Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Apr 6 – 7, 2017Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Freezing levels and precipitation amounts are uncertain. Danger may be CONSIDERABLE during periods of heavy rain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Strong winds and light snow will form fresh wind slabs at higher elevations where the snow is still dry.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2
    Cornices are large and may fall off naturally with daytime warming or rain.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Rain at lower elevations will cause loose wet avalanches in steep unsupported terrain features.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate rainfall is expected at least up to treeline on Friday. Rain falling on a warm snowpack has the potential to produce loose wet avalanches in any steep terrain. At higher elevations, new snow and wind will form fresh wind slabs and cornices will grow bigger. The snowpack is well settled and transitioning into spring conditions. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, but this deep persistent weakness has not been reactive for a few weeks.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: About 5-15 mm of precipitation with strong southwest wind and snow line fluctuating between 1500 and 2000 m.SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, moderate southwest wind, freezing level up to 1900 m after overnight freeze.SUNDAY: Cloudy with a chance of getting clipped by a storm to the south, freezing level around 1700 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose wet avalanches were reported in the southeast part of the region on Thursday. On Wednesday, explosive control produced two small wind slabs in steep alpine terrain in the southeast part of the region. Small avalanches are expected on Friday with the incoming storm.

Regions covered