Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 5 – 6, 2013Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Wait until freezing levels drop before going into bigger terrain.  SH

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Touchy storm slabs have been reported Friday.  Check for the bond of any new  slabs to the surfaces below. This condition should improve over the new couple of days as freezing levels drop.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    With little overnight freeze at lower elevations, watch for loose wet avalanches below treeline on all aspects, and solar aspects at treeline and above.

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
      This will be more prevalent at lower elevations due to lack of freeze, but if the sun pops out Saturday, there is the potential for deeper releases as the day warms up.  Cornices will act as an ideal trigger.

Weather Forecast

Little to no freeze expected below 1800-1900m.  Up to 10cm of new snow expected in the alpine Saturday afternoon/night. Expect some rain West of the divide Saturday.  We should see decreasing freezing levels Sunday and Monday mornings to valley bottom. 

Snowpack Summary

5-15 cm of new, dense snow sits over sun crusts on most aspects except true north. Rain showers, overcast skies, and the insulating aspect of the new snow brought no overnight recovery below 2000m Friday.  We can expect the same on Saturday.

Avalanche Summary

Sunshine Village was reporting very touchy storm slabs in most alpine areas 15-30cm thick. One size 3 natural on Mount Stephen occurred within the last 24 hours on a North aspect.  Due to poor visibility it is unknown how far up the peak it started from. Click here for a photo.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered