Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 4th, 2015 4:00PM

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

stephen holeczi, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Weather models are not in agreement for snow amounts Saturday night. If more snow falls than forecast, the danger rating may increase beyond moderate in certain locations. The skiing should be excellent.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The weather man says an upslope storm will bring another 10-15 cm in the alpine East of the divide overnight into Sunday, with lesser amounts to the W. It is possible we may see higher amounts in the Banff region. Light SE winds and freezing levels to valley bottom will bring a refresh to the ski quality.

Snowpack Summary

6-12 cm low density snow in the last 24 hours E of the divide overlies previous isolated wind slabs and a rain crust from March 28th. The upper and mid pack are well settled. A mainly dormant basal depth hoar layer is still very prominent in much of the forecast area, especially East of the continental divide where snowpack depths are variable.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanche activity reported today.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Loose Dry

Up to 20+cm accumulated overnight into Sunday will bring sluffing in steep terrain, especially if the sun pokes through. It will also sluff easily on any harder crust layers. The amount of sluffing will depend highly on any associated wind.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Recent wind slabs will become buried with the forecasted up-slope storm. Monitor how these are bonding to harder surfaces below.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 5th, 2015 4:00PM