Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2017 4:22PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

Cornices and wind slabs are possible at higher elevations. Be cautious as you climb and continually reassess conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: Cloudy with light afternoon flurries (4-8 cm), moderate southwest wind, freezing level around 2000 m.FRIDAY: Wet flurries increasing overnight (5-15 cm), moderate southwest wind, freezing level around 2000 m.SATURDAY: Clearing throughout the day, strong southwest wind, freezing level dropping to 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Wednesday. Several natural loose wet avalanches were observed in steep south-facing terrain on Tuesday. Increasing winds could build fresh wind slabs and warming may irritate cornices.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack has entered a daily melt-freeze cycle. Hard crusts form overnight and become moist surface snow during the heat of the day. The exception is north-facing alpine terrain, where dry snow and isolated wind slabs may exist. The December facets and November rain crust are buried deep, but have not been reactive for a few weeks.

Problems

Cornices

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

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

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 2

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may still be reactive on steep convexities at higher elevations where the snow is still dry.

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

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2017 2:00PM