Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2012 4:29PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Although it may seem like spring is here, the winter snowpack has not yet gone through a serious melt freeze. Large avalanches and close calls have been reported all week. See photo of West Bowl from today. It is still time to place safe!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

The storm snow from the last few days has been blown into wind slabs and there are very large cornices. These slabs can be easily triggered and may result in an avalanche stepping down to deeper weaknesses.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The Valentines surface hoar layer and the weak basal depth hoar have both been sliding layers for large avalanches over the last three days. Steep unsupported slopes, thin rocky areas and steep solar aspects are the most likely areas to trigger.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2012 4:00PM