Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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Expect various warming-related avalanche concerns to develop during the heat of the day.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

We haven't received reports of recent avalanche activity. Looking forward, human-triggering of wind slabs remains possible in steep lee terrain features at higher elevations. Wet loose avalanches are also likely, particularly on steep sun-exposed slopes when the sun is strong.

Please consider submitting to the Mountain Information Network if you are getting out in the backcountry.

Snowpack Summary

Around 10 to 20 cm of snow accumulated above 1100 m on Thursday with strong southerly wind. The storm may have formed wind slabs in lee terrain features in the alpine. Warm air this weekend will quickly wet the snow surface, predominantly on sun-exposed slopes midday.

The remainder of the snowpack is strong.

There is insufficient snow to form avalanches for most below treeline elevations.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Clear skies. 10 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Saturday

Clear skies. 10 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.

Sunday

Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.

Monday

Cloudy with 1 to 3 cm of snow. 30 km/h west wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Warming-relating problems such as loose wet avalanches, wet slabs, and cornice falls are possible this weekend with intense warming. Watch your overhead exposure and use particular caution during the heat of the day when the sun is out.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be found near mountain tops. Assess for slabs in steep northerly terrain near ridges before committing yourself.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2024 4:00PM

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