Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Mar 31 – Apr 1, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Danger could INCREASE TO CONSIDERABLE with intense radiation on south and west aspects, especially at treeline and below. Be aware of how the warm weather is changing the snowpack.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–5
    Large looming cornices exist on most ridgelines. They are a hazard in themselves and they could trigger slopes below. Wind loaded and cross-loaded slopes may still be found at upper elevations.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Warmer afternoon temperatures and sunshine may promote deterioration within the upper snowpack. If surface snow becomes moist or wet, loose wet avalanches are likely. Watch solar aspects.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Monday/Tuesday: High pressure reigns supreme! Expect continuing sunny skies, light winds and temperatures reaching into the double digits.Wednesday: The ridge should begin to break down. Expect clouds to build with the chance of flurries. Afternoon alpine temperatures could still reach 5 with moderate westerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose wet avalanches up to size 1 were reported.

Snowpack Summary

We are in a classic spring melt freeze cycle. The surface snow becomes moist  up to 2200m on all aspect and to ridgecrest on south and west facing slopes. Large cornices are becoming weak due to strong solar radiation and warming temperatures. Surface hoar growth and surface facetting is happening at night on high sheltered, northerly aspects. Isolated wind slabs exist in the immediate lee of ridge crests and terrain featuresA buried rain crust can be found down 50 cm and exists up to around 2100 m. The bonds at the crust has shown variability though the region. It is important to dig down and test weak layers before dropping into your line. A large trigger such as a cornice fall or a skier/sledder hitting the sweet spot could potentially trigger a large avalanche on this layer.

Regions covered