Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 1st, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Spring is a dynamic time of year; conditions can vary widely and change rapidly. Localized periods of heavy snowfall may form fresh, reactive storm slabs, while even short periods of strong sun can rapidly destabilize the upper snowpack.
Carefully assess your local conditions and pay attention to how the weather is affecting the snowpack.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Prior to this weekend's storm, avalanche activity has been confined to small wet loose avalanches from steep solars aspects below treeline.
At the time of publishing on Saturday, no new avalanches have been reported.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
15 to 30 cm of new snow has arrived in the past two days, accompanied by strong southeast shifting southwest winds. Below this new snow, a melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects at treeline and below. The crust extends to mountain tops on sunny aspects. In north-facing high alpine terrain, the snow may remain cold and dry.
The mid and lower snowpack consists of a number of old crusts and facetted snow that continue to be monitored, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.
Weather Summary
Saturday night
Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries, up to 5 cm accumulation. Alpine temperatures drop to a low of -6 °C. Ridge wind southwest 20 to 50 km/h. Freezing level drops to 100 metres.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 0 °C. Ridge wind light from the northwest. Freezing level rises to 1300 metres.
Monday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 0 °C. Ridge wind light from the northwest. Freezing level rises to 1100 metres.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures reach a high of 1 °C. Ridge wind light from the north. Freezing level rises to 1400 metres.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
- Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.
Problems
Storm Slabs
10 to 30 cm of storm snow arrived in the past 2 days with strong southeast-shifting southwest winds forming deeper, more cohesive slabs in lee terrain features. Periods of strong sun have the potential to settle the storm snow into a more cohesive, reactive slab.
Be cautious as you enter wind-affected terrain and avoid steep solar slopes during periods of strong sun.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
In areas where the recent storm snow has not formed a cohesive slab, dry loose avalanches may initiate easily in steep terrain, particularly where they overlie a slick crust.
Avoid exposure to steep slopes during periods of strong sun. Even brief windows of strong sunshine could rapidly initiate natural dry loose avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 2nd, 2023 4:00PM
