Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 2nd, 2018–Apr 3rd, 2018

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

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.

Strong winds overnight have created windslabs. Use caution as you approach lee features and be mindful of changing snow conditions.

Weather Forecast

The Arctic air mass sitting over us will begin to be pushed out and we'll see more typical spring weather. Today expect a mix of sun & cloud with 10km/hr SW winds & freezing level to 900m. No precip is forecast for the next 24-48hrs, but localized convective flurries are possible. A Pacific low brings warmer air & snowfall later in the week.

Snowpack Summary

55cm of settled storm snow at treeline and above in the past week. Strong N'rly alpine winds overnight have loaded lee features. Storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab on a buried crust/facet layer down 70-90 which is now whumphing and showing sudden test results. This suncrust exists on East-West aspects & is most reactive around treeline.

Avalanche Summary

On the 31st we observed a natural avalanche cycle to size 3. These were triggered by intense solar heating on the new storm slab. Cornices are also large and have been reported to be failing by our near neighbors just outside the park.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Variable strong winds have blown the recent storm snow around and loaded all aspects in the alpine. While these slabs are fresh they will be susceptible to human triggering, especially in steep unsupported terrain or with strong solar heating.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

70-90cm of settled snow sits on the mid March crust/facet combo. This layer was whumphing and tests showed potential for wide propagation if this layer is triggered.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5