Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Apr 6 – 7, 2023Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Watch for wind slabs around ridgelines as you gain elevation.

Gradual accumulations of snow this week may create small but reactive wind slabs.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Expect small pockets of wind slab in isolated features around ridgelines. Check for wind slab above steep lines or in consequential terrain features.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday a size 1 rider triggered wind slab was reported.

Avalanche activity has tapered off but reactivity remains possible on isolated features or where new wind loading is occurring.

Snowpack Summary

Around 20 cm of recent snowfall continues to be redistributed by southerly winds into wind slabs on north facing terrain features. This sits over wind affected surfaces or a crust on south facing slopes that extends into the alpine.

The middle of the snowpack is strong and contains numerous hard crusts. Near the ground, weak faceted crystals exist. There hasn't been avalanche activity on this layer recently, but it remains on our radar as it may become active with abrupt changes to the snowpack, such as rapid loading (heavy snowfall or rain) or prolonged warming.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy, 5-10 cm of snow. Moderate to strong southerly winds, freezing levels around 1000 m.

Friday

Cloudy, 5 cm of snow. Moderate to strong southerly winds, freezing levels around 1000 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with strong to extreme southerly winds. Light snowfall continues. Freezing levels 1000-1500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with light snowfall. Strong to extreme southerly winds. Freezing levels 1000-1500 m.

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.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

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