Banff Yoho Kootenay

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  1–2

  Strong NW winds over the last 24-hours have created windslab conditions in open areas at higher elevations. With 80cm of recent storm snow available for transport, expect deep slabs in leeward areas.
• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Very Likely

  Size

  2–4

  The Valentine surface hoar down 75 cm is overlain by a stiff slab and remains very sensitive to triggers. This problem is actively producing large avalanches in many locations and will remain so for the forecast period. Avoid all steep open terrain.
• 

  Deep Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  2–4

  The deep facets in the Rockies snowpack are awake again, and are responsible for numerous size 3 and 4 avalanches in the last 48-hours. Avalanches starting in the upper snowpack are stepping down into the base of the snowpack.