Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 27th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Chris Gooliaff,

Seriously, is it still ski season at Rogers Pass?! 25cm of new snow Tuesday suggests it is.

The snowpack changes dramatically from crusty travel in the valley bottom to full-on winter in the Alpine. Change your mindset with the changing conditions.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Continued unsettled wx through Fri with isolated flurries. Diurnal pattern of overnight cooling and rising freezing levels (FZL) during the day.

Tonight: Cloud with clear periods, Alp low -6*C, light SW wind

Thurs: Mix of sun/cloud, Alp high -4*C, FZL 1800m, light W wind

Fri: Mix of sun/cloud, Alp high -3*C, FZL 1800m, light SW wind

Snowpack Summary

There are 2 distinct snowpacks at the moment. Below 2000m exists a firm Spring-time melt-freeze snowpack that is solid in the am, then breaking down with daytime warming. Above 2000m, a winter snowpack dominates, with 25cm of new snow atop various older surfaces (melt-freeze crust, wind slab, or dry powder on high, sheltered, N'ly slopes).

Avalanche Summary

Crossover Gullies E and W, and Tractor Shed W, all spit out a sz 2 storm slab to half-path Tues.

Several moist natural avalanches to sz 2.5 were observed on Avalanche Crest Monday night, roughly starting at 1900m.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

25cm of warm snow blanketed the region Tues. This sits atop various surfaces (crust, previous wind slabs) and may be more reactive where wind effect is more pronounced. Cautiously enter leeward facing lines, especially if the slab sits on a crust.

  • Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.
  • Use caution on steep lee and cross-loaded slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Watch for moist/wet avalanches during peak daytime warming, especially on steeper slopes exposed to maximum solar radiation.

  • Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
  • Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 28th, 2022 4:00PM

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