Another day of sun and heat means another day of increasing hazard throughout the day. Avoid exposure to sun exposed slopes and cornices, especially in the afternoon.
Check out the latest Forecaster's Blog for more information on managing current conditions.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
A ridge of high pressure, with sunny skies and high freezing levels will dominate the weather pattern this week.
Wednesday night - Mainly clear / moderate northeast wind / alpine low temperature near 0 / freezing level 2000 m
Thursday - Sunny / moderate northeast wind / alpine high temperature near 3 / freezing level 2500 m
Friday - Mainly sunny / light northeast wind / alpine high temperature near 4 / freezing level 2900 m
Saturday - Mainly sunny / light west wind / alpine high temperature near 5 / freezing level 3000 m
Avalanche Summary
There were a few size 1-1.5 human triggered wind slab avalanches reported over the past week. Small natural dry loose avalanches were also reported in the Kootenay Pass area.
Looking forward, wet loose avalanches are expected on steep solar aspects with sunny weather and rising freezing levels. Cornice failures will also become more likely. Wind slabs may remain reactive in leeward terrain features at upper elevations.
Snowpack Summary
A crust exists on the surface on solar aspects, and on all aspects up to about 1800 m. Dry snow can still be found on north aspects at higher elevations. Sunshine and rising freezing levels are expected to soften the surface crust during the day. The mid and lower snowpack are well settled and strong.
Terrain and Travel
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
- Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Problems
Loose Wet
Surface snow will tend to lose cohesion and become unstable with solar warming during the day. Avoid exposing yourself to terrain where a small wet loose avalanche could have big consequences.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are at their largest at this time of year, and become weaker with warm temperatures and solar radiation.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 15th, 2021 4:00PM
