Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 1st, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
Recent new snow combined with wind has likely promoted fresh wind slab development at upper elevations.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
There were a few reports of size 1 storm slab avalanches on Saturday and Friday.
Several large (size 2) cornice falls have been observed in the past week, most of which have not triggered slabs on the slopes below. However, there are a few exceptions where cornices did trigger large avalanches, including two avalanches north of Stewart on Tuesday (100 to 250 cm thick slabs) and one avalanche north of Terrace on Thursday (30 cm thick slab).
Snowpack Summary
10-20cm of new snow has accumulated at the end of the week, with deeper deposits in lee terrain. In most areas this snow has covered moist or crusty snow layers, except shaded terrain above 1500m where the snow has remained dry over the past week. The lower snowpack is strong and well bonded.
Weather Summary
Saturday night
Cloudy with clear periods, light to moderate southwest wind, treeline temperature around -8 °C with freezing level at valley bottom.
Sunday
Mix of sun and cloud , light west and northwest wind, treeline temperatures around -3 °C, freezing level 900m.
Monday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, light to moderate northwest wind, treeline temperatures around -4 °C, freezing level 700m.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud, moderate north wind, treeline temperatures around -2 °C, freezing level 1100m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs have likely formed in lee terrain and along ridges over the past few days. Since snowfall amounts have been relatively light, they are most likely small.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Beware of cornices. There have been a few large cornice collapses the past few days, including some isolated cases where they've triggered slabs on the slope below. Be extra cautious on slopes below cornices.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 2nd, 2023 4:00PM
