Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
We will see trace amounts of precipitation and increased winds Thursday, which could contribute to wind slab formation at ridgetop. The more snow we receive, more the hazard will increase.
Avoiding wind affected areas will lead to the most enjoyable travel, as well as reducing your exposure to triggering wind slab avalanches.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
During explosive control Wednesday, Sunshine triggered a size 2 windslab out of a south-east alpine aspect.
Otherwise, no other new avalanches reported.
Results from recent avalanche control from the Field area can be found here
Snowpack Summary
There has been widespread wind affect down into treeline in most exposed areas over the last week and a half.
Where the wind hasn't had an impact, the surface is a mix of facets, and/ or sun crust depending on your location. Below this, the mid-pack consists of more facets which sit over the October crust and depth hoar at the bottom. Snow depths at treeline range from 60-100 cm.
Weather Summary
Wednesday night: Mainly cloudy. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: Low -14 °C. Ridge wind west: 10 km/h.
Thursday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: High -10 °C. Ridge wind west: 15 km/h gusting to 40 km/h.
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperature: Low -18 °C, High -12 °C. Preciptatio: Nil. Light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 40 km/h.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Precipitation and increased winds Thursday could elevate the potential for forming and triggering windslabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5