Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2019 3:00PM

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

kdevine, Avalanche Canada

North Columbia.

New snow and wind will mean that storm slabs are likely to be encountered, and may be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT - Flurries, 5-15 cm / southerly winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine low temperature near -5SATURDAY - A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries / southwest winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1700 mSUNDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, 5 cm / southeast winds, 15-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1700 mMONDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / southwest winds, 15-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near -4 / freezing level 1700 m

Avalanche Summary

Reactive storm slabs may be found at upper elevations. On Thursday, there were several reports of natural and human triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 1.5, as well as a few natural loose wet avalanches up to size 1.5.On Tuesday, there were two reports of glide slab avalanches, size 1 and 2.5. These occurred on southeast aspects between 2200-2400 m. Both released on rock slabs.

Snowpack Summary

10-30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on 10 to 30 cm of dry snow, surface hoar (feathery crystals) and isolated wind slabs. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.North facing slopes above 2000 m may also have a layer of sugary faceted snow buried 50 to 70 cm.Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a crust in most locations, and on dry snow on north facing alpine terrain. Storm slabs will likely be the most reactive in wind loaded areas.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2019 2:00PM