Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 3rd, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.

Avalanche Canada CB, Avalanche Canada

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Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed on Wednesday.

Isolated natural avalanches up to size 3 were observed in north facing terrain on Tuesday.

On Sunday 2 people had a close call on Ursus Minor, narrowly being missed by a sz 2 which then launched over the cliffs below.

Also on Sunday, a skier was taken for a ride on Youngs Peak, and another triggered a large cornice along the ridge line.

Another close call with a cornice occurred along the ridgeline of Cheops on Sat.

Snowpack Summary

A spring snowpack exists in the park, with some new snow at higher elevations and a mix of crust and loose snow elsewhere.

At treeline a widespread crust buried on March 26th is down 30-40cm extends into the alpine on solar aspects.

The Feb 3rd crust/facet layer persists 80-140cm down. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong with a record low depth of snow of ~210cm at tree line.

Weather Summary

Flurries continue Thursday at upper elevations, a drying trend starts Friday.

Tonight: Cloudy, Alp Low: -6, Ridge Wind: NE 15-25 km/h, Snow level: 900 m

Thur: Periods of snow, 2-4cm, Alp High: -5, Ridge Wind: E 20-40 km/h, Snow level: 800 m

Fri: Sun/Cloud, Alp High: 1, Light E Winds

Sat: Cloudy w/sunny periods, Alp High: 0, Light ridge wind

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Remember that the snowpack will be significantly different at higher elevations than lower down.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Extreme south/southwest winds Tuesday night redistributed snow in exposed terrain in the alpine and at treeline. Assess the snowpack as you go, looking for these stiff deposits of snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices

Be aware of large cornices overhead, or as you approach/walk along ridgelines. There have been several close calls this week, with people getting too close and luckily not being taken with the collapsing mass of snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3.5

Valid until: Apr 4th, 2024 4:00PM

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