Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 7 – 8, 2012Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

We are still in transition from winter to spring. Large deep natural avalanches on steep northerly slopes and skier triggered avalanches in thin areas have been observed nearly every day this week. There a good choices available but use caution.JBW

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Fresh wind slabs and large cornices have formed in the alpine. Be extra careful in the immediate lees of alpine ridges, and on steep convex rolls and beware of the potential for cornice triggers above you.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    The recent storm snow is sitting on several sun-crusts, which can provide a good sliding interface. Daytime heating & solar affect can increase the hazard on slopes overhead or on steeper terrain where buried crusts exist.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Several large deep avalanches have been observed over the last few days. These are failing near the ground, on glacial ice, or on the Feb 14 surface hoar. These are likely unsurvivable avalanches and do not inspire great confidence in the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Tuesday

Regions covered