Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2019 4:23PM

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

Grant Statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Cooler and party overcast conditions kept the snow surface cool on Sunday with a few cm of new snow from convective clouds. Looks like the same pattern in the forecast for Monday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Monday looks like it will bring a mix of sun and clouds with temperatures reaching +7 in the mid-afternoon and no new precipitation. Convection (towering cumulus clouds) can sometimes deposit snow in short, powerful bursts as was the case on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is melt-freeze crust on all areas except alpine and treeline north and east aspects where up to 20 cm of soft snow remains from several days ago. By early afternoon the surface crusts are softening with daily warming. There is lingering concern for a buried facet layer in the upper 30 cm of the snowpack on alpine N aspects.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed today. There have been several small cornice failures over the past w days associated with the warmest parts of the day.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

Start early and finish early (be done by early afternoon). Once the day begins to warm up, avoid any gully features where wet snow may run.

Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes in the afternoon.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Persistent Slabs

Dry snow remains on alpine, north aspect slopes. We have not seen an avalanche on problem this for a while, but if anywhere could release a dry slab it would be here. Approach this terrain carefully.

Watch for whumphing, hollow sounds and shooting cracks.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2019 4:00PM