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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 18th, 2019–Apr 19th, 2019
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

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.

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

Avalanche 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: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

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: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2