Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 13th, 2014 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Excellent conditions persist throughout the forecast region. With early starts, now is the time to attempt some classic ski peaks in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay. Be good...and be home early.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will remain cool through late on Wednesday. Also, some light snow is expected (approx 9 cm) on Wednesday. Because of the modest amount of snow expected there will be little change to the danger rating.

Snowpack Summary

10-12cm of new snow over a supportive crust on all aspects and elevations today. Some moist snow at lower elevations. Snow pack becoming isothermal below 1700m later in the day. Small wind slabs present near ridge crests in the alpine from NW winds.

Avalanche Summary

Some loose sluffing out of steep terrain today up to size 1. Loose wet avalanches and cornice failures were also observed today on highway 93N.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The big question for this avalanche problem is heat. Under current cool conditions it is nearly dormant. However, when we receive the first real blast of heat...pay attention.

Stay well back from cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Low elevation solar aspects are the main features to be aware of. Of course, if it remains cool little activity should be expected, add heat and south slopes could come alive with avalanche activity.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 14th, 2014 4:00PM