Avalanche Forecast
Issued: May 2nd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
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Avalanche Canada
Read the Avalanche Canada Forecasters Blog for resources on how to navigate the switch to spring. It is important to monitor each nights freeze and relate it to the timing and degree in which how quickly the snowpack will destabilize.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Thursday's Maligne patrol noted numerous loose wet and dry size 1.5 on the steep alpine rock slabs along Medicine lake. Nothing of significance was observed on Wednesday's Maligne and Icefield patrols but visibility was very poor. Monday noted no new activity.
Snowpack Summary
Wednesday's snowfall amounts varied with Maligne receiving 30cm and Icefield's 5-10cm. Some of the snow is being redistributed by alpine ridgetop winds. The recent snow covers a cornucopia of crusts extending up to 2600m, on all aspects, and to ridgetop particularly on solar aspects.
Weather Summary
Mountain Weather Forecast is available at Avalanche Canada
Friday is predicted to bring sun, cloud, 3 °C, light winds, and 2500m freezing level. The prognosis for Saturday is similar to Friday except will be 6 °C and 2800m freezing level. Sunday's forecast is sun, isolated showers, warmer, and 3100m freezing level.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Extra caution for areas experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow and wind has formed isolated windslabs in lee areas at ridgetop in the alpine. The winds have been very variable so assess for loading in the not-so-normal locations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Rising temperatures and sun the next few days in combination with the recent snowfall will increase the problem's potential. Be aware of the potential for loose wet or dry avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't bonded.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: May 5th, 2024 4:00PM
