Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay, Field, Kootenay, Lake Louise, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
Snow conditions on the north and east aspects are good, but surface crusts persist elsewhere. The avalanche danger remains Moderate due to the persistent nature of the basal facet problem which should factor into terrain decisions. The sun may peak out for a bit longer Thursdayso watch locally for solar effect.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches reported in this region today. A couple of big avalanches occurred in the region to the East in the last 24 hours. Thse were on Mosquito Peak and Hidden Bowl in the Lake Louise backcountry. These size 2.5-3 avalanches released on the basal weak layers.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 15cm of storm snow from the past 3 days buries sun crusts to ridgetop and temperature crusts below 1500m. The January sun crust and facet interface is down 40 to 120cm. The November depth hoar at the base of the snowpack remains weak.
Weather Summary
Thursday: Freezing levels 1800-2000m with a mix of sun and cloud. Winds will be light to moderate from the SW.
Friday: SW winds increase to 40-50km/h in the alpine with some snow developing in the evening. 2-5cm are possible.
For a detailed weather forecast click here.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The November basal facets as well as midpack facets on crusts remain a concern for triggering. Snowpack tests continue to produce moderate to hard sudden collapse results. Unfortunately, we can't forget about this problem yet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5