Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 18th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Avalanche danger will be closely linked to daytime warming and solar effect. Observe your local conditions and let that inform your terrain choices.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported since last week.

Snowpack Summary

Generally, spring is advancing and the winter snowpack is melting away, at least at lower elevations.

Dry, powder snow likely remains at higher elevations on north-facing terrain, along with potential for fresh wind and storm slabs. While melt-freeze crusts or moist snow are likely to be found on steep solar slopes and at lower elevations.

Avalanche danger will be closely coupled to daytime warming and melting. The more the crust weakens, and the deeper the wetness goes, the greater the hazard from wet loose avalanches.

The mid-snowpack is generally well-settled. In some areas, the lower snowpack may have a layer of weak facets near the ground.

Weather Summary

Tuesday night

Mostly cloudy with clear periods. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature around -5 C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud. Mostly light south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing levels around 1700 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. Mostly light west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing levels around 1900 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. Moderate south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Freezing levels around 1900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
  • Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
  • Keep in mind the crust offers an excellent bed surface for avalanches.
  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Expect storm and wind slabs to be most reactive in localized areas that have received more recent snow, or steep leeward slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 19th, 2023 4:00PM

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