Banff Yoho Kootenay

Cool weather is forecasted for Monday and Tuesday with up to 15 cm of wet snow possible.

We expect the start of a significant avalanche cycle on Wednesday when freezing levels are forecasted to rise above mountain tops for multiple days with no overnight recovery.

Afternoon warming has produced numerous wet loose avalanches sizes 1-2 over the last several days.

On Saturday, there was a size 3 avalanche that failed on the deep persistent slab. The cornice that triggered the layer is a reminder that large loads have the potential to trigger these basal facets.

Thin surface crusts exists to ridge top on solar aspects. Dry snow may still be found on due north aspects in the high alpine (above 2600 m).

The mid-pack Feb 3 persistent layer (facet layer) is still lingering on high northerly aspects, above 2500m. Basal facets and depth hoar remain a weak layer at the bottom of the snowpack at all elevations and aspects.

Sun Night: Wet flurries, 5-10 cm expected, freezing level 2300 m.

Mon: Cloudy with scattered flurries, up to 5 cm accumulation, alpine high temp of 1°C, light west ridgetop winds, freezing level 2200 m.

Tues: Cloudy with scattered flurries, 5 cm expected, alpine temp low -5 °C, high 1 °C, light NW ridgetop winds, freezing level 2200 m.

Wed: Freezing level above 3300 m.

For more detailed weather click here.

• Avoid exposure to overhead hazards when solar radiation is strong.
• Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
• Cornice failure may trigger large avalanches.