Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2017 4:44PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Cornices and Wind Slabs.

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

The key weather factors to keep your eye on this weekend will be the sunshine accompanied by rising freezing levels. Solar radiation is a common trigger for cornices which is currently our primary concern.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level around 1600m.SUNDAY: Sunny. Light southerly ridgetop winds. Freezing level rising to around 1900m.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light southwesterly ridgetop winds. Freezing level hovering around 1900m.

Avalanche Summary

Two natural and human triggered wind slab avalanches up to size 2.5 were reported in this region on Thursday. Wind slabs may continue to linger in the alpine but the key weather factor to keep your eye on this weekend will be the sunshine. Solar radiation is a common trigger for cornices which is currently our primary concern due to their potential to trigger large avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow and wind have formed wind slabs in the alpine on a variety of aspects caused by shifting wind directions. Cornices are large, looming, and the primary concern due to their potential to trigger large avalanches on facets at the bottom of the snowpack.

Problems

Cornices

Minimize exposure to slopes with large cornices overhead when it is cool and cloudy and completely avoid them if it is warm and/or sunny.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Cornice failures could trigger large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers in isolated locations.

Keep an eye out for reverse loading created by shifting winds.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious with wind loaded pockets near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2017 2:00PM