Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 24th, 2019 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada 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

An icon showing 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

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing 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

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Loose Wet

An icon showing 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

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 25th, 2019 4:00PM