Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
Welcome to the diurnal spring swing, where the daily melt freeze cycle will keep your boots muddy.
Click the "More Spring Conditions details" link found below for supporting information on various spring condition scenarios.
Weather Forecast
Tomorrow will be a mix bag of cloud, snow flurries (1 - 5 cm) and a possibility of sunny periods, a classic spring day in the Rockies. The freezing level is expected to climb to just over 2000 m. Winds will remain in the light range from various directions. Chance of another 5 cm of snow Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 25 cm of low density snow has buried crusts on all aspects to 2200 m and to ridge top on solar slopes. There are several persistent layers in the mid to lower snowpack that are likely only a concern on alpine north facing terrain where no crusts are found in the snowpack while temperatures remain cool.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity observed or reported today.
During last weeks warmup, persistent layers in the mid and lower snowpack were re-activated in a few instances with cornices and explosives, producing large avalanches, but activity has tapered since.
Confidence
Avalanche Problems
Loose Dry
10-25 cm of new snow will be sitting over surface crusts on all but high north aspects. Expect this snow to sluff naturally in extreme terrain and with skier traffic in steep terrain. Additional snowfall will contribute to this problem on Saturday.
- Be very cautious with gully features.
- Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
With an above 2000m freezing level and chance of sunny periods on Saturday, expect solar slopes to start to deteriorate by midday at lower elevations.
- Use caution on solar slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5