Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 6th, 2015 5:04PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

conrad janzen, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The skiing right now is as good as it gets, even on some solar aspects, and it is a good time to look at larger objectives. Watch closely for increasing hazard as the daytime temperatures rise and enjoy the great skiing!

Summary

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun a cloud with light winds and freezing levels near 1700m ar forecast for Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday will be mostly sunny with nighttime temperatures dropping well below freezing and daytime highs up to 5`C at treeline.

Snowpack Summary

A few cms of snow overnight brings the recent storm snow to between 20-40cm at treeline in most areas. This snow is bonding well to the previous surfaces. A thin sun crust exists on steep solar aspects in some locations. The midpack is generally well settled with no major concerns. The bottom of the snow pack consists of depth hoar and facets.

Avalanche Summary

Some solar induced sluffing up to size 1.5 out of steep terrain and loose dry avalanches up to size 1 have been observed in the last 36hrs. We expect to see more avalanche activity out of steep solar aspects as the sun comes out during the next few days.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

The effects of solar radiation will increase the hazard on steep solar aspects during the course of the day. Travel early in the day while the hazard is Low on any exposed solar aspects and watch for increased avalanche hazard as temperatures rise.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Cornices become weak with daytime heating.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 7th, 2015 4:00PM