Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Apr 3 – 4, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–5
    Loose avalanches can be initiated by skiers and sledders at all elevations and can entrain a large amount of moist snow in steep terrain.  Natural triggers such as cornices are also a concern.

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–5
    Wet slabs may be human triggered in the alpine from thin areas.  Glide releases in steep terrain are a concern at all elevations.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Light snowfall/rain late in the day / Light southwest winds / Freezing level at 2300mFriday: Moderate snowfall/rain / strong southwest winds / Trending cooler, freezing levels could drop as low as 1400m during the day.Saturday:  Moderate snowfall/rain / Light southwest winds / Trending cooler, freezing levels could drop closer to 1500m during the day.

Avalanche Summary

A size 2.5 wet slab, 50 meters wide and to ground was reported in the nearby Lizard Range on a steep east facing slope.On Monday, numerous wet slab avalanches and glide crack releases to size 3 were observed  from South to West aspects. Since temperatures remain warm and no overnight freeze is forecast, more similar activity may be expected.

Snowpack Summary

The classic melt freeze cycle has come to an end with cloud and warm temps preventing a good refreeze. The surface snow is moist up to 2200m on all aspects and to ridgecrest on previously sun-exposed slopes. Large cornices likely remain weak due to warm temperatures. Surface hoar growth and surface facetting happened last week on northerly aspects and snow is still dry there. New snow may not bond well to old surfaces on that aspect.   A buried rain crust can be found down 25-50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m.  A large trigger such as a cornice fall or warming on a solar aspect could cause this layer to fail.Snow is isothermal on south facing aspects in the alpine/treeline and on all aspects below treeline. 

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