Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 24th, 2019 4:03PM
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
Strong solar radiation may increase the likelihood of triggering lingering winds slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops. Any appearance of the strong April sun can initiate a loose wet avalanche cycle.
Summary
Confidence
Low - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Clear / Light to moderate, westerly winds / Alpine low -11 C / Freezing level Below valley bottom.
THURSDAY: Sunny / Light, westerly winds / Alpine high -3 C / Freezing level 1800 m.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, westerly winds / Alpine high -1 C / Freezing level 1700 m.
SATURDAY: Cloudy with alpine flurries; 5-10 cm. / Light, northwesterly winds / Alpine high -5 C / Freezing level 1200 m
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on Tuesday. 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.
On Sunday, numerous solar triggered avalanches initiating below alpine ridgetops up to size 3 were reported.
Check out this MIN report of a notable human triggered size 2.5 avalanche that occurred on Saturday HERE.
On Friday, a widespread storm slab natural avalanche cycle to size 3 occurred on all aspects in the alpine. This new snow will need several days to settle and bond to the old snow surface.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 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
Strong solar radiation may increase the likelihood of triggering lingering winds slabs on lee features below alpine ridgetops
- Use small slopes without consequence to test the bond of the recent snow.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation/aspect.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Strong solar radiation may trigger loose wet avalanches on steep terrain; especially at upper elevations where there is new snow.
- Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
- A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches all indicate a weakening snowpack.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 25th, 2019 2:00PM
