Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 20 – 21, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

It is still wintery in the high alpine. Isolated wind slabs can be expected, and may be hidden by the new, light dusting we are currently receiving.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Moderate winds have created areas of thin wind slabs in lee areas above 2400 m. These slabs were more sensitive to triggering Friday with warmer temperatures, but will likely be more stubborn with the forecasted cooler weather.

Weather Forecast

An upslope flow will bring cloudy conditions and light snow to the region tomorrow. Ridge-top winds will be light/moderate from the N/NE and freezing levels will remain in the valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

Cooler conditions for the next few days should create a solid, supportive crust in the morning, softening with day-time warming. There are areas of wind effect in the alpine and isolated wind slabs can be expected in lee areas above 2400 m. These slabs can be triggered on steep, unsupported slopes.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday, a field team on the South side of Mt. Patterson ski cut a size 1 thin avalanche out of 45 degree terrain at 3100m today. On Thursday near Unity Peak in the Lake Louise backcountry, a size 1.5-2 skier-triggered avalanche near 2500m was reported. The slide was 50cm thick and 80m wide, which apparently slid on a crust on a SE aspect.

Confidence

Regions covered