Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2018 3:49PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the new snow and cause loose wet avalanching on steep solar slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level rising to around 1800 m.SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate to strong southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1900 m.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. Moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

A size 2.5 glide slab avalanche was reported near Fernie on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Moist snow up to ridge top elevations, with minimal overnight re-freeze. Below 1400 m, rain has soaked the snow surface.There are some reports of a surface hoar layer roughly 100 cm deep on north aspects at treeline, but no recent avalanche activity on this layer. Below this, the mid-pack is generally well settled and strong.A layer of sugary facets around a crust exists near the bottom of the snowpack, but this layer has been inactive for some time.

Problems

Loose Wet

Rising freezing levels and daytime warming have been triggers for recent large, loose, wet avalanches. Once moving, a loose, wet release may have the potential to trigger a slab on a deeper weak layer.

Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Be sure to give them a wide berth.Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

New snow and strong winds have formed thin slabs in leeward areas near ridge crests and convex features. These slabs may be touchy were they sit on a recent crust.

Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transition from thin to thick.Avoid areas that look freshly loaded with snow; especially convex features below ridgetops.Use caution when transitioning into wind effected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2018 2:00PM