Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 19th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.
TRettie,
Avalanche Canada
Carefully assess the wind slab hazard as you gain elevation. Limit exposure to slopes with cornices above.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Tuesday night: no new snow expected. Light to moderate west winds and a low of -9 at 1500 m.
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Light southeast winds and freezing levels rising to 1800 m.
THURSDAY: Mostly cloudy with light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow with light to moderate southeast winds. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light westerly winds and freezing levels rising to 2200 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Monday.
Avalanche activity in the last week has consisted of large cornice failures on north and east-facing slopes. For the most part, these have not triggered avalanches on the slopes below.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 20 cm of new snow overlies a variety of old surfaces including wind effected surfaces, facets and a crust on solar aspects. Below this a melt-freeze crust can be found on all aspects down 20 to 40 cm to 2200 m and mountain tops on solar slopes. Moist snow will likely be observed on solar aspects.
Another prominent crust layer is found 40-80 cm deep.
Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy. The snowpack deteriorates rapidly at lower elevations.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs will likely be found in exposed treeline and alpine terrain. Winds have varied in direction over the past couple days so watch for wind slab on all aspects. These new slabs likely won't bond well to the underlying surfaces.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridges. They are a significant hazard alone and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely when the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
wet loose avalanches will likely occur in steep terrain as the sun comes out.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 20th, 2022 4:00PM
