Banff Yoho Kootenay

Avalanche problems

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  2–3

  The Valentines surface hoar is 70-150cm deep. It is far less active in deep snowpack areas, but is possible to trigger from shallow areas mainly E of the divide. This has been the case in numerous incidents this past week.
• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible - Likely

  Size

  1–3

  Freezing levels to 2000m Sat. and even higher on Sunday will trigger a cycle on solar aspects. This could be the trigger that tickles the deeper layers, and it is a good idea to limit exposure to those aspects in the afternoon.
• 

  Deep Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Unlikely - Possible

  Size

  1–3

  Thin snowpack areas are most susceptible to triggering the basal depth hoar. As well, any avalanche initiated on the Valentines surface hoar layer could step down to the basal weakness. Thin has not been a major issue in thick snowpack areas.