Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 22nd, 2019–Mar 23rd, 2019

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Watch for intense outbreaks of sun and wet snowpack areas. Reduce your risk by getting out early and finishing early, while the snowpack is still cold.

Weather Forecast

Cold Friday night, then any possible combination of warm, sun, cloud, rain and snow. Not much of anything is expected, so be aware if it is sunny or rainy for a while where you are that conditions may be worsening.

Snowpack Summary

We are moving towards a spring snowpack with isothermal releases in thin areas and on sun-exposed slopes. Risk is greatly reduced by finishing the day early before things heat up.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches were noted again today.Â

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Rapidly warming daytime temperatures and high solar inputs are causing loose wet avalanches to start by mid morning. Some of these are running long distances or triggering slabs along the way. Avoid exposure to these slopes when they heat up.

Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Wet Slabs

Extended warm temperatures, solar radiation and buried weak layers are producing wet slab avalanches in all locations except high alpine, north (shady) aspects. The simple answer is to avoid all avalanche terrain until it cools and the snow freezes.

Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes.Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5