Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 26th, 2012 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Mild temps, and light snow in the forecast Monday night will do little to change the overall hazard. Although harder to initiate, large avalanches are still possible to trigger in steep, variable terrain. Good skiing reported. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations on Monday

Problems

Storm Slabs

Up to 15cm with winds switching to SW by Tuesday (most in South and East regions) . This will create isolated soft slabs near ridge crests that may be triggered in steeper terrain. Warmer temps will enable the new snow to bond well.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The Valentines surface hoar is down 70-150cm. Field tests in numerous areas are finding hard to no results in deeper snowpack areas. The chance of triggering will increase on thin or variable slopes, and large avalanches are still possible.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Although difficult to initiate, it is still possible to trigger a deep persistent slab. Heavy loads in steep, shallow areas are most likely to produce an avalanche on this layer currently.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 27th, 2012 4:00PM