Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2014 5:14PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Dry and Persistent Slabs.

grant statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The story to watch for Friday is all about the wind. When will the wind come up? When it does, the avalanche danger will quickly rise to CONSIDERABLE. Until then - enjoy the totally amazing conditions that this unusual storm has brought to the park.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The same weather pattern of light snow, cold temperatures and light wind continues until mid-day on Friday. Friday afternoon looks to be when the wind speed will increase (possibly up to 50km/hr at 3000m) and the temperatures will rise a few degrees. By Saturday another pulse of snow (with wind) will arrive -Â expect another 10cm at Bow Summit.

Snowpack Summary

Over 40 cm of snow has fallen in the Sunshine, Bow Summit and Lake Louise areas since Wednesday. This snow has fallen with no wind, and there is no slab formed in the surface snow - just 40 cm of fluff. This will change within hours when the wind starts to blow or the sun comes out, so watch for this critical change to begin on Friday afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

No new slab avalanches observed or reported today, but several loose snow avalanches (sluffs) up to size 2 were noted.

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Loose Dry

Watch out for sluffs, as several big ones have been noted today and yesterday - particulary on steep, south facing terrain where a firm suncrust underlies this new snow. Check your exposure and make sure you don't get pushed into any obstacles.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely - Certain

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

In areas of the park with a weaker snowpack we remain concerned about the Feb 10 layer of facets and surface hoar located in the middle of the snowpack. This layer remains, and caution is advised in specific areas such as the burns in Kootenay Park.

Be wary of slopes that did not previously avalanche

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2014 4:00PM