Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 21st, 2016–Mar 22nd, 2016

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Although conditions appear to be improving, forecasters still have low confidence in the snowpack due to large avalanches as recent as Friday. Think critically about your terrain choices.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with freezing levels rising to 1800-2000 m. Isolated flurries forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

A surface crust and a variety of buried sun/temperature crusts exist in the upper snowpack on W through East aspects right up to alpine elevations. Inconsistent easy to moderate shears observed on these crust interfaces. Thinner snowpack areas have prominent facets near the base. Large cornices are sitting above many lee slopes.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported today.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches on buried crusts with facets have been seen on solar aspects within the last few days. Presently there are several crusts buried with 40-100 cm overlying them.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep facet layers remain weak, especially in thin or rocky areas. Avoid steep or unsupported terrain and be very conservative with large terrain features. A great deal of variability exists.

Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Cornices

Large cornices on lee aspects are very fragile. Pay attention to what is above you.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3