Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 9th, 2015–Mar 10th, 2015

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Warm temperatures forecast for this week should be pause for thought after such a long spell of low danger. Areas such as south facing gullies should be avoided this week, as slush and rockfall can be expected. Valley bottoms may become isothermal.

Weather Forecast

Looks like a warm week ahead as a warm, westerly flow runs across the region. Tuesday looks like a mostly sunny day with freezing levels reaching 2000m and alpine winds remaining strong from the west. Looks like some precipitation coming for Thursday (up to 10 cm).

Snowpack Summary

Despite the warm temperatures, strong winds above treeline today kept the snow surface cool in all but the most sheltered areas. The snowpack remains solid, with the exception of isolated steep, south facing slopes below 1900m where solar triggered wet avalanches can be expected in the afternoon. The facets near the ground remain dormant.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported or observed today.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

The warm temperatures will create wet sluffs and rockfall on south facing cliffs and gullies below treeline. Ice climbers should avoid this terrain, and instead search for north facing climbs where the cold temperatures will keep things solid.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The lower half of the snowpack is weak due to the presence of basal facets and depth hoar. Natural and human triggering is unlikely as the weak layer is dormant, but it is still a good practice to avoid steep, open, rocky slopes with shallow snow.

Ski crampons make travel easier and safer on frozen surface conditionsTravel conditions are difficult at lower elevations and in the trees.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 3