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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 5th, 2021–Apr 6th, 2021
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
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

There was a fatal avalanche on Haddo Peak today near Lake Louise. See the MIN report for preliminary details. Tomorrow will be warmer than today, start very early, and finish early.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday appears to be a similar day to Monday with the exception that the temperatures may be slightly warmer. The wind is supposed to increase to strong in the afternoon from the SW. Approximately 5 cm is expected overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

10-20 cm of new snow at treeline over previous crusts and wind effect. New wind slabs forming in alpine lee areas from moderate to strong SW-W winds. Moist snow on all aspects up to 1800 m and higher on solar aspects on Sunday. The March 19 crust interface is down 30-60 cm. Basal facets exist in shallow areas east of the divide.

Avalanche Summary

Visitor safety specialists responded to a fatal avalanche accident on Haddo Peak near Lake Louise this morning. It occurred at  2950m on an East aspect. One skier was able to cling to the bed surface while the other was swept down the mountain. Dimensions were 40m x 650m. Information is preliminary. Check the MIN for further info.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Tuesday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs have formed in lee areas of the alpine from the new snow and wind on Monday. The snow appears to be bonding but may still be triggered by skiers especially at higher elevations where the wind loading was more intense.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially in steep confined alpine terrain.
  • Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Strong solar input on Tues and even warmer temps will increase the likelihood of small loose wet avalanches on steep solar aspects, especially in thin snowpack or rocky areas. Plan your day to avoid this type of terrain as the surface snow warms up.

  • Minimize exposure when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Cornices

Cornices are big and the springtime is when they fall off more frequently. We have had fairly regular observations of cornice failures over the past few weeks, so minimize your exposure to them especially as the day heats up or the winds increase.

  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5