Avalanche Forecast

Issued: May 5th, 2014 4:00PM

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

grant statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The snow is deep! 45 cm of storm snow has fallen, making excellent powder conditions on shaded slopes. Sun exposed slopes got baked today (only takes 5 minutes), so expect some breakable crust. We'll need a few days for a melt/freeze cycle to return.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The storm is over. Expect a mix of sun and cloud for Tuesday, with temperatures remaining below seasonal normals - high for Tuesday is -3 in at treeline. This pattern will continue, with a nice week ahead of sun/clouds and cool air. No precipitation is expected in the next few days. Wednesday looks to be the best day of the week.

Snowpack Summary

Another 5-10 cm of low density fluff fell on Sunday night, bringing the total storm snow accumulation to 45 cm. This snow is becoming moist on all but north aspects and below 2400 meters, and a few cycles of melt/freeze will be needed before the surface forms a strong crust again. Below this is a weak crust from last week, and moist snow below.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose snow avalanches were observed today running from rocks on south aspects.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

The 45 cm of recent storm snow will turn moist almost immediately when touched by the sun. Expect this to result in loose, wet snow avalanches occurring as soon as the day begins to warm up.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This problem persists, and today we experienced a large settlement when we walked through a shallow snowpack area. We still have respect for large alpine slopes that did not produce an avalanche yet this winter.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: May 6th, 2014 4:00PM