Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2016 4:00PM

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

grant statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The overall snowpack is slowly improving, but Thursday should see a short-term burst of windslab action as the 25cm of fluff on the ground will be blown around by strong winds in the alpine (>70 km/hr). Caution in immediate leeward areas.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The upper level flow puts our region back in the storm track, and a series of minor storms will cross the region over the next few days. Most of the punch will be to the west, but expect 5 cm on Thursday with strong alpine winds developing through the day. Temps at treeline will remain steady at -4 to -10 all week.

Snowpack Summary

10-25cm of low density snow has fallen in the last four days, with minimal wind effect except in alpine areas. This snow overlies suncrust and a firm surface, and seems to bonding well. The main concern is the deep facets throughout the region which present a long-term problem. Total snow depth is the most important factor; deep snow = strong snow.

Avalanche Summary

Only sluffing in very steep terrain was observed today (cliffs, steep gullies, etc).

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The snowpack is generally weak throughout the BYK region, except in areas of deeper (thus stronger) snow. Avoid most steep terrain, and watch for signs of instability such as whumping and cracking. Things are improving, but slowly.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Strong winds on Thursday will redistribute the recent snow and create touchy windslabs in leeward ares. Use common sense to avoid these places, and pay attention to the snow surface conditions while touring - you can usually detect windslabs easily.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2016 4:00PM