Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Dry.

Avalanche Canada AL, Avalanche Canada

Email

The increased avalanche danger rating in the alpine represents the possibility of a loose dry avalanche cycle in steep terrain. Use caution when traveling in consequential terrain where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported today.

Snowpack Summary

A few cm of new snow buries sun crusts to ridgetop and temperature crusts below 1500m.

The March 25 interface is down 5 to15 cm while the March 12 interface is down 15 to 30cm. Both of these are represented by crusts on solar aspects and facets on shaded slopes.

The mid-pack in this area is generally strong, although the base of the snowpack consists of weak facets in thin areas (<2 m).

Weather Summary

An upslope weather system will bring 5-10cm of snow to the forecast region with greater snowfall amounts to the East. The convective nature of the weather system could deposit an even greater amount of snow than forecasted. Winds will remain relatively light and freezing levels near valley bottom.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Avoid exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Continue to pay attention to the weak basal facet layer in areas where the snowpack is shallow (<2 m) such as moraines or wind-scoured areas, or in places where a large trigger like a cornice fall could impact the slope.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

The forecasted snow amount varies from 5cm to 15cm overnight Sunday. In areas where snowfall accumulation is greater, we can expect loose dry avalanche activity in steep terrain. This problem will be a greater concern where it overlays a crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2023 4:00PM