Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
Small wind slabs may still be triggered in the alpine.
Challenging/variable riding exists on all slopes that face the sun and on all aspects at tree line and below.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Two large (size 2.5 and 3) wet slab avalanches were solar triggered either side of Grizzly couloir on Saturday failing on the April 9th crust.
Numerous loose wet avalanches were observed from sun exposed slopes late last week.
Snowpack Summary
In the Alpine and Tree-line, 20-30cm of heavy moist snow sits over a firm crust on any slope that faces the sun. Dry snow may be found on high north facing slopes
At tree line the snow depth is at a record low of around 220cm. The Feb 3rd crust/facet layer persists at upper elevations, buried down 80-140cm.
Below treeline the snowpack is going through its typical spring melt/freeze cycle, firm in the morning then breaking down and becoming isothermal with daily warming.
Weather Summary
A cold front will sweep across the interior on Monday bringing cooler temperatures and snowfall overnight into Tuesday. After this dry sunny weather resumes again.
Mon: Cloudy, afternoon flurries 5cm, low -6°C, light west winds, moderate gusts, freezing level (FZL) 1800m.
Tues: Cloudy, snow 10-15cm, low -8°C, light north winds, FZL 1400m.
Wed: Sun and cloud, low -10°C, light north winds, FZL 1600m.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
The recent snow is bonding poorly to the crust below. Use extra caution near ridge crests and lee features where deeper wind deposits may be more reactive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2