Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 19th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Loose Wet and Cornices.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Excellent spring conditions. However, expect loose and moist avalanches to occur in the afternoon over the coming days. Start early, finish early.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Clear and calm conditions are forecasted for the region. However, towards midweek the freezing level will start to rise considerably during the day.

Snowpack Summary

Supportive crust on solar aspects with 5cm of recent storm snow above 2200m. Previous wind effect in alpine areas. Mid pack is well settled with no significant shears. The basal facets remain the main weakness in the snowpack, but we expect only large loads or a dramatic rise in temperatures to cause failures on this layer.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

Expect solar triggered avalanche activity on steep solar aspects in the afternoon. It is possible that wet slides could trigger the basal facet layers if they have enough mass. Start early and be off steep solar aspects by midday.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

The forecasted warm/hot temperatures midweek will create a situation where cornices are more unstable. Cornices, combined with the hot temperatures, have the possibility to triggering the deep basal layers.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 20th, 2015 4:00PM