Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 4th, 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.

grant statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The drought continues with yet another beautiful day of blue skies and cold temperatures. While ski conditions may be marginal at treeline and below, climbing conditions are excellent for both ice and big alpine ascents. Get it while you can.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A NW flow aloft continues to keep the region under the influence of cold air, although gradual warming is underway for the weekend.Â Expect a high on Thursday of -5, with a weak system crossing the area starting that night. With any luck we will see 5 cm of snow on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Despite the presence of weak facets and depth hoar near the ground, the weak layers in the snowpack are largely dormant right now. This is a result of past warming and rain, combined with current cold temperatures and no significant snow for several weeks. Once the temperatures warm up and/or new snow arrives then the weak layers will re-activate.

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 facets and depth hoar. Natural and human triggering is unlikely as the weak layer is dormant, but it is still a good practice to avoid steep, open, rocky slopes with shallow snow.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 5th, 2015 4:00PM