Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2014 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

ian jackson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Overcast skies and light precipitation will reduce solar induced hazards over the next few days. Spring time hazard ratings in effect. Although not extraordinarily active, cornice failures remain a concern.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Wed: 2-5 cm of snow with light winds and freezing levels around 1500m. Thurs: Clear in the morning with a good freeze. Overcast and light precip during the day with freezing levels rising to 1900m. Fri: Weaker overnight freeze and another 5-10 cm of snow above the 1900m freezing level. Rain at lower elevations. Winds remaining light from the S/SW

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is well settled with no surface instabilities. A supportive melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects to 1900m and higher on south and west aspects. Dry snow exists on N/NE aspects above this. The deep persistent weak layers are dormant, but may awaken if it warms up. Cornices are large this time of year and tend to fall off on warm days

Avalanche Summary

Small loose snow point release avalanche were observed on south facing terrain in the afternoon.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Loose Wet

Although the forecast is calling for cooler, cloudier conditions, if the sun comes out, it will be strong and can destabilize the snow quickly. Also, be careful at lower elevations if it is raining.

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2014 4:00PM