Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 1st, 2014 4:00PM

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

stephen holeczi, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Ski quality has gone "downhill" since the recent winds and cold temps. Only the most sheltered trees will have decent powder. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

We will switch to a Westerly flow on Sunday with gradually warming temperatures and increasing winds over the next few days. Current forecasts are only predicting a few cm of snow Sunday and Monday, with more accumulations possible on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Sun crust on solar aspects with extensive wind effect at all elevations. 25-40cm of snow sits on top of the Feb10th layer comprised of facets, surface hoar, and on solar aspects a sun crust. Recent tests range from easy to hard with a sudden collapse at this interface. A fairly well settled midpack overlies the dormant basal depth hoar, facets.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported or observed today.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The Feb. 10th layer is still a prominent feature in the snowpack producing variable results. We are seeing less activity over the past few days, but is still a concern in many regions of the forecast area.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Recent winds combined with cold temperatures have created widespread 10-20cm thick wind slabs up to pencil stiffness. These will be smaller in size and wont be a problem for a long time, but are a concern in steeper unsupported terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2014 4:00PM