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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 9th, 2025–Apr 10th, 2025

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kootenay Boundary, Lizard-Flathead, Bonnington, Grohman, Kootenay Pass, Norns, Rossland, Ymir, Akamina, Flathead, Lizard, Crawford, Moyie, St. Mary, Kokanee, Crowsnest South.

Temperatures are on the rise and the sun is coming out, increasing avalanche danger through the day. Plan to ride more conservative terrain as the day progresses.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, a few large storm slabs were reported near Fernie (size 1.5 and 2). As well, small wet loose avalanches above the crust have been occurring daily for several days.

It's expected that avalanche activity will increase as the sun hits the recent storm snow for the first time. Resulting in slabs and loose avalanches. Wind loaded pockets may still be rider-triggered up high, too.

Snowpack Summary

The last two days brought around 30 to 50 cm of snow from the storm, with closer to 20 in Alberta. The new snow is likely sitting on a crust up high or moist snow down low. As the sun comes out and the temperature rises, this snow is likely to slide on the crust.

The upper snowpack is wet, with several softening crusts. Several weak layers from early March, mid-February, and late January can be found in the mid and lower snowpack.

The remainder of the snowpack is generally well settled.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy, clearing. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 2700 m.

Friday

Mostly sunny with 2 cm of snow ending in the morning. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Saturday

Mostly cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 10 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.