Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 7th, 2013 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Expect poor isothermal conditions below tree line. Better overnight recovery is expected on Monday night.

Summary

Weather Forecast

On Monday, freezing levels should remain below surface, which will contribute to improving conditions and making triggering less likely. On Tuesday, a clearing pattern will provide opportunity for the sun to come out which will raise temperatures during the day and provide solar input to South and West aspects late in the day increasing the danger.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20cm of moist snow sits over top of a crust that was formed last week. Many places below 2000m expect to find an isothermal snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Today 3 size 2 avalanches were observed in the Vernillion Slide paths in Kootenay. The recent moist storm snow likely slid on a crust that was formed last week.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Loose Wet

Below treeline expect near isothermal conditions with little freeze. At treeline and above, natural loose wet avalanches will occur if the sun comes out and the day heats up.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wet Slabs

The highest likelihood for deep wet slabs is from daytime warming on solar aspects, or from periods of rain, especially from thin areas where slabs overly facets or depth hoar.

Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.