Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2012 5:39PM

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

Brian Webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

There has not been enough spring like weather to create a strong spring snowpack that is typical for this time of year. Decision making and travel should be based on the fact that it is still a late winter snowpack.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs may be found in the alpine. Be extra careful in the immediate lees of alpine ridges, and on steep convex rolls.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

On solar aspects the recent storm snow is sitting on several well developed sun-crusts. These sun crust may provide a good sliding interface. Be careful on solar aspects especially in the afternoon when these slopes warm up.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The Feb 12 surface hoar is still surprising us a with isolated large avalanches that are being triggered by skiers. The terrain of most concern are weak, shallow and rocky snowpack areas. In deeper snowpack areas this layer is not as reactive.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2012 4:00PM