Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2017 4:13PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.

shorton, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Wind slabs and cornices are possible at higher elevations. Be cautious as you climb and continually reassess conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: Cloudy with light afternoon flurries (5-10 cm), strong southwest wind, freezing level around 2200 m.FRIDAY: Wet flurries increasing overnight (3-6 cm), moderate southwest wind, freezing around 2200 m.SATURDAY: Clearing throughout the day, strong southwest wind, freezing level dropping to 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, explosive control produced two small wind slabs in steep alpine terrain in the southeast part of the region. Numerous small loose wet avalanches were observed on steep solar aspects on Tuesday. Increasing wind speeds could build fresh wind slabs and warming may irritate cornices.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack has entered a daily melt-freeze cycle. Hard crusts form overnight and become moist surface snow during the heat of the day. The exception is north-facing alpine terrain, where about 20 cm of recent dry snow and isolated wind slabs may exist. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, but this deep persistent weakness has not been reactive for a few weeks.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may still be reactive on steep convexities at higher elevations where the snow is still dry.

Minimize exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, especially in the heat of the dayBe alert to conditions that change with elevation.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are large and may fall off naturally with daytime warming.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 2

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2017 2:00PM