Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 4th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
swerner,
Avalanche Canada
Storm slabs may be reactive to rider triggers at upper elevations.Dynamic spring weather could bring you intense sun or snowfall, either of which would increase the avalanche danger. Observe your local conditions and let that inform your terrain choices.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, several natural sun-triggered wet and dry loose avalanches were seen on solar slopes.
On Sunday, a skier remotely triggered a storm slab from 30 m away on a solar aspect near 2000 m. This failed on a firm melt-freeze crust 35 cm below the surface.
When the sun pokes out you may see natural wet or dry loose avalanches from solar aspects. Spring weather can change quickly so be willing and ready to adjust your trip to the conditions.
Snowpack Summary
15-30 cm of soft snow is settling over a widespread, thin crust except north-facing slopes at treeline and above, where it sits on old, faceted surfaces, and surface hoar in some areas.
The mid-pack is generally well-settled.
In some areas, the lower snowpack includes a layer of weak facets near the ground. No recent avalanches have been reported on this layer. However, we continue to track the layer and watch for any signs of it becoming active again.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mix of clear and cloud. Possible trace of snow. Ridgetop wind 10-15 km/h freezing level falling to valley bottom. Treeline low around -8°C.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light variable wind from the southwest. Freezing level rising to 1500 m. Treeline high around -4°C.
Thursday
Cloudy with new snow up to 10 cm. Ridgetop wind 30-40 km/h from the southwest. Treeline temperatures near 1°C. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to 1900 m.
Friday
Cloudy with up to 10 cm of new snow. Southwest ridgetop wind light but gusting to 60 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to between 1900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
Problems
Storm Slabs
The weekend storm brought 15-30 cm of new snow to most of the region. The storm slab may be reactive to rider triggering where the snow sits above a crust and or where the wind has stiffened the slab.
Recent moderate south through west wind may have formed deeper, more reactive deposits of snow on leeward slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 5th, 2023 4:00PM
