Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 8th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Continue to use good travel habits, and use extra caution around thin, rocky start zones.
Reactive wind slabs could linger below ridgetops and in cross-loaded gully features.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported before 4 pm on Saturday.
On Wednesday, a Mountain Information Network (MIN) post from the Bootleg area, west of Kimberly, reported several small (size 1) windslab avalanches below ridgetops. See more details here.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
In the far west of the forecast area, 5-10 cm of new snow may sit on the surface. In general, dry snow remains on shaded (northerly) slopes, and moist snow or thin crusts on solar aspects. Below treeline, expect to find moist snow or a surface crust on all aspects.
The mid snowpack is generally settled and strong, except in areas with snow depths less than 150 cm. In these lower snow areas, the mid-pack is likely weaker and more faceted.
The lower snowpack includes a layer of large, weak facets and/or depth hoar crystals.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly clear. No new snow/rain expected. Freezing level around 1700 m. Light southwest ridgetop wind trending to strong at high elevations.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with a potential sunny period mid-day. No new snow expected. Freezing level 2000-2500 m. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Light southwest ridgetop wind, trending to strong at higher elevations.
Monday
Cloudy. Moderate to heavy rain. 15-20 mm West of Kimberly, isolated areas of 30mm+, 5-10 mm around Elkford. Snow line around 2200m. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind, trending to strong at higher elevations.
Tuesday
Mostly Cloudy. Moderate rain overnight turning to snow as the snow/rain line drops to 1000 m. Light southwest ridgetop wind trending to moderate at higher elevations.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Expect small pockets of reactive windslab to form on leeward slopes due to 5-10 cm of recent snow and strong southwest winds in the high alpine.
Use extra caution below ridgecrests and in cross-loaded features. Watch for signs of instability like shooting cracks.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
The base of the snowpack remains weak. Avoid thin, rocky start zones and shallow areas with variable snowpack depths.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 9th, 2023 4:00PM
