Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 18, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The new storm snow today has added to the touchy avalanche conditions at and above treeline. Conservative terrain choice is still required. Below  treeline the colder temps will freeze the wet snow and lower the danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    Cornices are very large and unstable due to recent loading and high humidity. Natural and human triggering is likely

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Recent storm snow has created a touchy slab condition in all open areas. Easy triggering of slabs is expected.

Weather Forecast

A short lived ridge Tuesday will be followed by a progressive pattern with some precipitation, strong westerlies  and moderate temps

Snowpack Summary

Another 10-35cm of storm snow fell with the passing of the arctic air bringing the total this week to near 60 in most alpine areas. Large cornices and storm slabs exist at treeline and above with touchy slabs. Below treeline, the rain line was at nearly 2000 metres, and the snow is still wet below a weak crust that will freeze with cold temps.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle has been occurring over the last few days. Slabs have been observed to size three failing both with cornice fall, wind and wet conditions. Avalanche control today produced some deep slabs and large cornice falls with several size three avalanches with crowns over 1M thick.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Tuesday

Regions covered