Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 13th, 2015–Mar 14th, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

New snow and intense wind will form windslabs. The hazard will increase throughout the day Saturday as the load increases.

Weather Forecast

Poor overnight recovery is expected for Saturday morning below treeline. Then, an intense weather system is expected to pulse through, bringing rain to low elevations and 10-15cm of snow to the alpine. Strong winds accompanying this system will create poorly bonded windslabs on lee (North and East) aspects. Sunday will be cooler.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is generally crusty or isothermal in valley bottoms, depending on temperature and exposure to sun. In the alpine windcrusts, windslabs and suncrusts predominate. In high shallow areas, lingering weaknesses are still common.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Snow and high winds Saturday will create poorly bonded windslabs.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Wet

Watch for early morning rain and isothermal conditions on low elevation ice climbs.

Travel conditions are difficult at lower elevations and in the trees.Plan to be off big slopes before the temperatures rises and the snowpack deteriorates.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The lower half of the snowpack is weak due to the presence of basal facets and depth hoar. This layer has been dormant lately but may waken up with the warm temperatures , rain, or in shallow areas.

Avoid thin, rocky or sparsely-treed slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3