Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2015 4:00PM

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

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels will remain around 2100 m for Tuesday and then lowering to near valley bottoms for rest of the week. Flurries forecasted for Tuesday and Wednesday with accumulations along the divide up to 10-15 cm. Moderate to strong westerly winds will be creating wind slabs in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Below 2000 m the snow pack is rain saturated. In the alpine there is 15-20 cm of recent storm snowÂ forming wind slabs on east through north aspects. The mid pack above tree line is well settled and overlies a weak facetted base. These basal facets have not been reactive recently, but should still be considered when making terrain choices.

Avalanche Summary

In the alpine several storm snow avalanches were reported out of steep terrain. Lake Louise and Sunshine reported significant cornice growth and several wind slabs up to size 1.5 being easily triggered on the March 28th crust interface. Wind slabs were far more stubborn to trigger on north aspects due warm temps and rapid settlement.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

There is generally 10-20 cm available for transport and moderate to strong SW wind continues to build wind slabs.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Avalanche activity will depend upon overnight freeze and solar input. There is a lot of heat and moisture in the lower elevation snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2015 4:00PM