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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 11th, 2015–Mar 12th, 2015
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Warm temperatures in the valley bottoms near Banff have not made it up into the Continental Divide area, and the snowpack has remains solid. Windslabs appear to be building in high elevation areas, and climbers should avoid south facing gullies.

Weather Forecast

Westerly flow continues with a gradual falling of freezing levels over the main ranges on Thursday.  0-5 cm of snow is expected overnight on Wed, and by Thursday we expect cloud cover and strong alpine winds to keep the higher elevations cool. Valley bottom temperatures will reach +9 in Banff on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

There is a wide range of conditions from east to west at this time. Eastern areas (Banff) are subject to the warm temperatures which are effecting the snowpack on S and W aspects. Further east the temperatures have remained cool enough that treeline and alpine snowpacks have remained solid. We expect this pattern to continue for several more days.

Avalanche Summary

Another report of a small windslab triggered by skiers on Mt. Cathedral two days ago. This makes for several small windslabs being triggered in isolated areas this week, which is not a huge trend but certainty notable.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

The warm temperatures will create wet sluffs and rockfall on south facing slopes and gullies at and below treeline. Ice climbers should avoid this terrain, and instead search for north facing climbs where the cold temperatures will keep things solid.
Plan to be off big slopes before the temperatures rises and the snowpack deteriorates.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The lower half of the snowpack is weak due to the presence of basal facets and depth hoar. This layer has been dormant lately but may waken up with the warm temperatures. Avoid steep, open, rocky slopes with a shallow snowpack.
Travel conditions are difficult at lower elevations and in the trees.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 3