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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 16th, 2017–Apr 17th, 2017
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Rockies.

Winter continues! Expect stormy weather with freezing levels above 2000 metres.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Overnight: Moderate southwest winds with a chance of flurries and freezing down to 1400 metres. Monday: Overcast with moderate westerly winds and 2-3 cm of new snow. Freezing levels rising up to 2300 metres. Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud with moderate southwest winds and daytime freezing up to 2200 metres. Wednesday: Mostly sunny with moderate westerly winds and daytime freezing up to 2400 metres.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports indicate several natural storm slab and cornice triggered avalanches to size 2 on all aspects tree line and above. Exposure to large overhanging cornices remains a significant concern.

Snowpack Summary

Moist new snow falling last week above tree line has been redistributed by south and southeast winds. Cornices remain large and continue to become more overhanging. The middle of the snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring melt/freeze regime. Expect the entire thickness of the snowpack to be moist or wet at lower elevations. At upper elevations, the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, however there still is uncertainty to this layer's reactivity. That being said, a heavy load like a cornice fall or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.

Avalanche Problems

Cornices

Cornices are most likely to trigger during periods of intense sunshine and/or the warmest parts of the day.
Cornices become weak with daytime heating and/or rain.Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are more likely during periods of strong solar radiation and/or daytime warming. The days are getting longer, and the warmest part of the day may be in the late afternoon.
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 - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2