Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 4th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Cornices.
swerner,
Avalanche Canada
10 to 25 cm of storm snow has blanketed the region. Fresh storm slabs exist with deeper deposits on leeward slopes. If the sun pokes out expect avalanche activity to spike.
A conservative approach to terrain is a great way to ease into your day while assessing along the way.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: New snow 5-15 cm at upper elevations. Moderate West wind at ridgetop and freezing level's 1500 m during the day and dropping to valley bottom overnight.
Wednesday: Chance of flurries and sunshine. Ridgetop winds moderate from the southwest and freezing levels rise to 1500 m.
Thursday: Mostly cloudy with some sunny periods. Trace snow amounts. Strong southwest wind and freezing levels rising to 2000 m.
Avalanche Summary
No recent reports on Monday. Rider-triggered storm and wind slabs are likely on Tuesday.
On Sunday, a small natural wind slab avalanche was observed on a north aspect in the alpine. A rider triggered a small slab avalanche on the same slope. Both avalanches likely occurred on Saturday.
On Saturday, many natural dry loose avalanches were reported in steep terrain, as well as a large cornice failure that released a slab on the slope below.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 25 cm of new storm snow blankets upper elevations with the greater snowfall amounts being in the Renshaw. Strong west to southwest wind will be redistributing the new storm snow in exposed high elevation terrain forming touchy wind slabs and developing large cornices. The upper 60 cm of the snowpack consists of multiple crusts. The surface snow consists of a thin crust up to 1800 m that is supportive below 1400 m.
30-60 cm of snow sits on the thick melt-freeze crust from late March. This crust can be found up to 1900 m on all aspects.
Terrain and Travel
- Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
- Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Storm Slabs
15 to 25 cm of new storm snow has accumulated throughout the region building fresh storm slabs. The slabs will be most reactive where they overlie a crust.
Moderate to strong southwest wind will redistribute the new snow and build fresh wind slabs in lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Springtime cornices are large and unpredictable. New snow and wind will further grow cornices, and the additional load can lead to cornice failures. Give them a wide berth when travelling at ridge crest and avoid overhead exposure.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 5th, 2022 4:00PM
