Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 16 – 17, 2015Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Last nights up-slope storm dropped up to 20cm on the southern and eastern areas of the forecast region with little to no wind. Great skiing to be had, but watch for hidden rocks and give any older windslabs some time to settle.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Moderate to strong SW winds on Saturday evening created wind slabs that will be most touchy where they overly suncrusts.

  • 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 be more sensitive with the new load, especially in thin areas.

Weather Forecast

We are under the influence of a ridge of high pressure until Friday. Tuesday will be a great day to be in the mountains with light winds, sunny skies and a good freeze. Wednesday and Thursday will have weaker freezes and potentially cloudier skies, but light winds and no precip.

Snowpack Summary

5 - 20 cm's of new snow with light E winds from last night overlies a variety of old surfaces. Northern and western areas received less snow than Southern and Eastern areas. This new snow overlies isolated windslabs in the alpine and at treeline from Saturday PM's warm/ windy storm. Below 1900m, surface crusts exist as long as temps stay cool.

Avalanche Summary

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

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Regions covered