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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

May 1st, 2024–May 2nd, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay, Little Yoho, Banff, East Side 93N, Kootenay, Lake Louise, LLSA, Sunshine, West Side 93N, Field.

Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow and variable winds have created wind slabs at upper elevations.

Watch for signs of reactivity at the interface of this new snow, especially where it sits over a crust.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Storm slabs, and wind slabs in the alpine (size 1 to 2) were reported by local ski hills. Loose dry avalanches (size 1) were observed out of steep alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

15-35 cm settled storm snow (in the alpine) from past 5 days overlays crusts on all aspects except north (above 2400m) where it overlays dry snow.

The mid-pack Feb 3 persistent layer (crust/facet layer) and basal depth hoar remain the most prominent features in the snowpack but have been dormant with recent cool temperatures. These layers are a greater concern in thin snowpack areas on north slopes above 2300m.

Weather Summary

A clearing trend is expected with lingering clouds and freezing levels rising slightly.

Thurs: Cloudy with sunny periods, alpine highs of -3 °C, northeast ridgetop winds 15 km/h gusting to 40 km/h, freezing levels 2100 meters.

Fri: A mix of sun and cloud, alpine lows -6 °C, highs 0 °C, east ridgetop winds 10-25 km/h. freezing level 2300 meters.

For more detailed weather click here.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.