Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 29 – 30, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Forecasters are uncertain about the daytime high tomorrow. The snow will likely be frozen in the early morning and will deteriorate quickly in the afternoon. EXPECT to observe an avalanche cycle tomorrow afternoon. Be home early!

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–4
    This will largely be  a major concern on solar aspects in the heat of the afternoon. Plan your day accordingly and be home early.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3–4
    With the first major warm spell in the double digits fast approaching, this problem will be a concern. Managing this problem will include being back early before the day heats up in the afternoon.

Weather Forecast

The freezing level is expected to rise significantly on Wednesday afternoon. Expect the heat to initiate a major avalanche cycle. It could be quite frozen Wednesday morning with a lower danger rating, but things will deteriorate by 1pm. Additionally, a system is moving in on Friday that will bring cold temps and light snowfall.

Snowpack Summary

All areas of the park have a strong melt-freeze crust up to about 2400 meters, slightly bit lower on north aspects. Above that, dry snow persists with up to 10cm of settled powder in shaded areas and moist snow in the afternoon on solar aspects. Isolated, small windslabs exist in leeward areas in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches we observed in the Moraine Lake area today up to size 2 on solar aspects.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Wednesday

Regions covered