Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada SH, Avalanche Canada

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This new region is characterized by a thin snowpack with prominent basal facets and depth hoar that isn't improving. Other regions have this problem, but it is much more pronounced in this area. The sun may peek out for a bit longer Thursday so watch locally for solar effect.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

A remote triggered avalanche on Mosquito Mountain occurred yesterday with no involvement. As well, a skier triggered size 3 (no involvement) in Hidden Bowl in the Lake Louise backcountry shows how weak the snowpack is in these areas.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 15cm of storm snow from the past 3 days buries sun crusts to ridgetop and temperature crusts below 1500m. The snowpack in this area is much thinner overall than the rest of the regions, The January sun crust and facet interface is down 40 to 80cm. The November depth hoar at the base of the snowpack remains very weak.

Weather Summary

Thursday: Freezing levels 1800-2000m in the afternoon with light to mod SW winds in the alpine.

Friday: 40-50kmh SW winds and 2000-2200m freezing levels. 2-5cm of snow is possible on Friday night.

For a detailed weather forecast click here.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The November basal facets as well as midpack facets on crusts remain a concern for triggering. Snowpack tests continue to produce moderate to hard sudden collapse results. These weak layers are very pronounced in this region.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2023 4:00PM