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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 17th, 2022–Apr 18th, 2022
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: North Columbia.

Avalanche activity is unlikely given the current cool and cloudy weather. 

Continue to be mindful of your exposure to cornices when travelling on and below ridgelines. 

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Increasing cloud cover. Treeline temperatures dropping to -5 C. 20-30 km/h wind from the southeast. 

MONDAY: High cloud in the morning, increasing throughout the day. Light flurries in the afternoon above 1400 m, rain below. 25-35 km/h wind from the southeast.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with precipitation, 5-15 cm of new snow accumulation above 1300 m, rain below. Treeline temperatures rising to -2 C. 30-50 km/h wind from the west.

WEDNESDAY: Partially cloudy. Treeline temperatures rising to 0 C. Light wind from the south. 

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity the last week has primarily been large cornice failures on north and east-facing slopes. For the most part, these have not triggered avalanches on the slopes below.

Snowpack Summary

At treeline and above up to 20 cm of consolidated, wind-affected snow covers a crust all aspects up to 2200 m and mountain tops on solar aspects. Recent northeast wind has formed wind slabs on lee aspects below ridgetops and left a variety of wind-affected surfaces. Another prominent crust layer is found 30-70 cm deep. 

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

  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Avalanche Problems

Cornices

Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridges. They are a significant hazard alone and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely when the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3