Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 9th, 2019 4:10PM

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

swerner, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Wind slabs could be more reactive on northerly, high alpine slopes. Especially where they sit above a buried crust. Loose wet avalanches are more likely to occur when the sun comes out.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Possible flurries at upper elevations and freezing levels 400 m. Ridgetop winds light with strong consistent gusts from the southwest.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with some sunny periods. Alpine temperatures near -4 and freezing levels 1200 m. Ridgetop winds 10-30 km/h from the West.THURSDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -4 and freezing levels 1400 m. Ridgetop winds light from the southwest.FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -2 and freezing levels 1300 m. Ridgetop winds light with strong SW gusts.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity reported on Tuesday. If you're out we'd love it if you would submit what you're seeing to the Mountain Information Network.The sun can really pack at punch this time of year and trigger loose wet avalanches, especially on solar aspects. North facing alpine slopes may have the best snow quality, however reactive wind slabs remain possible to trigger.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of storm snow now rests on a weak layer buried April 4th which consists of crust, surface hoar and facets. The crust is widespread and up to 4 cm thick. Spotty surface hoar and facets have been reported on top of the crust on high elevation north facing slopes. Light to moderate wind generally out of the south over the weekend may have formed shallow storm slabs that may remain sensitive to human triggering especially where it sits above the April 4th interface.North facing alpine terrain also has a layer of facets down 30 to 50 cm below the surface, but this layer has not been recently active and is likely trending towards dormancy.Below treeline the snowpack is isothermal throughout much of the forecast region.

Problems

Loose Wet

Some filtered sunshine may initiate a loose wet avalanche cycle in the new snow. The likelihood of loose avalanches increases as temperatures warm through the day and/or if the sun comes out for a prolonged period of time.

A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches all indicate a weakening snowpack.Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

Up to 20 cm of storm snow sits on a widespread crust. Moderate southerly winds have likely formed fresh slabs in high elevation north facing features. Human triggering is most likely in the immediate lee of the ridgecrest.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 10th, 2019 2:00PM