Stormy cool weather has deposited some new snow up high in the alpine creating a new windslab problem. The sun will be out this weekend so head's up with the daytime heating. Spring time - start early, finish early especially on south slopes.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A largely unsettled cold air mass will bring about convective showers and generally calm winds over the weekend. The sun will likely appear on Saturday for periods as a ridge builds in and then breaks down toward the end of the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 10 cm's of new snow in the high alpine. Intermittent gusty westerlies developing windslabs up to 30cm's in specific areas in the alpine. Firm crusts up to 10 cms thick remain intact at most elevations below the new snow.
Avalanche Summary
Some loose dry avalanches have observed in high alpine today up to size 1.5. Small windslabs sitting on the recent crusts are reactive to skier triggering have been reported up on the Wapta Icefield.low the new snow surface.
Confidence
Problems
Cornices
Many large cornice failures have occurred over the past week, which may trigger avalanches when the snowpack is isothermal or wet.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features.
- Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Depending on the duration of sun appearances will dictate the integrity and strength of the crusts.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.
- Avoid solar aspects.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 25th, 2015 4:00PM
