Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 4th, 2017 3:00PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Cornices have the potential to trigger avalanches on the slopes below. Be alert to changes with elevation.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: 5-10 cm of snow, 60 km/h south wind, and freezing level up to 1400 m.WEDNESDAY: Isolated light flurries, 50 km/h south wind, and freezing level around 1200 m.THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, light southeast wind, freezing level up to 1300 m after an overnight freeze.FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, light southeast wind, freezing level up to 1300 m after an overnight freeze.

Avalanche Summary

Over the past few days, several size 1-2 wind slabs were triggered by cornice falls in the Howsons. No other new avalanches have been reported in the region since last week, when 2 large cornice triggered slabs were reported in the Microwave area. Slab avalanches are most likely at higher elevations that haven't been through daily melt-freeze cycles.

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds with light amounts of new snow will form fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain. Rain and warm temperatures up to 1400 m will soften the snow at lower elevations. Crusts may be found at higher elevations, particularly on sun-exposed slopes. The February crust and facet layer was reported to be down 75-90 cm in the Houston Telkwas sled area. The deep persistent weak layer of facets and/or a crust that were buried early in the winter are still lingering near the bottom of the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds and light amounts of snow will form fresh wind slabs in the lee of exposed terrain. Most slabs avalanches in the past week have been triggered by cornices.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 5th, 2017 2:00PM