Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 21st, 2016 4:00PM

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

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Although conditions appear to be improving, forecasters still have low confidence in the snowpack due to large avalanches as recent as Friday. Think critically about your terrain choices.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Tuesday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with freezing levels rising to 1800-2000 m. Isolated flurries forecast for Wednesday and Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

A surface crust and a variety of buried sun/temperature crusts exist in the upper snowpack on W through East aspects right up to alpine elevations. Inconsistent easy to moderate shears observed on these crust interfaces. Thinner snowpack areas have prominent facets near the base. Large cornices are sitting above many lee slopes.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported today.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches on buried crusts with facets have been seen on solar aspects within the last few days. Presently there are several crusts buried with 40-100 cm overlying them.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep facet layers remain weak, especially in thin or rocky areas. Avoid steep or unsupported terrain and be very conservative with large terrain features. A great deal of variability exists.

Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Cornices

Large cornices on lee aspects are very fragile. Pay attention to what is above you.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2016 4:00PM