Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Looks like a reset for the ski conditions thankfully, with 10-20 cm of new snow across the region. But, the wind has been strong for the past 24-hrs also, and we expect soft, small but easily triggered windslabs in most leeward areas.
Weather Forecast
A NW flow over the region will continue to bring snow, wind and warm temperatures over the next few days. Expect another 5 cm for Friday with freezing levels potentially reaching 1700 m. Then another 5 cm for Saturday. Weather patterns change again starting Sunday when the temperature begins to plummet.
Snowpack Summary
15-20 cm of new snow has fallen in the past 24-hrs with strong winds creating fresh, sensitive windslabs at treeline and above. Areas to the west received the most snow. These slabs may be small, but will release easily on firm surfaces underneath. The Jan 30th surface hoar/ sun crust interface exists 30-40 cm below the surface and is unreactive.
Avalanche Summary
Soft windslabs up to size 1 were reported by both SSV and LL ski resorts on Thursday, fracture depths to a maximum of 30 cm. Additionally, extensive sluffing was observed through the mist in steeper terrain near Yoho.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh windslabs are easy to trigger, especially these ones that are sitting on such a firm surface underneath. Expect to find them in most leeward, drifted slopes. Ski cutting to check for this on your tour is a good idea.
Aspects: North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Dry
The new snow is very low cohesion and being blown about by the wind. Ice climbers in particular might encounter increased sluffing and spindrift in confined gullies.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5