Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 5 – 6, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Clear sky's and warming temperatures this week will likely effect the upper snowpack. Watch for an increase in loose dry avalanche activity on solar aspects with daytime warming.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2
    A mix of fresh and old wind slabs have been stubborn but active, and are likely only to be found in very steep or extreme terrain near wind exposed ridge crests. Pay close attention to the feeling of the surface snow under your feet.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Cold weather has created weak, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers. Solar triggering of this problem will be come more of a concern over the next few days.

Weather Forecast

The warming trend has finally arrived. Clear sky's and day time highs of -5 are expected  Tuesday, Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Prolonged cold temperatures have weakened the upper snowpack. Wind effect is common in the alpine and several recent crusts can be found on steep solar slopes. Despite the weakening slab above it, Jan 17 surface hoar lingers down 40-60 cm in isolated locations and produces hard, resistent shears. A weak basal snowpack exists in thin snowpack areas.

Avalanche Summary

The loose dry problem remains the main concern. We continue to see natural and human triggered avalanches out of most steep terrain. These avalanches are running far and entraining a substantial amount of snow. 

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Regions covered