Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada dsaly, Avalanche Canada

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Watch for reactive slabs around ridges and into wind-loaded terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Uncertainty is due to the track & intensity of the incoming weather system.

Weather Forecast

Sunday night: Unsettled with isolated flurries, up to 10 cm. The deepest accumulations are forecast between Fraser Camp and the US border. Moderate southerly winds decreasing through the night. Ridgetop low of -12 C.

Monday: Partly cloudy with sunny breaks. Wind decreasing to light southeasterly. Ridgetop high of -4 C.

Tuesday: Unsettled and windy, up to 5 cm flurries. Southwest wind increasing to moderate-strong. Ridgetop high -6 C.

Wednesday: Flurries. Increasing southeast wind. Ridgetop high of -4 C.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, skiers remote triggered a size 2 wind slab from 10 m away on a north aspect. They also saw evidence of a natural wind slab avalanche cycle in the last 2-3 days, with avalanches to size 2 failing in immediate lee features and steep terrain.

Most recent avalanche observations are from Wednesday, when our field team observed natural dry loose avalanches on all aspects to size 1.5. While in the field they also observed wind transport and new wind slab formation.

Snowpack Summary

Wind has redistributed recent snow into pressed surfaces and wind slab. Northerly and higher elevation terrain holds 10-30 cm settled and wind affected snow over previous wind affected surfaces. A crust is found on all aspects to 1200 m and to ridgetop on solar slopes. The middle of the snowpack is reported to be strong and well settled. Take note, cornices are large and looming.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind will continue to redistribute loose snow. The most reactive deposits will be around ridges and steep, unsupported features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Large cornices have been observed in the region. Limit your time on slopes with these hazards above them.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2022 4:00PM

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