Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 3rd, 2013 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wet Slabs.

snow safety, Parks Canada

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.

Summary

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

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

Valid until: Mar 4th, 2013 4:00PM