Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
We have changed persistent slab problem to a deep persistent problem and are using this to represent three weak layers that exist in the snowpack.
Great ski conditions exist, but don't get too rad. Stick to standard lines in thicker snowpack areas as we have a thinner than normal snowpack this year!
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A size 2 and 2.5 skier-triggered deep persistent slab in the Cirque Forepeak area occurred Tuesday showing that the deeper layers can still be triggered in thin snowpack areas.
No new avalanches reported on Thursday
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of snow sits over the Feb 3 crust which exists in most locations (except high north aspects). At lower elevations, this crust is stabilizing the snowpack, and at this time is not presenting as a weak layer of concern. This will change as wind, time or more snow create a slab above it. Persistent weak layers in the mid and bottom of the snowpack remain a concern and have recently produced avalanches on the ground, particularly in higher elevation thin snowpack areas.
Weather Summary
A ridge of high pressure will dominate the region for the next several days bringing mostly blue skies, temperatures from -10 to -20 and light NE winds. No new snow is expected.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
- Be especially cautious near rock outcroppings, on steep convexities and anywhere the snowpack feels thinner than average.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds have been light, but small wind slabs may still exist in leeward areas. Some minor reverse wind effect (NE winds) was noted in alpine areas on Tuesday, but no slab development. No observations have been made above 2800 m.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
We are using this problem to represent 3 weak layers: two separate persistent layers in the top 50 cm and the basal weakness. These are dormant in most areas but sporadic avalanche activity has occurred on these layers and the theme seems to be steep thin snowpack areas in the high alpine.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3