Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 9th, 2013–Apr 10th, 2013
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

If the storm arrives as forecasted, avalanche danger will rise on Wednesday.  Be cautious of overhead hazard as natural avalanche activity is likely from steep alpine terrain.

Weather Forecast

A system is approaching on Wednesday and is forecasted to bring 10-20 cms with M-S SW alpine winds and freezing levels to 1800m.  On Thursday, the storm eases with only a few cms. cooling temps, and easing winds. Friday is looking relatively clear, with cool temps and light winds.

Snowpack Summary

Cold temperatures have tightened the snowpack, creating a supportive crust at lower elevations. In the alpine and at treeline, convective storms have dropped 10 - 30 cm of new snow which sits on top of suncrusts on solar aspects and old facetted snow on polar aspects. In some areas, windslabs may exist, although the winds have been mostly light.

Avalanche Summary

A field team in the White Pyramid area on the 93N remote triggered a small, thin windslab of little consequence in the alpine today.  Reports indicate increased winds were causing numerous loose dry avalanches out of steep alpine terrain.

Confidence

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

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

The forecasted precipitation, winds, and increased temps will create new storm and windslabs that will be most reactive during the storm. Natural activity will decrease once the system passes, but the newly formed slabs will take a few days to settle
Avoid areas with overhead hazard.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

Increased winds today caused numerous loose dry avalanches in steep alpine terrain. Forecasted new snow, winds and warming temps will increase activity in this terrain. This is of particular concern for climbers or skiiers entering steep couloirs.
Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2