Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2017 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Increased solar input and a weak freeze will likely cause an increase in natural activity. Watch locally for heating, and minimize overhead hazard. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels to 2000m and valley highs in the East over 10C with a decent amount of solar input. No new snow and light to moderate W winds. A slight temperature inversion with increasing winds will develop Saturday. 3000m temperatures will rise to just below freezing. A cooling trend will set in on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

15-25 cm of recent storm snow sits over a well settled100cm+ slab which sits precariously over weak basal facets at treeline and above. Tests show easy to moderate sudden collapse results in the facets. The surface snow is of a mix of soft snow in the shade, melt-freeze snow below treeline, and sun crust on sun exposed slopes.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported today, except for lots of smaller loose, wet slides at treeline and below on solar aspects in steep terrain as the day warmed up .

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The snowpack throughout the region has a weak base and remains suspect. Approach all avalanche terrain with suspicion and exercise conservative route choices. This problem will persist for the foreseeable future.

Be wary of slopes that did not previously avalanche.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Cornices

There has been an increasing frequency of cornice failures this past week. Warmer temperatures and solar input Friday will promote failures of large cornices which can trigger deeper instabilities.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

We wont likely see a great freeze Friday morning, and looks like we may see a decent amount of sun, especially in the East part of the region (Banff). Watch locally for the amount of warming as we start the transition into spring conditions.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2017 4:00PM