Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 16th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Cornices.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when travelling on ridge tops. Wet loose avalanches may occur on sunny slopes in the afternoon.
Observations are limited at this time of year. Let us know what you are seeing by filling out a MIN report!
Summary
Confidence
High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Mainly clear. Alpine temperature drops to -7 °C. 10-25 km/h wind from the northwest.
SUNDAY: Cloud cover increases in the afternoon. Alpine temperature rising to -4 °C. Mostly light northwest wind occasionally gusting to 35 km/h.
MONDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperature rising to -3 °C. 20-50 km/h wind from the southeast.
TUESDAY: Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries, 5cm of accumulation. Alpine temperature rising to -3 °C. 10-30 km/h wind from the southeast.
Avalanche Summary
Reports over the last week documented large cornice falls in alpine terrain, some of which have triggered large wind slab avalanches (size 2-2.5) on the slopes below. We suspect the reactivity of these wind slabs is diminishing under the current weather pattern, but cornices remain a concern.
Snowpack Summary
Recent wind from the northeast has left a variety of wind-affected surfaces. In sheltered areas, 20-50 cm of snow sits on a melt-freeze crust that exists on all aspects to at least 2000 m. A sun crust likely extends to mountain tops on solar aspects. Another prominent crust layer is found 40 to 70 cm deep.Â
Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.
Terrain and Travel
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
Problems
Cornices
Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridges. They are a significant hazard alone and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely when the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 17th, 2022 4:00PM
