Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
Due to limited field observations, the avalanche hazard is uncertain for forecasters. Watch for wind slabs, fresh or buried, with potentially high consequences in climbing terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Ice climbers have encountered some small wind slabs over the past week, which have ranged from reactive to sluggish. We haven't had any reports today of avalanches, but we suspect new snow will make those old slabs more reactive.
Snowpack Summary
Trace to 12cm (Sunshine Village) of new snow on Saturday. At treeline, snow depths are 20-40 cm. In the alpine, lee features have 30-60 cm of snow, isolated wind slabs, and a weak faceted base. Lake Louise is reporting an "almost supportive" crust.
Weather Summary
On Saturday night, expect trace snow amounts except for 10-15cm along Highway 93 North and Yoho with moderate to strong alpine winds from the SW. On Sunday, winds will remain moderate, with only trace amounts of snow and clearing in the AM.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
We have limited observations but suspect new snow will make buried and new slabs more reactive in steep terrain. Watch locally for wind and what is hidden below the surface.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
Winds should die down Sunday but will remain moderate in the alpine. Watch for power sluffing in places with more snow, especially in steep, gully terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5