Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 4th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.
jleblanc,
Avalanche Canada
Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features.
Carefully assess your local conditions and consider how the weather affects the snowpack.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Monday and Tuesday, solar-triggered loose wet avalanches were observed out of steep south aspects. Over the weekend, loose dry avalanches were numerous, naturally and skier-triggered, size 1-2. Small wind slabs to size 1 were reported, triggered by sun, skiers and loose dry avalanches from above.
Snowpack Summary
A moist or crusty surface exists on solar aspects and low elevations. 15 to 20 cm of recent snow sits over a variety of surfaces including crust. Shady, wind sheltered areas at upper elevations hold dry, soft snow. Low elevations are melting out rapidly.
A weak layer of sugary facets is still prominent at the base of the snowpack. Although we haven't seen avalanche activity on it for some time, it could reactivate with sudden changes like prolonged or intense warming shocking the snowpack. Large loads like cornice falls are the most likely things to trigger this layer but human triggering may be possible in rocky, shallow, or thin-to-thick snowpack areas.
Weather Summary
Fair weather continues until a warm system crashes into the south coastal ranges Friday. Warm & windy conditions are expected to impact the region over the weekend.
Tuesday night
Mostly cloudy with clear periods. Light northeast win. Alpine low -2 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest wind increasing to moderate. Alpine high of -1 °C. Freezing level rises to 1500 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. Isolated flurries. Moderate southwest wind gusting 40 km/h. Alpine high 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1700 m.
Friday
Cloudy. Isolated flurries up to 5 cm. Moderate southwest wind gusting 40 km/h Alpine high 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
- Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
Problems
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches will become increasingly likely on steep solar aspects as the surface becomes moist or wet with strong sun.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Recent snow has seen mild wind effect. Slabs have been soft and specific to immediate lees of ridge crests. They may remain rider-triggerable, especially on steep, unsupported and / or convex terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 5th, 2023 4:00PM
