Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 1st, 2013 4:00PM

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

Snow Safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The period of fine weather and good spring conditions is ending as the weather pattern is breaking down and will allow for some frontal systems with cloud and possibly significant snow by the end of the week. JBW

Summary

Weather Forecast

The blocking pattern i breaking down and we will see the first in a series of weak storms Tuesday night. By Friday the pattern will have changed and snowfall is likely.

Snowpack Summary

Another hard freeze overnight made for excellent travel. True corn is forming on low to mid elevation solar aspects with a thinner crust in the high alpine. Due north slopes have a mixture of wind effect and thin facetted snow with low penetration.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread spring cycle up to size three has been occurring on solar aspects starting mid afternoons. Deep wet slabs have been coming out in isolated locations on steep solar aspects late in the day., and some slabs have been observed failing at the bottom of the snowpack in shallow snowpack areas.. Cornices have been falling off also.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Loose Wet

Both loose wet and wet slab avalanches have been observed on most solar aspects up to size three. Beware of sun exposed slopes after mid-day.

Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.The corn snow skiing is excellent, and relies on specific timing between freeze and melt.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Cornice falls have been observed nearly every day. Some of these have been triggering slabs on the faces below. Many have run over usual travel routes.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 2nd, 2013 4:00PM