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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 25th, 2022–Apr 28th, 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.

With spring conditions, avalanche hazard can change quickly during periods of warming or from a blast of wet spring snow. Start early and keep track of any accumulating snowfall.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, 5 cm. Gusty 15-35 km/h southwest wind, alpine low temperature -2 C. Poor overnight re-freeze expected with freezing level hovering around 2000 m.

TUESDAY: Wet flurries, 5-10 cm. 15-30 km/h southwest wind, alpine high temperature +2 C, freezing level slowly falling to 1800 m overnight.

WEDNESDAY: Scattered flurries, 5-15 cm accumulating by morning. 15-25 km/hr southwest wind, alpine high temperature 0 C, daytime freezing level rising to 1900 m.

THURSDAY: Cloud and isolated flurries. Light southwest wind, alpine high temperature +6 C, daytime freezing level rising above 1900 m.

Avalanche Summary

We have not received any recent avalanche reports. Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack has transitioned to spring-time conditions, with overnight crusts transitioning to moist snow during the day, and isolated and lingering winter-ish conditions at the highest shaded elevations; in these areas use caution entering steep, lee terrain features below ridges, where wind slabs could be lingering. At ridge top, remember that cornices are large and looming. The snowpack deteriorates rapidly at lower elevations.

Terrain and Travel

  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

A dusting of wet flurries is forecast to start Tuesday. Any fresh snow will slide easy on the crust below. Take care where wind moves snow to deeper, more cohesive deposits. 

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are large and fragile. Warm temperatures and sun, or loading from rain or snow increases their likelihood of failure. Any release could be catastrophic.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3