Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 17th, 2012 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Storm Slabs and Cornices.

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

With sunny periods and fairly calm conditions, the sun will start to pack some punch on solar aspects, This may result in increased hazard. Conditions are improving on the Valentines surface hoar, but we are far from a green light. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The Valentines surface hoar layer has been less reactive and is producing harder shears as bridging strength increases. Confidence is slowly building but as it is now buried 70-120cm deep, slopes which get triggered will produce large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs up to 50cm thick have been less reactive today,but can be still triggered in steeper terrain. Areas around ridge crests will be most susceptible.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Cooler but sunny periods are forecast, and we could see some of the big cornices start to fail again as the sun heats them up. A cornice release could be the trigger needed to tickle the weaker layers below.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 18th, 2012 4:00PM