Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2017 3:50PM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Expect the avalanche danger to increase as the sun comes out and theĀ  temperature rises through the day.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light northeast wind / Alpine temperature 0 / Freezing level 1300mMONDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries / Moderate east wind / Alpine temperature 2 / Freezing level 1500mTUESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries / Light east wind / Alpine temperature 0 / Freezing level 1300m

Avalanche Summary

There have been no recent reports of avalanche activity in the south of the region. That being said there is little to no information being passed on from the region recently. Exposure to large overhanging cornices remains a significant concern. As the sun comes out over the weekend expect to see cornices weaken and loose snow avalanches run from steep sun exposed slopes during the warmest parts of the day.

Snowpack Summary

New snow at upper elevations from last week has been redistributed by winds switching from southwest to east and back again. This may be sitting on a variety of old surfaces including hard wind crusts in exposed terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. At the tree line elevation, warming and refreezing earlier in the week has created melt freeze crusts. Below tree line the surface snow is likely a mix of crusts at the upper end of the elevation band to moist or wet snow throughout the entire thickness of the snowpack at the lower portions of the elevation band.

Problems

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
The likelihood of cornices triggering increases with intense sunshine and/or during the warmest parts of the day.
Even small cornice falls may trigger larger avalanches.Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
The potential for prolonged periods of sunshine on Sunday will weaken surface snow especially on steep rocky solar aspects.
Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2017 2:00PM

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