Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 21st, 2022–Apr 22nd, 2022
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Purcells.

We are getting back into a seasonal spring trend with cool nights, warm days, and highly variable snow conditions with elevation and aspect changes. Be on the lookout for signs that suggest unstable snow.

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall in the north of the region, accumulation 2 to 5 cm with local enhancements possible, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall in the north and mix of sun and cloud in the south, accumulation 1 to 3 cm with local enhancements possible, 10 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level rising to 2000 m.

SATURDAY: Partly cloudy with afternoon isolated flurries, accumulation trace to 5 cm, 10 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature 0 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2300 m.

SUNDAY: Clear skies with no precipitation, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature 1 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2400 m.

Avalanche Summary

Wednesday saw small storm slab avalanches triggered in the west of the region at alpine terrain on north to east aspects, where they received up to 40 cm of recent snow. Otherwise, wet loose avalanches were triggered during the heat of the day.

Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 to 20 cm of snow accumulated since Tuesday in most of the region with local amounts up to 40 cm in the deeper areas in the west. Locally deeper deposits may be found in lee terrain on shaded slopes at treeline and alpine elevations from southwest wind. Sun has moistened the snow on sun-exposed slopes. A consolidated and moist snowpack exists below treeline. At ridge top, remember that cornices are large and looming at this time of year.

Around 100 to 200 cm deep, faceted grains persist around a hard melt-freeze crust from early December. There's uncertainty on if and when this layer will wake up, but it could during the next intense or prolonged warm-up.

Terrain and Travel

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Use caution entering steep, lee terrain features below ridges, where wind slabs could be found.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are large and fragile. The likelihood of them failing increases with each day of warming. Any release could be catastrophic.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3