Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Apr 5 – 6, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    New wind slabs are expected to develop as the rain turns to snow at higher elevations.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Loose wet slides may release naturally due to continued loading from rain, and the lack of an overnight re-freeze.

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Saturday: The second of three waves of precipitation is expected to make its way to the interior by early morning. Expect 8-12 cms of new snow to fall above 2200 metres elevation combined with moderate winds gusting to strong from the Southwest. Alpine temperatures should drop to about -6.0 overnight and rise to -3.0 during the day.Sunday: Expect a slight cooling trend in the wake of the second wave. The third wave of precipitation should move into the interior by the afternoon, combined with light Southerly winds.Monday: Conditions should start to dry out in the wake of the third wave of precipitation.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet slides continue to fall out of steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

The classic melt freeze cycle has come to an end with cloud and warm temps preventing a good refreeze in most of the forecast region. Along with the solar aspects, previously dry north facing zones in the alpine are also now moist. A buried rain crust can be found down 25-50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m.  Larger triggers such as a loose wet slide, or cornice fall may cause this layer to fail. Snow may be isothermal on south facing aspects in the alpine/treeline and on all aspects below treeline.

Regions covered