Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 25th, 2019 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada timothy johnson, Parks Canada

Forecasts don't agree on how much snow is expected. Keep your eyes open and watch for changing conditions on Friday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Parker Ridge:

Forecasts differ on snow amounts starting Friday night.

Friday: Periods of snow 15cm. Treeline Temp -1C. Light ridge winds 35km/h. Freezing Level 2100m

Saturday: Periods of snow 14cm. Treeline Temp low -8C, High -4C. Ridge winds NE 20km/h gusting 70km/h. Freezing Level 1500m

Snowpack Summary

Ongoing moderate to strong westerly winds have created fresh wind slabs in N to E features. The upper snowpack overlies several crusts / facet layers in the upper 40cm, and a faceted layer down 70cm on shady aspects. Expect unsupportive slush at lower elevations in the afternoon if the sun comes out.  Watch for building storm slabs in the PM.

Avalanche Summary

Recent whumfing in low angle alpine terrain.

1 size 1.5 Steep N aspect alpine, cornice triggered windslab that appears to have stepped down to a persistent layer.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Continued winds up high building are likely building wind slabs in the alpine.

  • Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed wind slabs.
  • Watch for whumphing, hollow sounds and shooting cracks.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Snow on Friday night could increase the likelihood of triggering.

  • Note recent avalanche activity.
  • Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Watch out for sunny periods and slopes catching the sun.

  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 26th, 2019 4:00PM