Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Apr 1 – 2, 2021Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Sunny skies and rising freezing levels will increase the likelihood for both wet loose avalanches and cornice failures throughout the day on Friday. Avoid large slopes facing the sun and slopes exposed to large cornices; especially during the heat of the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Watch for wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain. Southerly winds have been loading lee terrain, especially near ridge crests. 

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Recent strong southwest through northwest winds have been building fresh cornice growth. 

    Cornices falls can be a hazard on their own, and can also act as a trigger for avalanches on the slopes below. 

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Wet loose avalanches will become increasingly likely throughout the day on steep solar aspects at all elevations.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

  

THURSDAY NIGHT: Clearing / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -9 / Freezing level 2100 m.

FRIDAY: Sunny / Moderate, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 5 / Freezing level 2400 m.

SATURDAY: Sunny / Light, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 7 / Freezing level 2500 m.

SUNDAY: Snow/rain; 3-5 mm. / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 4 / Freezing level 2100 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, no new avalanches were reported in this region.

Snowpack Summary

The 20-40 cm of recent storm snow appears to be bonding well to previous melt freeze crusts from mid March that were found on all but steep north facing alpine slopes. Strong southeasterly winds have been transporting snow and forming new wind slabs in lee features. Cornices are reported to be large and looming. With rising freezing levels and sunny skies, snow will likely lose strength as it becomes moist on all aspects at lower elevations and solar aspects at upper elevations.

The mid-pack is firm and well settled. Some faceted snow and a decomposing melt-freeze crust can be found near the base of the snowpack.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Regions covered