Banff Yoho Kootenay

The natural avalanche cycle is mostly over but human triggered avalanches are still likely. Continue to practice conservative decision making.

On Saturday a size 2 skier triggered avalanche failed as a deep persistent slab at treeline and ran 600m scrubbing to ground. One skier was caught and sustained injuries that required an overnight rescue.

On Sunday the ski hills reported explosives controlled avalanches up to size 1.5 on NE aspects mostly failing as windslabs with one stepping down to the deep persistent layer.

Last week's storm snow has settled to 40-60cm over the Dec 2 weak layer which consists of the basal facets and surface hoar. A rain crust (1 to 7cm thick) exists within the storm snow up to 2300m on all aspects. The thickness of the rain crust tapers with increasing elevation.

Mainly clear skies expected on Monday as high pressure continues to dominate. Expect light to moderate W ridgetop winds and a possible temperature inversion with alpine temps ranging from -8°C to -12°C.

Tuesday will be much the same with slightly stronger SW winds.

For more information, click Mountain Weather Forecast.

• If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
• Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, avalanches may run surprisingly far.