Banff Yoho Kootenay

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely - Very Likely

  Size

  1–2

  At treeline 40-60 cm of settled storm snow sits overtop of the Jan 20 facet interface. In areas where the wind has created soft slabs this layer is reactive to skier triggering. Immediate lees of ridges above treeline are the areas of most concern.
• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Unlikely

  Size

  2–3

  In most parts of the forecast area a settled midpack overrides a facetted base. This layer is becoming less likely to trigger, but it is still a good idea to use caution in thin areas where the likelihood of triggering these basal facets is highest.
• 

  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  1–2

  Forecast of 10-20 cm with moderate to strong SW winds will create slabs in alpine and treeline. These will be touchy in open and wind effected areas.