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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 4th, 2023–Apr 5th, 2023

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

North Rockies, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Tumbler.

Use extra caution below ridgetops, and in cross-loaded features.

Dynamic spring weather could bring you periods of intense sun or snowfall, either of which would increase the avalanche danger. Observe your local conditions and let that inform your terrain choices.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported in the last couple of days.

When the sun pokes out you may see natural wet or dry loose avalanches from solar aspects. Spring weather can change quickly so be willing and ready to adjust your trip to the conditions.

If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network). You can share riding conditions, avalanche or snowpack observations, or even just a photo.

Snowpack Summary

Pine Pass was a hotspot for snowfall over the weekend, with storm totals of around 30 cm. For most of the rest of the forecast area, 10-20 cm of mostly soft snow is settling over a widespread crust except north-facing high alpine slopes, where it sits on old, faceted surfaces. Recent moderate southwest and west wind have formed pockets of windslab on leeward slopes.

The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

A weak layer of large facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer is still a concern in shallow snowpack areas.

 

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mix of clear and cloud. Possible trace of snow. Ridgetop wind 20-30 km/h freezing level falling to valley bottom. Treeline low around -8°C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud. Possible trace of snow. Light variable wind, increasing in the afternoon to 35 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level rising to 1500 m. Treeline high around -3°C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with possible sunny breaks. Ridgetop wind 30-40 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to 1800 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. 3-5 cm of snow is expected. Strong southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to between 1500 and 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.