Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 21st, 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.

ian jackson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Minimal new snow, light winds, and cool temperatures in the next few days will not change the danger rating. There have been multiple close calls in the last few days in thin snowpack areas - use caution! See our FB page for pictures.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs up to 50cm thick have been formed in the last 24h from strong W/SW winds. These will be sensitive to skier triggering in the lee of ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

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. There have been multiple remote triggered avalanches in the Louise backcountry in the last two days in thin snowpack areas that have stepped down to the basal facets

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2012 4:00PM