Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 20th, 2019 3:01PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.
dsaly,
Avalanche Canada
Be aware of a warming snowpack, the loose wet avalanche hazard will rise with limited overnight re-freeze and the pace at which the snowpack warms during the day. In the alpine, wind slabs may linger around steep, lee slopes and under cornices.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light gusting moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1600 m.
SUNDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1800 m.
MONDAY: Cloudy with alpine flurries accumulating though the day, 10-30 cm snow, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1800 m.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries up to 5 cm, light southwest wind, alpine temperature +1 C, freezing level 2000 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Friday morning, explosives triggered two wet loose size 2 avalanches and several size 2 cornices, in some cases the cornice triggered wet slab avalanches to size 2 on the slopes below. One natural storm slab avalanche was observed on a north aspect, the trigger was likely a cornice naturally failing and falling on the slope.
On Thursday night and into Friday, a loose wet avalanche and cornice cycle occurred in the region during the storm, producing small to large avalanches (size 1 and 2). Most of the avalanches occurred in the alpine as well as treeline.
Snowpack Summary
30 mm of precipitation fell as rain below 2000 m. A crust has developed on most aspects expect for high alpine slopes where up to 10 cm loose, dry snow accumulated. Cornices and wind slabs have developed with recent strong south winds. The snowpack below treeline is saturated and rapidly melting.
Problems
Loose Wet
Sun and warm temperatures will likely cause the new snow above 2000 m to moisten and become touchy on sun-exposed slopes, increasing the potential for loose wet avalanches.
- Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.
- Minimize overhead exposure and avoid steep slopes during periods of strong sun.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs formed from recent snow and strong southerly wind may remain touchy this weekend. Be wary of the potential for these slabs when entering lee terrain features near ridges above 2000 m.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.
- New cornices will be weak and could trigger wind slabs on slopes below.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 21st, 2019 2:00PM
