Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 9th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ahanna,
Avalanche Canada
Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features - watch for fresh and reactive wind slabs on leeward slopes at upper elevations. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Natural and skier-triggered wind slabs size 1-2 were reported over the weekend including a size 2 cornice-triggered wind slab observed at Seaton Basin.
Observations are limited at this point in the season, please consider sharing any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.
Snowpack Summary
Around 40 cm of recent snowfall has been redistributed into wind slabs on north-to-east-facing terrain features by southwest winds. The recent snow sits over wind-affected surfaces or a crust on south-facing slopes.
A weak layer buried in late March exists as surface hoar and facets on north facing slopes and a crust elsewhere. It has produced recent avalanche activity in the coastal areas. This layer may become reactive here too with new snow loads.
The middle of the snowpack is strong and contains numerous hard crusts. Near the ground, weak faceted crystals exist. There hasn't been avalanche activity on this layer recently, but it remains on our radar as it may become active with abrupt changes to the snowpack, such as rapid loading (heavy snowfall or rain) or prolonged warming.
Weather Summary
Sunday night
Cloudy with flurries bringing a trace of snow. Strong southwest winds. Alpine low -7 C. Freezing levels dropping to 500 m.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. Wind easing to light southwest. Alpine high -2 C. Freezing levels around 1000 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light westerly wind. Alpine high -2 C. Freezing levels around 1000 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Moderate southwest wind. Alpine high -5 C. Freezing levels around 800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Expect pockets of wind slab around ridgelines. Recent snowfall has been gradual to accumulate, but older wind slabs may still be present.
Check for wind slabs above steep lines or in consequential terrain features.
A buried weak layer of surface hoar/and or a crust may create larger avalanches than you expect.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 10th, 2023 4:00PM
