Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 22nd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.
dsaly,
Avalanche Canada
We are getting back into a seasonal spring trend with cool nights, warm days, and highly variable snow conditions with elevation and aspect changes. Be on the lookout for signs that suggest unstable snow.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear and starry, 10-20 km/h northwest wind, alpine low temperature -2 C, freezing level hovering around 1600 m.
SATURDAY: Mostly sunny skies with scattered cloud, 10-25 km/h north wind, alpine high temperature +6 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising above 2200 m.
SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 10 km/h southwest wind gusting to 60 km/h, alpine high temperature +8 C, freezing level 2300 m.
MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, accumulation trace to 5 cm, 20-30 km/h southwest wind, alpine high temperature +4 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2200 m.
Avalanche Summary
Wet loose avalanches were observed around Kootenay Pass on Wednesday, releasing above 1800 m within the recent snow.
Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.
Snowpack Summary
Shaded aspects at treeline and alpine elevations have up to 30 cm of snow from Tuesday and on, with locally deeper amounts in lee terrain features from southwest wind. Sun-exposed slopes and below treeline elevations consist of a bit of recent snow over a melt-freeze crust that may moisten during daytime warming. The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts.Â
We're in classic spring-time conditions with crusts and moist snow at lower elevations and still winter-like conditions in the alpine. At ridge top, remember that cornices are large and looming at this time of year.
Terrain and Travel
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Use caution entering steep, lee terrain features below ridges, where wind slabs could be found.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming at this time of year. Any cornice release could be catastrophic.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Use caution on sun-exposed slopes when the sun is shining. Relatively warm air and sun can pack a punch, causing loose wet avalanches that may entrain recent snow and travel far.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2022 4:00PM
