week along the divide.
Weather Forecast
3-5 cm of snow along the divide tomorrow afternoon but likely no snow on the East slopes. The wind will be moderate to strong from the West and temperatures will be -7C in the alpine and close to 0C in the valley bottom. Snow will continue Sunday and Monday with 20-25cm possible along and W of the divide.
Snowpack Summary
15-30 cm of faceted snow overtop of a melt freeze crust from early November (crust only exists below 2300 m). Below this crust unconsolidated facets exist to ground. Treeline snow depths range from 50-80 cm, with up to 110 cm in wind loaded alpine areas. Some areas of wind slab exist at ridgetops and cross loaded features.
Avalanche Summary
Some loose dry avalanches in the range of size 1.5-2 in steep, cross loaded gullies on Observation Peak, and a couple of smaller wind slabs from steep ridgetops in the same area.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong winds have redistributed much of the loose snow hanging around. With snow in the forecast through the weekend these will grow in size.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
The lower snowpack consists of weak facets. There is potential for avalanches to step down to this deeper layer.
- Convex features and steep unsupported slopes will be most prone to triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2