Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2018 4:04PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

New snow and wind on Monday will create touchy storm slabs reactive to human triggers; especially in wind effected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Snow, accumulation 10-20 cm. Moderate to strong easterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature -2. Freezing level around 1500 m.TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature -2. Freezing level around 1500 m.WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light southwesterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature 0. Freezing level rising to around 1800 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region on Saturday. However, storm slab activity is expected to increase on Monday with the forecast snow and wind.

Snowpack Summary

5-15 cm of new snow and moderate winds have formed fresh storm slabs which are most reactive in wind effected terrain. These storm slabs overlie numerous crusts within the top 100 cm of the snowpack. A well settled mid-pack sits above sugary facets in many parts of the region, especially thin snowpack areas.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow and wind on Monday will create touchy storm slabs reactive to human triggers.

Use caution when transitioning into wind effected terrain.Watch for signs of instability such as whumphing, cracking, or recent natural avalanching.Use small slopes with low or no consequence to test the bond of the new snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the new snow and cause loose wet avalanching on steep solar slopes.

Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling or the surface snow becoming moist.Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Give them a wide berth from above and below.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2018 2:00PM