Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 19th, 2018–Apr 20th, 2018

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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.

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.

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.

Avalanche 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