Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 7th, 2014 8:08AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet, Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Pacific system moving over the interior will bring overcast skies, warmer temperatures and light precipitation, freezing levels are expected to rise to 1500m today and increase to 1800m tonight. A system with more punch arrives on Tuesday delivering light to moderate rain to around 1800m.

Snowpack Summary

35cm of recent storm snow sits over the April 2 surface hoar/crust layer at tree line and above. This snow is moist except on due north aspects where dry snow may still be found up high. The Mar 22 Cr is down 50-60cm, the Mar 2 is down 1.0-1.25m, the Feb 10 is down ~1.75m. The mid and lower snowpack are very well settled.

Avalanche Summary

2 size 2.0-2.5 natural avalanches east of the Rogers Pass summit within the highway corridor were observed yesterday

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Loose Wet

As freezing levels rise things will become more unstable particularly in steeper terrain and at lower elevations. Snow that is very heavy and creates pin wheels is an indicator that snow stability is decreasing.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

We've had enough snow in the past few days to warrant some caution up high. Winds have been steady and combined with rising temperatures things will slab up a some more.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The deeper instabilities that exist in our snowpack can reawaken with the increase in temperatures or added weight of snow/rain. Avoid those shallow snowpack areas where triggering these layers is most likely.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 8th, 2014 8:00AM