Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 8th, 2015–Apr 9th, 2015

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

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!

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

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

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.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Cornices become weak with daytime heating.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2