Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 6 – 7, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

With the recent new snow and high uncertainty with the deeper layers now is the time for conservative decision making.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Lots of fresh snow and moderate southerly winds have created touchy wind slabs 40-60 cm deep in the alpine.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Test results on the Feb 10 layer generally in the moderate range but still show lots of potential for good propagation if triggered. Recent storm snow may be enough to activate this layer (see avalanche details). Lots of uncertainly with this layer

Weather Forecast

The storm will continue through to Thursday evening with another 15 cm forecasted. High temperatures in the alpine around -3 with light winds. Mixed sun and cloud with some flurries on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Sunshine, Kootenay and Yoho areas have received thirty to 40 cm of storm snow since March 2.  Lesser amounts around Lake Louise and Bow Summit. Forty to 80 cm of settled snow on the Feb 10 interface is producing moderate sudden planar results. Fresh windslabs up to 40 cm deep in alpine are reactive to skier control.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous skier controlled winds-slabs 40-60 cm deep up to size 2 reported from Sunshine. Two significant skier triggered avalanches (Class 2 and 2.5) reported at 1700 m (east aspect) in Kootenay. These initiated 50-100 cm down on the Feb 10 interface and propagated up to 100 m. This suggests that the Feb 10 layer may be getting overloaded.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Thursday

Regions covered