Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2018 3:45PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

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

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate westerly ridgetop winds. Freezing level rising to around 1900 m.SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Strong southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1900 m.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy. Moderate to strong southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 2100 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Moist snow up to ridge top elevations, with minimal overnight re-freeze. Below 1400 m, rain has soaked the snow surface.Multiple crusts exist within the top 100 cm of the snowpack. Some parts of the region may have a surface hoar layer roughly 60 cm deep on sheltered north aspects at treeline.A well settled midpack sits above sugary facets in many parts of the region, especially thin snowpack areas.

Problems

Loose Wet

Rising freezing levels and daytime warming have been triggers for recent large, loose wet snow releases. Once moving, a loose, wet release may have the potential to trigger a slab on a deeper weak layer.

Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Give them a wide berth from above and below.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

New snow and wind have formed thin slabs on leeward areas near ridge crests and convex features. These slabs may be touchy were they sit on a recent crust.

Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transition from thin to thick.Avoid areas that look freshly loaded with snow; especially convex features below ridgetops.Use caution when transitioning into wind effected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2018 2:00PM