Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 19th, 2019 4:06PM

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

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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Plan your day to avoid new wind slabs above 2000 m and southerly slopes during the heat of the day.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light northeast wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1500 m dropping to 1000 m.

SATURDAY: Clear skies, light to moderate north wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1000 m rising to 2000 m.

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 2000 m.

MONDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 2200 m.

Avalanche Summary

There were no avalanche reports available for the region. The neighbouring Sea To Sky region observed a natural loose wet avalanche cycle during Thursday and Friday’s storm.

If you have any recent observations during your travels, we would greatly appreciate it if you posted a photo or any other information to the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Thanks!

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 to 20 cm of recent snow has likely accumulated above 2000 m. The snow fell with strong southwest wind, likely forming new wind slabs and cornice growth in the alpine. The snowpack below treeline is saturated and rapidly melting.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New wind slabs have likely formed above 2000 m from recent snow and strong southwest wind. This new snow may remain touchy to human traffic on Saturday, particularly in lee terrain features near ridges.

  • Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the new snow.
  • New cornices will be weak and could trigger wind slabs on slopes below.
  • Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Clear skies on Saturday could cause the new snow above 2000 m to moisten on sun-exposed slopes, increasing the likelihood of triggering loose wet avalanches.

  • Minimize overhead exposure and avoid steep slopes during periods of strong sun.
  • Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 20th, 2019 2:00PM

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