Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada zryan, Avalanche Canada

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Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, a few small (size 1) natural and skier-triggered wind slab and dry loose avalanches were reported from alpine terrain.

Looking forward to Tuesday, the avalanche problem will likely be confined to newly formed wind slabs in lee terrain features in the alpine and treeline.

Snowpack Summary

New snow accumulates on up to 20 cm of dry, settling snow. Below this, a robust crust or moist snow exists at all elevations except high north-facing.

A second crust formed in late March can also be found in the upper snowpack at variable depths depending on aspect and elevation.

Weak faceted grains sitting on a crust formed in early February are now buried 100 to 180 cm. This layer has generally been gaining strength and is unlikely to be human-triggered in areas where a supportive crust is present above it.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with flurries, 2 to 15 cm of accumulation. Southwest ridgetop wind 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature -3° C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with flurries, trace to 10 cm accumulation. Southwest ridgetop winds 30 to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Wednesday

Mostly Sunny. West ridgetop winds 5 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature reaches a high of 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 2100 m.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. Southwest ridgetop winds 5 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature reaches a high of +1 °C. Freezing level rises to 2300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow and southwest winds may form fresh, reactive wind slabs in the alpine and treeline.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2024 4:00PM