Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 29th, 2012–Mar 30th, 2012

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

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

Regions: 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.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Avalanche 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