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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 15th, 2013–Mar 16th, 2013
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Touchy conditions will prevail over the next few days. Wise, conservative terrain choices will treat you well.

Weather Forecast

A cooler and still moist westerly air mass will move across the regions on Saturday. Expect light flurries bringing up to 5cm tomorrow, another 5cm on Sunday, along with moderate westerly winds. Temp's should drop significantly by late Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

40-60cm of storm snow has fallen in the last 2 days, with higher amounts observed west of the Divide and up Hwy 93N. Storm slabs have formed on the surface and are bonded poorly to the older surfaces. Below tree-line, the rain saturated surface layers should start to stabilize with the decreasing temp's tomorrow afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

Still a lot of natural activity observed today, especially below tree-line in Yoho and in steeper, rocky terrain. Loose, moist size 1-1.5's observed below tree-line. Visibility into the alpine was poor once again, but moderate to strong winds were transporting the new snow and likely creating natural avalanches.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

40-60cm storm slabs are poorly bonded to older surfaces. Touchy conditions at all elevations.
The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Strong W winds are developing wind slabs on lee aspects and will be sensitive to human triggering.
Good group management is essential to manage current conditions safely.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Wet

Rain to 1900m has created unstable conditions below tree-line. This will stabilize with cooling temp's, but one will need to be patient and wait for the cooling.
Be very cautious with gully features.Tough ski conditions - ski with caution.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3