Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 3rd, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Carefully assess for slab properties in the recent snow at high elevations. The danger is likely LOW anywhere that received less than 10 cm from Saturday's storm.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm in the north of the region and 10 to 20 cm in the south, 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C.
SUNDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, 20 km/h north wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level rising to 1400 m.
MONDAY: Clear skies, 10 km/h northwest wind, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level rising to 2200 m.
TUESDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature 1 C, freezing level 2200 m.
Avalanche Summary
Small storm and wind slab avalanches may have been triggerable on Saturday and into the night anywhere sufficient snow accumulated. This snow may remain reactive to human traffic on Sunday.
Snowpack Summary
You may find anywhere from 5 to 15 cm of snow accumulation by Sunday morning above around 1800 m. The snow fell onto a hard melt-freeze crust everywhere except perhaps wind-affected snow on high elevation north aspects. The snow fell with strong southwest wind, forming wind slabs in lee terrain features at treeline and alpine elevations. Below the rain-snow line, expect to find wet snow or a hard melt-freeze crust.
Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs may have formed from recent snow and strong southwest wind at high elevations. Use caution in steep, lee terrain features at higher elevations. It is possible that storm slabs may exist in sheltered terrain features, particularly if you find 15+ cm of fresh snow over a hard melt-freeze crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines, and have likely grown with the recent snow and wind. They become increasingly weak when the sun comes out and freezing levels rise. They require a large berth when travelling above and below them.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
The recent snow may moisten and form wet loose avalanches on sun-exposed slopes if clear skies prevail.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 4th, 2021 4:00PM
