Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, East Side 93N, LLSA.
Our deep persistent slab is still a concern, continue to avoid thick to thin areas while recreating.
Be mindful of the daytime warming of the snowpack as temperatures are not forecast to cool off significantly Friday night.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new natural activity. Explosive work at ski hills producing size 1-1.5 wind slabs out of extreme terrain.
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack in this area is much thinner and weaker overall than the rest of the regions. Warm temperatures have likely formed a new crust on all aspects up to tree line. Isolated wind slabs sit on sun crusts to ridge top and temperature crusts below 1500m. The January sun crust and facet interface is down 40 to 80cm. The November depth hoar at the base of the snowpack remains very weak.
Weather Summary
Saturday: Scattered flurries will bring light snowfall to the region.
Ridgetop winds will be from the southwest near 40-50 km/h and freezing levels forecast to hit 2000m. The alpine high should range between 0C and +5C.
Sunday: Winds and temperatures will rise significantly through the day. Freezing levels are forecast to hit between 2300m-2700m and winds will push up into the strong/extreme range out of the south west. The snow/rain will start Sunday evening.
For a detailed weather forecast click here.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The November basal facets as well as midpack facets on crusts remain a concern for triggering. Snowpack tests continue to produce moderate to hard sudden collapse results. These weak layers are very pronounced in this region.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5