Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 13th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Stay aware of changing conditions and make observations as you travel.
Watch for pockets of wind slabs in steep exposed terrain from easterly winds, consider the possibility of cornice failures, and the potential for surface snow to lose cohesion when the sun is out.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - The snowpack structure is generally well understood. We are confident about the possible sizes of avalanches, should one release; what is less certain is the likelihood of triggering.
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy with flurries delivering trace accumulations of snow overnight. Moderate east/southeast winds. Freezing levels drop to 500 m.
THURSDAY: Mostly clear skies with light easterly winds and scattered cloud. Freezing level rises to 1200 m. Snow begins late in the afternoon with up to 10 cm expected overnight.
FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with moderate easterly winds. Isolated flurries bring trace accumulations. Freezing levels rise to 1200 m.
SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with moderate easterly winds. Isolated flurries bring trace accumulations. Freezing levels rise to 1000 m.Â
Avalanche Summary
Now new avalanches were reported on Tuesday. Reports indicated rider triggered sluffing in wind sheltered terrain features.Â
Avalanche activity on Sunday and Monday was limited to cornice failures, releasing naturally or by explosives. Stay well back of cornices when travelling on ridges, as they are very large at this time of year and could fail from your weight.
Snowpack Summary
At higher elevations recent of snowfall has been redistributed in wind slabs of up to 30 cm deep on south and east facing slopes by strong winds. These wind affected pockets sit over hard wind affected surfaces or a melt freeze crust.Â
At lower elevations a widespread melt freeze crust likely sits on the surface. Strong sun may break down this crust over the day but cold temperatures will prevent significant melting.Â
Various melt-freeze crusts exist in the upper to middle snowpack, which reports suggest are bonding well. The lower snowpack is considered strong and well settled.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Pockets of wind slabs may be found in steep terrain features near ridges from recent northeast wind. Wind slabs may continue to be reactive where they sit over a crust, most likely on south facing terrain features.
Aspects: North, South East, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 14th, 2022 4:00PM
