Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2015 4:00PM

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

conrad janzen, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

A few cm`s of fresh snow has created some small, isolated wind slabs in alpine areas to watch for. Ski quality is still highly variable but there are pockets of good skiing to be found. Stay warm and take normal avalanche precautions in steep terrain

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cold clear weather with light to moderate N winds is forecast for the next couple of days with alpine temperatures dipping down to -25`C overnight on Monday and Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

A few cm's of new snow with light to moderate N winds forming isolated small wind slabs in the alpine and near ridge crests. Below this a 40-60cm slab of stiff snow sits over the weak basal facets and depth hoar. Triggering this would be difficult but it is possible in steep, rocky, shallow snowpack areas, cross-loaded terrain or moraines.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported or observed today.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The lower half of the snowpack is weak due to the presence of basal facets and depth hoar. Natural and human triggering is unlikely, but possible in steep, open , rocky slopes with shallow snow.

Travel conditions are difficult at lower elevations and in the trees.Ski crampons make travel easier and safer on frozen surface conditions

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2015 4:00PM