Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2019 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Dry.

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Forecasted snow and strong winds could trigger some loose dry avalanches at ridgetop. Good ski quality still, but valley bottoms are a bit rugged.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Depending of the forecast we can expect 0 to 8cm on snow Friday. This approaching low will come with moderate to strong winds in the alpine. The day time high for Friday will reach -7 in the valley. Expect to see some snow transport at higher elevation and new loading at ridge top.

Snowpack Summary

Prolonged cold temperatures have weakened and facetted the upper snowpack. Wind effect is common in the alpine and several recent crusts can be found on steep solar slopes. Weaker layers like the Jan.17 surface hoar/facets linger down 40-60 cm in some locations, but are currently lying dormant. A weak basal snowpack exists in thin snowpack areas.

Avalanche Summary

The loose dry problem remains the main concern. These avalanches are running far and entraining a substantial amount of snow. On clear days you can expect an increase in reactivity of the loose dry problem on solar aspects.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Dry

Cold weather has created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Forecasted snow and winds could increase the reactivity of this problem in the alpine.

Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2019 4:00PM