Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 27th, 2014 8:12AM

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

danyelle magnan, Parks Canada

Glacier.

New overnight snow and expected solar input will guarantee loose moist avalanches on steep solar aspects. Hazard will increase with daytime warming and strong springtime sun.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud today. Scattered light flurries are expected as an unsettled system moves through the region. Freezing levels up to 1700m with an alpine high of -1. Winds will be light from the SW. A ridge of high pressure moves in this evening, ushering in a stable pattern of clear skies with a dramatic daytime warming trend.

Snowpack Summary

5cm of new snow sits over a 1cm melt freeze crust at 1330m. At Tree line, moist snow exists in the top 50cm below supportive melt freeze crust. Light overnight winds. Several crusts in the top meter of the snowpack provide potential failure layers and sliding surfaces. Glide crack slopes continue to open up and release with spring conditions.

Avalanche Summary

Little avalanche activity yesterday. Expect natural and skier triggered loose moist avalanches on solar aspects when the sun does come out today. Multiple buried crusts can provide a propagation surface for some loose snow avalanches, causing larger than expected slides.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

Today's forecast is calling for a mix of sun and cloud. Strong springtime sun can quickly alter snow conditions, especially on steep terrain. Pay close attention to solar aspects throughout the day and limit overhead exposure in the afternoon.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Widespread persistent week layers buried in the early season may become reactive with large loads such as cornice failures and surface avalanches triggered from thin areas. Minimize time in large avalanche paths and remain aware of overhead hazard.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Apr 28th, 2014 8:00AM