Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 27th, 2014 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Temperatures are still seasonally cool, and major daytime warming is not expected. However, be mindful of the freezing level at the local level and plan accordingly.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures are forecasted to remain quite cool (near 0 degrees) in valley bottoms until Wednesday. By midweek expect there to be an increase in daytime warming and subsequent rising of the danger rating. A very light dusting of snow is also expected over the next few days, nothing substantial.

Snowpack Summary

A supportive crust exists on all aspects above 1900m. Isolated windslabs were reported in the high alpine (3000m) near ridges. Solar input on south aspect in the afternoon will break down the crust.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported today.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated windslabs can be found at high elevations (2800m+).

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

One large avalanche in neighboring Kananaskis was reported yesterday on this layer. Until it heats up it will remain as a low likelihood, high consequence avalanche problem.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Apr 28th, 2014 4:00PM