Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Feb 2 – 3, 2022
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Recent snow has refreshed the skiing in most areas. The biggest concern is fresh windslabs as you transition into the alpine.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Fresh windslabs can be expected in alpine lee areas.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    This problem represents both the Dec. 2nd crust/ facet layer (treeline and below) and the late December facet layer. We have not seen much recent activity on this layer however we continue to monitor it carefully.

Weather Forecast

Cold air will continue through Wednesday and then start to warm up on Thursday. Valley bottom temps on Wednesday in Lake Louise will be -15. Flurries forecast for Thursday, but little accumulation. Ridgetop winds will pick up Wed afternoon into the mod to strong range.

Snowpack Summary

15-25 cm low density storm snow creating small windslabs in alpine and some treeline locations. Storm snow overrides a variety of surfaces including sun crusts, faceted snow and isolated areas of surface hoar. The Dec 2 crust/facet layer is down 70-120 cm and is producing variable shears.

Avalanche Summary

One storm slab (size 2) observed in Flow Lake area in Kootenay on Tuesday. Ski hills reported several small natural and explosive triggered windslabs.

Confidence

Regions covered