Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

grant statham, Parks Canada

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!

Summary

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

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

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2015 4:00PM