| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine | 3 Considerable | 3 Considerable | 3 Considerable |
| At Treeline | 2 Moderate | 2 Moderate | 2 Moderate |
| Below Treeline | 1 Low | 1 Low | 1 Low |
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine | 2 Moderate | 2 Moderate | 2 Moderate |
| At Treeline | 2 Moderate | 2 Moderate | 2 Moderate |
| Below Treeline | 1 Low | 1 Low | 1 Low |
The orange segments show which aspects are most affected by the primary concern. If the icon is completely orange, this means the primary concern exists on all slopes.
Alpine, Treeline and Below Treeline are separate zones with distinct characteristics. The arrow points to the zones most affected by the primary concern. For more information on elevation zones, click here.
Indicates the time of day where the primary concern is likely to be a problem. Avalanche conditions can change between shady, cool mornings and sunny, warm afternoons. If both icons appear, it means the primary concern is present all day.
Unseasonably warm temperatures and intense sunshine will destabilize snow on southerly aspects in the afternoon
The orange segments show which aspects are most affected by the primary concern. If the icon is completely orange, this means the primary concern exists on all slopes.
Alpine, Treeline and Below Treeline are separate zones with distinct characteristics. The arrow points to the zones most affected by the primary concern. For more information on elevation zones, click here.
Indicates the time of day where the primary concern is likely to be a problem. Avalanche conditions can change between shady, cool mornings and sunny, warm afternoons. If both icons appear, it means the primary concern is present all day.
Moderate SW winds have produced pockets of wind slab in exposed lee and cross-loaded terrain
The orange segments show which aspects are most affected by the primary concern. If the icon is completely orange, this means the primary concern exists on all slopes.
Alpine, Treeline and Below Treeline are separate zones with distinct characteristics. The arrow points to the zones most affected by the primary concern. For more information on elevation zones, click here.
Indicates the time of day where the primary concern is likely to be a problem. Avalanche conditions can change between shady, cool mornings and sunny, warm afternoons. If both icons appear, it means the primary concern is present all day.
An upper level ridge of high pressure should maintain sunny and unseasonably warm conditions over the South Rockies for the next few days. The freezing level should be around 1800m on Sunday, and 2000-2200m on Monday and Tuesday. Winds will be generally light to moderate from the W-SW.
Unseasonably warm temperatures will increase the likelihood of cornice failures and wet loose snow avalanches on sun exposed slopes in the afternoon.Several natural avalanches up to size 2.5 were observed in the Lizard Range in the past 48-72 hours. Most of these avalanches occurred on north to east facing slopes at or above treeline.
Terrain to Avoid:
Steer clear of steep north to east facing slopes behind ridges and terrain features where weak wind slabs may exist. Avoid riding on or traveling under large sun drenched slopes in the afternoon. Give weak, droopy cornices a wide berth.
Techniques to Manage Risk:
Move to shady slopes when the sun is strongest and the surface snow is becoming moist or wet. Choose terrain with options to reduce your risk and limit you exposure to terrain traps. One person at a time on a slope: If your buddy is stuck, spot for him/her while they get themselves free. Watch for signs of unstable snow like whumpfing or shooting cracks, and if observed, back off to simpler terrain.
Around 20-25cm of new snow has fallen in the past 48-72 hours. A large layer of graupel was laid down during Friday’s convective snowstorm. Moderate SW winds have formed 40-50cm deep wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain at and above treeline. Snowpack tests have resulted in moderate shears on a layer of surface hoar or a sun-crust below the new snow. Several buried surface hoar layers have also been reported in the top 50-60cm in parts of the Lizard Range. Snowpack tests continue to produce moderate “pops or drops” shears on these layers, but no new avalanche activity has been observed.
The snowpack is thin and variable in the Elk Valley and Crowsnest Pass, and the warm sunny weather will not help. The low elevation snowpack continues to dwindle away.
Prepared by Peter Marshall
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