Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 20th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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Assess for new slabs before exposing yourself to high-consequence terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

We haven't received any recent reports of avalanche activity. Saturday night's storm will change conditions though. Riders could be able to trigger storm and wind slab avalanches in steep terrain at treeline and alpine elevations, particularly for areas that see more than 20 cm of snow accumulation.

Please consider sharing your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Snow is forecast Saturday night above 1000 m, which will build over a wettened snow surface and hard melt-freeze crust. Storm slabs could build within this new snow. The snow will come with strong southwest wind, potentially forming wind slabs in lee terrain features.

The remainder of the snowpack is strong.

There is insufficient snow to form avalanches for most below treeline locations.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 15 to 30 cm of snow and the most expected on the west side of the island. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.

Monday

Mostly clear skies. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Saturday night's storm could form new slabs, particularly for areas that receive 20 cm or more of snow. Assess for slab formation and use caution in steep, committing terrain features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 21st, 2024 4:00PM

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