Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 14th, 2024–Apr 15th, 2024

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Below Threshold.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Below Threshold.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Below Threshold.

Regions

Glacier.

Small wind slabs may still be triggered in the alpine.

Challenging/variable riding exists on all slopes that face the sun and on all aspects at tree line and below.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Two large (size 2.5 and 3) wet slab avalanches were solar triggered either side of Grizzly couloir on Saturday failing on the April 9th crust.

Numerous loose wet avalanches were observed from sun exposed slopes late last week.

Snowpack Summary

In the Alpine and Tree-line, 20-30cm of heavy moist snow sits over a firm crust on any slope that faces the sun. Dry snow may be found on high north facing slopes

At tree line the snow depth is at a record low of around 220cm. The Feb 3rd crust/facet layer persists at upper elevations, buried down 80-140cm.

Below treeline the snowpack is going through its typical spring melt/freeze cycle, firm in the morning then breaking down and becoming isothermal with daily warming.

Weather Summary

A cold front will sweep across the interior on Monday bringing cooler temperatures and snowfall overnight into Tuesday. After this dry sunny weather resumes again.

Mon: Cloudy, afternoon flurries 5cm, low -6°C, light west winds, moderate gusts, freezing level (FZL) 1800m.

Tues: Cloudy, snow 10-15cm, low -8°C, light north winds, FZL 1400m.

Wed: Sun and cloud, low -10°C, light north winds, FZL 1600m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.

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.