Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
The danger remains Moderate due to uncertainty around the deeper facets, especially in Kootenay. It is very difficult to estimate whether a slope will avalanche with these types of layers. Your terrain choices will be the best risk management.
Weather Forecast
Alpine temperatures (3000m) will be -3 to -5C on Friday, with colder temperatures in the valleys. Winds will be in the strong to extreme range from the W (gusts 80-100kmh) and no snow is expected. Slightly cooler temperatures, diminishing winds and no snow for Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
Wind effect and wind slabs in the alpine and exposed tree-line areas and suncrust on steep south facing terrain. In sheltered areas, 20-40 cm of soft snow overlies facets and a (Dec 2) crust/facet interface generally 60-100cm deep. This layer continues to produce sudden test results in Kootenay Park.
Avalanche Summary
Nothing new reported on Thursday. A size 2 natural avalanche was reported Wednesday above the ice climb Bourgeau Left. It did not run over the climb and dug down to deeper facets in some areas.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent winds have created windslabs in the alpine and some treeline locations. Older wind slabs are likely losing some reactivity, but may be more reactive where they overly facets.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
This problem represents both the Dec. 2nd crust/ facet layer (treeline and below) and layers of faceted snow that were formed during the late December cold snap (all elevations). If triggered, either layer could result in large avalanches.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Forecasters are operating with alot of uncertainty at this time.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3