Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2015 4:00PM

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

patrick jerome, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

This weekend's up slope storm has the potential to generate rapid storm loading conditions. Pay attention to cornices and monitor the interface of the new snow on the recently buried melt-freeze crusts at tree line and buried wind slabs in the alpine

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cool maritime air mass off the coast will produce a series of fronts, which for the Rockies will produce some significant snowfall beginning late morning on Saturday. This storm will be up slope in nature and will produce heavy snowfall at times. Winds will be light to moderate and freezing levels will be at around 1900 meters mid-day.

Snowpack Summary

2-5 cm of recent snow overlies a prominent rain crust from March 28th. The upper and mid pack is well settled and depth hoar is still evident as the basal characteristic in much of the forecast area, especially the east side of the continental divide. Wind slabs still linger on recently buried crusts on solar aspects will be the primary problem.

Avalanche Summary

Thin wind slabs with explosives produced up to size 1.0 in the alpine. No other avalanche activity reported or observed.

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent wind slabs will become buried with Saturday/Sunday's up-slope storm.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Later in the afternoon as the snow begins to accumulate and load up on southerly aspects in particular, this might produce significant skier triggerable loose snow avalanches.

The new snow will requires several days to settle and stabilize.The snowpack on glaciers is shallow, and the use of a rope is recommended.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2015 4:00PM