Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 14th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jsmith,
Avalanche Canada
Forecast snow and strong south wind may form fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
Avoid steep, rocky, and wind affected areas where triggering slabs are more likely.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
A naturally triggered size 2 wind slab was reported on a north aspect in the alpine in the Ashman zone on Thursday. See MIN.
A naturally triggered size 2.5 wind slab was reported on a northeast aspect in the alpine in Seaton Basin on Wednesday. See MIN.
Observations are limited at this time of year, please consider sharing any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.
Snowpack Summary
20-40 cm of snow last week was redistributed into wind slabs on northerly aspects by south winds. The recent snow sits over wind-affected surfaces or a crust on south-facing slopes.
A weak layer buried in late March is down 80-140 cm and exists as surface hoar and facets on north facing slopes and a crust elsewhere. It has produced recent avalanche activity in the Northwest Coastal region and may become reactive in this region with additional snow load.
The middle of the snowpack is strong and contains numerous hard crusts. Near the ground, weak faceted crystals exist. There hasn't been avalanche activity on this layer recently, but it remains on our radar as it may become active with abrupt changes to the snowpack, such as rapid loading (heavy snowfall or rain) or prolonged warming.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with flurries; 3-10 cm / 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -5 C / Freezing level 1000 m
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 0-15 cm / 30 km/h south ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -4 C / Freezing level 1100 m
Sunday
Cloudy with flurries; 3-10 cm / 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -4 C / Freezing level 1100 m
Monday
Mostly sunny / 10 km/h southeast ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -5 C / Freezing level 1100 m
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Cornice failure may trigger large avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Forecast snow and strong south wind may form fresh wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 15th, 2023 4:00PM
