Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 3rd, 2013–Apr 4th, 2013

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Glacier.

No overnight refreeze below 2000m, will make for challenging ski conditions and the possibility of large wet avalanches. Sluffs or cornices dropping onto a wet slope may cause a large avalanche to come from below 2000m and run to valley bottom.

Weather Forecast

Cloudy conditions today with light winds and no precipitation in the forecast, then a clearing trend into Thursday, followed by a weak storm on Thursday night and into the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Multiple crusts and moist snow in the upper one meter of the snow pack on south, east and west aspects has not refrozen overnight due to 2000m freezeline. On due north aspects there may still be dry snow to be found at tree line and above.

Avalanche Summary

5 natural moist to wet avalanches from size 1.5 to 3.0 along the highway corridor. Many recent glide crack avalanches.Numerous loose wet avalanches to size 2.5 in the backcountry on solar aspects.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

With no refreeze overnight at 2000m, expect avalanche conditions where the snowpack is soft and isothermal.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Glide cracks, gaping cracks in the snowpack, exist on many slopes and have been failing with the warm temps. They can fail unpredictably, and release the entire snowpack to the ground.

Watch for glide cracks.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are large and unsupported. They are weak from the warm temperatures, and if they fail, may trigger deeper slabs.

Avoid steep slopes below cornices.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4