Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 1st, 2019 4:01PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Forecasters have transitioned to springtime danger ratings. Early starts and finishes are crucial. Avalanche danger relates directly to solar input and daytime warming.

Summary

Weather Forecast

While it is forecasted to remain cool at ridge top, tomorrow is supposed to be clear so the solar radiation may be intense. The wind is expected to be light. Avalanche danger is related directly to solar input and and warming daytime temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is melt-freeze crust on all areas except alpine and treeline north and east aspects where up to 20 cm of soft snow remains from several days ago. By early afternoon the surface crusts are softening with daily warming. There is still concern for a buried facet layer in the upper 30 cm of the snowpack on alpine N aspects.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed today. There have been several small cornice failures over the past w days associated with the warmest parts of the day.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

Start early and finish early (by noon). Once the day begins to warm up, avoid any gully features where wet snow may run.

Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes in the afternoon.Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Persistent Slabs

Dry snow remains on alpine, north aspect slopes. We have not seen an avalanche regarding this problem for a while, but if anywhere could release a dry slab it would be here. Approach this terrain carefully.

Watch for whumphing, hollow sounds and shooting cracks.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 2nd, 2019 4:00PM