Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2015 4:00PM

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

stephen holeczi, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Excellent ski travel continues with the cooler temperatures. Monitor slopes for local wind slab formation and how they are bonding to the harder surfaces below. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels to valley bottom overnight and up to 1900m for Friday with very little snow. Winds will stay in the light range and will switch to Westerly on Friday. Some snow is currently in the forecast for Saturday (up to 10cm).

Snowpack Summary

Below treeline the snow pack is a melt-freeze crust.10-20 cm of new snow in the alpine is forming wind slabs on E and N aspects.The midpack above treeline is well settled and overlies a weak facetted base. These basal facets have not been reactive recently, but should still be considered when making terrain choices, especially in thin rocky areas.

Avalanche Summary

A size 2 on a steep (40+ degree) moraine feature was triggered yesterday by a party exiting from Peyto hut with no involvement.Â The slide was approximately 100m wide and was the site of recent wind loading.Â The slide stepped to ground showing that the basal facets are mainly dormant, but features like these are still possible to initiate.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs have formed below ridge crests, often on old crusts. New soft cornice buildup continues.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2015 4:00PM