Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 29th, 2012 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

There may be 20cm of new snow when you wake up tomorrow. Likely this will be blown into wind slabs in the alpine and tree-line. Be cautious along ridge lines, and remember that you could remote trigger an avalanche from thin, weak spots in the slope.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Test pits today at tree-line and alpine elevations, east of the divide, found the surface hoar down 60-75cm, and failing sudden planar in the moderate to hard range. Given the widespread nature of this layer, supported slopes are still my choice.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

We may see up to 20cm of snow tonight and early tomorrow morning, accompanied by moderate to strong west winds. This will create a wind slab that will take some time to bond to the existing snowpack. Caution on lee features and cross-loaded gullies.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 30th, 2012 4:00PM