We are getting back into a seasonal spring trend with cool nights, warm days, and highly variable snow conditions with elevation and aspect changes. Be on the lookout for signs that suggest unstable snow.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, 10 km/h west wind, alpine low temperature -6 C, freezing level falling below 1500 m.
SATURDAY: Convective flurries and a mix of sun and cloud, accumulation 2-10 cm with local enhancements possible, 10 km/h northeast wind, alpine temperature +3 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2300 m.
SUNDAY: Mostly clear skies with no precipitation, 10 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature +5 C, overnight freeze and daytime freezing level rising to 2400 m.
MONDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks and isolated wet flurries, west wind gusting to 50 km/h, alpine high temperature +6 C.
Avalanche Summary
We have not received reports of avalanche observations in the past few days.
Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network to supplement our data stream and help fellow recreationists.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 10 cm of snow rests on hard snow or a melt-freeze crust, with locally thicker amounts in lee terrain from strong southwest wind. Below treeline and on sun-exposed slopes, a moist and consolidated snowpack exists. The remainder of the snowpack is strong, consisting of hard snow and various melt-freeze crusts.Â
We're in classic spring-time conditions with crusts and moist snow at lower elevations and still winter-like conditions in the alpine. Remember that cornices are large and looming at this time of year.
Terrain and Travel
- Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Problems
Cornices
Cornices are large and looming at this time of year. Any cornice release could be catastrophic.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Use caution on sun-exposed slopes when the sun is shining. Relatively warm air and sun can pack a punch, causing loose wet avalanches that may entrain recent snow and travel far.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2022 4:00PM
