Dashboard Regions Weather Stations Radar Alerts Glossary
Contact About
Log In

Register for an account and never miss a forecast again!

Register

Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 7th, 2023–Mar 8th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

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

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.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.