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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 25th, 2022–Apr 28th, 2022
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Purcells.

With spring conditions, avalanche hazard can change quickly during periods of warming or from a blast of wet spring snow. Start early and keep track of any accumulating snowfall.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to limitations in the field data.

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Increasing cloud and isolated flurries trace to 5 cm, 15-25 km/h southwest wind, alpine low temperature -3 C. Freezing level dropping to 1700 m.

TUESDAY: Wet flurries, up to 10 cm. 15-30 km/h southwest wind, alpine high temperature +1 C, freezing level rising to 2000 m.

WEDNESDAY: Scattered flurries, 5-15 cm accumulation by morning. 25-35 km/h west wind alpine high temperature +6 C, daytime freezing level 1600 m.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest wind, alpine high temperature +3 C, daytime freezing level rising above 1900 m.

Avalanche Summary

With warm temperatures on Saturday and Sunday, numerous loose wet avalanches occured with daytime warm temperatures. In some cases, these wet loose avalanches triggered slabs to size 2, with 30 cm crown depths.

Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.

Snowpack Summary

Sun and warm temperatures have moistened the snow upwards of 2500 m and on all sun-exposed slopes. Cold, dry snow persists on north-facing aspects in the high alpine; in these areas use caution entering steep, and extreme terrain, where lingering wind slabs could be found. At ridge top, remember that cornices are large and looming.

Around 100 to 200 cm deep, faceted grains persist around a hard melt-freeze crust from early December. There's uncertainty on if and when this layer will wake up, but it could during the next intense or prolonged warm-up.

Terrain and Travel

  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

A dusting of wet flurries is forecast to start late Tuesday. Any fresh snow will slide easy on the crust below. Take care where wind moves snow to deeper, more cohesive deposits.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are large and fragile. Warm temperatures and sun, or loading from rain or snow increases their likelihood of failure. Any release could be catastrophic.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3