Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 20th, 2016 4:07PM

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

Lisa Paulson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

High freezing levels and poor overnight recovery are expected until Saturday night.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Freezing level will start to drop slightly to 3500 m Thursday-FridayÂ and doesn't drop significantly until Saturday night based on our weather models. Weather stations showing above freezing temperatures at 2900m.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is enduring repeated freeze/thaw cycles with very high overnight freezing levels the past few nights. Avalanche danger predominantly relates to temperature, sun affect and surface crust integrity under these conditions (spring).

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today however it is likely that afternoon loose/wet avalanches are a daily occurrence.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

All avalanche terrain should be avoided later in the day when the crust on top of the snowpack breaks down due to daytime heating. There will be little overnight recovery until Saturday night.

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. Travel early on frozen crusts before the heat of the day.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wet Slabs

Wet slabs will be a major concern with the forecasted high freezing levels and poor overnight recovery. If it is not a significantly frozen snowpack in the morning make other plans.

If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes in the afternoon.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 21st, 2016 4:00PM