Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2016 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 Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

We have switched to spring conditions. We are expecting a period of overnight freezes with warm daytime temperatures for the next few days. Plan your trips accordingly.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cloud cover and very light precip (likely rain) is expected for the next few days. The wind will increase significantly on Monday night, from the west. The freezing level is expected to go to 2300m on Monday also.

Snowpack Summary

Expect surface crusts on all aspects (expect high due North aspects) with moist snow underneath. Crusts will rapidly break down with daytime heating or sun exposure. In many places the snowpack is sitting on a deep persistent of facets that has been avalanching to size 3.5 with solar heating over previous days.

Avalanche Summary

Slightly cooler temperature and light cloud cover have helped to reduce natural avalanches. No avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep facet layers remain weak & stressed by the recent heat and will take a bit of time to adjust. This layer will be harder to trigger due to the recent activity, but be cautious in thin snowpack areas.

Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

If the sun comes out, the snow pack is warm and will rapidly deteriorate and expect loose and wet avalanches to be running in gullies, from cliffs and on steep slopes facing the sun or in below treeline terrain.

If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2016 4:00PM