Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 28th, 2015 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 Cornices.

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Cooler temperatures and moderate winds in the alpine may keep the snow cooler on Wednesday. Pay attention to solar inputs and how fast the snow is warming up.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Wednesday will bring mixed sun and cloud with some isolated wet flurries. Freezing levels will be around 2300 m.

Snowpack Summary

Spring time conditions exist. The snow is frozen in the morning and becomes moist in the afternoon. Isothermal conditions can be expected at lower elevations.

Avalanche Summary

A few solar triggered slides off of steep solar aspects today. Several larger (Class 3) solar released avalanches have been observed from past 48 hours.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

Depending on the amount of solar inputs loose wet avalanche may remain a concern on Wednesday afternoon.

Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes in the afternoon.Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

With generally mild temperatures cornices will remain weak. Larger cornice collapses could trigger bigger avalanches on the slopes below.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 29th, 2015 4:00PM