Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2014 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.

grant statham, Parks Canada

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.

Summary

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

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

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2014 4:00PM