Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 6 – 7, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Good skiing can be found in much of the forecast region.

Take extra caution when traveling in thinner snowpack areas due to increased risk of triggering deep persistent avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Small wind inputs have initiated isolated wind slab activity in the BYK region. With 10- 20cm of low-density snow available for transport, increasing winds on Tuesday are expected to escalate both the size and sensitivity of the problem.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak facets and depth hoar near the base of the snowpack are associated with decaying crusts. While the faceting process is weakening existing upper and mid-pack slabs, continue to be very cautious anywhere there is stiffer snow overlying this basal weakness.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few natural size 2 windslabs were observed in lee alpine terrain by our field team. We also received one report of a cornice triggered size 2 deep persistent avalanche in the Sunshine ski area backcountry.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 25cm of low-density snow overlies a weak, faceted, mid and lower snowpack. Very weak depth hoar and facets associated with remnant crusts are found near the ground. 60-100cm of snow at treeline elevations.

Weather Summary

We’ll start the week with clear skies, light ridge-top winds, and freezing levels near the valley bottom on Monday. Clear skies will persist on Tuesday, though ridge winds will increase to strong. No precipitation is expected until the end of the week.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid thin areas like rocky outcrops where you're most likely to trigger avalanches on deep weak layers.
  • Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.

Regions covered