Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 10 – 11, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche conditions can change quickly this time of year. Today was cool and windy, but on Tuesday a large avalanche blew over Cascade Waterfall.  Spring conditions are unique, and can be hard to forecast. Click here to read how we are handling it.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    April is cornice season, and on most days we observe a cornice failure. Expect these on an almost daily basis this time of year, as the mountains shed their snowpack. Try to avoid traveling under cornices, or do it early while it's still cold out.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Although conditions are improving, it is still a good idea to avoid large, steep (>35 degree) slopes in areas where the total snowpack depth is <200cm. Use your probe and to check for snowpack depth and strength.

Weather Forecast

Westerly flow with strong winds forecast over the next few days. Expect a mix of sun and clouds for Friday with freezing levels reaching 1900 meters. Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing (-3 to -7) range but expect lots of heat in sheltered south facing locations. No new snow in the immediate weather forecast.

Snowpack Summary

Cooler temperatures and wind should keep the surface of the snowpack cool on Friday, although low elevation south facing terrain will heating up. This time of year we are mainly concerned with shallow snowpack areas (<200cm), where avalanches may fail on deep facetted layers. Areas with snowpack depths >250 cm are generally strong and stable.

Avalanche Summary

Sunshine reported one size 2 cornice failure that landed on the slope below and did not trigger a slab - NE aspect. Otherwise no new avalanches reported or observed.

Confidence

Regions covered