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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 26th, 2013–Apr 27th, 2013
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
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
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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.

A robust wind event with varying snow amounts will occur this weekend making for the possibility of natural avalanches at upper elevations.  Watch locally for wind slab development.  SH

Weather Forecast

Strong to extreme West winds Saturday (85-100+kmh) with incoming snow of 20-25 cm in the alpine along the divide.  Much less snow is expected in the Banff region.  Freezing levels to 1900m .  Continued windy conditions Sunday with some light snow.  Monday we will see a cooling trend.

Snowpack Summary

Very warm and windy conditions Friday with no overnight freeze up to 2500m. Variable wind slabs in alpine regions sit over a variety of harder surfaces and a generally well settled midpack.

Avalanche Summary

Limited observations Friday but no new avalanches reported.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Previous winds  created areas of wind slab in open areas above 2200 m. Watch for touchy wind slab development  at treeline and above Saturday with incoming snow and wind.  These will be easiest to trigger where they overly harder surfaces and crusts.
Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

Watch for heavy sloughing where powder overlies harder bed surfaces. In steep terrain, this could push you over a cliff or into a terrain trap.
Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2