Strong winds contributing to avalanche risk in the Rockies

Avalanche Canada is warning the persistently strong winds in the Rockies, especially within Banff National Park are contributing to considerable danger of an avalanche. 

According to its website, both the alpine level (the highest elevation), as well as the treeline (second highest elevation), are ranked within the 'considerable danger' range for avalanches, which is the third highest warning.

"Consistently strong winds remain the theme in the alpine and at treeline. Be wary of any wind-loaded slopes, and watch for wind loading at upper elevations. Wind slabs also have the potential to step down to the basal weak layer resulting in larger avalanches. With the short days, get out early and get home early," Avalanche Canada advised.

While a natural avalanche was observed on Mount Fairview (Banff National Park) on Friday, Avalanche Canada stated that there have been, 'natural, human and explosive triggered avalanches at the Lake Louise and Sunshine ski hills up to size 2 within the last few days.'

"Additionally, there has been Wind slab has been the primary avalanche problem, however, there are still avalanches stepping down to the deep persistent weak layer at the base of the snowpack."

It's also important to remember that if one is going hiking or snowshoeing check the trail reports. Most Banff area cross-country ski trails are reported to be in good condition, and snow-covered, though some do have thin ice layers. Banff area snowshoeing trails, as well as the winter walking trails are reported to be snow and ice-covered, with cleats being recommended. 

Lake Louise area snowshoeing and winter hiking trails are snow-covered. The “Highline” trail to Paradise Creek is under an avalanche warning, as well as the Mirror Lake, via Lake Agnes Trail.

"Sections of this trail cross avalanche terrain. Beyond Mirror Lake, the trail is rated as Challenging Class 2 for avalanche exposure and travel requires appropriate avalanche training and equipment; Snow covered; Slippery sections; Cleats recommended."

Among trails that are not recommended around the Lake Louise area cross-country ski trails at this time are:

• Fairview Loop
• Lake Louise Loop
• Upper Telemark
• Peyto Trail
• Drummond
• Hector
• Merlin

Those travelling to Kananaskis Country should also be aware of a bear closure.

Last week, Alberta Parks officials issued a closure for a popular hiking and backpacking trail in Kananaskis Country after a grizzly bear was spotted denning in the area.According to the notice, which is dated Friday, December 8, Rawson Lake, Sarrail Ridge, and the surrounding area are all affected. The closure is in effect until further notice.

"Rawson Lake trail and Upper Kananaskis Lake trail remain open. The public must stay on the designated trail," Parks officials stated.

According to Avalanche Canada in 2022/2023 there were two fatalities from avalanches in Alberta. One occurred in the vicinity of Lake Louise.

"A party of three were skiing in a closed area within Lake Louise Ski Resort known as West Bowl. The skiers triggered an avalanche and two people were caught. One was partly buried (hands visible) and survived. One was fully buried and did not survive. The avalanche was reported to be 200 m wide and 550 m long with a crown depth of 40-50 cm."

The other fatality occurred in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.

"An ice climbing party of two had just finished climbing the Lone Ranger ice climb in Ranger Creek, Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. They were starting their descent on foot from the base of the climb when they were struck from above by a size 2 wind slab avalanche. They were swept into a gully feature on the slope below. One member of the group was partly buried and able to dig themselves out. The other member was fully buried and did not survive."

British Columbia had significantly higher fatalities, reporting 13 fatalities.  

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