Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 1 – 2, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Solar radiation will be a major factor over the coming days. Be mindful to stay clear of south aspects in the hottest part of the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–4
    This problem represents a classic low likelihood high consequence situation. Areas that have not previously avalanched will be more susceptible to triggering.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Storm slabs will continue to settle. These slabs will be touchy on Southern aspects in the afternoon.

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels, by some small miracle, will remain about 0 in the valley bottoms until Friday. However, a clearing trend will allow for intense solar radiation over the next few days. It will be best to avoid south aspects in the hottest part of the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

The tipping point in the stability of the snowpack has been reached. The past week's 60 cm of storm snow has settled into a slab which is reacting to natural and skier triggers with failures occurring deep in the snowpack. This situation is expected to continue through Wednesday, with extra care advised in all avalanche terrain.

Avalanche Summary

Explosive control on Mt Stephen produced avalanches up to size 2 today. Also, on Wapta peak a cornice dropped and produced a size 2 in extreme terrain within the last 36 hours. On a flight through Yoho evidence of a wide spread cycle up to size 3 was observed that likely occurred in the last 3-4 days.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Wednesday

Regions covered