Date issued

Apr 27, 2018 - 8:00 AM

Valid until

Apr 28, 2018 - 8:00 AM

Prepared by

percy woods

Avalanche control will take place early this afternoon in the highway corridor. The winter permit system remains in place and all permit areas are closed today.

Spring Season Conditions

Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet

What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?

With little to no overnight refreeze the snowpack  will destabilize quickly as  temperature climbs today. Small releases or snowballs can gain mass to become large avalanches with today's conditions.

Travel and Terrain Advice
  • If triggered the loose wet sluffs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Travel early before the heat of the day, minimize exposure to overhead avalanche terrain.

Avalanche Problem 2: Cornices

What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?

Cornices are large and becoming weakened by daytime heating and solar input. Remember that even on a shaded aspect, the sun is still baking the back of the cornice.

Travel and Terrain Advice
  • Minimize exposure to corniced features.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural avalanches to size 3 and artillery controlled avalanches to size 3 yesterday.

Snowpack Summary

We are into a melt freeze cycle. This morning we had a minimal recovery with temperatures just below zero at valley bottom and less of a recovery higher with an overnight inversion and temperatures of 6C at 1900m at 0700. There may be some dry snow on North aspects above 2400m. Cornices are large and will weaken with the rising temperatures.

Weather Forecast

The forecast calls for sunny with cloudy periods, an alpine high of +10C, light east winds and a freezing level of 3700m. Tonight the alpine low is forecast for +9C with a weak temperature inversion. Saturday calls for isolated showers and  a freezing level of 3400m.

Danger Ratings Explained

1 - Low

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely.

Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.

2 - Moderate

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.

Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.

3 - Considerable

Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely.

Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas.

4 - High

Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely.

Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas.

5 - Extreme

Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain.

Large to very large avalanches in many areas.

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