Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

May 5 – 6, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The snow is deep! 45 cm of storm snow has fallen, making excellent powder conditions on shaded slopes. Sun exposed slopes got baked today (only takes 5 minutes), so expect some breakable crust. We'll need a few days for a melt/freeze cycle to return.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    The 45 cm of recent storm snow will turn moist almost immediately when touched by the sun. Expect this to result in loose, wet snow avalanches occurring as soon as the day begins to warm up.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    This problem persists, and today we experienced a large settlement when we walked through a shallow snowpack area.  We still have respect for large alpine slopes that did not produce an avalanche yet this winter.

Weather Forecast

The storm is over. Expect a mix of sun and cloud for Tuesday, with temperatures remaining below seasonal normals - high for Tuesday is -3 in at treeline. This pattern will continue, with a nice week ahead of sun/clouds and cool air. No precipitation is expected in the next few days. Wednesday looks to be the best day of the week.

Snowpack Summary

Another 5-10 cm of low density fluff fell on Sunday night, bringing the total storm snow accumulation to 45 cm. This snow is becoming moist on all but north aspects and below 2400 meters, and a few cycles of melt/freeze will be needed before the surface forms a strong crust again. Below this is a weak crust from last week, and moist snow below.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose snow avalanches were observed today running from rocks on south aspects.

Confidence

Regions covered