Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 18 – 19, 2013Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map

Highlights

Touchy conditions will be exacerbated tomorrow with solar effect. Don't let the blue skies lure you out of a conservative mindset.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    The cornices are very large and touchy with recent high humidity and winds. Avoid lee slopes beneath them.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    In shallower areas east of the divide deep slabs have been observed failing on the lower facetted snowpack

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Storm snow accumulations since last Tuesday have been 60-80 cm or more. Both northerly and westerly winds with the storms have created storm slabs on most aspects. Touchy conditions and potential for large avalanches persist.

Weather Forecast

A short lived ridge Tuesday will be followed by another fairly strong system Wednesday bringing more snow and wind and warming temps.

Snowpack Summary

Another 10 cm of new and some more strong winds has added again to the storm slab condition. Winds from both the west and north east have loaded most open slopes at and above treeline. In shallower areas east of the divide, the snow rests on a very weak base of facets. South aspects have a crust. Triggering is likely.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread avalanche activity has been observed throughout the forecast district. Deep slabs have been observed in many areas to size three. Large cornice falls, storm slabs and deep slabs are still a concern.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Regions covered