Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2018 3:57PM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead.

The general trend is for gradually rising freezing levels and clearing skies. In the meantime pay attention to the bond of the recent new snow to the old snow surface.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest wind. Alpine temperature -1. Freezing level 1700 m. THURSDAY:Â Sunny with cloudy periods. Light southwest wind. Alpine temperature 3. Freezing level 2200 m. FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate west wind. Alpine temperature 4. Freezing level 2300 m.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose wet avalanches up to size 2.5 which were triggered by cornice falls were reported near Fernie on Sunday. Other than that avalanche reports have been limited due to very few information sources this time of year. If you have been out, post you observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of new snow and moderate winds have formed storm slabs reactive to human triggers. This storm snow overlies numerous crusts in the upper 100 cm of the snowpack. The mid-pack is generally well settled and strong.A layer of sugary facets around a crust can be found near the bottom of the snowpack which has been dormant for some time. Large triggers, such as a falling cornice, or a major warm-up to the snowpack could trigger this layer.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow and wind have created new storm and wind slabs.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Use caution when transitioning into wind affected terrain.Watch for signs of instability such as whumphing, cracking, or recent natural avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the new snow and cause loose wet avalanches on steep solar slopes.

Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling or the surface snow becoming moist.Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2018 2:00PM