Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2013 10:26AM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Due to a lack of information sources at this time of year, this forecast is based primarily on weather data. If you have been traveling in the backcountry recently, send us your observations. Email us at forecaster@avalanche.ca

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Thursday: A lull between weather systems will bring mostly overcast skies with some sunny breaks. Some light precipitation is possible. Freezing level 1000m and light to moderate west winds.Friday: Another frontal system may affect the southeast late in the day bringing light precipitation. Freezing level 1000m and strong southwest winds.Saturday: Freezing levels drop with the passage of a cold front. Light precipitation possible.

Avalanche Summary

Loose moist snow in motion released a wet slab on a North aspect of Mt. Hosmer. Loose wet or moist snow is expected to continue to release naturally from steep terrain or rocky areas at lower elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Overnight freezing has consolidated previously loose wet snow at treeline and above. Recent moderate winds may have developed windslabs at upper elevations. Surface crusts are expected to break down during the day and then re-freeze overnight. Moist or wet snow below treeline is not expected to have much of a recovery and may continue to be isothermal and weak.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snow and gusty winds may have formed windslabs in lee features in the alpine

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Wet

Loose moist or wet snow may continue to release naturally from steep terrain or rocky cliffs. Moist or wet snow in motion may scour down to the ground where the snowpack is isothermal.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2013 2:00PM