Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Conditions are improving. It is the time of year to start early and finish early. Avoid exposure to slopes with large triggers such as cornices.
Weather Forecast
Cool seasonal temps, cloud cover and about 3cm of snow are expected Wednesday. Winds will drop to light by late morning Wednesday. Benign weather with little in the way of warming is expected Thursday and Friday.
Snowpack Summary
Since Friday, up to 30 cm of recent snow sits over solar crusts and wind effect in open areas. New solar crusts on low elevation steep slopes formed on Tuesday. 2 persistent facet layers (Feb 19 & Jan 27) are down 30-80cm and still producing sudden shears in some locations. In thin areas the basal depth hoar/crust from Nov is still quite prominent.
Avalanche Summary
Sunshine Patrol reported observing a size 2 persistent slab on Fatigue mountain on a North facing hanging slope under a cornice. Otherwise no avalanches were observed or reported.
Confidence
The weather pattern is stable on Wednesday
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
The Jan 27 and Feb 19 layers are becoming less reactive. Last weeks warm up combined with the recent cooling have likely helped this. Slopes that receive big triggers like cornices are the most likely place to see avalanche activity on these layers.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the persistent slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3