Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 14th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for pockets of wind slabs in steep exposed terrain from easterly winds, consider the possibility of cornice failures, and the potential for surface snow to lose cohesion when the sun is out.
Summary
Confidence
High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Mainly clear. 15-30 km/h wind from the east. Alpine temperature drops to -10 C.
FRIDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods. Alpine temperature rises to -3 C. Light variable winds.
SATURDAY: Sunny. Alpine temperature rises to 1 C. 5-20 km/h winds from the south.Â
SUNDAY: Sunny. Alpine temperature rises to -2 °C. 10-30 km/h winds from the south.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday in the north of the region, several natural wind slabs (size 1.5-2) were observed in the alpine as a result of strong outflow winds loading west-facing aspects. One natural cornice failure was also observed (size 2.5) that did not pull a slab on the slope below.
Numerous natural wind slabs (size 2-3) were observed in the alpine on Monday and Tuesday as a result of northeasterly outflow winds. These wind slabs mainly occurred on west-facing slopes.Â
Looking forward, wind slabs may still exist in lee areas in the alpine and exposed treeline. Riders should minimize overhead exposure to cornices and give them a wide berth when travelling at ridge crest.Â
Snowpack Summary
Open terrain has been affected by strong outflow wind that has scoured east-facing slopes and loaded snow onto west-facing slopes. Sheltered areas may still have soft snow. Below 1200 m, a widespread crust exists on the surface. Above 1200 m, 40 to 80 cm of settled storm snow rests on a hard melt-freeze crust from late March. The snow has been bonding to this crust.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
- Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
- Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent outflow wind has left slabs on west and south-facing slopes in the alpine and near ridgetops at treeline. These slabs could remain reactive to human triggering for a few more days.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are large this time of year and may have been weakened by recent cold temperatures. Exposure to cornices should be minimized, especially during periods of warm temperatures or strong sun. Give them a wide berth when you are travelling on ridge lines and avoid overhead exposure to large cornices.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 15th, 2022 4:00PM
