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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 19th, 2023–Apr 20th, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
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
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Sunshine, West Side 93N.

The basal facets in this area will remain a concern through the end of the season. This should be factored into terrain decisions.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Several natural and cornice triggered wind and storm slabs have been reported over the past several days. A large deep release was reported out of the north side of Surprise Pass on Tuesday. Ski-hills only reported small loose dry avalanches out of steep terrain today.

Snowpack Summary

15-40 cm of snow in past week (most around Lake Louise) overlies previous storm snow at upper elevations and rain-crusts below 1800 m. Recent strong winds have created wind-slabs in the alpine. Multiple buried crusts are present in the mid-pack on solar aspects. The basal snowpack remains weak with facets and depth hoar in most areas.

Weather Summary

Thursday: Isolated showers or alpine flurries in the morning and light convective activity in the afternoon along the divide. Up to 5 cm of snow forecasted. Freezing levels between 14-1700 m. Light winds.

Friday: Flurries with minor accumulations. Winds swing to SW and increase to moderate throughout the day. Freezing levels rise to 2000 m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snow (15-40 cm in past week) and strong winds will have created wind slabs in lee alpine terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak basal facets, and mid-pack facets/crusts remain a concern with regular avalanches noted. Many large avalanches on these layers occurred during the April 11 cycle indicating that this problem will remain through the end of the season.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3