Banff Yoho Kootenay

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible - Likely

  Size

  1–2

  Thin windslabs formed from previous strong winds can be triggered in steep open areas. In some cases this may provide enough load to step down to the deeper basal layers to cause larger avalanches.
• 

  Deep Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Unlikely - Possible

  Size

  2–3

  These are becoming harder to trigger, but light loads can still cause avalanches on the basal depth hoar/October rain crust.. The most sensitive trigger points are thin or crossloaded slopes. Stick to moderate angled areas with a thicker snowpack.