Banff Yoho Kootenay

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  Recent strong SW winds have created windslabs up to a metre thick on lee slopes in the alpine (primarily N- E aspects). These slabs are settling out with warm temps, but it is still possible for a skier to trigger these slabs in thin zones.
• 

  Cornices

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Unlikely - Possible

  Size

  2–3

  The warm alpine temp's forecasted may be the straw that broke the cornice's back. If cornices do fail, it may be a big enough trigger to step down into the basal facets. Natural cornice avalanches and sluffing were observed today in extreme terrain.
• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Unlikely

  Size

  2–4

  In many areas east of the divide where the snow is shallower the mid-pack overrides a layer of weak basal facets. Be extra cautious of thin snowpack areas where the chance of triggering this layer is highest, especially on sunny aspects with warming.