Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jsmith, Avalanche Canada

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30-45 cm of recent snow and extreme southerly wind have formed large storm slabs that will be reactive to human triggers on Tuesday.

Conservative terrain selection is critical, choose only well-supported, low-consequence lines and watch for signs of instability.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Sunday. However, observations are very limited during this time of year and we expect large storm slabs to be reactive to human triggers.

Observations are very limited at this time of year, please consider sharing any information or photos you have on the Mountain Information Network to help guide our forecasts.

Snowpack Summary

10-20 cm of new snow Monday morning brings recent storm snow to 30-45 cm (rain below 800 m). The recent snow and extreme southerly wind have formed large and reactive storm slabs.

At upper elevations, the recent snow is likely sitting on hard surfaces on windward aspects and settled old snow on northerly aspects. Below 1400 m, the recent snow is sitting on a crust on all aspects.

The middle and lower snowpack are strong and well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with flurries; 5-15 cm / 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -3 C / Freezing level 500 m

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 3-15 cm / 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -1 C / Freezing level 1000 m

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 3-10 cm / 30 km/h south ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -1 C / Freezing level 1000 m

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud / 30 km/h south ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around 0 C / Freezing level 1100 m

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Conservative terrain selection is critical, choose only well supported, low consequence lines.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, avalanches may run surprisingly far.
  • Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of strong wind.
  • Use small low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

30-40 cm of new snow and extreme southerly wind have formed large and reactive storm slabs, especially at upper elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2023 4:00PM