Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Apr 12 – 13, 2014Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche danger can rise very quickly with warming and solar radiation. Be aware of changing conditions and overhead hazards. Terrain choices and timing can be critical.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Daytime heating makes cornices droop and become unstable. Also, if anything is still able to trigger a deep persistent weak layer, it's a cornice release.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Periods of intense solar radiation or pronounced warming could result in some loose wet activity, especially on steep slopes.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    The forecasted intense solar and warm temperatures could trigger the deeply buried weak layer especially on the slopes that have not seen such a heat shock yet. 

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Tonight and Sunday: A ridge of high pressure is anchored over the province bringing clear skies, warm temperatures, freezing levels rising to 2000 m by the afternoon and light to moderate North West winds.Monday: Freezing levels dropping at valley bottom overnight and rising to around 2200 m during the day. Mostly sunny with some cloudy periods and light winds. Tuesday: A low pressure system is expected to bring some light precipitation later during the day and cooler temperatures.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.

Snowpack Summary

~15 cm of new snow fell throughout the day in the some areas of the region. This new snow was transported by light to moderate Northerly winds most likely creating touchy windslabs on lee alpine slopes. The new snow is sitting on a crust above 1400 m or a moist surface below this elevation. Snow stability is expected to decrease as the day progresses tomorrow, weakening the fresh windslabs and cornices. 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 that will see the intense sun tomorrow. Any activity at this interface would be large and destructive.

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