Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 30 – May 1, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating

Highlights

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

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow and wind over the last several days has created windslabs in alpine lee features. Convective flurries over the next few days will add to this and northerly winds may create some reverse loading

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    New snow and wind over the next few days will likely produce loose dry sluffing in steep alpine terrain. Heads up if you're planning to head into steep gullies or couloirs!

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.

Regions covered