Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
We're still seeing avalanches on the deeper layers of the snowpack.
As fresh lines become scarce, resist the urge to step into bigger terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
While the windslabs are becoming less reactive, we are still seeing results on the deeper layers of the snowpack. Sunshine ski hill reported a natural size 3, which sympathetically triggered several size 2 avalanches. There are also reports of cornice failures triggering the deeper layers of the snow pack. The sun is starting to pack a punch in the afternoon.
Snowpack Summary
Not much change from yesterday's snowpack. Alpine and exposed treeline areas are still wind effected with wind slabs that are slowly becoming less reactive. Steep solar slopes at treeline and below have a thin sun crust. The the various Jan PWL interfaces of sun crusts, facets, and surface hoar are now down 40-80 cm. The weaker Nov. 16 basal facet layer is down 50-120 cm and produces moderate to hard sudden collapse results in tests.
Weather Summary
A mix of sun and cloud is expected for tomorrow. An easterly flow will bring light flurries to the Park with minimal accumulation. Alpine highs between -10/-15, with valley bottom temps as high as -5. Light winds are expected to increase slightly through the afternoon. While the air temps are cool, the sun still can pack a punch in the afternoon.
The next pulse of snow is expected to arrive for the weekend.
For a more detailed weather forecast, click here.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Weak facets and depth hoar are present at the bottom of the snowpack which inspires little confidence. Be especially cautious in thin snowpack areas, which are likely areas for triggering. Watch for cornice failure triggering this layer, which will be more likely if the sun is out in the pm.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5
Persistent Slabs
Three persistent weak layers formed in January are down 40-80 cm. The biggest concern is triggering these buried suncrusts on steep solar slopes, but weaker facets and isolated surface hoar can be found at the same interfaces on shaded aspects.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Windslabs from last weeks storm have been buried by low density snow and are gradually becoming less reactive.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2