Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada TRettie, Avalanche Canada

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Keep an eye on the snow surface, as it becomes moist from solar input the size and likelihood of avalanches will increase.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - We are confident the likelihood of avalanche will increase with the arrival of the forecast weather.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night: Flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow with moderate west winds. Low of -6 at 1600 m.

Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected. Light to moderate westerly winds and freezing levels rising to 1900 m.

Thursday: Mostly sunny with no new snow expected. Moderate southwest winds. Freezing level rising to 2100 m.

Friday: Stormy with trace amounts of snow in the alpine and rain below. Strong southwest winds and freezing levels around 2300 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday ski cutting produced storm slab avalanches up to size 1.5 in the alpine and treeline. Several size 1.5 natural storm slab and dry loose avalanches were also observed.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of recent snow has formed slabs at treeline and above. Below this a crust exists on all aspects to around 2500 m and likely to mountain top on sun affected slopes. Moist snow will be observed at lower elevations and on all sun exposed slopes as the freezing level rises and the sun comes out. 

 The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
  • Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
  • Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs will likely be found on exposed terrain at treeline and alpine. Strong winds mean that wind slabs may be found further down slope than expected. Wind slabs may be sensitive to rider traffic due to the underlying crust.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wet Slabs

An icon showing Wet Slabs

Wet slab and wet loose avalanches will likely increase in size and sensitivity to triggering as the freezing level rises and the sun comes out.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

The likelihood of natural cornice falls could increase with solar input. Avoid traveling on slopes with cornices looming above.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2022 4:00PM