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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 18th, 2018–Apr 19th, 2018
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Danger rating based on the highest rating of the day in relation to temperatures, and we expect an avy cycle on Thursday. Avalanche control on Mt. Whymper, Simpson, Vermillion, Wardle, and Mt. Bourgeau Thursday. No activities in these locations.

Weather Forecast

Mainly sunny conditions Thursday will see lots of solar input which will finally bring some spring temperatures to the region.  Light winds and no snow in the forecast. Next week looks like a very warm week which will bring a dramatic spike in the avalanche danger.  Stay tuned.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 50 cm of storm snow near the divide affected by strong SW winds Tuesday evening. Several buried temperature crusts exist to 2000m on all aspects and to ridge tops on solar slopes, including the Mar 15 sun crust down 35-50 cm in the alpine. Moist snow at lower elevations, with the entire snowpack becoming moist near valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

Some size 2 wind slabs reported at sunshine with explosives.  Avalanche control on Mt. Bosworth Wednesday produced avalanches to size 3 with good propagations up to 200m wide, and further West a size 3.5 out of Emerald Lake slidepath occurred last evening.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Thursday

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

High solar input Thursday will increase the avalanche danger at all elevations. Watch locally for exposure to sun and how it is affecting the terrain you are on.
Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

20-50 cm of storm snow has fallen over the past few days with the greater amounts near the divide. Increased SW wind Tuesday afternoon loaded lee terrain creating reactive windslabs producing large results Wed.  See avalanche discussion.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

While it has been several days since there have been any confirmed events directly associated with the March 15 crust, other temperature crusts have now become buried in similar locations and are providing a good sliding layer for the new storm snow.
Be cautious with convexities and steep slopes on solar aspects.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5