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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 9th, 2025–Mar 10th, 2025

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

Regions

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

Heavy snowfall has resulted in over 50 cm of new snow, with more expected, in the northern part of the forecast region. The avalanche danger is expected to remain HIGH over the next few days as the snowpack adjusts to this new load.

In areas with higher snowfall amount, we advise backcountry users to avoid avalanche terrain.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

The forecast team did not make any new avalanche observations on Sunday due to limited visibility along Highway 93N. We expect an ongoing natural avalanche cycle in the northern parts of the forecast region, where heavy snowfall has deposited over 50 cm of snow in the last 24 hours.

In areas with higher snowfall amounts, we advise backcountry users to avoid avalanche terrain as the snowpack adjusts to this new load.

Snowpack Summary

New Snow amounts varies significantly, with over 50 cm in the north and as little as 10 cm in the south and east. The storm snow is settling quickly and developing into a slab, and at upper elevations being transported by strong winds. This overlays crust on Southerly aspects.

A Persistent weak layers of mainly facets (Feb. 22nd / Jan. 30th) exist 80cm down. In thin areas to the east, basal facets linger at the base of the snowpack.

Snow depth at tree line ranges from 80cm to 180cm

Weather Summary

An atmospheric river will continue to bring heavy snowfall to the region Sunday night. This system has primarily affected the northern parts of the region. Snow amounts so far ranges from over 50 cm at Bow Summit to 10 cm in the Simpson area. An additional 20 to 30 cm of snow is possible Sunday night before conditions begin to clear. Winds will start to decrease Monday, and freezing levels will drop to valley bottoms.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy snowfall.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.