Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 16th, 2019 4:04PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Storm Slabs.
dsaly,
Avalanche Canada
The likelihood of triggering loose wet avalanches will rise with increased temperatures through the day. Reactive pockets of fresh snow may lurk around ridges and lee terrain in the alpine and high treeline.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Overnight flurries, trace to 10 cm accumulation / southwest wind, 25 gusting to 50 km/h / alpine low -3 C / freezing level 1500 m
WEDNESDAY: Mainly cloudy with sunny periods / west wind, 20-50 km/h / alpine high +1 C / freezing level 2100m
THURSDAY: Wet snow, 10-30 cm rain to snow starting during the day / southwest wind, 30-60 km/h / alpine high +3 C / freezing level 2500 m
FRIDAY: Wet flurries, 10 cm / southwest wind, 15-30 gusting to 60 km/h / alpine high +2 C / freezing level 2300 m
Avalanche Summary
A couple of natural storm slab avalanches (size 1.5-2) were observed around 2200 m on Monday.
On Sunday, a skier triggered a size 1.5 wind slab avalanche on a steep convex roll at 2150 m and explosives triggered a size 2 storm slab avalanche at 2350, both avalanches occurred on a northeast aspect.
A natural avalanche Sunday was observed north aspect at 2300 m. The size 2 storm slab avalanche failed on surface hoar around 40-50 cm deep likely buried early April. This isolated layer may see increased stress as temperatures penetrate the snowpack.
Snowpack Summary
Sun and rising freezing levels are settling the 20-40 cm recent snow on all slopes to 2100 m and sunny slopes in the alpine. Where dry snow remains, pockets of reactive storm snow may be found around ridges and lee features. A total of 50-65 cm snowfall through April now overlies a melt-freeze crust and, in select areas, facets or surface hoar. Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly.
Problems
Loose Wet
As temperatures rise or the sun warms and moistens the snowpack, the likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase.
- Minimize overhead exposure to cornices above.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
The recent storm snow is settling with rising temperatures. Pockets of reactive snow may lurk around ridges and steep rolls in the alpine and high treeline elevations where snow has remained dry.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 17th, 2019 2:00PM
