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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 8th, 2024–Mar 9th, 2024

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay, Little Yoho, Banff, East Side 93N, Kootenay, Lake Louise, LLSA, Sunshine, West Side 93N, Field.

Saturday will be the warmest day since the storm ended. Keep this in mind when choosing terrain and the timing of your day. Start early, end early, and limit your exposure. Human triggering of avalanches is likely and natural avalanches are possible.

This is a time when practicing patience goes a long way to a safe and enjoyable day.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Helicopter bombing today (March 8th) produced numerous avalanches up to size 3 on Mt. Hector. Natural activity has tapered, but we are still seeing evidence of the widespread cycle that occurred after our most recent storm. Natural activity is still possible.

Snowpack Summary

Thin crusts are forming on solar aspects, as high as treeline. 40-80 cm of snow fell from Feb 23 to March 2. This snow continues to settle into soft slabs and has been blown into wind slabs at upper elevations. These slabs overlie the weak Feb 3 facet/crust layer that is down 40-80 cm and exists up to 2500 m and higher on solar aspects. The lower snowpack consists of several facet layers and depth hoar and is weak in shallow areas.

Weather Summary

Saturday looks to be warm and windy with a chance of snow.

On Saturday, freezing levels are expected to hit 1600-2000m. Winds in the alpine are forecast to be strong/extreme in places (60-80km/h) out of the SW. In the afternoon, areas along the divide may see 2-5cm of snow.

Sunday's temperatures are mild, with more precipitation in the pm (4-8cm) and lighter winds.

For more detailed weather information, click here.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as temperatures increase.
  • Remote triggering is a big concern, be aware of the potential for wide propagations and large, destructive avalanches at all elevations.
  • In times of uncertainty conservative terrain choices are our best defense.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.