Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 26 – 27, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

20-40 cm of light, dry snow has fallen since Wednesday - so far under light wind conditions. The wind will make or break the avalanche danger over the next 24-hours. If the wind picks up - the avalanche danger will rise. Ski conditions are excellent.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–2
    40 cm of loose snow is available to be blown into soft slabs by the wind. So far this storm has brought light winds, but we expect small windslabs to develop at the highest elevations where there has been some wind.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    There are two layers of concern in the upper meter of the snowpack that continue to produce shears in isolated areas and have a high degree of uncertainty. Be very mindful of this problem in areas that have not previously avalanched.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely - Certain
    Size
    1–2
    Loose dry sluffs are running easily and gaining mass as they progress down the slope. Generally only small slides are anticipated, but watch your exposure to cliffs and trees as these can easily knock you off your feet.

Weather Forecast

The current storm pattern is forecast to continue through to Saturday, with daily accumulations of 10-15cm expected. By mid-day Thursday we expect close to 40cm to have fallen over the higher terrain. Wind is forecast to be light in the valley bottoms, and moderate from the west at the ridge top elevations. Temperatures will stay cool (-5 to -13).

Snowpack Summary

20-40 cm of light, dry storm snow has fallen across the forecast area since Wed night. This new snow sluffs easily and runs far on the underlying surface and has been blown into small, but very touchy windslabs in alpine areas. Deeper in the snowpack the Feb 10 layer remains a real concern in shallow snowpack areas such as the Kootenay burns.

Avalanche Summary

One skier triggered size 1.5 avalanche near Sunshine in a steep, alpine chute. Minimal observations due to poor visibility.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered