Banff Yoho Kootenay

Snow, wind, and warm temperatures can be expected through Friday. This will result in increased avalanche hazard. A cautious approach to terrain selection is required for the next few days until conditions settle.

A moist Pacific system will bring up to 20-30 cm to the region through Friday morning. Bow Summit area is forecasted for higher amounts and lesser amounts to the south. Temperatures will cool down on Friday with freezing levels near 1500m and ridgetop temperatures around -10. Winds will remain in the mod to strong range from the SW.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Up to 30 cm of storm snow accompanied by warm temperatures and strong SW winds will have created fresh windslabs in lee treeline and alpine features. Snow depth is 90-110cm in the alpine, and 40–70 cm at treeline, Early reports suggest that while the snowpack is generally thin, the midpack is settled and supports the weight of a skier.

No avalanches reported on Thursday, but lots of wind drifting occurring with stiff slabs up to 50 cm deep reported on the Wapta.