Average snowdepth ranges from 120-180 cm. The snowpack is generally
well settled with a strong mid pack, however weak facets near the base
of the snowpack continue to cause uncertainty. Banff Park avalanche
danger is rated as MODERATE, meaning human triggering is possible in
specific locations.
These locations are likely to be shallow snowpack areas, or areas with
great variation in snowpack depth. Shallow snow is weak snow. South
and west aspects exposed to wind scouring should be considered suspect.
Avalanches may be hard to trigger, but if you hit the sweet spot it
might be huge. Numerous, unusually large avalanches have been observed
in the past three weeks.
Low angled terrain, and N aspects had soft snow. Suncrust on south and
west aspects.
Observed a south aspect, 30 degree slope at treeline fracture 100 cm
deep x 50 m wide and then move 40 cm before stopping. Fracture
initiated from shallow snow beside the slope.
The pending deep freeze may reduce avalanche activity, but as I observed
today - triggering is still very possible.
Grant Statham
Mountain Guide
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