Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2013 10:08AM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Due to a lack of information sources at this time of year, this forecast is based primarily on weather data. If you have been traveling in the backcountry recently, send us your observations. Email us at forecaster@avalanche.ca

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Monday: An upper trough of low pressure brings unsettled weather. Isolated snow showers and broken skies are expected. Winds light to moderate from the northwest and freezing levels 1000m.Tuesday and Wednesday: An Upper ridge of high pressure builds bringing generally dry conditions and clearer skies. Freezing level 600-1000m on Tuesday and 1500m on Wednesday. Winds light to moderate northwesterly.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports from Saturday indicate loose snow avalanches to size 1.5 running out of steep rocky terrain and 20-30cm thick slab avalanches running to size 2 in crossloaded features. These avalanches are running at the interface between the recent storm snow and the old snow.

Snowpack Summary

20-30cm of new snow sits on a variety of surfaces. Overnight freezing has consolidated previously loose wet snow at treeline and below. Recent moderate winds may have developed windslabs at upper elevations. Surface crusts are expected to break down during the day and then re-freeze overnight.

Problems

Wind Slabs

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

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2013 2:00PM