Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 5th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
kdevine,
Avalanche Canada
Wind slabs may be reactive in the alpine, carefully assess the snow for slab properties.
Warm temperatures and sunshine will weaken the snowpack. Avoid exposure to cornices and steep, sun exposed slopes during the heat of the day.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Monday night - Mainly clear / moderate northwest wind / alpine low temperature near -3 / freezing level 1500 m
Tuesday - Mainly sunny / moderate southwest wind / alpine high temperature near 2 / freezing level 2300 m
Wednesday - Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 2000 m
Thursday - A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries / light northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -1 / freezing level 1600 m
Avalanche Summary
Wind slabs may linger at higher elevations, especially in the areas that saw the most new snow over the weekend. The new snow may weaken during the heat of the day, resulting in loose wet avalanches that are anticipated to be small given the relatively small amount of snow accumulation.
No new avalanches were observed on Saturday. A few size 1 dry loose avalanches were reported on Sunday.
Snowpack Summary
Anywhere from 0 to 20 cm of snow accumulated above 1800 m across the region since Sunday, with the highest amounts near Kootenay Pass. The snow fell with southwest wind, likely forming new wind slabs where sufficient snow fell. The snow fell onto a hard melt-freeze crust everywhere except above 2000 m on northerly aspects, where it fell onto previously dry snow. The snow surface is likely a crust on sun exposed slopes.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs likely formed in areas of the region that received at least 10 cm of snow on Sunday. These slabs could be triggered by riders in steep, lee terrain features at high elevations. Carefully evaluate for wind slabs prior to committing to consequential avalanche terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 6th, 2021 4:00PM
