Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 21st, 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.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Cloud cover starting tomorrow will subdue the wet snow avalanches, however, early starts are still recommended.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A slight shift to the current weather pattern will take the form of cloud cover and light precipitation at high elevations amounting to about 5cm. This shift will occur on Tuesday late in the day. Slightly more precipitation can be expected in the Eastern portion of the forecast region.

Snowpack Summary

Supportive crust on solar aspects in morning which are deteriorating by early afternoon. High elevation east and north still have dry snow. Mid pack is well settled with no significant shears. The basal facets remain the main weakness in the snowpack, but we expect only large loads or a dramatic rise in temperatures to cause failures on this layer.

Avalanche Summary

Non observed or reported, however loose and wet avalanches suspected up to size 1.5.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

While the forecast suggests slightly cooler temps with cloud cover, any short burst of solar energy late in the day will induce wet avalanches.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Cornices, combined with the hot temperatures, have the possibility to triggering the deep basal layers.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 22nd, 2015 4:00PM