Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 9th, 2012 5:09PM

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

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Freezing levels are forecast to be 3000 m on Tues and Wed. The hazard will rise throughout the day as temperatures warm and the snow becomes moist. More intense solar radiation and a quicker warm up is expected on Wed hence the higher hazard rating.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

The warm sunny days that we have been having means loose wet slides can be expected on solar aspects in the afternoon. Expect an increase in this activity over the next few days as freezing levels rise. Start and finish your tours early.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The Feb 12 surface hoar is still causing isolated slides. Areas of most concern is terrain with a weak, shallow and rocky snow-pack. In deeper snow-pack areas these layers are not as reactive. Large triggers like cornices may trigger this layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs can still be initiated around the lees of ridge crests, convex features, and where they sit on a sun crust. These are becoming more isolated as they settle out, but recent activity shows they are still possible to trigger.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 10th, 2012 4:00PM