Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 10th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mhalik, Avalanche Canada

Email

Assess for fresh wind slabs near ridgetops before entering committing terrain.

Retreat to safer lower-angle terrain if you see blowing snow, or signs of instability.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

On Saturday and Sunday, small loose dry avalanches, and potentially reactive wind loading were reported in steep, rocky, alpine terrain.

We expect wind slabs to remain a concern for a few more days in the alpine.

Thanks for sharing your photos and observations on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Previous strong southerly winds combined with recent incremental snowfall have scoured southerly slopes and left deeper deposits of wind slabs on leeward faces. Forecast continued strong winds overnight may continue to build fresh slabs.

Up to 30 cm of soft snow on the surface may be found in sheltered upper-elevation areas, primarily north-facing terrain. Below this, expect to find firm wind-affected surfaces, a hard crust (below 1600 m), or loose powder snow.

Large cornices can be found on exposed ridgelines and should be given a wide berth.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy. 1 to 6 cm of snow possible. 30 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline low around -4°C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. Trace amounts of snow possible. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 900 m.

Friday

Partly cloudy. 1 to 6 cm of snow possible. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -3 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy. 2 to 7 cm of new snow possible. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -2 °C.

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.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent snow and strong wind have built pockets of wind slab below ridgecrests and in cross-loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 11th, 2024 4:00PM

Login