Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2013 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wet Slabs and Storm Slabs.

Snow Safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Wait until freezing levels drop before going into bigger terrain. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Little to no freeze expected below 1800-1900m.Â Up to 10cm of new snow expected in the alpine Saturday afternoon/night. Expect some rain West of the divide Saturday.Â We should see decreasing freezing levels Sunday and Monday mornings to valley bottom.Â

Snowpack Summary

5-15 cm of new, dense snow sits over sun crusts on most aspects except true north. Rain showers, overcast skies, and the insulating aspect of the new snow brought no overnight recovery below 2000m Friday.Â We can expect the same on Saturday.

Avalanche Summary

Sunshine Village was reporting very touchy storm slabs in most alpine areas 15-30cm thick. One size 3 natural on Mount Stephen occurred within the last 24 hours on a North aspect.Â Due to poor visibility it is unknown how far up the peak it started from. Click here for a photo.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Loose Wet

With little overnight freeze at lower elevations, watch for loose wet avalanches below treeline on all aspects, and solar aspects at treeline and above.

Travel conditions are difficult at lower elevations and in the trees.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wet Slabs

This will be more prevalent at lower elevations due to lack of freeze, but if the sun pops out Saturday, there is the potential for deeper releases as the day warms up. Cornices will act as an ideal trigger.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Storm Slabs

Touchy storm slabs have been reported Friday. Check for the bond of any new slabs to the surfaces below. This condition should improve over the new couple of days as freezing levels drop.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2013 4:00PM