Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 7th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Lisa Paulson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Great conditions! Most solar aspects have crusted up, best conditions will be found on North aspects.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Clear tonight with freezing levels at valley bottom. Tomorrow expect sun and cloud, light west wind, and freezing levels to rise to 2000 m. Alpine temperatures should remain cool (-5C range). Freezing levels will gradually climb with each day as we approach the weekend. Flurries and unsettled weather are forecasted for Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Recent 20-40cm of storm snow at treeline continues to settle and bond well to underlying surfaces. A thin breakable sun crust exists on solar aspects. The midpack is generally well settled with no major concerns. The bottom of the snow pack consists of depth hoar and facets.

Avalanche Summary

Some solar induced sluffing up to size 1.5 out of steep terrain and loose dry avalanches up to size 1 have been observed in the last 36hrs. They likely occurred later in the day over the past few days. This pattern will continue the next few days with solar input. For tomorrow, the temperatures should remain relatively cool through day.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Loose Wet

The effects of solar radiation will increase the hazard on steep solar aspects during the course of the day. Travel early in the day while the hazard is Low on any exposed solar aspects and watch for increased avalanche hazard as temperatures rise.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 8th, 2015 4:00PM