Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 21st, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Be wary of wind slabs in steep terrain and minimize your overhead exposure during the heat of the day.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We haven't received any recent reports of avalanche activity. Looking forward, avalanche activity is possible on Monday at higher elevations. Humans could trigger wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridges. Warming and intense sun will wet the snow on sun-exposed slopes, increasing the likelihood of wet loose avalanches and cornice falls.
Snowpack Summary
Around 15 cm of snow accumulated above 1200 m on Saturday. The snow fell with strong westerly wind, which may have formed wind slabs in lee terrain features near ridges. The snow fell onto wet snow and a hard melt-freeze crust. Warming and periods of strong sun will rapidly wet the snow on sun-exposed slopes.
The remainder of the snowpack is strong.
There is insufficient snow to form avalanches for most below treeline locations.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Monday
Partly cloudy. 10 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 1700 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
- The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs formed at higher elevations from 10 to 15 cm of new snow and strong westerly wind. Assess for slabs on steep slopes near ridges before entering high-consequence terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are possible with strong sun. Watch your overhead exposure to steep sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day. Also be wary of cornices, as they may weaken with daytime warming.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
