Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 22nd, 2016 8:00AM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wet Slabs and Cornices.

Parks Canada andrew jones, Parks Canada

With rain and warm temps this weekend will lead to dangerous avalanche conditions and poor ski quality.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Rain showers that began this morning will continue throughout the day, amounting to 9mm of precipitation. Alpine temperatures will reach 15 with freezing levels climbing to 3500m.  A moisture laden SW flow continues to dominate the weekend with ongoing rain and high daytime temperatures.  Overnight temps are expected to drop somewhat next week.

Snowpack Summary

Sustained warm temperatures have led to poor overnight recovery of the snowpack with moist isothermal snow in the top 1m.  Rain started early this morning and will continue throughout the day. Snow is disappearing rapidly from lower elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche cycles continue to occur with daytime warming with loose wet avalanches.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Warmer temp's are preventing a strong surface crust to refreeze at night. Today's rain will quickly overcome any strength in the snowpack, causing widespread loose wet avalanches.
Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wet Slabs

An icon showing Wet Slabs
With the warms temps and rain,  avalanche activity will surely increase. Without a strong overnight freeze the snowpack will warm & lose its structure. As this happens it will sporadically fail as large destructive wet slab avalanches
Avoid exposure to overhead slopes with Glide Cracks. Avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy rain.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
Cornices are sagging and are precariously perched on high alpine ridges. Sun and continued warmth will further weaken them.
Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2016 8:00AM