Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 11th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
JH,
Avalanche Canada
Good winter skiing can be found on true northerly aspects in the Alpine and upper Tree-line. Elsewhere expect to find challenging travel, with a variety of crusts capping a thinning snowpack.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Thursday, a field team observed two remotely triggered size 1 storm slabs above the Bonney Moraines on E aspects, failing on the Apr 9th crust.
There were several large (up to size 3) avalanches observed in the highway corridor in recent days - storm slabs suspected to be failing on the April 9th crust.
Wednesday, a field team in the Christiana Ridge zone was able to ski-control moist storm slabs on steep solar aspects, sliding on the April 9 melt/freeze crust.
Snowpack Summary
In the Alpine and high Tree-line, 20-30cm of settling snow sits over a firm crust on solar aspects and well settled dry snow on northerly aspects.
At tree line the snow depth is at a record low of around 220cm. The Feb 3rd crust/facet layer persists at upper elevations, buried down 80-140cm.
Below tree line is a well-settled spring snowpack with a strong surface crust that will break down during the heat of the day.
Weather Summary
Unsettled weather overnight into Friday, with a slight improving trend for the weekend.
Tonight: Cloudy, flurries (up to 5cm). Alpine low -2°C, freezing level (FZL) 1600m. Light S ridgetop winds.
Fri: Mixed sun/cloud, isolated flurries. High 1°C, FZL 2100m. Gusty mod SW winds.
Sat: Mix sun/cloud. Low -2 °C, High 3 °C, FZL 2400m. Gusty strong SW winds.
Sun: Mix sun/cloud. Low -1 °C, High 4 °C, FZL 2400m. Light SW wind.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully monitor the bond between the new snow and old surface.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Problems
Storm Slabs
The new snow will need time to bond to the old surfaces, especially where it sits over a firm crust. Use extra caution near ridge crests and lee features where deeper wind deposits will be more reactive. Expect natural avalanches on solar aspects when the Spring sun shines!
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 12th, 2024 4:00PM
