Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 13th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Keep terrain choices conservative while storm snow begins to bond. Watch for wind loaded pockets in unusual places as wind direction has varied.
Brief periods of sunshine could increase avalanche hazard on south facing slopes.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy with scattered flurries bringing up to 5 cm of snow. Moderate east/southeast winds. Freezing levels drop to 500 m overnight.
THURSDAY: Mostly clear skies with light easterly winds and scattered cloud. Freezing level rises to 1000 m. Snow begins in the afternoon with up to 3 cm expected.
FRIDAY: Mostly clear skies with light southerly winds. Freezing level rises to 1000 m. Isolated flurries bring trace accumulations.
SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with moderate easterly winds. Isolated flurries bring trace accumulations. Freezing levels rise to 1000 m.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches were observed in the region. Riders could trigger new slab avalanches from the new snow and easterly winds. The new snow may not bond to the underlying crust or hard surfaces (see this MIN) and could slide easily. Stay well back of cornices too, as they are very large at this time of year.
Observations are limited at this time of year, so please consider posting to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
10-40 cm of recent snow sits over a widespread crust or hard wind affected snow. Winds have switched from southwest to northeast - and wind affected snow can now be found on all aspects.
The mid and lower snowpack is considered strong, consisting of hard snow and melt freeze crusts.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Sheltered slopes at lower elevations will offer the best riding.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may be found at higher elevations on all aspects from recent variable winds. Watch for wind affected snow near ridgelines and around mid slope rollovers. This snow may not bond well to the underlying crust or hard snow.
Evaluate conditions as you travel, step back to simple and low angle terrain when uncertain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
With up to 40 cm of dry snow from the last 3 days, low density loose snow may see the sun for the first time on Thursday.
Watch for rapidly changing conditions, avalanche hazard will increase as surface snow becomes moist or wet. Minimize your exposure to sun affected slopes even during brief periods of strong sunshine.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 14th, 2022 4:00PM
