Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 24th, 2022 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 shorton, Avalanche Canada

Be aware of heightened avalanche conditions in treeline and alpine terrain where new snow may form wind slabs.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with scattered flurries brining 5-15 cm of snow above 1300 m, 20-40 km/h wind from the south, treeline temperatures around +2 C.

MONDAY: Unsettled weather with clouds and scattered flurries bringing 5-10 cm of snow above 1000 m, 20-40 km/h wind from the south, treeline temperatures drop to -1 C.

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy, isolated flurries with trace amounts of snow above 800 m, 20 km/h wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures around -2 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy, isolated flurries with trace amounts of snow above 800 m, 20 km/h wind from the south, treeline temperatures around -2 C.

Avalanche Summary

A few small wet loose avalanches (size 1) were observed on Saturday. The most notable recent avalanche was a size 2 wind slab on Friday that caught a skier in the Sky Pilot area. It was triggered by a small wet loose avalanche on a northerly aspect in the alpine (see MIN report). Looking ahead to Monday, the main concern will be avalanches in the new snow.

Snowpack Summary

By Monday afternoon there could be 10 to 20 cm of new snow above 1000 m, possibly forming new wind slabs in steep terrain. This will bury some older 20 to 30 cm thick wind slabs in alpine terrain, and moist or crusty layers at treeline and below. The lower snowpack is strong under the current cool weather, but large looming cornices remain a concern this time of year.

Terrain and Travel

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Reactive slabs may form in steep alpine and treeline slope as new snow accumulates throughout the day on Monday.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 25th, 2022 4:00PM

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