Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 16th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Danger ratings are low, but always be on the lookout for wind slabs at higher elevations and weak overhanging cornices.
Check in with surface conditions as you travel. Even short bursts of sunshine can increase danger on sun affected slopes.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack. Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light southeasterly winds. A trace of snow is possible. Freezing levels drop to 500 m.Â
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny with moderate southeasterly winds. Freezing levels rise to 1300 m. Isolated flurries are expected to bring trace amounts.Â
MONDAY: Snow begins early in the morning with 10-30 cm expected, freezing levels reach 1300 m. Strong southeast winds. Snow continues overnight with 20-30 cm possible.Â
TUESDAY: Cloudy with flurries over the day. Freezing levels reach 1000 m. Moderate to strong westerly winds.Â
Avalanche Summary
Small wet avalanches were observed on sun affected slopes on Friday afternoon.Â
Observations are limited at this time of year, so please consider posting to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Spring convection has delivered highly variable amounts of storm snow above a melt freeze crust found on sun affected slopes. Periods of sun may soften or break down the crust throughout the day where it exists on the surface. Wind affected snow can be found mainly on west facing slopes at treeline and above, from recent easterly winds. However local wind patterns may have varied.
A widespread and supportive crust is buried 10-40 cm deep. Reports suggest this crust is currently bonding well with the layers around it. The mid and lower snowpack is considered strong at this time, consisting of hard snow and melt freeze crusts.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best riding.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
Problems
Wind Slabs
Pockets of wind slabs may be found at higher elevations from recent easterly winds. Watch for wind affected snow near ridgelines and around mid slope rollovers.
Weak cornices may also be found on many aspects. Cornice falls are more likely as temperatures warm each day, or when strong sunshine is present.
Aspects: North, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches become more likely as strong sunshine weakens the snowpack.
Watch for rapidly changing conditions, avalanche hazard will increase as surface snow becomes moist or wet. Minimize your exposure to sun affected slopes even during brief periods of strong sunshine.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 17th, 2022 4:00PM
