Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 19th, 2018 4:08PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Sunshine and warm temperatures will increase the likelihood of loose wet avalanches and cornice failures. Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Sunny. Light southwest wind. Alpine temperature +2. Freezing level 2500 m.SATURDAY: Cloudy. Strong west wind. Alpine temperature -1. Freezing level 1900 m.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light west wind. Alpine temperature 0. Freezing level 2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region. Avalanche reports have been limited due to very few information sources this time of year. If you have been out, please post your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and looming. Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive in isolated steep and rocky north facing terrain. There are numerous crusts in the upper 100 cm of a moist snowpack. A well settled and moist mid-pack sits above sugary facets in many parts of the region, especially thin snowpack areas.

Problems

Loose Wet

When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the new snow and cause loose wet avalanches on steep solar slopes.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling or the surface snow becoming moist.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Sunshine and warming temperatures will increase the likelihood of cornice fall.

Falling cornices may trigger persistent weak layers deeper in the snowpack.Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Give them a wide berth both from above and below.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive in isolated steep and rocky terrain.

Use caution when approaching steep and rocky terrain.Avoid slopes that sound hollow or 'drum-like'.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 20th, 2018 2:00PM