Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 22 – 23, 2019Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Watch for intense outbreaks of sun and wet snowpack areas. Reduce your risk by getting out early and finishing early, while the snowpack is still cold.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    Extended warm temperatures, solar radiation and buried weak layers are producing wet slab avalanches in all locations except high alpine, north (shady) aspects. The simple answer is to avoid all avalanche terrain until it cools and the snow freezes.

Weather Forecast

Cold Friday night, then any possible combination of warm, sun, cloud, rain and snow. Not much of anything is expected, so be aware if it is sunny or rainy for a while where you are that conditions may be worsening.

Snowpack Summary

We are moving towards a spring snowpack with isothermal releases in thin areas and on sun-exposed slopes. Risk is greatly reduced by finishing the day early before things heat up.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches were noted again today. 

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered