Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 9th, 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
Monitor surface snow and watch for changing conditions as you transition through aspect and elevations.
Wet avalanches are possible on south facing terrain features affected by strong sunshine & wind slabs may be reactive at higher elevations.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy with light and variable winds. Freezing levels drop to 500 m.
SUNDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with scattered flurries possible bringing up to 3 cm. Freezing levels reach 1100 m. Light northeast winds.Â
MONDAY: Mostly clear skies with light to moderate northeasterly winds. Freezing levels reach 1300 m.Â
TUESDAY: Cloudy with moderate snowfall over the day, 10-20 cm. Freezing levels reach 1000 m. Moderate southeast winds.Â
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, a natural cornice fall triggered a size 2 wind slab on the slope below on a northwest facing slope in the alpine.Â
On Thursday, wet avalanche activity occurred on all aspects from sun in the afternoon and overnight rainfall. The buried March crust has shown reactivity within the last 5 days, including remotely triggered avalanches to size 2.Â
Snowpack Summary
At high elevations 10-30 cm of recent wind affected storm snow sits over moist snow, observed to around 2200m. Southwest winds have created deeper deposits on north and east facing slopes.Â
A widespread and supportive crust is buried 60-120 cm deep, below recent settling storm snow. This crust has been reactive to human and natural triggers within the last 5 days, but reports suggest is beginning to bond. Avalanches on this layer are harder to trigger but will be larger and more destructive.Â
Lower elevations hold a widespread crust that may soften over the day on south facing slopes during periods of sun. The middle and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Pockets of wind loading may be found at higher elevations. Wind slabs are expected to remain reactive where they sit over a crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Watch for wet surface snow on south facing slopes as the sun affects recent storm snow for the first time.
Warming will be most significant on steep slopes, and around rock features.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 10th, 2022 4:00PM
