Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 11th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada jsmith, Avalanche Canada

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Warm temperatures and strong solar radiation have settled up to 40 cm of recent snow into a reactive slab in the alpine.

Stay alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous naturally triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2 were reported on steep alpine slopes on Wednesday.

A rider triggered size 1.5 storm slab avalanche was also reported on a northeast aspect in the alpine.

If you are getting out into the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network).

Snowpack Summary

Up to 40 cm of recent snow can be found at upper elevations and is settling rapidly with intense solar radiation and warm temperatures. Previous light southwest may have formed slabs on isolated lee features in the alpine.

The recent snow sits above a crust in most areas. The exception is on northerly aspects above 2000 m where it overlies dry snow.

Expect difficult travel at lower elevations with thin snow coverage.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with flurries, 5 to 15 cm snow. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 1 °C. Freezing level 2100 m.

Sunday

Sunny. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.

Check out the Mountain Weather Forecast for additional weather information.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Use small low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Warm temperatures and strong solar radiation have settled up to 40 cm of recent snow into a reactive slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Strong solar radiation will trigger wet loose avalanches on steep sunny slopes.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 12th, 2024 4:00PM