Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 6th, 2017 4:33PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

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

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: 10-20 mm of precipitation with strong southwest wind and snow line fluctuating between 1300 and 1800 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, moderate southwest wind, freezing level up to 1700 m after overnight freeze.SUNDAY: Cloudy with a chance of getting clipped by a storm to the south, freezing level around 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Wednesday or Thursday. Small avalanches are expected on Friday with the incoming storm.

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 December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, but have not been reactive for a few weeks.

Problems

Loose Wet

Rain at lower elevations will cause loose wet avalanches in steep terrain.

Minimize exposure to avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are large and may fall off naturally with daytime warming or rain.

Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 2

Wind Slabs

Strong winds and light snow will form fresh wind slabs at higher elevations where the snow is still dry.

Approach steep lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 7th, 2017 2:00PM