Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 16th, 2018 4:11PM

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.

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

There is a lack of information to base our avalanche forecasts on this time of year. As a result, this forecast is based solely on weather information. If you have been out recently, post your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest wind. Alpine temperature -3. Freezing level 1100 m. WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Light southwest wind. Alpine temperature -2. Freezing level 1200 m. THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate west wind. Alpine temperature -1. Freezing level 1300 m.

Avalanche Summary

No recent new avalanches were reported in this region.

Snowpack Summary

Lingering wind slabs on convex features below ridgetops may still be reactive to human triggers. Weak layers buried around March 19th are roughly 40 cm below the surface (up to 100 cm in deeper snowpack areas). These weak layers include surface hoar on shaded aspects at high elevations and hard crusts on solar aspects and below treeline.Sugary facets may be found near the base of the snowpack in shallow, rocky snowpack areas on shady aspects.

Problems

Loose Wet

When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the new snow and cause loose wet avalanching on steep solar slopes.

Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling or the surface snow becoming moist.Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Give them a wide berth both from above and below.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may still be reactive in isolated locations.

Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 17th, 2018 2:00PM