Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2017 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

Watch for changing snow conditions when the sun comes out. Storm slabs and persistent slabs are possible at higher elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Sunny skies, light winds, and freezing level rising to 1000 m after an overnight freeze.TUESDAY: Overcast with light snow starting in the afternoon, increasing south wind, and freezing level climbing to 1200 m. WEDNESDAY: 10-20 cm with strong south wind and freezing level around 1200 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, a few explosive and natural triggered storm slabs were reported in the Stewart / Bear Pass area. Most storm slabs were size 1.5 in the top 20 cm of snow, with some larger natural storms slabs in big alpine features around Bear Pass. On Friday, one loose wet avalanche size 1 released from a ski cut below treeline in the Shames area.More storm slab activity likely occurred on Sunday, and storm slabs may remain reactive to human triggers on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of recent storm snow is settling at higher elevations. Warm daytime temperatures and sun are creating moist snow at treeline and wet snow below treeline, with reports of 40-60 cm of moist snow at 1200 m around Shames. The late February persistent weak layer continues to be a concern for triggering large avalanches. This combination of crust and weak facets is now down 100-150 cm, and may be triggered by light loads in shallow weak spots. The snow below treeline may become weak and release as loose wet avalanches or wet slabs in steep unsupported terrain features.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Storm slabs may be reactive on steep convexities and on wind loaded terrain features at higher elevations.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.If triggered, the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
A weak layer from February remains a concern. It produced several large human triggered avalanches last weekend, and may still react in shallow areas. Heavy loads such as a storm slab avalanche or a cornice fall are also possible triggers.
Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2017 2:00PM