Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 10th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Be cautious in wind-loaded areas at upper elevations. Recently formed wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggering.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Observations have been limited by stormy weather, but a natural avalanche cycle occurred over the weekend. Heavy loading from snow and wind at upper elevations formed storm and wind slabs up to size 3, while rain at lower elevations saturated the snowpack and initiated wet loose avalanches in steep terrain.
Over the past few days, numerous small natural and skier-triggered wind slabs have been observed in immediate lee features. Several small natural cornice falls have also been reported.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 70 cm of recent storm snow was accompanied by strong to extreme southerly winds, forming wind slabs on west through east aspects at treeline and above. These winds have also scoured exposed windward slopes. A crust exists on or near the surface at lower elevations and to ridgetop on solar aspects.
A crust from early April can be found down 50 to 80 cm on all solar aspects and at treeline and below on north-facing terrain. Below this crust, the snowpack is generally well-settled.
Weather Summary
Monday night
Cloudy with clear periods and flurries, trace to 10 cm of accumulation. Alpine temperatures drop to a low of -6 °C. Ridge wind 10 to 30 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level 900 metres.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with flurries, 5 to 15 cm of accumulation. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -4 °C. Ridge wind 15 to 40 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level rises to 1300 metres.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -2 °C. Ridge wind light from the north. Freezing level rises to 1600 metres.
Thursday
Cloudy with sunny periods and flurries, trace to 10 cm accumulation. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -4 °C. Ridge wind 15 to 40 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level rises to 1300 metres.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent storm snow and southerly winds have formed wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain at treeline and above.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 11th, 2023 4:00PM
