Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 29th, 2014 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

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!

Summary

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

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

Valid until: Apr 30th, 2014 4:00PM