Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 20th, 2014 4:39PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Despite the lack of recent natural activity forecasters have low confidence in the snowpack. Conservative terrain choices are still advised. BW

Summary

Weather Forecast

Isolated flurries expected for Friday and mixed sun and cloud for Saturday. Light winds and a cooling trend forecast through to Saturday. Freezing levels at valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

30-50 cm of storm snow throughout the region since March 15th which is starting to settle and bond to previous surfaces. There is some wind slabs in specific lee terrain in the alpine. The Feb.10th facet layer is down 80-120cm and is still showing easy to moderate test results in thinner snowpack areas, and harder results in deeper snowpack areas.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed or reported today. A large sz.3 cornice triggered avalanche was reported on Tuesday in the Sunshine back country. This failed on the Feb.10 interface and stepped to ground in thin areas. We have seen sporadic natural activity like this over the last week.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Feb 10 shears tightening up in deep snow pack areas west of the divide. In shallower snowpack areas this interface still producing whoomphing and easy to moderate shears.

Avoid areas with overhead hazard.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 21st, 2014 4:00PM