Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 15th, 2013 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

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

Summary

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

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

Valid until: Mar 16th, 2013 4:00PM