A strong crust recovery will give some extra travel time on slopes exposed to solar radiation today, however expect that crust to break down as the day progresses.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A return to high pressure today will see freezing levels begin to rise, but not as high as seen this past weekend.
Today: Sunny. Freezing levels rise to 1800m. Wind NW-15km.
Tonight: Clear. Freezing level 500m. Winds calm.
Tuesday: Sunny with cloudy periods. Freezing level 2100m. Winds calm.
Snowpack Summary
The alpine temperature inversion broke down yesterday and a solid surface crust is expected to be capping a moist snowpack BTL and the upper snowpack on solar aspects TL and above. N aspects are still holding dry snow in the alpine. The April 7th layer is down 20-40cm depending on aspect and elevation, and the March 18th crust is down 60-100cm.
Avalanche Summary
Explosives control Saturday afternoon yielded good results with numerous large wet slab and loose wet avalanches from steep SE through W aspects. Thursday and Friday afternoon saw a large natural avalanche cycle to sz 3.5 initiating from solar start zones at all elevations.
Confidence
Problems
Loose Wet
Strong solar radiation today will work to break down the surface crust formed overnight, elevating the hazard in solar exposed terrain. Check out this link for more info on spring conditions.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices having been weakening with warm temperatures and strong solar radiation. The sun is beating down on the tops of cornices even over polar aspects. Avoid exposure to cornices.
- Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 20th, 2021 8:00AM
