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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 18th, 2021–Apr 19th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

South Rockies.

Watch for wind slabs in drifted areas at upper elevations, especially near ridge-crests, roll-overs, and in steep terrain. 

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Sunday night: Cloudy, up to 5 cm of snow, moderate northeast winds, alpine temperature -10 C, freezing level dropping to valley bottom.

Monday: Mostly cloudy, light northerly winds, alpine high temperature -3 C, freezing level 1700 m.

Tuesday: Sunny, light southerly winds, alpine high temperature -2 C, freezing level 2300 m. 

Wednesday: Sunny, light southwest winds, alpine high temperature -3 C, freezing level 2500 m. 

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, there were reports of numerous wet loose avalanches releasing naturally on steep east-facing alpine slopes early in the day. Observers also reported two natural wet slab avalanches that occurred on northeast aspects above 2000 m.

Snowpack Summary

An upslope storm brought 5-10 cm of new snow to the region, with 20+ cm accumulating in favored areas. Moderate northeast winds with strong ridgetop gusts have formed fresh wind slabs in exposed areas at upper elevations. Cornices are large and fragile. Cornice falls could trigger avalanches on the slopes below. 

The snowpack is overall strong and settled in most areas. However, steep and rocky alpine slopes with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack may still harbor deeply buried weak layers.

The snow line is slowly creeping up the mountains, making some access areas snow-free. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
  • Extra caution is needed around cornices under the current conditions.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.