Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Rockies.
With a sunny spring day, check for good overnight re-freeze and make sure to be off slopes before they turn mushy or wet.
Confidence
High - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries and risk of thundershower, 10 km/h west wind, alpine low temperature -6 C, freezing level falling below 1600 m.
SUNDAY: Mostly clear skies, 10-20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature +6 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2500 m.
MONDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks and isolated wet flurries, west wind gusting to 50 km/h, alpine high temperature +6 C.
TUESDAY: Wet flurries, 5-10 cm. West wind gusting to 30-50 km/h, alpine high temperature +1 C, daytime freezing level rising to 2300 m.
Avalanche Summary
We have not received reports of avalanche observations in the past few days.
Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.
Snowpack Summary
Sun and warm temperatures have moistened the snow up to 2300 m and all sun-exposed slopes. Cold, dry snow persists on more north-facing and shaded aspects in the alpine; in these areas use caution entering steep, lee terrain features below ridges, where wind slabs could be found. At ridge top, remember that cornices are large and looming.
Keep in mind that any snowpack can quickly loose strength when heat penetrates to deeper layers for the first time. Check for good overnight recovery - avoid slopes that do not get an overnight re-freeze.
Terrain and Travel
- Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Avalanche Problems
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming at this time of year. Any cornice release could be catastrophic.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Loose Wet
Use caution on sun-exposed slopes when the sun is shining. Relatively warm air and sun can pack a punch, causing loose wet avalanches that may entrain recent snow and travel far.
Keep in mind that any snowpack can quickly loose strength when heat penetrates to deeper layers for the first time. Check for good overnight recovery - avoid slopes that do not get an overnight re-freeze.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2