Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2018 4:03PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

The general trend is for gradually rising freezing levels and clearing skies. In the meantime pay attention to the bond of the recent new snow to the old snow surface.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Flurries, accumulation 5-10cm. Moderate southwest wind. Alpine temperature -1. Freezing level 1500 m. WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate south wind. Alpine temperature 3. Freezing level 1600 m. THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light southeast wind. Alpine temperature 0. Freezing level 2100 m.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose wet avalanches up to size 2.5 which were triggered by cornice falls were reported near Fernie on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

15-25 cm of new snow and moderate winds have formed storm slabs reactive to human triggers. This storm snow overlies numerous crusts in the upper 100 cm of the snowpack.The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong.A layer of sugary facets around a crust can be found near the bottom of the snowpack which has been dormant for some time. Large triggers, such as a falling cornice, or a major warm-up to the snowpack could trigger this layer.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Snow and wind on Monday will create touchy storm slabs reactive to human triggers.

Watch for signs of instability such as whumphing, cracking, or recent natural avalanches.Use caution when transitioning into wind affected terrain.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the new snow and cause loose wet avalanching on steep solar slopes.

Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling or the surface snow becoming moist.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 17th, 2018 2:00PM