Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 22nd, 2017–Apr 23rd, 2017

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

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

Regions: Glacier.

Limit you exposure to steep slopes during the heat of the day and during sunny periods. Large loose wet snow avalanches are likely then

Weather Forecast

A lingering high pressure ridge is departing the southern interior today. Sunny breaks early today will give way to increasing clouds this afternoon. Freezing levels will be high at 2400 meters. Snow will develop tonight with 7 cm, and rain showers at low elevations. Unsettled weather on Sunday with snow flurries and freezing levels at 1700 meters.

Snowpack Summary

On high northerly aspects a deep winter snowpack prevails. Elsewhere the spring snowpack continues to develop with numerous melt-freeze crusts. At middle and low elevations the snowpack is becoming isothermal.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday avalanche control produced several size 2.0 and 2.5 slab avalanches and numerous size 2.0 loose snow avalanches from high elevation start zones. A natural avalanche cycle started in the early afternoon and produced many size 1.5 to 2.5 loose wet snow avalanches from southeast through west aspects.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

At treeline and below warm temperatures have prevented solid crust formation overnight, resulting in weak wet surface snow that slides easily on crusts below. Steep solar aspects in the alpine are producing significant loose wet avalanches as well.

Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Slab avalanches, the remnants of previously storm and wind deposited snow, are possible though difficult to trigger.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Large cornices are widespread on high northeasterly ridge lines. With high freezing levels and periods of sun these may fail, triggering deep persistent slab avalanches.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3