Banff Yoho Kootenay

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely - Very Likely

  Size

  1–3

  Fresh and buried wind slabs up to 60cm thick are primed for triggering. They have been seen to step down onto the Valentines surface hoar layer to cause larger avalanches.
• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely - Very Likely

  Size

  2–3

  Snow depths over the Valentines surface hoar and sun crust on steep solar aspects range from 40cm E of the Divide, to 90+cm at Sunshine and Yoho. Continuing warm, dense snowfall and strong winds will increase natural activity on this layer.
• 

  Deep Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  Recent trips east of the Divide have found a shallow, weak snowpack. Tests done showed sudden collapse results on the basal facets. It is still possible to trigger the entire slope from shallow, thinly covered areas.