Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 25th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Cornices and Loose Wet.

stephen holeczi, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

A bit of a ski quality refresh on North aspects due to 10-15cm at higher elevations. Leave early and end early to avoid solar heating issues . SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels to valley bottom Sunday morning and up to 2300-2400m in the afternoon. There will be a mix of sun and cloud, and the possibility of a few cm in the afternoon in alpine regions. Winds will be light from the South West. Freezing levels will start to increase significantly Monday and Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

5-15 cm's of new snow in the high alpine from a brief storm Friday. Some small, isolated wind slabs up to 30cm's were reported on the Wapta Friday. Firm crusts up to 10cms thick remain intact at most elevations below the new snow surface. The basal facets are laying dormant. A very large cornice load or isothermal conditions may change this.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed today.

Confidence

Problems

Cornices

There have been many cornice failures over the past week, and in isolated events have been enough load to trigger deeper basal layers.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

We will start to see in increase in afternoon solar activity Sunday through to Tuesday.

Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 26th, 2015 4:00PM