Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2012 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

In the last 24 hrs, 10-20 new in the forecast area with moderate-strong SW wind, and rain up to 1500 m. We should see a slight improvement with a cooling trend starting Sunday afternoon. The deeply buried surface hoar is still a concern. LP

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The Valentine surface hoar down 60-100 cm and is overlain by a stiff slab. It's not as sensitive as it has been, but field tests today indicate it can be triggered by users. Still worth staying away from steeper terrain and don't lower your guard.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs have become less reactive and have bonded somewhat with the warm temperatures. We are still gathering information on this layer, and expect it still may be reactive on lee features .Over the past week we have had strong SW & NW wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Avalanches triggered on the surface hoar have potential to step down to the basal facets in larger terrain features resulting in a very large avalanche.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2012 5:00PM