Avalanche Forecast

Issued: May 6th, 2014 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Embrace the conditions my friends! Cold, dry snow available for those who are not ready to hang up the boards yet! Be aware of the rapid changes to the snowpack on solar aspects. DK

Summary

Weather Forecast

Overnight clearing and seasonally cold temps in the -10 to -15 range in the Alpine, which means beautiful clear skies in the morning and sunshine! In the afternoon, expect some cloud development but no precip forecasted. Freezing level to 1800m which should help maintain the crust through the morning depending on sun exposure.

Snowpack Summary

A further 5-10 cm of low density fluff scattered through the forecast area over the day Tuesday. The cold temperatures will form a strong surface crust overnight and offer good support on all but true north aspects. Those shaded aspects should keep the storm snow cool, creamy and light (hint, hint!).

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

The recent storm snow will turn moist almost immediately when touched by the sun. Expect this to result in loose, wet snow avalanches occurring as soon as the day begins to warm up.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This should remain a concern to any back-country traveler for the remainder of the season! Stay diligent when assessing size of slope and consequences when moving around shallow areas with in the snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: May 7th, 2014 4:00PM