Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 28 – 29, 2013Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Solar slopes will have the hazard rise to considerable or high in the afternoons.  Less of a freeze expected at lower elevations on Friday. SH

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    Cornice failures have increased in number as the freezing levels rise. They may trigger an avalanche, or be an avalanche themselves in couloirs.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    In shallow snowpack areas, particularly east of the divide, whumphing has subsided. However, recent avalanche activity from cornice falls and warm temperatures shows it is still a layer to be respected.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Occurring in the afternoons, activity has been mainly isolated to very steep slopes at treeline and below.  Higher freezing levels Friday may bring more activity in the alpine.

Weather Forecast

Freezing levels to 2000m+ Friday under high pressure with no snow, light NW winds, and high solar effect.  Little change for the weekend except slightly lower freezing levels.

Snowpack Summary

W of divide. S through W slopes developing variable melt freeze crusts, thickest on steep W aspects.  Powder snow on N aspects. Generally well settled snowpack.E of divide settled wind slabs over basal facets. Supportive travel with variable sun crust up to 2700m.

Avalanche Summary

Steep solar point releases this afternoon reported only to size 1.  Alpine temperatures still fairly cool, keeping most solar activity to treeline and below. Limited field observations today.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Friday

Regions covered