Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2012 4:00PM

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

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The sun this coming weekend, and with it will come warmer temp's. This will increase the danger on south and west aspects during the day. There have been close calls on these aspects the last few days; check our FB site for pics.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs up to 50cm thick have been formed 2 days ago from strong W/SW winds. These slabs are now hidden by 10-15cm of new snow. These will be sensitive to skier triggering in the lee of ridge crests and in cross-loaded gullies.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Down 70-150cm, the Valentines surface hoar is producing harder shears and showing signs of rounding. However, several natural and skier triggered avalanches over the past few days show that this layer is still a concern.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Recent snow has covered up thin, scoured areas, making them look appealing to riders. East of the Divide, there have been multiple remote-triggered avalanches in shallow snowpack areas that have stepped down to this layer, particularly west aspects.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2012 4:00PM