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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 27th, 2015–Mar 28th, 2015
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
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Little Yoho.

Lower elevations snowpack has been significantly weakened by high freezing levels and solar heating. The strength of the snowpack hinges on thickness and strength of the crusts formed.  Snow beneath if moist or wet is compromised in its strength.

Weather Forecast

The winds will abate as a cold front passes tonight ushering in cooler air and lower freezing levels along with some light precipitation amounts for Saturday morning. Strong westerly winds at ridge top will continue mid Saturday through the weekend with scattered precipitation.

Snowpack Summary

Sustained moderate to strong winds aloft continued to build wind slabs and cornices at ridge top today. Moist snow to 2400 meters on polar aspects (North) and moist to ridgetop on the solar slopes. Midpack is well settled and overlies largely weak basal depth hoar or facets.

Avalanche Summary

Several natural avalanches occurred today up to size 2.5 around the Sunshine Ski Area back country and some loose wet avalanches up to size 1.0 at the Lake Louise Ski area.  Many loose wet avalanches with some of them triggering slab avalanches in the lower track below tree line. Suspect with today's warm temps that cornices will be very touchy.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Sunday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs continue to develop today and are still sensitive to human triggering on lee features at treeline and above. Cornices will also be a concern with the new snow and wind.

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Rising freezing levels on Friday may create a loose wet avalanche problem at lower elevations.

  • Avoid steep slopes below cornices.
  • Avoid steep Southerly aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2