Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 4th, 2012 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The winter that keeps giving. 20cm of new snow by tomorrow. There has been just enough spring-like weather to create crusts on solar aspects, but not enough to create the usual bomber spring snow pack. Travel as though it is still winter!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs are forming in the alpine and at tree-line, on top of the storm snow slabs formed the last few days. These slabs can be easily triggered and may result in an avalanche stepping down to deeper weaknesses.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The Valentines surface hoar layer and the weak basal depth hoar have both been sliding layers for large avalanches over the last several days. Steep unsupported slopes, thin rocky areas and steep solar aspects are the most likely areas to trigger.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Apr 5th, 2012 4:00PM