Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2013 4:37PM

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

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Unsettled weather will bring light snow to region through Friday. Freezing levels around 2100 m with little recovery over night. Saturday brings heavier snow fall and cooler temperatures. With the new snowfall thin wind slabs can be expected near ridge tops.

Snowpack Summary

Five to 10 cm storm of snow along the divide sits over a sun crusts on most aspects except true north. Weak freezes and the insulating aspect of the new snow bring minimal recovery of crusts overnight. Crusts at tree-line and below are breaking down by mid-day.

Avalanche Summary

The naturalÂ isothermal cycle we have been seeing the past few days has subsided. However, if the sun comes out we still expect to see natural activity and the potential for skier triggered avalanches in the afternoon when the surface crusts start breaking down. A skier triggered Class 2 slab to ground was reported near Lake Louise today.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose snow avalanches can still be expected on solar aspects with day time heating. Minimal freeze overnight means crusts are not as strong and will break down sooner in the day.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wet Slabs

Wet snow slab avalanches are still a concern with day time heating. Moist snow under the crusts means that any slide triggered has the potential to step down to ground. Large avalanches are still possible. See forecast details.