Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 24th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for warming-related problems as the day heats up. Triggering a buried weak layer remains possible.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We haven't received reports of avalanche activity for the past few days. The latest activity was the observation of some large slab avalanches out of steep alpine terrain on Saturday. These avalanches likely failed on the weak layer described in the Snowpack Summary.
Looking forward, it remains possible for humans to trigger this weak layer. Warming-related problems such as wet loose, wet slab, and cornice releases will also increase with daytime warming.
Snowpack Summary
Sun-exposed slopes have a surface melt-freeze crust that turns moist during daytime warming. Shaded alpine slopes have a soft, settled snow surface.
A layer of surface hoar or facets associated with a crust may be found about 30 to 70 cm deep.
Cornices are large and looming at this time of year.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Clear skies. 10 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C.
Thursday
Sunny. 10 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Friday
Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud. 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer may exist around 30 to 70 cm deep, which was likely the culprit of some large natural avalanches on the weekend. Use caution and assess for this layer, particularly in high consequence terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Naturally triggered wet loose avalanches may occur in steep terrain during the heat of the day. Cornices also weaken and could release naturally. These could step down to deeper layers, resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 25th, 2024 4:00PM
