Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2016 8:49AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Purcells.

Spring Conditions. Forecast new snow and wind will bring back that winter feeling in the mountains. Watch for new wind slabs that may not bond to the old hard surface.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Moderate southwest winds overnight with light snow and freezing levels around 1700 metres. Moderate southwest winds on Wednesday with light snow and freezing levels close to 2000 metres. A mix of sun and cloud on Thursday with light northerly winds and freezing levels climbing up to 2200 metres. Mostly clear on Friday with light southerly winds and freezing levels to 2500 metres.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanches up to size 3.0 were reported from Sunday in the central Purcells on alpine features with solar exposed aspects. Some glide cracks were also reported releasing up to size 2.5 during the heat of the day.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is currently going through a typical spring melt-freeze cycle on all aspects and at all elevations, except possibly high true-north slopes which could be holding onto cold snow. Forecast new snow and wind are expected to develop new windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. Higher elevations may feel more like winter for the next day or two, and new wind slabs may not bond well to the old hard re-frozen surface.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Forecast new snow and wind may develop new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. New wind slabs may not bond well to the old surface crust.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Forecast cloud, light snow, and cooler temperatures may reduce the likelihood of natural cornice falls.

Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Wet

Forecast cooler temperatures and cloud cover should reduce the likelihood of loose wet avalanches. Lower elevations may be reactive during the heat of the day.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2016 2:00PM