Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2022 4:00PM

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 Cornices.

Timothy Johnson,

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Strong winds have created fresh wind slabs in the alpine. On Wednesday watch out if the sun comes out -  wet loose avalanche down low and cornices up high could wake up.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: High -8 C.

Ridge wind west: 10-25 km/h.

Freezing level: 1400 metres.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud.

Precipitation: Nil.

Alpine temperature: Low -8 C, High -3 C.

Ridge wind southwest: 15 km/h.

Freezing level: 2000 metres.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds are redistributing the recent snow into lee features in the alpine and down into treeline. The freezing level is around 2200m. There is a sun crust high into the alpine on solar aspects and and melt freeze crust up to 2200m. There is a well settled mid-pack.

Avalanche Summary

A few small, size 1 wind slabs have been observed in higher elevation leeward features.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Strong SW winds created fresh wind slabs. These new wind slabs sit over a variety of firm surfaces including wind effected snow and sun/temperature crusts.

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
  • Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Main concern during the heat of the day and solar input.

  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Fresh cornices might become reactive with strong solar input

  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3.5

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2022 4:00PM