Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2019 8:00AM

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 and Persistent Slabs.

percy woods, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Watch for strong solar input this morning bringing on an early afternoon breakdown of surface crusts on solar aspects.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud today with alpine high of -1C and freezing level forecast to top out at 2000m. W wind up to moderate later today. Saturday/Sunday a Pacific system will bring gusty SW through W winds along with up to 20cm snow over the two days.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine, Isolated persistent slabs overlie surface hoar on shaded aspects, and melt-freeze crusts on solar aspects; beneath is a well settled mid and lower snowpack. A melt freeze crust is capping isothermal snow on all aspects to tree line; surface crusts exist at higher elevations on solar aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control yesterday produced a few slides up to size 2. No new avalanches reported in the backcountry.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

A melt-freeze crust is capping weak isothermal snow in thin snowpack areas BTL. These crusts are prevalent at tree-line and above on solar aspects. Crusts have been breaking down by mid afternoon from the heat of the day.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

20cm of recent snow and moderate Southerly winds have created wind slabs on specific terrain features in the alpine. These slabs overlie a melt-freeze crust on solar asp and or, surface hoar on polar asp.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2019 8:00AM