Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Natural avalanche activity is expected to slow down but skier triggering of new wind slabs in steep terrain will be likely. Look for ski terrain that is sheltered from the wind and avoid exposure to steep wind loaded areas until the winds ease.
Weather Forecast
A few cm's of new snow are forecast for each of the next few days. Alpine winds will remain in the strong range out of the W and SW. Slightly warmer temperatures are expected Monday and a cooler day again on Tuesday.
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of new snow at treeline. Extensive wind effect in open areas at treeline and in the alpine. Wind slabs and new cornices are forming. The Dec 13 and Dec 7 sun crust/surface hoar/facet layers are down ~ 50cm and ~80 cm respectively. The decomposing Nov crust/facets sits at the bottom of the snowpack. Height of snow at tree line is 120-180cm.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous explosive controlled small wind slab avalanches were reported by the local ski hills at all elevations. One skier remote size 2 avalanche was reported on a steep convex roll at treeline below Wawa Ridge near Sunshine Village. Limited observations in the alpine due to poor visibility.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong winds and new snow have formed wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine. Skiers are likely to trigger these wind slabs in immediate lee areas. Continued strong alpine winds may also trigger cornice failures so avoid exposure to this hazard.
- Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed wind slabs.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
With continued strong winds moving the recent snow around, we expect sluffing and dry loose avalanches in steep gullies and faces. This is especially a concern in ice climbing terrain with higher elevation start zones and narrow couloirs.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain.
- If triggered dry loose point releases can form deeper deposits in terrain traps.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5