Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
As the winds pick up Thursday night, so too will the avalanche hazard. A storm arriving Friday afternoon could bring a major shake-up to the snowpack through the weekend... Stay tuned...
Weather Forecast
As a trough slides through the Prairies, winds will increase through the region Thursday night with the potential for trace amounts of new snow. Midday Friday increasing West winds will mark the arrival of a significant storm from the Pacific. Temperatures will rise to near zero degrees C at valley bottom and the intensity of snowfall will build.
Snowpack Summary
The snow surface conditions are soft, dry snow with isolated areas of wind effect at high elevations. The Dec 13 and Dec 7 sun crust/surface hoar/facet layers are down ~ 50cm and ~80 cm respectively and are strengthening. The decomposing Nov crust/facets sits at the bottom of the snowpack. Height of snow at tree line is 120-170cm.
Avalanche Summary
A size 1.5 skier triggered slab was reported on a south facing aspect at treeline on Hector South. A size 2 cornice fall was noticed on Mt Rundle this morning.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent light snowfall has started to add up, and as winds start to blow, new wind slabs have started to form. Expect these to develop quickly Friday in open areas treeline and above. Watch for the potential of natural activity in alpine terrain.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger slabs or larger sluffs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2