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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 17th, 2014–Apr 18th, 2014
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Purcells.

Avalanche danger can rise very quickly with warming temperatures and/or brief periods of sun. Be aware of changing conditions and overhead hazards.For more insight into spring danger ratings, check out our Blog Post.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Tonight and Friday: Flurries (total accumulation: 5-10cm) / Light westerly winds / Freezing level 1800mSaturday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries  / Light westerly winds  / Freezing level 2000.Sunday:  Flurries (total accumulation: 5-10cm) / Light westerly winds / Freezing level 2000m

Avalanche Summary

There have been no new avalanche observation

Snowpack Summary

A recently buried, supportive crust can be found near the surface of the snowpack on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north-facing terrain.Three persistent weak layers still exist in the highly variable snowpack of the Purcells: The mid-March sun crust/surface hoar layer down 50-80cm and the early-March crust/facet/surface hoar layer down around 80-120cm seem to be laying dormant for the time being. The mid-February crust/facet/surface hoar combo is typically down 60 - 120cm. Direct triggering of this layer has become unlikely, however, cornice fall, a smaller avalanche in motion or prolonged warming may wake this layer up.  The resulting avalanche would be very large and destructive.At the base of the snowpack weak basal facets can be found in many areas, however triggering this layer is unlikely

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Expect to see an increase in avalanche activity with forecast rain at lower elevations or on solar aspects if the sun comes out for extended periods of time.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs  immediately lee of ridge crest may be sensitive to human triggering.
Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The potential for very large deep slab avalanches needs to remain on your radar. Cornice fall, strong sun, warming temperatures or a surface avalanche in motion could act as triggers.
Be aware of the potential for very large, deep and destructive avalanches due to the presence of deeply buried persistent weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 4 - 8