Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 6th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Keep decision making conservative in this break in the storm.

Watch for reactivity in wind affected features.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity is expected to have occurred throughout Thursday and Thursday night as snow, wind and rain hammer the snowpack.

Snowpack Summary

Above 1000m, over 50 cm of storm snow can likely be found, redistributed into deeper deposits on north facing terrain features by strong southerly winds.

Storm snow has fallen over settling snow at high elevations. Heavy rain (or wet snow) has likely saturated the snow surface and lower elevations. As freezing levels fall on Friday this may freeze into a hard crust.

The middle and lower snowpack are strong and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy, with another 25 cm possible overnight. Strong to extreme southerly winds. Freezing levels between 1200-1500 m.

Friday

Snow/rain eases early morning. Skies remain cloudy with up to 5cm possible in isolated areas. Moderate southwest winds. Freezing levels around 1000 m.

Saturday

Snow returns, 15 cm for most areas. Strong southwest winds. Freezing levels around 1000 m.

Sunday

Moderate snowfall continues. Strong to extreme southerly winds. Freezing levels rise towards 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Storm slabs are expected to remain reactive to human triggers. Large avalanches are possible due to heavy accumulations of storm snow. Avoid steep open slopes and wind loaded features.

At low elevations where precipitation fell mostly as rain, wet avalanches are possible. Back off slopes that hold wet or slushy surface snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 7th, 2023 4:00PM