Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2012 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, Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

A good freeze tonight, but solar warming will be an issue Monday. A big warming trend is forecast for Tues/Wed. with freezing levels to 3000+m, which will drastically raise the hazard. Start and end your trips early in the day. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal facets and Valentines surface hoar are still causing isolated slides almost daily. Click the facebook link to see a photo of a skier triggered slide in the Lake Lousie backcountry. Large cornice drops have awoken these layers as well.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

The transition to spring means loose wet slides on solar aspects. Expect an increase in this activity over the next few days as freezing levels rise, meaning they will start earlier in the day, not just the afternoon.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs can still be initiated around the lees of ridge crests, convex features, and where they sit on a sun crust. These are becoming more isolated as they settle out, but recent activity shows they are still possible to trigger.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2012 4:00PM