Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 13th, 2017–Apr 14th, 2017

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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Rockies.

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Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / Light to moderate west wind / Alpine temperature -2 / Freezing level 1800mSATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / Light to moderate west southwest wind / Alpine temperature -4 / Freezing level 1500mSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light west wind / Alpine temperature -3 / Freezing level 1700m

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, two recent storm slab avalanches (35cm crown, Size 2) were observed in steep north facing terrain near Elkford at 2400m elevation.

Snowpack Summary

15-30cm of moist new snow falling throughout the last week above treeline has been redistributed by south and southeast winds. Cornices remain large and continue to become more overhanging. The middle of the snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring melt/freeze regime. Expect the entire thickness of the snowpack to be moist or wet at lower elevations. At upper elevations, the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, however there still is uncertainty to this layer's reactivity. That being said, a heavy load like a cornice fall or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.

Avalanche Problems

Cornices

Cornices continue to grow and become more overhanging

Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.Cornices become weak with daytime heating and/or rain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

New snow combined with recent south and east wind has created reactive wind slabs in lee loaded terrain features

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2