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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 26th, 2013–Mar 27th, 2013
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Early Spring conditions exist with associated hazards. The danger rating may be lower if there is a good freeze, and will deteriorate with daytime warming.

Weather Forecast

Continued sunny weather with light winds cool nights and warm days. Temperatures are generally rising (warmer highs and lows), so overnight freezes won't be as good.  Alpine winds may pick up on Friday from the NW.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is mostly stable except for isolated wind slabs and solar effects on southerly aspects with daytime heating. Cornices are still a concern and cornice falls have triggered some deep slabs in the last week. Weaker shallow snowpack areas should still be treated with caution, especially as they warm up in the afternoon sun.

Avalanche Summary

One size 2 natural  at treeline on a west aspect on Mt. Andromache. This was a deep slab that failed on the basal facets in the afternoon sun today or yesterday (see facebook page for photo).  Another size 2.5 on a NE aspect of Pilot Mtn.  This was in the alpine and may have been triggered by a cornice fall. 

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

In shallow snowpack areas, particularly east of the divide, whumphing has subsided.  However, recent avalanche activity from cornice falls and warm temperatures shows it is still a layer to be respected.
Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Cornices

There have been a number of cornice falls observed over the last week, some triggering deep storm slabs beneath.  Cornices are large at this time of year and have a higher potential to fall down on warm days.
Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3