Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2021 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Loose Wet and Cornices.

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

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Another day of sun and heat means another day of increasing hazard throughout the day. Avoid exposure to sun exposed slopes and cornices, especially in the afternoon.

Check out the latest Forecaster's Blog for more information on managing current conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure, with sunny skies and high freezing levels will dominate the weather pattern this week.

Wednesday night - Mainly clear / moderate northeast wind / alpine low temperature near 4 / freezing level 2600 m

Thursday - Sunny / light east wind / alpine high temperature near 5 / freezing level 3000 m 

Friday - Mainly sunny / light southeast wind / alpine high temperature near 7 / freezing level 3200 m 

Saturday - Mainly sunny / light southwest wind / alpine high temperature near 5 / freezing level 3300 m 

Avalanche Summary

There have been several size 1-2.5 natural and human triggered storm and wind slab avalanches reported over the past week. These were mainly on northerly aspects in the alpine and at treeline. There have also been several cornice failures, and small wet loose avalanches reported.

Looking forward, wet loose avalanches are expected with sun and warm temperatures. The likelihood of cornice failure also increases with warming. Wind slabs may still be possible to trigger at upper elevations.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is a crust in most areas, except on north aspects above about 1600 m, where both soft snow and wind slabs may exist. In areas where the surface is a crust, sunshine and rising freezing levels are expected to soften the crust during the day.

Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Their release is unpredictable but increases in likelihood with daytime warming, requiring a large berth if you're travelling above or below them.

Terrain and Travel

  • The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.
  • Avoid exposure to sunny slopes, especially in the afternoon.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Surface snow will lose cohesion and become unstable with sun and rising temperatures during the day. 

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Cornices are large and looming along many ridgelines. They grow increasingly unstable during periods of warming.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2021 4:00PM