Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
An upslope storm will bring a small return to winter by Friday mid morning. The new snow may sluff easily on hard crusty surfaces.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed or reported on Thursday
Snowpack Summary
2-15 cm of snow forecasted by Friday AM will cover hard surface crusts on all aspects except for north facing alpine slopes above ~2300 m. Be on the lookout for small, fresh windslabs in alpine lee areas where recent winds will have blown the new snow into deeper pockets.
In the mid-pack, the Feb 3 persistent layer (crust/facet layer) remains a feature in the snowpack but has been unreactive with recent colder temperatures. This layer is a greater concern in thin snowpack areas
Weather Summary
An upslope flow overnight Thursday could bring up to 15 cm by mid morning on Friday. Amounts will vary with as little as a trace in some areas. Expect deeper amounts in eastern areas. Freezing levels will be 1500- 2000m.
Saturday and Sunday will be warmer with freezing levels 2000 - 2500m and continued flurries/showers.
For more detailed weather click here.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Up to 15 cm new snow overnight Thursday with moderate easterly winds may create windslabs in alpine lee features. These will be most significant in areas that receive the most snow. Loading may be atypical with the majority of the snow coming with easterly winds.
Aspects: North, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2