Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Cornices.

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Avalanche conditions are generally safe. As always, use caution around cornices and practice safe travel habits.

Summary

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clear skies with no precipitation, 10 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -7 C.

MONDAY: Increasing clouds with afternoon snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1600 m.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1500 m.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly clear skies with no precipitation, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1700 m.

Avalanche Summary

We did not receive any reports of avalanche observations on Saturday or Sunday.

Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of consolidated snow overlies a hard melt-freeze crust on shaded slopes at higher elevations. A surface crust is found on sun-exposed slopes up high and everywhere below treeline. Small pockets of old wind slabs may exist at high elevations from strong northeast wind. Always keep in mind that cornices are large and fragile at this time of year.

The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts.

Check out these pointers if you are considering big objectives.

Terrain and Travel

  • Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Problems

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Cornices are large and looming at this time of year. Given their size, any failure is highly consequential. Stand well back on ridges and avoid travelling beneath them.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2022 4:00PM