Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 4th, 2019 3:31PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Minimize exposure to steep slopes as temperatures warm through the day, especially in areas with fresh snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries / west wind, 10-20 km/h / alpine low temperature -2 C / freezing level 1600 m FRIDAY - Wet flurries, up to 5 cm accumulation / southwest wind, 15-35 km/h / alpine high temperature +1 C / freezing level 2100 mSATURDAY - Cloudy with scattered flurries, trace to 5 cm accumulation / southwest wind, 20-45 km/h / alpine high temperature -1 C / freezing level 1900 mSUNDAY - Cloudy with scattered flurries, trace to 5 cm accumulation / southwest wind, 20 gusting to 65 km/h / alpine high temperature -1 C / freezing level 2000 m

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, small (small 1-1.5) loose-dry and loose-wet avalanches were reported with the accumulated snowfall as well as two small (size 1-1.5) storm slab avalanches triggered with explosives. On Tuesday, snowballing was observed in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Wet flurries and rain have sprinkled a spring snowpack. During the heat of the day and especially under direct sun, the snowpack has become moist or wet, on all but north-facing alpine areas where isolated dry snow persists on a cold, wind-affected snowpack.Lower down in the snowpack, the base is composed of weak facets (sugary snow). In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat (like north-alpine), human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.With spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day.

Problems

Loose Wet

As temperatures rise or when the sun comes out, the chances of loose avalanches will increase, especially in areas with fresh snow.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 5th, 2019 2:00PM