Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 14 – 15, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 2 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low

Highlights

Deep slabs haven't been observed in days, but a weak snowpack persists in shallow areas - ski the thick, avoid the thin.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Recent snow and extreme W to SW wind have developed slabs in lee alpine and treeline terrain. These may run further than expected if they pick up facetted snow in steep gullied terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak facets exist at the base of the snowpack. Large open slopes at treeline and in the alpine remain suspect.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed or reported on Jan 13.

Snowpack Summary

Over the past week, 10cm has accumulated, accompanied by strong to extreme west winds that have formed slabs in alpine areas and on some treeline features. The recent snow rests on a layer of facets and surface hoar, which persists in isolated locations. The middle and bottom of the snowpack are weak, with depth hoar and facets near the ground. An average of 60-100cm of snow can be found at treeline elevations.

Weather Summary

Seasonal temperatures Tuesday, with valley lows near 0°C and ridge temperatures around -5°C. Expect variable cloud cover, trace snow accumulations, and moderate to strong NW winds.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

Regions covered