Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 20th, 2019 3:43PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
mike.koppang,
Alberta Parks
Happy Easter! The recent snow and winds have built new windslabs in alpine areas. Solar radiation is forecast to be strong Sunday and Monday so early starts are critical.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
The remainder of the easter weekend is looking clear and warm with no new precip forecast. Early starts are key right now and people should be paying close attention to aspects they are on or under as temperatures warm up.
Avalanche Summary
Loose wet avalanches up to sz 2 have been observed over the past few days on all aspects below treeline. Some loose wet have also triggered wet slabs on the underlying slopes. This is largely due to poor quality of overnight freezes and periods of light rain.
Snowpack Summary
Snow and strong winds over the past week are keeping windslabs 30-40cm thick a problem in alpine areas. At treeline and below, the snowpack is generally a moist spring snowpack with its strength largely dependent upon aspect, quality of overnight freeze, day time temperature and issues associated with rapid loading from rain and or new snow. Place close attention to all of these key aspects when making your a decision and remember, you can always back off and come back another day...or season. Best skiing is being found on sheltered north aspects where the snowpack is still dry.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow is building windslabs up to 40cm thick in alpine areas.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Loose wet slabs on all aspects except pure true north alpine. These loose point releases may trigger a slab on the underlying slope
- If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 21st, 2019 3:43PM
