Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 22nd, 2014–Apr 23rd, 2014

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

We are under the influence of a storm system today that will bring rain and warm temperatures. Choose conservative terrain with limited exposure to overhead hazard until temperatures cool.

Weather Forecast

Storm system over the interior today will bring warm temperatures and rain to 1900m. Light to moderate amounts of rain is expected until tonight. Temperatures should be on a cooling trend from about noon today. Light snow/rain expected for Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Moist snow to be found at all elevations but the highest, and aspects due to poor overnight freeze. Several crusts exist in the top meter of the snowpack on solar aspects. Isothermal snow developing below tree line.

Avalanche Summary

3 natural avalanches yesterday up to size 2.0 within the highway corridor.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wet Slabs

Warm temperatures combined with rain will render the snowpack more unstable and the ski quality extra poor.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

The snowpack at lower elevations was already moist. This added rain will only worsen the snow stability by saturating it until it cools down.

Avoid areas with overhead hazard.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The persistent weak layers within our snowpack are most susceptible to be triggered in times like these when we had a poor overnight freeze and it is raining.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 4