Avalanche Forecast

Some smaller slabs were noted at the Lake Louise ski hill but limited visibility overall. A notable size 2 wind slab was remotely triggered 2 days ago on Observation Sub Peak. It had impressive propagation on the underlying weak facets and scrubbed to the ground. Not in Banff, but an ice climber close call on Thursday with loose dry avalanches on Shades of Beauty in Jasper is very relevant to our area.

5-15cm over the last 24 hours (higher amounts West of the divide and in the North). Strong to extreme SW winds and warm temperatures over the past 36 hours have promoted wind slab growth at higher elevations (10-30cm thick have been observed). The snowpack below these slabs is a mix of facets, some spotty surface hoar, and sun crust on steep south aspects. There is even some classic Rockies depth hoar forming at the base in thinner areas. 40-80 cm of total snow exists at treeline throughout the region, with up to 120 cm in loaded alpine features.

5-10cm overnight and moderate winds. A warm front on Saturday with flurries and 40-50kmh ridgetop SW winds, increasing to 60 kmh in the afternoon. Expect freezing levels to 1400m.

On Sunday, a cold front with 5-10cm in Lake Louise and Yoho areas, and lesser amounts (5cm) in the rest of the regions. Expect continued strong winds and valley bottom freezing levels.

For more information specific to the forecast region, see https://www.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.