Avalanche Forecast

Issued: May 1st, 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, Wind Slabs and Cornices.

andrew jones, Parks Canada

Glacier.

This is the final daily avalanche bulletin for the season. We will update if there are significant changes. Contact the Visitor Safety staff at Rogers Pass for help with safe trip planning in the spring and summer seasons.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Check out the following websites to help forecast the mountain weather:http://www.snow-forecast.com/http://spotwx.com/ (drop a spot on the map to find weather models)

Snowpack Summary

The isothermal snowpack is receding quickly below 2000m. Winter conditions persist in the alpine where precipitation continues to fall as snow. A 10cm blanket of new snow belies the complexity of the upper snowpack which contains several persistent crusts. Expect to find newly formed cornices and windslabs near ridges from strong southerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

3 large loose wet natural avalanches were observed yesterday in the highway corridor. One of these avalanches was triggered by falling ice from a melting waterfall.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

Rain and rising daytime temperatures continue to weaken the snowpack. These avalanches gain mass quickly and often start small and end large.

Be increasingly cautious on sun exposed slopes.Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

New snow has been loaded onto exposed lee features by strong SW winds. Strong winds will continue today. Deeper pockets of reactive wind slab are most likely to exist in the same areas as the most appealing skiing.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Large cornices will become weaker with continued mild temps and the weight of new rain and snow.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: May 2nd, 2015 8:00AM