Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada trettie, Avalanche Canada

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Be prepared to back off lines as snow accumulates through the day and the likelihood of avalanches increases.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Wet loose avalanches up to size 2 have been observed on all aspects and elevations. We suspect this type of activity will continue at lower elevations and slab avalanches will be more likely at treeline and above.

Snowpack Summary

The storm on Sunday will bring another 15 cm of storm snow bringing recent totals to 30-40 cm. Wind slabs will form on west through east aspects due to strong southerly winds. New storm snow  will overlie a crust at higher elevations and already moist snow at treeline.

The snowpack contains. Multiple crusts that are not currently a concern.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected. Strong to extreme southerly winds and freezing levels falling to 1400 m.

Sunday

Stormy with 15 cm of new snow expected. Extreme southerly winds and freezing levels rising to 1900 m with the snowline around 1200 m.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5cm of new snow. Moderate southerly winds and freezing levels rising to 1500 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of new snow possible. Moderate southwest winds and freezing levels rising to 1500 m.

 

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

New snow and strong southerly winds will form storm and wind slabs throughout the day. The largest and most reactive slabs will be found on lee and cross loaded features. Strong winds mean that wind slabs may be found further down slope than usual.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

At lower elevations where precipitation is more likely to fall as rain, wet loose avalanches are likely in steep terrain. Avoid terrain where even a small avalanche could push you into a terrain trap or over cliffs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2023 4:00PM