Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 23rd, 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.

andrew jones, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Warm temperatures and a mix of sun and rain are in the forecast for the next week. Expect wet avalanches. The bulletin will be updated when conditions change.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cloudy today with a chance of isolated drizzle. Alpine temperatures will reach 8 with freezing levels climbing to 2700m. Winds will be light. Rain is expected for tomorrow morning. We will see a return to cooler overnight temperatures as we head into next week. A moisture laden SW flow will bring up to 30mm of rain between Tuesday and Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Sustained warm temperatures have led to poor overnight recovery of the snowpack with moist isothermal snow in the top 1m. 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

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.

Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of rain.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

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 avalanche terrain during periods of heavy rain.Avoid exposure to overhead slopes with Glide Cracks. Avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Cornices

Cornices are sagging and are precariously perched on high alpine ridges. Sun and continued warmth will further weaken them.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 24th, 2016 8:00AM