Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 6 – 7, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 4 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

We have decided to split the forecast region to reflect different conditions in the Little Yoho region versus thinner snowpack areas in the rest of the Banff, Yoho & Kootenay forecast area. Make sure to read the bulletin that is accurate for whichever region you plan to go to by clicking on the location of your planned trip on the map.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Windslabs from last weeks storm have been buried by low density snow and are gradually becoming less reactive.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Three persistent weak layers formed in January are down 40-80 cm. The biggest concern is triggering these buried suncrusts on steep solar slopes, but weaker facets and isolated surface hoar can be found on the same interface on shaded aspects.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Weak facets and depth hoar are present at the bottom of the snowpack which inspires little confidence. Be especially cautious in thin snowpack areas, which are likely areas for triggering.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Continued evidence of reactivity in the region:

Sunshine Village reported several explosives triggered avalanches to size 2.5 in west facing treeline terrain that had not been previously worked in.

A fresh size 3 skiier triggered avalanche was observed on a southern aspect of Mt. Fairview.

Snowpack Summary

The alpine and exposed regions at treeline are wind effected and have windslabs which are slowly becoming less reactive. Steep solar slopes at treeline and below may also have a thin sun crust. The wind slabs overlie the various Jan PWL interfaces of sun crusts, facets, and surface hoar down 40-80 cm. The weaker Nov. 16 basal facet layer is down 50-120 cm and produces moderate to hard sudden collapse results.

Weather Summary

A stable weather pattern over the next few days with treeline highs ~ -8 and overnight lows near -20. Winds will be generally calm to light from the SW through SE. Partly cloudy skies clearing Tuesday/ Wednesday.

For a more detailed weather forecast, click here.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

Regions covered