Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 8th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for changing conditions as you move through different aspects and elevations. Expect wind slabs to develop at higher elevations as snowfall accumulates.
Wet loose avalanches may become likely at lower elevations with rain and warm temperatures.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday a size 1 rider triggered wind slab was reported.
Avalanche activity has tapered off but reactivity remains possible on isolated features or where new wind loading is occurring. Observations are also limited at this point in the season, please post any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.
Snowpack Summary
Around 40 cm of recent snowfall is available at higher elevations to be/or have been redistributed into wind slabs on north-facing terrain features. This sits over wind-affected surfaces or a crust on south-facing slopes that extends into the alpine.
A buried weak layer from late March of a surface hoar and facets on north facing slopes and a crust elsewhere has produced recent reactivity in the coastal areas. This layer may become reactive here too as snowfall accumulates.
The middle of the snowpack is strong and contains numerous hard crusts. Near the ground, weak faceted crystals exist. There hasn't been avalanche activity on this layer recently, but it remains on our radar as it may become active with abrupt changes to the snowpack, such as rapid loading (heavy snowfall or rain) or prolonged warming.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with strong southerly winds. Up to 5 cm of snowfall again. Freezing levels 800-1000 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with up to 15 cm of snow. Strong to extreme southerly winds. Freezing levels 1000-1300 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with flurries is possible. Freezing levels around 1000 m. Moderate southwest winds.
Monday
Mostly sunny with light and variable winds. Freezing levels around 1300 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.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Expect small pockets of wind slab around ridgelines. Recent snowfall has been gradual to accumulate, but older wind slabs may still be present.
Check for wind slabs above steep lines or in consequential terrain features.
A buried weak layer of surface hoar/and or a crust may create larger avalanches than you expect.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Mild temperatures and rain may increase the likelihood of wet loose activity at lower elevations. Avoid slopes that have moist or wet surface snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 9th, 2023 4:00PM
