Banff Yoho Kootenay

As of June 28, we appear to be several weeks ahead of the normal summer mountain conditions. Currently it feels like mid-July out there. Bare ice is appearing at glacier tongues, and may of the alpine rock climbs are dried out and ready to climb.

Weather forecast information can be found at Environment Canada and Avalanche Canada.

The summer snowpack in alpine areas is well settled and its stability is related to the quality of the overnight freeze combined with the daytime high temperature and solar radiation the following day. Look for frozen snow with a surface crust that easily supports your weight while walking. Breaking through into deep snow indicated a weak snowpack.

Watch closely in the early morning for signs of rock fall or wet sluff avalanches as these are indicators of a poor overnight freeze.  During the day watch for warming temperatures, softening snow, increasing rockfall as all of these are indicators of impending avalanche activity. Gully areas in the afternoon warrant particular care.