Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 29th, 2019 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The main concern right now is daytime heating. Start and finish early to take advantage of the colder temps and reduced avalanche hazard in the mornings. Some lingering concerns for deeper weak layers also exist as we transition to spring conditions.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud will bring slightly warmer temperatures and increased solar inputs. Day time highs will reach +7'C at valley bottoms but stay below freezing in the alpine. Forecasted winds are generally light. We currently expect a cooler cloudy day on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of recent storm snow overlies a supportive melt freeze crust. Some cold North faces and thin areas hold deep facets still. Many areas have a cohesive mid-pack over the basal facets. Lower elevations can become isothermal in the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

No activity was noted today

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

Depending where you are, avalanche activity may increase with an increase in solar activity.

Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes in the afternoon.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Persistent Slabs

Weak buried facets are still present in many thin areas. On higher N aspects these have not necessarily been impacted much by the recent heat. This is not currently a big concern in most areas but something to keep in mind if entering bigger terrain.

Watch for whumphing, hollow sounds and shooting cracks.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 30th, 2019 4:00PM