Banff Yoho Kootenay

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–3

  Wind slabs up to 40 cm thick are reactive on old sun crusts. Yesterday, skiers remote triggered a 2.5 on a SE asp of Jimmy Simpson. Some steeper slopes (Mt. Hector) a 30-50 cm thick windslab over weak snow on ice - monitor snow depth as you travel.
• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  Very little activity today, a reasonable freeze last night and cloudy skies kept crusts intact. Tomorrow expect some sunny breaks, which may be enough to break down the crusts causing some loose wet avalanches on solar aspects below treeline.
• 

  Deep Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Unlikely - Possible

  Size

  1–3

  Watch out for thin & steep areas and large loads such as cornice failure which could trigger deep weaknesses. Thin areas are veiled by the new snow. Pay attention to snow distribution and depth as you travel.