Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 7th, 2017 4:16PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Stay alert to changing snow conditions with elevation. Fresh wind slabs may exist below alpine ridgetops.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Light to moderate westerly ridgetop winds. Freezing level up to 2000 m after a weak overnight freeze.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1800 m.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light southerly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1800 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Thursday in this region.

Snowpack Summary

The freezing level on Friday was hovering around 2200m in most areas. Slight cooling overnight coupled with mostly cloudy skies will likely result in the formation of a thin surface crust that will break down during the day on Saturday. At higher elevations, new snow and wind have likely formed small wind slabs and cornices remain large and looming. The snowpack is well settled and continues to transition into a spring snowpack. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, but this deep persistent weakness has not been reactive for a few weeks.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and moderate southwest winds have formed thin wind slabs below alpine ridgetops.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are large and may fall off naturally with daytime warming.

Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 8th, 2017 2:00PM