Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 25th, 2013 4:00PM

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

Snow Safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Solar effects will be a concern. Start early and get out from under sun exposed slopes before they melt. Cornices deserve respect.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Another clear day with warming temps, possible clouds in the afternoon followed by another clear day.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is mostly stable except for isolated wind slabs and solar effects on southerly aspects with daytime heating. Cornices are still a concern and cornice falls have triggered some deep slabs in the last week. Weaker shallow snowpack areas should still be treated with caution.

Avalanche Summary

A few size 1-2 avalanches have been running out of steep solar aspects with the effects of daytime heating. As recently as 2 days ago cornice falls were triggering deep slabs on easterly aspects.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

In shallow snowpack areas, particularly east of the divide, whumphing is showiing that remote triggering or triggering is still a possibility. Lower angle well supported slopes are the best terrain choice.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

The windslabs seem to have mainly settled, but smaller avalanches with high consequence are still possible in steep open terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

There have been a number of cornice falls observed over the last week, some triggering deep storm slabs beneath. Be aware of what is above you.�

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 26th, 2013 4:00PM