A solar and heat induced avalanche cycle occurred Monday-Tuesday. Cooler temperatures are forecasted, but we could still see some activity with sun affect and daytime heating tomorrow.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Freezing level will be at valley bottom tonight with clear periods overnight. Alpine temperatures will not be as warm tomorrow with a mix of sun and cloud. Flurries for Friday with up to 10 cm expected.
Snowpack Summary
Supportive crust on solar aspects in morning which are deteriorating by early afternoon. High elevation north aspects still have dry snow. Mid and lower pack is well settled with no significant shears.
Avalanche Summary
Several loose and wet avalanches were running to Tuesday afternoon to size 2. Emerald lake slide path had two size 3 wet slab avalanches that ran to mid track on Tuesday,
Confidence
Problems
Loose Wet
Expect solar triggered avalanche activity on steep solar aspects in the afternoon. Start early and be off steep solar aspects by midday.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wet Slabs
A few wet slab avalanches have occurred over the past 2 days. This problem will become less reactive with the forecasted cooler temperatures and cloudy skies Friday.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornice failures have been big enough to trigger the deep basal facets. This scenario will be exacerbated by high freezing level and intense solar radiation on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
- Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2015 4:00PM
