The first major avalanche cycle of the season starts on Wed and peaks on Thurs. Avoid all avalanche terrain. There is a significant weak layer deep in the snowpack that is active and we expect widespread avalanche activity over the next two days.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A strong westerly flow dominates the region with the Pineapple Express bringing a big warm up and rain for Wed and Thurs. Expect 20cm of fresh snow by Wed afternoon and warming through the day - by Wed night freezing levels will reach 2600m and Thurs will be a heavy storm day with rain, snow, warmth and strong winds. Cooling beings late Thurs.
Snowpack Summary
The Little Yoho valley has a
100cm snowpack at 1750m. The top 60cm is dry, settled storm snow overlying facets on the Halloween crust - this is the layer to watch. Snowpack tests indicate sudden collapse failures on this layer and propagation can be expected. Strong winds with this next storm will create windslabs in exposed areas at TL and above.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity observed or reported Tues in the Little Yoho valley, Lake Louise resort or Sunshine Village area. Mon saw significant avalanche activity with Lake Louise ski resort reporting 32 avalanches releasing from 38 target areas controlled; several large avalanches up to size 2.5 - this shows the potential of the Halloween crust.
Confidence