Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 3 – 4, 2012Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Although it may seem like spring is here, the winter snowpack has not yet gone through a serious melt freeze. Large avalanches and close calls have been reported all week. See photo of West Bowl from today. It is still time to place safe!

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    The storm snow from the last few days has been blown into wind slabs and there are very large cornices. These slabs can be easily triggered and may result in an avalanche stepping down to deeper weaknesses.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    The Valentines surface hoar layer and the weak basal depth hoar have both been sliding layers for large avalanches over the last three days. Steep unsupported slopes, thin rocky areas and steep solar aspects are the most likely areas to trigger.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered