Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 7th, 2019 3:00PM

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

kdevine, Avalanche Canada

North Columbia.

Wind slabs are likely to be encountered at upper elevations and may be reactive to human triggering, especially in lee features.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with flurries, 5-10 cm / southwest winds, 10-25 km/h / alpine low temperature near -6MONDAY - Cloudy with flurries, 5 cm / southeast winds, 10-25 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1600 mTUESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud with scattered flurries, 5 cm / northwest winds, 10-25 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1700 mWEDNESDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / west winds, 10-15 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1700 m

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, there were a few reports of natural and human triggered storm slab and wind slab avalanches up to size 1.5 at treeline and alpine elevations. There were also reports of human triggered loose wet avalanches below treeline.On Friday, there were reports of a few natural and human triggered storm and wind slab avalanches up to size 2. These were mainly on north to east aspects in the alpine.On Thursday, there were several reports of natural and human triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 1.5, as well as a few natural loose wet avalanches up to size 1.5.

Snowpack Summary

10-30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 2000 m, where it sits on dry snow and surface hoar (feathery crystals) in some areas. Recent snowfall amounts taper quickly below treeline.North facing slopes above 2000 m may also have a layer of sugary faceted snow buried 50 to 70 cm.Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Up to 30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a crust in most locations, and on dry snow on north facing alpine terrain. Strong southwest winds will have formed wind slabs at upper elevations.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 8th, 2019 2:00PM