Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 4th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada rgoddard, Avalanche Canada

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Continue to make good terrain travel choices.

Later in the day Wednesday, increased winds will start to transport snow and may create fresh wind slabs.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Recent avalanche activity has been limited to small (size 1) loose dry avalanches out of steep northerly aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Southerly winds will begin to transport whatever remaining snow is out there on southern aspects and possibly build new wind slabs. Polar aspects at higher elevations and areas that are shaded may still hold up to 30 cm of low-density snow. Below 1600 m and on most solar aspects a crust can likely be found in many places. New snow bonding to this crust should be suspect and investigation is required.

The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are strong and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy, no accumulation, winds southerly 15 to 30 km/h, freezing levels reaching 600 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy, up to 5 cm accumulation starting in the afternoon, winds south 40 to 50 km/h, freezing levels reaching 1100 m.

Thursday

Cloudy, 20 to 30 cm accumulation starting Wednesday evening, winds south 45 to 55 km/h, freezing levels to 1300 m.

Friday

Cloudy, up to 20 cm accumulation overnight and tapering off in the morning, winds southwest 25 to 25 km/h gusting to 75, freezing level 900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

In certain areas where trees and terrain features have sheltered the recent snow from the effects of the sun. This snow may be transported by increasing southerly winds. If the wind shifts, expect to see even more wind slab formation.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 5th, 2023 4:00PM