Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Feb 3 – 4, 2025Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 2 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Storm snow amounts are variable. Assess the storm snow depth at the local level. Despite cold temperatures, ski hills triggered storm slabs up to size 1.5 with large triggers on Sunday.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Dry loose avalanches are still possible in steep and gullied terrain (especially during periods of mod/strong wind). Ice climbers in particular should be wary of these sluffs in steep terrain.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Storm snow and moderate to strong winds have formed storm slabs at tree-line and above. The bond to the old (Jan 30) surface remains uncertain, so assess conditions locally.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Both Sunshine and Lake Louise patrol triggered several storm slabs up to size 1.5 with explosives today. Up to 20 cm thick.

Snowpack Summary

10-25 cm of storm snow over the past 72 hours, coupled with winds, have created storm slabs at tree-line and above. The buried layer (Jan 30) is a mix of crust, surface hoar and facets. The snowpack is generally weak, with an old crust and depth hoar at the base.

Weather Summary

Tomorrow will be chilly, with temperatures dropping into the minus 20s. There will be clearing over the course of the day, and moderate winds are expected.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Regions covered