Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 6th, 2012 4:37PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Afternoon cloud & light NE winds will likely keep slopes cool again tomorrow. Expect a strong freeze tonight. Still a winter snowpack with active deep weaknesses. Be mindful of prolonged sun affect increasing the avalanche hazard. LP

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

The recent storm snow (up to 35 cm in Kootenay) is sitting on several sun-crusts, which can provide a good sliding interface. Daytime heating & solar affect can increase the hazard on slopes overhead or on steeper terrain where buried crusts exist.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs have been found in the alpine. Be extra careful in the immediate lees of alpine ridges, and on steep convex rolls.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Both the basal facet layer and the Feb 12 surface hoar are still surprising us a with isolated large avalanches, some being triggered by skiers. The terrain of most concern are weak, shallow and rocky snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 7th, 2012 4:00PM