Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2013 9:23AM

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

mpeter, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Danger could INCREASE TO CONSIDERABLE with intense radiation on south and west aspects, especially at treeline and below. Be aware of how the warm weather is changing the snowpack.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Monday/Tuesday: High pressure reigns supreme! Expect continuing sunny skies, light winds and temperatures reaching into the double digits.Wednesday: The ridge should begin to break down. Expect clouds to build with the chance of flurries. Afternoon alpine temperatures could still reach 5 with moderate westerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose wet avalanches up to size 1 were reported.

Snowpack Summary

We are in a classic spring melt freeze cycle. The surface snow becomes moistÂ up to 2200m on all aspect and to ridgecrest on south and west facing slopes. Large cornices are becoming weak due to strong solar radiation and warming temperatures. Surface hoar growth and surface facetting is happening at night on high sheltered, northerly aspects. Isolated wind slabs exist in the immediate lee of ridge crests and terrain featuresA buried rain crust can be found down 50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m. The bonds at the crust has shown variability though the region. It is important to dig down and test weak layers before dropping into your line. A large trigger such as a cornice fall or a skier/sledder hitting the sweet spot could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer.

Problems

Cornices

Large looming cornices exist on most ridgelines. They are a hazard in themselves and they could trigger slopes below. Wind loaded and cross-loaded slopes may still be found at upper elevations.

Stay well back from cornices.>Be wary of slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Loose Wet

Warmer afternoon temperatures and sunshine may promote deterioration within the upper snowpack. If surface snow becomes moist or wet, loose wet avalanches are likely. Watch solar aspects.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Watch for wet slab activity with forecast warm temperatures.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2013 2:00PM