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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 14th, 2017–Apr 15th, 2017
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
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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.

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Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / Light to moderate west wind / Alpine temperature -5 / Freezing level 1500mSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light south wind / Alpine temperature -4 / Freezing level 1600mSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light southeast wind / Alpine temperature 1 / Freezing level 2300m

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports indicate several natural storm slab and cornice triggered avalanches to size 2 on all aspects tree line and above. Exposure to large overhanging cornices remains a significant concern. As the sun comes out over the weekend I would expect see cornices weaken and loose snow avalanches run from steep sun exposed slopes during the warmest parts of the day.

Snowpack Summary

Moist new snow falling last week above tree line has been redistributed by south and southeast winds. Cornices remain large and continue to become more overhanging. The middle of the snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring melt/freeze regime. Expect the entire thickness of the snowpack to be moist or wet at lower elevations. At upper elevations, the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, however there still is uncertainty to this layer's reactivity. That being said, a heavy load like a cornice fall or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.

Avalanche Problems

Cornices

Cornices are most likely to trigger during periods of intense sunshine and/or the warmest parts of the day.
Cornices become weak with daytime heating and/or rain.Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

New snow combined with recent south and east wind has created reactive wind slabs in lee loaded terrain features
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2