Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 11th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada zryan, Avalanche Canada

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Spring is a dynamic time of year. Conditions can vary widely and change rapidly.

Verify conditions in your local area and tune in to changes with aspect, elevation and time of day.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, a few cornice-triggered storm and wind slabs (size 2) were reported from north-facing alpine terrain.

Looking forward to Friday, riders should take a conservative approach, the recent storm snow will need time to settle and stabilize. Pay attention to changing conditions and be mindful of your overhead exposure.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 40 cm of recent snowfall overlies up to 30 cm of more settled, wind-affected snow. This is sitting on a crust on all slopes except true north-facing terrain at upper elevations.

Many areas below treeline are either snow-free or have very thin snow coverage. Expect difficult travel at lower elevations.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow accumulation above the rain-snow line. 15 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Friday

Cloudy with afternoon clearings. Light variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature reaches a high of 0 °C. Freezing level rises to 1600 m.

Saturday

Mostly sunny. 5 to 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature reaches a high of +5 °C. Freezing level rises to 2500 m.

Sunday

Mostly sunny. 15 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
  • Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches triggered by warming or cornice fall may be large and destructive.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

If the sun comes out, storm slabs may rapidly increase in reactivity, particularly on steep, sun-exposed slopes.

Expect deeper, more reactive slabs in north and east facing lee terrain features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Even brief periods of strong solar radiation could initiate wet loose avalanches on steep, sun-exposed slopes.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 12th, 2024 4:00PM

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