Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 29 – 30, 2019Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The main concern right now is daytime heating. Start and finish early to take advantage of the colder temps and reduced avalanche hazard in the mornings. Some lingering concerns for deeper weak layers also exist as we transition to spring conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–2
    Weak buried facets are still present in many thin areas. On higher N aspects these have not necessarily been impacted much by the recent heat. This is not currently a big concern in most areas but something to keep in mind if entering bigger terrain.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5
    Depending where you are, avalanche activity may increase with an increase in solar activity.

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud will bring slightly warmer temperatures and increased solar inputs. Day time highs will reach +7'C at valley bottoms but stay below freezing in the alpine. Forecasted winds are generally light. We currently expect a cooler cloudy day on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of recent storm snow overlies a supportive melt freeze crust. Some cold North faces and thin areas hold deep facets still. Many areas have a cohesive mid-pack over the basal facets. Lower elevations can become isothermal in the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

No activity was noted today

Confidence

Regions covered