Note - This was issued in the evening after the incident on Vice President.
Their Archives seemed to end in late March so the previous days was unavailable.

Banff, Kootenay and  Yoho National Parks
Avalanche Bulletin
 Date / Time Issued:   April 9, 2004 at 2000 hrs
Valid  Until:   April 10, 2004 at 16:00 hrs
 
Forecast Area:  
This forecast covers the east and west sides of the Continental Divide from the Wapta Icefields 
area in the north to the Sunshine area in the south. It also includes the Main Range area from 
Lake Louise to Bow Summit. 

Danger Rating: 
Alpine           Moderate*
Treeline         Low*
Below Treeline   Low*


Discussion:   The forecast area experienced a relatively hard freeze overnight, which created a strong 
crust in most locations. Cooler temperatures, especially in the north kept the snow pack intact for most 
of the afternoon. However, a human triggered cornice failure in Yoho National Park produced a size three 
avalanche on an East aspect starting at 3100m and running full path. The slab stepped down to the rocks 
with the crown over a metre deep in some places. As well, a number of other natural avalanches were 
observed on sun-exposed slopes, demonstrating the deterioration of the snow pack that is occuring with 
this spring weather. We should see another strong freeze overnight with temperatures hitting –10 C in 
the Lake Louise area. Daytime warming will be more pronounced tomorrow and we will continue to see avalanche 
activity.   The avalanche danger will rise to High on all aspects in the afternoons with daytime warming.  

Outlook:   Expect another two days of blue sky and warm temperatures. Watch for overnight freezing and be 
leery of big travel days when a minimal melt freeze crust was produced.  

Travel Conditions:   Excellent skiing and riding can be found until the sun and temperatures get after the 
slopes. Isothermal conditions where experienced at lower elevations making the travel brutal in uncompacted 
snow. Get up very early to enjoy the best traveling, and spend the afternoon on an outdoor patio in town. 

MH