Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 21st, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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Low hazard doesn't mean no hazard. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard, especially near ridgecrests and in extreme terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A couple of large cornice failures have been observed over the past few days. Both took place in high alpine areas in north-facing terrain. Neither of these failures propagated any weak layers on the slopes below.

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of snow sits over a widespread melt-freeze crust on all but high north-facing alpine terrain, where snow remains dry and wind affected.

Weather Summary

Sunday night

Cloudy with a trace of snow at upper elevations. 30 to 50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind, easing. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1900m.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +3 °C. Freezing level 2300m.

Wednesday

Sunny. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2100m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are possible where wind has deposited sufficient snow into lee terrain features at upper elevations. Wind slabs may be especially reactive where they sit over a crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 22nd, 2024 4:00PM

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