Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada swerner, Avalanche Canada

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Watch for wind slab reactivity in the alpine. Elsewhere a surface crust will limit avalanche activity.

Give cornices space - on ridgelines and on the slopes below.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Strong sunshine and rising temperatures produced loose wet avalanches to size 2.5 over the past few days.

While cooler temperatures on Tuesday will limit the potential for wet avalanche activity, reactivity may linger in high elevation, north facing terrain features where dry snow remains.

Snowpack Summary

A widespread surface crust likely exists at all elevations, except on north-facing slopes which is expected to limit avalanche activity. Wind-affected dry snow still exists on north-facing alpine slopes above 2000 m, up to 30 cm deep. With changing forecast winds you may see new isolated wind slabs form on southerly facing slopes.

Below treeline elevations have minimal snow cover, if any at all. Expect challenging travel conditions with hazards like rocks, stumps and open creeks.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Clear periods with some clouds and possible snow up to 5 cm. 15-30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level valley bottom.

Tuesday

Sunny with isolated flurries up to 5 cm. 15-30 km/h northerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C. Freezing level around 1500 m.

Wednesday

Sunny with cloudy periods. 10-20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1°C. Freezing level around 1700 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. 10-20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0°C. Freezing level around 1900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind affected dry snow may remain reactive to human triggers in the alpine. Weak cornices also exist above these slopes, and have the potential to be destructive on their own, or to trigger large avalanches on the slope below.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2024 4:00PM

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