Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 23rd, 2019 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet and Persistent Slabs.

stephen holeczi, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Danger ratings reflect the amount of solar input that is expected. Watch locally for its effects. There is still cold snow over facets on high north aspects despite the warm temperatures from last week.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A decent freeze is expected but increasing cloud could diminish how thick of a surface crust forms. It will be a generally cloudy day with trace amounts of snow in the AM with some clearing spells in the afternoon. Continued cloudy conditions expected on Monday. Up to 20cm is forecast to start at some point on Tuesday.Â Stay posted.Â

Snowpack Summary

Solar aspects have a melt freeze crust which is deteriorating as the day warms up. Dry powder is still found on high north aspects, where a 20-50 cm settlement slab overlays the March 7th facets. Many areas exhibit a cohesive midpack over the basal facets, while other thin areas have weak facets to the ground.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches were noted again today.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

The amount of loose wet avalanche activity is related to the amount of solar input . The effects of this will be slightly diminished on Sunday depending on cloud cover but watch locally for heating.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

10-50 cm settled snow (since Mar 7) has formed slabs in the alpine which sit over a variety of weaker surfaces. The snowpack is still generally cold on high north aspects despite recent warm temperatures.

Watch for surface cracking and stiffer surface layers of snow.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 24th, 2019 4:00PM