Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
CB,
Avalanche Canada
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed on Wednesday.
Isolated natural avalanches up to size 3 were observed in north facing terrain on Tuesday.
On Sunday 2 people had a close call on Ursus Minor, narrowly being missed by a sz 2 which then launched over the cliffs below.
Also on Sunday, a skier was taken for a ride on Youngs Peak, and another triggered a large cornice along the ridge line.
Another close call with a cornice occurred along the ridgeline of Cheops on Sat.
Snowpack Summary
A spring snowpack exists in the park, with some new snow at higher elevations and a mix of crust and loose snow elsewhere.
At treeline a widespread crust buried on March 26th is down 30-40cm extends into the alpine on solar aspects.
The Feb 3rd crust/facet layer persists 80-140cm down. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong with a record low depth of snow of ~210cm at tree line.
Weather Summary
Flurries continue Thursday at upper elevations, a drying trend starts Friday.
Tonight: Cloudy, Alp Low: -6, Ridge Wind: NE 15-25 km/h, Snow level: 900 m
Thur: Periods of snow, 2-4cm, Alp High: -5, Ridge Wind: E 20-40 km/h, Snow level: 800 m
Fri: Sun/Cloud, Alp High: 1, Light E Winds
Sat: Cloudy w/sunny periods, Alp High: 0, Light ridge wind
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
- Remember that the snowpack will be significantly different at higher elevations than lower down.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Extreme south/southwest winds Tuesday night redistributed snow in exposed terrain in the alpine and at treeline. Assess the snowpack as you go, looking for these stiff deposits of snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Be aware of large cornices overhead, or as you approach/walk along ridgelines. There have been several close calls this week, with people getting too close and luckily not being taken with the collapsing mass of snow.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 4th, 2024 4:00PM
