Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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South Rockies.

Expect firm conditions in the morning, softening with sun and warm temperatures throughout the day.

Wet avalanches become more likely on south facing slopes as the surface crust breaks down, and snow becomes wet and heavy. 

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Scattered cloud, light to moderate westerly winds. Isolated flurries. Freezing levels drop to valley bottom. 

FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with light southwest winds. Freezing levels 1800-2000 m. Alpine highs of +3. 

SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy with moderate westerly winds. 3-8 cm of snow possible, with 1800 m freezing levels. Alpine highs of +1.

SUNDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with moderate to strong southwest winds. Flurries possible with freezing levels reaching 1800 m. Alpine high of +2. 

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Wednesday. 

On Tuesday, natural wet avalanches were reported on steep sun affected slopes to size 1. Avalanche activity is expected to decrease with cooler temperatures this week. 

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack is going through a daily melt-freeze cycle. A crust exists on all aspects to around 2500 m and likely to mountain top on sun affected slopes. Warm temperatures and sun are softening or breaking down the crust during the day and creating moist snow. At very low elevations, the snowpack may be wet and isothermal, depending on overnight freezing levels.

Below 1700 m, the snowpack has been previously been reported as being moist to ground, and becoming isothermal.

Terrain and Travel

  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Warm temperatures and sun throughout the day may soften the surface crust and weaken the upper snowpack. 

Pay close attention to how thick and supportive the surface crust is throughout the day. Minimize your exposure to slopes with wet and heavy snow. 

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2022 4:00PM

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