Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2018 4:00PM

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

stephen holeczi, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The non-spring like conditions continue. Mainly cloudy for Friday, but there could be more solar input on the East slopes which may increase the afternoon avalanche danger.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Friday's forecast is for 5-10cm along the divide, light to moderate SW winds, and 2000m freezing levels. We could see 20-30cm by Sunday night along the divide with almost no snow in the Eastern parts (Banff).

Snowpack Summary

Some wind effect and thin wind slabs in isolated areas have been noted in the alpine. Various types of temperature crusts or moist snow found on solar aspects and found on all aspects below 2000m. The March 15 suncrust is down 25-50 cm on solar aspects and still is a concern for skier triggering.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Wind Slabs

This wind slabs can be expected in the high alpine on lee aspects. These have been losing sensitivity over the past few days.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Forecasters are still concerned about the March 15 crust which is down 25-50 cm on steeper solar aspects. There has been sporadic but regular skier and explosive triggered avalanches on this layer over the past several weeks.

Be cautious with convexities and steep slopes on solar aspects.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2018 4:00PM