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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 9th, 2017–Apr 10th, 2017
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Rockies.

Cornices and wind slabs are the primary concern. Solar radiation is a common cornice trigger. Limit your exposure when it's cloudy and completely avoid cornices when it's sunny.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

We're looking at mostly unsettled weather throughout the forecast period, with a brief respite on Tuesday. MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries (2-5cm). Moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1700 m.TUESDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods. Light southerly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1800 m.WEDNESDAY: Flurries (5-10cm). Moderate easterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, several small (Size 1 or less) loose dry and storm slab avalanches were reported running on the firm melt-freeze crust from Friday-Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

On Saturday into Sunday, 5-15cm of new snow fell above treeline with southerly winds. Small wind slabs have formed in lee features below alpine ridgetops. The new snow fell on a firm crust up to 2100m (on north aspects) and 2400m (on south aspects), and may slide easily on this layer.  Cornices remain large, looming, and are best avoided. The snowpack is well settled and continues to transition into a spring snowpack, becoming isothermal at treeline in some areas and below treeline in most areas. The bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, but this deep persistent weakness has not been reactive for several weeks. That said, a large trigger like a cornice, or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and moderate southwest winds have formed thin wind slabs below alpine ridgetops.
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Solar radiation is a common cornice trigger. Limit your exposure when it's cloudy and completely avoid cornices when it's sunny.
Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3