Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Apr 3 – 4, 2013Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Loose snow avalanches can still be expected on solar aspects with day time heating. Minimal freeze overnight means crusts are not as strong and will break down sooner in the day.

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Wet snow slab avalanches are still a concern with day time heating. Moist snow under the crusts means that any slide triggered has the potential to step down to ground. Large avalanches are still possible. See forecast details.

Weather Forecast

Unsettled weather will bring light snow to region through Friday. Freezing levels around 2100 m with little recovery over night. Saturday brings heavier snow fall and cooler temperatures. With the new snowfall thin wind slabs can be expected near ridge tops.

Snowpack Summary

Five to 10 cm storm of snow along the divide sits over a sun crusts on most aspects except true north. Weak freezes and the insulating aspect of the new snow bring minimal recovery of crusts overnight. Crusts at tree-line and below are breaking down by mid-day.

Avalanche Summary

The natural  isothermal cycle we have been seeing the past few days has subsided. However, if the sun comes out we still expect to see natural activity and the potential for skier triggered avalanches in the afternoon when the surface crusts start breaking down. A skier triggered Class 2 slab to ground was reported near Lake Louise today.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Regions covered