Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 22nd, 2017 8:33AM

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

Parks Canada jim phillips, Parks Canada

Limit you exposure to steep slopes during the heat of the day and during sunny periods. Large loose wet snow avalanches are likely then

Summary

Weather Forecast

A lingering high pressure ridge is departing the southern interior today. Sunny breaks early today will give way to increasing clouds this afternoon. Freezing levels will be high at 2400 meters. Snow will develop tonight with 7 cm, and rain showers at low elevations. Unsettled weather on Sunday with snow flurries and freezing levels at 1700 meters.

Snowpack Summary

On high northerly aspects a deep winter snowpack prevails. Elsewhere the spring snowpack continues to develop with numerous melt-freeze crusts. At middle and low elevations the snowpack is becoming isothermal.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday avalanche control produced several size 2.0 and 2.5 slab avalanches and numerous size 2.0 loose snow avalanches from high elevation start zones. A natural avalanche cycle started in the early afternoon and produced many size 1.5 to 2.5 loose wet snow avalanches from southeast through west aspects.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
At treeline and below warm temperatures have prevented solid crust formation overnight, resulting in weak wet surface snow that slides easily on crusts below. Steep solar aspects in the alpine are producing significant loose wet avalanches as well.
Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
Slab avalanches, the remnants of previously storm and wind deposited snow, are possible though difficult to trigger.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
Large cornices are widespread on high northeasterly ridge lines. With high freezing levels and periods of sun these may fail, triggering deep persistent slab avalanches.
Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2017 8:00AM