Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2013 8:16AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Wet and Persistent Slabs.

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Two separate parties triggered avalanches yesterday, both narrowly avoiding disaster. This shows the weaknesses that still exist out there at higher elevations. As we approach the end of the season, don't let your guard down to end on a good note!

Summary

Weather Forecast

High pressure ridge will keep things dry and mainly sunny into Thursday before we settle into a more moist and unsettled weather pattern.

Snowpack Summary

40-50cm settling storm snow over April 3 crust which varies in thickness at tree line and alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday: Skier Accidental, size 3.0 on the east face of Mt Swanzy, depth 100cm, 150m wide, suspect April 3 crust. Skiers were not involved.Skier Accidental, size 2.0, Forever Young couloir, depth 30cm, 40m wide ran to 2/3 fan. Skier got taken down onto the fan before he managed to self arrest.

Confidence

on Tuesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds have been out of the north for the past 3 days reverse loading solar aspects and may bond poorly where buried sun and temperature crusts exist.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

Clear skies and rising freezing levels today will increase the avalanche hazard on sun affected slopes. Pay attention to overhead cornice hazard even on north facing slopes as cornices are still getting heated by the sun.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Large avalanches are still being human triggered as was demonstrated yesterday occurring on deeper instabilities. Shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack is thin and weak are most likely where they will be triggered.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 17th, 2013 8:00AM