Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 17 – 18, 2012Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 15 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

With sunny periods and fairly calm conditions, the sun will start to pack some punch on solar aspects, This may result in increased hazard. Conditions are improving on the Valentines surface hoar, but we are far from a green light. SH

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Cooler but sunny periods are forecast, and we could see some of the big cornices start to fail again as the sun heats them up. A cornice release could be the trigger needed to tickle the weaker layers below.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    The Valentines surface hoar layer has been less reactive and is producing harder shears as bridging strength increases. Confidence is slowly building but as it is now buried 70-120cm deep, slopes which get triggered will produce large avalanches.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Storm slabs up to 50cm thick have been less reactive today,but can be still triggered in steeper terrain. Areas around ridge crests will be most susceptible.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Regions covered