Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 17th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada zryan, Avalanche Canada

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.

Summary

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Increasing cloud cover. Treeline temperatures dropping to -6 C. 25-40 km/h winds from the south. 

MONDAY: High cloud in the morning with increasing cloud cover in the afternoon and light flurries. Treeline temperatures rising to -3 C. 25-40 km/h wind from the southeast.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with precipitation, 5-10 cm of new snow accumulation above 1300 m, rain below. Treeline temperatures rising to -3 C. 25-50 km/h wind from the northwest. 

WEDNESDAY: Partially cloudy. Treeline temperatures rising to -2 C. Light wind from the southeast. 

Avalanche Summary

Reports over the last week documented large cornice falls in alpine terrain, some of which have triggered large slab avalanches (size 2-2.5) on the slopes below. The most avalanche activity has been noted around Valemont and Blue River. 

Snowpack Summary

Recent wind from the northeast has left a variety of wind-affected surfaces. In sheltered areas, 20-50 cm of snow sits on a melt-freeze crust that exists on all aspects to at least 2000 m. A sun crust likely extends to mountain tops on solar aspects. Another prominent crust layer is found 40 to 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.

Problems

Cornices

An icon showing 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 - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Apr 18th, 2022 4:00PM