Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
Saturday will be the warmest day since the storm ended. Keep this in mind when choosing terrain and the timing of your day. Start early, end early, and limit your exposure. Human triggering of avalanches is likely and natural avalanches are possible.
This is a time when practicing patience goes a long way to a safe and enjoyable day.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Helicopter bombing today (March 8th) produced numerous avalanches up to size 3 on Mt. Hector. Natural activity has tapered, but we are still seeing evidence of the widespread cycle that occurred after our most recent storm. Natural activity is still possible.
Snowpack Summary
Thin crusts are forming on solar aspects, as high as treeline. 40-80 cm of snow fell from Feb 23 to March 2. This snow continues to settle into soft slabs and has been blown into wind slabs at upper elevations. These slabs overlie the weak Feb 3 facet/crust layer that is down 40-80 cm and exists up to 2500 m and higher on solar aspects. The lower snowpack consists of several facet layers and depth hoar and is weak in shallow areas.
Weather Summary
Saturday looks to be warm and windy with a chance of snow.
On Saturday, freezing levels are expected to hit 1600-2000m. Winds in the alpine are forecast to be strong/extreme in places (60-80km/h) out of the SW. In the afternoon, areas along the divide may see 2-5cm of snow.
Sunday's temperatures are mild, with more precipitation in the pm (4-8cm) and lighter winds.
For more detailed weather information, click here.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as temperatures increase.
- Remote triggering is a big concern, be aware of the potential for wide propagations and large, destructive avalanches at all elevations.
- In times of uncertainty conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
40-80 cm of soft slab overlies the Feb 3 interface. Recently, many natural, human, and explosive-triggered avalanches have occurred on this layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Wind Slabs
Recent storm snow has been redistributed into lee areas by moderate to strong winds.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
Some recent avalanches are stepping down to the weak basal facet and depth hoar layers near the ground resulting in large avalanches. This seems to be most common in thin, steep, rocky terrain in the alpine.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5