Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2013 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Rider/climber triggered avalanches are still a possibility. Also, another storm is on its way with up to 50cm by Fri/Sat. Expect a sudden rise in the danger rating as this starts to occur.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light wind and clear skies are expected for Monday. On Tuesday, the start of another major storm system is expected. Upwards of 40cm of snow and strong wind is expected between Tuesday and next Friday. As such, the danger rating will likely climb to HIGH by Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 30cm of settled storm from last week is bonding to the old surface. This storm snow bond will be weakest on South aspects. Yesterday a skier triggered a size 1.5 avalanche on this storm interface on a South aspect. Additionally, a 2cm sun crust has formed on solar aspects, making the skiing challenging.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storms slabs vary between 30 and 40cm thick. In areas East of the divide the bond at the storm snow interface is weaker than areas farther West.

Breakable crust makes for tough ski conditions.Use safe ski cutting techniques before entering ski run.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2013 4:00PM