Cornices
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely - Possible
- Size
- 2–3
Cornices along ridgelines are very large and looming. They weaken with progressive warming and could fail at any time.
Avalanche forecast
View on mapSouth Rockies
Apr 14 – 15, 2025Avalanche Canada
Archived · expired last year
Avalanche danger
Wed
Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Highlights
Give cornices a wide margin when travelling beneath them and when on ridgelines. Avalanches are unlikely where there is a thick surface crust.
Avalanche problems
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We haven't received any recent reports of avalanches.
If you head to the backcountry this weekend, please consider submitting a MIN report.
Snowpack Summary
Around 10 cm of snow from the weekend may remain dry and soft on northerly alpine slopes. Elsewhere, a hard and thick melt-freeze crust prevails. The crust may soften with daytime warming and re-freeze overnight.
There are no layers of concern in the middle and lower snowpack.
The snowpack is rapidly melting at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Clear skies. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +6 °C. Freezing level 2600 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.