Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 23rd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Assess steep alpine features for wind slab before committing to them. Wind slabs will be most reactive where they overlie a firm crust.
Observations are limited at this time of year! Let us know what you're seeing by posting on the Mountain Information Network.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light flurries, 5 to 10 cm of new snow accumulation. Freezing level around 1400 m. Strong southerly winds.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with light flurries, up to 5 cm of new snow accumulation. Freezing level rising to 1600 m. Light to moderate southerly winds.
MONDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Freezing level around 1300 m. Light southerly winds.
TUESDAY: Partially cloudy. Freezing level around 1200 m. Light southerly winds.
Avalanche Summary
Several wet loose avalanches (size 1-2) were observed on steep solar aspects on Thursday afternoon as a result of strong solar radiation.
Looking forward to Sunday, fresh wind slabs may form in lee areas in the alpine and exposed treeline. Wet loose avalanches will be possible at low elevations with rain and warm temperatures. These avalanches will likely be limited to small releases on isolated slopes in extreme terrain.
Reports are limited at this time of year. Please let us know what you're seeing by filling out a MIN report!
Snowpack Summary
New snow and southerly winds are expected to create fresh deposits of wind slab in the alpine and exposed treeline. This 5-10 cm of new snow overlies a heavily wind-affected surface in exposed terrain, the product of an intense wind event early last week. In sheltered areas, the upper snowpack is faceted from recent cold temperatures, and surface hoar may exist in isolated areas. A crust can be found on steep solar aspects and at low elevations. A more widespread melt-freeze crust can be found 20 to 50 cm deep in most areas, and up to 80 cm in the snowiest parts of the region. This crust is near the surface below 1200 m.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- 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
New snow and southerly winds may form reactive wind slabs in lee areas in the alpine and isolated, exposed areas at treeline.
Use caution entering lee terrain features below ridges. The snow could slide easily where it rests on a hard melt-freeze crust, surface hoar, or faceted snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large this time of year and may become weak with warm temperatures. Exposure to cornices should be minimized, especially during periods of warm temperatures or strong sun. Give them a wide berth when you are travelling on ridge lines and avoid overhead exposure to large cornices.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 24th, 2022 4:00PM
