Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 21st, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
PW,
Avalanche Canada
There's still some good skiing/riding and climbing to be had for those motivated!
The recent snow and winds have formed windslabs in the alpine and into treeline. While small (ish), they can have big consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully monitor the amount of snow in lee features of the alpine/treeline.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Over the last couple of days some small, fresh windslabs and sluffs have been triggered in the surface snow in the alpine. Ski hills reported ski-cutting the windsalbs in isolated features up to size 1.
The recent cool temperatures have temporarily slowed down the deeper avalanche activity.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 5 cm of new snow sits on crusts treeline and below and crusts up to ridge crest on southerly aspects. There is dry snow above 2200m on northerly aspects which is wind effected on all aspects from variable winds.
In the mid-pack, the Feb 3 persistent layer (crust/facet layer) remains a concern on northerly alpine aspects near 2300m and above where no crusts have formed to date. This layer is a greater concern in thick to thin areas.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night: Trace amounts of snow, low of -5 °C winds out of the west, gusting into the strong range.
Monday: A mix of sun and cloud, no precip. High -3 ° in the alpine, freezing levels up to 2000m. Winds are expected to be up to 30km/h out of the west.
Tuesday: Sunny with cloudy periods, no precip. Freezing levels up to 2400m.
For more detailed weather click here.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh windslabs can be expected in lee features of the alpine and at treeline. Exercise caution around these features and carefully asses start zones if climbing underneath them or skiing/riding in them. Watch for increased activity/sensitivity of this layer if the sun comes out.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
