Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 1 – 2, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Forecasters have transitioned to springtime danger ratings. Early starts and finishes are crucial. Avalanche danger relates directly to solar input and daytime warming.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2
    Dry snow remains on alpine, north aspect slopes. We have not seen an avalanche regarding this problem for a while, but if anywhere could release a dry slab it would be here. Approach this terrain carefully.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5
    Start early and finish early (by noon). Once the day begins to warm up, avoid any gully features where wet snow may run.

Weather Forecast

While it is forecasted to remain cool at ridge top, tomorrow is supposed to be clear so the solar radiation may be intense. The wind is expected to be light. Avalanche danger is related directly to solar input and and warming daytime temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is melt-freeze crust on all areas except alpine and treeline north and east aspects where up to 20 cm of soft snow remains from several days ago. By early afternoon the surface crusts are softening with daily warming. There is still concern for a buried facet layer in the upper 30 cm of the snowpack on alpine N aspects.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed today. There have been several small cornice failures over the past w days associated with the warmest parts of the day.

Confidence

Regions covered