Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 15 – 16, 2015Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Ski quality is improving at Treeline and above but cooler temps and more snow at lower elevations will be needed to heal the damage from the warm weather as of late.  Watch out for cornices and for wind slabs in isolated locations at ridge top.  PJ

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    20cm distributed by winds will make wind slabs touchy in the short term.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    The lower half of the snowpack is weak due to the presence of basal facets and depth hoar. This layer has been dormant lately but may waken up with the warm temperatures , rain, or in shallow areas.

Weather Forecast

Precipitation associated with a warm front will spread into the southern Rockies today.  Up-slope style precipitation will continue tonight and through most of Monday before the Front weakens on Monday evening and moves into Alberta. 

Snowpack Summary

5-15cm's of new snow appears to the bonding well to a variety of old surfaces.  The snowpack below the elevation of the 1900 meters has absorbed some liquid water from the yesterday's storm and in the lower BTL elevations the snowpack will be rain soaked and isothermal below any crusts that may have developed with the cooler temps last night.

Avalanche Summary

Some small wind slabs reacting to ski cuts and explosives but nothing larger than size 1.5.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Monday

Regions covered