Avalanche Forecast

Issued: May 3rd, 2014 8:23AM

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

danyelle magnan, Parks Canada

Glacier.

This is the final daily avalanche bulletin for the season. We will update if there are significant changes. Contact the Visitor Safety staff at Rogers Pass for help with safe trip planning in the spring and summer seasons.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Check out the following websites to help forecast the mountain weather:http://www.snow-forecast.com/ http://spotwx.com/ (drop a spot on the map to find weather models)

Snowpack Summary

Melt/freeze crusts exist on all but high North slopes. Deep persistent layers are becoming reactive as the snowpack warms up. See the weather station link below to see if there is an overnight freeze. Stations like Fidelity will indicate precipitation and temperatures, while Round Hill and Macdonald West Shoulder are good for wind loading patterns.

Avalanche Summary

Very large and impressive avalanches were triggered by avalanche control yesterday, including size 4's off of Avalanche Crest. Several naturals to size 3.5 occurred from all aspects. Wide, deep crown lines indicated that deep persistent layers are still reactive and that the snowpack is capable of producing very large and destructive avalanches.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

Watch for periods of warming in the form of sun or rain to weaken the snowpack. As the snowpack continues to warm and lose strength, large avalanche events will occur.

Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of strong sun or heavy rain.Start and finish early before the surface crusts melt.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Very large and deep avalanches occurred on May 2. They were triggered naturally by rain following several days without an overnight freeze and by avalanche control. Large avalanches are possible as the snowpack continues to warm and lose strength.

Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 5

Storm Slabs

As spring storms continue to bring new snow at higher elevations, watch for storm or wind slabs to develop on surface crusts in the alpine or tree-line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: May 4th, 2014 8:23AM