Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 29th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is high. Known problems include Loose Wet, Deep Persistent Slabs and Cornices.

Avalanche Canada TT, Avalanche Canada

All melt no freeze... and a large avalanche cycle are expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

widespread natural large to very large loose wet and slab avalanche activity observed on the Icefields patrol on Saturday. Reports of large loose wet cycle in the Maligne Rd area from Friday afternoon.

Post avalanche observations to the MIN.

Snowpack Summary

As alpine temperatures reach double digits, surface crusts are losing cohesion and amalgamating into moist snow. A crust/facet PWL lingers in the mid-pack in many areas at tree line and above. The main concern is the depth hoar and basal facets at the base of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

A dramatic rise in daytime temperatures and strong solar radiation is forecasted for the next several days. There is also forecasted to be warm air trapped at higher elevations overnight, so don't let cool early mornings at valley bottom mislead you into thinking there has been a good overnight freeze.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Only the most simple non-avalanche terrain free of overhead hazard is appropriate at this time.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Warming temperatures will continue to produce wet loose avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Certain

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The bottom of the snowpack is inherently weak with well-developed Facets and Depth Hoar. These avalanches have the potential to reach the end of run out zones well below tree line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Cornices will become increasingly unstable as the warm weather continues, and will likely act as triggers for the deep persistent slab problem.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 30th, 2023 4:00PM