Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Apr 13 – 14, 2017Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Observations from the region have been very limited recently. If you are out in the mountains, please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network and help us improve the bulletin. Click here for more details.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    New snow combined with recent south and east wind has created reactive wind slabs in lee loaded terrain features

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Cornices continue to grow and become more overhanging

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / Light to moderate west wind / Alpine temperature -2 / Freezing level 1800mSATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / Light to moderate west southwest wind / Alpine temperature -4 / Freezing level 1500mSUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light west wind / Alpine temperature -3 / Freezing level 1700m

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, two recent storm slab avalanches (35cm crown, Size 2) were observed in steep north facing terrain near Elkford at 2400m elevation.

Snowpack Summary

15-30cm of moist new snow falling throughout the last week above treeline has been redistributed by south and southeast winds. Cornices remain large and continue to become more overhanging. The middle of the snowpack is generally well settled and continues to transition into a spring melt/freeze regime. Expect the entire thickness of the snowpack to be moist or wet at lower elevations. At upper elevations, the bottom third of the snowpack is composed of weak facets, however there still is uncertainty to this layer's reactivity. That being said, a heavy load like a cornice fall or rapid warming of the snowpack could potentially trigger this layer.

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