Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 21st, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Loose Wet and Wet Slabs.

stephen holeczi, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Precipitation is in the forecast. We hope for snow, but expect plenty of rain. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Continued high freezing levels Friday as Easterly winds provide upslope snow and /or rain Friday evening.Â A cooling trend for the weekend with current forecasts showing up to 40mm from Friday night to Sunday night possible.Â Snow should fall at higher elevations, but expect plenty of rain for a large part of the forecast period.Â

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is enduring repeated freeze/thaw cycles with very high overnight freezing levels the past few nights. Avalanche danger predominantly relates to temperature, sun affect and surface crust integrity under these conditions (spring).

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today however afternoon loose/wet avalanches are a daily occurrence.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

All avalanche terrain should be avoided later in the day when the crust on top of the snowpack breaks down due to daytime heating. There will be minimal overnight recovery Friday AM.

Travel early on frozen crusts before the heat of the day.Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wet Slabs

Wet slabs will be a major concern with the forecasted high freezing levels and poor overnight recovery. If it is not a significantly frozen snowpack in the morning make other plans.

Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes in the afternoon.If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 22nd, 2016 4:00PM