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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 30th, 2024–May 1st, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay, Little Yoho, Banff, East Side 93N, Kootenay, Lake Louise, LLSA, Sunshine, West Side 93N, Field.

Due to recent snow and forecasted wind for Wednesday, expect fresh wind slabs in lee alpine terrain

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Storm slabs, and wind slabs in the alpine (size 1 to 2) were reported by local ski hills. Loose dry avalanches (size 1) were observed out of steep alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

15-35 cm settled storm snow (in the alpine) from past 4 days overlays crusts on all aspects except north (above 2400m) where it overlays dry snow.

The mid-pack Feb 3 persistent layer (crust/facet layer) and basal depth hoar remain the most prominent features in the snowpack but have been dormant with recent cool temperatures. These layers are a greater concern in thin snowpack areas on north slopes above 2300m.

Weather Summary

Scattered flurries with locally heavier snowfall amounts will persist through Thursday. A clearing and warming trend is forecast for Friday.

Wed: 5-10 cm, mod to strong northerly winds. Freezing levels around 2000m.

Thurs: Trace amounts of snow, mod northerly winds,. Freezing levels around 2200m.

For more detailed weather click here.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.