Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 1st, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The "green brick" persists. Normal caution and vigilance in the back country is recommended as always.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A few centimeters of snow is expected tomorrow, then we are back to clear skies and cool temps. The cold temps can be attributed to a Northerly flow.

Snowpack Summary

A few cm's of cold loose snow sits on the surface. The base of the snowpack is weak facets and depth hoar with a 40-60cm slab of stiff snow over top. Triggering would be difficult but is possible in open, shallow snowpack areas such as ridgetop features, cross-wind affected terrain features or moraines.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported or observed today.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The lower half of the snowpack is weak due to the presence of basal depth hoar and facet layers. Natural and human triggering is unlikely, but possible in steep open slopes with shallow snow, or south and west facing terrain during mid-day.

Ski crampons make travel easier and safer on frozen surface conditionsTravel conditions are difficult at lower elevations and in the trees.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2015 4:00PM