Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 20th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada JH, Avalanche Canada

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Wind 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

An icon showing 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

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

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

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