Start (and finish) your day early and avoid exposure to sun-exposed avalanche terrain. Look for high elevation north facing objectives without cornices overhead, and plan your egress route carefully.
Check out the Forecaster's Blog for more on managing spring conditions.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
A ridge of high pressure, with sunny skies and high freezing levels continues to dominate the weather pattern this weekend.
Friday night - Clear / light east wind / alpine low temperature near 8 / freezing level 3200 m
Saturday - Sunny / light southwest wind / alpine high temperature near 10 / freezing level 3300 m
Sunday - Sunny in the morning with increasing cloud throughout the day / moderate northeast wind / alpine high temperature near 7 / freezing level 3300 m, falling to 2500 m in the afternoon
Monday - Mainly sunny / light northeast wind / alpine high temperature near 3 / freezing level 2500 m
Avalanche Summary
There have been several solar triggered wet loose avalanches reported in recent days, up to size 2.5, on solar aspects. There have also been a number of cornice failures reported over the past week.
Looking forward, wet loose avalanches and cornice failures are expected to continue with sun and warm temperatures. The likelihood and potential size of these increases when temperatures do not dip below freezing overnight, and avalanche activity will likely begin earlier in the day with each subsequent warm day.
Wind slabs may still be possible to trigger on high elevation north aspects.
Snowpack Summary
The snow surface may be a crust in some areas, but recent high overnight freezing levels may mean that the snow surface did not freeze in some places. Sunshine and warm temperatures are expected to quickly soften any crusts, resulting in a moist or wet snow surface.
On high elevation north aspects, soft snow or wind slabs may still be found.
Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them. Sun and warm temperatures will increase the chances of cornice releases, especially when temperatures remain above zero overnight.
Terrain and Travel
- The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.
- Avoid exposure to sunny slopes, especially in the afternoon.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avoid areas with overhead hazard, especially solar aspects.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
Problems
Loose Wet
The snow will quickly lose cohesion and become unstable with sun and warm temperatures.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines. They become increasingly unstable during periods of warming.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 17th, 2021 4:00PM
