Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 18th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
swerner,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Natural wet loose avalanches are possible if the sun is shining, use extra caution on solar slopes.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
There have been no new reports as of Tuesday.
A naturally triggered large wind slab avalanche was reported on a north-facing slope in the alpine on Sunday. See MIN
Observations are limited at this time of year, please consider sharing any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.
Snowpack Summary
20-30 cm of recent snow and light to moderate south wind may have formed wind slabs in isolated lee features in the alpine.
The recent snow sits over previously wind-affected snow surfaces on northerly aspects and sun crust on other aspects.
A weak layer of surface hoar/crust/facets buried in early January is now around 100 cm down in most areas. Operators continue to monitor this layer. A significant warming event or a large trigger (like a falling cornice) are the most likely things to activate this layer.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Trace of new snow. Ridgetop winds 20-30 km/h from the southeast. Temperature at treeline around -7 C and freezing level valley bottom.
Wednesday
Cloudy with possible sunny breaks and a trace of new snow. Ridgetop wind 40 km/h from the southeast. Temperature at treeline around -5 C freezing level 1000 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with new snow 3-10 cm. Ridgetop wind 30-40 km/h from the southeast. Temperature at treeline around -4C with freezing level 1300 m.
Friday
Mix of sun and cloud. Ridgteop wind 20-30 Km/h from the northeast. Temperature at treeline around -4 C with freezing level near 1300 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- Cornice failure may trigger large avalanches.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow up to 15 cm accompanied by moderate southeast wind may form fresh wind slabs on leeward slopes and terrain features.
Aspects: South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Short periods of the April sun can pack a punch. If the sun is out natural wet loose avalanches may be seen on south-facing slopes.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 19th, 2023 4:00PM
