Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 26th, 2019 3:59PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
jsmith,
Avalanche Canada
Last Avalanche Forecast for the season. For additional information check out our Spring Conditions page at: https://goo.gl/cpx8Dq
New snow and moderate winds from a variety of directions may form touchy wind slabs reactive to human triggers.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm. / Light, northwesterly winds / Alpine low -9 C / Freezing level 700 m.
SATURDAY: Snow; 5-15 cm. / Moderate to strong, northeasterly winds / Alpine high -3 C / Freezing level 1400 m.
SUNDAY: Sunny / Light, northwesterly winds / Alpine high -2 C / Freezing level 1500 m.
MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, northerly winds / Alpine high -2 C / Freezing level 1500 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on Thursday. However, there are currently very few professional observers submitting daily observations. Please submit your observations to the MIN. Photos of avalanches or current conditions are particularly useful.
On Wednesday, a naturally triggered size 2.5 storm slab avalanche was reported on a west aspect at 2400 m. with a crown depth of 100 cm. This avalanche may have been older than 24 hrs.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm. of new snow sits on a crust everywhere except high north facing terrain. Wind slabs created by last weeks storm may still linger in lee terrain below ridgetops. A layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) in the upper snowpack could still be reactive to human triggers in isolated locations such as high elevation, north facing terrain.
Below treeline, snow is disappearing rapidly.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow and moderate winds from a variety of directions may form touchy wind slabs reactive to human triggers.
- Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the recent snow.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation/aspect.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Any appearance of the strong April sun can initiate a loose wet avalanche cycle. The likelihood of loose wet avalanches increases as temperatures warm through the day and/or if the sun comes out for a prolonged period of time.
- Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
- A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches all indicate a weakening snowpack.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 27th, 2019 2:00PM
