Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 7th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
kdevine,
Avalanche Canada
Fresh snow amounts are variable across the region, and may have formed reactive wind slabs on many aspects due to changing wind directions.
Keep in mind that even brief periods of sun could initiate avalanche activity in the new snow.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Wednesday night - Flurries, 5-10 cm / moderate west wind / alpine low temperature near -8 / freezing level at or near valley bottom
Thursday - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -6 / freezing level 1200 m
Friday - Flurries, 5-10 cm / strong southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -7 / freezing level 1200 m
Saturday - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate northwest wind / alpine high temperature near -7 / freezing level 1200 m
Avalanche Summary
Reactive wind slabs may be found on a variety of aspects due to changing wind directions.
A natural avalanche cycle was observed in the region on Saturday during the last storm.
Snowpack Summary
About 10 cm of new snow accumulated throughout the day on Wednesday, and another 5-10 cm is expected on Wednesday night. Moderate to strong winds from a variety of directions are likely forming wind slabs on many aspects.
The new snow sits on a crust in most areas, except on north aspects above about 1500 m where it sits on either wind slabs or soft snow.
Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh snow with moderate to strong winds may have formed reactive wind slabs in lee terrain. Wind slabs may be found on many aspects due recent variable wind direction.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 8th, 2021 4:00PM
