Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 3rd, 2013–Mar 4th, 2013

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Dangerous avalanche conditions still prevail. Use conservative route selection and avoid steep open terrain. No climbing or skiing on Mt. Stephen, Mt. Whymper, Mt Bosworth , Bourgeau or Eagles tomorrow as avalanche control is planned.

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure in the wake of the cold front will bring mainly sunny skies for Monday. Another weak pacific storm is headed inland for Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

60 cm of storm snow with both westerly and northerly winds has created a weak unstable storm slab instability on all aspects at and above treeline. Below treeline, the moist snow, facets and wet slab problem will disappear with cold temps.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle has been occuring over the last 36 hrs. Avalanches to size three have run on all steep terrain and elevations. The slabs have been more likely to propagate at the treeline elevation.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

60 cm of storm snow over the last 48 hrs has created an unstable snowpack. North winds with the passage of the cold front have also loaded the normally windward aspects. Human triggering on steep slopes is likely. Avoid terrain over 30 degrees.

Avoid open slopes with any steepness over 30 degrees.Avoid steep, open slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Wet Slabs

The cold temps with the cold front should tighten in the lower elevation instabilities. Watch for overhead hazards and avoid large run-out zones.

Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.Avoid steep, open slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2