Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 3rd, 2017–Apr 4th, 2017

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: 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.

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

Avalanche 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