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 Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.
ahanna,
Avalanche Canada
6am update: Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features. On Tuesday, this includes small pockets of wind slab in immediate lees of ridgecrests and moistening snow on steep solar aspects during periods of strong sun.
Spring is a dynamic time of year where conditions can vary widely and change rapidly. Carefully assess your local conditions and pay attention to how the weather is affecting the snowpack throughout the day.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Over the weekend, storm slabs and loose dry avalanches were reported size 1-2, mostly artificially triggered by skiers and explosives. By Monday, avalanche activity had largely tapered to small solar-triggered point releases out of steep terrain, with one small (size 1) skier-triggered wind slab.
Snowpack Summary
A moist or crusty surface has likely formed on southerly aspects and below 1000 m. 15 to 30 cm of recent snow has seen modest wind effect, with wind loading mostly isolated to immediate lees of ridgetop. Recent snow appears to be bonding well to underlying surfaces including melt-freeze crusts.
The middle of the snowpack is strong and bonded. At the bottom of the snowpack, a layer of weak facets remains present and continues to be monitored for signs of reactivity.
Weather Summary
Monday night
Partly cloudy. Light variable wind. Alpine low -10 °C. Freezing level 500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, clouding over in the afternoon. Light southwest wind. Alpine high -1 °C. Freezing level rises to 1400 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. Light southwest wind building to moderate. Alpine high -3 °C. Freezing level rises to 1200 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries. Moderate southwest wind. Alpine high -3 °C. Freezing level rises to 1300 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. Wind slabs have been soft and specific to immediate lees of ridge crests. They may remain triggerable by riders on Tuesday.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 4th, 2023 4:00PM
