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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 22nd, 2022–Apr 23rd, 2022
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Rockies.

We are getting back into a seasonal spring trend with cool nights, warm days, and highly variable snow conditions with elevation and aspect changes. Be on the lookout for signs that suggest unstable snow. 

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, 10 km/h west wind, alpine low temperature -6 C, freezing level falling below 1500 m.

SATURDAY: Convective flurries and a mix of sun and cloud, accumulation 2-10 cm with local enhancements possible, 10 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature +3 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2300 m.

SUNDAY: Mostly clear skies with no precipitation, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature +5 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2400 m.

MONDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks and isolated wet flurries, west wind gusting to 50 km/h, alpine high temperature +6 C.

Avalanche Summary

We have not received reports of avalanche observations in the past few days.

Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of snow rests on hard snow or a melt-freeze crust, with locally thicker amounts in lee terrain from strong southwest wind. Below treeline and on sun-exposed slopes, a moist and consolidated snowpack exists. The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts. 

We're in classic spring-time conditions with crusts and moist snow at lower elevations and still winter-like conditions in the alpine. Remember that cornices are large and looming at this time of year.

Terrain and Travel

  • Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Avalanche Problems

Cornices

Cornices are large and looming at this time of year. Any cornice release could be catastrophic. 

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Loose Wet

Use caution on sun-exposed slopes when the sun is shining. Relatively warm air and sun can pack a punch, causing loose wet avalanches that may entrain recent snow and travel far.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2