Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2014 5:25PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Storm Slabs.

grant statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Conditions have deteriorated and avalanches are occurring - time to pull back on the reins for a few days while the snowpack adjusts. Several large avalanches and burials have occurred over the last 24-hours.

Summary

Weather Forecast

No snow is forecast for the next few days, as the skies clear off with only a few clouds but temperatures should remain below freezing.Â The exception to this rule will be in the sunshine, where intense solar radiation should be anticipated on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

The tipping point in the stability of the snowpack has been reached. The past week's 60 cm of storm snow has settled into a slab which is reacting to natural and skier triggers with failures occurring deep in the snowpack.Â This situation is expected to continue through Tuesday, with extra care advised in all avalanche terrain.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous avalanches were observed in the last 24-hours. An explosive triggered avalanche (size 3.5) released on the ground on Mt. Field; 2 size 3 natural avalanches on Mt Fairview and Cathedral; a size 2.5 skier triggered avalanche at Sunshine, and another natural size 2.5 in Richardson's Bowl at Lake Louise. It's been a big 24-hours of avalanches.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Several avalanches have been observed deep in the snowpack over the past 24-hours. Avoid shallow areas where the snowpack is weakest. These avalanches are very unpredictable, so choose terrain that avoids steep, rocky slopes.

Be wary of slopes that did not previously avalanche

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Storm Slabs

Over 60 cm of snow has fallen over the past week, and that snow has now settled into a cohesive slab. Caution is advised in all avalanche terrain at treeline and above, in particular one should avoid exposure to avalanches during the heat of the day.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2014 4:00PM