Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2015 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Although travel in the mountains is great for this time of year, the downhill ski quality is a tad "challenging", especially below treeline. Climbing conditions are excellent. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

The drought continues.Â We expect little to no snow over the next few days.Â Moderate Westerly winds in the alpine with temperatures staying below freezing except below treeline where they will creep over the freezing mark in the afternoons.

Snowpack Summary

Despite the presence of weak facets and depth hoar near the ground, the weak layers in the snowpack are largely dormant right now. Once the temperatures warm up significantly and/or new snow arrives then the weak layers may re-activate. Thin melt freeze crust turning to corn in the afternoon below 2000m today in the Stanley headwall area.Â

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported or observed today.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The lower half of the snowpack is weak due to the presence of basal facets and depth hoar. Natural and human triggering is unlikely as the weak layer is dormant, but it is still a good practice to avoid steep, open, rocky slopes with shallow snow.

Ski crampons make travel easier and safer on frozen surface conditionsTravel conditions are difficult at lower elevations and in the trees.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2015 5:00PM