Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 5th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Wet and Cornices.
Aaron Beardmore,
There was a fatal avalanche on Haddo Peak today near Lake Louise. See the MIN report for preliminary details. Tomorrow will be warmer than today, start very early, and finish early.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Tuesday appears to be a similar day to Monday with the exception that the temperatures may be slightly warmer. The wind is supposed to increase to strong in the afternoon from the SW. Approximately 5 cm is expected overnight Tuesday into Wednesday.
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of new snow at treeline over previous crusts and wind effect. New wind slabs forming in alpine lee areas from moderate to strong SW-W winds. Moist snow on all aspects up to 1800 m and higher on solar aspects on Sunday. The March 19 crust interface is down 30-60 cm. Basal facets exist in shallow areas east of the divide.
Avalanche Summary
Visitor safety specialists responded to a fatal avalanche accident on Haddo Peak near Lake Louise this morning. It occurred at 2950m on an East aspect. One skier was able to cling to the bed surface while the other was swept down the mountain. Dimensions were 40m x 650m. Information is preliminary. Check the MIN for further info.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain on Tuesday
Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs have formed in lee areas of the alpine from the new snow and wind on Monday. The snow appears to be bonding but may still be triggered by skiers especially at higher elevations where the wind loading was more intense.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially in steep confined alpine terrain.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Strong solar input on Tues and even warmer temps will increase the likelihood of small loose wet avalanches on steep solar aspects, especially in thin snowpack or rocky areas. Plan your day to avoid this type of terrain as the surface snow warms up.
- Minimize exposure when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are big and the springtime is when they fall off more frequently. We have had fairly regular observations of cornice failures over the past few weeks, so minimize your exposure to them especially as the day heats up or the winds increase.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 6th, 2021 4:00PM
