Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 23rd, 2021 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Cornices.

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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A spring diurnal pattern dominates. Best practice is to limit your overhead exposure, particularly during the heat of the day.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, 25 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -4 C.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, 25 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1400 m.

SUNDAY: Clear skies, 20 km/h north wind, alpine temperature 2 C, freezing level 2000 m.

MONDAY: Clear skies, 10 km/h north wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

The recent cool air temperature has quieted avalanche activity. No new avalanche observations were made in the past few days.

Looking forward, avalanche activity is unlikely on Saturday given the relatively cool conditions forecast. However, cornice releases can be unpredictable, so best to stay away from them.

A big THANK YOU to all of you that provided us and fellow recreationists with observations this season. Please continue to do so if you head out!

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of snow overlies a hard melt-freeze crust to the mountain tops. The snow surface may moisten during the heat of the day, particularly on sun-exposed slopes and on all aspects below the freezing level. Moistened snow will subsequently freeze during overnight periods. Cornices could weaken during daytime warming.

The White Pass area has a deep snowpack without any layers of concern. A thinner and weaker snowpack exists in inland regions, such as the Wheaton Valley.

Terrain and Travel

  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating.

Problems

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Cornices are large and could weaken during sunny skies. Best practice is to stay well back from them on ridges and avoid travelling beneath them.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Apr 24th, 2021 4:00PM

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