Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 23rd, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada CB, Avalanche Canada

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Spring-time showers in the valley translate to fluffy powder in the high Alpine. The latest stormy weather dropped 20-25cm of snow at and above Tree-line, but was also accompanied by gusty winds.

Fresh wind slabs in lee features will need to be evaluated before you drop into your line, especially where they overlie a crust!

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new natural activity observed Tues.

On Monday, a field team in the Fidelity zone was able to ski-control several dry/loose sz 1 avalanches on N aspects, as well as ski-cut a wind slab on an E aspect.

Also Monday, a field team also was able to ski-control wet/loose avalanches to sz 2 on solar aspects steeper than 35°.

There were a few small loose snow avalanches from rocky/extreme terrain in the last couple days, including human-triggered from S aspects on the Swiss Peaks.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temps + solar effect are creating moist surface snow during the day and a crust overnight. Expect 20 cm of dry snow and wind slabs at upper elevation on lee features. These slabs sit atop a series of crusts on all aspects except high north faces, where they overlie dry snow.

The Feb 3rd crust, down ~110cm, is the dominant mid-pack layer and still produces isolated planar results when tested.

Below tree-line, expect spring conditions. Travel is rough at lower elevations.

Weather Summary

Unstable spring conditions effect our region for the reminder of the week.

Tonight: Mix of sun and cloud, Alp low 1°C, Light SW ridge top winds

Wed: Cloudy/isolated flurries, Trace snow, Alp high 0°C, gusty mod SW winds, 2100m FZL.

Thurs: Flurries, 10cm, Alp high 1°C, light SW winds, 1900m FZL.

Fri: Flurries, 5-10 cm, Alp high 2°C, light winds, FZL rising to 2200m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Strong gusty winds and fresh snow have created a new windslab problem. Expect to find this problem most reactive in the lee sides of ridges or in cross loaded terrain in the alpine.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Apr 24th, 2024 4:00PM

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