Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 7th, 2022–Apr 8th, 2022

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Rockies.

Continually assess the snow surface and watch for natural avalanche activity as you move through terrain. There is uncertainty in how the snowpack will respond to the rapidly changing freezing levels.

Confidence

Low - Uncertainty is due to difficult to forecast freezing levels.

Weather Forecast

Thursday night: No new snow expected. Strong southwest winds. Possibility of temperature inversion with a above freezing layer in the alpine.

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of snow to the alpine and rain below. Strong southwest winds and freezing levels falling from 3000 m to 2000 m.

Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud with flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow. Light to moderate southwest winds and freezing levels around 1500 m.

Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light west wind and freezing levels around 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

Over the past few days one size one explosive triggered wind slab avalanche has been reported as well as several size one wet loose avalanches in steep terrain.

We suspect Wet loose avalanches will occur on all aspects and elevations except highnorth due to elevated freezing levels.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slab could still be found on north aspects in the alpine. Moist snow will likely be observed on all aspects except high north terrain. As the freezing level falls a new crust will form.

Multiple crusts exist in the upper snowpack. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and bonded.

Terrain and Travel

Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

expect wet loose avalanches in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

The likelihood of natural cornice falls could increase with solar input and warming. Avoid traveling on slopes with cornices looming above.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5