Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 25th, 2019 4:04PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Wet.
jsmith,
Avalanche Canada
Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers; especially on lee features below alpine ridgetops.
Summary
Confidence
Low - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy / Light, southwesterly winds / Alpine low -2 C / Freezing level 1500 m.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Light, northerly winds / Alpine high 2 C / Freezing level 2000 m.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm. / Light, northwesterly winds / Alpine high -2 C / Freezing level 1400 m.
SUNDAY: Sunny / Light, northeasterly winds / Alpine high -1 C / Freezing level 1500 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on Wednesday. However, there are currently very few professional observers submitting daily observations. Please submit your observations to the MIN. Photos of avalanches or current conditions are particularly useful.
Snowpack Summary
5-15 cm. of new snow sits on a crust everywhere except high north facing terrain. Wind slabs created by last weeks storm may still linger in lee terrain below ridgetops. A layer of surface hoar (weak, feathery crystals) in the upper snowpack could still be reactive to human triggers in isolated locations such as high elevation, north facing terrain.
Below treeline, snow is disappearing rapidly.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive to human triggers; especially on lee features below alpine ridgetops.
- Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the recent snow.
- Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation/aspect.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Any appearance of the strong April sun can initiate a loose wet avalanche cycle. The likelihood of loose wet avalanches increases as temperatures warm through the day and/or if the sun comes out for a prolonged period of time.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.
- A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches all indicate a weakening snowpack.
- Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 26th, 2019 2:00PM
