Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 12 – 13, 2018Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

The non-spring like conditions continue. Mainly cloudy for Friday, but there could be more solar input on the East slopes which may increase the afternoon avalanche danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    This wind slabs can be expected in the high alpine on lee aspects.  These have been losing sensitivity over the past few days. 

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    Forecasters are still concerned about the March 15 crust which is down 25-50 cm on steeper solar aspects. There has been sporadic but regular skier and explosive triggered avalanches on this layer over the past several weeks.

Weather Forecast

Friday's forecast is for 5-10cm along the divide, light to moderate SW winds, and 2000m freezing levels. We could see 20-30cm by Sunday night along the divide with almost no snow in the Eastern parts (Banff).

Snowpack Summary

Some wind effect and thin wind slabs in isolated areas have been noted in the alpine. Various types of temperature crusts or moist snow found on solar aspects and found on all aspects below 2000m. The March 15 suncrust is down 25-50 cm on solar aspects and still is a concern for skier triggering.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered