Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 20th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeWind and new snow will increase the hazard at upper elevations.
Be cautious as you transition into open terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There were a few small loose snow avalanches from rocky/extreme terrain in the last couple days.
A field team on Wednesday observed a natural size 2 wind slab avalanche which started at ridge top and ran on north facing terrain. Explosive control on Wed produced a size 1.5 wind-slab from a tree-line slide path.
Last weekend there was a natural avalanche cycle triggered by strong sun and high freezing levels. All observed avalanches were loose/wet and no bigger than size 2.5.
Snowpack Summary
Incoming new snow will fall on a series of crusts from the recent warm spring weather on all but high north aspects, which were still holding dry snow.
The Feb 3rd crust is the dominant mid-pack layer down ~110cms and still produces isolated planer results when tested.
Below tree-line, the snowpack has gone through many melt-freeze cycles, and is in spring conditions. Expect challenging travel at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
Light precip & increased winds are forecast, as a low pressure system passes our area.
Tonight: Increasing cloud, isolated flurries. Alpine low of -8°C. Moderate SW ridgetop winds.
Sun: Flurries (9cm). Alpine High -5°C, Freezing level (FZL) 1500m. Mod gusting strong W winds.
Mon: Cloudy, isolated flurries. Low -7 °C, High -2 °C. FZL 1900m. Moderate W winds.
Tues: Mix of sun and cloud. Low -3 °C, High 4 °C. FZL 2500m.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong gusty winds and fresh snow will build a new windslab problem. Expect to find this problem most reactive in the lee sides of ridges or in cross loaded terrain in the alpine.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 21st, 2024 4:00PM