Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 2nd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
An unstable weather pattern will bring clouds, sun and flurries over the next couple of days. Sporadic flurries and wind will continue to promote wind slab formation at upper elevations.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday a size 3 naturally triggered avalanche was reported in the Dogtooth Range. While the failure plane is unknown the report mentions impressive propagation.
Snowpack Summary
New snow and wind have formed wind slabs at upper elevations. Surface hoar may exist below the recent snow, in wind sheltered and shaded terrain.
The mid snowpack may still contain a few persistent weak layers of surface hoar in sheltered treeline terrain. No recent avalanche activity has occurred on these layers suggesting the layers have gained strength.
The lower snowpack includes a widespread layer of large, weak facets and or depth hoar crystals. This weak layer was responsible for a number of very large and destructive avalanches through the season and right up to last week during a warm sunny period. This will continue to be a concern for the rest of the season.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries, accumulation 1-4cm. Light southwest wind. Alpine high of -7 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks and scattered flurries, accumulation 1-5cm. Light northeast wind. Alpine high of -6 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks and scattered flurries, accumulation 1-5cm. Light east wind. Alpine high of -5 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest wind. Alpine high of -3 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The base of the snowpack remains very weak. Avoid thin, rocky start zones and shallow areas with variable snowpack depths.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Recent new snow and wind have likely promoted wind slab development in exposed lee terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2023 4:00PM
