Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 8th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
kdevine,
Avalanche Canada
Fresh wind slabs may be building at upper elevations. Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, or hollow sounds.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Thursday night - Cloudy with clear periods / moderate southwest wind / alpine low temperature near -8 / freezing level at or near valley bottom
Friday - Flurries, 5-10 cm, with another 10-20 cm overnight / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -8 / freezing level 1000 m
Saturday - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -10 / freezing level 1000 m
Sunday - Mainly sunny / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1700 m
Avalanche Summary
Fresh and reactive wind slabs may form throughout the day with strong southwest wind.
A natural avalanche cycle was observed in the region on Saturday during the last storm.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm of snow is expected to fall on Friday, bringing this week's storm snow totals to about 15-30 cm. Strong southwest wind is forecast on Friday, which will may form fresh and reactive wind slabs in lee terrain.
The recent storm 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
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh snow with moderate to strong winds may form reactive wind slabs in lee terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 9th, 2021 4:00PM
