Avalanche Forecast

A notable size 2 wind slab was remotely triggered yesterday on a lee alpine feature on a South aspect on Observation Sub Peak. It had impressive propagation on the underlying weak facets and scrubbed to the ground. Lake Louise patrol triggered several wind slabs size 1-2 with explosives and ski cuts over the past week and noticed increased sensitivity through the week.

On Thursday, strong to extreme SW winds scrubbed the alpine and treeline and freezing levels climbed to 2200 m or higher on South facing terrain. Otherwise, the snowpack is thin with a breakable sun crust on steep south aspects and weak facets on north aspects. 40-70 cm of total snow at treeline throughout the region, with up to 120 cm in loaded alpine features.

Expect flurries on Friday as a cold front descends across the region with 5-20 cm expected (greater amounts occurring along the continental divide and in Little Yoho). Strong SW winds will accompany the snow and ease with the passage of the front bringing cooler, more seasonable temperatures.

For Saturday, light flurries are forecast through the day, and then another cold front crosses the region Sunday morning with more snow.

For more information specific to the forecast region, see https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.