Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2013 4:11PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Additional load with a cold NE storm Sunday will keep the danger HIGH. Cold temperatures after the storm should tighten up the lower elevation instabilities. Avalanche Control on Sunshine Road and Mt. Whymper tomorrow! JBW

Summary

Weather Forecast

A cold upper trough will cut off the strong southwesterly sub tropical flow creating a winter north east storm overnight and into Sunday. The skies will clear and the temperatures drop in the wake of theÂ cold front.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 50 cm of storm snow has created a new snow slab which is failing easily on the old snow surfaces in the alpine. At treeline and below, rising freezing levels and rain have created a moist to wet slab condition.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanches are running on all aspects and elevations up to size 3.5. Storm slabs from the upper start zones are pulling out additional moist slabs and wet avalanches in the lower tracks. Steep slopes in the valley bottoms are failing as wet loose avalanches.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Another 20 cm overnight with strong winds will add to the avalanche danger. Avoid travel in avalanche terrain until the snow stabilizes with the cold front passage.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Wet

Below treeline and down into the valley bottoms the snow is moist and unstable. Loos wet avalanches and moist slabs are possible on all steep terrain

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Stick to simple terrain and be aware of what is above you at all times.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2013 4:00PM