Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 18th, 2019 8:00AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.
chris gooliaff,
Parks Canada
A warm, wet storm is barreling down on Rogers Pass today and tonight. Danger ratings will rise rapidly with tonight's forecasted rain and winds.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Today will begin snowy, with 10cm accompanied by moderate SW winds. Tonight, the temps will rise rapidly with 20mm of rain, strong SW winds, and freezing levels (FZL) around 2300m. Friday will bring flurries (10cm), strong SW winds, and a slow lowering of the FZL to 2200m. Saturday should be a mix of sun and cloud, FZL at 1800m, and light winds.
Snowpack Summary
Storm snow since Sunday now totals 50cm. Strong southerly winds have created soft slabs in the alpine and exposed areas of tree-line. Storm slabs overlie melt-freeze crusts on all aspects and elevations except N aspects, where slabs sit on surface hoar. Below tree-line, rain and warm temps have prevented a solid crust recovery.
Avalanche Summary
Several size 2 slab avalanches were observed on steep, N-facing alpine terrain from Macdonald yesterday. Sunday, there was a skier remote size 2 triggered on Video Peak. Six people in the area, three involved, no gear lost, no burials, & no injuries. The parties had deviated from the regular ascent route to Video Pk, climbing straight up the face.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
45cm + of storm snow, along with moderate to strong S-SW winds, formed storm slabs in the alpine and exposed areas of tree-line. These slabs were easily triggered by skiers on Sunday, initiating from 50m away.
- Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow is forming reactive slabs.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Rising freezing levels and rain will trigger wet avalanches today and tomorrow at tree-line and below.
- Daytime warming will weaken surface layers.
- Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 19th, 2019 8:00AM
