Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2018 4:07PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

The weather is on a gradual improving trend, although the freezing level is forecast to rise as the skies clear.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Flurries, accumulation 5-10cm. Moderate southwest wind. Alpine temperature -4. Freezing level 1500 m. WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate south wind. Alpine temperature -2. Freezing level 1800 m. THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate south wind. Alpine temperature 0. Freezing level 2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region on the weekend, although this time of year there is a lack of information being submitted to us. If you have been out, please take some time to post your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

10-15 cm of new snow and moderate winds have formed fresh storm and wind slabs which are most reactive in wind affected terrain. These storm slabs overlie numerous crusts within the top 100 cm of the snowpack. A well settled mid-pack sits above sugary facets in many parts of the region, especially thin snowpack areas.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow and wind on have combined to create thin reactive storm slabs.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

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

Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling or the surface snow becoming moist.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

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