Avalanche Forecast
Issued: May 2nd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet, Cornices and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Chris Gooliaff,
Warmth, and eventually rain, will be the primary factors driving the avalanche danger the next few days.
Danger levels will remain elevated with little to no crust recovery forecasted through Thurs.
This is the last daily bulletin of the season.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Limited overnight crust recovery with alpine temperature inversions.
Tonight: Mainly cloudy. Alpine low 0*C, freezing level (fzl) 2200m, light W wind.
Tues: Mix of sun/cloud, High 4*C, fzl 2500m, light/gusting mod SW wind
Wed: Rain or Flurries, 11cm, Alp high 1*C, fzl 2400m, light/gusting strong SW wind
Snowpack Summary
We have 2 distinct snowpacks.
Below treeline the spring-time melt-freeze snowpack is solid in the morning, and breaks down with daytime warming.
In the Alpine, on N'ly slopes you'll find a more winterlike snowpack with settled dry powder, and variable crusty surfaces on solar aspects.
Cornices are large and looming.
Avalanche Summary
With the warmth at elevation and limited overnight cooling, loose/wet avalanche activity is increasing on all aspects along the highway corridor. Most of these avalanches are entraining surface snow only, but steep S'ly paths are starting to see some deeper gouging as temps stay warm overnight.
Confidence
Problems
Loose Wet
Watch for moist/wet avalanches during peak daytime warming. Steeper sunny slopes and areas with a thin snowpack are the most affected by solar radiation.
- Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
- If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Warming temperatures and strong solar radiation will weaken these sleepy giants. With "around-the-clock" above freezing temps, they will begin to sag and collapse with little notice. Give them respect!
- Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
With several nights of poor surface crust recovery at treeline, warmth is percolating deeper into the snowpack. Expect extremely destructive avalanches if natural activity steps down to this layer (down 1.5-2m in the snowpack).
- Plan to finish your tour early.
- If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: May 3rd, 2022 4:00PM
