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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 3rd, 2021–Apr 4th, 2021
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

New snow and cooler temperatures should refresh the skiing on Sunday. The amounts of new snow and wind loading will dictate the hazard, so pay attention to this as you choose your terrain. 

Weather Forecast

A cold front arriving on Saturday night will bring 5-15 cm of new snow with strong West winds. Temperatures will cool as the cold front passes. Sunday will see freezing levels around 1600 m with diminishing winds switching from W to NW through the day. A few flurries are expected early in the day followed by a mostly cloudy day. 

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of new snow in some areas with previous wind effect at treeline and above. Crusts exist up to ~2000 m on all aspects and higher on solar aspects. The March 19 interface is down 20-50cm and consists of crust on solar aspects and facets on north aspects. Basal facets exist in shallow areas east of the divide.

Avalanche Summary

No new slab avalanches observed on Saturday. Some new snow sluffing in areas that saw more snow overnight. Several cornice failures have occurred over the last week up to size 2.5, some of which have pulled small slabs from the slopes below.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong W winds are expected Saturday night as a cold front passes and new snow arrives. There is uncertainty about how large or reactive these slabs will be, so use caution in wind loaded terrain.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially in steep confined alpine terrain.
  • Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are big and the springtime is when they fall off more frequently. Strong winds combined with the forecasted new snow can make them more likely to fall. Don't be nearby when they do!

  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
  • Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5