Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2013 10:31AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

A ridge of High pressure is expected to develop over the interior regions by Monday evening. The high pressure is expected to continue to cause clearing skies and light winds on Tuesday. The next Pacific disturbance is forecast to make its way into the interior on Wednesday, bringing light precipitation, rising freezing levels and strong gusty winds. Unsettled weather with cloud and periods of convective showers are forecast for Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

Loose moist snow in motion released a wet slab on a North aspect of Mt. Hosmer. Loose wet or moist snow is expected to continue to release naturally from steep terrain or rocky areas at lower elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Overnight freezing has consolidated previously loose wet snow at treeline and above. Some new wind slabs may have developed during periods of strong Easterly winds combined with new snow. The surface crust is expected to break down during the day and then re-freeze tonight. Moist or wet snow below treeline is not expected to have much of a recovery, and may continue to be isothermal and weak.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose moist or wet snow may continue to release naturally from steep terrain or rocky cliffs. Moist or wet snow in motion may scour down to the ground where the snowpack is isothermal.

Avoid travelling on slopes which are becoming wet due to rain, warm temperatures, or sun.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

Recent snow and gusty winds may have formed windslabs in lee features in the alpine

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2013 2:00PM