Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2018 3:55PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Rising freezing levels combined with full sun will gradually elevate avalanche danger in the coming days.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest wind. Alpine temperature -2. Freezing level 1900 m. THURSDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods. Light southwest wind. Alpine temperature 0. Freezing level 2300 m. FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate west wind. Alpine temperature 0. Freezing level 2300 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region on the weekend, although this time of year there is a lack of information being submitted to us. If you have been out, please take some time to post your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

10-15 cm of new snow and moderate winds have formed fresh storm and wind slabs which are most reactive in wind affected terrain. These storm slabs overlie numerous crusts within the top 100 cm of the snowpack. A well settled mid-pack sits above sugary facets in many parts of the region, especially thin snowpack areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and wind on have combined to create wind slabs on the down wind side of terrain features.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Use caution when transitioning into wind affected terrain.Watch for signs of instability such as whumphing, cracking, or recent natural avalanching.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the new snow and cause loose wet avalanches on steep solar slopes.

Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling or the surface snow becoming moist.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2018 2:00PM