Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
The avalanche hazard will reach its peak overnight Saturday. As the storm pases and cold ,calm and clear weather arrives this week, the avalanche hazard is expected to improve.
Weather Forecast
A Pacific low will pass through the forecast region Saturday night, The storm will bring up to 20cm of snow and strong south west winds. By Sunday a ridge of high pressure will begging to form, precipitation will end temperatures will cool and the wind will die down.Â
Snowpack Summary
15-25 cm of low density surface snow with extensive wind effect in the alpine and tree line. The Dec 2 rain crust is present below 2200 m and down 40-60 cm with facets above and below. The Nov 5 crust/facet interface is found near the base of the snowpack and has formed a deep persistent layer. Snowpack depths at treeline are from 120 to 180 cm.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported Saturday. A size 3.5 natural avalanche failing on glacier ice above the Bow Hut approach occurred in the last few days. This appeared to be triggered by wind loading and shows some of the uncertainty in the snowpack.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong winds and new snow have likely increase the sensitivity and spacial distribution of surface wind slabs at alpine and tree line elevations. We expect this developing avalanche problem to be most prominent on lee features in the alpine.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5