Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2017 4:56PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Hazard is rated Low in the morning below tree-line. It will rise to Considerable in the afternoon (especially on sun exposed slopes) as the day warms up.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mixed sun and cloud for Tuesday. No snow and freezing levels rising to 1700 m. Alpine temps will reach high of -5. Warming trend through end of week with freezing levels rising to 2300 m on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of recent storm snow sits over a firm 100 cm+ slab resting over weak basal facets at all elevations. Tests show easy to moderate sudden collapse results in these facets. A melts free crust is widespread below treeline and specific to steep solar aspects at treeline and above. Windslabs are specific to immediate alpine lees.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed today.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The snowpack throughout the region has a weak base and remains suspect. Approach all avalanche terrain with suspicion and exercise conservative route choices. This problem will persist for the foreseeable future.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Be wary of slopes that did not previously avalanche.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Wet

Pay attention to day time warming. Sunny skies and warm temperatures are increasing the avalanche hazard on sun exposed slopes in the afternoon.

Be increasingly cautious on sun exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are big and we are getting regular reports of cornices failing. A large cornice fall could trigger a bigger avalanche on the slope below.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2017 4:00PM