With a solid, overnight refreeze, travel conditions are as good as they can be for big, fast days.
Get up early, get back early, and ensure the permit area is open if you are entering one!
Summary
Weather Forecast
High cloud moving in this afternoon, then minor rain/snowfall Thurs/Fri and a stronger, wetter system Sat/Sun.
Today: Sunny with increasing late afternoon cloud. FZL 2200m. Ridge winds W, 15-35km/h
Thurs: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. FZL 1300m. Ridge winds NE 10-20km/h
Fri: Cloudy with sunny periods. FZL 1400m. Ridge winds SW 10-25km/h
Snowpack Summary
A solid melt/freeze crust covers the landscape except high (>2400m) N aspects, where one can find loose, dry snow. These hard surfaces will break down with the strong April sun beating down on them, especially at lower elevations. The April 7th layer is down 20-40cm depending on aspect and elevation, and the March 18th crust is down 60-100cm.
Avalanche Summary
A natural sz 3 slab was triggered by a cornice failure at the top of the Ross Pk path yesterday. Minor loose, dry sluffing was observed from skiers on the N Face of Swiss Peak to sz 1.
Confidence
Problems
Loose Wet
The strong April sun will soften the surface crust formed overnight, elevating the hazard in solar exposed terrain. Check out this link for more info on spring conditions.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices having been weakening with warm temperatures and strong solar radiation. The sun is beating down on the tops of cornices, even over polar aspects. Avoid exposure to cornices.
- Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 22nd, 2021 8:00AM
