Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 23 – 24, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Danger ratings reflect the amount of solar input that is expected. Watch locally for its effects. There is still cold snow over facets on high north aspects despite the warm temperatures from last week.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    10-50 cm settled snow (since Mar 7) has formed slabs in the alpine which sit over a variety of weaker surfaces. The snowpack is still generally cold on high north aspects despite recent warm temperatures.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    The amount of loose wet avalanche activity is related to the amount of solar input .  The effects of this will be slightly diminished on Sunday depending on cloud cover but watch locally for heating. 

Weather Forecast

A decent freeze is expected but increasing cloud could diminish how thick of a surface crust forms. It will be a generally cloudy day with trace amounts of snow in the AM with some clearing spells in the afternoon. Continued cloudy conditions expected on Monday. Up to 20cm is forecast to start at some point on Tuesday.  Stay posted. 

Snowpack Summary

Solar aspects have a melt freeze crust which is deteriorating as the day warms up. Dry powder is still found on high north aspects, where a 20-50 cm settlement slab overlays the March 7th facets. Many areas exhibit a cohesive midpack over the basal facets, while other thin areas have weak facets to the ground.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches were noted again today.

Confidence

Regions covered