Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 7th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs, Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.
CB,
Avalanche Canada
The mediocre spring weather will continue one more day ahead of a significant system arriving Sunday. There is a lot of variability in the conditions across our region, and with the variety of avalanche problems out there, evaluate all aspects of your planned trip carefully.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Don't forget to post avalanche observations to the MIN.
Snowpack Summary
The surface snow is moist up to 2000m on all aspects. Moderate to strong winds have redistributed the dusting of new snow from last week. Under this there is a sun crust at all elevations on solar aspects, with mixed facets on polar aspects. The mid-pack consists of multiple layers of dense wind effected snow, sun crusts, and facets. Depth hoar and basal facets make up the base of the snowpack.
Weather Summary
Strong southwesterly flow aloft continues on Saturday. Scattered flurries with 2-4 cm of accumulations. Ridgetop winds will be from the southwest near 40-50 km/h. Freezing levels will rise to near 2000 m by the afternoon. Alpine temperatures will rise to 0⁰C to 5⁰C.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- If triggered loose wet avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Use caution on large alpine slopes, especially around thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilities.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The bottom of the snowpack is inherently weak with well-developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Likely triggers are cornices and smaller avalanches, and human triggering remains possible in thick to thin snowpack areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Avoid exposure to steep terrain if the surface snow is wet, or there are signs of instability like pinwheeling. Weak overnight freezes, warm temperatures, and possibly some rain will keep this problem active.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Strong south west winds have formed thin wind slabs on lee and cross-loaded features. Use caution as you transition into wind effected terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 8th, 2023 4:00PM
