Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 1st, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada bchristie, Avalanche Canada

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Use safe travel habits, and constantly assess conditions as you travel.

Both rain and snow are expected. The sun should be less intense, but freezing levels remain elevated.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Please consider submitting your observations to the MIN if you head to the backcountry.

Snowpack Summary

By the end of the day on Tuesday, above 1700 m, expect 25-50 cm of soft snow on the surface. Under this, weak, feathery surface hoar crystals sit on faceted or wind-affected snow on northerly alpine terrain and a hard melt-freeze crust elsewhere.

Below 1700 m, expect the snow surface to be moist due to light rain.

A widespread crust that formed in early February is buried anywhere from 80 to 150 cm deep. This crust has a weak layer of faceted grains above it that are slowly strengthening. This layer is currently dormant.

The remainder of the snowpack is settled.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy. Light rain expected. 0-2 cm of snow above 1700 m. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 1 °C.

Tuesday

Cloudy. Light rain expected, 5-10 cm of snow above 1700 m. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 1 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. Light to moderate precipitation continues as the freezing level drops to valley bottom. It could add up to 15-20 cm of snow at high elevations. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -5 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. No new snow expected. Light northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around -5 °C.

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.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Recently formed storm slabs may not bond well to underlying layers, including weak surface hoar or facets on northerly terrain, and a hard melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Deeper deposits may be found in lee terrain features near ridges.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Light rain and elevated freezing levels could make wet loose avalanches possible.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 2nd, 2024 4:00PM

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