Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2012 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Another 10-20cm by Sunday AM with increasing NW winds and freezing levels to 1600m. Conditions are healing quick after each storm, given the warmer temperatures. Forecasts call for a big system to arrive Monday evening, so stay tuned. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Up to 30cm from the last storm created wind slabs at higher elevations that have been bonding well to the surfaces below. With the next system tonight, watch for developing slabs around ridge crests and wind exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The Valentines surface hoar layer is down 70-150cm. It is hard to initiate, but as people start to venture into bigger terrain, the consequences of triggering will be large if you find the sweet spot. Thin areas will be the most susceptible.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2012 4:00PM