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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 27th, 2019–Apr 28th, 2019
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

With 30-40 cm of new snow expected in the high alpine by Sunday, this is a good time to step back in your terrain choices. Stick to moderate angled terrain with minimal overhead hazard until the storm snow begins to bond with the underlying layers.

Weather Forecast

Back to winter with alpine temperatures in the -10 to -15'C range and valley bottoms just above freezing expected for tomorrow. The snow is supposed to finish Saturday night with a mix of sun and cloud expected on Sunday. Winds will remain strong overnight but drop into the light range by late in the day on Sunday as they switch from NE back to NW.

Snowpack Summary

15-20 cm of new snow fell at treeline on Saturday with up to 30-40 cm expected in high alpine areas. Wind loading is present on alpine lee alpine areas from moderate to strong W through NE winds. Supportive crusts exist below this new snow on solar aspects and at lower elevations. Isolated pockets of deep facets still exist on cold north exposures.

Avalanche Summary

Some small storm slabs observed on Saturday. Skier controlled small storm slabs in alpine lee areas reported by the local ski areas during control work on Saturday. One cornice failure on Thursday resulting in injuries to the party skiing below so keep those in mind as well. We expect increased avalanche activity Sunday as the storm slab develops.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

15-40 cm of new snow from the storm and wind on Saturday is forming a slab over a variety of old wind slabs, crusts and facets in the alpine. Natural avalanches are possible and triggering these in steep terrain will be likely on Sunday.

  • The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
  • Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

The new storm snow will heat up quickly and begin sluffing on steep solar aspects when the sun comes out on Sunday. Avoid this type of terrain once the day warms up.

  • Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Persistent Slabs

We have seen some evidence of lingering deeper instabilities in the alpine from various crust and facets layers in April. These have been triggered by cornice falls and wind slabs. Keep checking for these weaknesses in steep alpine features.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2