Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 18th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Use caution entering lee terrain features, as wind slabs may linger. Small avalanches could step down to a buried layer and form large avalanches.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We haven't received any recent reports of avalanche observations. The most recent avalanches occurred about a week ago on the facet layer described in the Snowpack Summary (e.g., this MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Around 10 to 20 cm of snow fell over the past couple days with strong southerly wind, which may have formed wind slabs in lee terrain features. The snow may not bond well to underlying layers, including faceted snow in shaded aspects at high elevations or a hard melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes and on all aspects below 1700 m.
A layer of facets and a crust from early April is buried up to 60 cm at treeline and alpine elevations.
The base of the snowpack remains faceted and weak. We haven't received any notes of recent avalanche activity on this layer, but the concern remains for steep and rocky slopes with a thin snowpack.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy with no precipitation, 20 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -6 °C.
Wednesday
Early morning sun then cloudy skies with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 10 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -4 °C, freezing level 1400 m.
ThursdayCloudy skies with no precipitation, 10 km/h south wind, treeline temperature -4 °C, freezing level 1500 m.
FridayCloudy with snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 to 30 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -3 °C, freezing level 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
- Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may remain in lee terrain features from recent snow and strong southwest wind. Small avalanches could step down to a layer of facets and a crust buried 60 cm that could result in large avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 19th, 2023 4:00PM
