Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 8th, 2024–Jan 9th, 2024

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.

Strong winds forecasted on Monday night/Tuesday morning will increase the likelihood of windslab development in the alpine and exposed treeline terrain. Pay attention for this change as you transition through the treeline.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Several loose dry avalanches were observed out of steep alpine terrain on Monday. Sunshine Ski Resort reported ski cutting small windslabs from steeper terrain.

There was a skier accidental avalanche size 1.5 near the Lake Louise ski area on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

10-25cm of recent storm snow sits over a variety of surfaces (sun crusts, surface hoar, old wind slab) at treeline and above. Some sluffing and windslab development can be found in steep exposed terrain.

The mid pack is settled and mostly supportive. It contains several melt-freeze crusts which can be found as high as 2300m in southern areas. The base of the snowpack consists of a mix of weak facets and depth hoar.

Treeline snow depths range from 65-110 cm.

Weather Summary

Flurries are forecasted through Wednesday with total accumulations in the 10-15 cm range.Winds will start out strong (SW) on Tuesday and decrease in afternoon, becoming light-mod by Wednesday.Daytime highs on Tuesday will be around -10, but will start falling on Wednesday becoming very cold (-25-30) by Thursday.

For more information, click Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong forecasted winds on Monday night and Tues morning have potential to create fresh wind slabs in lee alpine and exposed treeline terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Loose Dry

New snow and some wind have created conditions for loose dry avalanches. These conditions will be especially prevalent in steep rocky terrain. Be mindful of terrain traps where small avalanches can create a big problem.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

In most areas the base of the snowpack consists of weak facets and depth hoar. Avalanche activity on this layer has been minimal but the consequenses of triggering it remain serious. Use caution in steep terrain or on planar slopes where failures in these basal facets are more likely to propagate.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5