Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 31 – Apr 1, 2013Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Travel is good but timing is everything now as the snow is becoming unstable with daytime heating. Get a very early start and be home on the deck before things start falling down JBW

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    Cornice failures have increased in number as the freezing levels rise. They have been? triggering some slab avalanches, or have enough mass themselves to be a significant avalanche. Be aware of what is over your head.

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–4
    Today there were many more loose wet and wet slab avalanches as the freezing level rose and there was less overnight freeze. Timing is critical to travel while crusts are intact and remember what may be happening in the sun above you.

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will continue to be warm with mainly clear skies. Each afternoon the freezing level rises and the temperatures slightly warmer.

Snowpack Summary

Another hot day with less overnight recovery resulted in a rash of late afternoon wet avalanches today. Cascade waterfall failed on the ground in a wet slab that ran to the bottom of the falls. The snowpack is stable when the crusts are intact, but have regard for what is happening on the slopes far above you.

Avalanche Summary

A serac fall triggered a size 3.5 slab on the east face of Mt. Lefroy estimated 1. 5 metres thick and 700m wide. Numerous wet sluffs and slabs to size three with afternoon heating.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Regions covered