Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 20th, 2016–Mar 21st, 2016

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Although conditions appear to be improving, forecasters still have low confidence in the snowpack due to large avalanches as recent as Friday. Think critically about your terrain choices.

Weather Forecast

The freezing level is expected to hover at 1900m on Monday. Some light precipitation is also expected (~4mm). Wind will be moderate at higher elevations from the SW.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is complex right now. 40-100 cm of snow sit on crusts on W through E aspects right up to alpine elevations. Sun-crusts exist on the surface on South aspects. Thinner snowpack areas have prominent facets near the base. Large cornices are sitting above many lee slopes.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported today.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

High freezing levels may create a condition for loose wet avalanches on Monday. We expect that this will occur at lower elevations and in particular on South aspects.

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches on buried crusts with facets have been seen on solar aspects within the last few days. Presently there are several crusts buried with 40-100 cm overlying them.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep facet layers remain weak, especially in thin or rocky areas. Avoid steep or unsupported terrain and be very conservative with large terrain features. A great deal of variability exists.

Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3