Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 19th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet, Cornices and Persistent Slabs.
Deryl Kelly,
Expecting a slow progressive warm-up though this week. Solid overnight freezes expected to help the snowpack maintain structure longer though the morning. Massive cornices looming over the forecast region, give them lots of room!
Summary
Weather Forecast
Clearing skies across the Rockies with freezing levels lowering to valley bottoms overnight. Winds forecasted to be light. Daytime freezing levels rising to 2500m.
Visit Avalanche Canada's Mountain Weather Forecast for a complete long range forecast.
Snowpack Summary
Cold nights, helping the snowpack recovery and creating a supportive melt/freeze crust on all aspects and elevations. This crust will break down over the day, except above ~2500m where the snow is likely to remained dry for the near future. Some isolated pockets of windslab possible at ridge top, with small inputs of precipitation and transport.
Avalanche Summary
A slower warming tread forecast through this week should allow for the snowpack to adjust. Sunny, exposed TL and BTL terrain rapidly losing coverage and the overall snowpack structure is weak and will collapse with very little load.
Confidence
Problems
Loose Wet
Cool over nights will temper the loose wet problem in the short term. Avoid steep, treed TL and BTL terrain in the heat of day; even cutting out a small wet slide can push you into terrain traps or pin you. Don't ride below your partner.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are awake! These features are extremely large, dense and heavy and will likely trigger the deeper instability on the slope below. If you must travel near or below cornices, use good travel techniques and group management to reduce exposure.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Shallow snowpack areas and solar aspects have increased potential for human triggered and natural avalanches stepping to deeper layers.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 20th, 2021 4:00PM
