Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 28th, 2012 5:00PM

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

Aaron Beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Incoming snowfall starting Thurs will elevate the danger rating. Today, 2 skiers remotely triggered a size 2.5 avalanche in the back-country near Lake Louise. This event is a reminder that the current conditions can still produce large avalanches.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

At a test plot West of the divide the Feb 14 Surface hoar is buried 110cm. A deep tap test produced no result on this layer. However, the chance of triggering will increase in thinner areas, and large avalanches are still possible.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Starting Thurs, we are expecting snowfall amounts of up to 30cm in the alpine by the end of Fri. With associated westerly wind expect to encounter fresh wind slabs in lee areas.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 29th, 2012 5:00PM