Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2018 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

During the heat of the day, loose wet avalanches are almost certain in steep and confined terrain on solar aspects. Ice climbers should avoid avalanche terrain until things cool down.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expect the daily diurnal temperature variation to continue, each day a little bit warmer than the last. Sunday temps could climb to 4 degrees. Clear skies will also provide a condition for intense solar radiation. Wind will remain light from the SW.

Snowpack Summary

Last weeks storm of 10-25 cm sits on a supportive midpack. The surface snow has had some wind transport in the alpine forming thin wind slabs .A sun crust has formed on solar aspects at treeline and below. The deeper facet layers down 80-150 cm remain weak and are currently dormant, but could become active with the warm days ahead.

Avalanche Summary

Although outside the forecast region, a group of ice climbers were hit by a loose wet avalanche that caused moderate injuries on the ice climb 'Kitty Hawk'. Evidence of a loose wet avalanche cycle was isolated to steep solar gullies. Also observed were a few size 2 slabs on steep solar convex rolls.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Alpine West winds have formed wind slabs in lee areas near ridge crests over the past week. In steep unsupported terrain skier triggering is possible.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep rocky terrain. Watch for increasing hazard associated with prolonged sun affect. Finish very early, or better yet, avoid steep confined features all together.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2018 5:00PM