Spring conditions have taken hold. Avalanche hazard will vary from LOW in the cold mornings to possibly HIGH in the afternoon on warm and sunny days. Start early and finish early.
Summary
Confidence
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Weather Forecast
A spring pattern has been established these last few weeks. Cool mornings and warm/hot days are now the norm with afternoon temperatures often well above freezing. If there is a major change in the snowpack, this bulletin will be updated more frequently. Until then, avalanche bulletins will only be updated as needed. Early starts are key at this time of year.
Avalanche Summary
Wet slides either in the form of slabs or loose are occurring most days when the temperature and solar radiation increases. Cornice failures are also becoming more common. In general we are seeing slides mainly in the size 1 to 2 range, but large avalanches are possible due to the deeper weak layers. Always be thinking about consequence as you travel.
Snowpack Summary
Spring is here it would seem! The snowpack varies in its stability depending on a number of different factors. Day time high, quality of freeze overnight, aspect and influx of new load from snow or rain. In general, as temperatures warm up, stability will decrease. These decreases will be most apparent on solar aspects where the radiation is strong. Cornices could become weak and prone to failure. The timing on this decrease will vary but can be affected by overnight freeze and aspect. Poor freezes mean avalanche danger will increase quickly with warming. Northern aspects are still holding some dry snow at upper elevations but expect a battle up and down from there. The deep persistent weak facets will be with us until the snow is gone. Be sure to asses this layer as you travel. Some good corn is out there if you can get the timing right!! Start early and be home early and avoid the heat of the day.
jeremy.mackenzie,
Alberta Parks
