Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 22nd, 2013 4:34PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mixed sun and cloud is for Tuesday and Wednesday with some isolated flurries on Tuesday. Freezing levels will be around 1800 m with good recovery overnight.

Snowpack Summary

Cooler conditions should keep the crust solid for much of the day. Recent snow has created wind slabs just below ridge crests up to 30-40 cm thick. These slabs have been more touchy on southerly aspects where they overly a crust, but could be triggered on northerly aspects as well. Solar effect will loosen up the recent new snow on steeper terrain.

Avalanche Summary

Several small skier triggered windslabs up to size 1.5Â have been reported over the last few days. These have been triggered on steep terrain just below ridgecrests. Storm snow over crust is the main ingredient.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate winds have created areas of thin wind slabs in open areas above 2200 m. These slabs were more sensitive to triggering on southerly aspects where they overlie a smooth crust, but are also a concern on northerly aspects.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2013 4:00PM