Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
The weather is expected to deteriorate by Thursday. When traveling in stormy conditions expect to find significant change in snow accumulation as you gain elevation.
Weather Forecast
Most forecast are showing an approaching westerly front moving in Wednesday afternoon. Expect to see an increase in wind values in the alpine and light precipitation starting later in the day. By Thursday we could see 5 to 10 of snow accumulation at upper elevations and likely rain in the valley. The precipe is expected to continue through Friday.
Snowpack Summary
30 to 50cm has fallen at higher elevations since April 9. Recent winds and snow have created windslabs on lee N and E aspects in the alpine, up to 100cm deep. Still some uncertainty with the March 7 layer, snowpack structure and recent test show a weakness 50 to100cm down on high north aspects but no avalanche activity has been recently reported.
Avalanche Summary
Several recent windslab avalanches were observed today. Generally releasing from immediate lee slopes to size 2. One size 2.5 was observation on 93N, this appeared to be a cornice triggered windslab.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow (20-50cm) has been redistributed by steady and moderate westerly winds over the weekend. Some drifts in immediate lees are 100cm deep. With forecasted snow and wind for the remainder of the week, this problem will continue to develop.
- Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5