Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Recent inputs of snow and wind are likely increasing the avalanche hazard in the alpine. We have few observations beyond the ski hills, so it is uncertain how prevalent these problems are.
Weather Forecast
5-10cm is expected along the divide Tuesday night into Wednesday AM. Along the foothills only a trace of snow is expected. Strong winds (50-60kmh) at 3000m are forecast, and light at valley bottom. Expect alpine temperatures -10 to -15C. Thursday is looking like diminished winds, and no new snow with colder temperatures.
Snowpack Summary
2-5cm over the last 24 hours. Up to 25cm of snow has accumulated over the last 5 days in the alpine. This sits over a melt freeze crust that may be present to ~2500 m. Below the crust is 10-30cm of facetted snow , increasing to 60-70cm in the alpine. Generally below threshold for avalanches at treeline and below.
Avalanche Summary
We have very limited observations. Lake Louise ski hill avalanche staff ski cut some small cornices, triggering multiple avalanches up to size 1.5. They were 40- 50m wide, and were on average 40cm deep (60cm in spots). Their main comment was that the slabs were digging down to the rocks, and being in one of those would be very bad due to this.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate to strong wind are forming wind slabs on immediate lee slopes in the alpine. Lake Louise ski hill was able to trigger these fairly easily on Tuesday (see avalanche activity).
- Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent storm snow has formed wind slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
This is a problem mainly for climbers, as it will likely only be an issue in that type of terrain over the short term. There have been consistent little inputs of snow and wind over the past few days, and there may be more overnight into Wednesday.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1