Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 12 – 13, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Winds are expected to pick up to moderate overnight Friday and then to strong during the day Saturday. Recent snowfall has provided significant amounts for transport. Expect slab formation Saturday.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–1.5
    The first indications that recent snow has started to form a new slab are being reported. With winds expected to increase to moderate late Friday and then strong mid day Saturday, expect rapid development of new slabs.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    These slabs remain a concern on north aspects in the alpine where March winds built slabs over the facetted snow from February's cold snap. It is wise to check in on this layer now found 40- 70cm deep before venturing into committing terrain.

Weather Forecast

Following unsettled weather Friday, an organized low will cross the interior Saturday reaching the forecast region in the evening. Winds will increase to moderate west overnight Friday and again to strong west by mid-day Saturday. Freezing levels will again reach near 2000m Saturday with 5cm of snow expected above this.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 30cm has fallen since April 9 with light winds. Freezing levels reach roughly 2200m each day and modest solar inputs have created new crusts. Facets 50 to 70cm deep remain a concern on alpine North aspects. Shallow areas in the alpine are also of concern often displaying no consolidated mid-pack.

Avalanche Summary

A small skier triggered slab at the entrance of an alpine couloir today  represents the recent snow starting to consolidate into a reactive slab near ridge crest.

Confidence

Regions covered