Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 24th, 2019 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
timothy johnson,
Parks Canada
Watch for building wind slabs in the alpine.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Parker Ridge:
A mix of sun and cloud.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: High -2 C.
Ridge wind west: 10-20 km/h.
Freezing level: 2100 metres.
Snowpack Summary
Ongoing moderate to strong westerly winds have created fresh wind slabs in immediate lee features. This snow now overlies several crusts / facet layers in the upper 40cm, and a faceted layer down 70cm on shady aspects. Expect unsupportive slush at lower elevations (below treeline).
Avalanche Summary
Recent whumfing in low angle alpine terrain.
1 size 1.5 Steep N aspect alpine, cornice triggered windslab that appears to have stepped down to a persistent layer.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Continued winds Tuesday redistributed recent storm snow to lee features combined with new snow, and warm temperatures.
- Watch for whumphing, hollow sounds and shooting cracks.
- Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
New load with warm temps could increase the likelihood of triggering.
- Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.
- Note recent avalanche activity.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Cooling weather on Wednesday should keep the snow cold. Watch out for sunny periods and slopes catching the sun.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 25th, 2019 4:00PM
