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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 3rd, 2025–Jan 4th, 2025
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
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

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

The wind has had limited affect on the surface snow over the last week. If the wind increases expect windslabs to build quickly.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Reports of numerous natural small loose dry out of steep terrain on Highway 93N and 93S.

Evidence of a large deep avalanche off of Mount Lefroy North East face was observed on Jan 3rd that we believe to be 24-48 hours old.

Lake Louise had limited explosive results during control on the 3rd, some small loose dry.

Sunshine had a couple explosive results in Delirium Dive (size 1.5) in very shallow areas on the deep persistent weak layer.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 25cm of low density snow overlies a 60-80 cm snowpack that is entirely faceted, with weak, facet/crust interfaces near the ground. With cooler temps and a shallow snowpack, the snow is continuing to facet.

Weather Summary

Tonight: Mainly cloudy. Alpine temperature: Low -8 °C. Ridge wind southeast: 10 km/h.

Saturday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: High -8 °C. Ridge wind west: 20 km/h.

Sunday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: Low -10 °C, High -7 °C. Ridge wind west: 20-30 km/h.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid thin areas like rocky outcrops where you're most likely to trigger avalanches on deep weak layers.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Weak facets and depth hoar near the base of the snowpack. The main concern is where for this problem is where a stiffer slab overlays the weak faceted lower snowpack. This layer is more "sensitive" in very shallow snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3