Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 20th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Watch for signs of instability as you travel - new snow may not bond well with the crust below.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Recent sunshine and warm temperatures triggered wet loose avalanches and cornice falls over the last few days. With storm snow and wind forecast, potential increases for storm slab avalanches to occur on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

By Sunday afternoon around 10 cm of storm snow may have fallen, overlying a widespread crust. The bond between old and new snow may be poor, creating reactive conditions. Deeper and more reactive deposits are expected near ridglines, on north and east facing slopes.

Below treeline terrain has low snow cover, this storm snow will not change that. Travel conditions are challenging with exposed (or barely hidden) rocks, stumps, and open creeks.

Weather Summary

Saturday

Cloudy with rain turning to snow, around 8 cm possible. Freezing levels drop to 1200 m by morning. 40-50 km/h southwest winds.

Sunday

Cloudy with another 3 cm of snow possible in the morning 20-40 km/h southwesterly winds. Freezing levels around 1500 m, treeline temperatures around -2 °C.

Monday

Mostly clear skies with 10 km/h east winds. Freezing levels rise to 2000 m. Treeline temperatures of +1 °C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud with 10-20 km/h southwest winds. Freezing levels rise to 2000 m. Treeline temperatures of +1 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the crust below. Approach ridgelines with caution.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

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

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