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 down. Field tests on Hwy 93N found hard results on this layer at treeline, where it was buried 1 meter deep. Triggering will be most likely from thinner snowpack areas.
• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible - Likely

  Size

  1–3

  Freezing levels from 2300-2500m Sunday may initiate natural avalanche activity on solar aspects in the afternoon. Isolated activity on these aspects started late Sat. afternoon to size 2 in the Banff region.
• 

  Deep Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Unlikely - Possible

  Size

  1–3

  Although difficult to initiate, we have seen some activity on the basal depth hoar over the last few days. These were initiated from thin snowpack areas, or "step down" avalanches. A recent sz. 3.5 natural on Mt. Lefroy stepped down to this layer.