Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 29th, 2014–Apr 30th, 2014

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high

Below Treeline

4: High

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be high

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Forecasters are uncertain about the daytime high tomorrow. The snow will likely be frozen in the early morning and will deteriorate quickly in the afternoon. EXPECT to observe an avalanche cycle tomorrow afternoon. Be home early!

Weather Forecast

The freezing level is expected to rise significantly on Wednesday afternoon. Expect the heat to initiate a major avalanche cycle. It could be quite frozen Wednesday morning with a lower danger rating, but things will deteriorate by 1pm. Additionally, a system is moving in on Friday that will bring cold temps and light snowfall.

Snowpack Summary

All areas of the park have a strong melt-freeze crust up to about 2400 meters, slightly bit lower on north aspects. Above that, dry snow persists with up to 10cm of settled powder in shaded areas and moist snow in the afternoon on solar aspects. Isolated, small windslabs exist in leeward areas in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet avalanches we observed in the Moraine Lake area today up to size 2 on solar aspects.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Wednesday

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

With the first major warm spell in the double digits fast approaching, this problem will be a concern. Managing this problem will include being back early before the day heats up in the afternoon.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 4

Loose Wet

This will largely be a major concern on solar aspects in the heat of the afternoon. Plan your day accordingly and be home early.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4