Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday will be mostly cloudy with some scattered flurries at higher elevations. Winds will rise to moderate to strong by mid-day and then decrease on Thursday. Freezing levels will be around 2000 metres.
Snowpack Summary
Strong SW winds on Monday has created wind effect in the alpine and some fresh wind slabs in lee terrain. The 20-50 cm of storm snow from last Friday is starting to settle and bond, but some concern still exists along the storm snow interface. Crusts or moist snow exist at lower elevations and on solar aspects depending on the time of day.
Avalanche Summary
A couple new natural and skier triggered avalanches were observed on Sunday, but there has been no reported avalanche activity in past 48 hours.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Significant snowfall over the last week and recent strong winds have created fresh wind slabs in the alpine. Approach bigger slopes and lee terrain with caution.
- Use conservative route selection, stick to supported terrain features, avoid overhead hazards.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Lower elevations and solar aspects will have a solid crust in the morning, but have the potential to break down with warm temperatures and sunny breaks in the afternoon. Travel and return early before things heat up.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
- If triggered, loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5