Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 19th, 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 and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada JSmith, Avalanche Canada

20-35 cm of recent snow and strong southeasterly winds have formed wind slabs that may remain reactive to human triggers; especially below alpine ridgetops.

 Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night: Mostly clear / Light southeast wind / Low of -4 / Freezing level 700 m.

Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Strong southeast wind / High of 5 / Freezing level 1200 m.

Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud with isolate flurries; 0-5 cm / Light southeast wind / High of 7 / Freezing level 1400 m.

Friday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light southeast wind / High of 9 / Freezing level 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

A natural storm slab avalanche cycle up to size 1.5 occurred on Monday. Reports suggest these avalanches were primarily in the alpine on northerly aspects loaded by the wind.

We currently have very limited avalanche observation data from this region.

Please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN). Photos of current conditions and avalanches are the most helpful. 

Snowpack Summary

20-35 cm of recent snow and strong southeasterly winds have formed wind slabs that may remain reactive to human triggers; especially below alpine ridgetops.

The recent snow is sitting on a variety of hard snow surfaces, including crusts and wind scoured snow. Below this, there are several crusts in the upper snowpack, but they are unlikely to be a concern in most areas until the next significant warming event.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

20-35 cm of recent snow and strong southeasterly winds have formed wind slabs that may remain reactive to human triggers; especially below alpine ridgetops.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Wet loose avalanches are likely when the sun comes out.

Avoid large, steep slopes that are in the sunshine.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 20th, 2022 4:00PM