Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 1st, 2017 4:00PM

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

Lisa Paulson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Anticipated snow Tuesday/Wednesday did not materialize. Next system to arrive Thurs-Friday night. Expect the danger to rise.

Summary

Weather Forecast

For Thursday, expect scattered flurries, gusty SW winds, and alpine highs around -6C.Â Snow to move into the region late Thursday/Friday morning with moderate to strong SW wind.Â The total snowfall is uncertain, but could be in the range of 15-25 cm.

Snowpack Summary

There is 15-25 cm of low density snow at tree line with a thin rain-crust below the storm snow at lower elevations. Some wind effect exists in alpine areas and it is expected to increase. Common throughout the region are the weak facets and depth hoar in the lower half of the snowpack, overlain by a 40-60 cm slab of well settled snow.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was observed or reported on Wednesday.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

There is a thick slab over a structurally weak snowpack in most areas. Avoid thin parts of a slope or rocky outcrops at tree line and above. A failure can propagate to deeper areas and cause large avalanches.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2017 4:00PM