Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 10th, 2014–Apr 11th, 2014

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Avalanche conditions can change quickly this time of year. Today was cool and windy, but on Tuesday a large avalanche blew over Cascade Waterfall. Spring conditions are unique, and can be hard to forecast. Click here to read how we are handling it.

Weather Forecast

Westerly flow with strong winds forecast over the next few days. Expect a mix of sun and clouds for Friday with freezing levels reaching 1900 meters. Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing (-3 to -7) range but expect lots of heat in sheltered south facing locations. No new snow in the immediate weather forecast.

Snowpack Summary

Cooler temperatures and wind should keep the surface of the snowpack cool on Friday, although low elevation south facing terrain will heating up. This time of year we are mainly concerned with shallow snowpack areas (<200cm), where avalanches may fail on deep facetted layers. Areas with snowpack depths >250 cm are generally strong and stable.

Avalanche Summary

Sunshine reported one size 2 cornice failure that landed on the slope below and did not trigger a slab - NE aspect. Otherwise no new avalanches reported or observed.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Although conditions are improving, it is still a good idea to avoid large, steep (>35 degree) slopes in areas where the total snowpack depth is <200cm. Use your probe and to check for snowpack depth and strength.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Cornices

April is cornice season, and on most days we observe a cornice failure. Expect these on an almost daily basis this time of year, as the mountains shed their snowpack. Try to avoid traveling under cornices, or do it early while it's still cold out.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2