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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 9th, 2025–Feb 10th, 2025

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay, Banff, East Side 93N, Kootenay, Lake Louise, LLSA, Sunshine, West Side 93N, Field.

Slabs over the January 30 weak layer are showing signs of becoming reactive to skier traffic.

The cold temps continue. Make sure you have the gear to stay warm if any unexpected delays occur.

Eastern areas of the region have a weaker than normal snowpack this year. Avalanche terrain in these areas should be approached with caution.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A skier-triggered size 2 avalanche was reported on Quartz Ridge in the Sunshine backcountry. For more details, refer to the MIN. The avalanche seems to have occurred on a wind-loaded pocket, though the failure plane remains undetermined.

Snowpack Summary

15-20 cm of snow has been redistributed by variable winds at TL and above. This recent snow has buried a weak layer (dated January 30) which is starting to show signs of becoming active as slab properties develop. The mid-pack is generally weak with facets while depth hoar over a crust forms an even weaker base. The snowpack is the weakest in eastern areas where snow depths are low. In these areas the basal weaknesses should be carefully considered.

Weather Summary

Cold weather will persist into the start of the week, with low temperatures around -30°C and daytime highs reaching -15°C. Expect clear skies, no precipitation, and light to moderate north winds over the coming days.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.