Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 6th, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

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Storm slabs are expected to become increasingly reactive throughout the day as the new snow piles up. Snowfall amounts are expected to be less in the north. In areas that see less than 15 cm of new snow, the danger rating is likely MODERATE.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night - Mainly cloudy / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -4 / freezing level 1000 m

Wednesday - Snow, 10-15 cm for the north of the region, and up to 30 cm in the south / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -3 / 

freezing level 1200 m

Thursday - A mix of sun and cloud / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1000 m 

Friday - Flurries, 5-10 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -5 / freezing level 1200 m

Avalanche Summary

Fresh snow and strong southwest winds are expected to form fresh storm slabs that will likely become increasingly reactive throughout the day, especially in the south, where up to 30 cm may accumulate.

A natural avalanche cycle was observed in the region on Saturday during the last storm. 

Snowpack Summary

About 10-15 cm of new snow is expected to accumulate throughout the day in the north of the region, while the south may see up to 30 cm. Strong southwest winds are expected to form fresh and reactive slabs.

The new snow sits on a crust in most areas, except on north aspects above about 1500 m where it sits on either wind slabs or soft snow.

Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.

Terrain and Travel

  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Choose conservative terrain and watch for clues of instability.
  • Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Fresh snow and strong southwest winds are expected to form fresh slabs that will probably become more reactive as the day goes on and the snow piles up. Wind loaded areas are expected to be the most reactive.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind. They require a large berth when travelling above and below them. 

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 7th, 2021 4:00PM