Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 19 – 20, 2015Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

We are on the verge of better ski quality given the current forecast. Watch locally for new wind slabs in the alpine sitting over harder surfaces beneath. SH

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Watch for wind slab development over the next 24 hours in the lees of alpine features. These will be sensitive to triggering in isolated features such as ridge crests and will continue to be through the weekend.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    The lower half of the snowpack is weak due to the presence of basal facets and depth hoar. This layer has been dormant lately but may be more sensitive with forecasted new snow load, especially in thin areas.

Weather Forecast

The Lake Louise region will start to see snow to the tune of 10cm on Friday with freezing levels to 2200m.  The Banff/Sunshine region may only see 5cm.  A storm pushing through the region for the weekend may bring 20-25cm along the divide with light to moderate westerly winds. 

Snowpack Summary

Recent strong wind has created hard slabs on the snow surface in the alpine. 5-10cm of new snow fell on the Wapta today in the alpine. New snow Friday with wind will increase the wind slab thicknesses. At and below treeline expect to find a mix of facets and crusts. As ghastly as that combination sounds, generally it is well bonded.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations today.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered