Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 7th, 2016 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

New Icon: https://www.facebook.com/ParksMountainSafety/posts/973703469346309Get out early and be done before the afternoon or when crusts begin to break down.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Hot and sunny conditions mean you will have to be done with the outdoors very early in the day.

Snowpack Summary

The morning snowpack is strong when frozen, but this can rapidly break down with warming. In many places the snowpack is sitting on a deep persistent layer of facets that has been avalanching with solar heating over the previous week.

Avalanche Summary

Only smaller loose wet avalanches were noted today.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep facet layers remain weak especially in thin snowpack areas. Hot and sunny conditions on Friday preclude afternoon travel in steep areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Wet

In the afternoon any steep slopes should be avoided when the crust on top of the snowpack melts. Start early and finish early!

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

We have seen numerous cornice failures in the past week during periods of warm temperatures, some of which have triggered large slabs on the slopes below. Minimize your time under these at this time of the year.

Even small cornice falls may trigger larger avalanches.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 8th, 2016 4:00PM