Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada jleblanc, Avalanche Canada

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Fresh, reactive wind slabs are expected to form at upper elevations with strong winds.

As rain will be turning into snow, total snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Evidence of a small loose avalanche from the past weekend may still be visible. The likelihood of avalanches will increase with ongoing strong winds and rain turning into snow on Tuesday night.

Snowpack Summary

At lower elevations, rain has created a moist snow surface. At higher elevations, new snow accumulates on a crust or moist snow except high north-facing alpine where the snow surface may remain dry.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with 10 to 20 mm of rain turning into snow. Ridgetop winds southwest, 40 to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature drops to 0°C. Freezing level dropping to 1000 m.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud, with isolated convective flurries. Ridgetop winds southwest, 20 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. Ridgetop winds northeast, 20 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature rising to 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. Ridgetop winds northeast, 20 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature +3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Snow is accumulating at higher elevations despite lower elevations being almost snow free
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Fresh, reactive wind slabs are expected on northerly aspects at upper elevations, with new snow and strong southwest winds. Be cautious around ridge crests and in steep terrain, where human triggering is most likely.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2024 4:00PM