Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 23rd, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada JSmith, Avalanche Canada

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Final forecast for the season! Stay alert to changing conditions during the heat of the day and adjust your travel plans accordingly. Back off slopes if the surface becomes moist or wet with daytime warming. 

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

  

FRIDAY NIGHT: Few clouds / Light, northeast ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -8 / Freezing level 700 m.

SATURDAY: Sunny / Light, northeast ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 3 / Freezing level 1500 m.

SUNDAY: Sunny / Light, northeast ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 4 / Freezing level 1700 m.

MONDAY: Sunny / Moderate, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 4 / Freezing level 1700 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region on Thursday.

NOTE: Observations are very limited during this time of year.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack has been undergoing a melt-freeze cycle with successive days of warm sunny weather. Strong solar radiation and warming can initiate wet loose avalanches as the snow loses cohesion. Cornices are large and looming along ridgelines. Sun and warm temperatures can increase the chances of cornice failures, especially when temperatures remain above zero overnight. Check out the Forecaster's Blog for information on how to manage these spring conditions. 

The snowpack is overall strong and settled in most areas, however, sustained warming can increase the likelihood of large avalanches failing on deeply buried weak layers. This is most likely to occur on steep, rocky alpine slopes with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack.

Terrain and Travel

  • As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

 Wet loose avalanches become increasingly likely during the heat of the day.  

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 26th, 2021 4:00PM