Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 3rd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Use extra caution below ridgetops, and in cross-loaded features.
Be ready to change plans with the potential for quick changes in the weather.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported in the last couple of days.
On Saturday, East of Mackenzie, in the Pine Pass area, some small, loose avalanches were reported in steep terrain. Loose Dry in steep, alpine, lee features, and Loose Wet from steep rocky outcrops well below tree line.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network). You can share riding conditions, avalanche or snowpack observations, or even just a photo. Heck, share what you had for lunch if that was the most eventful thing that happened:)
Snowpack Summary
Pine Pass was a hotspot for snowfall over the weekend, with storm totals around 30cm. For most of the rest of the forecast area, 10-20 cm of mostly soft snow is settling over a widespread crust except north facing high alpine slopes, where it sits on old, faceted surfaces. Recent moderate southwest and west wind has formed pockets of windslab on leeward slopes.
The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
Below treeline, expect to find around 5cm of moist snow over a series of crusts, possibly supportive to the weight of a human.
A weak layer of large facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer is still a concern in shallow snowpack areas.
Weather Summary
A generally convective weather pattern will mean that on Tuesday we'll see spotty areas of cloud and light snowfall, or quick bursts of intense snowfall, but it also might be sunny, and everything could change at the drop of a hat.
Monday Night
Mix of clear and cloud. Possible trace of snow expected. Light west or southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level falling to valley bottom. Treeline low around -8°C.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud. Possible trace of snow expected. Light variable wind, increasing in the afternoon to moderate west. Freezing level rising to 1100 m. Treeline high around -3°C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy in the morning, sunny in the afternoon. No new snow expected. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind, trending to west at higher elevations. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to 1500 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 0-3 cm of snow expected. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to between 1500 and 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Problems
Wind Slabs
The area around Pine Pass was a hotspot for snowfall over the weekend, with storm totals around 30cm. Expect to find more widespread slab formation in that area.
Elsewhere, 10-20cm of recent snow was redistributed by moderate southwest and west wind. Expect to find pockets of windslab on leeward slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. The likelihood of human triggering is low given the layer's depth.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 4th, 2023 4:00PM
