Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 18th, 2016 4:00PM

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 Wet Slabs.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

High freezing levels (3800m!) and poor overnight recovery are expected until Thursday. Time to get the mountain bike out of the garage.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Freezing level will climb to 3800m and remain there until Thursday based on our weather models. Little overnight recovery will occur if this becomes true.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is enduring repeated freeze/thaw cycles. The last few days the overnight freeze was substantial but this will change as of today. Avalanche danger predominantly relates to temperature under these conditions (spring).

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today however it is likely that afternoon loose/wet avalanches are a daily occurrence.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

All avalanche terrain should be avoided later in the day when the crust on top of the snowpack breaks down due to daytime heating. There will be little overnight recovery until Thursday!

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. Travel early on frozen crusts before the heat of the day.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wet Slabs

Wet slabs will be a major concern with the forecasted high freezing levels and poor overnight recovery. If it is not a significantly frozen snowpack in the morning make other plans.

If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes in the afternoon.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 19th, 2016 4:00PM