Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2016 8:40AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet and Cornices.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Choose your route to avoid exposure to sun-baked terrain and slopes overhung by cornices.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Sunday is expected to remain warm, with the freezing level around 2600 m. Clouds and isolated convective showers are possible. A front passing through late on Monday is expected to bring light precipitation and moderate to strong SW winds, with the freezing level falling from around 2700 m to 1800 m. A few snow showers may linger on Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

A natural cycle of size 1-2 loose wet and occasional wet slab avalanches has been reported over the last few days. This is likely to continue as long as temperatures remain high. A size 2.5 storm slab released in steep rocky terrain on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Large cornices which overhang alpine slopes will be weak with prolonged warming and sunshine. Recent storm snow (which was deepest in the south-east) has settled with continued warm temperatures. Crusts which have been forming at the surface by night have been breaking down quickly by day. A hard crust buried around 20-60 cm down may act as a sliding layer for wet slabs. Deeply buried weak layers in the mid snowpack and near the ground are becoming hard to find, but may become sensitive to triggering from significant warming or with large loads such as cornice fall. Thin snowpack areas are becoming isothermal.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are likely on all steep slopes, especially those getting baked by the sun. Wet slabs are possible too.

Travel early before the heat of the day, and avoid big slopes in the afternoon.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

Large fragile cornices threaten many slopes. A cornice fall could trigger a large avalanche on the slope below.

Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2016 2:00PM