Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 27th, 2015 8:00AM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Loose Wet, Persistent Slabs and Cornices.

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Weaker crust recovery last night and higher freezing levels will lead to surface crusts to break down much more rapidly today. Despite weaker direct solar radiation the hazard will be elevated due to the warm ambient air temperatures.

Summary

Weather Forecast

We are still under the influence of a high pressure ridge as freezing levels rise to 2700m today and to over 3100m tomorrow. Mostly cloudy today with brief periods of sunshine. A low pressure system off the coast will arrive to the interior Tuesday night delivering light to moderate precipitation and a return to cooler temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

The overnight temperatures were not as cold last night to provide as solid a freeze as previous nights. The crust has been thinner between 1600-2000m and will break down faster there than at lower elevations. The April 10 layer is down 30-60cm. You'll have to travel to north aspects in the high alpine to find dry snow if there's any to be found.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

It wont take long for the crust to break down today. This crust is not as strong between 1600m-2000m and will break down in that elevation band first. Pay attention to details like these throughout the day.

Minimize exposure when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Daytime warming, loose avalanches and skiers can trigger this layer.

Whumpfing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches are all strong inicators of unstable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Cornices

Cornice hazard will increase with these rising freezing levels

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 28th, 2015 8:00AM