Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2018 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

stephen holeczi, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Warmer temperatures are on the way. Although it will likely stay cloudy for most of the region Thursday, watch locally for the effect of the sun as this could increase the avalanche danger in steep, sunny terrain.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Warmer temperatures are on the way. Out East expect valley bottom temperatures to reach above 0C during the day, and alpine temperatures staying below freezing. Out towards Lake Louise it should stay mainly cloudy, but less cloudy in the Banff region where the effect of the sun could be more pronounced. Some very light snow (1-3cm) is possible

Snowpack Summary

Variable amounts of storm snow (10-25 cm) from last weekend now sit on top of a supportive mid-pack. The new snow has seen considerable wind transport in the alpine forming thin wind slabs. Sun crust is starting to form on solar aspects. The deeper facet layers down 80-150 cm remain weak but are laying dormant currently.

Avalanche Summary

Some small (sz.1) thin wind slab activity has been noted in the last 24 hours from extensive wind transport in the region. Some sluffing of little consequence caused by the sun was also noted in rocky terrain reminding us the sun is starting to have that strong effect.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Increasing alpine West winds have formed wind slabs in lee areas near ridge crests. In steep unsupported terrain skier triggering is possible.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Dry

Loose dry sluffs from steep terrain were noted Wednesday. Although small in nature, it will be a concern in steep confined gullies, and/or where the old snow below the storm snow is weak and facetted.

On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2018 4:00PM