Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 23rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
CB,
Avalanche Canada
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
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
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 24th, 2024 4:00PM
