Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada zryan, Avalanche Canada

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Be cautious in wind-loaded areas at upper elevations. Fresh, reactive wind slabs may form throughout the day.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Wet loose avalanches up to size 2 have been observed on an ongoing basis for the past few days. We expect this type of avalanche activity to taper off with cooling temperatures.

We suspect that rider triggerable wind slab may be found at treeline and above.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow accompanied by southerly winds has likely formed wind slab on west through east aspects at upper elevations. As the freezing level falls a new crust will form on all aspects at treeline and below.

A crust from late March can be found down 50 to 80 cm on all solar aspects and at treeline and below on north facing terrain. Below this crust the snowpack is generally well settled.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 5 cm accumulation. Alpine temperatures drop to a low of -1 °C. Ridge wind 10 to 35 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level 1000 metres.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries, 5 to 10 cm of accumulation. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 1 °C. Ridge wind southwest 30 to 60 km/h. Freezing level rises to 1400 metres.

Wednesday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 2 °C. Ridge wind 10 to 35 km/h from the north. Freezing level rises to 1400 metres.

Thursday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 0 °C. Ridge wind light from the southwest. Freezing level rises to 1200 metres.

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.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Snowfall and southwest winds may form fresh, reactive wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain at treeline and above.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2023 4:00PM

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