Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 19th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
BW,
Avalanche Canada
The basal facets in this area will remain a concern through the end of the season. This should be factored into terrain decisions.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Several natural and cornice triggered wind and storm slabs have been reported over the past several days. A large deep release was reported out of the north side of Surprise Pass on Tuesday. Ski-hills only reported small loose dry avalanches out of steep terrain today.
Snowpack Summary
15-40 cm of snow in past week (most around Lake Louise) overlies previous storm snow at upper elevations and rain-crusts below 1800 m. Recent strong winds have created wind-slabs in the alpine. Multiple buried crusts are present in the mid-pack on solar aspects. The basal snowpack remains weak with facets and depth hoar in most areas.
Weather Summary
Thursday: Isolated showers or alpine flurries in the morning and light convective activity in the afternoon along the divide. Up to 5 cm of snow forecasted. Freezing levels between 14-1700 m. Light winds.
Friday: Flurries with minor accumulations. Winds swing to SW and increase to moderate throughout the day. Freezing levels rise to 2000 m.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent snow (15-40 cm in past week) and strong winds will have created wind slabs in lee alpine terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
The weak basal facets, and mid-pack facets/crusts remain a concern with regular avalanches noted. Many large avalanches on these layers occurred during the April 11 cycle indicating that this problem will remain through the end of the season.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 20th, 2023 4:00PM
