Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Apr 12th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
JSmith,
Avalanche Canada
Strong northeasterly winds have reverse loaded slopes below alpine ridgetops. Recently formed wind slabs may be reactive to human triggers.
Use high points in the terrain such as ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Tuesday night: Mostly clear / Moderate east wind / Low of -17 / Freezing level valley bottom.
Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light east wind / High of -5 / Freezing level 800 m.
Thursday: Sunny / Light southeast wind / High of -3 / Freezing level 1100 m.
Friday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light west wind / High of -2 / Freezing level 1300 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, a skier triggered cornice failure triggered a small wind slab on the slope below. Additionally, a couple skier triggered size 1 wind slabs were reported on northwest aspects.
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of recent snow sits on a melt-freeze crust that exists on all aspects to at least 2200 m and up to mountain tops on solar aspects.
Recent strong northeasterly winds have formed wind slabs on lee aspects below ridgetops.
The prominent layer in the upper snowpack is a melt-freeze crust down 40-80 cm.
Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent strong northeasterly winds have formed wind slabs on lee aspects below ridgetops.
Use high points in the terrain such as ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
Aspects: North, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Apr 13th, 2022 4:00PM
