Banff Yoho Kootenay

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible - Likely

  Size

  1–2

  Moderate winds in the past few days have also created thin, but stiffer wind slab conditions 25-35 cm deep on ridgetop lee terrain. These have been seen to step down to the surface hoar layer.
• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  2–3

  Snow averages over the Valentines surface hoar and suncrust on steep solar aspects range from 20cm, to over 60cm at Sunshine and Yoho. Lake Louise ski hill reported a natural cycle last night out of bounds to sz. 2., caused by a wind event.
• 

  Deep Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  On Observation Peak today, we encountered moderate, sudden collapse shears on basal depth hoar. Steep, thin areas mainly E. of the divide will be prone. Lake Louise reported recent, isolated slides triggered on surface hoar which stepped to ground.