Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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Spring is a dynamic time of year where conditions can vary widely and change rapidly. Localized convective snowfall can appear out of nowhere and even short periods of strong sun can rapidly destabilize the upper snowpack.

Carefully assess your local conditions and pay attention to how the weather is affecting the snowpack throughout the day.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Reported avalanche activity on Saturday was limited to a small skier-triggered storm slab on a northeast aspect near treeline, despite extensive ski cutting avalanche control work.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

A moist or crusty surface has likely formed on southerly aspects and below 1200 m. 15 to 30 cm of recent snow has likely been blown into deep deposits in leeward terrain features at wind-exposed elevations by previous strong southeast to southwest winds. The recent snow sits over a melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects at treeline and below, and to mountaintop on solar aspects. In north-facing high alpine terrain, snow may remain cold and dry.

The mid and lower snowpack consists of a number of old crusts and facetted snow that continue to be monitored, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Sunday night

Flurries bringing around 5 cm. Light northwest wind. Alpine low -4 °C. Freezing level valley bottom.

Monday

Mostly sunny. Light northwest wind. Alpine high 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1200 m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Light variable wind. Alpine high 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1200 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. Light southwest wind. Alpine high 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Avoid exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

10 to 30 cm of recent snow arrived with strong southeast to southwest winds, and likely formed deep deposits in leeward terrain features. Rapid settlement due to strong sun, has potential trigger storm slab avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches will become increasingly likely on steep solar aspects as the surface becomes moist or wet with strong sun.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2023 4:00PM

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