Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Apr 18 – 19, 2014Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Check out this video by the CAC South Rockies field team describing current conditions and what to expect in the South Rockies and Lizard Range over the next couple of weeks. Please send us your observations at [email protected]

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    New wind slabs may have formed in exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded features.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Expect loose wet slides on steep sun exposed slopes during the day. Also, give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges. 

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    3–6
    The potential for deep persistent slabs will increase when the sun is shining and temperatures are warm. Minimize exposure to big alpine slopes when things are heating up. 

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level rises to around 2000-2200 m and ridge winds are moderate to strong from the S-SW. Sunday: Sunny with cloudy periods and possible flurries. The freezing level is around 1800-2000 m and ridge winds are moderate from the west.Monday: Cloudy with sunny breaks. The freezing level jumps up to around 2500 m. Wind are moderate from the S-SW.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, the CAC field team observed a natural cornice failure which triggered a thin slab below near Window Mountain in the Crowsnest Pass. There were also several loose wet avalanches from steep terrain. The team also saw the remnants of a natural deep persistent slab that broke several large mature trees. This avalanche probably occurred in the past week or so, and most likely during a warming event.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall amounts probably vary throughout the region but I would expect there is around 15-30 cm in most places. The snow line has probably hovered between 1500 and 1700 m. The new snow is sitting on hard crust and may not bond well initially. Higher north aspects may have as much as 50 cm of settling dry powder. It looks like we should see cool temperatures overnight which will likely form a new surface crust at lower elevations. The deep facet/crust persistent weakness buried at the beginning of February (now down up to 80-100+ cm) should stay on your radar, especially on all alpine slopes during sunny periods. Any activity at this interface would be large and destructive. Also, give large sagging cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below corniced ridges.

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