Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2016 9:08AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Purcells.

Spring conditions. Avalanche danger is expected to rise during the day due to continued high freezing levels and periods of strong solar radiation. Plan to travel early and monitor crusts carefully as conditions may change rapidly.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mostly clear overnight with light winds. Cloud developing during the day on Monday with freezing levels at 2500 metres. Light to moderate southwest winds on Tuesday with mostly cloudy skies and some light precipitation and freezing levels at 2200 metres. Freezing levels dropping to 1500 metres on Wednesday with 3-5 cm of new snow expected at higher elevations.

Avalanche Summary

There are very few reports trickling in at this time of year. One observer did report a few size 3 slabs from solar aspects that likely occurred on Thursday or Friday. Loose wet activity to size 2 was also reported. The possibility of wet slabs and cornice falls will increase if the snowpack does not refreeze overnight and temperatures remain high.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is currently going through a typical spring melt-freeze cycle on all aspects and at all elevations, except possibly high true-north slopes which could be holding onto cold snow. A moist/wet, isothermal, and rapidly melting snowpack exists on all aspects below around 1500 m and probably even higher on solar aspects. The strength (thickness) of the surface crust and how quickly it breaks down during the day are important factors to focus on.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanche activity may continue on slopes that are exposed to strong solar radiation. Below treeline all aspects are suspect during periods of high freezing levels, the likelihood will increase if we get some rain.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Natural cornice falls continue to be a concern during periods of strong solar and high freezing levels.

Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Wet Slabs

The potential exists for large and destructive wet slabs when the sun is strong and temperatures are high, especially if there was little or no overnight refreeze.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2016 2:00PM