Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Mar 30 – 31, 2017Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Strong solar radiation and high daytime freezing levels are expected to elevate the avalanche danger. Avoid slopes that are exposed to overhead cornices.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Wind slabs are expected to continue to develop with forecast new snow and wind.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Watch out for wet snow at lower elevations or on sunny slopes if the sun comes out during the day.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–4
    Heavy triggers such as a cornice fall or wind loading are potential triggers for large avalanches on deep weak layers. Be aware of overhead hazard, and do not linger in avalanche paths at lower elevations.

Snowpack Summary

On Thursday in Crowsnest North, the sun was strong in the morning and solar aspects became moist up into the alpine. There was still some dry snow on north aspects in the alpine. A few more cm of new snow overnight, combined with gusty southwest winds has developed new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline.  The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets and full-depth avalanches over this basal weakness remain a concern, and may be triggered by large loads like cornice falls, or strong solar radiation on a clear day.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Overnight: Overcast with 5-10 cm of new snow and moderate-strong northeast winds. Freezing down to 1300 metres by morning. Friday: Mostly clear with strong solar radiation and winds switching to the west. Daytime freezing levels up to at least 2300 metres. Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud with strong westerly winds, and little or no re-freeze below 2300 metres. Sunday: Overcast with light westerly winds and daytime freezing around 1800 metres.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.

Regions covered