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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 2nd, 2017–Apr 3rd, 2017
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Rockies.

Snowfall amounts are variable and uncertain for Sunday night. Watch for wind slabs at higher elevations.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Unstable weather will bring spotty precipitation with 0-20 cm of snow possible, gusty winds, and freezing level dropping to the valley. MONDAY: Cloudy with some lingering flurries in the morning then clearing in the afternoon, light north winds, freezing level climbing to 1600 m.TUESDAY: Sunny, moderate west wind, freezing level up to 2000 m after an overnight freeze.WEDNESDAY: Sunny with patchy clouds, moderate west winds, freezing level climbing to 2500 m with little overnight freeze.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported. On Friday, there were numerous loose wet avalanches up to size 2 at all elevations on solar exposed aspects in the north Elk Valley area.On Monday, fresh storm slabs are the primary concern. Deep persistent slabs will become a growing concern throughout the week as temperatures warm up.

Snowpack Summary

Expect a wide range of new snow amounts on Monday morning. The new snow will sit above a mixture of crusts and moist snow surfaces that formed with the recent warm temperatures and solar radiation. Wind slabs are a possible at higher elevations, where the warming effect has been less dramatic. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern, and may be triggered by large loads like cornice falls, or strong solar radiation on a clear day.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may continue to be triggered at higher elevations.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

A heavy trigger such as a cornice fall or smaller avalanche could trigger a deeper persistent slab avalanches, especially when the snow warms up later this week.
Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.Recognize and avoid avalanche runout zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 4