Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 22nd, 2019 4:36PM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Due to a very limited number of information sources at this time of year, this report is based off of weather forecast information only. If you have been out recently, send us your observations by submitting to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

MONDAY Night: Mainly cloudy / moderate west winds / alpine high temperature -6 C, freezing level 600 m

TUESDAY: Scattered flurries, accumulation 5 cm at upper elevations / moderate southwest wind / alpine high temperature -5 C / freezing level 800 m

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / light west wind / alpine temperature -5 / freezing level 800 m

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate southwest wind / alpine temperature -3 / freezing level 1000 m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the region. Expect to see an increase in storm and wind slab activity at upper elevations. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

There may be 10-30 cm of new snow that fell Sunday night and Monday to add to the 20-40 cm of snow that fell through the last week at upper elevations. Moderate to strong southwest winds are expected to have formed reactive wind slabs. This new snow sits on a melt freeze crust except for high elevation north aspects. It is likely that the most recent precipitation has fallen as rain 1000 m and below.

A crust that formed in early April is down 30 to 100 cm on high elevation north facing slopes. Surface hoar and facets were previously observed on this crust and it recently produced sudden results in snowpack tests. At lower elevations, ongoing warm weather has been promoting isothermal snowpack conditions and melting the snowpack away.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

New snow accompanied by moderate to strong southerly winds Monday has developed new storm and wind slabs. Expect snow amounts to increase incrementally as you gain elevation.

  • Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.
  • Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Look for signs of instability. Shooting cracks and recent avalanches indicate unstable conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2019 2:00PM