Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2012 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

A good freeze is forecast for most areas Sunday morning. We should see sunny breaks, light Northerly winds, and slight afternoon convection with trace amounts of snow. Local hazard depends on how much of a crust forms overnight. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs up to 30cm thick sit on sun crusts on solar asp. or temperature crusts on shady asp. These wind slabs were less reactive today as the bond to the sliding surface improves, but be cautious of steep unsupported terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

The sun will poke out tomorrow in some areas, and with it will come afternoon rising hazard on solar aspects. The rate of this will depend on the overnight freeze and amount of solar input locally.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Activity on the deep, basal depth hoar has tapered off, and we haven't seen a slide occurring on the Valentines surface hoar in quite some time. These layers could be awoken from thin spots, or from a large trigger such as a cornice failure.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2012 4:00PM