Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 26th, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada JMinifie, Avalanche Canada

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The region will see a return to winter this week. New snow does not often bond well to crusts. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: -2C, winds light S changing to N/NE overnight, increasing clouds, trace amounts of new snow. 

TUESDAY: low -7C high -3, moderate N/NE winds, mostly cloudy, 5cm new snow

WEDNESDAY: low -7C high -1C, light NE winds, mostly cloudy, 5cm new snow

THURSDAY: low -5C high 0C, light N winds, cloudy, 5cm new snow

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed over the weekend. One new cornice failure was reported. This cornice did not produce a slab avalanche. As new snow arrives this week, the bond between it and the existing hard surfaces should be closely assessed. 

A big THANK YOU to all of you that provided us and fellow recreationists with observations this season. Please continue to do so if you head out!

Snowpack Summary

Very firm snow and crusts are present at all elevations and on all aspects. New snow arriving this week may not bond well to these firm surfaces. These layers can act as an excellent gliding surface for new wind slab or storm slab avalanches in areas of greater accumulation. 

The White Pass area still has a deep snowpack without any layers of concern. A thinner and weaker snowpack exists in inland regions, such as the Wheaton Valley.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avalanche danger is often elevated in alpine gullies where snow has accumulated.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Storm slabs will build as snow accumulates. Upper elevations in particular may receive more snow than is forecast. If there is greater than 20cm of new snow in the area you are riding, exercise greater caution and assess the new bond carefully. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 28th, 2021 4:00PM

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