Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
Steady light snowfall in the alpine will start to add up through the weekend but watch for a transition to rain below about 2100m Saturday.
Freezing levels are not likely to fall below 1800m this weekend... crust recovery may be poor.
Cooling and snow forecast into the start of the week looks promising for yet another round of winter...
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed or reported on Friday although visibility was poor.
Snowpack Summary
5-10cm of snow since Thursday covers surface crusts on all aspects except for north-facing slopes above ~2300. Moist and weak snow at low elevations following a light refreeze Thursday night.
The mid-pack Feb 3 persistent layer (crust/facet layer) and basal depth hoar remain the most prominent features in the snowpack but have been dormant since the last temperature spike. These layers are a greater concern in thin snowpack areas on north slopes above 2300m.
Weather Summary
Friday: Flurries continue with trace amounts overnight. Freezing level around 1800m as winds shift SW and increase to moderate.
Saturday: Continued flurries / showers in the PM with freezing levels rising to around 2400m. SW winds continue. Freezing levels remain around 1800m overnight.
Sunday: A trough brings snow / rain with freezing levels near 2200m.
For more detailed weather click here.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Light snowfall will continue into next week combined with moderate East shifting SW winds. Look for thin new slabs over sun crusts and potentially thicker slabs on north slopes. Winds may intensify into Sunday.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2