Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Apr 24 – 25, 2014Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
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Highlights

We are no longer issuing danger ratings for this region due to a lack of field data.Check out this video and blog post for more insight into managing spring conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Fresh wind slabs could form in exposed lee terrain at higher elevations over the next couple days. Triggering is more likely on steep unsupported slopes near ridge crests.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    Large cornices loom above many alpine slopes and will become weak with daytime warming. Give cornices a wide berth while traveling on or below ridges.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    3–6
    The potential for deep persistent slabs will increase when the sun is shining, temperatures are warm or when rain falls. Minimize exposure to big alpine slopes when things are warming up.

Avalanche Summary

Expect loose wet avalanches in steep terrain if it is raining or during sunny periods, especially if the sun or rain is affecting fresh snow. New storm of wind slabs may develop in higher terrain if we see significant new snow accumulation. Make conservative terrain choices if you see 30 cm of new snow or more in 24-48 hours or significant loading from strong winds. There is still potential for deep persistent slabs to wake up. This is most likely during periods of heavy rain or warm temperatures and strong solar radiation. Your best bet is to pack it in when the snow surface is becoming really wet and mushy.

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: The weather pattern should remain cool and unsettled through the weekend. Expect periods of light to moderate precipitation mixed with sunny breaks most days. The greatest amount of precipitation should be on Saturday (5-10 mm or cm). Freezing levels should climb to 1800-2000 m each day and rebound to around 1500 m overnight. Ridgetop winds are generally light to moderate from the southwest.

Snowpack Summary

This is a broad general summary of conditions in the region. This summary is based solely on recent weather data and previous snowpack information. It should be supplemented with local observations to help assess avalanche danger.Over the past week we have seen light precipitation with a snow line somewhere around 1800 m (+/- 200 m). This recent snowfall overlies a melt-freeze crust in many areas. My best guess is that stubborn wind slabs exist in high north-facing terrain while warm temperatures and solar radiation may have created moist surfaces everywhere else. If there is a good overnight freeze these surfaces will form a hard crust. The deep facet/crust persistent weakness buried at the beginning of February (now down up to 80-100+ cm) should stay on your radar, especially on all alpine slopes during sunny periods. Any activity at this interface would be large and destructive. Also, give large sagging cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below corniced ridges.

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