Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 8 – 9, 2015Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Spring days are here, with good conditions on north facing slopes. Sun exposed slopes have been cooked and the ski quality is not great; the crust needs time before it gets thicker and corn snow starts to form. Get up and go early to beat the heat!

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    East, south and west facing slopes will all become effected by strong solar radiation, resulting in morning crust and wet snow in the afternoon. Watch for wet avalanches in gullies and other steep terrain feature starting mid-day.

Weather Forecast

The ridge of high pressure responsible for the sunny skies will remain anchored over BC and AB for one more day; Thursday looks to be beautiful: clear, no precipitation, light winds and temperatures from 0 to -6. Freezing levels will reach 2000m in some areas. Starting Friday the weather will change, as clouds roll in and rain/snow begins mid-day.

Snowpack Summary

On north aspects, 15-20 of loose facets overlies strong melt-freeze crusts up to 2300m. All other aspects have sun crust in the morning and moist snow in the afternoon, also overlying a strong melt-freeze crust just below the surface. This buried crust provides a bridge over the facets which continue to remain dormant at the base of the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

As of 2:00 pm on Wednesday, no significant avalanches have been observe or reported. This time of year there is often avalanche activity in the late afternoon when the sun is most intense on S and W aspects.

Confidence

Regions covered