Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jleblanc, Avalanche Canada

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The new storm snow will take time to settle.

Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Over the past weekend, several rider-triggered wind slabs were reported from north-facing alpine terrain (size 1-1.5). The likelihood of avalanches will peak on Tuesday night with ongoing strong winds and rain turning into snow.

Snowpack Summary

At lower elevations, rain has created a moist snow surface. New snow will accumulate over moist snow or a crust on all aspects and elevations except north-facing alpine where the snow remains dry.

The facet/crust layer that produced large avalanches during early March is buried 150-250 cm deep and is currently considered unreactive.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with 15 to 20 cm of new snow expected. Ridgetop winds southwest, 40 to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature drops to -5 °C. Freezing level dropping to 800 m.

Wednesday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated convective flurries. Ridgetop winds southwest, 20 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. Ridgetop winds northeast, 30 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. Ridgetop winds northeast, 10 to 20 km/h. Treeline temperature +2° C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

New snow accompanied by strong southwest winds will build fresh storm slabs. Be especially cautious on northerly, wind-loaded terrain where deeper, more reactive slabs are expected to form.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2024 4:00PM

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