Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 9th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada dsaly, Avalanche Canada

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Convective flurries are expected in localized areas. Expect to find touchy pockets below ridges and around steep terrain. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Saturday night: Blustery with alpine flurries, up to 10 cm. Light southwest wind. Ridgetop low -10 C.

Sunday: Bands of convective moisture producing localized flurries 5-15 cm with higher amounts near the US border and Waterton. Light northwest-west wind. Ridgetop high -3 C.

Monday: Overnight flurries with up to 15 cm by morning. Gusty and increasing east-northeast wind. Ridgetop high -8 C.

Tuesday: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Moderate east wind. Ridgetop high -10 C.

Avalanche Summary

A few wet loose avalanches were reported on Thursday and Friday, several from steep, rocky, solar terrain.

Snowpack Summary

5-15 cm fresh snow covers a crust on all aspects except high north terrain. Cold, dry snow will not bond well to the crust and wind may quickly redistribute snow to lee features.

Multiple crusts exist in the upper snowpack. The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.

Terrain and Travel

  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Fresh and loose snow is not bonding well to the crust below. Watch for reactive pockets where wind creates stiffer and deeper deposits. Be mindful of loose-dry snow sluffing in steep terrain.

Bands of convective flurries may produce localized snowfall accumulations deeper than forecasted. If you see more than 20 cm of fresh snow, bump hazard to CONSIDERABLE and expect to find a more reactive and widespread slab problem.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 10th, 2022 4:00PM