A rising freezing level will increase avalanche hazard. Use extra caution near cornices and reduce exposure to steep slopes as the snow moisten.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
We haven't received any recent avalanche observations but suspect that loose wet avalanches were triggered naturally during Sunday night's stormy weather.
We expect to see similar avalanches in the coming days during periods of sunny skies and an increasing freezing level.
Avoiding cornice exposure is a good idea, as they are very large and looming at this time of year.
Snowpack Summary
Rain has soaked the upper snowpack, leaving a moist snow surface that may freeze into a melt-freeze crust overnight. Increasing freezing levels and periods of sun will moisten the snow with daytime warming.
The remainder of the snowpack is strong and well-bonded.
Cornices are large and looming at this time of year.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Partly cloudy with no precipitation, 10 km/h west wind, treeline temperature -1 °C, freezing level 1300 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with some sunny breaks and no precipitation, 20 km/h west wind, treeline temperature 4 °C, freezing level rising to 1900 m.
WednesdayMix of sun and cloud with trace rain, 20 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature 7 °C, freezing level 2700 m.
ThursdaySunny with no precipitation, 10 km/h variable wind, treeline temperature 10 °C, freezing level 3600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
- Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
Problems
Cornices
Cornices are large at this time of year and will become more prone to fail as they warm up with spring weather. Stay well back from them when travelling on ridgelines and limit your exposure when travelling on slopes below them.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanche activity is expected to continue during periods of strong sun and with daytime warming. Limit your exposure to steep terrain on sun-exposed slopes during periods of strong sun and anywhere the snow starts feeling sloppy.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 25th, 2023 4:00PM
